8 Cities in the Majestic Alps, 3 Nights – With Turkish Airlines, November 12

Meeting in front of the Turkish Airlines counter at Istanbul Airport’s international departures terminal 3 hours before the flight. Following baggage, ticket and passport procedures, we depart for Zurich at 08:40 on Turkish Airlines flight TK 1907. After arriving at 09:45 local time, our Zurich city tour begins with our vehicle waiting for us at the airport. With its historic center, stunning Gothic-style churches and historic buildings, the city welcomes millions of visitors every year. After seeing the Grossmünster and Fraumünster Churches and St. Peter’s Church, home to Europe’s largest clock tower, we tour Bahnhofstrasse, considered the city’s shopping center. Following our tour, we transfer to our hotel. Afterwards, guests who wish may join the optional Magnificent Rhine Falls & Lucerne tour. (80 Euros) Our first stop is the natural wonder of the Rhine Falls, which is Europe’s largest waterfall, measuring 150 meters wide and 23 meters high. Embraced by the powerful arms of the Rhine River, this place is a paradise where you will find peace while watching the dance of the deep blue waters. After an enchanting walk amid the power of the water and the impressive scenery, we travel to Lucerne, a historic city located in central Switzerland at the foothills of the Alps. In this captivating city, after seeing the Lion Monument, built in memory of the 800 Swiss soldiers who were martyred while protecting King Louis XVI and his family, the Chapel Bridge and the magnificent view of Lake Lucerne, we conclude our tour and transfer to our hotel. Overnight at a hotel in Zurich or the surrounding area. 
 

Departure for Basel after breakfast at the hotel. Upon arrival, our city tour begins. Basel, Switzerland’s third most populous city after Zurich and Geneva, is a magnificent city that combines both modern and historic textures and, although small in area, contains many treasures. During our city tour, Basel Cathedral, where the tomb of the famous Dutch Renaissance writer Erasmus is located, the city’s main square Marktplatz, the Government Building, and Hotel Les Trois Roi are among the places to be seen. Following our tour, guests who wish may join the Magnificent Alsace’s Fairytale Villages (Riquewihr Kaysersberg & Colmar & Eguisheim) tour, which will be organized as an optional excursion. (100 Euros) Our first stop is Riquewihr, one of Alsace’s most enchanting towns, featuring numerous half-timbered houses that give the town its charm. This historic village captivates visitors with its old houses decorated with colorful flowers, narrow streets, and medieval atmosphere surrounded by ramparts. During our tour, we will also see the remains of Riquewihr Castle and feel the medieval atmosphere by walking along the village’s old ramparts. We then proceed to Kayserberg. Kayserberg is a charming part of the Alsace region, as a French town dating back to the Middle Ages. It is famous for its colorful houses, narrow streets, and historic character. In particular, the Château de Kaysersberg Castle, dating back to the 13th century, is one of the town’s most prominent symbols. The Sainte-Croix Church, located in the center of the town, attracts attention with its Gothic architecture. Following our tour, we depart for Colmar, famous for its historic medieval buildings, Gothic-style churches, and colorful houses. While strolling through Colmar’s exceptionally well-preserved streets, the places to be seen include St. Martin Cathedral, built entirely of pink stone; Little Venice, which resembles Italy’s city of Venice with its small canals; Maison Pfister, one of Colmar’s oldest houses; and Maison des Tetes, a Renaissance building decorated with faces. Our next stop after the tour is Egusheim, a place where we will want to take photographs at every opportunity from beginning to end. Named the “Favorite French Village” in 2013, Egusheim is a village where history and nature dance together. Its colorful houses, reflecting the typical architecture of the Alsace region, create Equesheim’s postcard-like appearance. Following our tour, transfer to our hotel in Mulhouse or the surrounding area. Overnight at a hotel in Mulhouse or the surrounding area.

After having breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Bern. Bern, the capital of Switzerland, offers its visitors a fascinating atmosphere with its historic city center listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, streets preserving their medieval character, stone buildings, arched arcades and fountains. During our tour, the Clock Tower, the Old Town, known as Europe’s largest covered shopping area, Einstein’s House, the Historical Museum, the Parliament building and its square will be among the places seen panoramically. Following our tour, we depart for Geneva. One of Switzerland’s most cosmopolitan cities, Geneva is located in the west of the country on the shores of Lake Geneva and is quite close to the French border. Of great importance in terms of international diplomacy, the city is home to the United Nations Office in Europe, the Red Cross and the headquarters of many international organizations. During our city tour here, Lake Léman, Mont Blanc Bridge, the Great Cathedral, the United Nations and Red Cross buildings, Notre Dame and the Old Town will be among the places seen. Following our tour, guests who wish may join the Magnificent Lausanne – Ouchy – Montreux and Chillon Castle Tour, which will be organized as an optional extra. (80 Euros) Our first stop on the tour will be the city of Lausanne, located on the shores of Lake Geneva and of historical importance for our country. Lausanne Cathedral, the Old Town (Vielle Ville), the city’s historic center, and Flon, a modern shopping and entertainment district, will be among the places we see.  We then depart for Ouchy. Formerly a fishing village, Ouchy was incorporated into the city of Lausanne from the mid-19th century due to its function as a port on Lake Geneva.  In this peaceful and beautiful area, famous for its lake views, the stunning Château d'Ouchy and Ouchy Port are among the places to be seen.  Our final stop on the tour will be Montreux, another tranquil spot on the shores of Lake Geneva. In this town, famous for its relaxing and peaceful atmosphere, mountain views and lakeside walking paths, Chillon Castle (from the outside), the statue of Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury, and Montreux Port will be among the places we see. Following our tour, transfer to our hotel. Overnight at a hotel in Geneva or the surrounding area.

After breakfast, check out of the rooms and transfer to the airport at the time specified by our guide. Following baggage, ticket and passport procedures, depart for Istanbul at 18:25 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1920. Arrival at 23:45 local time and the end of our tour.