Bursa Day Tour from Istanbul – Private Ottoman Heritage Experience
Join us on a full-day private tour to Bursa, the historic first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Discover centuries of history, magnificent Ottoman architecture, traditional bazaars and authentic Turkish culture. This unforgettable journey from Istanbul to Bursa is perfect for travellers who want a comfortable, flexible and personalised travel experience.
Your day begins with hotel pickup in Istanbul in a luxury VIP Mercedes Vito. Travel through scenic landscapes and enjoy a relaxing ferry ride across the beautiful Marmara Sea before arriving in the historic city of Bursa.
Tour Itinerary
Hotel Pick-up – Istanbul
Pick-up from your hotel in Istanbul or Airports with a comfortable VIP Mercedes Vito vehicle and transfer to the ferry port.
Ferry Ride Across the Marmara Sea
Enjoy a relaxing ferry journey with stunning views of the Marmara Sea and fresh sea air while travelling from Istanbul to Bursa.
Münira Shopping Center
Stop at Münira Shopping Mall where you can explore local shops selling traditional souvenirs and regional food products unique to Bursa.
Cumalıkızık Village (UNESCO Heritage)
Walk through the historic Ottoman village of Cumalıkızık, famous for its narrow stone streets and colourful traditional houses. Free time for photos and exploration.
Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe)
Visit the famous mausoleum of Sultan Mehmed I, one of Bursa’s most iconic historical monuments and an important example of early Ottoman architecture.
Green Mosque (Yeşil Camii)
Explore the beautiful Green Mosque located in the heart of Bursa. This architectural masterpiece is renowned for its turquoise tiles and elegant Ottoman design.
Koza Han – Historic Silk Bazaar
Enjoy free time at Koza Han, the historic silk market of Bursa. Relax with Turkish tea in the courtyard cafés and discover traditional silk products.
Bursa City Center
Short free time to explore the lively Bursa city centre, enjoy the atmosphere, and take photos before returning to Istanbul.
Return to Istanbul
After the tour, transfer back to Istanbul by ferry and private vehicle, followed by hotel drop-off.
🚗 INCLUDED SERVICES
✔️ Round-trip transportation from Istanbul
✔️ VIP air-conditioned vehicle (Mercedes Vito & Sprinter)
✔️ Ferry tickets
✔️ Bottled water
✔️ Parking, fuel & tolls
❌ NOT INCLUDED
- Personal expenses
- Tips
Who is this tour for?
Perfect for:
- Couples
- Families
- Muslim travelers
- First-time visitors to Turkey
- Travel agencies looking for B2B packages
Cities Covered in This Tour
- Istanbul
- Bursa
A day trip from Istanbul to Bursa offers travellers the perfect opportunity to explore the historical heart of the Ottoman Empire. Known as the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, Bursa combines breathtaking nature, Ottoman architecture, traditional bazaars, and famous Turkish cuisine.
If you are planning a Bursa day tour from Istanbul, here are the top activities you should not miss.
1. Ride the Uludağ Cable Car
One of the most exciting experiences in Bursa is taking the cable car to Uludağ.
The cable car ride offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, forests and mountains. During winter, Uludağ becomes one of Türkiye’s most famous ski destinations, while in summer it is perfect for nature lovers.
Highlights:
- Stunning mountain views
- Fresh mountain air
- Perfect photo opportunities
2. Visit the Great Mosque (Ulu Camii)
The Bursa Grand Mosque is one of the most important religious monuments in the city.
Built in the 14th century, the mosque features:
- 20 beautiful domes
- impressive Islamic calligraphy
- peaceful spiritual atmosphere
3. Discover the Green Mosque and Green Tomb
Two of Bursa’s most iconic Ottoman landmarks are the
Green Mosque and the
Green Tomb.
These monuments are famous for their stunning turquoise tiles and elegant Ottoman design.
Visitors can also learn about the history of Sultan Mehmed I, whose mausoleum is located here.
4. Explore the Historic Silk Market
The historic Koza Han is one of the most charming places in the city.
This 15th-century Ottoman caravanserai was once the center of the silk trade along the Silk Road.
Today visitors can:
- shop for authentic silk scarves
- enjoy Turkish tea in the courtyard
- experience Bursa’s traditional market atmosphere
5. Walk Through the UNESCO Village Cumalıkızık
The charming Ottoman village of
Cumalıkızık
is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This village is famous for:
- colourful historic houses
- narrow cobblestone streets
- traditional Turkish breakfast
It is one of the most photogenic places near Bursa.
6. Taste the Famous Iskender Kebab
Bursa is the birthplace of the legendary
İskender kebab.
This delicious dish consists of:
- thinly sliced döner meat
- warm pide bread
- tomato sauce
- yogurt and melted butter
It is considered one of the most famous Turkish dishes.
7. Visit the Tombs of Ottoman Founders
At the historic Tophane area you can visit the tombs of the founders of the Ottoman Empire:
- Tomb of Osman I
- Tomb of Orhan
The area also offers one of the best panoramic views of Bursa.
8. Enjoy Traditional Turkish Tea at Historic Caravanserais
Bursa is famous for its historic Ottoman inns and caravanserais. The peaceful courtyards provide the perfect place to relax with a cup of Turkish tea after exploring the city.
9. Shop at Bursa Grand Bazaar
The historic
Bursa Grand Bazaar
is another great place for shopping.
Visitors can find:
- gold jewelry
- textiles
- Turkish sweets
- local handicrafts
10. Experience the Scenic Ferry Ride from Istanbul
Most Bursa tours start with a ferry journey across the Marmara Sea.
This relaxing trip between
Istanbul and
Bursa offers beautiful sea views and a peaceful start to the day.
Plan Your Bursa Day Tour from Istanbul
A private Bursa day trip from Istanbul allows travellers to explore Ottoman history, enjoy spectacular landscapes, and taste traditional Turkish cuisine all in one day.
Whether you are interested in history, culture, shopping or nature, Bursa offers an unforgettable travel experience just a short journey from Istanbul.
