Benelux & France Tour

Istanbul – Basel – Freiburg – Alsace We will meet at the Sabiha Gökçen Airport international departures terminal three hours before the flight to complete our ticket and baggage procedures. Our journey begins with a scheduled AJet flight to Basel. Upon our arrival in Basel, which we can describe as the crossroads of three countries, we will start our city tour. We can say that the most beautiful feature of this lovely city, where we will witness the synthesized structure of France, Germany and Switzerland, is that it is adorned by the Rhein River. Basel, where trade has been intense throughout its history, has gradually become a culture and industry centre. With the collapse of the Roman Empire, Germanic tribes began to establish dominance in Basel and its surrounding regions, and from the 5th century onwards the Germanic tribes took full control of the area around the Rhein River. Today, it is Switzerland's third largest city and also hosts many museums and exhibitions.

Colmar – Strasbourg – Luxembourg After breakfast at the hotel, we leave our hotel in the early morning hours for a full day of exploration. We will continue our tour by visiting Colmar, the jewel of the Alsace region. While discovering Colmar, which reflects the historical fabric of the region in the most vivid way, you will find yourself in an atmosphere where time seems to stand still. Le Petit Venice (Little Venice), with its colourful half-timbered houses, flower-adorned balconies and network of canals, is one of the most enchanting spots in Colmar. After free time in Colmar, we continue our journey through the Alsace wine route towards Strasbourg. The city, which throughout its history could not be shared between Germany and France and changed hands many times, was returned to France after World War I with the Treaty of Versailles. Known as the place where European peace is represented, Strasbourg is home to many international institutions such as the European Parliament, the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights. In addition to its historical and cultural richness, Strasbourg is surrounded by many canals and waterways.

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our tour of Luxembourg. Strategically located in the heart of Europe, Luxembourg is among the world’s most economically developed countries. Founded in 963, the city stands at the crossroads of Roman and Germanic cultures and bears the influence of both civilizations. The country reached its present borders after the Treaty of London. Its official name is the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and the country and its capital share the same name. In Luxembourg, we will see the Bock Casemates in the old town, with historic fortifications and underground tunnels listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; William Square, one of the city’s main squares; Notre Dame Cathedral, built in the 17th century and combining Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles; and Corniche Road, described as Europe’s most beautiful balcony. After our journey, our first stop will be Metz, one of France’s oldest cities. Having changed hands many times during wars between France and Germany, the city displays traces of both cultures. One of France’s greenest cities, Metz is also known for its natural setting around the Moselle and Seille Rivers and its lakes.

After breakfast at the hotel, we leave to explore the highlights of Paris. Our first stop will be Montmartre (Artists’ Hill), the artistic and bohemian district in the north of the city. We will first travel through the Pigalle District, home to the world-famous Moulin Rouge cabaret show and known for its lively nightlife and colorful atmosphere. 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 to symbolize France’s spiritual renewal, in an area that had once been a center of religious life. However, it did not open for worship until after World War I. Following its spiritual transformation, Montmartre developed into an artistic center and became home to many well-known artists, including Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Émile Zola. Free time will be provided on Artists’ Hill to explore the bohemian streets surrounded by art galleries and have lunch. We will then take a boat tour on the Seine River and enjoy panoramic views of Paris’s landmarks.

Paris – Brussels – Bruges – Brussels We depart Paris in the early morning hours. After an approximately one-hour bus ride, we will arrive in Trier, the oldest city in Germany. Founded in 15 BC on the banks of the Moselle River by the Roman Emperor Augustus, Trier is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. During our walking city tour, we will see some of the highlights including the ancient Roman city gate Porta Nigra, the stunning Gothic-style Church of Our Lady, the ancient Roman Amphitheatre, the imperial thermal baths Kaiserthermen, Germany's oldest bishopric cathedral St Peter's Cathedral, and the house of Karl Marx, which today serves as a museum. After a short free time in Trier, we continue our journey towards Brussels. After approximately three hours of travel, we will arrive in Brussels. Brussels, which is also the capital of the European Union, can be described as one of the centres of international diplomacy.

Brussels – Amsterdam After breakfast at the hotel, we set off for Amsterdam. Famous for its historical and cultural riches, canals, museums, and lively atmosphere, Amsterdam is among the most cosmopolitan cities of Europe, and it also stands out among other European capitals for its liberal lifestyle. The young-spirited city hosts many events, festivals, and concerts throughout the year and is brimming with galleries, museums, and exhibitions showcasing classical and modern artworks. During our Amsterdam tour, we will see 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. In the evening, we will head to our hotel and have free time to rest.

Amsterdam – Marken – Volendam – Amsterdam We will leave our hotel in the morning and head to the fishing villages of Marken & Volendam, located about 1 hour from Amsterdam. While exploring these two fishing villages, where you can best observe Holland's traditional way of life, you will be greatly impressed by the nature and the rows of colourful houses lined up one after another. 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 tourist destination and was connected to the mainland by a bridge, and the production of handicrafts and traditional clothing became widespread. The houses built on stilts to prevent flooding are still kept under protection today. We will reach Volendam, which is much larger than Marken, with a short journey over the bridge. Along the way, in an area where various cheese producers and a cheese tasting workshop are located, we will visit a cheese producer and learn about cheese production. After giving you some free time for shopping, we will move on towards Volendam.

Amsterdam – Istanbul After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will complete the check-out procedures and leave our hotel. Free time until the time announced by our guide. At the time announced by our guide, we will head to the airport. After completing our ticket and baggage procedures, our flight to Istanbul begins with Ajet Airlines' scheduled service, and upon arrival in Istanbul, our tour ends. Wishing we could come together again on another journey where you will collect unforgettable memories…