Edirne Turkey 7 Day Itinerary

Edirne, Turkey 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City

  • Morning: Arrive in Edirne and check-in to your hotel. Recommended hotels include Hotel Edirne Palace or Rüstempaşa Kervansarayı Hotel.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Edirne City Museum (Şehir Müzesi) to learn about the city’s history and culture.
  • Evening: Explore the lively Bazaar Street (Çarşı Caddesi) and try some local street food, such as lahmacun or köfte.

Day 2: Historical Landmarks

  • Morning: Visit the magnificent Selimiye Mosque (Selimiye Camii), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Afternoon: Explore the historic Edirne Palace (Edirne Sarayı), which dates back to the 14th century.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner at Köfteci Hüseyin, a local favorite.

Day 3: Wine and Nature

  • Morning: Visit the Arcadia Vineyards (Arkadia Bağları) for a wine tasting experience.
  • Afternoon: Take a stroll along the scenic Tunca River (Tunca Nehri) and enjoy the city’s natural beauty.
  • Evening: Relax at your hotel or explore the city’s nightlife.

Day 4: Day Trip to İpsala

  • Morning: Take a day trip to İpsala, a charming town located near the Greek border. Visit the İpsala Customs Gate (İpsala Gümrük Kapısı) and enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants.
  • Afternoon: Return to Edirne and visit the Trakya University Campus, which features beautiful architecture and scenic views.

Day 5: Cultural Experiences

  • Morning: Attend a traditional Turkish bath (hamam) experience at Çinili Hamamı.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Edirne State Theater (Edirne Devlet Tiyatrosu) to catch a performance or take a guided tour.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Kırkpınar Restaurant, known for its delicious meat dishes.

Day 6: Outdoor Activities

  • Morning: Take a hike in the scenic Sultançiftliği Forest (Sultançiftliği Ormanı).
  • Afternoon: Visit the Edirne Zoo (Edirne Hayvanat Bahçesi) or go for a bike ride along the Tunca River.
  • Evening: Relax at your hotel or explore the city’s cafes.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring any last-minute attractions.
  • Afternoon: Depart from Edirne and head back home.

Things to Know

  • Edirne is a relatively small city, making it easy to get around on foot or by taxi.
  • The city has a rich history, so be prepared to learn about its Ottoman Empire past.
  • Try to avoid visiting during peak summer months (July-August) when temperatures can soar.

Transportation

  • Airport: Edirne does not have an international airport. The closest airport is in Istanbul (IST), which is approximately 3 hours away by car or bus.
  • Bus: Regular buses connect Edirne to Istanbul and other major Turkish cities.
  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available, but it’s a good idea to negotiate the price beforehand.

Tips

  • Learn some basic Turkish phrases to help you navigate the city.
  • Be prepared for variable weather conditions, especially in the spring and autumn months.
  • Don’t forget to try some of Edirne’s famous kaymak (a type of cheese spread) on bread or crackers!

Other Things of Interest

  • The annual Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival, held in June, is a unique experience not to be missed.
  • Take a stroll along the city walls, which offer scenic views of Edirne and its surroundings.

I hope you enjoy your trip to Edirne!