Edirne & Selimiye Mosque Full-Day Private Tour from Istanbul
Overview
Edirne & Selimiye Mosque Full-Day Private Tour from Istanbul
Swap the bustle of Istanbul for a day of imperial grandeur on this private trip to Edirne, designed for travellers who want more than ordinary sightseeing. From the moment your licensed guide meets you in your hotel lobby, everything is taken care of.
Selimiye Mosque by Mimar Sinan
The highlight is the UNESCO-listed Selimiye Mosque, the crowning achievement of the imperial architect Mimar Sinan, and your guide brings it to life with stories you will not find in any guidebook.
A Day Trip Without Group Rush
With no group, no rush and no logistics to think about, you enjoy door-to-door comfort, expert storytelling and the freedom to stay longer wherever your curiosity takes you.
It is ideal for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts and returning visitors looking for a rewarding day beyond the city.
Tour Info
Itinerary
Private Edirne Day Trip from Istanbul with Selimiye Mosque
Your guide meets you in your hotel lobby, and you set off on a scenic 3-hour drive to Edirne, once the capital of the Ottoman Empire.
In Edirne you visit:
- Bulgarian Church of St. George: an Orthodox church from 1880 and a reminder of the city's diverse religious and cultural heritage.
- Selimiye Mosque: a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the masterpiece of the imperial architect Mimar Sinan, who called it his greatest work.
- Rustem Pasha Caravanserai: a striking example of Ottoman architecture, built by Sinan in 1561.
- Grand Bazaar of Edirne (Ali Pasha Bazaar): also designed by Sinan.
- Old Mosque: built in the early 15th century and known for its large calligraphic inscriptions, showing the early stages of classical Ottoman architecture.
- Uc Serefeli Mosque: the "Mosque with Three Balconies", dating from 1447.
- Sultan Bayezid II Complex and Museum of Health: a remarkable 15th-century complex that once served as a hospital, medical school and charitable centre.
- Edirne Grand Synagogue: the largest synagogue in the Balkans, built in 1907 and carefully restored, a powerful symbol of the city's once-thriving Jewish community.
- Meric Bridge: built in the 19th century during the reign of Sultan Abdulmecid.
- The old railway station: a nostalgic building that once linked Edirne with Europe and Anatolia.
- Lausanne Monument and Square: commemorating the Treaty of Lausanne of 1923.
At the end of the tour you drive back to Istanbul and are taken to your hotel.
This is the end of our service. Thank you for travelling with us; we look forward to welcoming you again.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- ✓Private Tour
- ✓Local Tour Guides
- ✓Transportation by Private Van
- ✓Museum Tickets & Attraction Fees
- ✕Drinks
- ✕Lunch
- ✕Gratuity (Suggested)
- ✕Personal Expenses
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel free of charge up to 7 days before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations within 7 days of the tour are not refundable. All times are local time.
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Edirne and Selimiye Mosque private tour from Istanbul: what you need to know
This private day trip takes you from Istanbul to Edirne, the former Ottoman capital, from $370. The highlight is the UNESCO-listed Selimiye Mosque, the crowning achievement of the imperial architect Mimar Sinan, and the day also covers the Uc Serefeli and Old Mosques, the Grand Synagogue, the Bulgarian Church of St. George, the Sultan Bayezid II Complex with its Museum of Health, the Ali Pasha Bazaar, the Meric Bridge and the old train station. Your licensed guide meets you in your hotel lobby; a private van and museum tickets are included.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Duration | About 12 hours |
| Price | from $370 |
| Type | Private, your group with a local guide |
| Start and end | Your Istanbul hotel |
| Highlights | Selimiye Mosque, Bayezid II Complex, Uc Serefeli Mosque, Grand Synagogue, Meric Bridge |
| Included | Private guide, private van, museum tickets and attraction fees |
| Not included | Meals and drinks, tips |
Why visit Edirne?
Edirne was the capital of the Ottoman Empire before Istanbul, and it remains one of the finest Ottoman cities in Turkey, with great mosques and monuments and far fewer visitors than Istanbul. It lies near the borders with Greece and Bulgaria, and its mix of mosques, synagogue and churches reflects a long multicultural history.
What is special about the Selimiye Mosque?
Built in the 16th century for Sultan Selim II, the Selimiye Mosque is considered the masterpiece of Mimar Sinan, the greatest Ottoman architect, who designed it late in his career. Its vast dome, supported so that the interior feels open and full of light, and its four slender minarets dominate the skyline. Together with its complex, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What do you see on the tour?
| Site | What it is |
|---|---|
| Selimiye Mosque | Sinan's masterpiece |
| Uc Serefeli Mosque | An important early Ottoman mosque with a minaret of three balconies |
| Old Mosque | One of Edirne's earliest Ottoman mosques |
| Edirne Grand Synagogue | A restored synagogue reflecting the city's Jewish heritage |
| Bulgarian Church of St. George | A church of the Bulgarian community |
| Sultan Bayezid II Complex | A historic complex with the Museum of Health, a former hospital |
| Ali Pasha Bazaar and Rustem Pasha Caravanserai | Historic bazaar and trading inn |
| Meric Bridge, Lausanne Monument, old train station | Landmarks on the edge of the city |
How does it compare with other day trips from Istanbul?
| Private day trip from Istanbul | Focus | Price from |
|---|---|---|
| This tour | Ottoman capital and Sinan's masterpiece | $370 |
| Iznik (Nicaea) private tour | Ancient Nicaea, councils and tiles | $375 |
| Bursa private tour | The first Ottoman capital | $100 |
| Troy private tour | Legendary Troy | $165 |
How long is the drive?
About three hours each way, on a scenic route through Thrace. A private van makes the long day comfortable, with stops when you need them.
When is the best time to visit Edirne?
Spring and autumn are the most pleasant. Mosque visits pause during prayer times, especially on Friday at midday, and your guide plans around them.
What should you bring?
Comfortable shoes, modest clothing for the mosques (a scarf for women, covered shoulders and knees for everyone), and cash for lunch and the bazaar, where Edirne is known for its fruit-shaped soaps.
How do you book?
Choose your date on this page and send the form, or message us on WhatsApp with your Istanbul hotel. We confirm in writing and you pay only after confirmation. For more ideas see our day trips from Istanbul and our Turkey tour packages.
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