Itinerary Summary
A ferry across the Marmara Sea from Yenikapi reaches Bursa, then the Teleferic cable car climbs to the Uludağ ski resort - two days on the beginner-intermediate slopes (720 m vertical drop, longest ru…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Istanbul and the Marmara Ferry to Bursa
10:00
2h
Istanbul Airport arrival and Marmaray transfer
Clear immigration at IST and take the M11 metro to Gayrettepe, then the Marmaray line west to Yenikapi. The total journey is about 75 minutes and a single Istanbulkart covers both legs.
📍 Istanbul Airport (IST)
14:00
2h
Catamaran across the Sea of Marmara
The fast ferry crosses to Mudanya in about 90 minutes with a view of the Princes' Islands from the rear deck. Buy the ticket at the terminal on the day; sailings thin out in winter.
📍 Yenikapi to Mudanya
17:00
3h
Bus into Bursa and Iskender kebab dinner
Take the connecting bus from Mudanya, check into a hotel near Heykel, then eat Iskender kebab at a family restaurant; the dish was created in Bursa in the 19th century.
📍 Bursa
💡 Pro Tip: Yenikapi ferry terminal is on the Marmaray line, and the fast catamaran to Mudanya takes about 90 minutes before a 40-minute bus ride into Bursa. Turkish ferries and buses run on UTC+3. Uludag is 1,800 m up and snow holds from December into March, so pack insulated gloves, goggles and boots that grip. Entry requirements vary by passport, so read the Turkiye visa section first.
Days 2-7 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$60035%
Slope-side Uludağ hotel and Goreme cave hotel, 6 nights
Food & DiningUS$34020%
Iskender kebab, mountain lunches and Kunefe dessert
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the ski season on Uludag and does Cappadocia have snow in winter?+
Uludag's season runs from mid-December to the end of March, with the most reliable snow in January and February. Cappadocia usually sees snow between December and February, though coverage varies. Late December to mid-February gives you both skiing and snowy fairy chimneys, while March is milder and snow starts to melt on lower slopes.
Can beginners ski at Uludag and is equipment rental available on the mountain?+
Yes. Uludag has plenty of beginner and intermediate terrain, with a 720 m vertical drop and a longest run of about 2.5 km. Ski schools and rental shops operate at the resort, so you can hire skis, boots and jackets there rather than carrying them. Book lessons and rentals at least a day ahead during school holidays.
Will the hot-air balloon fly over Cappadocia in winter?+
Winter flights depend on wind and visibility, and cancellations are more common than in spring or autumn. Build in at least two possible mornings so you have a backup if the first is grounded, and keep the Red Route ATV tour as the alternative. Ask your hotel to confirm the flight the evening before and rebook at once if it is called off.
What is the route from Istanbul to Uludag and on to Cappadocia?+
Take a ferry from Yenikapi across the Marmara Sea to Bursa, then the Teleferic cable car up to the Uludag resort. After skiing, return to Bursa and fly to Kayseri for Cappadocia, usually via Istanbul. Allow a full travel day between the two regions, and check winter ferry and cable-car schedules, which pause in strong wind or heavy snow.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 7 days
- Budget: Winter Comfort · approx. $1,350–2,090 (≈ €1,170–1,820), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best for: Winter Getaway
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