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- Bernina Express Tour of Italy & France & Switzerland & Germany - with Turkish Airlines - During the Eid al-Adha Period
Bernina Express Tour of Italy & France & Switzerland & Germany - with Turkish Airlines - During the Eid al-Adha Period
Day 1 ISTANBUL – MILAN – NICE
We meet at Istanbul Airport International Terminal, and after completing the baggage check, ticket, and passport control procedures 3 hours before the flight, we board Turkish Airlines flight TK1895, departing for Milan at 11:50 AM. Arriving at Milan Malpensa Airport at 1:35 PM local time, we set off with our private vehicle waiting at the airport for a city tour of Milan. Milan, one of Europe’s fashion capitals, is also known for its cuisine, opera, and churches. Although it is recognized as the business and financial capital of Italy, it is also the right address for shopping and dining experiences. During our city tour of Milan, significant spots include the famous opera house La Scala, Duomo Square and Cathedral, and Porta Romana, among other tourist attractions. After the city tour of Milan, we head to Nice. Upon arrival at our hotel in the Nice area, we will check into our rooms and have free time to relax.
Day 2 NICE – (Cannes & Nice Tour) – (Eze & Monaco & Monte Carlo Tour)
After breakfast, we offer a full day of free time. During this free time, our guests may join the optional Cannes & Nice Tour (70 Euro). We will first head to Cannes, known for hosting the annual Cannes Film Festival, renowned for its sparkling sea and golden sandy beaches. During the city tour of Cannes, we will visit the old town, the city's first settlement. As we walk through the narrow, winding, traffic-free streets of the old town, there will be opportunities to see souvenir shops and do some shopping. After exploring La Croissette Boulevard, which stretches along the Cannes coast and hosts numerous luxury restaurants, shops, and hotels, we will provide some free time before reaching Nice. Our Nice tour will cover Promenade des Anglais Avenue, Nice Harbor, Massena Square, Flower Market, and Palace of Justice among other attractions. After the Nice tour, during the provided free time, guests who wish may join the optional Eze & Monaco & Monte Carlo Tour (80 Euro) program. During this tour, our first stop will be Eze, which boasts magnificent views of Cote d’Azur, and is famous for its exquisite and renowned perfumes that can be tested and purchased at reasonable prices. Following this visit, we will head to Monaco, the world’s smallest country after the Vatican located on the French Riviera, where we will conduct a panoramic city tour of the luxurious and glamorous Monte Carlo. After the tour, we return to our hotel in the Nice area.
Day 3 NICE – (Portofino Tour by Boat) – OUTLET – MILAN
After breakfast and checkout from the hotel, we head towards Milan. On the way, guests who wish may participate in the optional Portofino Tour by Boat (65 Euro) program. Portofino, surrounded by colorful houses, with its stunning scenery that inspired many songs, features narrow streets and stunning views of the turquoise Mediterranean that are worth visiting. After our visit to Portofino, we continue our journey to Milan. We will visit an outlet center along the way. This renowned outlet center, hosting prestigious shops, cafes, restaurants, and personal activity areas, offers enjoyable and affordable shopping, followed by free time. After the tour, we continue our journey to Milan. Upon arrival at our hotel in the Milan area, we will check into our rooms and have free time to relax.
Day 4 MILAN – ST. MORITZ – BERNINA EXPRESS / RED TRAIN – MILAN
After breakfast, we set off for St. Moritz for an unforgettable train journey on the Bernina Railway, which will decorate our dreams. We arrive at St. Moritz, a natural wonder in Switzerland and a favorite destination for the jet set, and, depending on the train departure time, we will have free time for a short surroundings visit before heading to the station for our breathtaking journey on the Bernina Express / Red Train. Built between 1898 and 1904 and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site today, this world-renowned route provides travelers with a fairy-tale journey to witness extraordinary views. After approximately 2 hours of enjoyable train travel, we arrive at Tirano Station and return to our hotel in Milan with our waiting vehicle.
Day 5 MILAN – (Como & Lugano Tour) – HEIDI’S VILLAGES – ALSACE / BASEL
After breakfast and checkout from the hotel, we head towards the Alsace / Basel area. On the way, guests who wish may join the optional Como & Lugano Tour (65 Euro) program. We first arrive in Como, a center in the Lombardy region distinguished by its historical structures and organized urban layout. The town squares, cathedral, and waterfront provide a compact and easy-to-navigate area for visitors to explore. Lake Como is one of Italy’s most famous lakes, surrounded by hills, lakeside settlements, and regular transport routes that complement the area's natural appearance. The area around the lake is a frequently visited site, offering a balance between city and nature. During our tour of Como & Lake Como, we will first reach the city center of Como, where we will see the cathedral area, squares, and waterfront from the outside. Then we will have some free time along Lake Como, where visitors can wander, take photos, or explore the surroundings. After the free time, we continue to our next stop, Lugano. Located within Switzerland, Lugano captivates with its unique nature, stunning views, and city parks, where we will enjoy a peaceful walk along the beautiful shores of Lugano Lake and appreciate the exquisite scenery by taking photos. After the tour, we continue our journey towards the Alsace / Basel area. We will embark on a panoramic journey through the landscapes of Heidi’s Villages, reminiscent of the charming scenes from the cartoon where the lovable character Heidi lived with her grandfather Peter among the endless mountains and green meadows, before arriving at our hotel in the Alsace / Basel area where we will check into our rooms and have free time to relax.
Day 6 ALSACE / BASEL – (Alsace Pearls: Colmar & Riquewihr Tour) – STRASBOURG – FREIBURG – ALSACE / BASEL
After breakfast, we set off towards Strasbourg. On the way, guests wishing to participate in the optional Alsace Pearls: Colmar & Riquewihr Tour (80 Euro) program can join. Our tour will first lead us to the fairy tale land of Colmar, where we will see the Old Customs Building, the Pfister House, and the colorful houses around the Rhine River, along with the city’s most famous district, Petite Venise (Little Venice). Surrounded by the Rhine River and canals, you’ll discover a delightful environment offering plenty of delicious food options and souvenirs. The next visit point will be Riquewihr, famous for its flower-adorned balconies, uniquely arranged shops, cobbled streets where cars do not enter, and buildings that escaped damage from World War II; it is a charming town with a tower housing the Dolder Museum that carries the city’s story into the present. After our visit to Riquewihr, we continue our journey towards Strasbourg. Strasbourg, located at the borders of Germany, Switzerland, and France and the largest city in Alsace, appears almost as if it has jumped out of a fairytale, welcoming us with a picturesque scene. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 and hosting the European Parliament since 1992, we will explore the pedestrian center of Strasbourg on foot during our panoramic city tour, seeing notable landmarks such as Gutenberg Square and Statue, the city’s heart—the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the oldest house in the city, the Kammerzell House, which is still functioning as a hotel and restaurant today. After the Strasbourg tour, we will have some free time and then head towards Freiburg, known for its emphasis on green urbanism. This lively city is accessible only by low-carbon vehicles since 2010, relying heavily on trams and bicycles for transportation. During our city tour of Freiburg, we will see diverse influences from Germany, France, Austria, Spain, and Switzerland on its architecture and history. The Freiburg Cathedral, charming streets with their unique channels, Martin’s Tor gate from the Middle Ages, and Rathausplatz are some highlights of our visit. After our tour, we return to our hotel in the Alsace region.
Day 7 ALSACE/BASEL – (Bern & Gruyeres Tour) – LAUSANNE – MONTREUX & FAIRY TALE CASTLES – GENEVA
After breakfast and checkout from the hotel, we move towards Lausanne. On the way, guests wishing to join the optional Bern & Gruyeres Tour (80 Euro) program may do so. Our first stopping point will be Bern. Bern, one of the few cities in Europe that has never altered since the Middle Ages, boasts a historical fabric that has seen it placed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. Nestled along the Aare River, Bern’s architecture shows strong influences from German culture. After our city tour of Bern, we continue to our next visit point, Gruyeres. Select as the most beautiful village in Switzerland in 2014, Gruyeres is known for being the birthplace of world-famous Gruyere cheese and is a fairytale village with flower-decked houses and streets that preserve its medieval character. This traffic-free village is located on a hilltop 800 m high above Saane River's upper valley, famous not only for its cheese but also for its renowned Swiss dish Fondue. After a short tour of Gruyeres, we proceed on towards Lausanne, which holds significant historical importance as the location for signing the Lausanne Treaty on July 24, 1923. Also a major episcopal center during the Middle Ages, Lausanne is home to many castles, D’Ouchy Castle, palaces, cathedrals, and museum buildings, transporting visitors back in time. After a brief tour of Lausanne, we visit Montreux, known from our national history for its castles, historical buildings, and natural beauty. This city also holds prominence in the music world, where the famous song Smoke on the Water narrates the story of a casino fire in Montreux, and there is also a statue of Freddie Mercury, who spent the last years of his life working here. After our city tour of Montreux, we will see the Chillon Castle panoramic, the symbol of Montreux, and capture postcard-like views. After the tour, we head towards Geneva. Known as “the French city of Switzerland,” Geneva is located along the shores of Lake Geneva, where culture, history, science, and nature meet. The presence of international organizations (CERN, World Health Organization, UEFA, FIFA, United Nations) turns Geneva into a cultural and administrative center. During our Geneva city tour, we will visit the St.Pierre Cathedral, the iconic Jet d’Eau fountain rising up to 140 meters, and the Reformation Monument among other notable attractions. After the city tour, we transfer to our hotel in Geneva, check into our rooms and have free time to relax.
Day 8 GENEVA – ISTANBUL
After breakfast and checkout from the hotel, we head to Geneva Airport for our return flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival at the airport, we will proceed with baggage check, check-in, and passport control before boarding Turkish Airlines flight TK1922, departing for Istanbul at 14:40. We will arrive at Istanbul Airport at 18:55 local time, marking the end of our tour.
Advantageous Extra Tour Package: 440 € instead of 350 €
The discount rate for the advantageous extra tour package is valid until 5 days before the tour departure date.
During the tour purchases, 400 € will be applied instead of 440 €.
Included Tours:
• Museum & archaeological site and/or city entrance fees specified as "included" in extra tours
• Boat Tour to Portofino (65 Euro)
• Cannes & Nice Tour (70 Euro)
• Eze & Monaco & Monte Carlo Tour (80 Euro)
• Bern & Gruyeres Tour (80 €)
• Alsace Pearls: Colmar & Riquewihr Tour (80 Euro)
• Como & Lugano Tour (65 Euro)
In advantageous extra tour packages, children aged 0-2 are free, and there is a discount of 150 Euro for children aged 2+/12 years.
- Accommodations in the Geneva area may be offered in either the Annemasse or Evian areas.
- Accommodations in the Alsace region may be offered in either Rheinfelden (Baden), Mulhouse or Freiburg areas.
- Accommodations in the Nice region may be offered in Nice, Grasse, or Antibes.
- Accommodations in the Milan region may be offered in Monza, Lierna, or Novana.
- Some city tours and/or excursions planned as day tours may be organized as evening tours in case of arrival in the area at night due to road and traffic conditions on some dates.
- The Outlet Tour may be offered in any city determined along the tour route.
- In the additionally arranged Portofino Tour, due to weather conditions or road conditions, transportation to Portofino may be by means of public transport instead of a boat.
- Our tour program is organized with a minimum participation of 40 people. If adequate participation is not achieved, the final cancellation notification date is 20 days before the tour departure. Tours canceled due to insufficient participation will be notified to you via your travel agency.
- In cases where only category information is given without specifying names, and/or relaxation options are available for the same destination, the hotel(s) will be informed by your agency 48 hours prior to the tour departure.
- During fairs, congresses, concerts, events, sports tournaments, etc., hotels may be used at distances greater than the specified kilometers. In such cases, you will be informed by your agency 15 days before the tour departure.
- Triple rooms can be allocated depending on the availability of hotels, and the bed allocated to the 3rd person in these types of rooms is smaller than standard beds. Triple rooms consist of 1 large bed + 1 extra bed. Since the extra beds are foldable and coach beds, the participants, 3rd person and/or children in the reservation implicitly accept the potential crampedness and bed type in the rooms. Child discounts apply only for one child in the age group staying with 2 adults.
- Breakfasts included in the tour program are served according to the breakfast culture of the host country and are generally presented as limited menus consisting of butter, jam, bread, tea or coffee, and may be served in a separate hall allocated for groups.
- Panoramic city tours included in the tour package are organized for the general introduction of cities and are done from inside the vehicle with a guide's narration, without including museum or archaeological site entrances, and last no longer than 2-3 hours. The panoramic tours, along with other tours specified in the program, are not the responsibility of the agency if they cannot be conducted due to local authorities not allowing entrance, closures due to any events, or if it becomes impossible due to weather conditions. Some tours may be conducted by public transport or on foot where there are closed roads or points where vehicle entry is not allowed, within feasible limits.
- Extra tours are organized by the local agency from which we receive service under the condition that at least 20 participants are required. If adequate numbers are not met, trips may not be conducted or extra tour prices, contents, and transportation vehicles may vary according to the number of participants. Additionally, the days and times of the tours may be changed by the guide based on whether the museums and archaeological sites to be visited are open/closed and the weather conditions.
- Participation in extra tours is optional and not mandatory. Passengers who do not wish to join the extra tours arranged during the trip implicitly agree to wait at a suitable rest area on the way. These passengers will be dropped off at a roadside rest area before the extra tour starts and picked up from the point where they were dropped off after the tour ends.
- In the situation where only category information is given and/or alternative information is available for the same destination, you can find out the hotel(s) where you will be staying 48 hours before the tour departure.
- In our promotional and early booking campaigns, guests cannot make cancellations and changes.
- The agency acts as an intermediary between the passenger and the airline and is subject to the Hague Protocol of 28.09.1955. There may be delays in scheduled and charter flights, or flight times may change prior to travel. The agency is obliged to inform these changes as soon as possible. Our passengers purchase the tour knowing and accepting that flight details may change. Children aged 0-2 do not pay airport tax and airport service fees.
VISA
- There is a visa application for Turkish Republic citizens. A visa application must be made with a passport valid for at least 6 months from the travel end date and the documents listed in our agency's “Necessary Documents for Visa” list.
- Guests traveling with a green passport must renew their passports if the date of issuance of their passports is more than 10 years old. Otherwise, they may not be accepted into the country they are going to, and/or the airline may refuse to carry them. In such cases, responsibility lies with the passenger.
- Traveling with a green passport does not require a visa, provided the passport is valid for at least 6 months from the travel end date.
- Having a visa does not guarantee entry into the country; the passport police have the right to deny you entry. The agency is not responsible for this situation; the responsibility lies with the passenger.
- To avoid issues with customs police at the country border due to torn, worn, wet, and/or similarly damaged passports; it is required to renew such passports and if they are a country that requires a visa for T.C. citizens, the relevant visa must be in the new passport. In case of failure, the responsibility lies with the passenger.
- Guests under 18 years of age traveling alone or with only one parent may be asked by the police to present a joint consent document from both parents at the country entry/exit points; hence, it is advised that guests under 18 and their parents pay attention to this issue.
What's Included
- Round trip plane ticket with Turkish Airlines on the route Istanbul HL (IST) – Milan Malpensa HL (MXP) // Geneva HL (GVA) – Istanbul HL (MXP),
- Airport taxes and service fees,
- In-flight refreshments,
- Accommodation for a total of 7 nights with breakfast in hotels of the specified category,
- Airport/Hotel/Airport transfers and intercity transfers,
- Panoramic city tours and/or surrounding area excursions in Milan, St. Moritz, Geneva, Lausanne, Montreux, Strasbourg, and Freiburg,
- Train journey with BERNINA EXPRESS / RED TRAIN,
- Outlet Tour,
- Turkish speaking guiding services,
- TURSAB Professional Liability Insurance.
Not Included
• Visa fee and service charge
• International departure tax fee
• All hotel extras and personal expenses,
• Domestic connecting flight tickets,
• Lunch and dinner,
• Optional tours and excursions mentioned/not mentioned in the program,
• (Mandatory) Hotel city accommodation and city entry taxes (60 Euro)
• (Optional) driver tips (10 Euro)
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