Bursa Day Tour from Istanbul: Ottoman History & Uludag Cable Car

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

This is a full-day group trip from Istanbul to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman state. A licensed English-speaking guide takes you to the village of Cumalikizik, the tombs of Osman Gazi and Orhan Gazi in Tophane, the Bursa Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami) and the Koza Han silk market. Lunch is Bursa's own Iskender kebab, and a return cable car ride up Uludag mountain is part of the day. There is also a short stop at a Turkish Delight shop, with no obligation to buy.

It suits travellers who want to understand where the Ottoman story began, and who prefer real sightseeing over long shopping stops. It is a long day, from 08:00 to about 22:00, so it works best for people comfortable with several hours on the road. The live page does not show a fixed price for this tour, so ask us for a quote for your date.

How does the day run?

Pick-up from central Istanbul hotels is between 08:00 and 08:45, depending on where you are staying. You then travel to Bursa by minibus. The page lists the stops as Cumalikizik village, Tophane with the tombs of Osman Gazi and Orhan Gazi, the Ulu Cami, the Koza Han silk bazaar, the return cable car ride up Uludag and a Turkish Delight shop. Lunch is Iskender kebab. After the last stop the group drives back, usually arriving in Istanbul around 22:00, though traffic and operating conditions can change that. The exact order of stops is set by the guide on the day.

What is special about each stop?

Cumalikizik is an early Ottoman village with cobbled lanes and old houses, listed by UNESCO as part of the Bursa and Cumalikizik site. In Tophane you see the tombs of Osman Gazi, founder of the dynasty, and his son Orhan Gazi. The Ulu Cami is one of the largest early Ottoman mosques, with a fountain inside the prayer hall. Koza Han is a historic caravanserai that was the centre of Bursa's silk trade, and the page says it is visited for its history rather than for shopping. The cable car up Uludag mountain gives you views over the city and the plain.

What should we wear for the mosque and the mountain?

Two things matter. For the Ulu Cami and the tombs, dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered for everyone, and women should bring a scarf for their hair. Shoes come off inside the mosque. For the cable car, bring a warm layer, because the top of Uludag is higher and cooler than the city, even on a sunny day. Comfortable walking shoes help in Cumalikizik, where the lanes are cobbled and uneven. Our what to wear in Istanbul page covers the same mosque rules.

Is the price shown on the page?

No. The "Starting From" field on the live page is empty, so the page does not give a price for this tour. Send us your date and number of travellers, and we will reply with a written quote that lists exactly what is included. If you are comparing options, our other Bursa trips include the Bursa day tour from Istanbul, the Bursa day trip with cable car and lunch and the full-day private Bursa tour. Check which stops and meals each one includes before you choose.

How much shopping is there?

Very little, by design. The page says shopping time is deliberately short. Koza Han is included for its history and its Silk Road atmosphere, and the Turkish Delight shop stop is brief, with no obligation to buy anything. If you want time to shop for silk or towels in Bursa's old market, tell your guide early in the day and they can tell you how much free time there is at Koza Han. Any purchases are a personal expense.

Is it a long day for children or older travellers?

It is long: around 14 hours door to door, with a fair amount of time in the minibus. The walking itself is moderate, with cobbles in Cumalikizik and some steps at the tombs and mosque. The cable car avoids any climbing on the mountain. Children who travel well by road usually manage, but very young children may find the evening return tiring. If anyone in your group has limited mobility, tell us when you book so the guide knows in advance.

Can we change anything or go private?

On the group tour the stops and the lunch are fixed. If you want your own schedule, a slower pace or another language, ask about the private Bursa tour or our Bursa tours list. If Bursa is part of a longer trip with an Islamic heritage focus, the 9-day Islamic and historical Turkey tour includes a Bursa day with the Green Mosque and Green Tomb. More ideas for day trips are on our Istanbul day trips page.

How do we book this tour?

Because the page shows no fixed price, start with a message: use the form on this page or WhatsApp us at +90 545 307 67 88 with your date, the number of travellers and your hotel name. We reply in writing with the price, pick-up time, whether your hotel is in the central pick-up zone and the full list of what is included. The booking form shows time slots between 08:00 and 14:00; the pick-up time we confirm is the one to follow. Pay only once the written plan matches what you want. Get Turkey Tours is licensed by TÜRSAB (A-15751).