Bursa And Uluda Tour From stanbul Included Lunch & Cable Car

If you’re dreaming of a day trip that combines history, stunning mountain vistas, and a taste of authentic Turkey, this Bursa and Uludağ tour might catch your eye. While it promises a mix of sightseeing, cultural stops, and a cable car adventure, it’s not without its quirks. From what we’ve gathered, this tour offers an affordable way to see some of Turkey’s most charming sights outside Istanbul—especially if you’re short on time but want a taste of the mountain scenery and historic architecture.

What we really like about this experience is how it packs a lot into one day. The inclusion of a cable car ride up Mt. Uludağ is a definite highlight, offering breathtaking views and that “wow” factor. Plus, the visit to Bursa’s Green Mosque and Green Mausoleum provides a glimpse into the city’s Ottoman past, which is both beautiful and meaningful.

That said, potential travelers should consider that the tour has received mixed reviews when it comes to organization and time management. Some say it feels more like a shopping trip with frequent stops at souvenir shops, which can eat into the time spent actually exploring the sights. So, if you’re looking for a meticulously planned, in-depth exploration, this might not be the best fit.

This tour would suit those looking for an affordable, scenic day out with a bit of cultural flair—especially if you’re okay with some of the busy stops and a longer travel day. It’s a solid option for curious travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing and mountain air, but be prepared for some of the logistical hiccups others have mentioned.

Key Points

• Affordable Price Point: At around $46, this tour offers good value considering the transport, ferry, cable car, and lunch included.
• Includes a Scenic Cable Car Ride: The ride up Mt. Uludağ is far from typical—it uses a real cable car that takes about 30 minutes, offering spectacular views.
• Cultural Highlights in Bursa: Visits to the Green Mosque and Mausoleum showcase the city’s Ottoman architectural beauty.
• Long Travel Day: Expect approximately 12 hours, including transit, sightseeing, and meals, with some reviews indicating the trip feels longer due to stops.
• Mixed Review on Organization: Some travelers complain about delays, poorly managed schedules, and too many shopping stops.
• Good for Scenic and Cultural Experience: Ideal for those wanting a quick escape from Istanbul to see mountains, historic mosques, and enjoy some fresh mountain air.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

Starting from Istanbul

Your day begins early with hotel pickup and a comfortable, air-conditioned bus taking you through the busy streets of Istanbul to the ferry terminal. The pick-up process seems straightforward for most, but some reviews mention delays—so it pays to be ready on time. Once aboard the ferry, you’ll pass the Bosporus and cross the Marmara Sea, enjoying impressive views of Istanbul’s bridges and the waterway that divides Europe and Asia.

Pro tip: This ferry ride is a highlight in itself, offering a relaxed start to your day and some excellent photo opportunities. It’s a nice touch that it’s included and free, although depending on traffic, it may be one of the more scenic parts of the journey.

Arriving in Bursa & The Turkish Delight Shop

After about two hours on the road and ferry, you’ll arrive in Bursa, a city filled with history and tradition. A quick stop at an authentic Turkish delight shop is often part of the plan—an opportunity to sample or purchase this sweet treat. Multiple reviews mention this as a memorable part of the trip, and who doesn’t love a taste of genuine Turkish confectionery?

Uludağ Mountain & Cable Car Ride

The star of the tour is undoubtedly the cable car to Mt. Uludağ. Instead of a quick chairlift, this experience involves a real cable car that takes about 30 minutes to reach the top. Travelers have raved about the ride, with some mentioning it’s a “truly memorable” experience. The views from the cable car and mountain are stunning, offering a panoramic outlook over Bursa and the surrounding landscape.

Once at the top, you’ll visit a 600-year-old plane tree—great for photos—and then enjoy a meal at a local restaurant. The free time here allows you to breathe in the mountain air, take photos, or even explore a little before heading back down.

Note: The walk to the Uludağ mountain is the highlight for many, but some reviews note that the stop at mountain is about 2-3 hours total, which might feel rushed if you’re eager to spend more time in the snow or on the slopes.

Bursa’s Historic Sights

Back in Bursa city center, the itinerary usually includes a visit to the Green Mosque (Yesil Camii) and the Green Mausoleum (Yesil Turbe). These are genuinely beautiful structures decorated with green tiles and Ottoman artistry—if you appreciate architecture, they won’t disappoint.

Some reviews mention the visit as being somewhat rushed, but overall, travelers find these sites worth seeing. The mosque’s interior is particularly praised for its tile work and serene atmosphere.

Return Journey

The trip wraps up with a drive back to Istanbul, following the same route via ferry and road. Expect to be back at your hotel late evening—around 10 PM or so—making it a full, long day that’s packed with experiences.

What Are the Downsides?

While the trip has many positives, it’s essential to be aware of some of the less ideal aspects. Several reviews highlight logistical hiccups like delays, disorganized schedules, and lots of shopping stops that don’t always appeal to everyone. For example, one traveler notes that a significant part of the day was spent at souvenir shops rather than sightseeing, which can sometimes feel like a commercial detour.

Another common concern is the length of travel time—about 10 hours total—meaning that you’ll spend a large chunk of your day in transit. If you’re not a fan of long bus rides, this could wear on you, especially with a busy schedule.

Some travelers also mention inconsistent experiences with guides, with a few describing them as helpful and others feeling they were more interested in earning commissions than providing quality insights. The vehicle comfort was questioned at times, with reports of no air conditioning and uncomfortable rides, which can be problematic in warmer months.

Is It Worth It?

Assessing value, this tour does a lot for the price—covering transport, ferry, cable car, lunch, and guiding services. Many reviewers feel that the view from Uludağ and their time in Bursa was worth the cost, especially given the scenic cable car ride and photo opportunities.

However, if your priority is deep historical exploration or avoiding shopping stops, you might find this trip slightly frustrating. It’s best suited for travelers who want a fun, scenic escape with some cultural sights, rather than a comprehensive tour.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for budget-conscious travelers looking for an efficient way to see Bursa and Uludağ in a day. It’s also great if you’re interested in mountain scenery and want to try a real cable car ride, which many consider the highlight.

It’s a good pick for those who are comfortable with a long day on a bus and don’t mind the possibility of some disorganization or shopping stops. Plus, the included lunch and ferry make it a quite economical option for a day trip outside Istanbul.

Not ideal if you’re seeking an in-depth cultural tour, or if you prefer an itinerary strictly focused on sightseeing without many commercial stops. Also, consider your physical comfort—it’s a full day with walking, transportation, and some altitude.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient. Just be ready on time in the morning.

How long is the entire trip?
The total duration is about 12 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and meals.

What’s the main highlight?
Most travelers agree the cable car ride to Mt. Uludağ is the standout part, offering unforgettable mountain views.

Are the sites in Bursa worth visiting?
Absolutely. The Green Mosque and Mausoleum are stunning examples of Ottoman architecture and are worth seeing.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a traditional Turkish lunch is part of the package. The quality gets positive comments from many travelers.

Are there shopping stops?
Yes, several reviews mention stops at souvenir shops and Turkish delight stores, which some find enjoyable, others less so.

How’s the group size?
The tour usually has a maximum of 30 travelers, so it’s a manageable size for a group day trip.

What about the guide?
Guides are generally helpful and cheerful, but experiences vary—some reviews praise their knowledge, others mention less engaging guides.

Is the tour family-friendly?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the sites and cable car ride are suitable for most age groups, but be mindful of the physical demands and long hours.

Final Thoughts

This Bursa and Uludağ tour offers a budget-friendly way to experience some of Turkey’s scenic beauty and historic charm beyond Istanbul. The cable car ride and mountain views are truly memorable, and the inclusion of lunch and ferry makes it a good value for the price. However, be prepared for a long day, some disorganization, and stops at souvenir shops that may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

If you’re flexible, enjoy scenic mountain vistas, and want a quick cultural fix, this trip is worth considering. Just keep your expectations in check regarding the overall schedule and shopping stops—those are part of the package, for better or worse.

For those seeking a more relaxed or in-depth exploration, you might want to look at other options. But for a fun, scenic day that captures some of the highlights near Bursa, this tour is a solid choice.

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