Bursa Tour from Istanbul Included Lunch & Cable Car

An Honest Look at the Bursa Day Trip Experience

This full-day tour from Istanbul to Bursa is a popular choice for those craving a mix of history, nature, and local culture. Priced at around $58 per person, it promises a comprehensive itinerary—covering iconic sites, a scenic cable car ride, and a traditional Turkish lunch. With a small group size of 15-22 travelers, it aims to strike a balance between intimacy and value.

One feature that really stands out is the inclusion of a genuine cable car ride up Uludag Mountain, rather than just a short lift or chairlift. Plus, hotel pickup and drop-off help make the day hassle-free. However, it’s worth noting that some reviews mention long bus rides and a fair amount of time spent in traffic or commercial stops, which could affect your experience.

This tour seems well-suited for travelers who want a rich overview of Bursa’s highlights without the stress of planning. It’s particularly appealing if you love scenic views, historical landmarks, and local culinary treats. But keep in mind, if you’re after a very relaxed day with lots of free time, this might feel a bit rushed or commercialized at times.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering major Bursa sites, including the Green Mosque and Green Tomb.
• Includes a scenic cable car ride with a real cabin, not just a quick lift.
• Small-group setting enhances personalized attention and easier interaction.
• Authentic Turkish lunch with soft drinks, offering good value for the price.
• Long travel time with many hours in transit, so expect a full day away from Istanbul.
• Some reviews mention frequent shop stops, which may feel more commercial than cultural.

A Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

Starting Out: Istanbul Pickup and Sea of Marmara Cruise

Your day begins early, with hotel pickup in Istanbul around 8:30 am. The tour utilizes an air-conditioned bus and is led by a guide who provides commentary along the way. The first part of the journey involves crossing the Sea of Marmara via a ferry or the Osmangazi Bridge, which adds a touch of adventure and offers views of Istanbul from the water. The ferry ride takes about 30 minutes, giving travelers a brief taste of the scenic transit between Istanbul and Bursa.

This part of the trip is appreciated by many, with reviewers highlighting the smooth transfer and friendly guides. A few mention it’s a bit lengthy, especially if you’re not a fan of long bus rides, but most consider it a part of the adventure rather than a downside.

Arrival in Bursa: Exploring the City

Once in Bursa, the tour moves into the heart of the city. You get about two hours to explore, during which your guide will narrate the city’s evolution from the Ottoman Empire’s first capital to today’s vibrant metropolis. You’ll see some of Bursa’s historical streets, but it’s fair to say that much of this time is focused on visiting specific sites rather than wandering freely.

An interesting stop here is at a Turkish delight shop—a must for sweet-tooths. Many travelers find this stop enjoyable, especially since it offers an authentic taste of Turkish culture and a chance to pick up souvenirs. Some reviews mention that the shopping stops can feel more commercial than cultural, but they also provide a chance to sample local treats.

Visit to Green Mosque and Green Tomb

Next, you’ll visit the Green Mosque (Yesil Cami) and the Green Tomb, both celebrated for their remarkable architecture and intricate interior tiles. These sites are real highlights, with many reviewers praising their beauty and serenity. You’ll get approximately two hours at this stage, providing enough time for photos and a brief walk around the surrounding area.

These sites encapsulate Bursa’s Ottoman heritage, and many visitors comment on the peaceful atmosphere and impressive craftsmanship. Guides often offer insightful commentary, making these stops both educational and visually stunning.

Lunch and Uludag Mountain

Afterward, the trip includes a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant. The meal typically features kebabs and other regional fare, with soft drinks included. Reviewers often mention the quality of the food as quite good, especially considering the tour’s value.

Post-lunch, the highlight begins: the cable car ride to Mount Uludag. This isn’t just a quick lift; it’s a real cable car with cabins that seat multiple passengers, offering sweeping views of Bursa and the surrounding mountains. The ride lasts approximately 30 minutes, providing ample time for photos and a feeling of adventure. Many travelers rave about the scenery and the thrill of being high above the city.

Once at the top, there’s some free time for photos and sightseeing, with some reviewers mentioning that on clear days, the views are spectacular. If the weather is windy, the cable car ride might be canceled—as some reviews note, this can be disappointing but is beyond the tour operator’s control.

Visiting the Green Mosque and Tomb (Again)

Back in the city, the tour includes a visit to the Yesil Camii and the Yesil Turbe—a fitting pair to end your cultural exploration. These sites are praised for their impeccable architecture and peaceful ambiance. The guide takes time to explain their history and significance, allowing visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship and spiritual importance.

Final stop: Cumalikizik Village

Your last stop is at the historic village of Cumalikizik, with its narrow, car-free streets and Ottoman-style houses. It’s a charming area that gives a glimpse into traditional Turkish village life. Many reviewers appreciated walking through its quiet alleys and observing the well-preserved architecture.

Finally, the journey back involves a ferry or bridge crossing and a transfer to Istanbul, ending around 10 pm. The return trip is long but offers a chance to relax after a busy day.

What Travelers Really Say

While most reviews highlight the tour’s excellent guides—such as “Jocob,” who received praise for his knowledge and friendly attitude—some express frustrations. A common critique is the amount of time spent in buses (sometimes over five hours), which can make the day feel overly long. Several mention that the stops at shops or for meals sometimes overshadow the actual sightseeing, feeling more commercialized than cultural.

The cable car ride is a clear favorite—many call it the highlight, with views that are “spectacular” and “exciting.” Conversely, a few reviews note that on windy days, the cable car gets canceled, leaving visitors without that experience, which can be disappointing if that was a highlight for you.

Food quality receives mixed feedback—most find the lunch tasty and filling, but some say it’s nothing extraordinary. The village of Cumalikizik, however, seems to win universal praise for its authenticity and charm.

Analyzing the Tour’s Value

At roughly $58, the price covers transportation, guides, entrance fees, a scenic cable car ride, and a traditional lunch. Given the included cable car ride alone, many find the trip reasonable, especially since it’s a hassle-free way to see Bursa’s top spots without extra planning.

However, some travelers feel there’s too much transit time and shopping stops, which might detract from genuine sightseeing. If your main goal is to experience Bursa’s cultural sites and scenic landscapes, this tour offers a decent overview—though pacing may be a concern for some.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for history buffs and nature lovers who enjoy guided tours with structured stops. If you prefer a full-day adventure with a mix of cultural sites, scenic views, and local cuisine, it’s a solid option. Those who dislike long bus rides or commercialized shopping stops might find it less appealing.

It’s also ideal if you want to maximize your time in Bursa without the hassle of transportation logistics, especially since hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Keep in mind, if weather cancels the cable car, the day might be less memorable, but guides will still try to make the most of the remaining stops.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation by air-conditioned bus, ferry or bridge crossing, lunch with soft drinks, a guided tour of Bursa’s key sites, and a genuine cable car ride up Uludag Mountain.

How long is the entire day?
Expect the tour to last around 13 hours, with the day starting at 8:30 am and ending around 10 pm, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Is the cable car ride definitely included?
Yes, the tour provides a real cable car cabin ride lasting about 30 minutes. However, if weather conditions are windy, it may be canceled, which some reviewers found disappointing.

Are there enough free moments for photos or exploring?
There’s a decent amount of free time at the Green Mosque, Green Tomb, and Uludag summit for photos. However, some travelers feel that the overall schedule is tight, with limited leisure time at each site.

What about shopping?
There are stops at Turkish delight shops and souvenir stores, which some find enjoyable and authentic, while others see them as overly commercialized. It’s wise to manage expectations if shopping is not your priority.

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
Most reviews suggest the tour is family-friendly, especially since the cable car ride can be thrilling for kids. Be aware of the length of travel and the weather conditions at the mountain.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially for exploring sites like Cumalikizik. If visiting Uludag, bring layers—mountain weather can be cooler and windier than Bursa city.

Can I expect good value for the price?
Considering the included cable car, lunch, and guide, many reviewers say yes. However, some feel the long travel time and shopping stops reduce the overall value for their interests.

What happens if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour begins. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

Wrapping It Up

If you’re eager to see Bursa’s key highlights without the stress of logistics, this tour offers a solid, hassle-free option. The guided visits to historic sites, combined with the scenic cable car ride, provide memorable moments that make the day worthwhile. The included lunch adds to the value, especially for those wanting a taste of local cuisine.

Keep in mind, this isn’t a relaxed leisure day—there’s plenty of time in transit, and some stops may feel more commercial than cultural. But if you’re after a balanced experience of history, nature, and local flavor, this tour hits many of the right notes.

For travelers with limited time in Turkey, especially those who want a guided introduction to Bursa, this trip offers an excellent way to cover a lot of ground in one day. Just be prepared for a full, busy schedule and potentially variable weather conditions on the mountain.

In essence, this tour is a good value for those wanting a structured, informative day out with breathtaking views and a taste of Ottoman history. It’s best for curious travelers who enjoy guided experiences, scenic rides, and authentic local stops.