Istanbul: Bursa Tour w/ Cable Car Ride & Uludag Mountain

Exploring Bursa from Istanbul: A Practical Look at the Full-Day Tour with Cable Car Ride & Uludag Mountain

If you’re thinking about adding Bursa to your Istanbul trip, this tour might catch your eye. It promises a full day of sightseeing, scenic views, and a cable car ride up Uludag Mountain—all for around $40. That’s quite a package for a day trip, especially with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off included.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines travel with some iconic Turkish sights. You get to cross the Marmara Sea aboard a ferry, enjoy a scenic drive, and see historic landmarks like the Green Mosque and the Silk Market. Plus, the cable car ride promises some stunning panoramic views of Bursa and its surroundings. The price point makes it accessible for many travelers looking for a day packed with variety.

But, it’s worth mentioning that the organization can sometimes be a little unpredictable. One review pointed out confusion over scheduling and site closures, which could impact your plans if you’re hoping for a very specific itinerary. Keep in mind that, as with many full-day tours, the schedule can be tight, and some flexibility is necessary.

This tour works best for travelers who want a snapshot of Bursa’s highlights without the hassle of planning logistics themselves. It’s suitable for those who enjoy scenic rides and are interested in Turkish culture and history but don’t mind a busy day. If you like guided experiences with some free time to explore, this could be a good fit.

Key Points

• Convenient full-day itinerary from Istanbul with hotel pickup and drop-off
• Scenic ferry crossing with panoramic views of the Bosphorus and bridges
• Visit to historic sites like Green Mosque and Silk Market
• Cable car ride offering spectacular views of Uludag Mountain and Bursa
• Includes lunch and entrance fees, making it a straightforward day trip
• Some reviews mention scheduling issues and site closures that may affect your experience

You can check availability for your dates here:

What This Tour Offers in Detail

Starting Out: From Istanbul to Bursa

The day begins with a hotel pickup from centrally located areas like Fatih, Beyoğlu, Beşiktaş, or other specified stops. From there, you’ll head toward the ferry port to cross the Marmara Sea. This part of the trip is quite scenic — you’ll get some great photos of the Bosphorus and its famous bridges, which is a nice way to start the adventure.

The ferry ride itself is around two hours, giving you a comfortable window to relax or snap some photos. Many consider it one of the best parts of the trip, thanks to the views and the experience of crossing a major waterway connecting two continents.

Transitioning to Bursa: Yalova and Gemlik

Once across the sea, the bus takes you through Yalova, a city known for its thermal waters and greenery. About an hour into the drive, there’s a stop at Gemlik for a break—this is a good chance to stretch your legs, sip tea or coffee, and soak in the local vibe.

During this break, some travelers choose to explore the surroundings or even opt for an ATV safari at an extra cost. Keep in mind, the stop isn’t very long, so plan accordingly if you want to make the most of it.

Sweets and Natural Highlights

Next up is a visit to a Turkish delight factory. This is a fun and tasty stop where you can learn how these sweets are made and even pick up some souvenirs. It’s quite popular among visitors, and the guide usually shares interesting tidbits about this traditional treat.

On the way to Uludag Mountain, you’ll stop to admire a 600-year-old tree. The guide often shares stories about its significance, and it’s a nice photo opportunity that adds a touch of natural wonder to the day.

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Uludag Mountain and Cable Car Ride

After lunch and some free time, you’ll head to Uludag National Park. Here, the highlight is the cable car ride, which offers sweeping views of Bursa and the surrounding landscape. Many find this a memorable part of the tour because of the panoramic vistas from high above.

Before descending, there’s a brief visit to Uludag’s natural park, where you can take photos and enjoy the scenery. The cable car ride is a bit of a rollercoaster — exciting and beautiful, but worth noting that it’s an additional fee not included in the base price.

Discovering Bursa’s Heritage

Back in the city center, the Green Mosque is on the itinerary. This mosque, built over 600 years ago, is admired for its architecture and historical significance. It’s a guided visit, so you’ll learn about its features and heritage.

Right next door is the Silk Market, where you can browse authentic souvenirs — think silk scarves, local crafts, and textiles. It’s a lively place to soak up some local culture and maybe do a little shopping.

Wrapping Up the Day

Finally, after a full day of exploring, the bus takes you back to Istanbul, with arrival times depending on traffic and the day’s schedule. The entire trip lasts around 15 hours, so it’s a long day, but packed with sights and experiences.

Real Insights From Travelers

One reviewer was a bit disappointed, sharing that their plans to visit iconic sites like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque were disrupted because of scheduling changes. They mentioned, “We paid for a service with a guide, and in the end, we are not allowed to.” This points to the importance of double-checking itinerary details and being flexible.

On the other hand, another traveler had a much better experience, praising the knowledgeable guide and the stunning views: “Erturul was very helpful and experienced. We had a great and very informative tour.” It’s clear that the guide’s expertise can make a big difference here.

Transport, Timing, and Cost

The tour’s price of $40 per person is quite reasonable when you consider it includes hotel transfers, ferry crossings, entrance fees, and lunch. However, the cable car ride is an extra, so if that’s a must-do, factor in the additional cost.

The entire day is about 15 hours, starting early and ending late, so it’s a commitment. The group sizes tend to be large since this is a popular tour, which can mean some waiting and less personalized attention, but also a lively atmosphere.

The Pros and Cons in Brief

Pros:
– Well-rounded day with multiple highlights
– Scenic ferry crossing and cable car ride
– Knowledgeable guides make a difference
– Affordable price for the value received

Cons:
– Some reviews mention scheduling issues and site closures
– The itinerary can be tight, leaving little time at some stops
– The cable car fee isn’t included in the base price

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers wanting to see Bursa’s main sights without the hassle of planning, especially if they’re interested in scenic rides and historic landmarks. It’s good for those who don’t mind a long day and are okay with some unpredictability in the schedule. If you’re a solo traveler or in a group comfortable with guided tours and busy itineraries, you’ll likely get quite a lot out of this trip.

If you prefer a more relaxed pace or highly customized experience, you might want to explore other options. But for a straightforward, reasonably priced way to get a taste of Bursa’s highlights, this tour is worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickups from several central locations in Istanbul. You’ll be contacted the day before to confirm your exact pickup time.

How long is the ferry crossing?
The ferry ride across the Marmara Sea takes about two hours, offering scenic views of the Bosphorus and bridges.

What sites are visited during the tour?
You’ll visit the Green Mosque, Silk Market, Uludag Mountain, and see the 600-year-old tree. There’s also free time at Uludag and Bursa’s city center.

Is lunch included?
Yes, the tour includes a lunch with a soft drink. The meal is part of the package, making it more convenient.

Are entrance fees included?
All entry tickets for the sites are included in the price, so no extra costs there.

Can I do the cable car ride?
The cable car ride is part of the experience at Uludag Mountain, but note that it costs extra and isn’t included in the base price.

How long does the entire tour last?
The full-day experience lasts around 15 hours, so be prepared for a day packed with activities and travel.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The description doesn’t specify, but given the nature of the stops and the long day, it’s probably better suited for older kids comfortable with walking and riding long hours.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a sun hat, gloves, and warm shoes are recommended, especially if you plan to enjoy outdoor stops like Uludag.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving some flexibility if your plans change.

In the end, this Bursa tour offers a balanced mix of scenery, culture, and adventure. It’s a solid choice for travelers eager to see more of Turkey beyond Istanbul, especially if you’re keen on scenic rides and historic sites but don’t want to spend extra time organizing the details yourself. Just stay flexible, and you’ll likely enjoy a memorable day in Bursa.

You can check availability for your dates here: