8 Cities in the Alps Tour

Meeting Zurich

We meet at Istanbul Airport’s international departures terminal, in front of the Turkish Airlines counter, 3 hours before departure. After completing baggage, ticket and passport procedures, we depart for Zurich at 08.40 on Turkish Airlines flight TK 1907. Upon arrival at 09.45 local time, we board our waiting vehicle at the airport and begin our Zurich city tour. Zurich 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, which has Europe’s largest clock tower. We then explore Bahnhofstrasse, considered the city’s shopping centre, and transfer to our hotel at the end of the tour.

Guests who wish may later join the optional Rhine Falls & Lucerne tour at an extra charge. (80 Euro) Our first stop, Rhine Falls, is Europe’s largest waterfall, measuring 150 metres wide and 23 metres high. We walk around the waterfall, located among the branches of the Rhine River, to watch the flowing water and take in the views. 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, Chapel Bridge and the views of Lake Lucerne. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at hotels in Zurich or the surrounding area.

Meeting Basel

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Basel. On arrival, we begin our city tour. Switzerland's third most populous city after Zurich and Geneva, Basel combines modern buildings with historic surroundings despite its small area. Sights on our city tour include Basel Cathedral, where the Dutch Renaissance writer Erasmus is buried, Marktplatz, the city's main square, 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 charge. (100 Euro) Our first stop on this tour is Riquewihr, a village in Alsace with many half-timbered houses. The village is known for its old houses decorated with flowers, narrow streets and medieval character within its surrounding walls. Here, 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 features Gothic architecture.

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

The next stop on our tour is Egusheim, with streets that offer opportunities for photography. Named Favourite French Village in 2013, Egusheim is known for its historic buildings and natural surroundings. Colourful houses reflecting the typical architecture of Alsace define the appearance of Equesheim. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel in Mulhouse or the surrounding area. Overnight at hotels in Mulhouse or the surrounding area.

Bern to Geneva

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Bern. Switzerland's capital, Bern, is known for its historic city centre, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Its streets retain their medieval character, with stone buildings, arcaded walkways and fountains shaping the city's historic setting. During the panoramic tour, we will see 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 tour, we set off for Geneva. One of Switzerland's most cosmopolitan cities, Geneva is in the west of the country, on the shores of Lake Geneva and near the French border. The city plays an important role in international diplomacy and is home to the United Nations Office in Europe, the Red Cross and the headquarters of many international organisations. During the city tour, we will see Lake Leman, Mont Blanc Bridge, the Grand Cathedral, the United Nations and Red Cross buildings, Notre Dame and the old town.

After the city tour, guests who wish may join the optional Lausanne - Ouchy - Montreux and Chillon Castle Tour at an extra cost. (80 Euro) The first stop on this tour will be Lausanne, on the shores of Lake Geneva, a city of historical importance to our country. Here, we will see Lausanne Cathedral, the city's historic centre, the Old Town (Vielle Ville), and Flon, a modern shopping and entertainment district.

We then depart for Ouchy. Formerly a fishing village, Ouchy became part of Lausanne from the middle of the 19th century 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 will be Montreux, on the shores of Lake Geneva. In this town, known for its peaceful atmosphere, mountain views and lakeside walking paths, we will see 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 hotels in Geneva 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 completing baggage, ticket and passport procedures, we depart for Istanbul at 18.25 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1920. Our tour ends upon arrival at 23.45 local time.