Bursa And Uludağ Tour From İstanbul Included Lunch & Cable Car

The Bursa and Uludağ tour from Istanbul offers a compelling mix of historical and natural attractions. Travelers can explore the Grand Mosque, wander through the Old Silk Market, and enjoy a scenic cable car ride to the summit of Uludağ. While the tour includes lunch at a local restaurant, showcasing Turkish cuisine, some guests have reported issues with rushed schedules and organization. Understanding these potential drawbacks could help travelers make an informed decision about this excursion.

Key Points

• The Bursa and Uludağ tour from Istanbul includes an air-conditioned vehicle, lunch, hotel pickup/drop-off, and a local guide.
• Highlights of the tour are the Grand Mosque, Old Silk Market, and panoramic views from Uludağ mountain.
• The tour offers an optional cable car ride to Uludağ mountain.
• Pickup locations are limited to certain areas in Istanbul, and no pickups are available from the Asian side.
• Reviews indicate a mixed experience, with some travelers noting a rushed itinerary and issues with communication and organization.

Tour Overview

The Bursa and Uludağ tour from Istanbul provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the historic city of Bursa and the scenic mountain of Uludağ.

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a local guide. Travelers also have the option to take a cable car ride.

The tour’s reviews are mixed, with an average rating of 3.8 out of 5 from 117 reviews. While some praise the beautiful sights and comfortable transportation, others complain about excessive shopping stops, delayed meals, and poor organization.

The tour costs from $42.77 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup from various locations in Istanbul, though no pickups are available from the Asian side.

After the convenient pickup, the journey continues to the historic city of Bursa. Highlights include exploring the Grand Mosque, the Old Silk Market, and the stunning panoramic views from the top of Uludağ mountain, accessible via an optional cable car ride.

Lunch is provided at a local restaurant, offering a chance to savor Turkish cuisine.

The tour concludes with a return to Istanbul, though some travelers note the itinerary can feel rushed with limited time at key sites.

Pickup and Meeting Details

Various pickup locations are available from across Istanbul for this tour, including Fındıkzade, Aksaray, Laleli, Beyazıt, Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Tepebaşı, Şişhane, Taksim, Talimhane, Maçka, Şişli, and Beşiktaş.

However, no pickup is offered from hotels on the Asian side of Istanbul.

Confirmation of the pickup time and location will be provided via WhatsApp or email on the day of the tour.

The designated meeting point is Marmara Taksim, located at Gümüşsuyu, Osmanlı Sk. No:1 D:B, 34437 Beyoğlu/Istanbul.

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation, a midday meal, hotel pickup and drop-off services, and a local guide to lead the way.

The tour also offers an optional cable car ride at Uludağ mountain.

However, the following aren’t included:

• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Gratuities for the guide and driver

The tour price starts from $42.77 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

The maximum group size is 30 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

Traveler Reviews and Ratings

Numerous travelers have provided mixed reviews on the overall experience of the Bursa and Uludağ tour from Istanbul.

Positive comments mention the enjoyable trip, great views, helpful guides, and good value for the price.

However, negative feedback cites issues like disorganized itineraries, excessive shopping stops, uncomfortable vehicles, and unprofessional guide interactions.

Several customers noted inconsistent communication regarding pickup, late returns, and misleading tour descriptions.

Travelers are advised to be cautious about the accuracy of the tour’s advertised details, as the experience may not align with expectations, especially for those seeking in-depth cultural experiences.

Potential Issues and Considerations

Travelers considering the Bursa and Uludağ tour from Istanbul should be aware of potential issues that may impact their overall experience. The tour has received mixed reviews, with common complaints about excessive shopping stops, inadequate time at key locations, and delayed lunch service.

Plus, the organization and professionalism of the guides have been inconsistent, and the tour descriptions may not always accurately reflect the actual experience.

Some key considerations include:

1. Long travel times (up to 15 hours) with limited sightseeing opportunities.
2. Potential for poor communication regarding pickup details and itinerary changes.
3. Possibility of feeling rushed or unsatisfied with the overall culture.

Recommended Improvements

To improve the Bursa and Uludağ tour from Istanbul, tour operators could make several key changes.

Firstly, they should provide a clearer, more accurate itinerary to manage traveler expectations. Reducing the number of shopping stops and allowing more time at historical sites would enhance the cultural experience.

Plus, better organization and communication around pickup and drop-off times could address issues with delayed returns.

Hiring more professional, knowledgeable guides who can share in-depth historical information would also improve the overall tour quality.

These changes could help address the common complaints and deliver a more satisfying experience for travelers.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

As per the tour details, the booking and cancellation policy for the Bursa and Uludağ tour from Istanbul allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the tour date.

The pricing for the tour starts from $42.77 per person, and the maximum group size is 30 travelers.

The key aspects of the booking and cancellation policy are:

1. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
2. No refunds for cancellations within 24 hours of the tour.
3. Confirmation and pickup details communicated via WhatsApp or email on the tour day.

Ask Away

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may not be the most suitable for children. The long travel times, potential late lunch, and lack of child-focused activities could make it challenging for families. Parents should carefully consider their child’s needs before booking this tour.

Can Dietary Requirements Be Accommodated?

The tour provider may accommodate dietary requirements, but it’s best to inquire directly. Some reviews mention issues with the included lunch, so communicating any special needs in advance is recommended to ensure a satisfactory dining experience.

Are Photography Opportunities Available During the Tour?

The tour provides ample opportunities for photography, with scenic views of the Uludağ mountain range and the city of Bursa. Travelers can capture landscapes, architecture, and cultural sights during the excursion, though the duration for photography may be limited.

What Languages Does the Tour Guide Speak?

The tour guide typically speaks Turkish and English. However, the reviews indicate inconsistencies in the guide’s level of English proficiency and ability to provide historical information, so language support may vary across different tour experiences.

Are There Any Discounts or Promotions Available?

The tour provider sometimes offers discounts or promotions, such as early booking discounts or package deals. Customers are advised to check the tour website or inquire directly for any current offers that may be available.

Final Words

The Bursa and Uludağ tour from Istanbul offers a well-rounded experience, blending historical and natural attractions. Travelers can enjoy the Grand Mosque, Old Silk Market, and a scenic cable car ride to Uludağ. However, some guests have reported issues with rushed schedules and disorganization. The tour provides a convenient way to explore these destinations, but travelers should be mindful of potential time constraints.