Bursa Tour Day Trip from Istanbul
The first Ottoman capital, at the foot of Mount Uludağ, and the day trip Istanbul residents themselves take when they want out of the city. Green mosques, thermal baths, silk markets and a cable car up a mountain, roughly two and a half hours away.
- At the gate
- £29.75
- Allow
- 1h 30m
- District
- Closed
- Open daily
Bursa, in short
The first Ottoman capital, at the foot of Mount Uludau011f, and the day trip Istanbul residents themselves take when they want out of the city. Green mosques, thermal baths, silk markets and a cable car up a mountain, roughly two and a half hours away.
It is a genuine change of pace rather than more of the same u2014 cooler, quieter, and green in a way Istanbul is not.
What it costs
The guided day tour is u20ac35 booked separately. Included on the pass.
What the day covers
Transport there and back, lunch, and the main sights: the Green Mosque and Green Tomb, the covered bazaar, and the cable car up Uludau011f. The journey usually combines ferry across the Marmara with coach, which is faster and far more pleasant than driving round.
How long, and when
A full day u2014 expect an early start and a late return. Spring and autumn are the best months for walking; winter brings snow to Uludau011f, which is a ski resort as well as a viewpoint.
What to pack
Layers. Bursa runs cooler than Istanbul and the top of Uludau011f is colder again u2014 the cable car climbs to over 1,800 metres. Comfortable shoes; the old town is steep.
What to buy
Bursa was the western end of the Silk Road, and hand-painted silk scarves are still the thing to bring back. u0130znik-style ceramics and tilework are the other local speciality, and the covered bazaar is the place for both.
Frequently asked questions
- Hand-painted silk scarves and shawls u2014 the city was the western terminus of the Silk Road u2014 plus hand-painted ceramics and tilework.
- About two and a half hours, usually combining a ferry across the Marmara with a coach transfer.
- For a first visit, yes. Transport, lunch and the main sights are organised, which is otherwise a fiddly day to assemble yourself.
- April to June and September to November for mild walking weather. Winter if you want snow on Uludau011f.