France Tour

Arrival via Basel and Freiburg

Istanbul – Basel – Freiburg

We will meet at Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) international departures terminal three hours before the flight to complete our ticket and baggage procedures. Upon our arrival in Basel, which we can describe as the crossroads of three countries, we will begin our city tour. We can certainly say that the most beautiful feature of this lovely city, where we will witness the synthesised structure of France, Germany and Switzerland, is its decoration by the Rhine River. Basel, where trade was intense throughout its history, has over time become a centre of culture and industry. With the collapse of the Roman Empire, Germanic tribes started to gain control of Basel and the surrounding areas, and from the 5th century onwards the Germanic tribes brought the area around the Rhine fully under their influence. Today, it is Switzerland's third-largest city and also hosts many museums and exhibitions. During our walking city tour, we will see the Town Hall with its striking red colour and the Basel Minster (Basel Cathedral), which was built as a Catholic church in 1091 and reconstructed after the great earthquake of 1356. The church, which today serves as a Protestant Church, is included in the Swiss National Heritage list. Afterwards, we will visit the Marktplatz, the old city square and marketplace. The square, which also hosts many festivals, is one of the city's most lively spots. After getting to know Basel, we will take a short break to rest and have lunch. We will continue our tour by setting off towards Freiburg. Freiburg, a German city, is located next to the Black Forest. Undoubtedly, when Freiburg is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is that the city centre is paved with miniature water channels called "Bachle". These channels, constructed in the 13th century, were designed to prevent fires in the city. Today, we can say that they are the historic remnants that attract the most attention from visitors and children to Freiburg. The Gothic Freiburg Minster Cathedral, rising from the centre of the city, is another of its striking structures. After our Freiburg tour, we will be transferred to our hotel in the Alsace Region.

Castle, vineyards, Strasbourg

Haut Koenigsbourg Castle – Obernai – Strasbourg

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart in the morning for our full-day excursion. Our first visit will be Haut Koenigsbourg Castle, one of the symbols of Alsace and one of its most visited landmarks. The castle, part of the region’s cultural heritage, dates back to the 12th century. Construction was initially begun by the Hohenstaufen Dynasty, and because of its strategic position, the castle changed hands many times among different families and lords. Today, it serves as a museum presenting medieval life and culture and is noted for its architecture. After visiting the castle, we will explore the nearby village of Obernai. Located very close to Strasbourg and surrounded by vineyards, Obernai stands on the Alsace Wine Route. Famous Alsatian wines such as Riesling and Gewürztraminer are produced in the town. After our visit to Obernai, we continue towards Strasbourg. The city changed hands many times between Germany and France throughout history and was returned to France under the Treaty of Versailles after World War I. Known as a symbol of European peace, Strasbourg is home to numerous international institutions, including the European Parliament, the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights. In addition to its historical and cultural heritage, the city is surrounded by numerous canals and waterways. Strasbourg stands on the Ill River, a tributary of the Rhine River, and is also home to Notre Dame Cathedral, once among the world’s largest structures. Petite France, the picturesque medieval quarter in the city’s historic centre and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Strasbourg’s most memorable locations. After our tour, we transfer to our hotel in the Alsace Region. Free time to rest.

Alsace wine route villages

Kaysersberg – Riquewihr – Eguisheim – Colmar

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart early in the morning and travel to Kaysersberg in the north of the region. Kaysersberg Castle, built in the 13th century, and Holy Cross Church, known for its picturesque architecture, are among the town’s notable historic buildings. The town, whose name means “Emperor’s Mountain,” is also the birthplace of Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Albert Schweitzer. After our tour of Kaysersberg, we continue to Riquewihr, regarded as one of the finest villages in the Alsace Region. One of the most popular stops on the Alsace Wine Route, Riquewihr has a distinctive atmosphere created by its colourful half-timbered houses, narrow cobbled streets and surrounding vineyards. After exploring this town, whose architecture has been largely preserved since the Middle Ages, we continue to Eguisheim. A member of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France” association since 2003, Eguisheim was chosen as the favourite village of the French in 2013 and has become one of the most visited villages on the Alsace Wine Route. Known for its maze-like streets, distinctive timber houses and wines, Eguisheim gives visitors the feeling of stepping into a medieval film. We then continue our excursion with a visit to Colmar, the pearl of the Alsace Region. As we explore Colmar, which vividly reflects the region’s historical character, we will see its colourful half-timbered houses, flower-decked balconies and the Little Venice district, surrounded by waterways. After free time in Colmar, we transfer to our hotel in the Alsace Region. Free time to rest.

Return from Basel

Basel – Istanbul

After breakfast at the hotel, we will complete the check-out procedures on the final day of our Alsace journey and leave the hotel. Free time until the meeting time given by our guide. We will then set off towards Basel Airport. After completing our ticket and baggage procedures, we will depart for Istanbul on a scheduled Pegasus Airlines flight.

Wishing to come together again on another journey where you will collect unforgettable memories…