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Copy my Adana Itinerary and Adana’s Orange Blossom Carnival

I’m back in my second home, Turkiye! Filming for our TRT World TV show (the first 2 episodes are now on TRT World’s youtube channel. Next up, is filming our Adana itinerary. With the bonus of timing it perfectly for Adana’s Orange Blossom Carnival.

Epic Days in Adana: Filming My Turkish TV Adventure

As part of filming my new travel TV series Where Next with Johnny Ward, we made our way down to Adana — a city few international travelers have even heard of, let alone explored. But Adana, the fifth-largest city in Turkiye, totally blew me away.

If you think Turkiye is just Istanbul and fairy chimneys, it’s time to reset your expectations.

We spent several days here filming everything from chaotic street food to canoeing with national athletes, and soaking in the electrifying atmosphere of the annual Orange Blossom Carnival.

Here’s what our filming itinerary looked like, plus my personal experience exploring one of the most underrated cities in the country.

My Adana Itinerary

Day 1: Seyhan River Vibes & Adrenaline on the Water

We kicked things off with a sunrise shoot at the Seyhan River, which cuts through the heart of the city. Picture soft morning light, cool air, and me running alongside the river, talking directly to camera about Adana’s wild, colorful energy. This river quite literally shapes the city, and it’s stunning.

Next, we drove to Seyhan Dam where I had the chance to try flatwater canoeing. But not alone. I was paddling with some of Adana’s top young athletes and their coaches. Chatting with them, I realized how central sport and water is to this community. There’s pride here, and it’s infectious.

Day 2: Street Food, Banana Milkshakes, and Public Transport

No trip to Adana is complete without eating your weight in kebab.

We spent most of the day in Old Adana, weaving through side streets and food stalls, filming me sampling the local delicacies. Adana kebab, şırdan (yes, stuffed sheep stomach), and a crazy good banana milkshake from a street buffet stand that everyone swears by. Kazim Bufe, get it in your google maps. It’s lush!

For a bit of fun, I hopped in a local minibus and rode it through town, chatting to the driver about the upcoming Orange Blossom Carnival. Public transport might not sound glamorous, but it’s where real interactions happen. And it’s a key part of travel storytelling.

Day 3: Orange Blossom Carnival Madness

This was the big day.

Adana’s Orange Blossom Carnival is one of the most unique events in Turkey. Think Mardi Gras meets citrus-scented spring fair. We started the day filming the carnival’s special reception. Orange-themed dishes (yes, even meat infused with citrus), street performers, and a costume contest. The energy? Unbelievable.

Later, I joined the official parade. Locals in full costume, drums pounding, dancers swirling. The whole city comes alive. It’s a massive expression of civic pride, and I was lucky enough to witness it from the front lines.

Day 4: Art, Culture, and James Bond Views

We visited Çırçır Art Center where I met Ertugrul Ateş, a famed local artist, who walked me through his gallery. Adana isn’t just kebab and festivals. There’s a deeply rooted artistic culture here that deserves a spotlight.

Then came our road trip to the legendary Varda Bridge (you might recognize it from the James Bond film Skyfall). Perched over a dramatic canyon, this stone railway bridge built by Germans in 1912 is mind-blowing in scale and beauty. We filmed trekking scenes with a local hiking group. Epic views, ancient engineering, and cinematic grandeur. One of the best shoots of the series.

Where is Adana?

Adana is in southern Turkey, nestled in the fertile Çukurova Plain near the Mediterranean. It’s about 940 km southeast of Istanbul. You can fly there in under 1.5 hours via daily domestic flights to Adana Şakirpaşa Airport, or take an overnight train or long-distance bus for a slower adventure.

Why You Should Consider Visiting Adana?

Adana is one of Turkey’s most underrated destinations, known for its fiery cuisine, rich history, and unapologetic authenticity. Home of the legendary Adana kebap, liver for breakfast, and bold street food, it’s a paradise for food lovers. The city’s ancient Roman bridges, Ottoman mosques, and riverside promenades offer a glimpse into its 4,000-year past. Locals are proud, expressive, and deeply welcoming, especially during the Orange Blossom Carnival each spring. This isn’t the polished Turkey of tourist brochures—it’s raw, energetic, and real. If you’re after culture, flavor, and local pride, Adana should be high on your list.

Why Adana Surprised Me

Adana is hot. Literally. Summers push past 40°C. But the city has soul. It’s got grit, spice (both in food and attitude), and a kind of irreverent charm. People are loud, funny, and endlessly welcoming. The food is world-class, the architecture a wild blend of Roman, Ottoman, and modern, and the festivals? Some of the best I’ve ever experienced.

When you think of Turkey, don’t stop at Istanbul. Don’t even stop at Cappadocia. Think Adana. It’s bold. It’s raw. And it’s unforgettable.

Watch this space — our Adana episode drops soon on TRT World. And trust me, this one’s worth watching.

Until then, keep saying yes to wild adventures.

Johnny

TIPs when traveling Adana

FOOD TO TRY:

Absolutely — if you’re eating your way through Adana, here’s a fuller list of must-try local food and drinks beyond the famous Adana kebap:

Grilled & Meaty Delights:

• Ciğer (Liver Kebab) – Thin-sliced lamb liver skewered and grilled, often eaten for breakfast with lavash and sumac onions.
• Yürek & Böbrek – Skewered lamb heart and kidneys, lightly salted and grilled over charcoal.
• Kokoreç – Spiced lamb intestines, chopped and grilled, usually served in bread (popular as a late-night snack).

For the Brave:

• Şırdan – Spiced rice-stuffed sheep stomach; a legendary local delicacy served hot, often eaten with hands.
• Mumbar – Similar to şırdan, but stuffed intestines instead of stomach — deeply flavorful and rich.

Sweets & Cool-Offs:

• Bici Bici – Crushed ice with starch jelly cubes, rose water, and powdered sugar — a colorful summer dessert.
• Kar Helvası – A traditional snow-based treat, sometimes flavored with molasses or fruit syrup.

Drinks:

• Şalgam Suyu – Fermented turnip juice, spicy, salty, and sour — usually served cold and often paired with kebabs.
• Ayran – Cold yogurt drink to balance the spice of the meals.
• Adana Limonata – Fresh lemonade sometimes enhanced with orange blossom or mint during Carnival season.

Local Bread & Sides:

• Tırnaklı Ekmek – The flatbread served with kebabs, slightly chewy and perfect for scooping.
• Sumac Onions & Parsley – Served on the side of most meat dishes, sharp and zesty.

These foods aren’t just Adana’s specialties. They’re a point of pride. Locals will practically drag you to their favorite spot, and honestly, you should let them.

WHEN TO VISIT ADANA;

Best Time: April.

• Why? It’s the season of the Orange Blossom Carnival (Portakal Çiçeği Karnavalı) — the whole city explodes with music, costumes, and the sweet scent of blooming orange trees.
• Weather: Warm days (~25°C), perfect for exploring without the brutal summer heat.

Next up would be spring. Just note that summers are COOKING hot.

PLACES NOT TO MISS WHEN VISITING ADANA:

Here are the must-see places in Adana — spicy kebap optional, but highly encouraged:

1. Ulu Camii (Grand Mosque)

• 500+ years old and dripping in Seljuk–Mamluk–Ottoman architecture.
• Peaceful, majestic, and a proper slice of Adana’s layered history.

2. Taşköprü (Stone Bridge)

• One of the world’s oldest still-used Roman bridges.
• Best at sunset when locals gather and the river lights up.

3. Seyhan River Promenade

• Lush riverside parks, cafes, and walking paths.
• Great for people-watching, especially at night.

4. Seyhan Dam & Lake

• Try canoeing with youth athletes or just soak in the epic lake views.

5. Çırçır Art Center

• Vibrant art space celebrating Adana’s creative side.
• Often features work from local legend Ertuğrul Ateş.

6. Adana City Museum & Atatürk Museum

• Learn the city’s ancient roots, cultural quirks, and modern pride in two compact but rich museums.

7. Orange Blossom Carnival (if visiting in April)

• Parades, costumes, concerts, and citrus everything — it’s Adana’s soul on display.

8. Varda Bridge (aka James Bond Bridge)

• 98m-high, canyon-spanning railway bridge featured in Skyfall.
• Go with a trekking group for max cinematic vibes.

9. Kazancılar Bazaar

• Old-school shopping lane full of copperware, spices, and chaos.
• Perfect place to haggle and snack on liver kebap.

Bonus food pilgrimage spots:

• Onbaşılar Kebap – for official Adana Kebap.
• Kazancılar Çarşısı Ciğerci – liver kebab for breakfast? Yes, it’s a thing here.
• Sırdan stands near Ziyapaşa – late-night sheep intestine goals.