Day 1 İstanbul – Basel – Freiburg
We will meet at the international departures terminal of Sabiha Gökçen Airport three hours before the flight to complete our ticketing and baggage procedures. Our flight to Basel with Pegasus Airlines’ scheduled service will take approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes. Upon arriving in Basel, which can be described as the crossroads of three countries, we will begin our city tour. This beautiful city, where we will witness the synthesized character of France, Germany and Switzerland, is undoubtedly adorned by the Rhine River, which gives it its most beautiful feature. Basel, where trade was intense throughout its history, gradually became a cultural and industrial center. With the collapse of the Roman Empire, Germanic tribes began to establish dominance in Basel and the surrounding regions, and from the 5th century onward, Germanic tribes completely influenced the area around the Rhine River. Today, besides being Switzerland’s third-largest city, it is also home to many museums and exhibitions. During our walking city tour, we will see the Town Hall with its striking crimson color and Basel Minster, which was built as a Catholic church in 1091 and rebuilt after the great earthquake of 1356. The church, which currently serves as a Protestant church, is included on the Swiss National Heritage list. Afterwards, we will visit Marktplatz, the old city square and marketplace. This square, which hosts many festivals, is one of the liveliest places in the city. After getting to know Basel, we will take a short break to rest and have lunch. We will continue our tour by setting off towards Freiburg. Freiburg, a German city, is located next to the Black Forest. Undoubtedly, the first thing that comes to mind when Freiburg is mentioned is that the city center is covered with miniature water channels called “Bachle.” These channels were built in the 13th century to prevent fires in the city. Today, they can be considered among the historical features that attract the most attention from visitors and children in Freiburg. The Gothic Freiburg Minster Cathedral rising in the middle of the city is another one of its remarkable structures. After our tour of Freiburg, we will be transferred to our hotel for our overnight stay.
Day 2 Haut Koenigsbourg Castle – Riquewihr – Kaysersberg
After breakfast at the hotel, we will leave our hotel in the morning for our full-day tour, which will be filled with activities. We will visit Haut Koenigsbourg Castle, which can be described as the most magnificent structure in the Alsace region and attracts the most tourists in the area. The construction of the castle, one of the region’s cultural heritage sites and its symbol, dates back to the 12th century. Initially begun by the Hohenstaufen Dynasty, the castle changed hands many times over time among various families and lords due to its strategic location.
The historic structure, which suffered extensive damage during the Thirty Years’ War, remained abandoned for a long time, and construction began again at the beginning of the 1900s at the request of Prussian Emperor Wilhelm II. It still serves today as a museum that displays medieval life and culture and fascinates visitors with its architecture. After our visit to the castle, we will visit the nearby village of Riquewihr. One of Alsace’s most beloved villages after Colmar, Riquewihr is located on the Alsace Wine Route and is a popular destination for wine enthusiasts. With its medieval buildings, narrow cobblestone streets and colorful half-timbered houses, it can be described as a town where time has practically stood still. After a short tour here, you will have time to explore and enjoy the town. After our unforgettable visit to Riquewihr, we will turn our route toward Kaysersberg, another magical medieval town in Alsace. Kaysersberg Castle, built in the 13th century, and the Church of Ste Croix, notable for its picturesque architecture, are among the town’s prominent historic structures. The town, whose name means “Mountain of the Emperor,” is also the birthplace of Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Albert Schweitzer. After visiting Alsace’s most beloved places, where time seems to have stood still throughout the day, we will head to our hotel to rest.
Day 3 Strasbourg – Obernai – Colmar – Eguisheim
After breakfast at the hotel, we will leave our hotel early in the morning and set off toward Strasbourg, in the northern part of the region. Throughout its history, the city was contested by Germany and France and changed hands many times; after World War I, it was returned to France under the Treaty of Versailles. Known as a place representing European peace, Strasbourg is home to many international institutions, including the European Parliament, the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights. In addition to its historical and cultural richness, Strasbourg is surrounded by many canals and waterways. Established on the Ill River, a tributary of the Rhine, the city is also home to Notre Dame Cathedral, once considered one of the largest structures in the world. Le Petite France (Little France), a picturesque medieval district that forms the city’s historic center and is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is among the most memorable places in Strasbourg. After our tour of Strasbourg, we will continue our excursion by visiting Obernai. Surrounded by vineyards and located very close to Strasbourg, Obernai lies on the Alsace Wine Route. It is a town where famous Alsace wines such as Riesling and Gewürztraminer are produced. After our tour of Obernai, we will continue our journey by visiting Colmar, the pearl of the Alsace region. As you explore Colmar, which reflects the region’s historic character in the most vivid way, you will find yourself in an atmosphere where time seems to have stopped. Le Petit Venice (Little Venice), with its colorful half-timbered houses, flower-adorned balconies and waterways, is one of Colmar’s most enchanting areas. Decorated with lights, Colmar will offer you unforgettable memories and a magical experience. After our free time in Colmar, we will head to Eguisheim. A member of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France” association since 2003, Eguisheim was chosen as the French people’s favorite village in 2013 and is also one of the villages on the Alsace Wine Route most visited by tourists. Famous for its labyrinthine streets, distinctive wooden houses and wines, Eguisheim makes visitors feel as though they are in a medieval film. After our tour, we will head to our hotel to rest.
Day 4 Basel - İstanbul
After breakfast, check-out and transfer to Basel Airport at the time specified by your guide. Flight to Istanbul with Pegasus Airlines’ scheduled service. Our tour and services will end upon arrival at Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
We look forward to meeting you again on another tour where we will have unforgettable experiences.
Museum and Archaeological Site Entrance Fees: H.Königsburg Castle +
Tourist City Taxes
€75 per person
***You may pay our guide during the tour***
ACCOMMODATION AND FLIGHT NOTES
Accommodation;
*** Accommodation in the Alsace region will be provided for 3 nights at the same hotel in one of the Basel, Mulhouse, Saint Louis, Colmar, Belfort or Mutzig areas.
Sample Hotels; Ibis Styles Belfort Hotel etc., Greet Hotel Colmar etc., Greet Hotel Cernay Mulhouse etc., B&B Basel Hotel etc., Best Western Plus hôtel Belfort Centre Gare etc.
Hotel check-in times are between 15:00 and 17:00 / Check-out times are between 10:00 and 12:00.
Flight Details;
19 March 26 SAW BSL PC939 1015 1125 22 March 26 BSL SAW PC940 1300 1800
Visa fee, service charge
Travel health insurance
Lunches and dinners not specified in the program
All kinds of personal expenses and hotel extras
Exit tax for leaving the country
Museum and archaeological site entrance fees (75 € per person, you can pay your guide or the agency.)
Tourist city taxes
Driver tips: 5 Euro / per person