Edirne Kakava Festival Hıdrellez Tour with 1 Night Hotel Accommodation
Tour Program
Edirne - Keçecizade Production Factory - Selimiye Mosque - Ali Pasha Bazaar - Bayezid Complex - Museum of the History of Medicine - Sarayiçi - Kakava Festival
🚍 𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐒 🚍
⏰ 06:00 - Kartal Bridge
⏰ 06:10 - Bostancı Bridge
⏰ 06:20 - In front of the Kadıköy Marriage Office Parking Lot
⏰ 06:40 - Mecidiyeköy Square (In front of Aslı Börek)
⏰ 07:00 - In front of İncirli Metrobus Stop Ömür Plaza
⏰ 07:15 - Yenibosna Metrobus Stop
⏰ 07:30 - Sefaköy Metrobus Stop
⏰ 07:40 - In front of Avcılar E-5 Bus Stops
⏰ 07:50 - In front of Beylikdüzü Marmara Park
⏰ 08:10 - In front of Silivri Kipa
Our arrival time in Istanbul is between 23:00-01:00 depending on the density of the area and traffic conditions.
In order for our valued guests to make the best use of the day, we start our enjoyable discovery trip with the participation of our guests from all departure points at the departure times we have determined. At the end of our journey, which takes approximately three and a half hours with our luxury buses and our guide, we arrive at the Keçeçizade Production Factory, where Edirne’s famous almond paste and Kavala cookies are produced, which is our program. Here we take both a rest break and a short shopping break where our guests can buy these delicious products. While watching the making of almond paste and Kavala cookies, we taste them and try the treats of other famous local products. After free time, we arrive at Selimiye Mosque, the masterpiece of Mimar Sinan, our first stop on our Edirne journey, and complete our visit accompanied by our guide’s explanations. Then we also visit Ali Paşa Bazaar, where we can find handmade fruit soaps and decorative brooms, which is our next stop. To have lunch, we go to our restaurant to eat Edirne’s famous fried liver (extra). After lunch, we go to the Beyazıt Complex, commissioned by II. Beyazıt, our first stop; here we visit the mosque, madrasah, bimarhane, tabhane and soup kitchen in the complex built in the 15th century. Right after touring the complex, which also includes the History of Medicine Museum, which received an award from the European Union, we head to Sarayiçi, where the fun-filled Kakava Festivals of our tour are held, and join the Hıdırellez (Hz. Hızır and Hz. Ilyas) Spring Welcome Ceremony. According to an Islamic belief, Hz. Hızır and Hz. Ilyas are said to meet every May 5th and the world turns green on that date, winter ends and the preparation period for summer begins with spring. We welcome spring together with you, accompanied by the "KAKAVA FESTIVALS," and by making wishes, living within the atmosphere of this fantastic culture. In the festival we enjoy to the fullest, the biggest Kakava fire is lit and, according to the belief of the region and the spirit of the environment, we will jump over it 3 times. Our free time here, which will last an average of 2 hours, ends this enjoyable event, and around 18:00 we return to our hotel with unforgettable memories.
Accommodation: Edrin Hotel | Sarıcapaşa, Atatürk Blv Edirne Central
Breakfast: To be taken in the region as extra.
Lunch: To be taken in the region as extra.
Dinner: To be taken in the region as extra.
Meriç River - Historic Meriç Bridge - Lausanne Monument & Journey Through History - Historic Train Station - Edirne Country Coffeehouse - Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Arena
🌅 Kakava & Hıdırellez Festival - Day 2 Program
We begin the second day of our tour with the first rays of the sun. Leaving our hotel, we head to the banks of the Meriç River to perform the traditional second-day ritual of the Kakava & Hıdırellez Festival.
✨ Ritual & Prayer by the River
At sunrise, we gather on the banks of the Meriç River in the enchanting atmosphere of nature and become part of this unique tradition. Washing our faces with the purifying waters of the river, we pray with wishes for abundance, health, and peace. After the ritual, we complete the Kakava & Hıdırellez Festival and head toward the Karaağaç Region.
🌉 Historic Meriç Bridge
Our next stop is the magnificent Meriç Bridge, which has witnessed history. Along with the mesmerizing view of the Meriç River, you can walk on the bridge, discover this history-filled structure, and take unforgettable photos.
🕰 Lausanne Monument & Journey Through History
After our bridge visit, we visit the Lausanne Monument, erected in memory of the Lausanne Treaty, one of the most important agreements that determined Turkey’s borders. Here, we take a short journey through history and feel the traces of the past.
🍽 Lunch & Rest Break (Extra)
After our historical explorations, we take a pleasant break and stop for lunch to taste Edirne’s local flavors.
🚂 Historic Train Station
After our meal break, we go to the nostalgic Historic Train Station, spanning from the Ottoman period to the present day. Here, you can discover the historical texture of the station and take photos in its atmosphere that carries traces of the past.
☕ Coffee Break at Edirne Country Coffee House
We take a pleasant break to relieve the sweet tiredness of our tour and taste Edirne’s famous country coffee.
🤼♂️ Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Grounds
The final stop of our tour is the Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Grounds, where the world-famous Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling matches are held. Here, we get to know Kırkpınar, one of the most important organizations in the Turkish wrestling tradition, more closely and feel the atmosphere of this deep-rooted culture on site.
🚌 Return to Istanbul
After completing our program, we gather on our tour bus and begin our return journey to Istanbul.
💙 See You at Our Next ITCTUR Event!
With our arrival in Istanbul, we see off our valued guests at the departure points where we picked you up, and we hope to meet again at another unforgettable ITCTUR event!
Breakfast: Will be served at the hotel. Included in the tour fee.
Lunch: Will be taken in the region as an extra.
Dinner: Will be taken in the region as an extra.
What's Included
Round-Trip Transportation Fee
1 Night Hotel Accommodation ( Bed and Breakfast accommodation will be provided )
1 Breakfast ( Will be served at the hotel on the 2nd day )
Travel Insurance
Professional Guiding Service
All Surrounding Tours
Complimentary water in the vehicle
Not Included
Personal Expenses
Museum-Archaeological Site Entrance Fees
First Morning Breakfast
Dinners
Lunches