Day Trip to Bursa from Istanbul

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Bursa and Mt. Uludag; Full-Day Bursa Tour from Istanbul

Bursa Tour: Visit the city of Bursa, once the capital of the Ottoman Empire, on this day trip from Istanbul that starts with a 2-hour ferry ride.

Enjoy the views during the trip, and visit Tophane for a panoramic look at Bursa. Enjoy a local lunch, and ascend Mt. Uludag, the ancient Olympus, by cable car to take in the scenery.

Other activities include a silk market and covered bazaar.

Key Highlights

Day trip to Bursa from Istanbul via ferry boat
Learn about this historical Ottoman city and UNESCO World Heritage site
Learn about local history, architecture and art
Take a cable car up Mt. Uludag, the historic Mt. Olympus
Pay a visit to the ancient Ulucami (Grand Mosque)

What to Expect

Our journey starts with a ferry down to Yalova, enjoying the lovely conutry-side view.
Drive to Bursa, former Ottoman Capital which was founded by the Bitnynian King Prusias I Cholus "the Lame" (reigned 228-185 BC), and he also gave his name -altered to the Hellenistic "Prusa"- the city. Legend has it that the great Carthaginian general Hannibal helped him to choose the site. The city is frequently cited as "YeÅŸil Bursa" (meaning "Green Bursa") in a reference to the beautiful parks and gardens located across its urban tissue, as well as to the vast forests in rich variety that extend in its surrounding region.

The city is synonymous with the mountain Uludag which towers behind the city core and which is also a famous ski resort. The mausoleums of early Ottoman sultans are located in Bursa and the numerous edifices built throughout the Ottoman period constitute the city's main landmarks. The surrounding fertile plain, its thermal baths, several interesting museums, notably a rich museum of archaeology, and a rather orderly urban growth are further principal elements that complete Bursa's overall picture.

After the lunch, we will climb to Uludag Mountain (the legendary Mount Olympos) by cable car (first stage) which is a favourite center of the winter sports held and as well as skiing, its richness of flora and fauna has made it into a National Park and summer activities like trekking and camping are also popular, visit to the old Silk Market in the Covered Bazaar.

Late evening return to Istanbul and transfer to your hotel.

Inclusions

Hotel pick-up and drop-off services from centrally located hotels
Transport by air-conditioned coach
Museum entrance fees
Cable Car Ticket
Lunch
Fully guided tour with the services of an experienced and licensed English speaking guide

Exclusions

Gratuities (optional)
Drinks

Additional Info

Confirmation for this tour will be received at time of booking
5-8 yrs %30 discount / 0-4 yrs Free

BURSA TRAVEL GUIDE: PLACES TO VISIT IN BURSA AND TRAVEL TIPS

Bursa Travel Planning - Before You Go

When to Go to Bursa

In our opinion, the best times for Bursa are autumn and winter. Because it is the best time to ski in Uludag in winter, to take cultural tours in autumn, to go on nature routes and to stay in mountain houses. Especially if you are in Iznik during the equinox dates, you can witness a wonderful sunset.

HOW TO GO TO BURSA

Istanbul - Bursa Ferry & Sea Bus: BUDO & IDO

You can easily go from Istanbul to Mudanya and from Mudanya to Bursa center. The distance between Mudanya and Bursa center is only 29 kilometers and an average of 40 minutes with your personal vehicle. Even if you do not have a personal vehicle, you can go from Mudanya to Bursa city center by taking the bus numbered F / 3.

BUDO - Sea Bus

You can make the easiest car-free transportation from Istanbul to Bursa with BUDO flights. The journey takes 1 hour and 50 minutes. There are daily flights from Kabataş or Büyükçekmece only for passengers (not for vehicles). BUDO Click for detailed information and departure times

IDO - Sea Bus

Between Istanbul and Mudanya, IDO has the Beşiktaş-KadıkOy-Yenikapı-Bursa sea bus line. The journey takes about 95 minutes and there are two mutual trips on average per day. It is worth remembering that sea buses are only for passengers. Click for detailed information about IDO flight times.

IDO - Fast Ferry (Yenikapı - Mudanya Fast Ferry)

If you are going to come to Bursa from Istanbul by car, there is a fast ferry option to Mudanya. Click for detailed information about IDO ferry timetable.

By car from Istanbul to Bursa

If you want to use the Osman Gazi Bridge in Izmit Bay, it only takes 2 hours. However, the tolls are known. If you try to wander around the bay, you will reach Bursa in 3 hours at best.

By air

Anadolu Jet has scheduled flights to Bursa Yenişehir Airport from the neighboring provinces. These provinces are Ankara, Diyarbakır, Erzurum, Muş and Trabzon.

Where to Stay in Bursa

Hotels in Bursa are mostly concentrated in the center and Uludag hotels region. We did not include the prices of the hotels in Uludag, as it would not be correct to give a fixed price range for them, as the prices were taken in the winter period. In general, there are accommodation options for every budget in Bursa. In addition, there are beautiful houses for rent at affordable prices for couples and groups of friends in Bursa.

HISTORY OF BURSA

When Bursa became the first capital after SOgüt, where the Ottoman Empire was born, naturally, it is a city that has a place in the dusty pages of its history. Of course, Bursa is a settlement that was discovered long before the Ottoman period. So much so that in the excavations in the vicinity BC Even a settlement dating back to 5200 has been found.

The first city established in Bursa, BC by the Kingdom of Bithynia. Although it was founded in the 3rd century, countless countries and colonies dominated the region before this date. The first name of Bursa is "Prusa", which is the name of the King of Bithynia. But in some places it is also referred to as "Bitanya." From that time until the Ottoman period, the name of Bursa and its owners have changed many times, even it remained under Roman rule for a long time.

The story of Ottoman domination of Bursa started with the desire of the Ottoman Principality, one of the Anatolian Principalities, to get stronger over time and acquire surrounding lands. Even though Osman Bey besieged Bursa in 1307, the process of Bursa's being completely belonging to the Ottoman Empire started with the siege of his son Orhan Bey in 1326. After 1363, Bursa may lose its feature of being the head of the administration, even for a short time, it was occupied by the Greeks, but despite everything, it manages to preserve its historical importance until today.

Now this is a nostalgic city of sultans that many local and foreign tourists are eager to see. The traces of the Ottomans in Bursa have made Bursa the discovery point of history lovers since then. Numerous works such as madrasahs, baths, inns and mosques built during this period constitute a very important cultural heritage in terms of both shedding light on Ottoman history and providing the opportunity to witness the atmosphere of the period. Even these features alone are worth making it to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.

Places to Visit in Bursa

Koza Han
Tofaş Bursa Anatolian Cars Museum
Karagoz Museum
Soganlı Botanic Park
Bursa Grand Mosque
Green Mosque
Green shrine
Muradiye Complex
Emir Sultan Mosque
Osmangazi and Orhangazi Tomb
Grand Bazaar
Irgandı Bridge
Tophane Clock Tower
Hisar Gate

THINGS TO DO AND VISIT IN BURSA CENTER

1-Visit the Historical Places Witnessing the Transition of the Ottomans from Principality to the State

Bursa is seen as an important place not only for Turks but also for human history, as it is the capital of the Ottoman Empire during the transition period from state to empire. As historical buildings are clustered in Osmangazi and Yıldırım Neighborhoods, you can visit them on foot. However, if you come to Bursa for a short trip, we recommend you to see the most important structures instead of visiting them all and to spare time for the other beauties that Bursa promises.

2-Taste the Famous "Iskender of Bursa" in its Temple!

Since You are in Bursa, the second capital of the Ottoman Empire, the city of sultans, then it would not be possible to leave here without tasting Bursa Iskender Kebap, which is worthy of our humble palates.

3-British Queen's Choice: Make Simit & Tea Duo in Kozahan

If you remember, the visit of Queen Elizabeth II of England and her husband Prince Philip to Bursa in 2008 made headlines. The Queen had bought silk cloth from Kozahan and had lunch. We are sure that if you ask what to do in Bursa, Queen will say Kozahan without thinking. The inn, which used to be the accommodation place of caravans coming over the Silk Road, is firstly a quick tour of the shops selling shawls and scarves made of the famous Bursa silk on the second floor, and then drinking tea and coffee in the courtyard. You should definitely witness the beauty of the inn and the tranquility of the environment. There is always chirping, great activity in summer and winter.

4-Visit the One Turkey's Anatolian Cars Museum

An old silk factory spread over an area of 30 thousand square meters was restored by Tofaş and became the Tofaş Anatolian Cars Museum in 2002. In this museum, the story of the technological development from the horse-drawn carriage years ago to today's modern cars is told. You can closely examine this change over the years by seeing the cars and the dates they were built. There is even a cafe in the museum, which is in a lush green area. Entrance is free, but the museum is closed on Mondays.

5-Enjoy a Bath Worthy of Sultans in the City of Sultans

When Bursa became rich in natural mineral underground springs, the pleasure of hammam has been one of its sine qua non rituals for centuries. Although there are many modern baths nowadays, it is another pleasure to go to baths that are 500-600 years old and remember the old customs. As it is said, when the underground spring waters of Bursa are valuable, almost all baths are equally beneficial; However, when the atmosphere, decoration and history are included, we can give a few examples based on your suggestions. Some are historical baths, some thermal / spa hotel baths: Çekirge Bath, Historical Keçeli Women's Bath, Court Bath, Kervansaray Thermal Bursa, GOnlüferah Hotel Bath. Many thanks to Those Who Are Not Home from Bursa for their suggestions!

6-If you catch it, watch the KaragOz Shadow Play on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

Karagoz Shadow Play is such a special tradition originating from Bursa, such a unique cultural element that it has been on the World Spiritual Cultural Heritage List by UNESCO since 2009. Just like baklava and doner, KaragOz and Hacivat are among the common Greek & Turkish heritage. Although we cannot get the opportunity to watch the KaragOz-Hacıvat Game as often as before, visiting the KaragOz Museum when you go to Bursa can be a pleasant method of nostalgia. The museum was opened as an "Art House" in 1997 and was named after the KaragOz Monument. Inside, there is KaragOz-Hacıvat and a puppet gallery, as well as a depiction making workshop. In 2007, its name was changed from KaragOz House to KaragOz Museum.

7-Bike at Bulbous Botanical Park

At the foot of Bursa Zoo, there is Bursa Soganlı Botanical Park in an area of 400 decares. It was opened in 1998 and contains a variety of plants, flowers, trees, ponds, ducks, geese, country gardens. We are against the zoo mentality, but we don't say no to the botanical garden. If you are lazy, you can lie on the grass and watch the surroundings, but of course our advice is to pedal! In our opinion, the best way to visit and explore a large part of this huge park is to rent a bicycle. There is a 1,800-meter bike path (ok, short, but it can be pleasant because the park is nice) in the area, there is a bicycle rental area (Hasbahçe Bicycle House). Moreover, there are even tandem bikes. Finding such a green area in the center of the city is a dream in most cities, if you go to Bursa, you should definitely consider it! However, a little warning from us; the botanical park is so crowded on holidays and weekends that it may distract you instead of giving peace. Keep it in mind when planning your time.

HISTORICAL PLACES IN BURSA

ULU MOSQUE

Ulu Mosque is the most important historical building that comes to mind when Bursa is mentioned. In fact, in the words of Evliya Çelebi, "The Hagia Sophia of Bursa!" It is known that it was built between 1396 and 1400 and that 1st Bayezid had it built by architect Ali Neccar. If you are a little interested in such historical buildings, you can easily see the architectural features of the Ottoman and Seljuks in the mosque. One of the most striking and special aspects of the Grand Mosque is the Kündekari art and its pulpit, which is carved out of walnut wood without using a nail or glue, and engraved with the Milky Way Galaxy. The 18-cornered fountain surrounded by the dome in the middle of the mosque is also important. Another most of Turkey's praying area is the largest mosque. ?? A truly magnificent structure rising in the middle of the city with its two minarets. If you have time to visit a single historical building in the center of Bursa, we say it should be the Great Mosque, which has become the symbol of Bursa.

GREEN MOSQUE

Green Mosque is also a must in Bursa. One of the best examples of Ottoman architecture today, and in fact, the real thing is the tile coverings. The Green Mosque is such a popular and remarkable work in Bursa that One of the symbolic artifacts in Bursa is the Green Tomb. Just one street behind the Green Mosque. The construction order was given by Yıldırım Bayezid's son Mehmet Çelebi in 1421. Its architect is an architect named Hacı İvaz Paşa. The tomb is visible from all over Bursa, so it is really one of the signature works. It has been repaired many times, the last one in 2004, so that it can still remain intact and can be visited. It is said to be the only shrine among the structures built with Ottoman architecture, whose entire wall is covered with tiles.

MURADIYE KULLIYE

As you know, the kulliye is one of the symbolic formations of Islamic architecture. For this, we can say that the gigantic complex structures that encompass everything of their time, where there are mosques in the center and structures such as baths, madrasahs, soup kitchens, caravanserais and bazaars around it. Muradiye Complex is one of the buildings that gave its name to the district where it is located. Murad II gave the construction order in Bursa in 1425 and it was completed a year later. There are many formations in it, from madrasa to hammam. This complex is said to be the last complex built by the sultan and their families in Bursa during the Ottoman period.

EMIR SULTAN MOSQUE

Another important structure of Bursa is Emir Sultan Mosque in Yıldırım District. Yıldırım Bayezid's daughter had it built on behalf of her husband. The construction of the mosque in the 14th century. has been completed and is still being used effectively. You can also come across tiles, one of the most important arts of the Ottoman period, in this work. Although there was a tradition of visiting Emir Sultan Mosque and praying before weddings and circumcisions in Bursa, there is no such tradition left today. Although the mosque has undergone many changes such as demolishing and rebuilding and renovation, it has remained unchanged from its original state. Emir Sultan Mosque and Kulliye also gave their name to the district.

TOMBS OF SULTAN OSMAN AND ORHAN

In fact, when Osman Gazi died in SOgüt, the first capital city, he was buried next to his father Ertugrul Gazi, but his body was transferred here after the conquest of Bursa. At first, it did not have a tomb of its own, but was buried first in the Byzantine Saint Elia Church (now Gümüşlü Kümbet) and then in a separate tomb with his son Orhan Gazi. However, the tomb was destroyed in the 7.0 magnitude 1855 Bursa earthquake. Sultan Abdulaziz also had these two tombs built near the entrance of Tophane Park in 1863.

BAZAARS AND INNS IN BURSA

Bursa's inns are the most direct evidence of commercial life in the Ottoman period. When silk is the most important item in the Silk Road trade; When the ale of silk was also in Bursa, Bursa's importance in trade at that time became an inevitable fact. The inns, which are structures where passengers can stay on the road during trade activities, have become places where artisans especially sell textile products rather than accommodation. There are many examples of these inns in Bursa as well, and we think you should visit the inns and look at these original structures that have witnessed both local materials and history. Koza Han has already become a fixture of inns. Apart from that, Fidan Han, Geyve Han, Balibey Han and Emir Han are also worth visiting.

IRGANDI BRIDGE

Irgandı Bridge has always been heard in your ears, it is always one of the must-see things when you go to Bursa. This old bazaar bridge in the Yıldırım district is dated 1442. Although it suffered from the Great Bursa Earthquake and was bombed during the War of Independence, it managed to survive. The main feature of this historical bridge is the bazaar on the bridge. The bridge is no different from the bridge you know, but it is famous when it is one of the few bridges that have a bazaar in the world. The other 3 bridges with a bazaar in the world, similar to our Irgandı Bridge: Bulgaria - The Bridge over the Osma River in Lofça, the Ponte Vecchio Bridge in Italy - Florence and the Rialto Bridge in Italy - Venice.

TOPHANE CLOCK TOWER

In fact, the 6-storey, 65-meter-long clock tower in this Tophane Park was ruined in an unknown way, dating from the time of Sultan Abdulaziz, but without seeing the 1900s. Afterwards, it was rebuilt between 1904 and 1905 and reopened in honor of Abdülhamit I's ascension to the throne. Today, Tophane region is one of the most touristic places in Bursa. Clock Tower is also a fixture of the district. There are Osman and Orhan Gazi tombs in the same park.

BURSA CASTLE

For Bursa Castle, we can say that it is one of the oldest surviving structures of the city. Its foundations date back to the Bithynia Kingdom, the first inhabitants of Bursa. Its construction is BC. It is thought to date back to the 1st century, but there are layers of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman traces on each stone since then. The castle has 5 gates and 14 bastions on the walls, which are approximately 3.5 kilometers long. These gates are: Yer Kapı, Zindan Kapı, one: Hisar Gate, Pınarbaşı Gate and Kaplıca Gate. Although the Hisar Gate (Saltanat Kapısı), which is the main entrance gate of the city and is located on Ortapazarı Street in Tophane, was destroyed in the 7.0 magnitude 1855 Bursa earthquake, it can still be visited today thanks to the restorations.

PLACES TO VISIT AROUND BURSA

Discover how it would be to live in a village in Ottoman times in Cumalikizik

Cumalikizik is by far the top of the list of things to do around Bursa for us. The village, which experienced the growth process of the Ottomans firsthand, is perhaps the rarest place that has survived until today with minimal deformation. It's a time capsule. With its stone streets, historical houses, unspoiled village life, it is definitely one of the places that should be in all Bursa programs. In particular, we can say that the village breakfast made here is up to 10 times more effective in terms of energy filling.

Trace Greek Culture in Mudanya and Trilye

Both of them are small but charming settlements that were touched by the magic wands of the Greeks who lived here before the exchange, from architecture to gastronomy. One is Mudanya, where the Mudanya Armistice House is the scene of one of the key days of our history, and the other is Tirilye, the most popular getaway of Bursa with its tranquil streets, historical Greek houses, raki and fish options, 15 minutes away from it.

GOLYAZI

On Uluabat Lake, the tiny islet that will take you 15 minutes to tour its surroundings is GOlyazı, where the inhabitants of Bursa can enjoy breakfast at weekends and in the mornings, and in the evenings, where the fishermen escape from the city for the crane and catfish they keep fresh from the lake. A quiet, calm, peaceful fishing town. Thanks to its cuteness, it is one of the places frequented by its photographers.

Witness the Firsts of the Ottoman Empire in Iznik

While coming to Bursa, it was the capital of Byzantine and Anatolian Seljuks, the first mosque of the Ottoman Empire, the first madrasah and the first imaret, which was the charity institutions of that time, was built, the Ottoman art, trade and cultural center, the stone land, history, the shore of Lake Iznik It is not possible to return without seeing Bursa's beautiful tiled Iznik.

Take the Cable Car to Uludag and take a look at Bursa.

Did you know that Bursa has the longest non-stop cable car line in the world with 9 kilometers? We learned here that the cable car has almost become the modern symbol of the city. Turkey's first cable car system as entering into service in 1963, Uludag Area Hotels - the road between the district Teferrüç really saves lives as the alternative transportation system. There are 4 stops in total. It takes 10 minutes between Kadıyayla, which is the second stop at an altitude of 1231 meters from Teferrüç. After another 10-minute journey from Kadıyayla, one passes to the 1634-meter-high Sarıalan station. This is a nice place to come for a day camp and picnic in summer. From here, you go to the last station, the 2nd Region Hotels station. There is the Observation Terrace, which is one of the most beautiful scenic hills of Bursa, 2.5 kilometers by walking from Sarıalan station. Of course, you can come here with your own vehicle, but it is more enjoyable to come to Sarıalan by cable car and go to Bakacak with a short walk from here. The magnificent appearance of Bursa from Bakacak in autumn is from us!

Visit Suuçtu Waterfall

There are various waterfalls around Bursa, but the most famous one is Suuçtu Waterfall on the Karadere River. As you can understand from its name, it falls like flying from a height of about 40 meters from the waterfall. The waterfall was formed by the collapse of a fault line. People come here for picnic, hiking and camping. It is more suitable on weekdays to enjoy it comfortably. In addition, March and April are the ideal times when the water flow is high but the crowds are the least. Of course, the autumn months are also the times when the colors in nature are exhilarating. We say don't come back without seeing it.

Must See Inkaya Plane Tree on Uludag Road

Inkaya Plane trees in the most famous monuments in Turkey. It is literally a giant of 35 meters long and 3 meters in age. He is 600 years old. Once again, a person feels small next to such a great creature. Do not miss the historical İnkaya Plane tree on the Uludag road. Even take a tea-coffee break in its huge shade and even try the famous Inkaya fruit dessert. Honey, cream, hazelnuts on fresh fruits… It is a complete energy bomb!

Take a Winter Vacation in Uludag

Turkey's most popular ski resort of Uludag indisputable. Especially the semesters and the periods when universities are on holiday are full, but the taste of this place comes out during the off periods when the tracks are relatively empty. Also, when there is 0 snow in the spring and the nature begins to overflow on the mountain, Uludag is enjoying another pleasure.