Day 1 Istanbul – Basel – Strasbourg
Meet in front of the Turkish Airlines counters at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal 3 hours before the flight. After baggage, ticket, and passport procedures, depart to Basel with Turkish Airlines flight TK 1923 at 07:40. Arriving at 09:45 local time, our driver will be waiting to start our city tour of Basel. Switzerland's third-largest city after Zurich and Geneva, Basel is a magnificent city that combines modern and historical textures, despite its small area, and is home to many treasures. During our city tour, we will see Basel Cathedral, where the famous Renaissance writer Erasmus’ grave is located, the main square Marktplatz, Parliament Building, and Hotel Les Trois Roi. After the tour, we will head to Strasbourg, one of France’s most beautiful cities and the gem of the Alsace region. While exploring Strasbourg, you will feel like traveling back in time in its medieval districts with cobblestone streets. The city’s fairy-tale-like nature, historic buildings, wooden houses, medieval churches, cathedrals, and many artworks are worth seeing. Additionally, Strasbourg is historically significant as the place where the French national anthem "La Marseillaise" was written. Strasbourg’s city tour includes Strasbourg Cathedral, Rohan Palace, Kleber Square, and the Petit France district decorated with traditional Alsace houses. Those interested can join an optional tour of the Fairy Tale Villages of Alsace (Eguisheim & Colmar & Kaysersberg & Riquewihr) for 100 Euros. Our first stop in this tour will be Eguisheim, awarded as 'Favorite French Village' in 2013, where history and nature dance together. Its colorful houses reflecting typical Alsace architecture form a postcard view. Then, we will proceed to Colmar, renowned for its well-preserved medieval streets, featuring the Pomegranate stone-built St. Martin’s Cathedral, Venice of the North with its small canals, Maison Pfister, and Renaissance-style Maison des Têtes. The next stop is Kaysersberg, a stunning medieval town with colorful houses, narrow streets, and Chateau de Kaysersberg, a 13th-century castle symbolizing the city. The Sainte-Croix Church in the town center is notable for its Gothic architecture. Finally, we visit Riquewihr, one of Alsace’s most enchanting towns, with its colorful flowers, historic half-timbered houses, narrow streets, and medieval walls. We will also see the remains of Riquewihr Castle and walk along the old city walls to feel the medieval atmosphere. Afterwards, we transfer to our hotel in Strasbourg or nearby for an overnight stay.
Day 2 Strasbourg – Luxembourg
After breakfast at the hotel, we head towards Luxembourg. Upon arrival, our Luxembourg city tour begins, including the Notre Dame Cathedral, Ducal Palace, Town Hall, and Constitution Square. Those wishing can join a supplementary tour of the Spectacular History and Mosaics (Trier & Remich & Schengen) for 55 Euros. First, we will visit Trier, the oldest city in Germany, established in 15 BC by the Romans. Located along the Moselle River with vineyards on its slopes, Trier features the Roman Gate Porta Nigra, UNESCO World Heritage Roman ruins, St. Peter’s Cathedral, Maria Laach Church, and the house where Karl Marx, the father of socialist thought, was born. After exploring Trier, we proceed to Remich, known as the best shopping spot and tax haven where you can buy chocolates, coffee, and alcoholic beverages very cheaply due to low taxes and border proximity. Lastly, we visit Schengen, where the Schengen Agreement abolishing passport control among EU countries was signed. Here, you’ll have the chance to taste local wines and see the monument commemorating the signing of the Schengen Agreement. Afterwards, we transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 3 Luxembourg – Paris
After breakfast, we depart for Paris, one of the most romantic cities in the world. Upon arrival, we will see Charles de Gaulle and the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Élysées, Louvre Museum and Pyramid, Etoile Square, Grand Palais, Petit Palais Exhibition Halls, Concorde Square and Obelisk, French Parliament Building, Alexandre III Bridge, Seine River, Napoleon’s Tomb, and the Eiffel Tower. After the city tour, we transfer to the hotel and have free time for leisure. Overnight stay.
Day 4 Paris
After breakfast, those interested can join an optional tour of the Majestic Paris Masterpieces & Seine River Cruise (Eiffel Tower & Seine River & Montmartre Artists’ Hill & Sacré-Cœur Basilica & Notre Dame Cathedral) for 100 Euros. First, we visit the iconic Eiffel Tower, which attracts millions of tourists annually, and go up to the second floor for a panoramic view of Paris. Then, we take a boat ride on the Seine River to see historic sights on both banks. Next, we go up by cable car to Montmartre, the highest point in Paris, known for its association with artists like Picasso, Toulouse-Lautrec, Dalida, Van Gogh, and Jean Marais. Sacré-Cœur Basilica will be our first stop there. Afterward, we will visit Tertre Square for shopping and portrait drawing, then explore Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1137 and 1180 as a symbol of Paris’ political, economic, and cultural power under King Louis VII. After a short photo break, we transfer back to the hotel. Those interested can join an optional "Under the Lights of Paris" night tour for 30 Euros, to see the city’s famous boulevards and landmarks illuminated beautifully. Afterward, we return to the hotel for overnight.
Day 5 Paris – Brussels
We depart for Brussels. The most striking stops in the Benelux tour, Brussels, boasts a cosmopolitan character offering many attractions. Our highlights include the Royal Palace, Chinese and Japanese Houses, Brussels Cathedral, Grand Place, Stock Exchange Building, Atomium Monument, and the Manneken Pis statue. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel for leisure and an overnight stay.
Day 6 Brussels – Bruges – Ghent – Amsterdam
After breakfast, we head to Amsterdam. On the way, those interested can join an optional tour of the Majestic Cities of Bruges & Ghent for 75 Euros. First, we visit Bruges, known for its stunning beauty, and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991. Medieval architecture, canals, narrow streets, bridges, historic buildings, and squares make it one of Europe’s top tourist destinations. After exploring Bruges, we go to Ghent, a city with 1400 years of history, where the Schelde and Lys rivers meet. Known as one of the richest medieval cities with historical monuments and a university, Ghent is a charming city. After the tour, we proceed to Amsterdam. In Amsterdam, the city tour includes Dam Square, Central Station, National Monument, Royal Palace, Flower Market, Red Light District. We then transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 7 Amsterdam – Zaanse Schans – Marken – Volendam – Giethoorn – Amsterdam
After breakfast, those interested can join an optional tour of the Fairy Tale Villages and Canals (Zaanse Schans & Marken & Volendam & Giethoorn Hobbit Village) for 100 Euros. Starting with Zaanse Schans, this historic village dates back to the 17th century and still features working windmills, traditional wooden houses, and untouched natural scenery, making you feel like in an open-air museum. Next, we visit Marken, a former island now connected to the mainland, with its traditional character. Then, Volendam, with its harbor, characteristic houses, and traditional costumes, offers delicious seafood and cheese tasting. Our last stop is Giethoorn, considered one of the most beautiful places in the world. Known as the “Dutch Venice," it is famous for its picturesque canals, thatched-roof cottages, and peaceful atmosphere. It has gained popularity since it was featured in the 1958 film "Fanfare" and receives over 800,000 tourists annually. After exploring these villages, we transfer back to our hotel in Amsterdam for an overnight stay.
Day 8 Amsterdam – Cologne – Dusseldorf – Istanbul
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Cologne. The city tour includes the Gothic Cologne Cathedral, the Rhine River, and shopping streets. Then, we visit Dusseldorf, Germany's important center for culture, science, art, and industry, with stops at Rheinturm tower, Schloss Benrath, Königsallee shopping street, and the green areas of Horfen. Afterwards, we depart for the airport. After baggage, ticket, and passport procedures, Turkish Airlines flight TK 1528 departs to Istanbul at 20:25, arriving at 23:55 local time, marking the end of our tour.