From Istanbul: Bursa Day Trip with Lunch and Transfers

Planning a jaunt from Istanbul to explore Bursa might sound like a big day, but with a well-organized tour, it can be a rewarding experience packed with history, nature, and local flavor. This particular day trip, offered by Aussie Tours Travel Agency, takes you on a 12-hour journey through Turkey’s first Ottoman capital, with highlights including the Green Mosque, a cable car ride up Uludag Mountain, and visits to traditional shops and scenic spots.

What we appreciate about this trip is the combination of cultural insights and outdoor adventures—all at an accessible price point of around $24 per person. The tour offers a seamless way to see a different side of Turkey without the hassle of planning logistics yourself. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that this is a long day, often running until after 10 pm, so it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy full days of exploration.

This experience is ideal for those who want a taste of history, nature, and local life in Bursa, especially if your time in Istanbul is limited. If you’re looking for an efficient way to see key sights and enjoy some scenic mountain views, this trip could be a perfect match.

Key Points

• Affordable Value: At $24, this tour offers a lot—including transportation, guide, and entry fees—making it a budget-friendly option.
• Full Day Adventure: Expect a 12-hour schedule with a mix of cultural visits, outdoor activities, and scenic views.
• Diverse Experiences: From visiting historic mosques to riding the cable car up Uludag, the trip covers a wide range of interests.
• Local Tastings: Enjoy visits to a Turkish delight factory and honey shop, giving you a glimpse into regional delicacies.
• Weather-Dependent Activities: The cable car ride is subject to weather conditions; if unavailable, alternatives will be provided.
• Reviews Highlight Views: Many travelers mention the stunning vistas from Uludag as a real highlight—worth the long day.

Exploring Bursa: An Authentic Day Trip from Istanbul

Bursa is a city that holds a special place in Turkey’s history as the Ottoman Empire’s first capital. Today, it’s a vibrant city combining historic architecture, lush green parks, and mountain scenery. This tour does a good job of balancing these elements, giving visitors a comprehensive taste of what Bursa has to offer.

The Morning: Pickup, Journey, and First Impressions

The day kicks off with hotel pickup from central Istanbul locations such as Taksim, Sultanahmet, or Laleli. Once on the air-conditioned coach, the roughly 1.5-hour drive provides a comfortable start to the day, with scenic views en route. Some reviewers mention that the long day means you’re not back until around 10 pm, but most find it manageable given the value of what’s packed in.

During the trip, you’ll stop at a shopping area for about 30 minutes, which is a good chance to stretch your legs and browse local products. Some reviewers, like Gerry, noted the long duration but still found the experience worthwhile. Others appreciated the well-organized transport, allowing them to relax and focus on the sights ahead.

Visiting Bursa: A City of Historic Mosques and Local Flavors

Once in Bursa, the itinerary includes a visit to a traditional Turkish delight factory, where you can observe the candy-making process and perhaps pick up some souvenirs. This is a highlight for many, as it offers an authentic taste of regional craftsmanship. Next, a honey shop provides another glimpse into local flavors, with the added benefit of tasting natural products.

The Green Mosque, one of Bursa’s most iconic landmarks, is an included stop. Its exquisite architecture and peaceful ambiance make it a worthwhile visit, and entry is covered by the tour. Photos here often turn out beautifully, as the mosque’s intricate details can be quite captivating.

Uludag Mountain: Scenic Highlights and Outdoor Fun

The centerpiece of the trip is the visit to Uludag Mountain. Before reaching the mountain, the tour makes a stop at the Nkaya Historical Plane Tree, which has been over 610 years old—an impressive sight and a reminder of Bursa’s natural heritage. Then, travelers enjoy a leisurely lunch in a picturesque valley, with options that cater to different dietary needs, including vegetarian choices.

After lunch, some free time allows for optional activities like a quad ride or a quick ski session—something that surprised many visitors, as they didn’t expect this kind of outdoor fun on a day trip. The highlight, however, is taking the cable car to the mountain’s summit. The views from the top are often described as breathtaking and make the long day worthwhile. Many travelers quote the stunning vistas as a major memory from the trip.

If weather permits, you can also experience a brief ski session, roughly 30 minutes, which adds a dash of adventure. The cable car ride itself, weather permitting, offers spectacular panoramas of Bursa and the surrounding mountains.

Return Journey and Optional Outlet Shopping

On the way back to Istanbul, there’s a potential stop at an outlet mall if time allows. This is a good opportunity to pick up some last-minute deals before the long drive home. Most reviews mention the trip concluding with a comfortable transfer, though some note the late arrival time.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Transportation and Group Size

You’ll travel comfortably via an air-conditioned coach, with a pickup from central Istanbul locations. The group size remains manageable, making it easier to hear guides and ask questions. The ferry ride across Izmit Bay is included, adding a touch of variety to the journey.

Guide and Language

A live tour guide offers narration in either English or Arabic, which helps make the experience more engaging. The guide provides insights into Bursa’s history and the significance of the sites, making the visit richer.

Cost and Included Features

For around $24, you get transportation, guide, ferry rides, entrance fees to the Green Mosque, and a lunch with a soft drink. That’s quite a lot of value for a full day out. Keep in mind, the cable car ticket, ATV quad safari, ski equipment, and drinks are not included, so budget accordingly if you want to indulge in those extras.

Weather and Activity Considerations

The cable car ride is weather-dependent; if it’s cloudy or windy, the ride may be canceled or postponed. The tour is not suitable for travelers with back problems or those in wheelchairs, and comfortable shoes are recommended due to the walking involved.

Flexibility and Cancellation

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing some peace of mind. The booking is flexible—reserve now and pay later, making spontaneous plans easier.

Authentic Perspectives from Travelers

One traveler, Gerry, described the day as “long, not back until 10 pm,” highlighting how full and tiring the schedule can be. However, another reviewer found the experience “everything was good,” emphasizing the overall satisfaction with the trip.

Many reviewers highlight the stunning views from Uludag as the trip’s biggest draw, with some mentioning that the cable car ride offers one of the best scenic moments. The visits to the historic mosques and local shops are also appreciated as meaningful cultural touches.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This trip suits budget-conscious travelers eager to see Bursa without the hassle of organizing transport. It’s great for those interested in history, scenic mountain vistas, and local flavors. However, those who prefer a more relaxed pace or are sensitive to long days might feel the schedule a bit demanding. It’s ideal for adventurous spirits who enjoy outdoor activities like quad rides or short ski sessions.

The Sum Up

The From Istanbul: Bursa Day Trip with Lunch and Transfers offers a well-rounded taste of Turkey’s first Ottoman capital. For just around $24, you gain access to a historic city, scenic mountain views, and local delicacies, all with the convenience of guided transportation. While the long day and weather-dependent activities mean it’s not for everyone, those who enjoy packed itineraries and outdoor scenery often find it incredibly rewarding.

If you want a straightforward way to add cultural depth and natural beauty to your Istanbul trip, this tour makes a lot of sense—especially if views from Uludag top your list of must-see moments. Just remember to prepare for a full day, bring comfortable shoes, and keep an eye on the weather forecast.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, round-trip transportation is provided by an air-conditioned coach, starting with hotel pickup in Istanbul and including a ferry ride across Izmit Bay.

What’s the duration of the tour?
The full experience lasts about 12 hours, so expect to be back in Istanbul late evening, around 10 pm.

Are guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, live guides speak either English or Arabic, helping you understand the history and significance of each site.

Are entrance fees included?
Entry to the Green Mosque is covered; other activities like the cable car, quad safari, and ski equipment are extra.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are essential, as there is moderate walking involved. Bring water and your camera to capture the stunning views.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
It’s not recommended for people with back problems or wheelchair users. Activities like the cable car depend on weather conditions.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for changing plans.

Will I have free time?
There’s some free time at certain stops, like for shopping or quick activities, but the overall schedule is quite packed to fit everything in.

This Bursa day trip blends history, scenery, and local culture into a manageable, budget-friendly package. If you’re looking for a full-day adventure that provides a meaningful glimpse into Turkey’s past and natural beauty, this tour is worth considering—just prepare for a long but fulfilling day.