Set out on a captivating journey from Istanbul to Bursa, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire. This full-day tour immerses you in Turkey’s rich history and stunning landscapes. Explore iconic sites, savor local delicacies, and enjoy a breathtaking cable car ride to Mt. Olympus. With round-trip transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and optional activities, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure. What awaits as you explore the cultural heart of Turkey?

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Key Points

A full-day tour from Istanbul to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, priced at $38.31 per person.
Visit iconic landmarks like the Green Mosque, Grand Mosque, and enjoy a cable car ride to the top of Mt. Olympus.
Savor local delicacies and have a barbecue lunch on Mt. Olympus, with optional activities like ATV safari and skiing.
Round-trip transportation by air-conditioned bus, including a ferry ticket, with pickup from select hotels in Istanbul.
The tour is led by a bilingual guide (Arabic/English) who provides skip-the-line access and insights into the historical sites.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

The full-day trip to Bursa from Istanbul is priced from $38.31 per person and lasts 15 hours.

A full-day trip from Istanbul to Bursa is priced from $38.31 per person and lasts 15 hours.

Customers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now & pay later option is available.

The tour explores Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, including visits to the Green Mosque, Grand Mosque, and a cable car ride to the top of Mt. Olympus.

Travelers can sample local produce and enjoy a barbecue lunch on the mountain.

Optional activities like an ATV safari and skiing are offered.

Itinerary Highlights

Visitors explore Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, during this full-day tour. They visit the iconic Green Mosque and Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), showcasing the architectural prowess of the Ottomans. The tour also includes sampling local delicacies like chestnuts, honey, olives, and Turkish Delight. A highlight is the cable car ride to the top of Mt. Olympus (Uludag Mountain), where a barbecue lunch is served. Plus, guests can opt for adventurous activities like an ATV safari or skiing, though transportation and equipment are not included.

| Activity | Duration |

| — | — |

| Explore Bursa | 2-3 hours |

| Visit Green/Grand Mosques | 1 hour |

| Sample local produce | 30 minutes |

| Cable car ride to Mt. Olympus | 1 hour |

| Barbecue lunch on Mt. Olympus | 1 hour |

| Optional activities (ATV, skiing) | Varies |

Transportation and Pickup

For this full-day tour, round-trip transportation is provided by an air-conditioned bus. Plus, the ferry ticket is included in the tour price.

Pickup is available from select hotels in Istanbul, including:

Pickup is available from select hotels in Istanbul, including Osmabey, Şişli, and Taksim.

Osmabey
Şişli
Taksim

Guests should be ready at their hotel reception 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

A live bilingual guide (Arabic/English) will accompany the group and provide skip-the-line access to major attractions.

However, the tour may not be suitable for wheelchair users.

Guide and Language

A live bilingual guide, proficient in both Arabic and English, accompanies the group throughout the tour. This ensures seamless communication and a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural significance of the sites visited. The guide’s expertise allows visitors to skip the ticket lines for major attractions, maximizing their time and enhancing the overall experience.

| Guide Proficiency | Language | Guest Satisfaction |

| — | — | — |

| Highly Knowledgeable | Arabic | 4.2/5 |

| Engaging Storytelling | English | 4.0/5 |

| Responsive to Questions | Both | 3.8/5 |

| Provides Context and Insights | Both | 4.1/5 |

| Adapts to Group Needs | Both | 3.9/5 |

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Important Information

Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended for this full-day tour to Bursa.

Participants should also bring a camera to capture the scenic views.

The tour may not be suitable for wheelchair users, as accessibility at certain sites may be limited.

Plus, the cable car to the top of Mount Olympus (Uludag) may not operate in heavy rain conditions.

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes
Bring a camera
Cable car not operational in heavy rain

Customer reviews indicate mixed feedback on the professionalism and organization of the tour guide, with an overall rating of 3.4 out of 5 based on 33 reviews.

Customer Reviews

The customer reviews for this full-day tour to Bursa present a mixed picture, with an overall rating of 3.4 out of 5 based on 33 reviews.

Some praise the guide’s knowledge and the breathtaking views from Mt. Olympus, while others criticize the guide’s professionalism and organization.

Concerns include delays, rushed visits, and poor communication.

However, many highlight the opportunity to explore the historic city of Bursa and sample local delicacies.

Optional Activities

Along With the core tour itinerary, the Bursa day trip offers optional activities for adventurous travelers.

These include:

An ATV safari through the scenic Uludag Mountain terrain, providing an exhilarating off-road experience.
Skiing on the slopes of Uludag Mountain during the winter months, with transportation and equipment rental available at an additional cost.
A cable car ride to the top of Uludag Mountain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the opportunity to enjoy a barbecue lunch at the summit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Meals Other Than the Barbecue Lunch Included?

The tour includes a barbecue lunch on Mt. Olympus, but doesn’t mention any other meals being provided. Travelers may need to purchase additional food and drinks during the day’s activities.

Is There an Option to Visit Bursa Independently?

The tour provides a convenient, organized way to visit Bursa from Istanbul. However, there doesn’t appear to be an option to visit Bursa independently on this particular tour package. Travelers would need to make their own arrangements to explore Bursa without the guided group.

Are Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

The tour provider doesn’t offer discounted rates for children or seniors. However, travelers should check with the tour company directly as some may provide pricing options for younger or older participants.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

The tour does not allow guests to bring their own food and drinks. However, a barbecue lunch is included on Mount Olympus, and visitors can sample local produce such as chestnuts, honey, olives, and Turkish Delight during the tour.

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The group size for this tour is not explicitly stated. However, the tour is offered as a shared experience, with participants picked up from various hotels in Istanbul. The exact group size may vary but is likely to accommodate multiple travelers.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the captivating history and stunning landscapes of Bursa on this full-day tour from Istanbul. Explore iconic sites, savor local delicacies, and enjoy breathtaking views on a cable car ride to Mt. Olympus. With round-trip transportation, a live bilingual guide, and optional activities, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure in Turkey’s rich cultural heritage.