Guided Green Bursa Tour with Cable Car From Istanbul to Uludag

If you’re thinking about a day trip from Istanbul that combines natural beauty, history, and a touch of adventure, this Guided Green Bursa Tour might catch your eye. While I haven’t personally taken it, I’ve gathered enough details to give you a clear picture of what to expect. It’s a well-priced experience, offering highlights like Uludag Mountain, cultural stops, and the scenic cable car ride—all packed into around 14 hours.

One aspect I really appreciate about this tour is how it balances nature and history, giving you a taste of Bursa’s most iconic sites without feeling rushed. Plus, the inclusion of the cable car is a definite plus for those wanting a memorable mountain view. On the flip side, the long travel time and basic lunch options are worth considering, especially if you’re not a fan of lengthy days on the road.

This tour suits travelers who want to see Bursa’s top sights without the hassle of organizing transport themselves—it’s particularly good if you enjoy guided experiences that handle the logistics. If you’re after a comprehensive yet affordable day trip, this could be a solid pick. Now, let’s break down what makes this tour tick and whether it might be right for you.

Key Points

• Great value for money at around $24 per person, including transportation, cable car, and entry fees.
• Comfortable transportation with air-conditioning and a professional guide to enrich your experience.
• Diverse itinerary: from ancient trees and traditional Turkish delight to Uludag’s mountain scenery and historic Bursa sites.
• Long day with approximately 14 hours, so it suits energetic travelers willing to spend most of the day on the move.
• Included cable car ride offers a memorable highlight, providing panoramic views of Uludag Mountain.
• Some reviews point out the lunch might be basic, so manage expectations if you’re a foodie.

Starting Off: What the Tour Looks Like

The day begins early around 9:00 AM when you’re picked up from your Istanbul hotel or designated meeting point. The group size caps at 25, which keeps the experience intimate enough for meaningful interactions, yet large enough to feel lively. The transport is a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle—making the lengthy drives more bearable.

The tour is guided, which adds a lot of value because the guides are described as knowledgeable and involved—something that makes the day more engaging. Plus, the mobile ticket makes everything straightforward, removing the hassle of paper vouchers. The tour is booked on average about 28 days in advance, so planning ahead helps secure your spot.

The Itinerary: What You’ll Experience

Inkaya Tarihi Cinar (Sycamore Tree)

Your first stop is an ancient sycamore tree, thought to date back to the Ottoman period. It’s a true emblem of history and nature combined. Your guide will share the story behind this massive, centuries-old tree, making it more than just a photo op. The stop lasts around 45 minutes, and there’s no entrance fee, so you can take some nice photos and soak in the tranquil vibe.

Hacivat & Karagöz Lokumcusu (Turkish Delight Factory)

Next, Bursa welcomes you with a visit to a Turkish delight production site. This is a sweet highlight, where you can see firsthand how this beloved treat is made. It’s a quick 45-minute stop, but the insights into Turkish confectionery are a charming touch—plus, you get to sample some if you like. No extra charge here, making it a nice cultural snack break.

Uludag Sarialan (Mountain Restaurant)

When hunger strikes, the tour takes you to a cozy family restaurant on the mountain road. You’ll spend about an hour here, enjoying lunch at your own pace. The place is described as “cute” and family-friendly, offering local dishes that you can evaluate yourself. The group leaves the choice of the meal to guests, which means you might find the food simple—some reviews noted it wasn’t gourmet, but it fulfills the purpose of refueling.

Uludag National Park

This is the star of the day for many—Uludag, meaning “Great Mountain,” is the highest in Turkey. You’ll reach the top after lunch, where you can breathe in fresh air and enjoy stunning views. The park is especially popular in winter for snow sports, but it’s equally peaceful in summer. The two-hour stop gives you plenty of time to explore or just relax amidst the natural beauty.

Cable Car Ride

One of the most memorable parts of this tour is the cable car ride. You’ll ascend or descend between the mountain and the city center, depending on your route. The 45-minute ride is included in the package and offers spectacular vistas—it’s a natural highlight for many travelers. The experience is smooth and scenic, perfect for snapping some photos or just soaking in the landscape.

Green Mosque and Ottoman Heritage

Your final stop in Bursa is at the Green Social Complex, where history and architecture come together. You’ll see the Green Mosque, Green Tomb, Ottoman House, and Silk House, giving you a snapshot of Bursa’s Ottoman past. The tour wraps up here, and you’ll head back around 7 PM, with the driver taking a ferry from Yalova to Gebze en route.

The Return Journey and Overall Duration

The return trip can be lengthy, often taking about 2 hours, especially with traffic. On the ferry, you have a chance to relax, feed seagulls, or grab a quick snack. Once you reach Istanbul, the driver will drop you off at your hotel or the designated location.

The entire experience, including travel time, is approximately 14 hours, which makes it a long but fulfilling day. The early start and late return are something to keep in mind—if you prefer more relaxed or shorter excursions, this might feel a bit exhausting.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the price ($24.31):
– Guided service with a professional guide
– Air-conditioned vehicle for the long drive
– Lunch (choice of mixed grilled or fish with salad and a soft drink)
– Cable car ride in Uludag
– Entry fee for Uludag National Park

Not included:
– Breakfast (so plan to eat before or after)
– Chairlift (additional cost if you want to go higher)
– Personal expenses—souvenirs, extra food, or drinks
– Ski equipment without clothes (~$20), if you plan to ski

This setup keeps costs relatively low but means you might want to bring some extra snacks or extra cash for personal expenses.

What the Reviews Say

The majority of reviewers are quite positive, especially praising the knowledgeable guides and the scenic cable car ride. RosieGoesToHollywood called it a “really interesting tour” but noted the long travel time—something worth considering if you’re not a fan of lengthy days. Murat_D highlighted how the trip made their day “unforgettable,” especially emphasizing the cable car as an “amazing experience.” Jeronimo_n appreciated the sites but felt the included lunch was “well so-so,” which aligns with the idea that the focus is on sightseeing rather than gourmet dining.

Travelers seem to find the trip well worth it for the price, with many appreciating the diverse stops and professional guides that make the journey smooth and engaging.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This experience is ideal if you’re looking to maximize your day and get a well-rounded glimpse of Bursa without the hassle of organizing transport and entry tickets yourself. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy guided tours and want to see a mix of natural scenery and historic sites. The inclusion of Uludag and the cable car makes it a strong choice for those wanting a touch of adventure.

However, if you prefer shorter tours or are sensitive to long travel days, you might find this a bit tiring. Also, if you’re expecting gourmet meals or a luxurious experience, the basic lunch might be a drawback.

Final Thoughts

For around $24, this guided tour offers a comprehensive look at Bursa’s highlights—covering natural wonders, historic architecture, and local culture—without the stress of planning every detail. The guides seem involved and knowledgeable, making the long day more enjoyable. The cable car ride, in particular, stands out as a memorable part of the trip, giving you views that are hard to forget.

It’s a good pick for travelers who want value, variety, and a guided experience that takes care of logistics. Just be prepared for a full day that starts early and ends late, and manage your expectations about the lunch and optional extras.

If you’re eager to explore Bursa’s natural beauty and Ottoman heritage in one go, this tour hits many of the right notes.

FAQ

Is breakfast included in this tour?
No, breakfast is not included, so plan to eat before the tour starts or after it ends.

How long is the total tour duration?
The entire experience lasts about 14 hours, including travel time and sightseeing stops.

Does the tour include entrance fees?
Yes, the Uludag entry fee and the cable car ride are included in the price.

Can I participate if I don’t want the cable car?
The cable car is included in the package, but if you prefer not to ride it, you might still enjoy the other stops. However, the cable car ride is a highlight for many.

What about food?
Lunch is included, offering a choice between mixed grilled or fish with salad and soft drink. The quality is described as basic by some travelers.

Is this tour family-friendly?
The tour is suitable for most travelers, but if you’re traveling with very young children or have specific needs, check in advance regarding the comfort of long travel and outdoor stops.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 25, creating a balance between intimacy and social atmosphere.

How do I book?
You can reserve through Viator’s platform, with tours often booked about a month in advance.

This tour offers a terrific way to see Bursa’s best sights without the headache of organizing it all yourself. Whether you’re into history, nature, or just want a scenic adventure, it’s a solid choice that balances affordability with memorable experiences.