We will meet at the Departures terminal of Sabiha Gökçen Airport three hours before our flight to complete our ticket and baggage procedures. Our scheduled flight with Ajet Airlines to Amsterdam will take approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes. After arriving in Amsterdam, we will explore the city. Known for its historical, cultural riches, canals, museums, and lively atmosphere, Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities and stands out among other European capitals with its liberal lifestyle. The youthful city hosts numerous events, festivals, and concerts throughout the year, as well as galleries, museums, and exhibitions showcasing both classical and modern art. During our tour of Amsterdam, we will see the city’s most popular square, Damrak, the official residence of the Dutch royal family, the Royal Palace, and Amsterdam's oldest church, Oude Kerk (Old Church). In the evening, we will transfer to our hotel and have free time to rest.
2. Day Amsterdam - Marken - Volendam - BrusselsAfter breakfast, we will leave our hotel and visit Marken & Volendam, which are approximately 1 hour from Amsterdam. These two fishing villages offer the best insight into traditional Dutch lifestyle, with their natural surroundings and colorful houses lined up one after another. The residents of Marken, previously engaged in fishing, transformed into a tourist island connected to the mainland by a bridge, with a proliferation of crafts and traditional costumes. The houses built on stilts to prevent flooding are still protected today. From Marken, we will take a short journey over a bridge to the much larger Volendam. On the way, there will be cheese producers and tasting workshops; we will visit a cheese producer and learn about cheese-making. You will have some time for shopping before moving on to Volendam. In Volendam, where many residents wore traditional costumes and stayed briefly in the 20th century, you can see historic fishing houses, museums, artisan workshops, and shops. Known for its traditional cuisine, Volendam offers time for lunch. After exploring these two charming villages, we will continue our journey to Brussels. The trip takes about three hours, after which we will arrive in Brussels. As the capital of the European Union, Brussels is also known as a center of international diplomacy. During our city tour, we will see The Royal Palace, Grand Palace (city square), St. Michael , and Stock Exchange Building. After the tour, you will have some free time to explore the city. In the evening, we will depart for our hotel where you will check in and have free time to rest.
3. Day Brussels – Bruges - ParisAfter breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and head towards Bruges. The journey will take approximately one hour, and we will arrive at Bruges, known as the Venice of the North. With its historic setting, well-preserved medieval architecture, narrow streets, colorful historic buildings, canals, and significant structures, Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers visitors a journey back in time. The city, surrounded by lush parks and nature, has a romantic atmosphere that will captivate you. During our walking city tour, we will see Grote Markt, the Gothic-style Town Hall, Belfry Tower, Church of Our Lady, and the beautiful Minnewater (Love Lake). You will have free time during the city exploration to enjoy local cafes and try traditional dishes for lunch. After our Bruges visit, we will depart for Paris. Upon arrival, we will start exploring the world’s most iconic metropolis, Paris. Known for its romance, Paris is characterized by neoclassical architecture that shapes the entire city. Its broad avenues, charming alleys, and historic sites offer a wealth of cultural experiences. Our first stop in Paris will be the Champs Elysees avenue. After free time for dining and shopping, we will meet our guide at the designated time and transfer to our hotel for check-in.
4. Day ParisAfter breakfast, we will leave our hotel in the early morning to see the most important sights of Paris. Our first stop will be the most artistic and bohemian district of Paris, Montmartre (“Artist’s Hill”). We will also visit Pigalle, known for its lively nightlife and the famous cabaret Moulin Rouge. Using the funicular, we will ascend to the Artist’s Hill, where we will see the Sacre Coeur Basilica. This basilica, once a spiritual center, was begun in 1875 and opened for worship after World War I. Montmartre has become an art hub, hosting artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Emile Zola. You will enjoy exploring this bohemian neighborhood filled with art galleries. Afterward, we will visit Montparnasse, renowned as the center of modern art and intellectual life, and home to many entertainment venues. Then, we will take a scenic boat cruise on the Seine River, offering views of Paris’ most iconic landmarks such as Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum, Alexandre III Bridge, Orsay Museum, and the Institut de France. In the late afternoon, we will ascend to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower to enjoy the magnificent view of Paris. Built for the 1889 World’s Fair, the Eiffel Tower has become an emblem of Paris and one of the world’s most magnificent structures, attracting millions of visitors annually. Afterward, you will have free time for shopping at Benlux stores. Later, we will return to our hotel for rest and leisure.
5. Day Paris – Metz – LuxembourgAfter breakfast, we will check out early and depart from our hotel. Our approximately 3.5-hour journey will take us to Metz, one of France's oldest cities. Metz has a rich history, having changed hands many times between France and Germany due to wars. The city displays both cultures’ influences and offers breathtaking nature. Metz is one of France’s greenest cities, with the Moselle and Seille rivers and lakes creating a stunning natural landscape. We will see the German Gate (built by German workers during the Middle Ages to prevent fires), the UNESCO-listed Saint-Étienne Cathedral with its Gothic architecture, Place d’Armes square, the historic Metz Covered Market, and one of France’s oldest buildings, the opera and theater house. After our tour here, we will continue towards Luxembourg. After a one-hour pleasant drive, we will start our city tour. Located at the crossroads of Europe, Luxembourg is one of the most economically advanced countries. Founded in 963, it is situated where Roman and Germanic cultures meet, under the influence of both civilizations. Following the Treaty of London, it reached its current borders, and its official name is the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, with the capital same as the country. Besides its natural beauty, Luxembourg’s historic sites are highly praised. We will see the Casemates du Bock, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring historic city walls and underground tunnels, Place Guillaume, one of the main squares, and Chemin de la Corniche, built in the 17th century, renowned as Europe’s most beautiful balcony. During our free time in the old town, you will have time for dinner. In the evening, we will leave for our hotel, check-in, and enjoy free time to relax.
6. Day Luxembourg – Strasbourg – Colmar - AlsaceAfter breakfast, early in the morning, we will depart from our hotel heading towards Strasbourg. A city that has historically been contested by Germany and France, and changed hands many times, Strasbourg was returned to France after the Versailles Treaty following World War I. Known as a symbol of European peace, Strasbourg hosts many international institutions such as the European Parliament, European Council, and the European Court of Human Rights. The city’s historical and cultural wealth is complemented by numerous canals and waterways. Located on the Ill River, a tributary of the Rhine, Strasbourg was once home to one of the largest structures in the world, the Notre Dame Cathedral. The medieval Old Town, called Le Petite France (Little France), is the most picturesque and essential area of Strasbourg. After our sightseeing in Strasbourg, we will visit Colmar, the jewel of the Alsace region. In Colmar, you will experience an atmosphere where time seems to stand still, with colorful half-timbered houses, flower-decorated balconies, and canals forming Le Petit Venice (Little Venice). In the evening, we will leave for our hotel and have free time to rest.
7. Day Freiburg – Lucerne – Basel - AlsaceAfter breakfast, we will leave our hotel and head to Freiburg. A city in Germany located at the edge of the Black Forest, Freiburg is famous for its Bachle (canals), which were built in the 13th century to prevent fires in the city. Today, these canals continue to attract visitors, especially children. The Freiburg Minster Cathedral, with its Gothic architecture, is another prominent attraction. After exploring Freiburg, we will proceed to Lucerne. Set on the shores of Lake Four Cantons, the city offers breathtaking scenery with its half-timbered houses, narrow streets, and flower-decorated balconies. The Reuss River, flowing through the city, is one of its symbols. Highlights include the Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument built in honor of Swiss guards who died protecting the Tuileries Palace during the French Revolution, and the old city walls with Murien Tower. Following our visit, we will continue to Basel. Known for its historic trade, culture, and industry, Basel has been influential since Roman times, with Germanic tribes gaining control in the 5th century. Today, Basel is Switzerland’s third-largest city and hosts many museums and exhibitions. We will explore the city’s landmarks, including the attractive red Town Hall and the 1091-founded Basel Minster, built as a Catholic church and rebuilt after the 1356 earthquake, now serving as a Protestant church, listed on Switzerland’s National Heritage list. We will also visit the Marktplatz, the historic main square and marketplace, lively with festivals. In the evening, we will depart for our hotel, check-in, and have free time to relax.
8. Day Basel – IstanbulAfter breakfast, we will check out from our hotel and have some free time as designated by our guide before heading to the airport. We will complete our ticket and baggage procedures and depart on our scheduled flight with Ajet Airlines from Basel to Istanbul. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, our Benelux tour will conclude.
We look forward to reuniting on another journey where you will create unforgettable memories…