Benelux, Paris and Germany Tour

We will meet at the international departures terminal of Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport three hours before the flight to complete check-in and baggage procedures. Our scheduled flight to Amsterdam with Pegasus Airlines will take approximately 3 hours 40 minutes. Upon arrival, we will begin our city tour. Amsterdam is one of Europe’s cosmopolitan cities, known for its rich history and culture, canals, museums and lively urban life. Its liberal way of life also sets it apart among European capitals. Events, festivals and concerts take place throughout the year. Galleries, museums and exhibitions display classical and modern works of art. During our tour, we will see Damrak, one of the city’s main squares; the Royal Palace, one of the official residences of the Dutch royal family; and Oude Kerk (Old Church), the oldest church in Amsterdam. There will be free time for shopping and dining. In the evening, we will head to our hotel and have free time to rest.

After breakfast, we begin our Marken & Volendam tour. In Marken and Volendam, we will observe traditional life in the Netherlands and see the natural surroundings and rows of colourful houses. The lives of Marken’s villagers, who once made their living from fishing, changed when the island was connected to the mainland by a bridge and tourism developed. Handicrafts and the production of traditional clothing became widespread. The houses built on stilts to protect them from flooding remain protected today. We will take a short journey across the bridge towards Volendam, which is larger than Marken. Along the way, we will visit a cheese producer in an area with cheese producers and a cheese-tasting workshop to learn about cheese-making. After a short period of free time for shopping, we will continue to Volendam. In this town, where artists such as Picasso and Renoir stayed briefly in the 20th century, you may see local residents walking around in traditional clothing. During our visit to Volendam, where fishing still continues on a limited scale, you will be able to see historic fishermen’s houses, museums, craft workshops and shops.

After breakfast in Amsterdam, we check out of the hotel and set off for Brussels. On the way, we arrive in Bruges, known as the Venice of the North. The UNESCO-protected city is known for its preserved medieval architecture, narrow streets, historic buildings with colourful facades, canals and notable landmarks. Its parks and green spaces complement its historic character. Our walking tour includes Grote Markt, the Town Hall with its Gothic architecture, the Belfort Bell Tower, the Basilica of the Holy Blood and Minnewater (Lake of Love), known for its views. Afterwards, you have free time to explore the city. During this time, you can visit cafés or have lunch at local restaurants. After our visit, we continue to Brussels. Also the capital of the European Union, Brussels is a centre of international diplomacy. The city continues to develop as a modern metropolis while preserving its medieval heritage. Our city tour includes the Royal Palace, Grand Palace (the city square), St. Michael and the Stock Exchange Building. After the tour, you have free time to explore the city. In the evening, we head to our hotel.

After breakfast, we will set off for Luxembourg. On the way, we will visit Trier, located in southwestern Germany on the banks of the Rhine River. One of the country's oldest cities, Trier was known as Augusta Treverorum during the Roman Empire. Built by the Romans in the 16th century BC, the city still has many ancient Roman buildings and ruins that can be visited today. These include the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Porta Nigra (Black Gate), Kaiserthermen (Imperial Baths) and the Roman Bridge (Römerbrücke). After our visit to Trier, we will continue to Luxembourg. Strategically located in the centre 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 traces of both civilisations. The country, whose present borders were established after the Treaty of London, is officially known as the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The country and its capital share the same name.

After breakfast in Luxembourg, we check out of the hotel early and set off for Paris. On the way, we visit Metz. One of France's oldest cities, Metz has changed hands many times throughout its history due to wars between France and Germany. Traces of both cultures can be seen in the city. One of France's greenest cities, Metz has natural areas that include the Moselle and Seille Rivers and lakes. The city's main landmarks include the medieval Germans' Gate, built by German workers on the Moselle River, the Gothic Saint-Etienne Cathedral, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Place d’Armes Square and Metz Covered Market. Metz is also home to the opera and theatre building, one of France's oldest buildings. After our visit to Metz, we continue our journey to Paris. On arrival, we begin exploring Paris, where traces of history can be seen throughout the city. Neoclassical architecture shapes the appearance of this city associated with romance. Haussmann buildings line its broad avenues and side streets, forming the city's architectural character. The city offers visitors a variety of experiences in art, culture, fashion and gastronomy.

After breakfast, we begin our Eiffel Tower and Seine River tour. During the boat trip on the Seine River, we view the buildings of Paris from the water. Along the way, we enjoy panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum, Alexandre III Bridge, Orsay Museum and Institut de France. After the river cruise, we go up to the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower for a bird’s-eye view of Paris. Designed for the 1889 Paris World’s Fair, the tower has become a symbol of Paris over time. Today, it remains one of the world’s well-known tourist attractions, welcoming millions of visitors. After our visit, we head towards the hotel where we will be staying. Following the tour, we visit a shop to try tax-free, reasonably priced, high-quality perfumes. We have an opportunity to shop here. Afterwards, we have free time on Champs Elysees for shopping and dinner. At the end of this period, we head to our hotel and have free time to rest.

After breakfast, we will begin our tour of Montmartre (Painters’ Hill), Notre Dame Cathedral, Luxembourg Gardens and the Louvre Area. Our first stop will be Montmartre (Painters’ Hill), in northern Paris, known for its artistic life and bohemian character. First, we will drive through the Pigalle district, known for its nightlife and home to Moulin Rouge, which is famous for its cabaret shows. We will then take the funicular up to Painters’ Hill to reach Sacre Coure Basilica. Construction of the basilica began in 1875 on Painters’ Hill, once a centre of religious life, to symbolise France’s spiritual renewal. It only opened for worship after World War I. Following its spiritual transformation, Montmartre became an artistic centre and was home to artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and Emile Zola. You will have free time to explore the streets lined with art galleries and have lunch. We will continue our tour with Notre Dame Cathedral, on the banks of the Seine River in the historic centre of Paris. This Gothic cathedral is known for its stained-glass windows, intricate details and bell towers.

After an early breakfast, we check out of the hotel and head to Paris-Orly Airport. After completing check-in and baggage procedures, we fly to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport on a scheduled Pegasus Airlines flight. Our Benelux tour ends upon arrival in Istanbul. We hope to see you again on another trip.