Bursa Tour

The cable car first. Mist and wind usually pick up in the afternoon and services are stopped more often then, so we put Uludağ at the start. An hour to an hour and a half at the top is enough; it is eight to ten degrees colder than the city up there, so a light layer is needed even in summer.

After coming down, the city centre: the Ulu Mosque, the Green Tomb and Koza Han are within walking distance. The tea garden in Koza Han's courtyard is the natural place for a midday break; İskender kebab is in the same area.

The day ends at Cumalıkızık. The UNESCO-listed village is ten kilometres from the centre, and the late-afternoon light is at its best on the stone lanes.

The return ferry time is noted from the start; missing the last sailing means two and a half hours by road. The day is built around the ferry time, not the other way round.

It suits: anyone who wants to see snow (Uludağ is under snow from December to March), those interested in Ottoman history, and anyone who wants to leave Istanbul for a completely different city. The cable car goes down well with children too.

It can be hard for: Cumalıkızık's stone lanes are narrow and sloping; pushchairs and wheelchairs struggle there. The long drive also tires small children.

The cable car depends on the weather: strong wind, heavy mist or deep snow can stop it, and the decision is usually taken in the morning. On a day it is closed, the programme shifts to the city and Cumalıkızık — we cannot promise it in advance and we do not.

For anyone who wants to see Bursa without hurrying we suggest staying a night; our six-day Istanbul–Bursa programme is built on that pattern.