Bursa in One Day: History and Nature Tour

Bursa — The First Ottoman Capital

Bursa is one of Turkey's most historically significant cities. It served as the capital of the Ottoman Empire from 1326 to 1365, before the conquest of Istanbul. Today it is Turkey's fourth-largest city with over 3 million residents.

Located just 175 km south of Istanbul, Bursa is an easy day trip or weekend destination. The city is famous for its Ottoman architecture, silk markets, ski resort and — of course — the legendary İskender kebab.

Grand Mosque & Historic Bazaar

The Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii) is Bursa's most iconic landmark. Built between 1396 and 1400 by Sultan Bayezid I, it is a masterpiece of early Ottoman architecture with 20 domes and 2 minarets.

Adjacent to the mosque is the Covered Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı), a maze of streets selling silk scarves, towels, spices and traditional handicrafts. The bazaar dates back to the 14th century and has over 100 shops.

Cumalıkızık — A 700-Year-Old Village

Cumalıkızık is a preserved Ottoman village at the foot of Uludağ mountain, 11 km east of Bursa center. Founded in the early 1300s, it is one of the few villages that has survived to the present day with its original structure.

The village is famous for its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful Ottoman houses, and traditional breakfasts served in rustic courtyards. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a photographer's dream.

İskender Kebab & Local Cuisine

Bursa is the birthplace of İskender kebab — a dish of thinly sliced döner meat served over pieces of pide bread, topped with tomato sauce and yogurt, with melted butter poured at the table. It is one of Turkey's most famous dishes.

For dessert, try kestane şekeri (candied chestnuts) and Kemalpaşa tatlısı (a syrupy cheese dessert). Bursa is also famous for its black figs, peaches and silk products.

• ✓İskender kebab: from 200 TRY per plate
• ✓Kestane şekeri: 150-300 TRY per box
• ✓Best İskender: Kebapçı İskender (since 1867)
• ✓Don't miss: cumalıkızık breakfast before sightseeing

Uludağ & the Cable Car

Uludağ (Great Mountain) is a 2,543-meter peak that dominates the Bursa skyline. In winter it is Turkey's most popular ski resort; in summer it becomes a hiking and picnic destination with cool mountain air.

The Bursa Teleferik (cable car) is one of the longest in the world at 8.8 km. It takes visitors from the city center to the summit in about 20 minutes, offering spectacular views of Bursa and the Marmara Sea along the way.

Getting to Bursa from Istanbul

The most comfortable way to reach Bursa from Istanbul is a VIP transfer. From Istanbul Airport (IST), the journey takes about 2 hours 30 minutes via the Osmangazi Bridge and prices start from €200 for a Mercedes Vito (1-6 passengers).

From Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), the transfer takes around 2 hours and prices start from €180. Our drivers pick you up directly from the arrivals hall and take you door-to-door to your hotel or destination in Bursa.