Ottoman Elegance Istanbul Tour in Turkey

DAY 1 EDIRNE Today we’ll depart for Edirne once the capital of Ottoman Empire. Arrive at hotel and check-in. 2 hours later, we’ll organise a city tour for briefing the architecture style of Ottoman Empire. You’ll have the chance to examine the mosques, religious complexes, bridges, old bazaars, caravanserais and palaces. Welcome dinner will be served at the hotel. [L] [D]

DAY 2 CITY TOUR Full day excursion will start with the most famous building Selimiye Mosque occupying the top of a hill. The design of Sinan reflects the classical Ottoman style. Built on the orders of Sultan Selim II, (1569-1575) it attests to the technological abilities of the day and the genius of the Ottoman’s master architect. Next we’ll pass Old Mosque built between 1403 and 1414 by Mehmet I. It’s considered as the oldest Ottoman structure in Edirne. The white marble of its portal contrasts with the building’s cut stone and brick masonry. Calligraphic inscriptions of Koranic verses decorate the interior. Here you’ll learn why the symbol of Edirne is the tulip upside down. After lunch we’ll proceed covered bazaar called Kavaflar Arasta. Time to move the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art having a pleasant garden courtyard and housing assorted wooden, ceramic and martial knick-knacks from the province. We’ll see the traditional greasy wrestler’s gallery in here. After lunch II. Beyazit Külliyesi will await our exploration. This complex is built in 1488 by Hayrettin and is considered as the largest Ottoman spiritual and physical welfare complex ever constructed. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 3 RETURN TO ISTANBUL Today we’ll turn back to Istanbul. You may pick one of our Istanbul package tours for your visit in here. Rest of the day will be free for your exploration. For those who’d like to extend your visit, they may pick our Bursa (The Green Oasis) package tour. [B]

Tour Code: DKC012