Bursa Full-Day Tour From Istanbul With Cable Car

Planning a day trip from Istanbul to Bursa? We’ve looked into this popular full-day tour, and what it offers—along with the real experiences travelers report—to help you decide if it’s worth your time and money.

What we love about this tour is how it combines transportation, sightseeing, and cultural treats into one package—no need to fuss about logistics. The cable car ride to Uludag Mountain promises stunning views, the visit to the Green Mosque delivers a dose of Ottoman architecture, and the included Turkish delight sampling offers a sweet taste of local tradition. Plus, it’s great value for the price, with all admissions, lunch, and transportation covered.

However, some travelers mention that the day can stretch quite long, and the stops at shops along the way might feel more commercial than cultural. It’s important to consider that this tour appeals most to those who prefer an organized, hassle-free experience rather than a deeply immersive historical deep dive.

This trip suits those with moderate physical fitness, a curiosity for Turkish culture, and limited time in Istanbul but eager to see a different side of Turkey. If you’re ready to enjoy scenic vistas, historic buildings, and regional treats without doing the planning, this might just be your perfect day out.

This experience made our article of You’ll Love These 14 Full-Day Tours In Istanbul.

Key Points

• All-inclusive convenience makes it ideal for travelers who dislike planning.
• Comfortable transportation like air-conditioned buses and a scenic ferry ride.
• Diverse highlights including Uludag Mountain, Green Mosque, and Turkish delights.
• Long but rewarding day with plenty of opportunities for photos and exploration.
• Mixed reviews about the pacing and shop stops—be prepared for some commercial stops.
• Perfect for those seeking a balance of nature, culture, and easy logistics.

An In-Depth Look at the Bursa Full-Day Tour from Istanbul

If you’re considering taking a day trip from Istanbul to Bursa, this tour offers a comprehensive way to see the highlights without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. For just around $60, you get a package that covers transportation, admission fees, a traditional lunch, and a cable car ride—complete with a guide to fill in the gaps.

How the Day Unfolds: The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: Taksim Square at 8:30 am, the tour kicks off with a hotel pick-up, which is a real perk—no need to haul yourself to a meeting point. The bus, fully air-conditioned, makes the 2-hour drive across the Marmara Sea, during which your guide will likely share tidbits about Bursa’s history and the significance of the bridges connecting Asia and Europe.

The ferry ride itself is a highlight, offering scenic views of the Bosporus and its famous bridges. Travelers frequently mention how this adds a relaxing, picturesque element to an otherwise busy day. One reviewer pointed out that while the ferry isn’t always explicitly listed, it’s an important part of the journey, offering a refreshing perspective on the crossing.

In Bursa: First stop at a Turkish delight shop—a must for any sweet tooth. Reviewers appreciated the chance to sample and buy authentic Turkish delights, with some mentioning that the flavors were memorable, making it a fun snack stop. Just be aware that some felt these stops leaned towards commercialism, with sales pitches that could be a little aggressive.

Next, the cable car ride up Uludag Mountain is a real star attraction. A major difference from other tours, this experience uses a true cable car (about 30 minutes each way) rather than a quick chairlift. Several reviews rave about how the views are breathtaking, especially in winter when the mountain is snow-capped. One traveler mentioned that the ride is the “trophy” of the trip, and others noted that it’s worth the extra cost for the authentic experience.

Arriving at Bursa city center, you’ll visit the 600-year-old plane tree, a surprisingly impressive sight that travelers recommend for photos and a quick break from the bus. Following this, lunch is served at a local restaurant—a hearty Turkish meal in a peaceful setting, with many describing it as delicious and filling. Some reviews express a desire for more time here, as it’s a good chance to relax and soak in the mountain air.

Post-lunch, there’s a visit to the Green Mosque, renowned for its beautiful green tiles and Ottoman architecture. Inside, the guide will likely point out the various rooms, including a library and tombs, giving visitors a taste of Bursa’s religious and cultural significance. Reviewers frequently mention the beauty of the interior as a highlight.

The Balance of Nature, Culture, and Commercialism

While some travelers, like Cesar, found the itinerary well-balanced, others felt it was a bit too weighted towards commercial stops, with unnecessary extra activities like jeep safaris, honey shops, or jam stores. A few reviews noted that these added stops can extend the day and sometimes detract from the core sights, making the trip feel longer than necessary.

Transport and Timing: The full-day tour lasts approximately 12-14 hours, with pickup early in the morning and a return to Istanbul late evening. The bus, with a maximum group size of around 40, offers a manageable size, but some reviews mention that the journey can feel lengthy, especially if the driver or guide isn’t engaging.

Guide Experience: Many reviews praise the guides for their helpfulness and friendliness. One reviewer highlighted “Mohammad” as especially helpful, noting that the guide’s local knowledge really enhanced the experience. Conversely, some felt that the guide’s commentary was minimal at times, and music was often played during the bus ride, which could detract from the experience.

Value for Money: At $60 per person, this tour is considered a good deal, especially since it includes all transportation, admissions, and lunch. Travelers often mention that they appreciated not having to worry about extra costs, and the included ferry ride adds a scenic touch that is often overlooked in other tours.

Authentic Experiences vs. Commercial Stops

Reviews paint a picture of a tour that’s a bit of a mixed bag. Some travelers, like Cesar and Dewiyuniati, loved the scenic cable car rides and the chance to see Bursa’s historic sites, calling the experience “amazing” or “very good.” Others, like Suresh and Luisa, felt the stops at shops and unnecessary activities wasted time, with one even describing the trip as a “waste of a day.”

One recurring theme is that the main attractions, such as the cable car, Green Mosque, and the old city’s charm, are genuinely memorable. However, the frequent shopping stops can be hit or miss, so if you’re not interested in spending extra time and money at these shops, you might find the itinerary a bit frustrating.

Safety, Comfort, and Practicalities

Most travelers report that the transportation is comfortable, with air conditioning and enough space for everyone. The ferry ride is smooth, and the cable car is generally safe, offering panoramic views of Bursa and Uludag. However, some reviews mention the driver being on the phone during the trip, which raises questions about safety—something to be aware of if safety is a priority for you.

The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness—you’ll be walking around the historic sites and waiting in line at the cable car. If you have mobility issues or are prone to fatigue, consider this when booking.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This excursion is ideal for first-time visitors to Istanbul who want a well-organized, all-in-one day trip to see Bursa’s highlights without the stress of planning. It’s also perfect for those who love scenic mountain views, historic mosques, and sampling local sweets.

However, if you prefer a more immersive, flexible experience, or dislike long bus journeys with frequent shop stops, this tour might feel a bit rushed or commercial. It’s also worth noting that some reviews mention a long day, so those with limited stamina or tight schedules should consider whether this fits their travel plans.

FAQs

How long does the entire trip take?
Expect around 12 to 14 hours from pickup to return, including travel time, sightseeing, and meals.

Is the ferry ride included?
Yes, the ferry crossing from Istanbul to Bursa is part of the tour, offering scenic views of the Bosporus and bridges.

What’s included in the price?
Transportation, ferry, cable car ride, entrance fees, lunch, insurance, and pickup/drop-off from your hotel.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund.

Is the cable car ride a real cable car?
Absolutely, the tour includes a 30-minute cable car ride, which many reviews say is a highlight.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and outdoor sightseeing. Be prepared for mountain weather if visiting Uludag.

Does the tour include a guide?
Yes, an English-speaking guide accompanies the group, sharing insights and helping with questions.

Are shopping stops mandatory?
Not necessarily, but stops at Turkish delight and other shops are part of the itinerary, which some travelers find enjoyable and others find excessive.

What’s the lunch like?
A traditional Turkish barbecue meal, described as delicious and filling, served at a local restaurant.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Most travelers say yes, but consider the walking and long hours; moderate physical fitness is recommended.

Final Thoughts

This full-day Bursa tour from Istanbul offers a convenient, reasonably priced way to experience a different part of Turkey. It packs in highlights like Uludag’s scenic cable car, Bursa’s historic sites, and regional treats, all with the comfort of organized transportation and guided commentary.

While some may find the stops at shops a bit commercial or the day long, the authentic views, friendly guides, and well-chosen attractions make it a solid choice for travelers wanting a taste of Bursa without personal planning stress.

If you enjoy scenic mountain rides, historic architecture, and local delicacies, and don’t mind a full day on the move, this tour will give you a memorable glimpse of Turkey’s Ottoman past and natural beauty—without the hassle of figuring out the logistics yourself.

In summary, this tour offers great value for those seeking a hassle-free day trip to Bursa, with a good mix of nature, culture, and regional flavor. It’s best suited for curious travelers who enjoy organized excursions and are comfortable with a busy schedule. Keep in mind the mixed reviews about shop stops and pacing, and plan accordingly for a full, fun-filled day.