Exploring the historic city of Bursa from Istanbul is a captivating opportunity for travelers seeking to enjoy Turkey’s rich cultural heritage. This full-day tour promises an engaging and informative journey, transporting visitors through scenic landscapes and introducing them to iconic landmarks that tell the story of Bursa’s past. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, visitors can expect to uncover the significance of sites like the Green Mosque and Ulu Cami, while also indulging in the vibrant local markets and sampling the renowned Turkish cuisine. As the day unfolds, the tour’s itinerary offers a compelling blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, leaving participants eager to delve deeper into Bursa’s captivating allure.
Key Points
- A full-day tour from Istanbul to Bursa, including transportation, ferry ride, bilingual guide, and visits to historical mosques and local bazaars.
- Opportunity to explore the Green Mosque, Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque), and local markets, with the chance to sample Turkish delicacies.
- Tour package covers roundtrip transportation, ferry ticket, lunch, and entrance fees, offering a hassle-free experience.
- Flexible itinerary allows for customization based on individual interests, with options for additional activities like ATV safaris or skiing.
- Potential delays due to weather conditions affecting cable car operations, and large group sizes may impact the pacing of the tour.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The full-day tour from Istanbul to Bursa offers a comprehensive exploration of the historic city, with a price range starting from $54.62 per person.
This tour is likely to sell out, so early booking is recommended. The duration is 15 hours, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers also have the option to reserve now and pay later.
The tour includes roundtrip transportation by air-conditioned bus, a ferry ride across the Sea of Marmara, and a bilingual guide.
Lunch and entrance fees are also covered, making it a well-rounded package for visitors seeking to discover the highlights of Bursa.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour’s itinerary highlights a diverse range of cultural and natural attractions in Bursa. Visitors begin with a pickup from their accommodation in Istanbul, followed by a ferry ride across the Sea of Marmara. They then explore the historic Green Mosque and Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), seeing the city’s architectural wonders. Wandering through the bustling local bazaars, travelers have the opportunity to sample renowned Turkish delicacies, including chestnuts, honey, olives, and Turkish Delight.
| Attraction | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Green Mosque | Admire the stunning green-tiled interior | 1 hour |
| Ulu Cami | Marvel at the grandeur of the Grand Mosque | 1 hour |
| Local Bazaars | Explore the vibrant markets and sample local produce | 2 hours |
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour package includes round-trip transportation by air-conditioned bus, a ferry ticket, a bilingual guide (Arabic/English), a barbecue lunch with a soft drink, and all entrance fees as per the program.
However, it excludes personal expenses, transportation and ski equipment for optional activities like ATV safaris and skiing.
While the tour covers a comprehensive itinerary and offers a seamless travel experience, travelers should be aware that any additional activities or equipment rentals will be at their own cost.
The inclusions ensure a hassle-free day exploring the historic sights and natural beauty of Bursa, while the exclusions allow for flexibility in customizing the experience to individual interests and budgets.
Important Information
Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and suitable clothing for the tour, as the itinerary involves walking through historic sites and a cable car ride up Mount Olympus.
The cable car’s operation may be affected by heavy rain, so participants should be prepared for potential delays or alternative plans.
Plus, the group size can impact the time management during the tour, as larger groups may experience slower pacing or more stops for shopping.
It’s important for travelers to be aware of these potential factors to ensure they’ve a seamless and enjoyable experience on the full-day tour from Istanbul to Bursa.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Reviews and Ratings
Overall, customers have provided a mixed response to the full-day tour from Istanbul to Bursa, with an average rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars based on 31 reviews.
While the tour’s guide and transportation have received positive ratings of 4.1 out of 5, the service and organization haven’t fared as well, earning ratings of 2.4 and 2.8 respectively.
Common feedback suggests that the large group size can cause delays and excessive shopping stops, detracting from the overall experience.
However, customers have generally praised the lunch and their interactions with the knowledgeable guide.
The tour’s rating reflects a balance of both positive and negative experiences.
Transportation and Pickup
Round-trip transportation from Istanbul to Bursa is provided by air-conditioned buses, and participants are picked up directly from their accommodations in Istanbul to start the tour.
The buses are comfortable and well-maintained, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Once everyone has been collected, the tour departs for the ferry crossing across the Sea of Marmara. This ferry ride offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is an integral part of the overall Bursa experience.
Throughout the day, the group is transported between the various sights and activities, with the bilingual guide ensuring that everyone arrives at their destinations on time and with minimal fuss.
Cable Car and Mountain Activities
After being transported from the historic sites in Bursa’s city center, the tour makes its way to the cable car station, where participants board the gondolas for a scenic ride up to the summit of Mount Olympus, also known as Uludag Mountain.
This imposing peak offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the opportunity to engage in a variety of outdoor activities. Guests can choose to:
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Explore hiking trails and spot wildlife
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Enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch at the mountain’s restaurants
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Participate in an optional ATV safari for an adrenaline-filled adventure
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Go skiing during the winter months (transportation and equipment not included)
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Simply relax and take in the serene mountain atmosphere
The cable car ride and mountain activities provide a wonderful escape from the bustling city, allowing travelers to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
Lunch and Local Produce
Sampling the local produce is a highlight of the Bursa tour, with opportunities to browse historic bazaars and purchase regional delicacies like chestnuts, honey, olives, and Turkish Delight.
The tour includes a barbecue lunch on Mount Olympus, providing a chance to savor authentic Turkish cuisine while taking in the stunning mountain scenery.
Guests can explore the vibrant markets, haggling with vendors and discovering unique, locally-sourced items.
The guide provides insights into the cultural significance and production methods of these traditional foods, enhancing the overall experience.
Whether it’s indulging in a sweet Turkish Delight or sampling rich, creamy honey, the culinary aspect of the Bursa tour offers a delightful glimpse into the region’s flavors and traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour to Include Visiting the Grand Mosque?
Yes, the tour itinerary includes a visit to the Green Mosque and the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami) in Bursa. The tour provides opportunities to explore historic religious sites and experience local culture during the day-long excursion.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Passengers are typically not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on guided tours. The tour operator usually provides lunch and beverages as part of the package. Bringing outside items may not be permitted unless explicitly stated in the tour details.
Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors on the Tour?
The tour provider offers discounted pricing for children and seniors. Children under 6 are free, while those aged 6-11 receive a 50% discount. Seniors aged 65 and above also qualify for a 10-15% discount off the standard adult rate.
Can We Request a Different Language Guide for the Tour?
Yes, you can typically request a different language guide for the tour, such as Arabic or English. Tour providers often accommodate language preferences to ensure a comfortable and informative experience for all participants.
Is There a Dress Code or Any Specific Requirements for the Tour?
While there’s no strict dress code, the tour provider recommends wearing comfortable shoes and clothing. Dressing appropriately for the weather and activities, such as the cable car ride, is advisable to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Recap
This full-day tour from Istanbul to Bursa offers an exceptional opportunity to take in Turkey’s rich cultural heritage.
With roundtrip transportation, scenic ferry rides, and guided visits to iconic landmarks, the tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Bursa’s architectural wonders and bustling local markets.
Complemented by a delectable barbecue lunch and the chance to experience the city’s natural beauty, this customizable excursion promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Turkish culture.
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