Bursa
is Ottoman charm
Welcome to Bursa
Modern, industrial Bursa is built around the mosques, mausoleums and other sites from its incarnation as first Ottoman capital. Despite being built-up and somewhat chaotic, its durable Ottoman core and abundant parks keep it remarkably placid in places. For some fresh air after pounding the markets, the soaring peaks of Mt Uludağ (Turkey's premier ski resort) are nearby, with Çekirge's thermal hamams en route.Bursa... Read More
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Bursa activities
Bursa Full-Day Tour From Istanbul: Green Mosque, Mt Olympus
Explore the first capital of the Ottoman Empire on a small group full-day tour of Bursa from Istanbul.Following a pick-up from your hotel on Istanbul’s European side, transfer to the port to catch a ferry to Yalova. Cross the Sea of Marmara. Then, relax in air-conditioned comfort on the 2-hour drive to Bursa.Upon arrival, sample some of the local produce of the region, such as chestnuts, honey, olives, Turkish delights and more. See historic bazaars and sights, such as the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami).Next, climb a mountain for a barbecue lunch. Enjoy some free time to enjoy an ATV safari, or take a minibus to the ski slopes for a spot of ski-ing (extra fee own expense).Explore Koza Han in the heart of the old Silk Market, and learn about Bursa’s thriving silk trade during the Ottoman era. Although it’s now a tea house, the building retains its historical allure. Hear how Bursa marked the end of the ancient Silk Road, and how the city was once home to countless artisans who produced kaftans and soft furnishings for the Turkish sultans.Return to Istanbul in the evening, for a drop off at your hotel.
Daily Green Bursa Tour From Istanbul
After getting picked up at your hotel in Istanbul, head to the ferry terminal. Sit back and relax on the boat during the 2-hour ride, as the Turkish countryside reveals itself for all its natural beauty. Once in Bursa, ascend to the top of Mt. Uludag, the historic Mount Olympus, and learn about the history of the games as well as the long history of Bursa itself. Visit the Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum, stroll through an old silk market, and take in the bustling atmosphere of a covered bazar. Take a break for lunch to indulge in a typical Turksih meal. And then, after some more exploring, board the ferry ride in the afternoon for the peaceful 2-hour journey back to Istanbul.
Small-Group Tour: Bursa Day Trip from Istanbul
After pickup from your Istanbul hotel, enjoy a scenic ferry ride to Yalova before hopping on your coach to continue by road to Bursa. With your guide, visit the early 15th-century Green Mosque (Yesil Cami) and the Green Tomb (Yesil Turbe), where Sultan Mehmet I was buried in 1421. Both these sites are celebrated for their pristine architecture and beautiful interior embellishment, and you'll certainly see why!Continue to Bursa’s city center to visit the imperial Great Mosque (Ulu Cami). Be astounded by its 20 domes and 12 massive pillars built in the Seljuk style in 1399, and learn how this is a common place for Muslim worship. At midday, relax at an elegant restaurant – where Sultan Murat II once dined – and enjoy a lunch of traditional kebabs and other local specialties. After lunch, explore Koza Han, a vast market where merchants from all over the world have met for centuries to trade silk cocoons.Next, travel by cable car to Uludag (Mt Olympus), where you can admire panoramic views of Bursa and the fertile plains below. Continue by coach to Cumalikizik Village and pass beautifully preserved early Ottoman-era homes before heading back to Istanbul.
Day Trip from Istanbul to Bursa: The Ottoman Capital
Start your day with a pickup from your European-side Istanbul hotel, and travel to the port where your ferry awaits. Cruise south across the Sea of Marmara to Yalova, and then continue your journey by air-conditioned minivan. After just over two hours of traveling, arrive into Bursa, the first capital city of the Ottoman Empire. With a your guide at your side, travel by minivan and ferry to the city and then visit some of its landmark monuments. Gaze in awe at the colorful grandeur of the Green Mosque, and then learn of the city as an Ottoman-era silk powerhouse on a trip to Bursa Silk Market and the Koza Han building. After lunch, ride to the top of Mt Olympus (Snow Hill) by cable car and some impressive city views. Ottoman Empire was one of the largest empires in the history. Bursa was its first capital. The city that is settled on the northwestern slopes of Mount Uludag is known as "Yesil Bursa" (meaning "Green Bursa") from its beautiful parks and gardens located throughout the city. This fourth largest city of Turkey is also known for its peaches, chestnuts, and silk industry. The city is frequently cited as "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 Uludağ 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.
Private Tour From Istanbul to Green City Bursa in a day
The tour the Bursa starts with an early departure from the hotel (07:30 am).The ferry trip to the nearby city of Yalova is followed by a 45-minute drive to Bursa.Places to visit are, The Green Mosque, the Green Tomb, the Grand Mosque, the Covered Bazaar and the Old Silk Market. You may also taste the world famous “Iskender Kebap”.Afterwards, head to Bursa’s cable car and hop aboard for a climb to the peak of Mt Olympos. Enjoy the great view of the city. In the unlikely event the cable car is not operating, walk with your guide to a similar overlook near an old plane tree.Settled on the northwestern slopes of Mount Uludağ in the southern Marmara Region, Bursa is frequently cited as "Green Bursa", in a reference to the parks and gardens located across its urban tissue, as well as to the vast forests in rich variety that extend in its surroundings. Thus, Bursa has traditionally been a pole of attraction, and was a major center for refugees from various ethnic backgrounds; and it holds an immaculate heritage of Ottoman civil architecture.
Private Nicea and Bursa Tour from Lisbon
Begin the tour with a morning departure from your Istanbul hotel. Ride the ferry to the nearby town of Yalova, then hop in a car for a 45 minute drive to İznik (Nicea), passing through beautiful countryside as you go. In İznik, see the ruins of the Haghia Sophia of Nicea and the City Walls, as well as the Green Mosque. The city has a rich history: it was conquered and incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in the 14th century and later became a major center for local faïence pottery (known as the İznik Çini, Çin meaning China – Chinese porcelain stood in great favor with the Sultans.) İznik tiles were used to decorate many of the mosques in Istanbul designed by Sinan.After İznik, head to the town of Bursa in the northwestern slopes of Mount Uludağ, in the southern Marmara Region. Bursa is frequently cited as "Green Bursa", thanks to the many parks and gardens located throughout the city, as well as the vast forests that surround it. The first major capital city in the early years of the Ottoman Empire, Bursa kept its importance as a commercial center, especially as the source of most royal silk products during the Ottoman period. Traditionally a pole of attraction, Bursa was a major center for refugees from various ethnic backgrounds and holds an immaculate heritage of Ottoman civil architecture. Spend time here exploring the Green Mosque, the Green Tomb, and the Grand Mosque; and shop for treasures at the Covered Bazaar and the Old Silk Market. Taste the world famous “Iskender Kebap” before returning to Istanbul at the end of the day.