Bursa and Uludağ Tour: A Day Trip from Istanbul with Cable Car to Ottoman Heritage
This tour offers an unforgettable escape for those who want to discover Bursa, the first great capital of the Ottoman Empire, and Uludağ, one of Turkey's most famous mountains, all in a single day. You are picked up from your hotel in Istanbul between 08:00 and 08:20 in the morning and dropped back at your hotel in the evening; this full-day trip combines history, nature and mountain scenery.
You set off in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional guide who speaks English and Arabic. As you cross the Gulf of İzmit by ferry, you feel the cool breeze of the Marmara on your face. Along the way, your guide tells the story of Bursa's founding, the early years of the Ottoman Empire and the local flavors.
Along the route are an optional ATV safari in Yalova, a traditional Turkish delight shop, the tombs of Osman Gazi and Orhan Gazi in Tophane, free time on forest-covered Uludağ, a scenic cable car descent from Uludağ to Bursa, the Green Mosque and Green Tomb famous for their tiles, and the historic silk bazaar. In winter, Uludağ turns into a snow-covered fairy-tale land.
The ferry crossing, guiding and all transportation are included in the tour price. Lunch and the cable car vary by option: you can choose the transport-only option, the option with lunch, or the option including lunch and the cable car. Lunch consists of traditional Turkish cuisine at a local restaurant with a mountain view, accompanied by a non-alcoholic drink.
The tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, families and guests who want to see snow. It is recommended to bring warm clothing, comfortable shoes and your camera. You can cancel free of charge up to 1 day before the tour. Not suitable for guests over 95 years old.
Tour Information
- Duration: 12 Hour
- Languages: en, ar
- Categories: Nature and Adventure Tours, Daily Tours, Historical & Archaeological Tours, Turkey Tours, City Tours & Cultural Trips
- Age Groups: Baby: 0 - 2 · Child: 3 - 11 · Adult: 12 - 99
Included Services
- Professional Guide
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
- Boat / ferry ticket
- Photo stops
Not Included
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Food and drinks not included in the menu
Meeting & End Points
- Starting Point: Sultanahmet Meydanı
- Ending Point: Sultanahmet Meydanı
Meeting Points
- Sultanahmet Square — Binbirdirek, Sultan Ahmet Parkı No:2, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
- Sultanahmet — Sultanahmet
- Laleli — Laleli
- Taksim Square — Taksim Meydanı
- Karaköy — Karaköy
Tour Route
08:20 · Sultanahmet Meydanı — Pickup from Your Hotel in Istanbul
Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in central Istanbul; the exact pickup time will be confirmed before the tour. We recommend being ready in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before your pickup time. A short rest break will be taken along the way.09:45 · Ferry Crossing of Izmit Bay
Board the ferry together with your vehicle and cross Izmit Bay. During the approximately 40-minute crossing, you can enjoy tea on deck and take photos accompanied by views of the Marmara Sea and the seagulls.10:45 · Optional ATV Safari in Yalova
Add some excitement to your day by joining an ATV safari amid the lush nature of Yalova. The ATV safari is optional and charged separately on site; guests who do not take part can enjoy a short break during this time.12:00 · Turkish Delight Break in Bursa
Upon arriving in Bursa, you will taste Turkish delight and local sweets at a traditional delight shop. It is a great opportunity to buy gifts for your loved ones; shopping is entirely optional.12:40 · Tombs of Osman Gazi and Orhan Gazi in Tophane
In the historic Tophane district overlooking Bursa, you will visit the tombs of Osman Gazi, founder of the Ottoman Empire, and his son Orhan Gazi. As your guide recounts the story of the empire's founding, the panoramic view of the city unfolds before you.13:15 · Lunch with Mountain Views
Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch with a soft drink at a restaurant with mountain views along the Uludağ road. Lunch is included in the options with meals; if you choose the transportation-only option, you may pay on site if you wish.14:30 · Free Time at Uludağ
With its lush forests, fresh mountain air and stunning views, you'll have about 1.5 hours of free time at Uludağ. You can take photos, relax with a warm drink at the mountain cafés, and enjoy the snow in winter. In winter, Uludağ can be cold and snowy; bringing warm clothing and non-slip shoes is recommended.16:00 · Scenic Cable Car Descent to Bursa
You'll glide down by cable car from Uludağ to Bursa; forests, mountain slopes and the city stretch out beneath your feet. The cable car is included only in the cable car option and operates subject to weather and capacity.16:45 · Green Mosque, Green Tomb and Silk Bazaar
You'll visit the Green Mosque, considered one of the masterpieces of Ottoman art with its tiles, and the Green Tomb opposite it. Then you can browse local textile products and souvenirs at the historic silk bazaar.17:45 · Sultanahmet Meydanı — Return to Istanbul
After a full day, you'll set off for Istanbul. Depending on traffic, you'll be dropped off at your hotel or the designated point in the evening.
Popular Points
- Negmar Narlı Eskihisar Ferry Pier
- Yalova
- Hacivat & Karagöz Turkish Delight Shop
- Osman Gazi Tomb
- Kerasus Mountain Restaurant
- Uludağ Sarıalan
- Uludağ Cable Car
- Green Mosque
Tour Rules
What to Bring and Dress Code
- Allowed: Comfortable shoes
- Allowed: Raincoat or jacket
Good to Know
- Allowed: The program or departure point may change in bad weather
- Allowed: The program may change depending on traffic conditions
Booking Conditions
- Confirmation is required after reservation.
- (Taxes Included)
Upcoming Departures
Tap a date to open the booking calendar with that date selected.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Are taxes included in the tour price?
- Yes, taxes are included in the prices shown on this page.