One convenient way that tourists can visit Bursa is by taking a guided, one-day excursion from Istanbul. Though I might strongly suggest that Bursa deserves more time and attention than a single day, Istanbul to Bursa day trips are a popular choice for those making Istanbul a base from which to explore Turkey.

A number of tour companies offer Istanbul to Bursa day trips. Some of these companies offer private tours and are willing to customize your experience if you have specific preferences. Services are often offered in Turkish, English, and Arabic. Though each tour company seems to advertise its own unique touch, Istanbul to Bursa day trips typically include round-trip transportation, lunch, sightseeing and window shopping in Bursa’s downtown historical areas, and a ride up the mountain in the Uludağ cable car. Such an itinerary would represent a good, full day’s visit to Bursa.

The companies listed below offer Istanbul to Bursa day trips. As I’ve never taken a Bursa day trip from Istanbul, I cannot personally recommend or vouch for any particular tour operator. But if you’re staying in Istanbul and looking for a Bursa day excursion, you can start your search with this list.

Large tour booking companies like Viator and Get Your Guide contract with reputable local tour operators to provide quality experiences. See Viator’s Bursa day trip options or view Get Your Guide’s list of Bursa excursions.

Here’s a short list of local tour operators advertising Istanbul to Bursa day trips. All of these operators are registered with the Turkish Travel Agency Association. This list isn’t exhaustive, so if you know of others that you’ve had a good experience with, please let us know.

Veni Vidi Travel: Bursa Tour from Istanbul by Ferry
True Blue Tour: Imperial Bursa Excursion
Sightseeing Tour Istanbul: Daily Bursa Tour
Adore & Otto Tourism Travel Service: Green Bursa Tour
Istanbul Tours.org: Green Bursa Day Tour from Istanbul
Tours 4 Turkey: Bursa Uludağ Day Trip from Istanbul
Haqqi Tours: Bursa Tour from Istanbul
Turkey Travel Bazaar: Bursa Day Tour from Istanbul

Of course, if you’d rather enjoy your own tour of Bursa, see our recommended walking tour. Or review our suggested day guides or our top ten things to do list to help plan your stay in Bursa. Turkey Travel Planner also offers a few suggestions about planning your own self-guided Istanbul to Bursa day trip.