Private Bursa Day Tour from Istanbul: Guide & Private Van
Overview
Private Bursa Day Tour from Istanbul: Guide & Private Van
On this private Bursa tour the focus is on the history behind each place, not on keeping pace with a large group.
Ottoman Heritage of Bursa
Your guide brings the Grand Mosque, the old bazaars and the royal tombs to life and shows the role Bursa played as an imperial city in shaping the Ottoman Empire. It is a good choice if Ottoman history interests you and you want a cultural day outside Istanbul.
It also works well if you simply want a day trip from Istanbul to Bursa.
Views from Uludag
Scenery that changes with the seasons and wide views over the city from Uludag National Park round off the day.
Tour Info
Itinerary
Day 1 – Grand Mosque, Green Mosque, Tophane and Uludag
Bursa served as the Ottoman Empire's first capital, and it makes one of the most rewarding day trips from Istanbul: early Ottoman monuments, green scenery and a calmer rhythm than the big city.
At 8:00 am your guide meets you at your Istanbul hotel with a private van, and you drive to Bursa.
The visit starts at the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), then moves on to the Green Mosque, followed by the Green Tomb. Walking through the historic Grand Bazaar, you see how long Bursa has lived from trade.
Next is Tophane, where Osman Gazi and Orhan Gazi lie buried in tombs that look out over wide views of the city. Weather permitting, the day continues up to Uludag, where you may be able to ride the cable car.
At the end of the tour the private van brings you back to Istanbul for the night.
Our services end here. Thank you for travelling with Get Turkey Tours; we hope to welcome you back.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- ✓Private Tour
- ✓Professional Guide
- ✓Transportation by Private Van
- ✕Cable Car Tickets
- ✕Meals & Drinks
- ✕Gratuity (Suggested)
Cancellation Policy
Cancel at no charge until 7 days before your tour and you receive a full refund. If you cancel within the final 7 days before the tour, no refund is given. All times shown are local.
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Private day tour to Bursa from Istanbul: the essentials
This private guided day trip runs from Istanbul to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottomans, from $100. A professional guide and a private van take you to the Grand Mosque, the Tophane tombs of Osman Ghazi and Orhan Ghazi, the Green Mosque, the old bazaars and Uludag Mountain, with the focus on the stories behind each place rather than moving in a large group.
| Quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Length | Around 12 hours |
| Price | from $100 |
| Format | Private, just your group and a professional guide |
| Begins and ends | At your hotel in Istanbul |
| Main sights | Green Mosque, Grand Mosque, tombs of Osman and Orhan Ghazi, Uludag, Grand Bazaar of Bursa |
| What is covered | Private van, private guide |
| What is not covered | Tips, meals and drinks, entrance fees and cable car |
Why does Bursa matter in Ottoman history?
Bursa served as the Ottoman state's first great capital, and the dynasty's founders, Osman and his son Orhan, lie buried here. Well before Istanbul, the mosques, tombs and markets of Bursa shaped early Ottoman architecture and trade, including the silk trade that made the city famous.
Which sites does the private tour cover?
| Site | What it is |
|---|---|
| Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami) | Huge early Ottoman mosque with many domes and an indoor fountain |
| Tophane and the tombs of Osman and Orhan | Where the founders of the dynasty rest, with views across the city |
| Green Mosque | Known for its turquoise tiles |
| Grand Bazaar of Bursa | Old markets and inns, long known for silk |
| Uludag | Mountain rising above the city, with panoramic views |
Should you choose a private or a group trip to Bursa?
| Bursa from Istanbul | How it differs | Price from |
|---|---|---|
| This private tour | Van and guide of your own, flexible pace, more time at monuments | $100 |
| Group day trip to Bursa with lunch and cable car | Lunch, cable car ticket and ferry crossing included | $90 |
Pick the group trip for an all-inclusive day with lunch and the cable car; pick the private tour if your main interest is Ottoman history, or if you want to travel with just your family or friends.
Which other private day trips leave from Istanbul?
| Private day trip | Price from |
|---|---|
| Iznik (Nicaea) | $375 |
| Edirne and the Selimiye Mosque | $370 |
| Troy | $165 |
| Group trip to Sapanca and Masukiye | $70 |
What is Bursa known for?
Apart from its history, Bursa is famous for Iskender kebab, which was invented here, candied chestnuts, silk and the Cekirge district's thermal baths. In winter Uludag is the best-known ski mountain in Turkey, and in summer it is a cool, green retreat.
When should you visit Bursa?
For sightseeing, spring and autumn are best. Winter brings snow on Uludag; summer is warm in town but cooler up the mountain. Mosque visits stop during prayer times, particularly at midday on Fridays.
What should you pack?
Comfortable shoes, modest clothes for the tombs and mosques, a warm layer for Uludag, and cash for lunch, entrance fees and the bazaar.
How does booking work?
Pick your date here and submit the form, or send your Istanbul hotel to us on WhatsApp. We confirm in writing, and payment comes only after confirmation. Browse more day trips from Istanbul and Turkey tour packages for other ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the drive to Bursa long?
It is a long day, around 12 hours in total. The private van carries only your group, so it moves more quickly than a standard tour coach.
In which languages can the tour be guided?
On request the tour can be guided in English, German, French, Spanish or Italian. For any other language, please get in touch.
How long does it take to get from Istanbul to Bursa?
About 2.5 hours in the private van. The route includes a ferry crossing over the Sea of Marmara, with time for breakfast along the way.
Where will I meet my guide?
Your guide and driver will be waiting in the lobby of your hotel at the departure time.
Can we pick or add places to visit?
Yes. Tell us ahead of time which places you want to include or add, and we will change the itinerary to suit you.
Is the tour private or shared with a group?
It is private: just you and the family members or friends you travel with go along with the guide.
Which vehicle will we travel in?
That depends on how many people are in your group. For most groups we use a Mercedes Vito; larger groups travel in a Mercedes Sprinter.
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