Bursa Day Trip from Istanbul

If you’re staying in Istanbul and eager to explore beyond the bustling city, the Bursa Day Trip offers a taste of Ottoman history, stunning mountain scenery, and delicious Turkish food — all packed into roughly 12 hours. For around $44 per person, this guided excursion takes you across the Sea of Marmara via ferry, into the history-steeped streets of Bursa, and up the scenic slopes of Mount Uludağ.

What we particularly enjoy about this tour are two main features: first, the included cable car ride — a real highlight that offers breathtaking views and a sense of adventure, and second, the chance to sample authentic Turkish delights and local cuisine without worrying about extra costs. However, a word of caution is that some reviews mention the long travel times and cramped transport, which might be less ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed, leisurely pace.

This tour is best suited for travelers who love history, scenic views, and cultural experiences, and who are comfortable with a full day on the move. If you want a quick peek into Bursa’s landmarks and mountain ambiance — despite some long drives — this trip can be just right. But if you prefer a more relaxed pace or more in-depth exploration, you might want to consider other options or break it into two days.

Key Points

• Convenient logistics with hotel pickup, ferry ride, and air-conditioned transportation
• Highlights include the Green Mosque, Green Mausoleum, and a cable car to Mount Uludağ
• Authentic experience with local guide, Turkish lunch, and Turkish delight shopping
• Long day with significant travel time — be prepared for a full schedule
• Mixed reviews on comfort and timing, but universally praised for views and guides
• This tour is ideal for curious travelers craving a taste of Bursa’s culture and scenery in a single day

A Deep Dive into the Bursa Day Trip

Starting from Istanbul: Comfort Meets Convenience

The adventure begins early, with hotel pickup in a fully air-conditioned bus — a must in Turkey’s warm climate. The guide, though unnamed in reviews, is generally known to provide descriptive commentary, helping to bring the sights to life. Given the total duration, expect a fair amount of time on the road, but the comfort of the bus makes this manageable.

The drive to the Marmara Sea harbor is about an hour, during which you can enjoy views of Istanbul’s skyline and the bridges connecting Asia and Europe. Then, the ferry crossing — a standout feature — takes around 2 hours. This part of the trip offers some of the most scenic moments, with the chance to see the Bosporus, the bridges, and the open sea. Many travelers find this ferry ride a relaxing break from bus travel and a great photo opportunity.

Crossing the Sea: The Ferry Ride

The ferry ride is a key highlight, with several reviews mentioning how it offers spectacular vistas of Istanbul’s skyline and the Bosporus. It’s a chance to soak in the maritime atmosphere and appreciate the scale of the city from the water. The ferry is free, but it’s included as part of the tour, making it a good value.

Bursa: Land of Ottoman Heritage and Markets

Upon reaching Bursa, the tour takes you straight into the historic core. The first stop is often a Turkish delight shop, a sweet introduction to Turkey’s culinary delights. The shop offers a chance to sample and buy authentic treats; many reviewers find this fun, though some feel the shopping is a bit pushy, a common critique with guided tours.

Next, you’ll board a real cable car — not a short chairlift, but a genuine cable car that takes approximately 30 minutes to reach Mount Uludağ. The views from the cable car are truly captivating, offering sweeping vistas of Bursa and the surrounding mountains. This is a favorite part, with many noting the breathtaking scenery and the thrill of riding a cable car in Turkey’s mountainous landscape.

Exploring Bursa’s Landmarks

Back in Bursa proper, the tour visits the Green Mosque (Yesil Camii) and the Green Mausoleum (Yesil Turbe). These sites are famous for their green tiles, intricate calligraphy, and tranquil courtyards. The interior of the mosque, with its detailed tile work, leaves many visitors in awe — a real highlight for architecture and history buffs.

A visit to a 600-year-old plane tree offers a photo opportunity and a chance to appreciate Bursa’s natural beauty. Then, a stop at a mountain restaurant allows for a delicious local meal, where you can enjoy regional flavors in a peaceful setting. The free time after lunch is well-spent exploring the mountain scenery or relaxing in the fresh air.

Returning to Istanbul: Long but Scenic

The journey back involves following the same route — a lengthy drive (about 2 hours) — but with the chance to reflect on the day’s highlights. Some travelers report feeling tired after the long day, especially with the extended travel times and cramped bus seats noted in reviews.

Authenticity and Value

This tour emphasizes authentic experiences: the guided commentary, the scenic ferry and cable car rides, and the opportunity to sample traditional Turkish sweets and cuisine. The inclusion of the cable car ride is a distinctive feature that sets this tour apart from more basic day trips, offering genuine adventure and stunning views.

The price point — roughly $44 — is quite reasonable considering the transportation, guided service, lunch, and cable car ride included. However, some travelers feel the long hours and additional costs for optional activities (like ATV rides) make the day feel a bit rushed or overly commercialized.

The Review Side

While many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery, some express discontent with the long travel distances and tight transport conditions. Several mention the length of the day — with some arriving back in Istanbul late at night — and the fact that some parts of the itinerary feel rushed or overly commercialized.

Who Should Book?

This trip suits history lovers, scenery seekers, and those eager for a taste of Turkish culture beyond Istanbul. If you’re comfortable with a full day of travel and want a structured tour that covers key sights, this is a good choice. However, if you prefer a more leisurely pace or more in-depth exploration of Bursa, you might want to consider other options or split the trip into two days.

Final Thoughts

The Bursa Day Trip from Istanbul offers a well-rounded snapshot of Turkey’s Ottoman past, natural beauty, and vibrant markets. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy guided tours with included transportation and scenic rides. The highlight for many is the cable car ride and the historic mosques, which give you a real sense of Bursa’s charm.

While the long hours and some reports of discomfort are considerations, the opportunity to experience Bursa’s unique architecture, mountain views, and delicious sweets make it worthwhile for many travelers. It’s a solid choice for those who want a value-packed, authentic day outside Istanbul, especially if they’re prepared for a busy schedule.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient to start your day without additional transportation worries.

How long is the ferry ride? The ferry crossing from Istanbul to Bursa takes approximately 2 hours, providing scenic views of the Bosporus and bridges.

Are the cable car rides included? Yes, the cable car to Mount Uludağ is part of the tour and lasts about 30 minutes, offering fantastic mountain views.

What should I wear? Dress comfortably for a full day out, including layers for the mountain, and wear sturdy shoes for walking at sights.

Is lunch included? Yes, a traditional Turkish meal is included at a mountain restaurant, giving you a taste of local cuisine.

Can I expect a lot of shopping stops? Yes, there is a stop at a Turkish delight shop, which some travelers find enjoyable, but others consider it a quick commercial break.

This Bursa day trip balances scenic beauty, cultural sights, and local flavor, making it a worthwhile option if you’re looking to expand your Turkish adventure beyond Istanbul. Just be ready for the long day and some crowded moments — the views and historical sites are well worth it.