Bursa Tour from Istanbul Included Lunch & Cable Car

Travelers looking to explore beyond Istanbul often consider a day trip to Bursa, Turkey’s first Ottoman capital. This full-day tour, offered at around $58, covers a solid mix of history, culture, and scenic nature. While it’s popular and well-reviewed, it’s worth knowing what to expect before booking, especially if you want a smooth experience.

What we love about this trip is how it combines historic landmarks like the Green Mosque and Green Mausoleum with a spectacular cable car ride up Uludağ Mountain. These highlight the best of Bursa’s cultural and natural appeal. Also, the included lunch and small-group setting make it feel more intimate and manageable compared to large coach tours.

A potential challenge is the long hours on the bus—the journey from Istanbul takes about 4-5 hours total—and some reviews mention that the itinerary can feel overstuffed with shopping stops or unnecessary activities. If you prefer a very relaxed pace or a focus solely on sightseeing, this might not be your ideal trip.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive day in Bursa, enjoy scenic mountain views, and appreciate historical sites. It’s also a good pick for those who don’t mind some bus time in exchange for a well-rounded experience with a knowledgeable guide.

Key Points

• Convenient logistics include hotel pickup and drop-off, making it easy to join the tour.
• Includes a scenic cable car ride with a genuine cabin experience, not just a chairlift.
• A mix of historical sites and natural scenery appeals to diverse interests.
• Active day with plenty of stops, so be prepared for a full schedule.
• Food and shopping stops can feel excessive for some, but the included lunch is generally well-received.
• Small group size offers a more personal experience, with 15-22 participants max.

Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

Starting in Istanbul

The day kicks off early, usually around 8:30 am, with hotel pickup in an air-conditioned bus. This setup is a plus for those who prefer to avoid the hassle of logistics and just want to relax from the start. The guide, available in English and Arabic, will accompany you, providing some background on Bursa’s importance and what to look forward to.

Crossing the Sea of Marmara

The trip begins with a 30-minute cruise across the Sea of Marmara from Istanbul’s port at Pendik to Yalova. This little boat ride adds a touch of maritime charm and breaks up the long bus ride. Travelers generally find this segment pleasant, offering nice views and a chance to stretch after the initial drive.

Arrival in Bursa and City Tour

Once on land, the exploration of Bursa begins with around two hours of free time to wander the streets and absorb the atmosphere. A highlight is a stop at an authentic Turkish delight shop, where you can pick up some sweet souvenirs—many reviews mention not missing this chance as it’s a well-loved treat, with some praising the variety and quality. One traveler noted, “Be sure not to miss the opportunity to purchase your favorite varieties from this shop.”

While the overall aim is to showcase Bursa’s history and culture, some reviews express frustration over the number of shopping stops, feeling they detract from sightseeing. One reviewer observed, “It’s like a shopping tour instead of sightseeing,” suggesting that the focus on commercial stops can be a downside.

Visiting the Green Mosque and Tomb

Next, you’ll visit the Green Mosque (Yesil Cami) and the Green Tomb (Yesil Turbe). These 15th-century landmarks are celebrated for their aesthetic and architectural beauty. Expect to see pristine interiors, intricate tile work, and a peaceful atmosphere. Reviewers who visited loved the architecture, describing the sites as “beautiful” and “pristine,” which makes them worth the visit despite the short time allotted—around two hours.

Uludağ Mountain and Cable Car Ride

One of the tour’s main attractions is the cable car ride up Uludağ Mountain. The ride lasts about 30 minutes and takes you in a real cabin, offering spectacular views of Bursa city and the surrounding landscape. Many travelers comment that the cable car is a highlight, with phrases like “scenery along the way was beautiful” and “the skyway and cable cart were excellent.”

However, weather can impact this part—on some days, high winds or wind chill can cancel the cable car, which disappointed some. A few reviews mention they experienced a ski lift instead or felt the experience was shorter or less impressive than expected. It’s good to be prepared for possible changes.

At the mountain peak, there’s time to take photos, enjoy the scenery, or grab some snacks at the café. Afterwards, the cable car ride back down is part of the experience, offering a fun, breezy descent.

Lunch and Relaxation

A lunch at a local restaurant is included, with options like Turkish kebabs and soft drinks. Reviewers generally found the meal satisfying and a good value considering the full-day price. Some mention it as one of the better parts of the day, especially after the morning’s busy schedule.

Returning to Bursa and Final Highlights

Back in Bursa city, the tour visits Yesil Camii (Green Mosque) again, this time with a guide explaining its features and history. Afterwards, a trip to Cumalikizik Koyu, a nearly 700-year-old Ottoman village, offers a glimpse of traditional architecture and peaceful alleyways. Reviewers who enjoyed this part appreciated the old houses and the slow pace away from the city buzz.

The day concludes with a ferry or bridge crossing back to Istanbul, depending on the route, and a short transfer to your hotel. The total duration is around 13 hours, so expect to be back late in the evening—many travelers note getting in around 10 pm.

What the Reviews Say

The majority of reviews are mixed but lean positive on value and scenery. Common praise goes to the knowledgeable guides, the spectacular cable car ride, and the well-organized itinerary. Several travelers mention the delicious lunch as a highlight.

However, frustrations are also clear. Some feel the program is too packed, with too many shopping stops or unnecessary activities like quad biking or lengthy visits to souvenir shops. Several reviews mention long bus rides, with some feeling the time spent on transport outweighs the sightseeing.

Windy weather can impact the cable car, and some travelers found the last-minute changes disappointing. Others pointed out that the short time at key sites doesn’t allow for thorough exploration, especially at the Green Mosque and Green Tomb, which are beautiful but only visited briefly.

Despite these mixed reviews, many consider the tour worth the money if you want a comprehensive Bursa experience. It’s especially favored for those who enjoy scenic mountain views and historic sites in one trip.

Practical Tips

• Bring layers for the mountain, as it can be cooler at the top, especially if the weather is windy.
• Stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes—there’s some walking involved.
• Be prepared for a long day—start early and bring snacks if you’re sensitive to long bus rides.
• Check the weather forecast before your trip; the cable car can be canceled if it’s too windy.
• Manage your expectations about shopping stops—they are frequent and some travelers find them less authentic than anticipated.
• Arrive with an open mind: the tour is busy and sometimes rushed, but it covers key highlights effectively.

The Sum Up

This Bursa tour from Istanbul offers a well-rounded day of history, nature, and local culture. You’ll visit iconic sites like the Green Mosque, enjoy a scenic cable car ride, and get a taste of authentic Turkish cuisine—all in one package. The small-group size and included transportation make it a practical choice for those wanting a seamless experience.

If you’re after stunning views, a glimpse into Ottoman architecture, and don’t mind some long bus rides, this trip delivers on those fronts. While the itinerary can feel a bit crowded and some activities are optional or brief, many travelers find the value for money quite good, especially considering the included lunch and scenic experiences.

This tour suits curious travelers who want a snapshot of Bursa without the hassle of planning individual transfers or logistics. It’s perfect for those who enjoy group tours, scenic mountain rides, and cultural sites, and are comfortable with a full, sometimes busy day.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient to start your day without extra stress.

How long is the ferry crossing?
The ferry or bridge crossing from Istanbul to Yalova takes about 30 minutes, giving you a brief marine interlude on the way to Bursa.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation (bus, ferry/bridge), lunch with soft drinks, a guided tour, and the cable car ride if selected.

Are there any optional activities?
Yes, activities like quad biking and ski equipment are available but are not included in the base price.

What should I bring for the cable car ride?
Bring layers, especially if it’s windy or cool at the mountain top. Sunglasses and cameras are also recommended for the views.

How much free time is at each site?
Expect about 2 hours at the Green Mosque and Tomb, roughly an hour at the Turkish delight shop, and ample time at the mountain for photos and sightseeing.

Is this tour suitable for children?
If your kids enjoy scenic rides and cultural sites, it can be suitable. However, keep in mind the long hours and bus rides, so plan accordingly.

In summary, this tour is a solid choice for travelers eager to see Bursa’s highlights, enjoy gorgeous mountain views, and taste authentic Turkish food—all in one carefully organized day trip. While it’s not perfect and can feel a bit rushed at times, it offers real value for those wanting an active, scenic, and cultural experience outside Istanbul.