Bursa And Uluda Tour From stanbul Included Lunch & Cable Car

Experience the Best of Bursa and Uludağ in a Day from Istanbul

If you’re looking for a day trip that combines history, stunning scenery, and local flavor, this Bursa and Uludağ tour offers a compelling option. Priced at about $46, it spans roughly 12 hours—perfect for a long but rewarding day. You’ll visit Bursa’s landmarks, like the Green Mosque and Green Mausoleum, and enjoy a scenic cable car ride to the top of Mt. Uludağ, with a lovely lunch included.

What we love most about this tour is how it packs a lot into a single day. First, the ferry ride across the Marmara Sea offers a unique perspective of Istanbul’s skyline and the Bosporus bridges, making the journey itself memorable. Second, the cable car experience—a full 30-minute ride in a real cabin, not a quick chairlift—really elevates the adventure, giving you panoramic views that are perfect for photos.

A few considerations: the tour has mixed reviews, especially regarding timing and stops. Some travelers found the schedule disorganized or felt that too much time was spent on shopping stops, which can eat into the time spent enjoying the sights. Also, the long travel time means a very full day with little margin for extra exploring.

This tour suits travelers who want a cost-effective way to visit Bursa and Uludağ, particularly those interested in mountain scenery, historic sites, and taking a ferry ride. If you’re comfortable with a busy schedule and appreciate guided tours that include local insights, this could be a great fit. However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or in-depth exploration, you might want to consider other options.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Day Trip: Visits to Bursa’s landmarks, Uludağ Mountain, and scenic ferry crossing.
• Full Cable Car Ride: A 30-minute real cabin cable car ride, not just a short lift.
• Included Lunch: Authentic Turkish cuisine served in a mountain restaurant.
• Flexible Transportation: Air-conditioned bus, ferry, and cable car included.
• Mixed Reviews: Some travelers praise the views and guides, others point out too many shopping stops and scheduling issues.
• Suitable for: Those seeking a budget-friendly, all-in-one experience, and comfortable with a full, busy schedule.

The Complete Breakdown of Your Bursa and Uludağ Day

Starting in Istanbul: Setting the Stage

The journey begins early in the morning, with hotel pickup (if selected), in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. A knowledgeable guide will accompany you, ready to share stories about the places you’ll see. As you head toward Bursa, you’ll appreciate the convenience of having transport arranged, freeing you from the hassle of navigating public transport or car rentals in Turkey’s busy streets.

The Ferry Ride: A Scenic Gateway

The highlight of the first part of the trip is the ferry crossing over the Marmara Sea. Passing through the Bosporus, you’ll get a different perspective of Istanbul—its bridges, skyline, and the sea life that surrounds it. Travelers often mention this as a relaxing and scenic way to start the day, breaking up the long drive and adding a maritime touch to your journey.

Some reviews note that this ferry ride is free, which adds value to the overall experience—it’s a pleasant, straightforward way to travel between continents, and a chance to snap some memorable photos of Istanbul from the water.

Bursa’s Historic Landmarks

Once in Bursa, your guide will lead you to the Green Mosque (Yesil Camii), a marvel of Ottoman architecture decorated with green tiles, and the Green Mausoleum (Yesil Turbe), where the founders of the empire are buried. These sites are considered some of Bursa’s most important landmarks, and you’ll have about an hour here.

Reviewers often highlight the beautiful interior decoration of the mosque, which makes it a worthwhile stop. One traveler mentioned the interior as “impressively decorated with green tiles,” giving you a taste of Ottoman craftsmanship.

You’ll also visit a local shop selling Turkish delight, a sweet treat that’s both a gift and a tasty souvenir. Many mention the shop as a highlight, with some noting that you might want to buy a box of this world-famous dessert—just watch out for prices, as some reviews suggest they can be inflated.

Uludağ’s Scenic Cable Car Ride

After Bursa, the tour takes you up toward Uludağ National Park. Here’s where the experience becomes truly special: you’ll board a full cabin cable car, a ride that lasts about 30 minutes. Unlike the quick chairlifts or short lifts some tours offer, this is a real cable car, providing spectacular views of the mountain and surrounding forests.

Travelers often rave about the mountain vistas and crisp air, which are especially enjoyable if the weather is clear. One reviewer called the ride “fantastic,” and many appreciate the chance to see Turkey’s natural beauty from above.

On arrival, a 600-year-old plane tree provides a perfect photo stop, and then you’re guided to a mountain restaurant for a delicious lunch. The meal is a highlight for many—simple, hearty Turkish fare in a peaceful mountain setting.

Mountain Time and Exploration

Post-lunch, you’re given free time to explore the area. Some visitors choose to hike or relax, while others might visit additional viewpoints or shop for souvenirs. The reviews suggest that this part of the day offers a nice break from the busyness, but be aware that the timing can vary, and some travelers feel the schedule limits their time at Uludağ.

Return to Bursa and Istanbul

In the late afternoon, your guide will escort you back into Bursa to see the Green Mosque once more before heading back to Istanbul. The return trip involves a two-hour bus ride, following the same route, with a stop for a quick dinner or snack if needed.

Expect to arrive back in Istanbul late at night, often around midnight, making this a long but fulfilling day. Your hotel drop-off completes the adventure, though some reviews mention inconsistent pickup arrangements.

What Do the Reviews Say?

The reviews are quite varied, with many travelers praising the scenic views, friendly guides, and the value for money. Several call the trip “worthwhile” and highlight the Uludağ cable car as a standout experience.

On the flip side, some visitors were disappointed by schedule disorganization, excessive shopping stops, and long travel times—with one reviewer lamenting that only two hours were spent at Uludağ, feeling rushed. Others found the tour’s focus on shopping as a drawback, with some stops feeling like “scam stores,” which can diminish the authentic experience.

Several guests appreciated the helpful guides (Mohammed and Omar) who worked hard to keep things moving smoothly, but a handful experienced poor communication or felt the tour was more about sales pitches than sightseeing.

Practical Tips Based on Reviews

• Be prepared for a long day—around 12 hours in total—and pack some snacks and water.
• Expect some shopping stops, so if you’re not interested, be ready to pass or bargain.
• Bring your camera for the ferry and mountain views—these are the moments you’ll want to remember.
• Dress appropriately for mountain weather, which can be cooler and windier than Istanbul.
• Set realistic expectations about how much time you’ll have at each site—don’t expect hours of exploration at Uludağ.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want an affordable, all-in-one day trip that combines culture, scenery, and mountain adventure. It’s particularly suited for those who don’t mind a busy schedule, enjoy guided tours, and are open to some shopping along the way.

If you’re looking for an authentic experience with beautiful views and don’t mind the potential crowds or sales stops, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. However, if you prefer a more leisurely pace or want to spend more time at each site, consider options that might offer more flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, though some reviews mention issues with pickup times and locations, so confirm with your provider.

How long does the ferry ride take?
The ferry crossing from Istanbul to Bursa takes about 2 hours, offering scenic views over the Bosporus and the bridges.

What’s the cable car ride like?
You’ll ride in a full cabin cable car for about 30 minutes, providing panoramic views of Uludağ and the surrounding forests. It’s a real cabin, not a quick lift, and many find it the highlight of the trip.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a traditional Turkish meal is included at a mountain restaurant, and many reviews mention the deliciousness of the food.

Are there shopping stops?
Yes, there’s a stop at a Turkish delight shop and others selling local products, which some travelers find enjoyable and others consider time-consuming.

How late does the tour return to Istanbul?
Expect to arrive back in Istanbul late at night, around midnight, after a full day of sightseeing and traveling.

In essence, this Bursa and Uludağ tour offers a solid value for travelers seeking a full, scenic day trip from Istanbul. It delivers a glimpse of Turkey’s historic sights, mountain beauty, and local delights—all packed into one memorable journey. Just be prepared for a long day, some shopping stops, and a schedule that’s best suited for those who enjoy guided group adventures.