Top Bursa Day Trips: Explore Turkey’s Green Paradise
Thinking of checking out Bursa? That old capital city sitting pretty in Turkey has some pretty cool day trip possibilities, that’s for sure! You could find yourself cruising up a mountain, or even stepping back in time, is that right? So let’s jump into some super interesting escapes you can swing if you’re calling Bursa home base for a bit.
1. Uludağ: A Mountain of Fun, Literally!
Okay, first on the list has gotta be Uludağ, which basically means “Grand Mountain.” Very fitting, wouldn’t you say? Often it’s almost the biggest draw, especially if you’re hitting Bursa in the winter because it turns into a primo skiing destination, wouldn’t you know? And yet, hold up, it’s not just about the snowy stuff; it’s also pretty stunning in summer for a bit of hiking or just catching amazing views, that’s for sure. A lot of folks hop on the cable car—teleferik in Turkish—because it offers amazing panoramic scenes going up. Keep an eye out; you can probably catch sight of wild flowers, a little treat with great scenes that could well make for totally perfect Insta posts!
When I went to Uludağ in July a few years back, it felt like a completely different escape compared to what you’d normally think of Turkey, in some respects, which is baking in the sun. You see these little boutique hotels scattered along the top of the mountain. In my view, walking through trails up there, is that something special? And remember those camera lenses because panoramic landscapes are, you know, kind of what it’s all about!
Read our full review: Uludağ Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Uludağ Tours)
2. Cumalıkızık: Stepping Back in Time
Ever dream of traipsing through an old Ottoman village that’s still ticking? Right, well Cumalıkızık it is, more or less. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, which sounds kinda fancy, and it’s pretty deserving as a matter of fact. The stone streets are something else; you can really see what village life was maybe like centuries prior, and yet the old wooden houses painted in these amazing hues? Totally unforgettable!
There are a lot of local ladies selling handmade goods—like jams and knitted socks, too it’s almost! If you’re like me, then tasting that local flavor’s right up your alley, anyway. Oh, and it’s seriously not that hard to get to: It’s more or less just a short drive east from Bursa, which means there’s plenty of time to wander and actually enjoy the calm vibe there, very good stuff! You find a handful of restaurants tucked into old homes with traditional food—if you are a foodie or not, it’s worth considering as a matter of fact.
Read our full review: Cumalıkızık Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Cumalıkızık Tours)
3. İznik: A Lake Town Loaded With History
Okay, ready for a bit of a history rush? Then get going on to İznik, also known in ancient times as Nicaea, which might ring some historical bells, eh? It has got pretty impressive walls, remnants of its Roman and Byzantine chapters. And it has got gorgeous İznik Lake that invites calm strolls with some great views.
Now, if history’s genuinely your cup of tea, and yet take some time to check out the Hagia Sophia, now set up as a mosque. I think you could learn some cool things that will fill in blanks. Then again, there’s that Roman theater still being excavated just on the outskirts, that offers glimpses of the area’s past. The markets around the main drag can totally have you tasting some really local products or drinking strong Turkish coffee, that’s for sure! During the summertime sitting beside the water is as relaxing as could be!
Read our full review: İznik Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (İznik Tours)
4. Gölyazı: Serenity on a Peninsula
Ever wished for something truly calming, if you will? Like something where time maybe slows way down? Because that’s more or less the deal with Gölyazı. It’s sitting pretty on a peninsula reaching into Lake Uluabat, and I’d say it’s more or less ridiculously charming. A cute bridge connects this almost-island village to the rest of the countryside. It means, walking onto it feels kind of unique, as a matter of fact. Now I would argue the pace there, I swear, seems completely dialed back!
Take your sweet time wandering through narrow alleyways because what’s good is the time spent there, and yet appreciate how the traditional stone houses stand still. Now I can say that those waterside cafes are top-shelf when it comes to enjoying super fresh seafood with scenes, could be said? Then, too, you find old plane trees adding character and age—every angle screams photogenic. Now I would argue visiting Gölyazı is really a feast for whoever needs just a tiny bit of calm!
Read our full review: Gölyazı Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Gölyazı Tours)
5. Trilye (Zeytinbağı): Olive Groves and Coastal Charm
If that coastline itch is maybe creeping up on you then let’s look into Trilye, more or less now called Zeytinbağı. So get this: The olive groves hugging the hills, almost create this very classic Turkish scene, could be said? And of course the water offers some top-tier relaxation points that shouldn’t be skipped either. In my view, you find traces of Greek heritage too!
You should walk around those stone houses, they have aged interestingly well and that should give you an experience! The boutique olive oil shops shouldn’t be missed and you will learn what it actually taste, very amazing stuff! I find tasting some seafood right along the shoreline quite satisfying, with the whole coastal vibe kicking around is that so bad? What I am talking about are the peaceful beaches! These offer sun, relaxation, peace and views!
Read our full review: Trilye Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Trilye Tours)
