Bursa Full Day Sightseeing Tour From Istanbul

The Bursa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Istanbul offers a comprehensive exploration of the historic city, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Priced competitively at ₺6,517 per person, the 12-hour excursion takes visitors on a captivating journey through Bursa’s cultural and architectural landmarks. From a scenic cable car ride up Mount Uludağ to immersive visits to the Great Mosque and Green Mosque, the tour provides a well-rounded experience. With complimentary hotel pickup and a knowledgeable guide, the tour promises to unveil the city’s rich heritage. What makes this tour particularly intriguing, however, is the opportunity to explore the vibrant Silk Market, where visitors can engage in the time-honored tradition of bargaining.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Istanbul.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Istanbul takes visitors to explore the historic city of Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire.
• The tour includes a cable car ride up Mount Uludağ, visits to the Great Mosque and Green Mosque, and an opportunity to bargain at the Silk Market.
• Transportation is provided, with free pick-up from central Istanbul hotels, and air-conditioned vehicles used throughout the tour.
• The tour is priced at ₺6,517 per person, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.
• Overall customer rating for the tour is 3.3 out of 5, with feedback highlighting the tour guide’s quality and issues with transportation and service.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Bursa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Istanbul offers a comprehensive exploration of the historic city. Priced at ₺6,517 per person, the 12-hour tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.

Highlights include ascending Mount Uludağ by cable car, visiting the Great Mosque and Green Mosque, and exploring the old Silk Market.

Transportation is included, with a free pick-up service from central Istanbul hotels and air-conditioned vehicles. The tour is guided in English and Arabic, and lunch is provided.

While customer reviews note some issues with price discrepancies and downtime, the overall rating is a respectable 3.3 out of 5 based on 3 reviews.

Itinerary and Highlights

Departing from Istanbul, the tour whisks visitors to the historic city of Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and Turkey’s fourth-largest city. The day’s highlights include ascending Mount Uludağ, the "Olympus of Bithynia," by cable car for panoramic views. Visitors will also explore the architectural wonders of the Great Mosque and Green Mosque, explore the past at the Green Mausoleum, and indulge in the famous Alexander the Great kebab. Between sights, guests can bargain at the old Silk Market before crossing the Sea of Marmara by ferry back to Istanbul.

Highlight	Description
Mount Uludağ	Ascend by cable car for panoramic views
Great Mosque	Explore the architectural wonder
Green Mosque	Marvel at the stunning green-tiled interior
Green Mausoleum	Explore the past at this historical site

Transportation and Pickup Details

Free pick-up service from central Istanbul hotels is provided for the Bursa Full Day Sightseeing Tour.

Pickup times range from 8:00 to 9:00 AM, depending on the hotel location, with a travel time of 45 to 60 minutes. Air-conditioned transportation is included throughout the tour.

A minimum of 6 guests is required for the tour to take place. The pickup and drop-off service is free, allowing for a convenient start and end to the sightseeing excursion.

Tourists can expect reliable transportation to and from the central Istanbul hotels, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience during the Bursa tour.

Included Services

The Bursa Full Day Sightseeing Tour includes several services to enhance the overall experience. A tour guide proficient in English and Arabic accompanies participants throughout the day. The teleferik fee to ascend Mount Uludağ is included, as is a lunch. Plus, the tour price covers the 18% VAT. Complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off service from central Istanbul locations is provided, though drinks are not included. The services aim to create a seamless and informative tour.

Included Services	Details
Guide	English and Arabic
Teleferik Fee	To ascend Mount Uludağ
Lunch
VAT (18%)
Hotel Pickup/Drop-off	From central Istanbul
Drinks	Not included

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

According to the customer reviews, the Bursa Full Day Sightseeing Tour has an overall rating of 3.3 out of 5 based on 3 reviews.

The tour guide received a rating of 4 out of 5, while the transportation and service were both rated 3 out of 5.

Customers provided the following feedback:

• The guide was good, but there were noted periods of downtime during the tour.
• There were price discrepancies among participants, which caused some confusion.
• The overall organization of the tour was rated 4 out of 5, indicating a generally well-structured experience.

Ascent of Mount Uludağ

One of the main highlights of the Bursa Full Day Sightseeing Tour is the ascent of Mount Uludağ, also known as Mount Olympos, via a cable car.

This cable car, or teleferik, whisks visitors up the mountain, offering breathtaking views of the Bursa valley and the Sea of Marmara along the way.

At the summit, travelers can take in the stunning natural scenery and visit the historical sites, including the remains of an old Byzantine castle.

The descent back down the mountain provides another opportunity to soak in the panoramic vistas before continuing the tour of Bursa’s other famous landmarks.

Exploration of Historic Mosques

After ascending Mount Uludağ, the tour delves into the historic mosques of Bursa.

Visitors will explore the iconic Great Mosque (Ulu Camii), known for its striking 20 domes and 12 columns.

Next, they’ll venture to the serene Green Mosque (Yeşil Mosque), admiring its beautiful green-tiled exterior and intricate interior calligraphy.

Finally, the tour provides a glimpse of the Green Mausoleum, the burial site of the first Ottoman sultan, viewed from the outside.

These well-preserved Ottoman-era landmarks offer a captivating window into Bursa’s rich religious and architectural heritage.

• Explore the grand Great Mosque (Ulu Camii)
• Visit the tranquil Green Mosque (Yeşil Mosque)
• View the exterior of the Green Mausoleum

Bargaining at Silk Market

Upon completing the exploration of Bursa’s historic mosques, the tour now transitions to the old Silk Market, where visitors are encouraged to put their bargaining skills to the test.

The bustling market is filled with stalls offering a wide variety of traditional Turkish textiles, rugs, and souvenirs. Haggling is expected and even encouraged, as vendors are willing to negotiate prices.

Visitors should be prepared to bargain assertively but politely, keeping in mind that the final price is often much lower than the initial offer. This interactive experience allows travelers to enjoy the local culture and potentially score some unique keepsakes at a discounted rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Extend My Stay in Bursa After the Tour?

Yes, participants can extend their stay in Bursa after the tour. The tour is a day trip, so travelers have the flexibility to continue their exploration of Bursa independently if they wish to do so.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included in the Price?

The tour price of ₺6,517 per person includes the guide, teleferik fee, lunch, and 18% VAT. However, it does not cover any additional drinks or activities beyond the listed itinerary, so there may be some minor extra costs.

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, you can request a private tour instead of a group tour. Private tours typically offer a more personalized experience with a dedicated guide, flexible scheduling, and the ability to customize the itinerary to your preferences.

What Is the Dress Code for Visiting the Mosques?

When visiting mosques, visitors should dress modestly. Women should cover their heads, arms, and legs. Men should wear long pants and shirts. Visitors may be required to remove their shoes before entering the mosque.

Is There an Option to Book the Tour on a Different Day?

Yes, there is an option to book the Bursa Full Day Sightseeing Tour on a different day. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing customers to reschedule their booking as needed.

Recap

The Bursa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Istanbul offers an immersive experience, showcasing the rich history and vibrant culture of the former Ottoman capital. With a scenic cable car ride, visits to iconic mosques, and the lively Silk Market, this tour provides a well-rounded exploration of Bursa’s captivating sights. Complemented by convenient transportation and an expert guide, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking an enriching day trip from Istanbul.

You can check if your dates are available here: