Daily Bursa Uludag Mountain & Cable Car Tour with Lunch from Istanbul

Experience the beauty and history of Bursa and Uludag Mountains on a full-day guided tour from Istanbul for about $55.26 per person. Departing early from your Istanbul hotel, the tour takes you across the Sea of Marmara to Yalova, then through scenic landscapes towards Bursa, one of Turkey’s most historic cities. The day includes a cable car ride over Uludag’s alpine scenery, visits to significant Ottoman mausoleums and mosques, and a walk among ancient trees in Inkaya Village. The tour wraps up with a ride down the mountain and a satisfying lunch, making it a well-rounded day of nature, history, and culture.

What we love most about this experience is how it combines convenience with authenticity. First, the hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off mean you don’t have to worry about navigating public transport or city traffic. Second, the guided commentary enriches each stop, helping us understand why these sites matter. On the flip side, a potential drawback is the long travel time, which can feel a bit tiring if you’re not used to full-day excursions. Still, if you enjoy exploring multiple sites in one day, this tour offers great value and variety.

This tour is perfect for those who want a balanced mix of nature, history, and local flavor. It suits travelers eager for an organized trip that covers key sights without the hassle of planning, especially if you appreciate a guided experience that provides context and storytelling. Just keep in mind the length and pace—it’s a full day, and the journey involves some time on the road.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation with air conditioning and hotel pickup.
• Guided visits to prominent Ottoman sites, offering cultural insights.
• Spectacular cable car ride over Uludag Mountain with scenic views.
• Inclusion of a delicious lunch with a soft drink, adding local flavor.
• Flexible options for extra activities like quad biking, though at an additional cost.
• Ideal for travelers seeking a mix of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration.

Exploring Bursa and Uludag: The Practicalities

If you’re considering this tour, you’re likely drawn to the idea of escaping Istanbul’s hustle for a day of natural beauty and historic charm. The tour is priced at just over 55 dollars, which is reasonable considering the transport, guide, cable car ride, and meals are included. It’s also booked about 20 days in advance on average, indicating a steady interest among visitors.

The journey begins early, with a 9:00 am start, giving you plenty of time to see key sights and enjoy the mountain scenery without feeling rushed. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort during the roughly 2-hour ride from Istanbul, which is a vital feature given Turkey’s summer heat or winter chill.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Yalova

The day kicks off with a brief stop in Yalova, where you have the opportunity to relax and, if you wish, try a quad bike ride. This optional activity isn’t included in the price but can be fun if you’re feeling adventurous. The time here is about an hour, enough for a quick rest and a stretch after the drive.

Reviews mention Yalova’s scenery and note the optional quad biking as a fun addition, but some travelers may find the stop somewhat brief if they’re eager to explore more.

Stop 2: Bursa

Next, you’ll arrive in Bursa after a scenic 70-minute drive. The city is rich in history and famous for its Ottoman architecture and thermal baths. A quick visit to a Turkish delights factory gives a taste of local craftsmanship, and many find the free shopping time here appealing.

One reviewer appreciated the interesting and gorgeous views of the mountain, while others felt the trip was mostly travel with not enough time to explore everything at each stop. Still, this stop offers a glimpse into Bursa’s vibrant culture and culinary delights.

Stop 3 & 4: Green Tomb & Green Mosque

The next stops are the Green Tomb and Green Mosque, both adorned with the signature green and blue tiles that define Ottoman art. They’re informative for history buffs and visually stunning for anyone who loves intricate tile work and Ottoman architecture.

The Green Tomb is the mausoleum of Sultan Mehmed I and provides insight into Ottoman funerary architecture, while the Green Mosque features a striking interior with tile decorations that give it its name. The tours of these sites are about 70 minutes combined, offering enough time to appreciate their beauty and significance.

Stop 5: Inkaya Tarihi Cinar

A highlight for nature lovers is the visit to the 600-year-old Inkaya Plane Tree. This massive, centuries-old tree is physically Turkey’s largest and offers a peaceful moment amid lush surroundings. It’s a perfect spot for photos and for appreciating the natural heritage of the region.

Stop 6: Uludag National Park & Cable Car Ride

Finally, the star of the tour is the Uludag National Park, renowned for its stunning landscapes and winter sports. You’ll take a cable car ride over the mountains, enjoying panoramic views that many travelers find unforgettable. The ride down completes the experience and offers great photo opportunities.

The entire mountain visit lasts around two hours, allowing enough time to soak in the scenery without feeling rushed. If the cable car is temporarily out of service, a bus will substitute, ensuring the ascent and descent are still covered.

Food and Additional Options

Lunch is included, featuring a meal with a soft drink, which helps keep you energized for the afternoon’s sightseeing. Many reviewers appreciated the delicious food, and the included lunch adds value to the overall experience. If you’re vegetarian, a special option is available at booking.

Extra activities like quad biking or chairlift rides are not included but can be purchased separately if you want to extend your adventure.

Practical Considerations for Travelers

Since the tour is designed for convenience, pickup and drop-off are only available from hotels in Istanbul’s European Side—a helpful detail if you’re staying centrally. The tour operates year-round, excluding Ramadan, 1st May, and 1st January, which is good to know for planning.

The small group size—maximum 25 travelers—helps create a more intimate and engaging atmosphere, especially with a bilingual guide available in Arabic and English. Be aware that the total duration, about 12 to 14 hours, makes it a long day, perfect for energetic travelers but potentially tiring for those who prefer shorter excursions.

Authentic Experiences and Honest Feedback

One reviewer summed up the day as “just like spending a lot of time in traveling,” highlighting that the focus is on seeing many sights rather than lingering at each. Others found the gorgeous mountain views and enjoyable cable car ride to be the highlight, emphasizing the visual thrill of Uludag’s scenery.

The free cancellation policy offers peace of mind—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which is helpful if weather or other factors become an issue.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

If you’re looking for a comprehensive day trip from Istanbul with a mix of outdoor activity, history, and culture, this tour offers excellent value. It’s particularly suited for travelers who enjoy guided experiences, want to avoid logistical hassles, and are curious about Ottoman sites and mountain scenery. The included meals, cable car ride, and guided commentary make it a practical choice for those wanting a full, engaging day.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or have limited mobility, a long day with significant travel time might feel exhausting. The optional activities like quad biking can add fun but also cost extra, so plan accordingly.

In all, this tour balances nature, history, and local flavor, giving visitors a memorable taste of Turkey’s inland treasures—no wonder it’s booked so well in advance.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are offered from hotels in Istanbul’s European Side, making it easy to start your day hassle-free.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 12 to 14 hours, including travel time, sightseeing, and lunch.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, guided visits, a traditional lunch with a soft drink, and a cable car ride from Uludag Mountain.

Are there any optional activities?
Yes, quad biking (ATV Safari) is available but at an extra cost. The chairlift ride can also be purchased separately.

What if the cable car is out of service?
In case of technical issues, the ascent and descent will be by bus, ensuring you still enjoy the mountain scenery.

Is vegetarian lunch available?
Yes, vegetarian options can be arranged if you advise at the time of booking.

What about weather conditions?
The tour operates year-round, but if poor weather cancels the cable car, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but the long day and walking involved may not suit everyone, especially those with mobility issues.

If you’re eager to see Turkey’s scenic mountain landscapes and Ottoman marvels without the stress of planning, this Bursa and Uludag tour fits the bill. Just pack comfortable shoes, a camera, and an appetite for Turkish delights!