From Istanbul: Bursa Day Trip with Lunch and Transfers

Exploring Bursa from Istanbul: An Honest Take on the Day Trip Experience

If you’re considering a day trip from Istanbul to explore one of Turkey’s most historically significant cities, Bursa offers a compelling mix of Ottoman heritage, local flavors, and natural beauty. This tour, offered by Aussie Tours Travel Agency, promises a full 12-hour adventure packed with cultural sights, a scenic mountain cable car ride, and some genuine local treats. We haven’t tried it ourselves but have gathered detailed insights to help you determine if it’s right for your travel plans.

What we really like about this trip is how it combines both cultural exploration—visiting the Green Mosque and other Ottoman landmarks—and nature activities, like the cable car ride to Uludag Mountain. Plus, the inclusion of local delicacies, like Turkish delight and honey, adds authentic flavors. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the long day—some reviews mention it runs until late evening, which might be tiring for travelers with limited stamina or those preferring a more relaxed pace.

This experience suits those eager to see Bursa’s historic highlights without the hassle of planning, and who enjoy a bit of mountain air and scenic views. If you appreciate guided tours that offer local insights but don’t want to spend too much, this could be your ideal choice. However, expect a busy schedule with some optional activities that could be weather-dependent, especially the cable car ride.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Day Trip: Covers the main sights and natural spots around Bursa, including Uludag Mountain.
• Authentic Local Flavors: Includes visits to a Turkish delight factory and honey shop, giving a taste of local craftsmanship.
• Scenic Components: The cable car ride offers panoramic views, a highlight for many travelers.
• Long but Rewarding Day: At approximately 12 hours, it’s a full-day adventure—perfect for those who want to maximize their time.
• Value for Money: At $24 per person, it offers a lot of experiences and transportation, but some activities like the cable car are extra.
• Potential Fatigue: The long hours and optional activities mean it’s best for energetic travelers in good health.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Bursa Day Trip

Getting Started: From Istanbul to Bursa

The trip begins early with hotel pickups from key locations like Taksim, Sultanahmet, and other central spots. The coach journey takes about 1.5 hours, giving you a comfortable ride while you get introduced to the day’s itinerary. The coach is air-conditioned, which is a relief in the warmer months or after a long walk in the city.

First Stops: Shopping and Sights

Once in Bursa, there’s a brief shopping stop of around 30 minutes. While this may seem like a quick browse, it’s a good chance to pick up souvenirs or local products. The tour then moves toward the historical and cultural core of Bursa, notably the Green Mosque. This mosque, with its intricate tile work and Ottoman architecture, is a key highlight and provides real insight into Bursa’s Ottoman past.

Sample Local Flavors: Turkish Delight and Honey

Next, the tour visits a Turkish delight factory and a honey shop. These stops are more than just tourist attractions—they’re an opportunity to see traditional crafts and taste genuine products. The Turkish delight factory gets praise in reviews for “everything was good,” giving it an authentic feel beyond just shopping.

Uludag Mountain: Nature and Adventure

A major feature of the day is a visit to Uludag National Park. After a scenic drive, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a lunch break in a picturesque valley, which offers a restful pause before the mountain adventures. The lunch is included with a soft drink, providing good value for the price.

Most travelers look forward to the cable car ride up Uludag Mountain. You’ll reach the top for panoramic views—great photo opportunities and a chance to breathe in some fresh mountain air. If weather allows, you can also try a quad ride or ski for about 30 minutes, although these activities are optional and often at extra cost.

Historical and Natural Highlights

On the way back, a visit to the NKaya Historical Plane Tree, over 610 years old, offers a delightful glimpse into Bursa’s natural history. The tour then provides some free time to explore or relax in a valley setting before heading back. If time permits, an outlet store stop might be included—perfect for picking up last-minute souvenirs.

Return to Istanbul

After a full day, you’ll head back to Istanbul, arriving in the evening around 10 pm, as indicated by some travelers’ experiences. While this long day can be tiring, it also ensures you get a rundown of Bursa and Uludag without extra planning.

Practical Details: Transportation, Cost, and Included Activities

The tour provides round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned coach, which is a plus for comfort during the long hours. A live guide speaking English or Arabic enriches your understanding of the places visited. The entrance to the Green Mosque is included, but other activities—like the cable car, ATV quad safari, or ski equipment—are extras.

At $24 per person, the price is quite competitive, especially considering the transportation, guide, and lunch are included. That said, activities like the cable car are not part of the package, so you might want to budget extra if you’re eager for those scenic rides.

What’s not included?

• The cable car ticket (which can be a highlight)
• ATV or quad rides
• Drinks beyond lunch
• Ski gear if you plan to ski

The tour’s flexibility with cancellation (up to 24 hours in advance) can be helpful if your plans shift unexpectedly.

Authentic Experience or Tourist Trap?

Based on reviews, many find the trip offers good value and enjoyable moments, especially for first-time visitors wanting a taste of Bursa’s highlights. Some mention the long duration—”not back until 10 pm”—which suggests it’s best suited for travelers with energy and patience. The scenic views from Uludag Mountain are consistently praised, making this a memorable part of the day.

The tour’s success hinges on weather—the cable car ride is weather-dependent, and if canceled, you might miss out on one of the trip’s top attractions. However, the itinerary is flexible enough to include alternative activities or sightseeing.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For travelers on a budget seeking a comprehensive taste of Bursa, this tour is a solid choice. The price point makes it accessible, and the combination of cultural sights, local tastes, and mountain scenery is well balanced. It’s especially suitable for those who want to keep logistics simple and enjoy a guided experience.

However, if you’re after a more relaxed pace or are not keen on long days, this may feel a bit rushed. The optional activities like skiing or quad riding are extra, so plan your budget accordingly if those appeal to you.

All in all, this trip offers a good overview of Bursa’s charms—historic mosques, local sweets, and stunning mountain vistas—wrapped into a single day. It’s a great way to turn a day in Istanbul into a memorable adventure outside the city.

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FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned coach from your Istanbul hotel is provided.

What’s the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, so be prepared for a long but rewarding day.

Do I need to pay for the cable car?
Yes, the cable car ticket is not included in the basic price and will be an additional expense.

Can I try skiing or quad riding?
These activities are offered as optional extras, and you should budget separately if interested.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and plenty of water are recommended. Weather can vary, so consider layers if it’s chilly or rainy.

Are there vegetarian meal options?
Yes, vegetarian options are available during lunch.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
Because of the moderate walking involved and weather-dependent activities, it’s best suited for active travelers. The tour is not wheelchair-friendly.

How late does the tour return?
Most travelers report returning around 10 pm, so plan accordingly for your evening plans.

To sum it up, this Bursa day trip offers a well-rounded experience for those eager to explore Turkey’s first Ottoman capital, enjoying historic sights, local flavors, and mountain views—all in a convenient, guided format. It’s a busy day, but for many, the scenic highlights and cultural insights make it worthwhile.

You can check availability for your dates here: