Comfort Benelux & Paris & Alsace & Switzerland Tour - with Ajet Airlines

1. Day Istanbul – Basel – Freiburg – Alsace

We will meet three hours before departure at the foreign departure terminal of Sabiha Gökçen Airport to complete our ticket and baggage procedures. Our flight to Basel begins with scheduled flights of Ajet Airlines. Upon arrival in Basel, which we can define as the crossroads of three countries, we start our city tour. This beautiful city, which we will witness as a synthesis of France, Germany, and Switzerland, is undoubtedly enriched by the Rhine River that adorns it. Throughout history, Basel has been a hub of commerce and has gradually become a cultural and industrial center. After the fall of the Roman Empire, German tribes began to dominate Basel and its surroundings, and from the 5th century onwards, German tribes fully influenced the region near the Rhine River. Today, besides being Switzerland’s third-largest city, it hosts many museums and exhibitions. During our walking city tour, we will see the spectacular red-colored City Hall and the Basel Monastery, which was built as a Catholic church in 1091 and rebuilt after the great earthquake in 1356. Today, the church serves as a Protestant church and is on the Swiss National Heritage list. Afterwards, we will explore the old town square and market square Marktplatz. Hosting many festivals, this square is among the most lively places in the city. After getting to know Basel, we will take a short break for rest and lunch. We will then continue our journey towards Freiburg. Freiburg, a German city, is located at the edge of the Black Forest. When you think of Freiburg, the first thing that comes to mind is its Bachle, miniature water channels paved through the city center. These channels were designed in the 13th century to prevent fires. Today, they are among the most attractive historical sights for visitors and children. The Gothic Freiburg Minster Cathedral is another eye-catching structure. After the Freiburg tour, we will transfer to our hotel where we will stay.

2. Day Colmar – Strasbourg – Luxembourg

After breakfast at the hotel, we check out for our full-day tour. We will continue our tour by visiting Colmar, the gem of the Alsace Region. As we explore Colmar, which reflects the region’s historical fabric in the most lively way, you will feel like time has stood still. The colorful half-timbered houses, flower-decorated balconies, and the waterways of Little Venice are some of the most enchanting sights of Colmar. After free time in Colmar, we will head to Strasbourg, a town where Alsace wines are produced. The city, which has changed hands many times between Germany and France throughout history, was returned to France after the Treaty of Versailles following World War I. Known as a symbol of European peace, Strasbourg hosts many international organizations, such as the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights. Besides its historical and cultural richness, Strasbourg is surrounded by numerous canals and waterways. The city, built on the Ill River, a branch of the Rhine, is home to the Notre Dame Cathedral, which was once among the largest structures in the world. The picturesque medieval quarter La Petite France is among the most memorable places in Strasbourg. After our tour, we will transfer to the hotel and have some free time to rest.

3. Day Luxembourg – Metz – Paris

After breakfast, we begin our tour of Luxembourg. Situated at the strategic intersection of Europe, Luxembourg is among the most economically developed countries in the world. Founded in 963, the city is located at the confluence of Roman and Germanic cultures and has been influenced by both civilizations. After the London Agreement, the city’s borders were defined, and the country, officially called the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, shares its name and capital with the country. Besides its natural beauty, Luxembourg’s historical architecture is also appreciated by visitors. Among the sights we will see are the Casemates du Bock, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage list and feature historic city walls and underground tunnels, Place Guillaume, one of the city’s main squares, Notre-Dame Cathedral, built in the 17th century with Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles, and Chemin de la Corniche, often called Europe’s most beautiful balcony. After that, we will proceed to our first stop in France, the city of Metz. Metz, which has historically exchanged hands between France and Germany, has a rich history and a stunning natural setting with rivers and lakes such as Moselle and Seille. Among the sights are the German Gate, which was built by German workers over the Moselle River, the Saint-Étienne Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture on the UNESCO list, the Archbishop’s Palace Square, the famous Metz Covered Market, and the historic opera and theater building from ancient France. Afterwards, we head to Paris. In Paris, our first stop will be the Champs Elysees boulevard, known for shopping. Stretching from Arc de Triomphe to Concorde Square, it hosts many famous fashion brands and is a hub for gastronomy, entertainment, and arts. After some free time to enjoy the splendor of Champs Elysees, we will transfer to our hotel for check-in and rest.

4. Day Paris

After breakfast at the hotel, we leave to see the most important sights of Paris. Our first stop will be Montmartre (Painter’s Hill), the most artistic and bohemian neighborhood in the city. We will see Pigalle with its vibrant nightlife and famous cabaret Moulin Rouge. We will take the funicular up to the Painter’s Hill where the Sacre Coeur Basilica welcomes us. Once a center of spiritual life, Montmartre, where the Basilica was built in 1875 to symbolize France’s spiritual renewal, was only opened to worship after World War I. Montmartre has become an artistic hub hosting famous artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Emile Zola. Walking through its streets filled with art galleries will be a delightful experience, and you will have free time for lunch. Afterward, a boat tour on the Seine River will give us stunning views of Paris’s iconic structures. During the cruise, we will see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, Alexandre III Bridge, Orsay Museum, and the Institute of France. In the late afternoon, we will go up to the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower for a panoramic view of Paris. Designed for the 1889 World's Fair, the tower has become an emblem of Paris and one of the most impressive structures in the world. It continues to welcome millions of visitors each year. Afterward, we will visit the BonMarché shopping mall for some shopping before returning to our hotel for free time to relax. Our tour ends here, and we will return to our hotel.

5. Day Paris – Brussels – Bruges – Brussels

Early in the morning, we depart from Paris. After approximately an hour of bus travel, we will reach the city of Trier in Germany. Located on the banks of the Moselle River, Trier was founded by Roman Emperor Moselle in 15 BC and is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. During our city tour on foot, we will see the ancient Roman city gate Porta Nigra, the Gothic-style Catholic church Sainte Marie Cathedral, the ancient Roman Arena, and the imperial thermal baths Kaiserthermen. We will also view the Germany’s oldest episcopal church St. Peter's Cathedral and the house of Karl Marx, which now serves as a museum. After a short free time in Trier, we will continue our journey to Brussels. After about three hours’ drive, we will arrive in Brussels. The capital of the European Union, Brussels, is known as a center of international diplomacy. The city preserves its medieval heritage while developing as a modern metropolis. During our city tour, we will see the Royal Palace, the Grand Place (main square), the St. Michael’s Cathedral, the Stock Exchange Building, and the Manneken Pis (the famous little boy statue that urinates). Afterwards, we will proceed to Bruges. After approximately an hour’s travel, we will arrive in Bruges, known as the “Venice of the North.” With its well-preserved medieval architecture, narrow streets, colorful historic buildings, canals, and significant structures protected by UNESCO, this city offers a journey back in time. The lush parks and natural surroundings will leave you enchanted. During our walking tour, we will see the Grote Markt, the Gothic Town Hall, and the Belfry Tower. We will also visit the Ks Baluwel Basilica, which provides the most beautiful view of the city, and Minnewater (Lover's Lake), one of the most scenic spots.

Krusenstern Basilica, with the most beautiful view of the city, Minnewater (Love Lake), are among the sightseeing points. During free time allotted to explore the city, you can visit cozy cafes and enjoy lunch at local restaurants. In the evening, we will head to our hotel and have some free time to relax.

6. Day Brussels – Amsterdam

After breakfast at the hotel, we will head towards Amsterdam. Known for its historical and cultural richness, canals, museums, and lively atmosphere, Amsterdam is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe and stands out with its liberal lifestyle. In this vibrant city, numerous events, festivals, and concerts are held throughout the year, alongside galleries, museums, and exhibitions featuring both classical and modern art. During our Amsterdam tour, we will visit the city’s most popular square, Dam Square, the Royal Palace, which is one of the official residences of the Dutch royal family, and the Oude Kerk (Old Church), the oldest church in Amsterdam. In the evening, we will head to our hotel for check-in and free time to relax.

7. Day Amsterdam – Marken – Volendam – Amsterdam

After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for our tour of Marken & Volendam, two traditional fishing villages located about an hour from Amsterdam. Visiting these two villages will give you the best insight into the traditional Dutch way of life. The fishermen’s houses in Marken, which originally depended on fishing, have been transformed into a tourist destination with artisanal handicrafts and traditional costumes, especially after the bridges connected the island to the mainland. We will have free time in Volendam, which is larger than Marken. On the way, we will visit a cheese producer and taste local cheeses. During our exploration of Volendam, with its traditional houses and historic character, you can also see locals in traditional costumes. After the sightseeing, we will return to Amsterdam and have free time to explore the city until evening. We will gather at the designated place and time for our return to the hotel.

8. Day Amsterdam – Istanbul

After breakfast at the hotel, we will complete our check-out procedures and have some free time until the designated time communicated by our guide. We will then head to the airport for our scheduled flight with Ajet Airlines to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, our tour concludes. We will complete our ticket and baggage procedures before boarding and begin our flight to Istanbul, marking the end of our journey.

We look forward to sharing more memorable trips with you in our next journey…