At the foot of Mt. Uludag (also called Mt. Olympus) is Bursa (pop. 1,000,000), the first capital of the Ottoman empire. The city, justly-famed for its tiled architecture, has several nice attractions, including gardens, the Ulu Cami (Great Mosque), archaeologic and ethnographic museums, the Green Mosque (Yesil Cami) and its adjoining tomb (Yesil Turbe--wonderful tilework). We also like seeing the town's old oak trees, relaxing in its Turkish baths and shopping in the covered market and silk shops (there's also a silk cocoon market in June and September). Don't neglect to visit the Muradiye Mosque, which is surrounded by 11 red-brick mausoleums holding the tombs of an Ottoman sultan and members of his nobility. The suburb of Cekirge is Turkey's best-known mineral spa. Most of the best hotels are located there, and many of them have their own thermal baths. Plan two nights. 60 mi/97 south of Istanbul.