Best Bursa and Uludag Day Tour with Cable Car From Istanbul for 2026
The allure of Bursa, nestled at the foot of Turkey’s towering Uludağ Mountain and rich with centuries of Ottoman heritage, continues to captivate travelers seeking an immersive day tour from Istanbul. In 2026, the Bursa and Uludag Day Tour—with its seamless blend of cultural exploration, natural wonder, and effortless logistics—stands out as the definitive excursion for visitors wishing to explore beyond Istanbul’s urban splendor, while indulging in the region’s beautiful landscapes, vibrant markets, and historic treasures.
Why Choose a Bursa & Uludag Day Tour from Istanbul?
Opting for a Bursa and Uludag Day Tour from Istanbul yields a uniquely rewarding travel experience unattainable by ordinary city tours. Bursa, Turkey’s fourth largest city and former Ottoman capital, presents a rare convergence of natural bounty and historical richness. The city is celebrated for its iconic monuments, sprawling green spaces, remarkable cuisine, and the immediacy of winter sports on Uludağ. The thoughtfully curated day tour enables you to maximize limited time, navigating seamlessly between verdant forests, grand mosques, centuries-old trees, vibrant markets, and the scenic heights of Uludağ by cable car—all with the convenience of organized transfers, expert guidance, and value for money.
Booking Overview: Tour Date, Duration, and Pricing
For 2026, the Bursa and Uludag Day Tour operates daily, ensuring flexibility and ease of scheduling within your Istanbul itinerary. The tour is available for booking on January 26, 2026, and continues throughout the year, allowing travelers to select their preferred season—whether to bask in lush spring landscapes, vibrant autumn color, or the exhilarating snowscapes of winter. Pricing for a single adult is set at a highly competitive $31.00, guaranteeing a best price assurance for this all-encompassing experience. Organized with instant booking confirmation, the process is streamlined and user-friendly, with options to modify or cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance.
Core Highlights of the Bursa & Uludag Day Tour
- Easy Departure: Early morning hotel pickup in Istanbul, starting at 08:00, for a full day of exploration with return transfer included.
- Spectacular Journeys: Cross the iconic Osmangazi Bridge or ferry across the Izmir Gulf, offering striking vistas of land and sea as you travel to Bursa.
- The 610-Year-Old Inkaya Plane Tree: Witness the majesty of one of Turkey’s oldest and largest trees—a natural monument of local heritage.
- Authentic Culinary Experience: Savor a delicious mixed grill lunch at the base of Uludağ Mountain, immersed in stunning scenery.
- Uludağ Mountain Adventure: Free time for skiing, snow play, or an exhilarating chairlift ride (equipment rental not included). Return to Bursa via the panoramic cable car, descending through forests and meadows.
- Green Social Complex: Discover Ottoman architecture and legacy at the Green Mosque, Silk Market, Green Mausoleum, Ottoman house, and historic bathhouse.
- Local Shopping: Opportunities to purchase Turkish Delight, honey, jam, and other local specialties direct from artisans and manufacturers.
- Multilingual Guidance: Professional English and Arabic-speaking guides provide insightful commentary and local expertise.
What’s Included in the Bursa & Uludag Day Tour
- Round-trip transportation by comfortable, air-conditioned bus
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or preferred central meeting point
- Bilingual (Arabic/English) tour guide for expert local insights
- Ferry ride across the Izmir Gulf or via Osmangazi Bridge (route determined by weather and traffic)
- Entrance fees to Uludağ Mountain and other program sites
- Cable car ride from Uludağ Mountain back to Bursa
- Lunch featuring Turkish mixed grill (vegetarian option available upon advance request)
What’s Not Included
- ATV safari, ski equipment rental, and chair lift ride
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and purchases
Detailed Tour Itinerary
Pickup and Departure from Istanbul
Your day commences with a prompt pickup from your centrally located Istanbul hotel or arranged meeting point at 08:00, ensuring a relaxed and unhurried start. The journey toward Bursa immediately immerses you in a landscape where natural and modern marvels intermingle, with scenic ferry crossings or the impressive span of the Osmangazi Bridge over the Izmit Gulf based on operational factors like weather and traffic.
Arriving in Bursa: The Historical Inkaya Tree
Upon arrival in Bursa, your first stop is the legendary Inkaya Plane Tree, over six centuries old and stretching upwards with a canopy that radiates both majesty and reverence. This sycamore, a silent witness to the city’s changing fortunes, stands as a powerful symbol of endurance and natural beauty. Pause to marvel at its enormous trunk and sprawling branches, enjoying photo opportunities and a sense of connection to the region’s deep-rooted history.
Lunch and Leisure at Uludağ Mountain
Continuing onward, you reach the base of Uludağ Mountain, renowned as Turkey’s premier destination for winter sports and year-round scenic escapes. Here, you are treated to a mouthwatering mixed grill lunch in a local restaurant, surrounded by mountain air and natural beauty. Following lunch, you will have ample time for your choice of activities: skiing or snowboarding (equipment rentals at your own expense), leisurely walks, snowball fights, or simply relaxing in the invigorating alpine environment. Thrill seekers can also opt for an ATV safari or chair lift ride (additional charge).
Cable Car Experience from Uludağ to Bursa
One of the highlights of the tour is the return journey down Uludağ Mountain via the iconic cable car. As you glide above pine-studded slopes and sweeping valleys, panoramic vistas stretch in every direction, offering spectacular photo opportunities and a gentle contrast to the ascent by bus. In rare circumstances where the cable car is out of service due to weather or maintenance, the descent is managed by bus and, where possible, via the chair lift to maintain the sense of adventure—though use of the chair lift is at guests’ own discretion and risk.
Exploration of the Green Social Complex
Next, delve into the heart of Bursa’s heritage at the Green Social Complex—a cluster of distinguished structures that dominated the city’s social and spiritual life in the Ottoman era. Here, your guide will elaborate on the artistry of the Green Mosque (Yesil Camii), celebrated for its stunning turquoise tiles and intricate calligraphy; the Green Mausoleum (Yesil Turbe), resting place of Sultan Mehmed I; the atmospheric Silk Market, a hub of artisanal commerce; and the adjacent Ottoman house and bathhouse. Walking among these timeless relics, you gain an authentic, nuanced understanding of Bursa’s lasting historical importance.
Shopping for Bursa’s Signature Delicacies
Your journey concludes with time allocated for local shopping, a golden opportunity to sample and purchase uniquely regional products. Indulge in the famed varieties of Turkish Delight, artisanal honey, rich fruit jams, and a variety of sweets and natural foodstuffs, all sourced directly from reputable local producers. This final stage encapsulates the generosity and warmth that Bursa extends to its visitors, offering you a flavorful memento to bring home.
Return to Istanbul
With bags full of sweets and cameras full of memories, you will be comfortably transferred back to your Istanbul hotel or drop-off point, arriving in the evening, enriched with the very best of Bursa and Uludağ.
Important Tour Information & Logistics
- Duration: Approximately 5 hours of activity in Bursa, with full-day tour dependent on transfers and traffic conditions.
- Tour Languages: English and Arabic.
- Booking & Confirmation: Instant at time of booking. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Child Policy: Reduced rate for children aged 3-7. Infant seats available; infant meals not included.
- Meals: Mixed grill lunch included; vegetarian option available on request.
- Transfers: Sharing transfers included from/to city hotels; fixed departure times by hotel.
- Alternative Routes: Osmangazi Bridge or ferry crossing based on traffic and weather conditions at the operator’s discretion for smoothest travel.
- Weather Advisory: Cable car service subject to maintenance and weather; alternatives provided where feasible. Use of chair lift or buggies is optional and at your own risk.
In-Depth: The Major Sights of Bursa & Uludağ
Inkaya Plane Tree: A Living Monument
The Inkaya Plane Tree, over 610 years old, stands as both a natural marvel and a living historical artifact. With a trunk circumference that dwarfs visitors and a widespread canopy reflecting the grandeur of generations past, the tree is a highlight for anyone interested in nature, history, or simply extraordinary photo moments. Its roots run deep in both the literal and metaphorical sense, anchoring the town of Inkaya and serving as a gathering place for locals and travelers alike.
Uludağ Mountain: Nature, Adventure, and Sport
Uludağ, the “Great Mountain,” ascends to over 2,500 meters and is arguably the foremost winter sports hub in Turkey. In winter, its slopes attract skiers and snowboarders from across the region, while in spring and summer, it offers hiking, picnicking, and mountain biking amid wildflower meadows and forests. The mountain’s facilities cater to both the adventurous—with ski lifts, chair lifts, ATV rentals, and more—and those seeking tranquility, via scenic picnic areas and panoramic viewing platforms. The cable car experience is a highlight year-round for awe-inspiring landscape views.
Green Mosque and Mausoleum: Ottoman Splendor
Among Turkey’s most architecturally significant works, the Green Mosque and Green Mausoleum form the centerpiece of Bursa’s historic core. The mosque’s exterior is distinguished by its verdant tiles and elegant lines, while inside, visitors are greeted by a serene, contemplative atmosphere enhanced by hand-painted decoration and Islamic calligraphy. The mausoleum, final resting place of Sultan Mehmed I, further cements Bursa’s role as a major center of Ottoman culture, offering a window into centuries-old religious and royal traditions.
Shopping: Turkish Delight, Silk, and Local Flavors
Bursa’s marketplaces are legendary for their artisanal products, chief among them being Turkish Delight (lokum), pure honey, and fruit preserves—all available for purchase directly from trusted local suppliers. The city’s silk market reflects its longstanding role as a trading hub on the ancient Silk Road, and modern visitors can browse for scarves, textiles, sweets, and a variety of culinary souvenirs while engaging with friendly, knowledgeable traders.
Dining: Savor the Flavors of Bursa
A highlight of the tour is its authentic Turkish lunch, typically a mixed grill feast served at the foot of Uludağ. The locality’s culinary repertoire showcases hearty, fresh flavors, emphasizing grilled meats, vegetables, local breads, and mezze. Vegetarian options are available when requested at booking. This shared meal not only delights the palate but serves as a communal cultural exchange, providing the opportunity to relax and socialize before the active afternoon ahead.
Flexible Modifications and Generous Cancellation Policy
The tour is designed with the traveler’s convenience in mind. Modifications can be made with minimum hassle, catering to last-minute changes or preferences. With cancellation free up to 24 hours before departure, you have flexibility and assurance should your travel plans change unexpectedly.
Family-Friendly Amenities and Accessibility
Families with young children are thoughtfully accommodated, with infant seats provided as needed and child rates for ages 3–7. The tour is suitable for a diverse range of ages and interests, ensuring all guests—from solo explorers and couples to families—enjoy a lively, educational, and safe outing. Note that while most of the day’s stops are accessible, certain activities on Uludağ (such as chair lifts or ATV rides) require additional attention to safety considerations, participation in which is voluntary and at one’s own risk.
Expert Guidance and Multilingual Support
Crucial to the tour’s success is the presence of seasoned guides fluent in English and Arabic. Their depth of knowledge and enthusiasm for Bursa’s cultural riches enables a deeper engagement with each site. Whether recounting tales of Ottoman sultans, explaining the significance of local crafts, or translating during shopping stops, these professionals ensure nothing is lost in translation and that your experience is as informative as it is memorable.
Responsible Tourism and Local Partnerships
The tour’s itinerary, logistics, and partnerships demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability and respect for the local community. By supporting family-run restaurants, artisan producers, and local guides, each tour helps ensure that the economic benefits of tourism are widely shared across Bursa.
FAQ
What is included in the price of the Bursa & Uludag Day Tour?
The price covers round-trip transportation by air-conditioned bus; hotel or meeting point pickup and drop-off; ferry or bridge crossing to Bursa (depending on conditions); bilingual English/Arabic-speaking guide; entrance fees to Uludağ Mountain and program sites; cable car ride; and a Turkish mixed grill lunch. Vegetarian meals are available if requested in advance.
How long does the tour last, and what are the main timing points?
Core activities in Bursa span about 5 hours, excluding the transfer time, which makes the entire excursion a full day, typically starting at 08:00 with hotel pickup and ending in the evening. The duration is designed for a comfortable yet comprehensive visit, with ample time at each major stop.
Is the cable car always operating, and what happens if it’s not?
While the cable car is generally operational, its service can be affected by adverse weather or scheduled maintenance. In such cases, the ascent and descent of Uludağ are managed by bus, and the tour may include a chair lift ride as an alternative, though availability and guest safety for these options are the individual’s responsibility.
Are ski activities and equipment included in the tour price?
No, skiing or snowboarding and ski equipment rentals are not included in the tour price. However, you will have free time on Uludağ Mountain, during which you can rent ski equipment or engage in other activities at your own cost.
What local specialties should I buy in Bursa?
Bursa is well known for its Turkish Delight (lokum), forest honey, assorted jams, and silk textiles. The tour features shopping breaks at reputable local vendors, giving you the opportunity to buy these authentic products as souvenirs or gifts.
Is the tour suitable for families and children?
Absolutely. The tour is family-friendly with child rates for ages 3–7 and infant seats available. The itinerary is designed to appeal to guests of all ages, though parents should supervise children during ski, chair lift, or other adventure activities.
Are there special dietary options for lunch?
Yes, vegetarian meals are available upon request. Please specify dietary requirements at the time of booking so the restaurant can prepare suitable alternatives to the standard mixed grill lunch.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before the scheduled tour date for a full refund, providing travelers with flexibility and peace of mind should plans change.
How do I confirm my booking and meeting point details?
Confirmation is sent instantly upon booking. You’ll be notified of the exact pickup time and location, which is typically your hotel lobby or a central meeting point arranged by your guide. This ensures a smooth start and clear communication from the outset.
What languages do your guides speak?
Guides on this tour are proficient in both English and Arabic, providing comprehensive historical, cultural, and practical insight for a diverse array of visitors.
Can I join the tour if I am traveling solo?
Certainly. The day tour is open to solo travelers, couples, and groups, all of whom benefit from the group’s shared camaraderie and the guide’s attentive support.
Conclusion: Maximizing Your Day in Bursa and Uludağ
For travelers seeking to make the most of their time in Istanbul and explore the rich tapestry of landscapes, history, and flavors that characterize Bursa and Uludağ, this meticulously organized day trip stands as the premier choice for 2026. With every detail seamlessly arranged—from transportation and expert guidance to culinary indulgence and scenic adventures—this tour ensures a memorable, insightful, and authentic experience, tailored for both first-time visitors and seasoned explorers. Book today to secure your spot and discover one of Turkey’s most cherished destinations in comfort and style.