Day 1                          Istanbul –  Amsterdam

We will meet at the international departures terminal of Istanbul Airport three hours before the flight to complete our ticket and luggage procedures. Our scheduled Turkish Airlines flight to Amsterdam will take approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes. After arriving in Amsterdam, we will set out to explore the city. Known for its historical and cultural richness, canals, museums, and vibrant atmosphere, Amsterdam is among the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe and stands out among other European capitals with its liberal lifestyle. The youthful city hosts numerous events, festivals, and concerts throughout the year and is filled with galleries, museums, and exhibitions displaying both classical and modern art. During our tour of Amsterdam, we will see the Damrak, 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 and have some free time to rest.

Day 2                Amsterdam - Marken - Volendam - Brussels

After breakfast, we will leave our hotel and head to Marken & Volendam, located about an hour away from Amsterdam. While visiting these two fishing villages, where we can best observe the traditional lifestyle of the Netherlands, you will be impressed by the nature and the brightly colored houses lined up one after another. The residents of Marken, who previously made a living from fishing, changed their form after the village became a tourist spot and was connected to the mainland by a bridge; traditional clothing and handicraft production became widespread. The houses built on stilts to prevent flooding are still preserved today. We will reach Volendam, which is much larger than Marken, via a short journey across the bridge. Along the way, we will visit a local cheese producer to learn about cheese production and experience the cheese tasting atelier in the area, which has various cheese producers. After a short free time for shopping, we will move towards Volendam. In this beautiful village, where famous artists such as Picasso and Renoir stayed briefly in the 20th century, you can see many locals wandering in traditional costumes. While exploring this village, where fishing still partially continues, you will be able to see historical fishing houses, museums, and workshops and shops of handicrafts. In Volendam, known for its traditional cuisine, you will have time for lunch. After visiting these two beautiful villages, we will continue our trip towards Brussels, and after approximately three hours of travel, we will arrive in Brussels. We can define Brussels, which is also the capital of the European Union, as one of the centers of international diplomacy. During our city tour, which will be held in Brussels, where medieval heritage is successfully preserved and developed as a modern metropolis, we will see the Royal Palace, Grand Palace (city square), St. Michael, and Bourse Building. After the tour, you will have free time to explore the city. In the evening, we will head back to our hotel, and after check-in, you will have some free time..

Day 3                          Brussels – Bruges - Paris

After breakfast, we will complete our check-out procedures and head towards Bruges. After a journey of approximately one hour, we will arrive in Bruges, known as the Venice of the North. The city's historical texture, well-preserved medieval architecture, narrow streets, colorful historical buildings, canals, and significant structures offer visitors a journey back in time. Bruges, with its parks and nature among greenery, will also captivate you with its romantic atmosphere. During our walking city tour, we will see the Grote Markt, the City Hall known for its Gothic architecture, the Belfort Bell Tower, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Minnewater (Lake of Love), which has the most beautiful view of the city. During the free time given to explore the city, you can relax in its charming cafes or have lunch in local restaurants. After our visit to Bruges, we will set off towards Paris. Upon arrival, we will begin to explore Paris, one of the world's most important metropolises, where you can see traces of its history on every corner. Paris, known for its neoclassical architectural style, is characterized by its wide boulevards and charming streets, making visitors feel like they are in an open-air museum. During our tour in Paris, our first stop will be the famous Champs Elysees avenue for shopping and dining. After free time for lunch and shopping, we will meet at the predetermined time and head to our hotel for accommodation.

Day 4                          Paris 

After breakfast, we will leave our hotel in the morning to see the most important points of Paris. Our first stop will be Montmartre (Artists' Hill), located in the north of the city. We will first see the vibrant district of Pigalle, which is home to the world-famous cabaret show Moulin Rouge. We will take a funicular to ascend to the Artists' Hill, where the Sacre Coure Basilica will greet us. Once the center of religious life, the construction of the Sacre Coure Basilica began in 1875 to symbolize France's spiritual renewal, but it opened for worship only after World War I. After its spiritual revival, Montmartre became an artistic center, hosting many famous artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Emile Zola. You will have free time to explore the bohemian streets filled with art galleries and enjoy lunch. Our city tour will continue in the Montparnasse area, known as the center of modern art and intellectual life, which also hosts numerous entertainment venues. Afterward, we will enjoy a delightful experience on a boat tour on the Seine River, where we will see Paris's iconic landmarks. During the river tour, we will get panoramically close to some of the following places: the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, Alexandre III Bridge, Orsay Museum, and Institut de France. In the afternoon, we will take a trip to the second level of the Eiffel Tower, where you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the magnificent Paris. Designed for the 1889 Paris World Fair, the tower has become a symbol of Paris over time and is one of the most impressive buildings in the world. It is still one of the most visited tourist spots globally. After our tours, we will head back to the hotel where we will be staying.

Day 5                             Paris  –  Metz –  Luxembourg

After breakfast, we will complete our check-out procedures early in the morning and leave our hotel. After approximately 3.5 hours of travel, we will reach Metz, one of France’s oldest cities. Due to the wars between France and Germany throughout its history, Metz has constantly changed hands, offering a historical atmosphere where you can see the reflections of both cultures along with its magnificent nature. Known as one of France’s greenest cities, Metz is captivating with its beauty provided by the Moselle and Seille Rivers and its lakes. We will see the medieval “German Gate”, constructed by German workers on the Moselle River, the dazzlingly beautiful Saint-Etienne Cathedral that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Place d’Armes Square, the famous Metz Covered Market, and the city’s oldest opera and theater buildings. After our visit here, we will proceed to Luxembourg. After a one-hour pleasant journey, we will begin our city tour. Strategically located in the heart of Europe, Luxembourg is one of the most economically developed countries in the world. Founded in 963, the city is where Roman and German cultures intersected, having been influenced by both civilizations. Following the London Treaty, it gained its current borders; the country named Grand Duchy of Luxembourg shares its name with its capital. Known for its natural beauty and historical texture, during our visit to Luxembourg, we will see the historic walls and underground tunnels of the old town, Casemates du Bock, Place Guillaume, one of the main squares of the city, and Chemin de la Corniche, referred to as Europe’s most beautiful balcony constructed in the 17th century. During the free time we will have in the old town, you will have the chance to find time for dinner. In the evening, we will leave the city and head to our hotel. After checking in, you will have some free time to rest.

Day 6                             Luxembourg – Strasbourg – Colmar - Alsace

After breakfast, we will leave our hotel early in the morning and head towards Strasbourg. The city, which could not be shared by Germany and France historically and changed hands many times, was returned to France after the Versailles Treaty following World War I. Strasbourg, known as a symbol of European peace, is home to many international organizations such as the European Parliament, European Council, and European Court of Human Rights. In addition to its historical and cultural richness, Strasbourg is surrounded by many canals and waterways. The city, which is established on the Ill River, a tributary of the Rhine, is home to the Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the largest buildings in the world at the time. The picturesque medieval district Le Petite France, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most memorable places in Strasbourg. After our tour in Strasbourg, we will continue our visit by exploring Colmar, the pearl of the Alsace Region. While discovering Colmar, which reflects the historical texture of the region most vividly, you will find yourself in an atmosphere of timelessness. Known for its colored half-timbered houses, flower-adorned balconies, and canals, Le Petit Venice is one of the charming spots in Colmar. In the evening, we will leave the city and head to our hotel. After settling in, you will have some time for rest.

 Day 7                             Freiburg – Lucerne – Basel - Alsace

After breakfast, we will leave our hotel and proceed to Freiburg. As a German city located at the edge of the Black Forest, Freiburg is primarily known for its center being lined with small canals called “Bachle”. Designed to prevent fires in the 13th century, these canals are now one of the historical remnants that attract the attention of visitors and children. The Gothic Freiburg Minster Cathedral, rising in the middle of the city, is another striking structure. After our tour in Freiburg, we will head to Lucerne. Located on the shores of the four cantons lake, the city, with its unique scenery surrounded by mountains, half-timbered houses, narrow streets, and balconies adorned with flowers, will leave a romantic impression in your memories. The Reuss River, flowing through the center of the city, is one of its landmarks. During our visit to Lucerne, we will see the Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument built in memory of the Swiss guards who lost their lives protecting the Tuileries Palace during the French Revolution, and the Musegg Wall and Nine Towers, which are parts of the fortifications built in the 14th century to protect the city. Afterward, we will head towards Basel. Historically, Basel has been a center of trade and has evolved into a cultural and industrial center. Following the fall of the Roman Empire, Germanic tribes began establishing dominance in Basel and its surrounding areas, and from the 5th century onward, Germanic tribes exerted significant influence over the region near the Rhine River. Today, Basel is Switzerland's third-largest city and hosts many museums and exhibitions. During our walking city tour, we will see the striking red Rathaus (Town Hall) and Basel Minster, initially built as a Catholic church in 1091, which was rebuilt after a major earthquake in 1356. The church now serves as a Protestant church and is listed in the Swiss National Heritage. We will also explore the old city square and the marketplace, Marktplatz, which is one of the most vibrant places in the city, hosting numerous festivals. In the evening, we will leave the city and head to our hotel. After checking into our rooms, you will have free time to rest.

Day 8                             Basel  –  Istanbul

After breakfast, we will complete our check-out procedures and leave our hotel. After the free time given, we will proceed to the airport at the designated time. After completing our ticket and luggage procedures, we will fly to Istanbul Airport on a Turkish Airlines flight. With our arrival at local time, this will conclude our Benelux tour.

We look forward to gathering again for another unforgettable journey ...