Istanbul to Bursa and Cumalikizik: Private day trip
Private ride with a local driver
8h 45mRound tripPrivate driver
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About your trip
Witness Bursaâs grandeur, then step into Cumalikizikâs time warp. A double dose of Ottoman legacy in one remarkable day!
Exclusively yours: private vehicle and professional driver
Discover local insights you won't find in guidebooks
Experience the freedom to explore at your own speed
Perfectly planned for families, friends, or solo travelers
What to expect
Your day trip begins wherever you are
Meet our professional driver right where you prefer in Istanbul whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.Discover more with local expertise
Your driverâs local insights will set the tone for your day trip. A hidden cafĂŠ here, a must-try restaurant there; insider tips youâll love sharing later. This isnât a guided tour but your ride will be rich with stories and discoveries along the way. And throughout the day, your driver will be available for you as needed, ready to assist, happy to help, making your trip stress-free.Explore at your own pace
After arriving in Bursa, you'll have the freedom to explore the Grand Mosque, Koza Han, and local cuisine before continuing on to Cumalikizik, where you can admire the well-preserved Ottoman houses and cobbled lanes, all at your leisure. Meanwhile your driver will wait for you nearby, ensuring a stress-free return trip.
Perfect for any private group
Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.Good to know
- Two-way private car transfer
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Personalized pickup and drop-off
- Professional English-speaking driver
- Complimentary bottled water
- Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
- Entry/Admission tickets to paid attractions Bursa and Cumalikizik should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
- Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included
From US$91
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotalUS$273
Your trip at a glance
Your trip at a glance
Start in Istanbul
You choose the pickup spot. Bursa
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discoverStop: 3 hours - admission not included
Enjoy lush green parks, historical sites, and incredible mountain views in lively Bursa.
Main attractions
- The ancient Grand Mosque, a UNESCO site famous for its 20 domes and unique fountains
- Koza Han, the bustling silk market held in an Ottoman-era structure with multiple levels of vendors selling silk products and tea
- The unique octagonal Green Tomb, the burial site of Sultan Mehmes I, featuring incredibly ornate tile details
What to try
- The city's specialty, Iskender Kebap (thinly sliced lamb served with tomato and yogurt sauces)
Take note
- The Grand Mosque requires modest dress (shoulders and knees covered, shoes removed, and women's hair covered) and is open from 9:00 to 21:00 daily, though it's best to visit outside of prayer times
Cumalikizik
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discoverStop: 40 min - admission not included
This historic village is a UNESCO World Heritage site that highlights the early years of the Ottoman Empire.
Main attractions
- Historic village streets with hundreds of colorful timber homes standing on stone bases
- Cumzalikizik Mosque in the center square, standing since 1396 as a strong example of Ottoman architecture
- The Ethnography Museum's incredible collection of handicrafts and items from daily life during the Ottoman period
What to try
- Cheese, spinach, and potato-stuffed flatbread (called "gozleme"), popular for breakfast
Back to Istanbul
Weâll take you back to your starting point.Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?
Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.
Know more about your day trip
Istanbul to Bursa is approximately 95 miles (153 km) by road, a drive of around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. Cumalikizik village sits about 10 miles (16 km) east of central Bursa, so the total journey from Istanbul is roughly 105 miles (169 km). The route typically crosses via the Osmangazi Bridge over the Gulf of Izmit.
Yes, this trip works well for families. Cumalikizik is a walkable, car-free village where kids can explore freely, and Bursa's parks and open plazas offer plenty of space to roam. The Grand Mosque and Green Tomb are visually striking and accessible. The private vehicle means you travel at your own pace, with no group schedules to follow, which makes managing young children much easier.
Cumalikizik is ideal for slow exploration on foot. Highlights include the village's main square, the 1396 Cumalikizik Mosque, and the Ethnography Museum, which houses handicrafts and everyday objects from the Ottoman period. The must-try snack is gozleme, a thin stuffed flatbread filled with cheese, spinach, or potato, typically made fresh by local women in the village.
Cumalikizik is a UNESCO World Heritage village that dates back to the early Ottoman Empire, making it one of Turkey's best-preserved medieval settlements. Its narrow cobblestone streets are lined with hundreds of colorful timber-framed houses built on stone bases, some over 700 years old. The village gives a rare look at authentic Ottoman rural life and is a popular subject for photographers.
Iskender Kebap is Bursa's most iconic dish, consisting of thinly sliced grilled lamb served over pieces of flatbread and topped with a rich tomato sauce, melted butter, and yogurt. It originated in Bursa in the 19th century and is best enjoyed fresh at one of the traditional restaurants near the city center. Look for spots near Koza Han or the Grand Mosque area for the most authentic versions.
Visiting Bursa first is the most practical approach, as it is the main urban destination with more ground to cover. You can spend around 2 hours exploring the Grand Mosque, Koza Han silk market, and the Green Tomb before continuing to Cumalikizik. The village is smaller and works well as a relaxed afternoon stop where you can stroll the lanes and try traditional gozleme flatbread.
Spring and fall are ideal. April through June brings mild, pleasant weather and blooming landscapes, while September and October offer comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer can be quite warm in Bursa, and the city can get busy. Cumalikizik is especially atmospheric in the morning light year-round, so an early start is recommended regardless of the season.
The Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami) requires modest dress for all visitors. Shoulders and knees should be covered, shoes must be removed at the entrance, and women are expected to cover their hair. It is best to visit outside of prayer times, as the mosque is open to the public daily from around 9:00 to 21:00. Carrying a scarf in your bag is a practical tip for spontaneous visits.
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