48 hours

First Day

In Edirne, you have to start your first day by exploring the finest examples of Ottoman architecture in the region. The Selimiye Mosque might be considered the centre of town and is easily viewed from almost every part of the downtown area and is the perfect place to start your sightseeing adventure. The mosque contains 999 windows, through which Mimar Sinan sought to symbolize the perfection of God, through the imperfection of the mosque he designed. The dome and interior are decorated with geometric designs, which are painted in pink and blue.

For lunch, an unmatched taste is waiting for you: “Edirne Liver”. It is one of the most popular dishes of Edirne cuisine. It is prepared by frying the finely cut liver in sunflower oil produced in Edirne. Red peppers, also unique to Edirne, are fried and served together. There are many restaurants in Edirne where you can taste Edirne liver.

Let’s continue to walk in the city center. Nearby the Selimiye Mosque, there's the Old Mosque, which features stunning calligraphy on the interior walls and the Üç Şerefeli Mosque with its four distinctively designed minarets (an uncommon sight, even today).

To finish the first day, Edirne also offers many parks, art galleries, museums and shopping areas - the city is waiting for you to explore them all. Also try the Sokullu Mehmet Paşa Hammam, built in 1568-69 by Mimar Sinan. A Turkish Bath experience is the best way to unwind after a long day touring around the city and what better way to try a hammam than in such a beautiful and historic building?

Second Day

To start second day in Edirne, Edirne Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum is a great option! It is the first museum in Edirne which was opened in 1925 upon the order of Atatürk. The museum consisting of Archaeology and Ethnography sections is opened in 1971. Archaeology section is organised as fossils, coins, stone works, metal works, bone works and terracotta artifacts.

Time being right, you should watch The Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival. It holds the Guinness Book of Records title for the longest consecutively held sporting event in the world. In 2010 the festival was also added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.  This festival is a highly recommended celebration of a truly unique tradition. From traditional oil wrestling, to traditional singing, dancing and feasting, Kırkpınar is a must-attend for any visitor!

In all seasons, Saros Gulf and the National Parks in Edirne offer a range of leisure and sports activities for nature lovers, to finish the journey in Edirne. Surfing and sailing are very popular in Saros Bay, and you will also find many diving points.