Premium Bursa and Uludag Tour – (Breakfast-Lunch Included)

Experience the Best of Bursa and Uludag in a Day

If you’re looking for a well-rounded day trip from Istanbul, the Premium Bursa and Uludag Tour offers an excellent way to enjoy some authentic Turkish experiences without the hassle of planning. For around $174, you get a 14-hour journey that takes you from city sights to mountain vistas, with hotel pickup and drop-off included—making it both convenient and immersive.

We particularly appreciate two things about this tour: first, the coverage of diverse attractions, from waterfalls and Ottoman villages to mountain peaks and tombs. Second, the quality of included meals and transportation, which ensures you’re well-fed and comfortable throughout the long day.

A possible consideration is that activities at the mountain top are optional and extra, so if you’re eager to explore every corner of Uludag, be prepared for additional costs. This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive, guided experience that balances history, nature, and local culture, especially if you’re short on time but eager to see the highlights.

Key Points

• Convenient door-to-door transfers save time and energy.
• Includes meals—a Turkish breakfast and a hearty lunch—so you won’t go hungry.
• Multiple stops showcase Turkey’s natural beauty and historical sites.
• Flexible free time at Uludag mountain gives you a chance to explore independently.
• Knowledgeable guides and smooth logistics enhance the overall experience.
• Value for money with many inclusions, especially given the comprehensive itinerary.

An In-Depth Look at the Bursa and Uludag Tour

The Comfort of Door-to-Door Transfers

One of the most appreciated features of this tour is the hotel pickup and drop-off. It removes the stress of navigating public transportation early in the morning and ensures you start the day relaxed. This convenience is especially valuable when you’re traveling from Istanbul, where traffic and directions can be tricky. Knowing that your journey begins and ends comfortably allows you to focus on enjoying what’s ahead.

Visiting the Ottoman Village of Cumalikizik

The first major stop is the charming Ottoman village of Cumalikizik. This village is a living snapshot of traditional Turkish rural life. Its cobblestone streets, old houses, tractors, and friendly dogs create a picture-perfect setting. Here, you’ll get a chance to wander without the crowds often found in tourist-heavy spots. The included Serpme Kahvaltı breakfast — a spread of cheeses, bread, olives, and more — is a highlight, offering a taste of genuine local hospitality.

Reviews describe this part of the trip as “a chance to discover Turkey’s village life,” with some travelers noting the cozy atmosphere and authenticity. It’s a perfect moment to slow down, take photos, and interact with welcoming residents.

Exploring Bursa’s Cultural Heritage

Next, the tour visits Bursa’s historical sites, including the Tombs of Osman and Orhan, the founders of the Ottoman Empire. These tombs are important landmarks, and their architectural details reveal much about Ottoman tradition. The Green Mosque and Ottoman bazaar are other optional stops that travelers have found to be “vivid” and “lively,” offering a glimpse into Bursa’s long-standing tradition as a trading hub.

The guides are often praised for their knowledge and storytelling, making these visits more engaging than just walking through historic sites alone. You’ll get context about the significance of each place, making your visit more meaningful.

Ascending Uludag Mountain with Ease

The highlight for many is the trip up Uludag mountain — Turkey’s premier ski and nature area. The journey involves a bus ride and a scenic chair lift to the peak at 2,543 meters. The appeal here is threefold: breathtaking views, the fun of riding a chair lift, and the ease of reaching the top without strenuous hiking or complicated logistics.

Many reviews rave about the spectacular scenery and the smooth transportation. One traveler noted that the ascent with the cable car was “an unforgettable adventure,” and others appreciated that they had free time to explore on their own at the summit. You can walk around, snap photos, or simply enjoy the mountain air — it’s a good break from the busyness of city life.

Optional Activities and Extra Costs

While the trip includes the chair lift and some sightseeing, certain activities at the mountain are optional and entail additional charges. This flexible arrangement allows you to choose what interests you most, but it’s worth budgeting extra if you want to go further or partake in skiing, snowboarding, or other mountain activities.

Waterfalls, a Jam Factory, and More

On the way back, the tour features a visit to Saitabat waterfall, a serene spot perfect for photos and nature lovers. The jam factory visit is another highlight—here, you can observe local jam production, and the aroma might tempt you to buy some for the road. The water’s soothing sound and lush surroundings are a calming end to a busy day.

A Long but Rewarding Day

The entire trip lasts approximately 14 hours, starting early at 7:00 am. The schedule is tight but well-organized, with enough time at each stop to enjoy without feeling rushed. Reviewers note the long journey but emphasize that the value and sights make it worthwhile. The small group size (max 15 travelers) ensures a more personal experience, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and connect with your guide.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour offers great value for the price—$174 includes hotel transfers, breakfast, lunch, water, soft drinks, tea/coffee, and the chair lift. These inclusions mean you can relax without constantly reaching for your wallet or worrying about extra costs.

However, activities at the mountain top are not included and are extra, which gives you the flexibility to choose what to do. Also, personal expenses like souvenirs or additional snacks are on you.

Authentic Reviews Tell the Whole Story

Travelers consistently praise knowledgeable guides like Mr. Mohammad and Gayhatu, who make history and scenery come alive. Many comment on the stunning views of Mount Uludag, with some describing the mountain ascent as “unforgettable” and “spectacular.” The included meals receive high marks, with several noting they’re more than sufficient and add to the overall value.

One traveler appreciated the WiFi during the trip, making it easier to stay connected, and others highlighted the well-organized itinerary that balanced sightseeing and free time.

On the less positive side, a review noted that activities on the mountain could be additional and optional, and some found the long trip tiring. But overall, the positive reviews far outweigh the negatives, especially for those who enjoy a mix of history, nature, and cultural authenticity.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour suits history buffs, nature lovers, and those short on time but eager to see a broad slice of Turkey’s countryside and mountains. It’s particularly well-suited for first-timers wanting a guided experience that hits all the highlights without the hassle.

If you’re looking for authentic village scenes, scenic mountain views, and a taste of Ottoman heritage, this tour delivers. It’s value-packed, with meals, transportation, and a knowledgeable guide, making it a hassle-free way to explore beyond Istanbul.

It’s perfect if you’re comfortable with a long day and enjoy a mix of guided sightseeing and free exploration, especially at Uludag. Keep in mind the optional activities at the mountain require extra cash, so plan accordingly.

FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it easy to start and end your day comfortably.

How long does the tour last?
The full day runs about 14 hours, starting at 7:00 am and returning in the evening.

What meals are included?
You’ll enjoy a Turkish Serpme Kahvaltı breakfast and a lunch as part of the tour, both included in the price.

Are drinks provided?
Yes, water, orange juice, Coca-Cola, Fanta, and tea/coffee are available during the trip—unlimited.

Can I do activities at Uludag?
Activities at the mountain are optional and extra, so if you want to ski or partake in other mountain sports, you’ll need to pay additionally.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, and the group size is limited to 15, ensuring a more personal experience.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, some cash for souvenirs or extra activities, and a camera to capture the mountain and village scenes.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, receiving a full refund.

Is this tour good value for money?
Given the inclusions—meals, transportation, guides, and multiple attractions—most reviews say yes, it’s a very worthwhile way to see Bursa and Uludag.

In summary, this Premium Bursa and Uludag Tour combines convenience, value, and authentic experiences, making it an excellent choice for those wanting a full-day adventure that covers Turkey’s mountain and historical highlights. Whether you’re interested in scenic views, Ottoman heritage, or just a well-organized trip with good food, this tour has something for you.