Are You Ready to Welcome Spring with Fire?

Every year, thousands of people gather to experience the Kakava Festivals, brought to life with the joy of Roman culture, and we are setting off to witness it firsthand.

Wishes made around the giant Kakava Fire… The “Welcoming Spring” ritual that begins at sunrise on the banks of the Tunca River… Colorful dances, music, and the enthusiasm of Roman culture…

This tour is not just a trip; it is an unforgettable experience where you witness the arrival of spring and feel its energy deep within. Moreover, our program includes Edirne, which once served as the capital of the Ottoman Empire, the elegant Selimiye Mosque, the historic Sarayiçi, the festival excitement, followed by Çanakkale, Ayvalık, and Cunda Island.

TOUR PROGRAM

DAY 1: EVENING DEPARTURE

We meet our valued guests on Sunday evening, 04 May 2025, at 19:00 at Eşref Girginç Park (opposite LC Waikiki) and depart for Edirne.

DAY 2 | FREE BREAKFAST – EDİRNE SIGHTSEEING – SARAYİÇİ – KAKAVA FESTIVALS

In the morning hours, we arrive in Edirne, the frontier city that served as the capital of the Ottoman Empire for centuries and was known as one of Europe’s seven largest cities in the 18th century. From the very first step into the city, history and elegance welcome us.

After a free breakfast break, we begin exploring Edirne. First, we visit the Üç Şerefeli (Burmalı) Mosque, one of the early examples of Ottoman architecture. Named after its different minaret balcony designs, this structure is considered one of the most important steps in the transition to classical Ottoman mosque architecture.

Next, we see the Macedonia Clock Tower, one of the city’s panoramic landmarks, and listen to the story of this structure that accompanies Edirne’s skyline.

Then we proceed to the magnificent Selimiye Mosque, built by Mimar Sinan at the age of 80 and described by him as his “Masterpiece.” Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this masterpiece is not only a place of worship but also an engineering marvel with its dome exceeding 43 meters and its elegant minarets. The calligraphy, Iznik tiles, and balance of light in the interior captivate us.

We then see the Rüstem Pasha Caravanserai, one of the elegant works of the era of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. As an important stop on the Silk Road, this structure reflects the splendor of Ottoman commercial life.

Afterwards, we give free time at the Arasta Bazaar, the beating heart of Edirne. Here, we explore local delicacies and souvenirs such as Edirne cheese, almond paste, Kavala cookies, mirror brooms, and fragrant soaps. Guests who wish can taste Edirne’s famous fried liver, one of the most enjoyable moments of our tour.

Next, we visit the II. Bayezid Complex Health Museum, which has received European awards. Established in the 15th century, this darüşşifa is considered one of the world’s first healthcare complexes where treatments with music and water sounds were applied. We witness firsthand how advanced Ottoman medicine was and embark on a journey through time.

Then we turn our route to Sarayiçi, one of the most important areas in Edirne’s historical stage.

Here, we see the Justice Pavilion, Fatih Bridge, Balkan Martyrs’ Cemetery, and the Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Field, where oil wrestling has been held for centuries. We feel the traces of Ottoman palace life and the memory of the Balkan geography at the same point.

And now the most special moment of our tour begins…

In the afternoon, we head to the Kakava Festival Area. After the opening speeches, the Giant Kakava Fire is lit, illuminating the sky with wishes for abundance, health, fortune, and peace. The energy of Roman culture fills the area with music and dances. Guests who wish make their wishes by jumping over the fire, and together we joyfully welcome the arrival of spring.

After fully experiencing this enchanting atmosphere, we transfer to our 5★ hotel in Edirne and rest. (EDİRNE ACCOMMODATION) – 5★ MARGİ HOTEL

NOTE: To receive up-to-date information and follow the program regarding the Hıdırellez celebrations, which are celebrated almost every year with similar programs, you can follow the official website of the Edirne Municipality.

https://www.edirne.bel.tr/sayfa/festivallerimiz

DAY 3 | KAKAVA WELCOMING SPRING RITUAL – SARAÇLAR STREET – ÇANAKKALE

With the first light of day, we wake up to witness a very special moment in Edirne. Every year on the morning of May 6 at 06:00, we take our place for the “Welcoming Spring Ritual” held on the banks of the Tunca River. This ritual symbolizes purification, the awakening of nature, and new beginnings.

The crowd gathered by the river starts the day accompanied by drum sounds, Roman melodies, and dances. Local and foreign photographers, press members, and thousands of participants are there to immortalize this magical moment. The most impressive scene of the ritual is when young Roman women from Edirne enter the Tunca River. This symbolic act represents wishes for abundance, prosperity, and a clean beginning. With music and applause rising in the cool morning air, we welcome spring together.

After the ritual, we return to our hotel and have breakfast. Then, after completing check-out procedures, we proceed to Saraçlar Street, the continuation point of the festival excitement in the city center.

Concerts, dance shows, competitions, and street performances welcome us on Saraçlar Street. The energy of Roman culture spreads to every corner of the city. Guests who wish can join the events, while others enjoy the city atmosphere to the fullest. After fully absorbing the joy of Kakava, we meet at our vehicle and depart for Çanakkale.

In the evening, we arrive in Çanakkale and check into our hotel. Guests who wish can take a short walk along the Çanakkale Waterfront. Walking along with the cool breeze of the strait, we reach the famous Trojan Horse gifted to the city after the 2004 movie Troy. We take pleasant photos in front of this structure, which has become one of Çanakkale’s symbols.

Afterwards, we give free time at the waterfront and city center. Guests who wish can have dinner with a sea view, while others enjoy a walk in the city’s calm atmosphere. At the end of the day, we return to our hotel in Çanakkale and rest. (ÇANAKKALE ACCOMMODATION) – Kule Hotel

NOTE: After the most up-to-date festival program is published, revisions may be made to ensure our participants enjoy the festival more or to improve the overall quality of the tour.

DAY 4 | ÇANAKKALE NAVAL MUSEUM – AYVALIK – CUNDA ISLAND – RETURN TO MARMARIS

After breakfast at our hotel, we set off to complete the final visits of this special journey. Our first stop is the Çanakkale Naval Museum, which most effectively presents the naval front of the national struggle. Here, we closely examine munitions, personal belongings, and traces of the war from the Gallipoli Campaign. Especially when we stand in front of the replica of the Nusret Minelayer, which changed the course of the war, we recall once again that critical night of mine-laying that altered history. We feel the spirit of Çanakkale on site.

Then we turn our route to Ayvalık, one of the most elegant coastal towns of the Aegean. While walking through stone streets, we see traces of Greek architecture and breathe in the calm atmosphere of the Aegean in olive-scented streets. After a short journey, we arrive at Cunda Island. Named after Lieutenant Colonel Ali Çetinkaya, who initiated the first armed resistance against the surrender order during the War of Independence, this island has a captivating atmosphere with its history and architecture.

Crossing the bridge that holds the distinction of being Turkey’s first strait bridge, we reach the island and stroll through cobblestone streets. We visit Taksiyarhis Church, one of the island’s most special stops. Serving as the Ayvalık Rahmi Koç Museum after restoration, this magnificent structure draws attention with both its architecture and collections. History, art, and technology come together here. Then we see the Sevim and Necdet Kent Library, reflecting the island’s cultural memory, and take a short break at Lovers’ Hill (Fahrisin Hill), a romantic spot overlooking the Aegean view. We take photos against the scenery and enjoy the final pleasant moments of the tour.

After free time in Cunda, we begin our return journey to Marmaris. Following rest stops along the way, we arrive in Marmaris in the evening and drop you off at the points where we picked you up.

We conclude this special program—where we welcomed spring with fire, experienced the energy of Roman culture firsthand, and followed traces from the Ottoman era to the Republic—with beautiful memories. We bid farewell with the hope of meeting again in another Koral Tourism organization.

GENERAL TERMS

**Child discounts apply when staying with two adults.

**Seating arrangement on our vehicle is determined by seat numbers; seat numbers are automatically assigned after the first payment. If you have a specific preference regarding seat numbers, please contact us.

**The type of vehicle to be used (minibus, midibus, or bus) is determined according to the final number of participants. Our company assigns the most suitable vehicle based on demand.

**Our guide has the right to make changes to the program and routes, provided that all visits are completed, taking into account conditions such as weather and road situations that may affect the course of the tour.

**If physical conditions (road, weather, natural disasters, etc.) make a visit impossible, our agency cannot be held responsible for the non-realization of that visit.

**During the tour, guests are kindly requested to take care of their personal belongings on the bus, at the hotel, and at visiting points. Our agency is not responsible for forgotten or lost items on buses, in hotel rooms, or in common areas. It is recommended that valuable items (cash, ID, passport, jewelry, etc.) be kept in hotel safes as much as possible and that personal belongings be checked during boarding and disembarking.

**A tour is not only about the places visited, but also about the people who turn the journey into pleasure. The knowledge of our guide, the safe driving of our captain, and team harmony play an important role in turning your journey into beautiful memories. Tipping is not mandatory in our country and is not included in the price. However, it is one of the most elegant ways to express satisfaction. A small thank-you means great motivation for the team. This is entirely at the discretion of our valued guests.

**Child discounts apply when staying with two adults.

**The prices given are early booking prices and are valid for reservations made until 30 March 2025.

**By making a pre-registration with a deposit payment of 4,000.00 TL per person at the time of the first reservation, you can benefit from these prices.

Days : 3 | Nights : 3