Istanbul: Bursa and Uludag Full-Day Trip with Cable Car Ride

Istanbul: Bursa and Uludag Full-Day Trip with Cable Car Ride
Location: Marmara Region, Turkey
Country: Turkey
Rating: 3.9/5 (143 reviews)
Price: $54 per person
Duration: 12 hours
Supplier: Sightseeing Tour Istanbul

A Quick Look at the Experience
This full-day excursion from Istanbul takes you to the historic city of Bursa and the snowy heights of Uludag Mountain. With a price tag of just $54, it offers a package of cultural sights, scenic views, and outdoor fun, including a cable car ride that’s often highlighted as a highlight.
We especially enjoyed the chance to visit the Green Mosque and Green Tomb, two of Bursa’s most revered landmarks, and the opportunity to experience Uludag’s winter sports—something unique for travelers coming from warmer climates. The local mixed grill lunch at the mountain’s foot adds a tasty, hearty touch to the day.

A couple of things to keep in mind: the long travel times (the trip lasts around 12 hours) and the busy schedule means you’ll need to be comfortable with a packed day. If you’re eager to explore at a relaxed pace or prioritize a single site, this may feel a bit rushed.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, value-for-money day out that combines cultural sights with mountain adventures. If you’re okay with the long day and appreciate a guided experience, you’ll probably find it worthwhile.

Key Points

Cultural Highlights: Visiting Bursa’s Green Mosque and Tomb offers insight into Ottoman architecture and Islamic art.
Spectacular Views: The cable car ride delivers panoramic vistas of Uludag and the surrounding landscape.
Outdoor Fun: Winter sports such as skiing and motor skiing are available for active travelers.
Authentic Flavors: Enjoy a local mixed grill lunch and sample traditional Turkish products like Turkish delight, honey, and jam.
Convenience and Value: Hotel pickup, transportation, guide, and cable car included make this trip practical and affordable.
Long but Rewarding: Be prepared for a 12-hour day, with some reviews mentioning it can feel a bit rushed, especially if you want more time at each stop.

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A Deep Dive Into the Trip

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The Itinerary and What to Expect

From the moment we’re picked up from our Istanbul hotel—whether in Sultanahmet, Taksim, or Şişli—the journey begins. The bus ride can be lengthy, often around 12 hours total, but it’s well-organized, with a friendly guide (notably Burak and Dohan in reviews) who makes the time pass with interesting commentary and good humor.

The first stop is the 600-year-old Inkaya Tree, a symbol of Bursa and a perfect photo opportunity. It’s impressive to see a tree that’s lasted hundreds of years and still stands strong. It’s a brief visit but adds a touch of natural beauty and history.

Next, the trip shifts to Uludag Mountain, where we hop onto the cable car for breathtaking views. The cable car ride is one of the high points—stunning vistas of snow-covered peaks and forests—and definitely worth the extra fee. Despite the occasional complaint about dirt on the cable car windows, most found the views spectacular and well worth the wait.

Once at the top, you have free time to indulge in winter sports—skiing, motor skiing, or simply wandering around enjoying the snow. Several reviews mention how special it was to experience snow for the first time, especially coming from warmer climates. The experience is made more accessible because the tour includes a bus transfer to the summit and a cable car ride down, saving you the hassle of organizing your own transport.

The lunch at a local restaurant at the mountain’s base offers a hearty mixed grill, with some reviewers recommending paying extra for the aubergine dish. The meal is straightforward but flavorful, giving you plenty of energy for the afternoon ahead.

After lunch, the tour moves to the Green Social Complex, home to the Green Mosque and Green Tomb—two of Bursa’s most revered Islamic monuments. The buildings’ delicate tile work and architecture are captivating, offering insight into Ottoman craftsmanship.

Following the cultural stops, you’ll enjoy a visit to local shops for Turkish delights, honey, jam, and other preserved goods. While these shopping stops are not included in the price, they provide an authentic opportunity to buy souvenirs directly from producers.

The return journey includes a scenic ferry crossing (if available), adding a different dimension to the trip, before heading back to Istanbul. Many reviews note that the long day is tiring but overall rewarding, with guides doing their best to keep the group engaged and comfortable.

The Guides and Transportation

The reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides like Burak and Dohan. They keep the group informed and entertained, sharing stories and historical insights that enrich the experience. One reviewer mentioned that their guide was “funny and very vigilant,” making the long day more enjoyable.

Transportation is generally comfortable, with air-conditioned buses, although some travelers found the seats a bit cramped during the lengthy ride. The pickup and drop-off service at multiple Istanbul locations is very convenient, saving you from navigating city traffic yourself.

The Pros and Cons

Pros:
– Excellent value—costs include entrance fees, cable car ride, and lunch.
– Authentic experiences with visits to historical sites and local markets.
– Spectacular panoramic views from the Uludag cable car.
– Opportunity for winter sports or snow activities, a rare find for many travelers.
– Friendly, knowledgeable guides who enhance the experience.

Cons:
– The long hours can be tiring, especially if you prefer a more relaxed pace.
– Some stops, like shopping at tourist shops, could feel rushed or unnecessary for certain travelers.
– The cable car may be closed in heavy rain, and in such cases, a bus replaces it, potentially limiting scenic views.
– The bus seats are somewhat small, which might be uncomfortable during the long ride.

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Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is perfect if you’re looking for a packed, full-day experience that balances culture, nature, and outdoor adventure. It suits travelers who don’t mind a long day on the road and want a cost-effective way to see Bursa and Uludag without the hassle of organizing transport and tickets themselves.

If you love historic architecture, snowy mountain scenery, and the chance to try winter sports in Turkey’s best ski area, this tour ticks those boxes. It’s less suitable if you’re seeking a leisurely pace or prefer to spend more time at a single site—some travelers found the schedule a bit rushed.

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Practical Tips for Travelers

Wear comfortable shoes, especially for walking on uneven surfaces and snow.
Bring a camera—the views from the cable car and mountain are memorable.
Have your passport or ID handy for any site visits or border controls.
Be prepared for long bus rides—a snack or some entertainment helps.
If you’re interested in skiing or motor skiing, check if you need to rent equipment separately (not included in the tour).
Remember, the cable car might be closed in heavy rain, so stay flexible with your expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from many central locations in Istanbul, making it easy to start your day without additional logistics.

How long is the total trip?
The entire day lasts around 12 hours, from early morning pickup to late evening return, so it’s a full day out.

What sights are included in the tour?
You’ll visit the Inkaya Tree, Uludag Mountain (including a cable car ride), the Green Mosque and Tomb, and local markets for shopping.

Can I do winter sports?
Yes, the tour offers free time for activities like skiing or motor skiing at Uludag, although equipment rental is not included.

Is there an option if the cable car is closed?
If the cable car cannot operate due to weather, a bus will take you down the mountain instead, which might limit the scenic experience.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and your passport or ID. Weather can vary, so consider bringing warm clothing and possibly sunglasses for mountain views.

Final Thoughts

This full-day tour from Istanbul to Bursa and Uludag offers a solid mix of history, culture, and mountain adventure—all at a very attractive price. With the guidance of friendly, knowledgeable guides and the thrill of panoramic cable car rides, it appeals to travelers eager for a diverse, authentic experience. While the long hours and packed schedule might not suit everyone, those who enjoy a well-organized day of sightseeing and outdoor fun will find plenty to love.

If you’re after a value-packed, scenic, and culturally enriching day trip, this adventure checks most boxes. It’s especially good for those who want a taste of winter sports and snowy landscapes without straying too far from Istanbul.

Enjoy exploring Bursa’s historic sites, and don’t forget your camera—Uludag’s vistas are truly spectacular. This trip promises a memorable day that blends Turkey’s rich history with its natural beauty, perfect for adventurous and curious travelers alike.