Key Experiences:

1. Scenic Journey from Istanbul:
   The tour begins early in the morning with hotel pickup from Istanbul city center.
   Travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus accompanied by a professional guide.
   The journey includes a scenic car ferry crossing of the Marmara Sea (approximately 50 minutes), offering views of the Bosphorus and its bridge.
   The total travel time to Bursa, including the ferry and short comfort stops, is around 2-3 hours one-way.
   The entire tour is a long day, typically lasting 12-14 hours.
2. Stops Along the Way:
   Gemlik (or similar lake-side stop): Enjoy an hour of free time to relax, admire nature, sip traditional Turkish tea, or optionally hire an ATV for an extra cost.
   Turkish Delight Shop: Learn about this famous Turkish dessert, taste different flavors, and purchase your favorites.
   600-year-old Plane Tree (Inkaya Tree): A brief stop to take photos and marvel at the imposing size of this ancient tree, believed to be over 600 years old (some sources say 610-630 years old).
3. Uludağ Mountain Adventure:
   Ascend towards Uludağ Mountain, also known as Mount Olympos, Turkey's most popular winter sports destination and a beautiful natural park.
   Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring traditional Turkish cuisine at a local restaurant on the mountain. Beverages are not included.
   Free Time on Uludağ: Spend leisure time exploring the mountain. Depending on the season, you can enjoy seasonal activities like hiking in summer or snow activities (like skiing or snowboarding) in winter (optional activities at extra cost).
   Cable Car Ride (Teleferik): Experience an ultra-fun cable car ride from the mountain down towards the center of Bursa. This ride offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. (The cable car ride is included if the package selected, but is subject to weather conditions and may be substituted with a bus ride if unavailable. The duration of the cable car ride from the peak to the city center is generally around 20-25 minutes).
4. Historical Bursa Exploration:
   Green Mosque (Yesil Camii): Visit this important historical monument, a masterpiece of early Ottoman architecture commissioned by Sultan Mehmed I. It's named after the exquisite green tiles that decorate its interior. The complex includes a mausoleum (Green Tomb), a madrasah, and other rooms.
   Silk Market (Covered Bazaar / Koza Han): Explore a small silk market next to the Green Mosque, where you can find beautiful souvenirs, textiles, and traditional crafts. Bursa's covered bazaar is one of the largest in Turkey, featuring a labyrinth of alleys with various shops for jewelry, clothing, spices, and especially silk products. It often contains historical hans (caravanserais) like Koza Han, historically a hub for silk trade.
   Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami) (Implied/Common stop): While not explicitly detailed in the provided text for this specific tour, Bursa's Grand Mosque is a significant landmark often included in tours. It's the largest mosque in Bursa, built by Sultan Bayezid I between 1396-1399, famous for its 20 domes and impressive calligraphic panels. (The highlight section mentions "Grand Mosque" implying its inclusion).
5. Return to Istanbul:
   After exploring Bursa, the bus will drive you back to Istanbul, concluding the tour in the evening at your hotel in the city center.

Highlights:

• Discover Bursa, the first Ottoman capital, and its rich historical landmarks.
• Ride a thrilling cable car to the top of Uludağ Mountain with panoramic views.
• Explore the historical Green Mosque (Yesil Camii) and possibly the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami).
• Visit the vibrant Covered Bazaar (Silk Market) for shopping.
• Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring traditional Turkish cuisine.
• Experience seasonal activities like hiking or snow adventures at Uludağ.
• Convenient round-trip transfers from your Istanbul hotel.