1st Day Istanbul – Geneva – Bern – Geneva
Meeting at Istanbul Airport, at the Turkish Airlines check-in counters in the international departures terminal, 3 hours before the flight. After baggage, ticket, and passport procedures, we depart for Geneva at 08:10 on Turkish Airlines flight TK 1917. Upon arrival at 09:25 local time, our city tour of Geneva begins with our vehicle waiting for us at the airport. Geneva, one of Switzerland’s most cosmopolitan cities, is located in the west of the country on the shores of Lake Geneva and is quite close to the French border. The city is of great importance in terms of international diplomacy and is home to the United Nations Office at Geneva, the Red Cross, and the headquarters of many international organizations. During our city tour, sights to be seen include Lake Geneva, Mont Blanc Bridge, the Cathedral, the United Nations and Red Cross buildings, Notre Dame, and the old town. After the tour, we proceed to Bern. Bern, the capital of Switzerland, offers visitors a fascinating atmosphere with its UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic city center, medieval streets, stone buildings, arcades, and fountains. On our tour, sights to be seen panoramically include the Clock Tower, the old town referred to as the largest covered shopping area in Europe, Einstein’s House, the History Museum, the Parliament building, and the square. After the tour, our guests who wish may join the optional Magnificent Lausanne – Ouchy – Montreux and Chillon Castle Tour. (€80) On this tour, our first stop is Lausanne, located on the shores of Lake Geneva and of historic importance for our country. Lausanne Cathedral, the historic center of the city, Old Town (Vielle Ville), and Flon, a modern shopping and entertainment district, are among the places we will see. Then we head to Ouchy. Once a fishing village, Ouchy was incorporated into Lausanne in the mid-19th century due to its role as a port on Lake Geneva. In this peaceful and beautiful area famous for its lake view, the enchanting Ouchy Castle (Château d'Ouchy) and Ouchy Harbor will be among the places to be seen. Our final stop on the tour is Montreux, another place of tranquility on the shores of Lake Geneva. In this resort town, famous for its relaxing and peaceful atmosphere, mountain views, and lakeside walking paths, we will see Chillon Castle (from the outside), the Freddie Mercury statue, the lead singer of the Queen band, and Montreux Harbor. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel in Geneva or the surrounding area.
2nd Day Geneva – Basel – Mulhouse
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Basel. Upon arrival, our city tour begins. Basel, Switzerland’s third most populous city after Zurich and Geneva, is a magnificent city that combines both modern and historic textures and, although small in area, contains many treasures. During our city tour, the places to be seen include Basel Cathedral, where the tomb of the famous Renaissance writer Desiderius Erasmus is located, Marktplatz, the main square of the city, the Government Building, and Hotel Les Trois Rois. After the tour, our guests who wish may join the optional Magnificent Alsace Fairytale Villages Tour (Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Colmar & Eguisheim). (€100) Our first stop on this tour is Riquewihr, one of the most enchanting towns in Alsace, known for its many half-timbered houses that give the town its charm. This historic village will fascinate you with its colorful flower-decorated old houses, narrow streets, and medieval atmosphere surrounded by ramparts. During our visit, we will also see the remains of Riquewihr Castle and walk along the old city walls to feel the medieval atmosphere. Then we move on to Kaysersberg. Kaysersberg is a charming part of the Alsace region, a medieval town in France. It is famous for its colorful houses, narrow streets, and historic texture. In particular, the 13th-century Château de Kaysersberg is one of the town’s most prominent landmarks. Sainte-Croix Church in the center of the town stands out with its Gothic architecture. After the tour, we head to Colmar, famous for its historic buildings dating back to the Middle Ages, Gothic-style churches, and colorful houses. As we walk through the well-preserved streets of Colmar, we will see St. Martin’s Cathedral, built entirely of pink stone, Little Venice with its small canals reminiscent of Venice in Italy, Maison Pfister, one of Colmar’s oldest houses, and Maison des Têtes, a Renaissance building decorated with faces. Our next stop on the tour is Eguisheim, a place where you will want to take photos at every turn from beginning to end. Awarded the title of “Favorite French Village” in 2013, Eguisheim is a village where history and nature dance together. Its colorful houses reflecting the typical Alsace architecture create a postcard-like view of Eguisheim. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel in Mulhouse or the surrounding area.
3rd Day Mulhouse – Zurich – Rhine Falls – Lucerne – Zurich
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Zurich. Upon arrival at 09:45 local time, our Zurich city tour begins with the team waiting for us on site. With its historic center, eye-catching Gothic-style churches, and historic buildings, the city welcomes millions of visitors every year. After seeing Grossmünster and Fraumünster Churches and St. Peter’s Church, which has the largest clock tower in Europe, we tour Bahnhofstrasse, considered the city’s shopping avenue. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Then, our guests who wish may join the optional Rhine Falls & Lucerne tour. (€80) Our first stop is the natural wonder Rhine Falls, which holds the title of Europe’s largest waterfall with its 150-meter width and 23-meter height. This place, embraced by the powerful branches of the Rhine River, is a paradise where you will find peace as you watch the dance of the crystal-blue waters. After a delightful walk with the power of the water and the impressive scenery, we head to Lucerne, a historic city located in central Switzerland at the foot of the Alps. In this enchanting city, after seeing the Lion Monument, built in memory of 800 Swiss soldiers who were martyred while protecting King Louis XVI and his family, the Chapel Bridge, and the magnificent view of Lake Lucerne, we end our tour and transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel in Zurich or the surrounding area.
4th Day Zurich – Istanbul
After breakfast at the hotel, after checking out of the rooms, transfer to the airport at the time specified by our guide. After baggage, ticket, and passport procedures, depart for Istanbul on Turkish Airlines flight TK1910 at 18:35. Arrival at 23:35 local time and end of the tour.