Istanbul: Day Trip to Edirne
ID: GYG306878-537903
Category:
Country: Turkey
Duration:
10:00 hours
Description
Depart from Istanbul to discover Edirne, which was the second capital city for the Ottoman Empire and a gateway of Turkey which opened to the western world. You will discover various mosques, fortresses, and bridges, all of which have strong histories.
You will depart from your hotel in the early morning, at which point you will make your way towards Eski Camii. The structure was built of cut stone and brick between 1402-14, with fine white marble and decorative calligraphy on the interior walls and pillars. Üç Serefeli Camii, the name of the mosque, was derived from the three balconies on the southeast minaret. Each balcony is reached by a separate stairway, and the decorative tile designs on the minarets are all different. The minarets were the most important development in the structure of the mosque in the 15th century.
Selimiye Mosque Edirne’s crowning glory was built for Selim II, (1566-74) by Sinan who was the architect of the Abode of Felicity for 50 years. It was the masterpiece of Sinan’s old age, and its symmetrical design was strongly emphasized by the four minarets and the soaring rise of the central dome. Semiz Ali Pasa Arasta is also the work of Sinan. Completed in 1589, it is a long tunnel-like building with shops on both sides. There you may buy one of Edirne’s specialities, soap shaped like fruit or vegetables.
Meric Bridge (New Bridge) was constructed at the junction of the Meriç and Arda rivers between 1842-1847. Kule Kapisi (a 12th-century tower gate) is all that remains of the tower, which once protected the principal gate of the citadel. It was rebuilt by the Byzantine emperor John Comnenus II (1118-1143) as part of his repair of the Hadrianic defensive system. Beyazit Kulliyesi is the largest in Edirne, the complex had a mosque and a hospital which was famous for the skill of its surgeons. In the octagonal domed timarhane, the insane were treated with musical therapy. At the conclusion of your historic tour, you will be returned back to your point of origin.
Highlights
- Explore the Selimiye Mosque
- Encounter the Alipasha Bazaar
- See the Beyazıt Külliyesi Complex
- View Eski Cami
- See the Meriç Bridge
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
You are required to bring and wear a mask
Your pickup is from any hotel or address in Istanbul.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 48 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 48 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.