Istanbul to Bursa Day Tour: Discover the Natural Beauty of Green Bursa & Uludag Mountain

Escape the bustling streets of Istanbul and immerse yourself in the historical charm and natural beauty of Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. This full-day tour combines stunning mountain scenery, historical landmarks, and cultural treasures, offering an unforgettable experience.

Itinerary: Istanbul to Bursa Day Tour

Your tour to Bursa begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel around 08:30. After collecting all participants, you will be taken to the meeting point where you will meet your guide and the rest of the group.

The journey starts by driving towards Topçular, where you will cross the Bosphorus Bridge, offering magnificent views over the Bosphorus Strait connecting Europe and Asia. After a scenic drive, you will board a car ferry at Eskihisar to cross the Marmara Sea. Depending on traffic conditions, there might be a change and you may use the impressive Osman Gazi Bridge instead.

Once you cross to the other side, you will continue driving towards Bursa. On the way, there will be a short stop in Gemlik, a peaceful town located near a small lake. Here, you will have approximately one hour of free time where you can:

• Relax by the lakeside and enjoy a cup of tea

• Join an optional ATV safari experience (at an extra cost)

After this refreshing break, the tour continues towards Bursa. Before entering the city center, there will be a stop at a Turkish Delight Shop, where you can taste a variety of local sweets and, if you wish, purchase some delicious Turkish Delights to take home.

Upon reaching Bursa, you will start climbing up to the famous Uludag Mountain (Olympos Mountain). Along the way, you will stop at the iconic 600-Year-Old Plane Tree, one of the oldest trees in the region. It’s a perfect spot to stretch your legs and sip a traditional Turkish tea under the enormous branches of this historic tree.

Continuing the journey upwards, you will reach the plateau of Uludag. Before free exploration time, you will enjoy a delicious lunch at a mountain restaurant offering beautiful natural views. After lunch, you will have time to:

• Explore the lush landscapes of Uludag

• Participate in optional activities available in the area (extra cost)

Later, the group will gather for a Chairlift Ride on Uludag. You will glide down part of the mountain, enjoying a spectacular view,s until you meet again with the vehicle.

The tour then heads back towards Bursa city center to visit the famous Green Mosque (Yeşil Camii) and its complex after 16:00. The Green Mosque is known for:

• It’s beautiful green tiles covering the interior

• The attached Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe), where the founder Sultan Mehmed I is buried

• A small but authentic Silk Market, where you can browse traditional silk products and souvenirs

After the sightseeing program, you will start the return journey to Istanbul. Depending on road and traffic conditions, the return may again use the car ferry or the Osman Gazi Bridge.

Arrival back in Istanbul will be approximately around 22:00–22:30, and you will be dropped off at your hotel.

Important Note:

This Bursa tour combines nature exploration and shopping experiences.
There are scheduled stops at shops like the Turkish Delight shop and the Silk Market where visitors can taste or buy local products if they wish.