ISTANBUL – BASEL – FREIBURG – ALSACE/BASEL
We arrive at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport’s International Terminal 3 hours before departure to complete baggage drop-off, ticketing, and passport control procedures, and then fly to Basel on Pegasus Airlines scheduled flight PC939 at 10:40. Upon arrival at Basel Airport at 11:50 local time, we meet our private coach and head to Freiburg, one of the finest examples of green urbanism, to begin our city tour. In Freiburg, the “city of happy people,” where only low-carbon vehicles have been allowed to enter since 2010 and transportation is largely provided by tram and bicycle, it is possible to see traces of the historical and architectural cultures of Germany, France, Austria, Spain, and Sweden, all of which have ruled the city throughout history. During our city tour in Freiburg, also known as the capital of the Black Forest (Schwarzwald), we will see the city’s most important landmark, Freiburg Cathedral, the charming streets with Freiburg’s unique small water canals, Martin’s Gate, a medieval city gate, and Rathausplatz. After free time in Freiburg, we continue to Basel for our city tour. Basel is Switzerland’s third-largest and third-most populous city after Zurich and Geneva, located in the north of the country on the borders of Germany and France. Home to people from many different backgrounds from around the world, Basel is considered one of Europe’s most metropolitan cities. During our panoramic city tour, we will see the city square, Marktplatz, where the government building is also located; Basel Gate (Spalentor), one of the city’s oldest structures; Basel Cathedral; and the Rhine River. After free time in Basel, we transfer to our hotel in the Alsace/Basel region. Upon arrival at the hotel, room assignment and free time for rest.
ALSACE/BASEL – (Pearls of Alsace: Colmar & Riquewihr Tour) – (Strasbourg & Outlet Tour)
After breakfast, we offer a full day at leisure. During this free time, guests who wish may join our optional Pearls of Alsace: Colmar & Riquewihr Tour (80 Euro). On this tour, we first head to the fairy-tale town of Colmar, where we will see the Old Customs House, Pfister House, and the city’s most famous area, Petite Venise (Little Venice), with its colorful houses along the Rhine River. In this unique atmosphere surrounded by the Rhine River and canals, you will have the opportunity to enjoy many delicious local foods as well as shop for souvenirs. Our next stop is Riquewihr, a storybook-like town in the Alsace region, surrounded by vineyards, with flower-decorated balconies, unique rows of shops, pedestrian cobblestone streets, buildings that somehow survived World War II without damage, and charming cafés. It is also home to the Dolder Museum, where the town’s history is preserved through documents, and its tower makes it feel like something out of a Grimm fairy tale. After the tour, during the free time that follows, guests who wish may join our optional Strasbourg & Outlet Tour (75 Euro). Strasbourg, located on the borders of Germany, Switzerland, and France and also the largest city in the Alsace region, welcomes us like a fairy tale and looks like a painting. Added to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List in 1988 and hosting the European Parliament since 1992, Strasbourg will be explored on foot in its vehicle-free center and streets. During the city tour, we will see Petite France, famous for its Alsace houses and which will make us feel as if we are in the middle of a fairy tale; Gutenberg Square and Statue; Notre Dame Cathedral, the city’s most important landmark and located in the very heart of the city; and Kammerzell House, the city’s oldest house, which still operates today as a hotel and restaurant. After free time in Strasbourg, we continue to the outlet for a visit. We will have free time at the outlet center, which hosts the stylish stores of many prestigious brands, cafés and restaurants, and various activity areas. After the free time at the Outlet Center, we return to our hotel in the Alsace/Basel region.
ALSACE/BASEL – (Lucerne & Bern & Swiss Alpine Villages by Train: Interlaken & Lauterbrunnen Tour)
After breakfast, we offer a full day at leisure. During this free time, guests who wish may join our optional Lucerne & Bern & Swiss Alpine Villages by Train: Interlaken & Lauterbrunnen Tour (125 Euro). Our first stop is Lucerne. In Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s most popular tourist destinations and famous for its nature and year-round festivals, we will have the chance to photograph views of Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi, see the Musegg Wall and the Lion Monument in the old town with its historic houses, and visit the city’s symbol, the Chapel Bridge, as well as the Jesuit Church dating back to the 17th century. After the Lucerne tour, we continue to Interlaken. Interlaken, named “inter-lakes” because of its location between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, is famous for its natural beauty and breathtaking views. We will explore the town, where important hotels, casinos, and shopping streets are located along our walking route. The Victoria Jungfrau Hotel, one of the city’s historical symbols, and Höhematte Park are among the places we will see panoramically. After free time for photos and sightseeing, we move to the train station for our next stop, Lauterbrunnen, by train. After approximately a 20-minute journey from Interlaken, we arrive in Lauterbrunnen. We will feel the deep structure of the valley and the steep rock walls as soon as we exit the station. Walking toward the village center, we will panoramically see the mesmerizing Staubbach Falls cascading toward the valley floor and have the chance to photograph it. Lauterbrunnen is known for its small settlements and hiking trails along the valley, which is home to 72 waterfalls. On our walk along the designated route in the village, we will take plenty of photos of the region’s traditional chalet architecture, the natural formations surrounding the valley floor, and its heavenly landscapes. We then return to Interlaken and complete our tour. Our next stop is Bern. Bern is one of the few cities in Europe that has remained completely unchanged since the Middle Ages. Due to this historical texture, it is included on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. Located in Switzerland and with German as its official language, Bern’s architecture also reflects German culture. After our city tour in Bern, we return to our hotel in the Alsace/Basel region.
ALSACE/BASEL – BASEL – ISTANBUL
After breakfast and hotel check-out, we transfer to Basel Airport for our return flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival at the airport, after completing baggage drop-off, check-in, and passport control procedures, we fly to Istanbul on Pegasus Airlines scheduled flight PC940 at 12:50. Arrival at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport at 17:50 local time and the end of our tour.