We went to Istanbul on a family holiday for a week arond New Years 2019. Our Hotel Concierge at the Hilton Bosphorus recommended @istanbultheguide to us as he is Bilingual between Turkish and English. The price was also very affordable and so we agreed and booked a full day tour around Istanbul with our guide, Gürcan. Gürcan was very knowledgeable about many of the places which he took us to. He told us about the history of the places we went to, as well as interesting stories and secrets which we would've never been able to find out. He knew all the best places to direct us and he really made our trip the success which it was. Everything was very well planned, with all the tickets and passes all sorted. Gürcan is very respectful and he is eager and he enjoys what he does. I highly recommend him! Check out his Instagram account @istanbultheguide
Short Break to the Turkey's Western Gate, Edirne
+18 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Price from
- $946 / person
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 5 reviews
- Languages
- AR, DE, RU, JA
- Group
- Private
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
- Hotel pickup
- Available
- Confirmation
- Within 24h
Prices checked on Sep 12, 2026Things to do in Istanbul
Description
The Greek mythology associates the founding of the city with Orestes, son of king Agamemnon of Homer’s Iliad. The city was (re)founded in an eponymous way by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, hence the origin of its name today. Strategically located, Edirne has been in the middle of no less than 16 wars or sieges throughout its history, before it was conquered by the Ottoman Sultan Murad I in mid-thirteenth century.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Dominating the skyline of Edirne, former capital of the Ottoman Empire, the Selimiye Mosque Complex commissioned by Selim II is the ultimate architectural expression by the architect Sinan of the Ottoman külliye. The imposing mosque stepping up to its single great dome with four soaring slender minarets, spectacular decorated interior space, manuscript library, meticulous craftsmanship, brilliant Iznik tiles and marble courtyard together with its associated educational institutions, outer courtyard and covered bazaar, represent the apogee of an art form and the pious benefaction of 16th century imperial Islam. The architectural composition of the Selimiye Mosque Complex in its dominant location represents the culmination of the great body of work by Sinan, the most outstanding architect of the Ottoman Empire.
The Üç Şerefeli Mosque was commissioned by Ottoman sultan Murad II (1421–1444,1446– 1451), and built between 1438 and 1447. It is located in the historical center of the city, close to the Selimiye Mosque and Old Mosque. The name refers to unusual minaret with three balconies. The architect of the mosque is not known. It is built of Burgaz limestone with a main dome that is 24 m in diameter. When first built the dome was the largest in any Ottoman building. The mosque was severely damaged by fire in 1732 and by an earthquake in 1748 but was repaired on the order of Mahmut I. The two blue and turquoise underglaze-painted tile panels in the tympana of the windows were probably produced by the same group of tilemakers who had decorated the Yeşil Mosque (1419–21) in Bursa where the tiles are signed as "the work of the masters of Tabriz" (ʿamal-i ustadan-i Tabriz). The running pattern of the Chinese influenced floral border tiles is similar to those in the small Muradiye Mosque in Edirne.
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Highlights
Knowledgable & Professional Tour Guide
Transportation from/to your base-location in Istanbul.
What's included
Included
Knowledgable & Professional Tour Guide
Transportation from/to your base-location in Istanbul.
Not included
Meals & Drinks.
Gratuities
Pickup Locations & Times
Please be informed kindly that you are required to contact your agency, Travelium, at least 48 hours in advance in order to confirm excursion. The tour you have purchased, includes round transportation and please get in touch with your agency, Travelium, to confirm the time schedule of your flight in order to arrange the transportation accordingly. If you have book this activity less than 48 hours prior to the scheduled time, please contact us immediately after booking to confirm your excursion. Please bear in mind, you will be asked to present your printed voucher and photo ID when you meet with your guide.
Traveller Ratings
5.0
5 reviews
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Frequently asked questions
How long does Short Break to the Turkey's Western Gate, Edirne take?
Short Break to the Turkey's Western Gate, Edirne lasts about 10 hours. The itinerary has 3 stops.
How much does Short Break to the Turkey's Western Gate, Edirne cost?
Prices start at $946 per person for this Istanbul experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel Short Break to the Turkey's Western Gate, Edirne for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Please be informed kindly that you are required to contact your agency, Travelium, at least 48 hours in advance in order to confirm excursion. The tour you have purchased, includes round transportation and please get in touch with your agency, Travelium, to confirm the time schedule of your flight in order to arrange the transportation accordingly. If you have book this activity less than 48 hours prior to the scheduled time, please contact us immediately after booking to confirm your excursion. Please bear in mind, you will be asked to present your printed voucher and photo ID when you meet with your guide. Pickup points include CONTACT_SUPPLIER_LATER, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyEImGbFa+5CBKbpmTZC40Eg=, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyFumi+9arnlDHac1ZDI6cR0=.
What languages is Short Break to the Turkey's Western Gate, Edirne offered in?
The experience is available in AR, DE, RU, JA, EN, ZH-CN, IT, FR, TR, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Confirmation is sent by the operator within 24 hours of booking.
Reviews(5)
C
Best Experience with the Best Guide in all of Istanbul
1 people found this helpful
A
Great city , amazing tour guide
My tour guide Imran was a truly magnificent person to accompany in Istanbul. We toured the great city from the golden horn to the bazaar , then to the amazing Restaurants. We went shopping in different sites , and he was a great advocate for me. I had a such good time , and made a decision to come back to the beautiful city of Istanbul , and Will definitely refer my friends and family to his group.
2 people found this helpful
H
Cenk Akbostaci The best tour guide
In 2017 on our return flight from Berlin to San Francisco we decided to spend three days in the Four Season Hotel in Istanbul ,since we had never been there the Four Season Hotel recommended a tour guide Cenk Akbostanci .Cenk was the most knowledgeable and courteous guide we ever had in all the different countries we have visited in the past.We were so impressed by him and Istanbul that we planned our next vacation in 2018 in Turkey with Cenk.He was totally devoted to us ,introduced us to the Turkish life his friends the restaurants ,mosques and of course my personal favorite shopping.We are still in contact with Cenk and are planning our next three days in February to visit him and Istanbul again ,this time on our return trip from Kenya and Tanzania .He is totally dedicated to you .
1 people found this helpful
R
Gurcan Urker/Travelium
Gurcan is a professional tour guide in Istanbul who works for Travelium. He is kind, pollite and enjoys his job. Gurcan also speaks perfect English. He will go as slow or as fast as you want to go while sight seeing. It was nice to be with such a positive person who I truly enjoyed sharing the day.
2 people found this helpful
N
What a wonderful experience. I...
<p>What a wonderful experience. I commend Sukru Aygul and Hulya Civelek from Travalium for the excellent service they provided during the private tour to Edirne July 09, 2016. Their hospitality was exceptional and is greatly appreciated. The absolute highlight was an unexpected visit to the Sultan Bayezid II Health Museum. Sukru took the initiative when I mentioned my career in health services. It was a magnificent day indeed.</p>
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