1st Day Istanbul – Basel – Strasbourg – Eguisheim – Colmar – Kaysersberg – Riquewihr – Strasbourg
Istanbul Airport international departures terminal, meeting at the Turkish Airlines counter 3 hours before the flight. After baggage, ticket, and passport procedures, departure to Basel at 08:50 on Turkish Airlines flight TK 1923. Upon arrival in Basel at 10:00 local time, we will meet our vehicle and head to Strasbourg, one of the most beautiful cities in France and the pearl of the Alsace region. As you explore Strasbourg, you will feel as if you are traveling back in time through Europe’s largest cobblestone medieval district. With its fairy-tale-like nature and historical buildings, wooden houses, medieval churches, cathedrals, and many works of art, it is definitely worth seeing. Strasbourg also holds historical significance as the place where the French national anthem “La Marseillaise” was written. It presents itself as a city where Alsace culture blends with French architecture. During our city tour, you will see Strasbourg Cathedral, Rohan Palace, and Place Kléber, and in addition, you may join the optional Enchanting Alsace Fairy-Tale Villages tour (Eguisheim & Colmar & Kaysersberg & Riquewihr) (110 Euro). Our first stop, where we will want to take photos at every opportunity from beginning to end, is Eguisheim. Having been 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 architecture of the Alsace region create Eguisheim’s postcard-like appearance. After our tour, we head to Colmar, famous for its historic buildings dating back to the Middle Ages, Gothic-style churches, and colorful houses. As we wander through Colmar’s remarkably well-preserved streets, we will see St. Martin Cathedral, built entirely of pink stones, Little Venice with its canals reminiscent of Italy’s Venice, Maison Pfister, one of Colmar’s oldest houses, and Maison des Tetes, a Renaissance building decorated with heads. Our third stop is 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 historical atmosphere. The Château de Kaysersberg castle, dating back to the 13th century, is one of the town’s most prominent landmarks. Sainte-Croix Church in the center of town also stands out with its Gothic architecture. After the tour, we proceed to our final stop, Riquewihr, one of the most enchanting towns in Alsace, with many half-timbered houses adding to its charm. This historic village captivates visitors with its old houses decorated with colorful flowers, narrow streets, and its medieval texture surrounded by city walls. During our tour, we will also see the ruins of Riquewihr Castle and walk along the village’s old ramparts to feel the medieval atmosphere. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
2nd Day Strasbourg – Heidelberg – Baden Baden – Outlet Center – Strasbourg
After breakfast at the hotel, free time. Guests who wish may join the optional Enchanting Germany Duo (Heidelberg & Baden Baden & Outlet Center) tour (110 Euro). Our first stop is Heidelberg. The streets, squares, and buildings of this city make you feel the Middle Ages in every corner and take you on a journey through time. Heidelberg, a calm, elegant, and refined city, welcomes you with its harmony of architecture and colors. During our city tour, Hauptstrasse, Marktplatz Square, Old Bridge, and Heidelberg Castle will be among the places seen. After the tour, our second stop is Baden Baden, a place rich in nature, a cultural and artistic center, a spa town, and even home to one of Europe’s most famous casinos. After exploring Baden Baden, a unique travel route that has inspired many famous writers and composers, we end with free time at an outlet center featuring many famous brands. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
3rd Day Strasbourg – Schaffhausen Rhine Falls – Zurich – Lucerne – Strasbourg
After breakfast at the hotel, free time. Guests who wish may join the optional Enchanting Schaffhausen Rhine Falls and Swiss Cities tour (Rhine Falls & Zurich & Lucerne) (130 Euro). Our first stop on the tour is the natural wonder of Rhine Falls, which holds the title of Europe’s largest waterfall with a width of 150 meters and a height of 23 meters. This place, embraced by the powerful arms of the Rhine River, is a paradise where you will find peace while watching the dance of the deep blue waters. After our enchanting walk accompanied by the power of the water and the impressive scenery, our second stop is Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, which welcomes millions of visitors every year with its historic center, striking Gothic-style churches, and historic buildings. After seeing Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches and St. Peter’s Church, home to Europe’s largest clock tower, we tour Bahnhofstrasse, considered the city’s shopping street. After the tour, we head to Lucerne, a historic city located in the central part of Switzerland at the foot of the Alps. In this enchanting city, after seeing the Lion Monument, built in memory of the 800 Swiss soldiers who died while protecting King Louis XVI and his family, along with Chapel Bridge and the magnificent view of Lake Lucerne, we end our tour and transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel in Strasbourg or nearby.
4th Day Strasbourg – Freiburg – Basel – Istanbul
After breakfast, check-out from the rooms and departure for Freiburg. Freiburg, the fourth largest city in Germany, is located near the Black Forest and is a medieval, history-filled city that enchants visitors with its natural beauty. During our city tour, Münster Cathedral, one of the city’s symbols and one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture, Markthalle (Covered Market), Münsterplatz (Main Square), Rathausplatz, Kaiser Joseph Street, Augustiner Platz, Adelhauser Platz, and Gerberau will be among the places seen. After the tour, we head to Basel. Upon arrival, our city tour begins. Basel, the third most populous city in Switzerland after Zurich and Geneva, is a magnificent city that combines both modern and historical elements and, although small in area, contains many treasures. During our city tour, Basel Cathedral, where the grave of the famous Renaissance writer Erasmus of Rotterdam is located, the city’s main square Marktplatz, the Government Building, and Hotel Les Trois Rois will be among the places seen. After the tour, we head to Basel Airport. After baggage, ticket, and passport procedures, departure for Istanbul at 18:05 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1926. Arrival in Istanbul at 23:15 local time and end of the tour.