Bursa Day Tour from Istanbul with Uludag Cable Car & Ferry

Bursa day tour from Istanbul with Uludag cable car and ferry: the key facts

This group day trip takes you from Istanbul across the Sea of Marmara by car ferry to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Along the way there are stops in Gemlik and at a Turkish delight shop. In Bursa you ride the cable car up Uludag Mountain, visit the Green Mosque and the Green Tomb, walk through the Silk Market and see a plane tree said to be around 600 years old. Lunch at a local restaurant, entrance fees and the ferry are included.

It suits travellers who have already seen central Istanbul and want one day of early Ottoman history and mountain air without planning the transport themselves. It is a long day, so it is better for adults and older children than for small children. The price is from $52 per person.

How long is the day, really?

The FAQ says pick-up is at 08:30 and you are back at around 22:00, which is about thirteen and a half hours. The overview calls it "a 13-hour round trip", and the booking form shows start times from 08:00 to 14:00, which cannot all be right for one tour. Most of the extra time is road and ferry travel each way. Plan nothing for the evening, eat a proper breakfast, and ask us to confirm your exact pick-up time in writing once you have booked.

Which sights are included in Bursa?

The page lists the Bosphorus Bridge, the car ferry, Gemlik, a Turkish delight shop, the 600-year-old plane tree, Uludag Mountain with its cable car, the Green Mosque, the Green Tomb and the Silk Market. The Green Mosque and Tomb are early Ottoman buildings known for their tiles; our guide to the Green Mosque and Green Tomb explains their history. The Silk Market is a working trading place, so leave a little cash if you want to buy scarves.

Is the Uludag cable car included, and what is extra on the mountain?

Yes, the cable car on Uludag is part of the price. Optional activities on the mountain, such as an ATV safari or a chairlift, are not included and are paid locally if you choose them. Higher up, the air is clearly cooler than in Istanbul or in the city of Bursa, and in winter the upper slopes are often covered in snow. Bring a warm layer in every season and proper shoes if you visit between late autumn and spring. Read more in our Uludag Mountain guide.

What should we wear for the Green Mosque?

The Green Mosque is a place of worship. Both men and women should cover shoulders and knees, and women are usually asked to cover their hair, so carry a light scarf. Shoes come off before you step onto the carpet; you carry them or leave them on the racks. Avoid visiting during prayer times, when tourist access may be restricted; your guide plans the stop around this. Comfortable shoes that slip on and off easily help on a day with several stops.

What does lunch include, and is the Turkish delight stop a shop?

Lunch is at a local restaurant and is part of the price; drinks with lunch are extra. The page does not describe the menu, so tell us about dietary needs when you book. The Turkish delight stop is listed as a shop, so you can taste and buy if you wish, but you are not obliged to. Bring some Turkish lira in cash for drinks, small purchases at the Silk Market and any optional activities on Uludag.

Group, small-group or private: which Bursa trip should we choose?

This is the lowest-priced Bursa option and runs as a group tour with an English-speaking guide. The page's own comparison notes that the Istanbul city tour is "also guided in Spanish and Italian", which implies this tour is English only. If you want your own vehicle and a flexible pace, the private Bursa day tour from Istanbul fits better, and the Bursa and Uludag tour with ferry, cable car and lunch is a small-group version with some free time. All options appear on our Bursa tours page, and our Bursa destination guide covers the city in more depth.

Can we combine Bursa with other day trips from Istanbul?

Yes, on separate days. If early Ottoman and Byzantine history interests you, the Nicea day tour from Istanbul covers Iznik, and fans of the television series often add the Dirilis Ertugrul and Kurulus Osman film set tour. Our list of day trips from Istanbul compares the main options by length and price. Leave at least one quiet day between two long road trips if you are travelling with children or older relatives.

How do we book the Bursa day tour?

Pick your date and the number of guests in the booking form on this page, or send us a message on WhatsApp at +90 545 307 67 88. Tell us your hotel so we can confirm whether it is inside the central pick-up zone or carries an extra transfer fee. We send the pick-up time, the final price and the day plan in writing before you make any payment. Get Turkey Tours is licensed by TÜRSAB under number A-15751.