8 Cities in the Alps Tour

Geneva to Bern

We meet at the Turkish Airlines counter in the International Departures Terminal at Istanbul Airport 3 hours before departure. After completing baggage, ticket and passport formalities, we depart for Geneva at 07.55 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1917. Upon arrival at 09.25 local time, we board the vehicle waiting for us at the airport and begin our Geneva city tour.

Located in western Switzerland on the shores of Lake Geneva, Geneva is close to the French border. One of the country's most cosmopolitan cities, it plays an important role in international diplomacy as home to the United Nations Office in Europe, the Red Cross and the headquarters of many international organizations. Sights on the city tour include Lake Leman, Mont Blanc Bridge, the Grand Cathedral, the United Nations and Red Cross buildings, Notre Dame and the old town.

After the Geneva tour, we depart for Bern. The historic city centre of Bern, Switzerland's capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its centre has streets that retain their medieval character, stone buildings, arcaded passages and fountains. The panoramic tour will take in the Clock Tower, the old town, described as Europe's largest covered shopping area, Einstein's House, the History Museum, and the Parliament building and square.

After the Bern tour, guests who wish may join the optional Lausanne - Ouchy - Montreux and Chillon Castle Tour at an extra charge. (80 Euro) The first stop is Lausanne, a city on the shores of Lake Geneva with historical importance for our country. Sights include Lausanne Cathedral, the historic Old Town (Vielle Ville) and Flon, the modern shopping and entertainment district.

We then continue to Ouchy. Formerly a fishing village, Ouchy became part of Lausanne from the mid-19th century onwards because of its role as a port on Lake Geneva. In this area known for its lake views, we will see Ouchy Castle (Château d'Ouchy) and Ouchy Port.

The final stop on the tour is Montreux, on the shores of Lake Geneva. The town is known for its peaceful setting, mountain views and lakeside walking paths. Sights here include Chillon Castle (from the outside), the statue of Queen lead singer Freddy Mercury and Montreux Port. At the end of the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight accommodation will be at our hotel in Geneva or the surrounding area.

Meeting Basel

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Basel. Upon arrival, we begin our city tour. Switzerland's third most populous city after Zurich and Geneva, Basel combines historic and modern buildings within a small area. Sights on the city tour include Basel Cathedral, where the Dutch Renaissance writer Erasmus is buried, the city's main square Marktplatz, the Government Building and Hotel Les Trois Roi.

After the tour, guests who wish can join the optional Fairy-Tale Villages of Alsace (Riquewihr Kaysersberg & Colmar & Eguisheim) tour at an extra cost. (100 Euro) Our first stop is Riquewihr, home to many half-timbered houses in Alsace. This historic village features old houses decorated with flowers, narrow streets and a medieval setting enclosed by walls. During our visit, we see the ruins of Riquewihr Castle and walk along the village's old walls.

We then continue to Kayserberg. Located in the Alsace region of France, this town is known for its medieval character, colourful houses and narrow streets. The 13th-century Château de Kaysersberg Castle is one of the town's main landmarks. Sainte-Croix Church in the centre stands out for its Gothic architecture.

After our visit, we depart for Colmar, known for its historic medieval buildings, Gothic churches and colourful houses. During our walk through its well-preserved streets, sights include St.Martin Cathedral, built entirely of pink stone, Little Venice, whose small canals recall the city of Venice in Italy, Maison Pfister, one of Colmar's oldest houses, and Maison des Tetes, a Renaissance building decorated with depictions of faces.

Our next stop is Egusheim, where there are opportunities to take photographs along the streets. Awarded the title of Favourite French Village in 2013, Egusheim is known for its historic character and natural surroundings. Colourful houses reflecting the typical architecture of Alsace define the appearance of Equesheim. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel in Mulhouse or the surrounding area.

Meeting Zurich

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Zurich. Upon arrival at 09.45 local time, we begin our city tour. The city welcomes millions of visitors every year with its historic centre, Gothic churches and historic buildings. We see Grossmünster and Fraumünster Churches, as well as St. Peterskirche Church, described as having Europe's largest clock tower. We then explore Bahnhofstrasse, considered the city's shopping centre. After the city tour, we transfer to our hotel.

Guests who wish can join the optional Rhine Falls & Lucerne tour at an extra charge. (80 Euro) The first stop is Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall, measuring 150 metres wide and 23 metres high. We walk through this area, surrounded by branches of the Rhine River, taking in the flowing water and the surrounding scenery. We then travel to the historic city of Lucerne in central Switzerland, at the foot of the Alps. Here, we see the Lion Monument, built in memory of the 800 Swiss soldiers who lost their lives protecting King Louis 16 and his family, the Chapel Bridge and views of Lake Lucerne. At the end of the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel in Zurich or the surrounding area.

Flight home

After breakfast, we check out of our rooms and transfer to the airport at the time specified by our guide. After baggage, ticket and passport procedures are completed, we depart for Istanbul at 18.30 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1910. Our tour ends upon arrival at 23.35 local time.