Green Bursa Private Tour
€780.00
Destination Guide
About Bursa – Uludağ
Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, and the city and the nearby village of Cumalıkızık are listed together as a UNESCO World Heritage site for their role in its birth. The twenty-domed Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), the tile-clad Green Tomb and Koza Han, once the center of the silk trade, sit close together around the historic bazaar. Thermal baths in the Çekirge district have drawn visitors for centuries. Just south of the city, Uludağ is the highest mountain in the Marmara region, home to one of Türkiye's best-known ski resorts in winter and cool upland meadows and hiking trails in summer.
A classic Bursa day starts on foot in the old center: the Grand Mosque, Koza Han, the covered bazaar, the Green Mosque and Green Tomb, then the tombs of Osman and Orhan, the first Ottoman sultans. Breakfast in Cumalıkızık and a stroll along its cobbled lanes is a favorite half-day trip. In winter, ride the cable car or drive up Uludağ to ski; in summer, go for the fresh mountain air. Finish with a thermal bath and a plate of İskender kebab. Day tours from Istanbul are popular too. Compare tours from local firms on TurTalebi and book securely by card.
Tours and Activities
Bursa – Uludağ Tours
Tours run by local firms in the area. Pick a date, see the price and book securely by card.
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Highlights
Top Things to See
01
Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami)
Built under Sultan Bayezid I, this twenty-domed mosque is an early Ottoman masterpiece, famous for its calligraphy panels and the ablution fountain inside the prayer hall. Dress modestly and avoid prayer times.
02
Green Tomb and Green Mosque
The tomb of Sultan Mehmed I, clad in green and turquoise tiles, is one of Bursa's best-known landmarks. Opposite, the Green Mosque is worth seeing for its exquisite interior tilework.
03
Cumalıkızık Village
At the foot of Uludağ, this Ottoman village is known for its timber-framed houses, narrow cobbled lanes and generous village breakfasts. It is a short drive from central Bursa.
04
Skiing and Cable Car on Uludağ
A cable car glides from the city over forests to the upper slopes of the mountain. In winter, depending on snow, the pistes cater to every level; in summer, the meadows are perfect for walks and picnics.
05
Çekirge Thermal Baths
Bursa's hot springs have been known since Roman and Byzantine times, and the historic baths of the Çekirge district keep the tradition alive. A soak after a long day of sightseeing is a classic Bursa experience.
06
Koza Han and the Old Bazaar
Built as the center of the silk cocoon trade, Koza Han still sells silk scarves and shawls today. The surrounding covered bazaar and inns are the place for candied chestnuts, towels and other Bursa specialties.
Planning
Plan Your Trip
When to Go
Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons for exploring Bursa, with mild weather ideal for walking. On Uludağ, the ski season usually runs from December to late March, depending on snow, and weekends get very busy. In summer, when the city is hot, Uludağ's cool meadows and forest trails make a welcome escape. The thermal baths are a treat in any season, and especially on cold winter days.
Getting There
Bursa is about two to two and a half hours from Istanbul by highway. Taking a sea bus from Istanbul across the Sea of Marmara to Mudanya and continuing by road is an enjoyable alternative. From the city, you reach Uludağ by cable car or by a winding mountain road; in winter, carry snow chains if you drive. The nearest major airports are in Istanbul, and the onward road journey to Bursa is straightforward.
Practical Tips
- When visiting the Grand Mosque and Green Mosque, cover shoulders and knees, and women should bring a scarf to cover their hair.
- If you're heading to Uludağ to ski on a weekend, leave early to beat the traffic and don't forget winter tires and chains.
- Visit Cumalıkızık on a weekday or early in the morning, as its narrow lanes get very crowded with visitors on weekends.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Top sights include the Grand Mosque, Koza Han and the historic bazaar, the Green Mosque and Green Tomb, and the tombs of Osman and Orhan. Cumalıkızık village, the thermal baths of Çekirge and a cable car ride up Uludağ round out a great visit.
The Uludağ ski season usually starts in December and runs until late March, depending on snowfall. January and February tend to have the most reliable snow. Before you go, check that the slopes are open and that the mountain road is clear.
Yes. Bursa is about two hours from Istanbul by road, so a day trip is doable. Guided tours typically fit the Grand Mosque, Koza Han, the Green Tomb and Cumalıkızık into one day, and some add the cable car up Uludağ. Staying one night makes for a more relaxed visit.
Bursa's signature dish is İskender kebab, sliced döner served over bread with tomato sauce, melted butter and yogurt. Pideli köfte, cantık and candied chestnuts are also worth trying, and a lavish village breakfast in Cumalıkızık is a highlight of any visit.
The cable car leaves from a station close to central Bursa and climbs over forests, first to Sarıalan and then on to the hotel area higher up. Expect great views over the city and plain. Services can be suspended in strong winds, so check that it is running before you go.
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