Historical "Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling" is the oldest wrestling festival in the world which has been continuing since the first contests in 1357 in Rumelia.
"Kirkpinar Oil Wresting", which has been bounded with a tradition of almost 650 years, hosts persevering contests for a week, with the active participation of media, folk-dance groups, millions of spectators, artists and statesmen both from Turkey and all over the world, and with a varying array of activities every year.
The enthusiasm, which is brought to life by headwrestling and other forms of wrestling contests, as well as the performances of the "Janissary Band" and local and foreign folk-dance groups throughout the contests, turns "Kirkpinar Oil Wresting" into a traditional festival.
Special Interest Tours 'Oil Wrestling - 6 days Tour' 6 - Day itinerary 30 Jun 2011 to 05 Jul 2011
Day 1
Thursday 30th June
Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul! You will be transferred to your hostel and your tour will commence with a tonight’s welcome meeting. First drink is on us!
Overnight Istanbul
Day 2
Friday 1st July
Istanbul, Edirne
An early start today as we tour the exotic city that spans both Europe and Asia. Visit the Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofya, the underground Basilica Cistern and the Hippodrome before an afternoon drive to Edirne where we settle into the campgrounds. Tonight we visit Sarayici for an evening of festivity at the Gypsy festival.
Overnight Edirne (B)
Day 3
Saturday 2nd July
Edirne
Today shuttle buses will transfer everybody to Sarayici where the Kirkpinar Wrestling Contest takes place. Keep an eye on the moves of pehlivans (wrestlers) during the morning games, as you may be a potential participant of our own wrestling contest this afternoon. Tonight, we party at the campsite to celebrate he victory of our head wrestler!
Overnight Edirne
Day 4
Sunday 3rd July
Edirne
Today the shuttle buses will transfer everyone to Sarayici for the last day of competition. Excitement builds as the winning wrestlers will be determined by the end of day.
Overnight Edirne
Day 5
Monday 4th July
Istanbul
Today we drive back to Istanbul and the afternoon is free for you to explore the city at your own pace.
Overnight Istanbul
Day 6
Tuesday 5th July
Istanbul
After breakfast, the tour concludes and we say goodbye to our new friends.
(B)
Tour includes
Inbound airport transfer - Istanbul
Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
Professional English-speaking tour guide for the duration of the tour
5 nights - Camping & Budget Hostel accommodation in total.
3 nights in Edirne
2 nights in Istanbul
2 Breakfasts
Tour does not include
Suggested optional activities
Tips
Entrance fees to the various sites
Tour Type :- Guaranteed Departure
This tour is a 'Guaranteed Departure' tour. This means that it will depart regardless of how many people are booked on to it.
- Edirne - Gypsy Festival - Edirne - Oil Wrestling - Istanbul - Aya Sofya (St Sophia) - Istanbul - Basilica Underground Cistern - Istanbul - Blue Mosque - Istanbul - Old City Tour
Accommodation :-
5 nights - Camping & Budget Hostel accommodation in total. - 3 nights in Edirne - 2 nights in Istanbul
