Why Choose This Tour? Visitors often describe it as: “A living open-air museum, but calm and authentic.”
Edirne was the capital of the Ottoman Empire before Istanbul. It served as a political and cultural center for nearly a century. Selimiye Mosque is considered Mimar Sinan’s greatest masterpiece. Ottoman mosques were part of a külliye system (complex including schools, markets, and social services). The city played a key role in Ottoman expansion into Europe (the Balkans).
- Visit a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Explore a former Ottoman capital where imperial architecture, spiritual heritage, and living traditions come together.
- See masterpieces of Islamic architecture
- Experience authentic Turkish culture beyond Istanbul
- Ideal for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, photographers
Nowadays Edirne is a peaceful border city near Greece & Bulgaria. Known for traditional cuisine, university student life, festivals like oil wrestling (Kırkpınar) a mix of Ottoman heritage and modern Turkish daily life
ITINERARY
Early pick-up from your hotel in Istanbul and drive to Edirne with comfortable air-conditioned coach. The trip to Edirne from Istanbul is around 3 1/2 hours depends on traffic. Upon arrival will visit the Imperial Landmarks of Edirne and our professional guide will give information on these masterpieces.
SELIMIYE MOSQUE
A masterpiece of architect Mimar Sinan which was built between 1569–1575 for Sultan Selim II and now under UNESCO's World Heritage Site since 2011. Give attention to Its massive central dome (one of the largest in Ottoman architecture), the elegant four minarets dominating the skyline and the Iznik tile decoration and calligraphy.
Üç ŞEREFELI MOSQUE
Built in the 15th century under Sultan Murad II. Its an early example of classical Ottoman mosque design. Its a unique mosque as its minaret has three balconies (rare architectural innovation).
SELIMIYE FOUNDATION MUSEUM
A former madrasa (Islamic school) in the Selimiye complex. Showcases Ottoman foundation culture and education system.
EDIRNE MUSEUM. Covers prehistoric to Ottoman eras and includes ethnographic collections and daily life artifacts.
Lunch break to enjoy Edirne’s famous liver dish (Edirne tava ciğeri) and almond dessert (badem ezmesi).
After lunch we continue to more hidden Ottoman gems the ATIK ALI PASHA MOSQUE, an early 16th-century mosque built by a vizier of Bayezid II and the ŞEYHI ÇELEBI MOSQUE, designed by Mimar Sinan and reflects mature Ottoman architectural style.
OPTIONAL STOPS (time permitting):
Arasta Market near Selimiye and Meriç River bridges for sunset photos
