Bursa Uludag Tour from Istanbul – with Lunch & Cable Car

If you’re eyeing a day trip out of Istanbul to see a different side of Turkey—one that combines lush nature, remarkable history, and a touch of adventure—then the Bursa Uludag tour might just fit the bill. From the moment you’re picked up at your hotel, this full-day experience promises a chance to enjoy scenic views, learn about local culture, and even try winter sports if the season allows.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the opportunity to ride the cable car from Uludağ’s summit, which offers panoramic vistas you won’t forget. Second, the variety of stops on the way—like tasting Turkish delights and organic jams—add a flavorful local touch. That said, a potential hitch could be the lengthy drive from Istanbul, which near two hours each way, so it’s not ideal if you’re short on time or prone to travel fatigue.

This tour is best suited for travelers eager to experience natural landscapes and cultural highlights without the hassle of planning. It’s ideal if you enjoy scenic views, historical sites, and a relaxed day that covers a lot of ground. Plus, the mix of guided commentary and free time makes it accessible for all types of travelers—families, solo explorers, or groups.

Key Points

• Convenient day trip from Istanbul with hotel pickup and drop-off
• Includes scenic cable car ride offering spectacular views of Bursa and Uludağ
• Covers diverse highlights, from historic sites to natural scenery
• Great value for money with all entrance fees, lunch, and transportation included
• Authentic local experiences such as Turkish delight and jam tastings
• Seasonal options for winter sports like skiing and motor skiing on Uludağ

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering Bursa in a Day

The Bursa Uludag tour offers a well-rounded introduction to this enchanting city and its surroundings. Starting early in the morning, the journey kicks off with hotel pickups in Istanbul, followed by about two hours of comfortable coach travel. The drive itself is a chance to relax and anticipate the day ahead.

First Stops: Tasting Local Flavors

The first official stop is a Turkish delight shop, where we enjoyed tasting an array of these sweet confections. The reviews highlight this as a highlight—“buy as much as you can” one traveler advised, because the flavors are irresistible. Next, a jam shop offers organic jams, spreads, and olives, which are much more than just exotic preserves, according to guests. These stops add a tasty, authentic touch that makes the trip memorable.

Cultural and Natural Highlights

After the tastings, the group heads to a local restaurant for lunch. The meal is notably more substantial than many expect, with options like chicken, red meat, salads, bread, and wheat rice, plus a soft drink. Travelers report the food as tasty and plentiful—“more than what we expected” was a common comment. The value here is clear; for a full day of sightseeing and good food, the cost is quite reasonable.

Following lunch, the tour visits the historic 638-year-old plane tree, a peaceful spot perfect for photos and enjoying the surroundings. The tree’s age makes it a fascinating witness to Bursa’s history and natural beauty.

Uludağ: Mountain Views and Winter Sports

The highlight for many is the trip to Uludağ, Turkey’s famous ski resort. The drive up the mountain offers stunning views, and those visiting in winter can indulge in snow activities like skiing or motor skiing—though these are optional extras. For travelers unable to or not interested in winter sports, the scenery alone at the summit is worth the trip.

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Cable Car Experience

The cable car ride from Uludağ’s peak down to Bursa’s city center is a memorable feature. The two connected gondolas total nearly 10 kilometers, making it one of the longest cable car rides in the world. The views you get from this bird’s-eye perspective are breathtaking, especially if the weather cooperates—many reviews mention how “breathtaking” and “amazing” they found the ride.

Historical and Cultural Sites

Back in Bursa city, the tour includes a visit to a former bath now turned into a souvenir shop, perfect for picking up gifts. The tour also stops at the Yeil Mosque and Yeil Tomb, both important cultural sites that add depth to your understanding of Bursa’s rich history.

What Does the Tour Include and What’s Not?

The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off from selected Istanbul locations, transportation, entrance fees for Uludağ, a cable car ride, and a substantial lunch with a soft drink. You’ll also get a knowledgeable English-speaking guide to enrich your experience. Optional activities like ATV safaris or ski equipment rentals are not included, which helps keep the overall cost attractive.

Some reviews mention that the tour’s value is excellent—“so much included in one package”—and the stops along the way are well-organized. The experienced guides receive praise for their professionalism and ability to keep the group informed and relaxed.

The Experience: What Travelers Are Saying

Multiple reviews paint a clear picture of what you can expect. One traveler from Johannesburg called it “really good value for money”, citing enjoyable stops, delicious food, and a spectacular cable car ride of nearly 10 kilometers. They also appreciated the “upmarket” refreshment stops along the route, which offered clean facilities and comfort.

Another traveler raved about the “breathtaking” views during the cable car ride, and many expressed delight at finally experiencing Uludağ’s snow-covered landscape—whether for skiing or just soaking in the scenery. The food is frequently praised as tasty and plentiful, exceeding expectations for a day trip.

Practical Considerations

While the tour offers a comprehensive experience, travelers should keep in mind the long coach ride from Istanbul. If you’re prone to motion sickness or short on time, this might be a factor. The tour duration is approximately 12 hours, so comfortable footwear and a good breakfast are recommended to start the day energized.

Weather can affect visibility, especially during winter months—some reviews mention it rained or fogged the cable car windows, limiting the views. Nevertheless, even in less-than-ideal weather, many guests appreciated the experience and the chance to see Bursa’s natural beauty.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Bursa Uludag tour is a smart choice for those wanting a full, well-organized day blending natural scenery, cultural sites, and authentic Turkish flavors. It’s especially suitable for travelers who appreciate a balance of guided sightseeing and free time, as well as those eager to see Uludağ’s snowy peaks or enjoy a long cable car ride.

It offers value for money, with plenty included—meals, entrance fees, transportation, and guides—making it a convenient option for visitors who prefer not to navigate independently. The stops at traditional shops, historical sites, and the mountain scenery create a well-rounded experience that captures the essence of Bursa without feeling rushed or superficial.

If you’re looking for an active, scenic getaway that’s manageable from Istanbul and packed with story and flavor, this tour could be just what you need.

FAQs

How long is the coach ride from Istanbul to Bursa?
The drive takes about two hours each way, giving you time to relax and enjoy the scenery on the way.

What’s included in the price?
The tour price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, ferry or bridge crossing, entrance fee for Uludağ, a cable car ride, lunch with a soft drink, and a local guide.

Are winter sports available?
Yes, if you visit in winter, you can try skiing or motor skiing on Uludağ, though these are optional extras and not included in the base price.

Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?
Absolutely. The tour includes visiting a historical bath turned souvenir shop, ideal for picking up unique gifts.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the itinerary is flexible enough for families, especially those interested in scenic views, cultural sites, and food experiences.

What if the weather is bad?
Weather can impact visibility and the overall experience, especially during the cable car ride. However, most guests still enjoy the day and the chance to see Bursa’s landscape.

How much free time do I get?
You’ll have about 2 hours at Uludağ to enjoy the scenery or try winter sports, plus time for photos and exploring the sites.

Is it worth the cost?
Given the inclusive nature, the variety of experiences, and the stunning scenery, most travelers find it a good value, especially considering the hassle-free organization.

In short, if you’re after a day of scenic beauty, cultural richness, and local flavor—minus the stress of planning—it’s hard to go wrong with this Bursa Uludag tour. Just bring your camera, your appetite, and a sense of adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: