Full Day Guided Tour to Bursa and Uludag With Cable Car And Lunch

This full-day guided excursion from Istanbul to Bursa and Uludag promises a mix of scenic views, historical sites, and mountain adventures—all packed into about 11 to 14 hours. The tour includes hotel pickup, comfortable transport, a cable car ride, and a traditional Turkish lunch, all for $75 per person. While the itinerary is thoughtfully curated, the experience is best suited for travelers eager to explore beyond Istanbul’s bustling streets and who appreciate a blend of culture and nature.

What we particularly like about this tour is its ability to combine several aspects of Turkish life—history, local flavors, and mountain scenery—into one day. The visit to the Green Mosque and Ottoman relics offers a taste of Bursa’s historical significance, while the Uludag cable car ride provides breathtaking mountain vistas. The optional activities like skiing or ATV riding add a dash of adventure, making it appealing for a diverse range of travelers.

One thing to consider is that the lunch might be a hit-or-miss; a reviewer pointed out the venue and quality of food as disappointing. So, if a gourmet meal is a must for you, it could be worth bringing some snacks or planning for a secondary meal. This tour is ideal for those curious about Turkey’s Ottoman heritage, mountain lovers, or anyone looking for a full day of scenic and cultural highlights outside Istanbul.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Day Trip: Covers Bursa’s history, Uludag Mountain, and scenic ferry rides—all in one package.
• Value for Money: With transport, cable car, and guided insights included, it offers a good balance of cost and experience.
• Cultural Highlights: Visit Ottoman mausoleums and the Green Mosque, enriching your understanding of Turkey’s past.
• Flexible Activities: Optional options like skiing, ATV tours, and more can enhance your adventure.
• Scenic Views: Expect stunning vistas from the mountain and cable car, ideal for photo lovers.
• Potential Food Disappointment: Lunch quality varies; travelers suggest bringing extra snacks just in case.

A Deep Dive into What This Tour Offers

Starting the Day: From Istanbul to Izmit and Beyond

The adventure kicks off early, with hotel pickups around 7:30 am, ensuring you beat the crowds and make the most of the day. The first stop is Izmit, a key city in northwest Turkey, where you’ll get a quick ferry ride over Izmit Bay. This ferry transfer isn’t just a practical mode of transport but also offers a taste of Turkey’s maritime charm, providing beautiful water views that connect you to the landscape even before reaching Bursa.

Exploring Inkaya Cinari and the Historic Plane Tree

The journey continues with a stop at Inkaya Cinari, famous for the massive 610-year-old plane tree. This tree isn’t just a natural wonder but a symbol of resilience in Turkish history. Visitors often comment on the serenity and photo opportunities here—an ideal spot to stretch your legs after the drive. You’ll also visit a honey shop, where natural honey and Turkish delight are available. Reviewers appreciated the opportunity to sample local products, though the overall lunch later on was less impressive.

Bursa’s Ottoman Heritage and the Green Mosque

After a scenic drive, you arrive in Bursa, often called the “Green City” for its lush parks and historical mosques. The highlight here is the Green Mosque, where you get a chance for some free time to explore and appreciate Ottoman architecture. The tour also includes visits to the mausoleums of early Ottoman sultans, offering insight into Turkey’s imperial past. According to a reviewer, the guide provided detailed historical insights, making these stops more meaningful.

Uludag Mountain: Cable Car, Skiing, and Mountain Fun

Next comes the star attraction—Uludag Mountain. The cable car ride to the summit provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests—a real treat for nature lovers. You can spend about 30 minutes skiing or simply enjoy the fresh mountain air. The tour includes a mountain house at Gökçeören, where a barbecue lunch awaits, setting the scene for a relaxed mountain meal.

While lunch is included, one traveler noted that the venue and food quality were disappointing, so temper expectations. If you’re a foodie, bringing your own snacks or planning a secondary stop for better dining might be wise. Still, the mountain scenery and optional activities make this part of the tour quite memorable.

Optional Adventures and Flexibility

The tour offers optional add-ons like ATV quad biking or extra skiing—perfect for those who want a bit more thrill. These aren’t included in the base price but can be arranged in advance or on-site, adding flexibility to your experience.

Ending the Day: Return to Istanbul

The return journey wraps up around evening, giving you a full day of exploration without feeling rushed. The tour concludes with hotel drop-offs, allowing you to unwind after a busy day.

Practical Insights and Tips

Transportation: The air-conditioned vehicle is comfortable and modern, making the long drive less tedious. Group sizes are limited to 100 travelers, which helps maintain a more intimate atmosphere, though it can still get lively.

Timing: Starting early at 7:30 am, you’ll get ample time at each stop. The total duration means you’ll be on the move for most of the day, so dress in layers, especially for mountain activities.

Cost and Value: At $75 per person, including ferry transfer, cable car, entrance fees, and lunch, the price is reasonable for a full-day guided experience. The inclusion of transportation and guides means less planning for you and more time enjoying the scenery and history.

Food: The lunch is described as a barbecue at a mountain house, but reviews suggest it’s not outstanding. If food quality is a priority, consider bringing some snacks or eating in Bursa before heading to Uludag.

Weather Considerations: Since the tour is weather-dependent, poor weather could lead to cancellations or changes. The provider offers full refunds if the experience is canceled due to bad weather, so keep an eye on the forecast.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive day outside Istanbul without the hassle of planning multiple tickets or transport. It’s ideal for those interested in Ottoman history, scenic mountain landscapes, and outdoor activities like skiing or ATV riding. It’s also suitable for anyone looking to experience a slice of Turkey’s natural beauty and cultural heritage in one well-organized package.

If you’re after authentic local products, you’ll love browsing the Turkish delight and honey shops. However, if gourmet food or culinary experiences are your main focus, this tour might not fully satisfy.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Bursa and Uludag, balancing cultural highlights with natural scenery. Its value lies in the seamless combination of transport, guided insights, and scenic activities—all bundled into an accessible price. While the lunch might not delight everyone, the optional activities and stunning views more than compensate. It’s best suited for curious travelers eager to see Turkey’s Ottoman past and mountain landscapes on a single day trip.

For those who enjoy a mix of history, nature, and light adventure, this tour ticks many boxes. Just be prepared for a full day on the move, and consider packing some snacks if you’re picky about meals. The experience is a reliable way to add a memorable chapter to your Turkish journey.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off at your hotel are included, starting around 7:30 am.

How long is the total tour?
Expect about 11 to 14 hours, depending on traffic and activity choices.

What activities are available at Uludag?
You can ski, take the cable car, and opt for ATV quad biking, though these are additional or optional.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a barbecue lunch at a mountain house is included, but reviews suggest it may not be gourmet quality.

Are entrance fees covered?
Yes, all entrance fees for the sites listed are included in the price.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if canceled 24 hours in advance, especially due to poor weather.

What should I wear?
Dress in layers, especially for mountain activities, as temperatures can vary.

Is this tour suitable for kids?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the long hours and outdoor activities.

Are there optional activities?
Yes, such as ATV riding and skiing, which can be added for an extra fee.

What is the overall value?
Considering transportation, guide, cable car, and entrance fees, it offers good value for those wanting a full day’s mix of culture and scenery.