Bursa And Uluda Tour From stanbul Included Lunch & Cable Car

Bursa and Uludağ Tour from Istanbul: An Honest, In-Depth Review

This tour promises a full day of exploration combining history, nature, and authentic Turkish delights. Starting early from Istanbul, you’ll hop on a comfortable bus, cross the Marmara via ferry, and spend your day touring Bursa’s iconic landmarks, finishing with an exhilarating cable car ride up Uludağ Mountain. It’s a package designed for those eager to get a taste of Turkey’s cultural and natural beauty, all in one convenient trip.

What we particularly appreciate about this experience is the inclusion of the cable car ride—a genuine, 30-minute journey that offers spectacular views rather than a rushed, short chairlift. It provides an excellent Instagram moment and genuine sense of adventure. However, a common critique is the amount of time spent shopping or at stops that some travelers find less relevant, which can extend the day unnecessarily.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, scenic rides, and local culture but are okay with a packed schedule that might include some busy moments. It’s ideal for those who want to see Bursa’s highlights without the hassle of planning or driving themselves, though it’s worth being prepared for a long day with some logistical quirks.

Key Points

• Comfort and Convenience: Modern bus, hotel pickups, and ferry crossings make travel smooth and easy.
• Highlights Include: Bursa’s Green Mosque and Mausoleum, Uludağ’s cable car, and mountain scenery.
• Authentic Touches: A visit to a Turkish delight shop adds that sweet, memorable flavor.
• Group Size & Guides: Tours are limited to 30 people, with knowledgeable guides who provide helpful insights.
• Value for Money: At around $46, this covers transportation, lunch, ferry, and cable car—considering the scope, that’s quite reasonable.
• Timing & Pacing: Expect a long day, with some reviews mentioning late lunches and time spent at shopping stops.

The Complete Breakdown: What to Expect on This Bursa and Uludağ Tour

Starting Early in Istanbul

The day kicks off at 8:30 AM, with pickup from your hotel if you’ve booked this option. The bus is air-conditioned and comfortable, perfect for the long hours ahead. The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off is a strong plus, especially if you’re staying centrally.

Your friendly guide will be with you throughout, offering commentary that, based on reviews, is generally helpful and informative. One reviewer mentioned that guides like Mohammed kept the group together and made sure everyone was informed and comfortable, which is reassuring when navigating a busy itinerary.

Crossing the Marmara Sea by Ferry

After about an hour of driving, you’ll hop onto a ferry from Istanbul’s harbor. This part of the journey is often appreciated for the scenic views over the Bosporus and the bridges connecting Europe and Asia. It’s a relaxing way to change gears from road travel and enjoy some fresh air and sea views.

Reviews highlight that this ferry trip is free and provides a scenic crossing, which adds a fun element to the day and sets the tone for a broader Turkish experience.

Bursa: Exploring History and Sweets

Once in Bursa, your first stop includes some free time to wander and soak in the atmosphere. The visit to the Green Mosque (Yesil Camii) and Green Mausoleum (Yesil Turbe) offers a glimpse into Ottoman architecture and intricate tile work—something visitors find particularly striking and photograph-worthy.

A stop at a Turkish delight shop is also part of the itinerary. While some reviews appreciate the authenticity and quality of the sweets, others mention that the shopping stops can feel excessive or divert from the main sights. One reviewer noted that they loved the Turkish delight, calling it “the sweetest memory,” but others felt these stops extended the day unnecessarily.

Uludağ Cable Car: A Scenic Climb

Arguably the highlight of the trip, the cable car ride takes roughly 30 minutes and is described as “real” and more substantial than the usual chairlift. You’ll ascend from Bursa into the mountains, with panoramic views that are perfect for photos. The experience is often praised as memorable, and many reviewers mention that the cable car is a genuine highlight.

Once at the top, you’ll visit a 600-year-old plane tree—an excellent photo opportunity—and then enjoy a traditional Turkish meal at a mountain restaurant. The meal, often described as delicious and peaceful, offers a chance to relax amid nature.

Uludağ Mountain and Free Time

After lunch, you’ll have about three hours of free time to explore or just enjoy the mountain scenery. Some reviews describe Uludağ as stunning, especially in winter with the snow. You might find opportunities for short walks or simply soaking in the serene landscape away from city noise.

Returning to Bursa and Istanbul

In the late afternoon, the tour guides will escort you back to Bursa for a quick visit to the Green Mosque. Afterward, the return journey begins, following the same route back across the ferry and towards Istanbul.

Expect to be back in your hotel late evening, with many reviews indicating a long, full day.

Analyzing the Value: Is It Worth It?

At just over $46, this tour packs in quite a bit. Transportation, ferry crossing, lunch, and cable car are included, making it an efficient way to see Bursa without extra planning or logistics. That said, some travelers feel the day is overly packed, leading to late lunches (sometimes as late as 7 PM) and extended hours that could tire you out.

Reviews reveal a mixed experience—some rave about the guides, views, and overall value, while others grumble about too many shopping stops and unorganized itineraries. One common positive is the guide Omar, who is praised for making the day enjoyable, and the transportation, which is comfortable and careful.

However, there are also notable criticisms: delays at pickup, late meals, and some feeling rushed or that too much time is spent at souvenir shops. A few reviews even mention the trip feels more like a shopping expedition than a cultural exploration, which is worth considering if shopping isn’t your priority.

Practical Tips

• Bring snacks and water for the long day, especially if you dislike late lunches.
• Be ready for a long day of travel, about 10 hours total, with only 2 hours in Bursa and Uludağ.
• If shopping isn’t your thing, politely decline the stops or plan to skip some.
• Dress warmly for the mountain, especially in cooler seasons.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience works best for travelers who want a comprehensive day trip without the stress of planning transport or logistics. It’s good for those interested in Ottoman architecture, scenic cable cars, and mountain vistas, and who don’t mind a busy schedule. Families, solo travelers, and couples can all enjoy it, but be prepared for the lengthy hours involved.

If you’re a person who prefers slow-paced, in-depth sightseeing, this might feel rushed. On the other hand, if you want a snapshot of Bursa’s highlights and some mountain fun, this tour offers solid value.

The Sum Up

The Bursa and Uludağ Tour from Istanbul offers a balanced mix of cultural sights, natural beauty, and local flavor—all at a reasonable price. It’s especially appealing for those who appreciate scenic cable car rides and historic mosques, with the added bonus of tasting Turkish delights. Guides like Omar seem to make the experience smoother, and the included ferry and lunch add convenience.

That said, the tour’s busy schedule and frequent shopping stops can detract from the authentic experience for some travelers. If you’re prepared for a long day, enjoy a bit of adventure, and aren’t hung up on perfect pacing, this trip provides a memorable glimpse into one of Turkey’s most charming regions.

Ideal for travelers seeking a full, hassle-free day trip with diverse experiences, bargain hunters, and those eager for scenic views. For travelers craving a more relaxed, less commercialized experience, some parts of this tour might feel rushed or overly touristic.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you book the tour. It makes the day more convenient, especially if you’re staying centrally.

How long does the ferry ride take?
The ferry crossing from Istanbul to Bursa lasts about 2 hours, providing scenic views over the Bosporus and bridges.

What’s the main highlight of the tour?
Most would say the cable car ride to Uludağ—a scenic climb with panoramic mountain views that many reviewers find unforgettable.

Can I skip the shopping stops?
You can politely decline, but these are part of the planned itinerary. Some travelers felt these stops added unnecessary extension to the day.

What kind of lunch is included?
A traditional Turkish meal is provided at a mountain restaurant after the cable car ride, and it’s generally described as tasty and satisfying.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
Yes, but keep in mind the long hours and physical activity like the cable car ride. Moderate physical fitness is recommended.

How long is the total trip?
Expect around 10 hours from pickup to return, with about 2 hours in Bursa and Uludağ.

Is the guide helpful?
Based on reviews, guides like Omar are praised for their helpfulness and knowledge, making the long day more enjoyable.

Are there any hidden costs?
Not explicitly. The tour price covers transportation, ferry, lunch, and cable car. Personal expenses are not included.

Would you recommend this tour?
Yes, if you’re eager to see Bursa’s highlights and enjoy mountain scenery without the hassle of planning, this tour offers good value—just be prepared for a full day.

This detailed look at the Bursa and Uludağ tour should help you decide if it’s right for your trip. With its combination of scenic rides, historic sights, and local treats, it’s an experience that could become a cherished part of your Turkey adventure—just keep your expectations balanced and your energy up!