Istanbul: Bursa & Uludag Tour with Lunch & Cable Car Option

If you’re planning a visit to Istanbul but craving a taste of Turkey’s scenic mountain landscapes and historic charm, the Istanbul: Bursa & Uludag Tour with Lunch & Cable Car Option might just be worth considering. This day trip offers a compact way to explore Turkey’s first Ottoman capital, enjoy delicious local food, and take in some stunning views from Uludağ Mountain—without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it combines cultural stops, like the Green Mosque, with opportunities to indulge in Turkish delights and traditional jams. Plus, the chance to ride the cable car and see the mountain’s snowy peaks (if you choose the optional extras) is pretty memorable.

On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour involves quite a bit of driving—so if you’re not a fan of long coach journeys, this might be a longer day than you expect. But for those who enjoy a thorough, well-organized sightseeing experience, this trip hits many of the right notes. It’s ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of history, nature, and local flavors—all within a reasonable price point.

If you’re okay with a full, sometimes busy day, and enjoy seeing different sides of Turkey beyond Istanbul, this tour can give you a wonderful taste of Bursa’s charms and Uludağ’s mountain magic.

Key Points

• Value for Money: At $29, it’s a budget-friendly way to see diverse sights.
• Diverse Highlights: From historic mosques to mountain views, the trip packs a lot into one day.
• Guided Experience: Knowledgeable guides add depth to the visits and make navigation smooth.
• Optional Extras: Cable car and chairlift rides are available, offering fantastic vistas.
• Long Day: Be prepared for a 13-hour trip, including travel time.
• Good for: Those interested in culture, nature, and Turkish cuisine who don’t mind a busy schedule.

This tour is designed to give you a comprehensive snapshot of Bursa, Turkey’s first Ottoman capital, along with the scenic Uludağ Mountain. It’s a well-structured day that takes you through various historical, cultural, and natural highlights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting the Day: From Istanbul to Bursa

The adventure begins early, with hotel pickups between 8:00 and 9:15 AM. Depending on your accommodation location, pickup times may vary slightly. From there, the journey takes you across the Marmara region via the Osmangazi Bridge or ferry, offering a scenic crossing over the Izmir Gulf.

Some tours include an optional stop in Yalova for an ATV Quad Safari—if you choose this add-on, it adds a dash of adventure before reaching Bursa. Just know that this is an optional activity, so it’s not included in the base price but might be a fun way to kick off the day.

First Stop: The Turkish Delight Factory

One of the tour’s highlights is the visit to a Turkish delight shop, where you can sample a variety of these sweet treats and get a sense of local flavors. Several reviews mention this as a memorable part of the trip, with some saying it felt more like a shop than a factory, but the delicious samples made up for that.

This stop is a good chance to try authentic Turkish delights, honey, jams, and other local products. It’s a great way to understand the importance of sweets in Turkish culture, and many people come away with tasty souvenirs.

Ancient Tree and Jam House

Next, the journey takes you to see the Inkaya Ancient Tree, a massive sycamore estimated to be over 630 years old. Standing under such a centuries-old tree is quite an experience—it truly feels like stepping into a living piece of history.

Following this, the tour visits a natural homemade jam preserved house. It’s a chance to taste and learn about local jam-making traditions, adding a culinary dimension that complements the sightseeing.

Lunch: A Turkish Mixed Grill Feast

No day trip in Turkey is complete without some good food, and lunch is included in this tour. Expect a typical Turkish mixed grill with salads, bread, and a soft drink. Many reviews praise the quality and flavor of the meal, seeing it as good value for the price.

Some travelers mention that the lunch is hearty and satisfying, perfect after a morning of sightseeing. It’s a communal, relaxed meal that gives you a taste of Turkish hospitality.

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Uludağ Mountain: Scenic Views and Optional Adventures

After lunch, the focus shifts to Uludağ Mountain, the region’s most popular ski center. Here, you’ll have free time to explore, enjoy the snowy scenery, and take the optional cable car ride (if you selected that option). Many reviews emphasize how breathtaking the views are from the mountain, especially if snow is falling—truly a highlight.

The cable car ride up the mountain offers panoramic vistas, and many travelers feel it’s worth the extra cost. You’ll also have the possibility to try winter sports like skiing or motor skiing, if you’re into that kind of adventure. Keep in mind, these activities might require additional equipment and costs, not included in the basic tour.

Returning Downton: Bursa’s Highlights

The tour continues with visits to Bursa’s notable mosques and historical sites, including the Green Mosque and the Green Tomb. These sites are beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture and interior design, offering a glimpse into Turkey’s Islamic heritage.

You’ll also stop at the Silk House, where you can learn about Bursa’s historic silk trade and maybe pick up some souvenirs. The guided commentary helps bring these sites to life, making the experience more than just a quick photo op.

Wrapping Up and Returning to Istanbul

After a full day of sightseeing, the return journey begins in the late afternoon. As with any long coach trip, expect a few hours in the bus, but many reviews mention that the guides and drivers keep the atmosphere friendly and entertaining.

Tour Details: What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour package at $29 covers quite a lot:

• Pickup and drop-off from your hotel
• Ferry or Osmangazi Bridge crossing
• Entrance to Uludağ Mountain
• Lunch with soft drink
• Guided commentary in English and Arabic
• Cable car ride (if you opted for it)

Extras like ATV Quad Safari, ski equipment, gloves, jackets, and the chair lift are not included, so if you’re considering snow activities, plan for additional costs.

What Real Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently praise the guides for their helpfulness and friendly attitude, with many mentioning how well-organized the day is. One review notes: “The guide (Ali) was really thoughtful and helpful,” and others mention that the driver was cheerful and made the long day enjoyable.

Many travelers have raved about the views, especially from the mountain and cable car. One says, “I can’t believe how surreal the views from the top were in the snow,” capturing the magic of the experience.

People also appreciate the value, pointing out how packed the day is for the price. Despite some complaining about the long coach ride, most agree it’s a worthwhile trip if you’re after a comprehensive Bursa experience outside of Istanbul.

Potential Downsides

The main concern is the lengthy travel time—expect a good chunk of the day on the coach. If you prefer shorter, more relaxed trips, this might feel a bit much. Weather can also impact some activities, like the cable car, with no refunds if it’s canceled due to bad weather.

Some reviews mention that the Turkish delight shop was more of a shop than a factory, which might be a minor disappointment if you expected a more industrial experience. Also, busy days mean some moments are less relaxed, and encounters with less agreeable travelers have been noted.

This experience suits travelers who want a cost-effective, well-organized way to see Bursa and Uludağ without the hassle of planning. It’s ideal if you enjoy a full day of sightseeing with plenty of cultural and natural highlights, and don’t mind a long coach ride.

It’s perfect for those interested in Ottoman architecture, Turkish sweets, and mountain scenery, especially if you’re okay with some busy moments and optional extra costs for activities like snow sports.

While families can enjoy some parts, keep in mind the long hours; it’s best for active, curious travelers comfortable with a packed schedule.

How long is the tour?
The entire trip lasts around 13 hours, from early morning pickup to late afternoon return, so be ready for a full day.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a traditional Turkish mixed grill with salad and a soft drink is part of the package, satisfying most appetites after a busy morning.

Can I ride the cable car?
Yes, if you select the cable car option, you’ll get a scenic ride from Uludağ Mountain to Bursa’s downtown area, with breathtaking views—weather permitting.

Are there activities besides sightseeing?
You can try winter sports like skiing and motor skiing if you choose to pay extra on the mountain, but these are not included in the base tour price.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing, gloves, and comfortable shoes are recommended, especially since the mountain can be cold and snowy in winter.

Is this suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, children who enjoy scenery and are comfortable on a coach trip might find it interesting, but be prepared for a long day.

How do reviews rate this experience?
With an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 from over 1,200 reviews, most travelers find it offers good value, plenty of highlights, and friendly guides, though some mention the long ride and busy schedule.

All in all, the Istanbul: Bursa & Uludag Tour offers a pretty solid way to escape the city and explore some of Turkey’s natural beauty and historic sites without the stress of organizing everything yourself. It’s a great pick for curious travelers eager to see a different side of Turkey, especially if they enjoy cultural sites, mountain views, and local treats.

While it’s a long day, the variety of stops and the quality of guides make it worthwhile for many. Just be prepared for a full schedule and some optional extra costs if you want to maximize your mountain experience. This tour won’t suit those who prefer a slow-paced, relaxing day, but if you’re up for an active, diverse adventure, it’s worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: