Belgium and France Tour , November 15

Istanbul – Amsterdam We will meet at Istanbul Airport international departure terminal three hours before the flight to complete our ticket and baggage procedures. Our flight to Amsterdam with Turkish Airlines scheduled service will take approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes. After our arrival in Amsterdam, we set out to discover the city. Known for its historical and cultural riches, canals, museums and lively atmosphere, Amsterdam is among the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe, and also stands out among other European capitals with its liberal lifestyle. In this young-spirited city, many events, festivals and concerts are organized throughout the year, and it is also brimming with galleries, museums and exhibitions displaying classical and contemporary works of art. During our Amsterdam tour, Damrak, the city's most popular square, the Royal Palace, one of the official residences of the Dutch royal family, and Oude Kerk (Old Church), the oldest church in Amsterdam, are among the places we will see. In the evening we will head to our hotel and free time to rest.

Amsterdam - Marken - Volendam - Brussels After breakfast, we will leave our hotel and head to Marken & Volendam, located approximately 1 hour from Amsterdam. While exploring these two fishing villages, where you can observe the traditional lifestyle of Amsterdam the best, its nature and the colorful houses lined up one after another will impress you greatly. The residents of the village of Marken, who used to make their living from fishing, changed their way of life after the island became a touristic place and was connected to the mainland by a bridge, with the production of handicrafts and traditional clothing becoming widespread. The houses built on stilts to prevent floods are still kept under protection today. We will reach Volendam, which is much larger than Marken, after a short journey over the bridge. In the area along the way, where various cheese producers and a cheese tasting workshop are located, we will visit a cheese producer and learn about the cheese-making process. After giving you some free time for shopping, we will move on towards Volendam.

Brussels – Bruges - Paris After breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures at the hotel and set off for Bruges. Following a journey of approximately one hour, we will arrive in Bruges, known as the Venice of the North. Protected by UNESCO, the city offers visitors a journey through history with its historic texture, well-preserved medieval architecture, narrow streets, colorful historic facades, canals and important monuments. With its green parks and nature, Bruges is steeped in history and will leave you in awe with its romantic atmosphere. During our walking city tour, we will see the Grote Markt, the Town Hall noted for its Gothic architecture, the Belfort Bell Tower, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Minnewater (Lake of Love), which boasts the city's most beautiful view. During the free time to explore the city, you can spend time in its charming cafés and enjoy lunch at local restaurants. After our visit to Bruges, we set off towards Paris. Upon arrival, we begin exploring Paris, one of the world's most important metropolises, where traces of history can be seen in every corner.

After breakfast, we leave our hotel to see the main sights of Paris. Our first stop will be Montmartre (Artists’ Hill), the artistic and bohemian district in northern Paris. We will first drive through the Pigalle District, known for its lively nightlife and colorful atmosphere and home to the world-famous Moulin Rouge cabaret show. We will then take the funicular up Artists’ Hill and visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Construction of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart began in 1875 on Artists’ Hill, once a center of religious life, to symbolize France’s spiritual renewal, but it did not open for worship until after World War I. Following its spiritual transformation, the Montmartre District became an arts center and was home to many renowned artists, including Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and Emile Zola. You will have free time to explore the bohemian streets lined with art galleries and have lunch. We will continue our city tour through the Montparnasse District, known as a center of modern art and intellectual life and home to many entertainment venues.

After breakfast, we complete check-out procedures early in the morning and leave our hotel. Following a journey of approximately 3.5 hours, our first stop will be Metz, one of the oldest cities in France. Having changed hands many times during wars between France and Germany, Metz stands out for its historic atmosphere, natural setting and traces of both cultures. One of France’s greenest cities, it is surrounded by the Moselle and Seille Rivers and several lakes. Among the sights we will see are the Germans’ Gate, a medieval structure built by German workers over the Moselle River; Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site regarded as one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture; Arms Square; the well-known Metz Covered Market; and the opera and theater building, one of the oldest structures in France. After our Metz tour, we depart for Luxembourg. Following a journey of one hour, we begin our city tour. Noted for its strategic location in the heart of Europe, Luxembourg ranks among the world’s most economically developed countries.

Luxembourg – Strasbourg – Colmar - Alsace After breakfast, we will depart from our hotel in the early hours and set off toward Strasbourg. A historic city that could not be shared between Germany and France and changed hands many times, it was returned to France once again with the Treaty of Versailles following World War I. Known as a place where European peace is represented, Strasbourg hosts many international organisations such as the European Parliament, the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights. Alongside its historical and cultural richness, Strasbourg is surrounded by many canals and waterways. Built on the River Ill, a branch of the Rhine, the city is also home to Notre Dame Cathedral, which was once among the largest structures in the world. Le Petite France (Little France), the picturesque medieval quarter that forms the historic centre of the city and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, stands among the most memorable places in Strasbourg. After our visit to Strasbourg, we will continue our tour by visiting Colmar, the jewel of the Alsace Region.

Freiburg – Lucerne – Basel – Alsace After breakfast in the morning, we depart from our hotel and head to Freiburg. A German city, Freiburg lies right next to the Black Forest. Undoubtedly, the first thing that comes to mind when Freiburg is mentioned is that the city centre is lined with miniature water canals known as the "Bachle". These canals, built in the 13th century, were designed to prevent fires in the city. Today, they can be called the historical remnants that attract the most attention from visitors to Freiburg and children. Another eye-catching structure is the Gothic Freiburg Minster Cathedral rising from the heart of the city. After our visit to Freiburg, we continue on to Lucerne. Set on the shores of Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee), the city will leave romantic memories with its unique scenery between the mountains, its half-timbered houses, narrow streets, and flower-adorned balconies. The dazzling Reuss River, flowing through the centre of the city, is one of its iconic landmarks.

Basel – Istanbul After breakfast, we will complete the check-out procedures and leave our hotel. We will enjoy free time as specified by our guide and then depart for the airport at the designated time. After completing our ticket and baggage procedures, we will fly to Istanbul Airport on the Turkish Airlines numbered flight. Upon arrival at local time, our Benelux tour comes to an end. Wishing to come together again on another journey where you will collect unforgettable memories…