A Fairytale Tour of Europe with the Bernina Express - Turkish Airlines

Day 1 ISTANBUL – BASEL – STRASBOURG – FREIBURG – ALSACE / BASEL Arrive early at the International Terminal of Istanbul Airport for check-in, baggage check, passport control, and other procedures. Then, depart on Turkish Airlines flight TK1923 at 07:40 to Basel. Arriving around 09:45 local time at Basel Airport, we will then proceed by private vehicle to Strasbourg, which is located at the border of Germany, Switzerland, and France, and is also the largest city in the Alsace region. Strasbourg, appearing like something out of a fairy tale, will welcome us with its picturesque beauty. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988 and home to the European Parliament since 1992, Strasbourg’s car-free city center and streets will host a panoramic city tour on foot. During this tour, we will see Gutenberg Square and Statue, the Notre Dame Cathedral located in the heart of the city, and the oldest house now functioning as a hotel and restaurant, Kammerzell House. After the tour, free time will be provided, then we will head towards Freiburg, known as one of the most environmentally friendly cities, where transportation is mainly via tram and bicycle. In Freiburg, the city bears traces of the history and architecture of Germany, France, Austria, Spain, and Sweden. Highlights include the Freiburg Cathedral, charming streets with small channels unique to Freiburg, the medieval Martin’s Gate, and Rathausplatz. After the city tour, transfer to our hotel in the Alsace / Basel region. Check-in to rooms and enjoy free time to rest. Day 2 ALSACE – HEIDI’S VILLAGES – (Masterpieces of Milan and Lake Como Tour) – MILAN Enjoy breakfast and check out from the hotel. Afterwards, we will embark on a scenic journey through Heidi’s villages, a beloved character from childhood, living in the Alps with her grandfather and friend Peter, amid endless mountains and green meadows. En route to Milan, optional guests may join the extra program "Masterpieces of Milan and Lake Como Tour" (65 Euros). The first stop will be Como, where we will explore the luxurious Lake Como, famous among Hollywood stars and the wealthy, offering stunning scenery and photo breaks. After free time in Como, we will head to the city center of Milan. Milan, known as one of Europe’s fashion capitals, also stands out for its cuisine, opera, and churches. During the city tour, the famous La Scala opera house, Duomo Square and Cathedral, and Porta Romana will be among the main sights. After the tour, transfer to our hotel in Milan for check-in and free time to relax. Day 3 MILAN – ST. MORITZ – BERNINA EXPRESS / RED TRAIN – MILAN Enjoy breakfast before departing for St. Moritz, where we will take the unforgettable journey on the Bernina Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We will arrive at St. Moritz, a natural wonder and playground for the jet-set, and enjoy free time or short local tours if available. Then, we will board the Bernina Express / Red Train for a magical approximately 2-hour scenic ride through breathtaking landscapes, passing through the UNESCO-listed Bernina railway line. We will capture spectacular views of nature, lakes, and mountains. The journey will end at Tirano station, where our vehicle awaits to take us back to our hotel in the Milan area. Day 4 MILAN – OUTLET – (Boat Tour to Portofino) – NICE After breakfast and check-out, we will visit an outlet shopping center known for its high-end brands. Guests seeking extra can participate in an optional boat tour to Portofino (65 Euros), known for its colorful houses, narrow streets, green hills, and turquoise Mediterranean waters. After shopping and sightseeing in Portofino, we will continue our journey toward Nice. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel and enjoy free time to relax. Day 5 NICE – (Cannes & Nice Tour) – (Eze & Monaco & Monte Carlo Tour) After breakfast, spend the day at leisure. Those interested can join an optional "Cannes & Nice Tour" (70 Euros). In Cannes, famed for the annual film festival, we will explore the historic old town with narrow, traffic-free streets, shop for souvenirs, and then proceed to the famous La Croisette promenade lined with luxury restaurants, shops, and hotels. Continue to Nice, visiting Promenade des Anglais, Nice Harbor, Massena Square, Flower Market, and the Palace of Justice. After free time, optional guests may join an additional tour of Eze, Monaco, and Monte Carlo (80 Euros). In Eze, we will visit the perfume factories and enjoy stunning views of the French Riviera. Then, move on to Monaco, the tiny principality known for luxury and glamour, and explore Monte Carlo with its famous casino and panoramic views. Return to the hotel in Nice in the evening. Day 6 NICE – (Annecy Trip) – GENEVA Enjoy breakfast and check-out, then travel to Geneva. En route, optional guests can join the "Annecy Tour" (50 Euros), known as the "Venice of the Alps," with its canals, Thiou River, and charming old town featuring Château d’Annecy, St. Maurice Church, and Palais de l’Isle. Continue to Geneva, where we will have a city tour including St. Pierre Cathedral, the iconic Jet d’Eau fountain, and the Reformation Monument. Check-in at the hotel in Geneva and enjoy free time. Day 7 GENEVA – (GOLDEN PASS Express Train to Lausanne & Montreux and Fairy Tale Castles Tour) – (Gruyères Tour) – BERN – ALSACE / BASEL After breakfast and check-out, we will explore Geneva’s historical sites and then head towards Bern, the capital of Switzerland, a UNESCO World Heritage city with medieval architecture along the Aare River. If desired, guests can join the optional "Golden Pass Express Train to Lausanne & Montreux and Fairy Tale Castles Tour" (95 Euros), passing through breathtaking landscapes and visiting Chillon Castle. Continue via the scenic Golden Pass route to Montreux, famous for its overlooking lake and mountains. Then, proceed to Gruyères, a picturesque medieval village located on a rocky hill with cobblestone streets and known for its cheese. After the visit, arrive in Bern for a city tour, followed by transfer back to the Alsace / Basel region. Day 8 ALSACE / BASEL – (Alsace Gems: Colmar & Riquewihr Tour) – ISTANBUL Enjoy breakfast, then check-out. Transfer to Basel Airport for the return flight to Istanbul. En route, optional guests can join the "Alsace Gems: Colmar & Riquewihr Tour" (80 Euros). We'll visit Colmar, famous for its colorful half-timbered houses, the Old Customs House, and Petite Venise. Then, continue to Riquewihr, a fairy-tale village with wine cellars, flowered houses, and cobblestone streets, dating back to the Middle Ages and famous for its Riesling wines and original architecture. Proceed to Basel Airport, where after check-in, baggage procedures, and passport control, Turkish Airlines flight TK1926 departs at 19:00. Arrival in Istanbul at 23:05, marking the end of our tour.