Discover Bursa – The Ottoman Capital & Natural Wonderland

Bursa, a city of rich history, stunning architecture, and natural beauty, holds a special place in Turkey’s past. Once the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, Bursa is home to ancient mosques, grand tombs, and vibrant markets, as well as the breathtaking Uludağ National Park. And, of course, no visit to Turkey is complete without indulging in its most famous treat—Turkish Delight!

🏛 Why Visit Bursa?
✔ The First Capital of the Ottoman Empire – Bursa played a pivotal role in Turkish history, serving as the empire’s capital before Istanbul.
✔ Architectural & Historical Treasures – The city boasts impressive mosques, madrasahs, and mausoleums dating back centuries.
✔ Uludağ National Park – One of Turkey’s most famous mountain retreats, perfect for panoramic views, nature lovers, and winter sports.
✔ Famous Silk & Textile Markets – Bursa was a key stop on the Silk Road, making it a center for Turkish textiles and craftsmanship.
✔ Turkish Delight & Culinary Heritage – Bursa is the birthplace of Iskender Kebab and home to some of the finest Turkish Delight makers in the country.

🌟 Must-See Attractions in Bursa
1️⃣ Grand Mosque of Bursa (Ulu Cami) – A Masterpiece of Ottoman Architecture
✔ Built in 1399, this mosque is known for its 20 domes and grand interior calligraphy.
✔ Features an elegant central fountain, creating a calm and spiritual atmosphere.
✔ A stunning example of early Ottoman religious architecture, with Seljuk influences.

2️⃣ Green Mosque & Green Tomb – The Symbol of Bursa
✔ The Green Mosque (Yesil Cami), built in 1424, is famous for its gorgeous turquoise tiles.
✔ Next to it, the Green Tomb (Yesil Türbe) houses the mausoleum of Sultan Mehmed I, with its beautiful ceramic decorations.
✔ These landmarks showcase the finest examples of Ottoman tilework and craftsmanship.

3️⃣ Koza Han – The Historic Silk Market
✔ Built in 1491, this Silk Bazaar was a crucial part of the Silk Road trade network.
✔ Today, it remains a vibrant shopping destination, selling handmade silk scarves, textiles, and traditional Turkish goods.
✔ The courtyard café is the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of Turkish tea while surrounded by history.

4️⃣ Uludag National Park – A Natural Wonderland
✔ One of Turkey’s most famous ski resorts and a summer retreat for hiking & nature lovers.
✔ Take the Uludag Cable Car (Teleferik) for breathtaking panoramic views of Bursa and beyond.
✔ Perfect for scenic photography, picnics, or simply enjoying the fresh mountain air.

5️⃣ Cumalikizik Village – A Journey Back in Time
✔ A charming Ottoman-era village, known for its well-preserved 700-year-old houses.
✔ Wander through cobblestone streets and experience authentic Turkish village life.
✔ Enjoy traditional Turkish breakfast in one of the family-run cafes.

6️⃣ Turkish Delight & Iskender Kebab – A Culinary Experience
✔ Bursa is the birthplace of Iskender Kebab, a mouthwatering dish of thinly sliced lamb, yogurt, and butter sauce.
✔ Taste authentic Turkish Delight (Lokum), made fresh in the city’s historic sweet shops.
✔ Don’t forget to try Chestnut Candy (Kestane Sekeri), another famous Bursa specialty.

📌 Bursa Tour Information
✔ Pickup & Transport: Daily departures from Istanbul & Bursa city center.
✔ Best Time to Visit: Year-round! Uludağ is perfect for skiing in winter and nature walks in summer.
✔ What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, a camera, and an appetite for Turkish cuisine & sweets!
✔ Optional: Cable car rides, skiing (seasonal), and guided Silk Road history tours.

🌟 Why Choose a Bursa Tour?
✔ Explore the first Ottoman capital, full of historical and cultural wonders.
✔ Visit famous mosques, tombs, and markets, experiencing centuries of Turkish history.
✔ Enjoy breathtaking nature at Uludağ, whether you visit in winter or summer.
✔ Taste authentic Turkish cuisine, including Iskender Kebab & Turkish Delight.
Bursa offers the perfect mix of history, nature, and culture—a must-visit destination in Turkey!

Day 01 :

Bursa Full-Day Tour – History, Nature & Culture

Explore Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, where history, stunning natural landscapes, and rich cultural heritage come together. This full-day tour will take you through ancient landmarks, breathtaking national parks, and traditional markets, ending with a sweet experience at a Turkish Delight factory.

Morning: Hotel Pickup & Start of the Tour
🚐 Your journey begins with a pickup from your hotel in Bursa (or an early departure from Istanbul), followed by a scenic drive to one of Bursa’s oldest villages.

🌳 Tarihi Cinar (Ancient Plane Tree) – A Living Ottoman Legacy
✔ Visit Inkaya Village, one of the oldest villages in Bursa, dating back to the Ottoman era.
✔ See the Tarihi Cinar (Historic Plane Tree), a 600-year-old monumental tree, believed to have been planted during the reign of the early Ottoman sultans.
✔ Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the village square, surrounded by small cafés and souvenir shops.
✔ Imagine the centuries of history this tree has witnessed, as you sip traditional Turkish tea under its shade.

🕌 Green Mosque & Green Tomb – The Jewel of Bursa
✔ Explore the Green Mosque (Yesil Cami), one of Bursa’s most exquisite Ottoman landmarks, built during the reign of Sultan Mehmed I (1424).
✔ Admire the intricately crafted turquoise and green ceramic tiles, created by the Masters of Tabriz, world-renowned tile artisans of the time.
✔ Visit the Green Tomb (Yesil Türbe), the final resting place of Sultan Mehmed I, featuring unique Seljuk and Persian architectural influences.
✔ Discover the surrounding religious complex, which includes a school, a bathhouse, and a kitchen that once served the community.

🏔️ Uludag National Park – Bursa’s Natural Wonderland
✔ Journey 36 km south of Bursa to Uludag, the highest peak in western Anatolia (2,543 meters).
✔ Take the Uludag Cable Car (Teleferik) for a breathtaking panoramic ride above the treetops.
✔ In winter, experience Turkey’s premier ski resort, a magical winter wonderland.
✔ In summer, enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, kayaking, and wildlife spotting.
✔ Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including wolves, foxes, deer, vultures, and golden eagles.

🍽️ Lunch Break – A Taste of Bursa’s Famous Cuisine
Enjoy a traditional lunch featuring local specialties such as:
✔ Iskender Kebab – Thinly sliced grilled lamb, served with yogurt and butter sauce, originally created in Bursa.
✔ Pide (Turkish Flatbread) – Freshly baked with local cheeses, meats, or vegetables.
✔ Şıra (Fermented Grape Juice) – A refreshing non-alcoholic drink unique to Bursa.

🕌 Ulu Cami (Great Mosque) – The Grandest Ottoman Mosque
✔ Discover Bursa’s largest and most famous mosque, built by Sultan Bayezid I between 1396–1399.
✔ Marvel at the 20 domes, symbolizing the 20 victories of the sultan, and the grand central fountain used for ritual cleansing.
✔ See the highly decorated Mihrab (prayer niche), guiding the faithful toward Mecca.
✔ Experience the peaceful spiritual atmosphere of this historic masterpiece of Ottoman architecture.

🍬 Turkish Delight Factory – A Sweet Ending to the Day
✔ Visit a traditional Turkish Delight (Lokum) factory, where this beloved confection has been handmade for centuries.
✔ Learn about the history and preparation of Turkish Delight, dating back to the Ottoman era.
✔ Try a variety of flavors, from classic rose and pistachio to exotic pomegranate and chocolate-covered delights.
✔ Discover why Lokum is still a treasured gift in Turkish culture, offered to guests and shared during celebrations.

Evening: Return to Your Hotel
🚐 After a day filled with history, nature, and delicious treats, your tour concludes with a comfortable transfer back to your hotel.

📌 Bursa Tour Information
✔ Pickup & Transport: Available from Bursa city center or Istanbul (with an early departure).
✔ Tour Duration: Full-day tour (approx. 10 hours).
✔ Best Time to Visit: Year-round – ideal for skiing in winter and nature hikes in summer.
✔ What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, a jacket for Uludağ’s cooler temperatures, and a camera.

🌟 Why Choose This Bursa Tour?
✔ Experience the Ottoman Empire’s first capital, full of historical and cultural wonders.
✔ Explore Bursa’s most famous mosques, tombs, and markets.
✔ Take a scenic cable car ride through Uludağ National Park, perfect for nature lovers.
✔ Taste authentic Iskender Kebab and Turkish Delight, a must for foodies.
This Bursa full-day tour is a perfect mix of history, nature, and culture, making it one of the best destinations to explore in Turkey!