Europe Christmas Markets Tour

Basel and Strasbourg

We meet at the Turkish Airlines counter in the international departures terminal of Istanbul Airport, 3 hours before the flight. After check-in and passport control we board Turkish Airlines flight TK 1923, departing at 08.50 for Basel. We land at 10.00 local time. Our vehicle meets us at the airport for a city tour of Basel.

After Zurich and Geneva, Basel is the third most populous city in Switzerland, small in size but rich in both historic and modern sights. Our city tour takes in Basel Cathedral, where the Renaissance writer Erasmus is buried, the main square Marktplatz, the Town Hall and the Hotel Les Trois Rois.

We then drive on to Strasbourg.

Strasbourg, the jewel of Alsace, is one of the loveliest cities in France. Its cobbled medieval quarters, half-timbered houses, old churches and cathedral make every walk feel like a step back in time. The city where "La Marseillaise" was written blends Alsatian culture with French architecture.

Our city tour takes in Strasbourg Cathedral, the Rohan Palace, Place Kléber and the Petit France quarter with its traditional Alsatian houses.

After the tour we check in to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel in or around Strasbourg.

Alsace's fairy tale villages

After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish can join the optional extra tour of Alsace's Fairy-Tale Villages: Eguisheim, Colmar, Kaysersberg and Riquewihr (110 Euro). Cameras stay out all day. We start in Eguisheim, voted "Favourite French Village" in 2013, where colourful Alsatian houses look straight off a postcard.

Next comes Colmar, known for its medieval buildings, Gothic churches and brightly painted houses. In its well-preserved streets we see St. Martin's Cathedral, built of pink stone, Little Venice with its small canals, Maison Pfister, one of the oldest houses in town, and the Renaissance Maison des Têtes with its facade of carved faces.

Our third stop is Kaysersberg, a medieval town of colourful houses and narrow lanes. Its landmark is the 13th century Château de Kaysersberg, while the Sainte-Croix Church in the centre stands out for its Gothic architecture.

We finish in Riquewihr, one of the most charming villages in Alsace, with half-timbered houses and flower-decked streets. We see the remains of Riquewihr Castle and walk along the old ramparts. After the tour we return to our hotel in Strasbourg. Overnight at our hotel in or around Strasbourg.

Heidelberg, Baden-Baden and the outlet

After breakfast at the hotel, free time. Guests who wish can join the optional extra Germany Duo tour: Heidelberg, Baden-Baden and an outlet center (110 Euro).

We start in Heidelberg. Heidelberg feels medieval at every corner, from its streets and squares to its buildings. In this calm, elegant city we see the Hauptstrasse, Marktplatz, the Old Bridge and Heidelberg Castle.

Next is Baden-Baden. Baden-Baden is a green spa town with a lively arts scene, thermal baths and one of the best-known casinos in Europe, and it has inspired many writers and composers. We end the day with free time at an outlet center that brings many well-known brands together. After the tour we return to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Rhine Falls and Switzerland

After breakfast at the hotel, free time. Guests who wish can join the optional extra Schaffhausen Rhine Falls and Swiss Cities tour: Rhine Falls, Zurich and Lucerne (130 Euro).

We begin at the Rhine Falls. At 150 metres wide and 23 metres high, they are among the largest waterfalls in Europe, and a walk along the banks brings the power of the water close.

Our 2nd stop is Zurich, Switzerland's largest city. In the old centre we see the Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches and St. Peterskirche, home to one of the largest clock faces in Europe, then stroll along the Bahnhofstrasse shopping street.

We continue to Lucerne at the foot of the Alps. After the Lion Monument, carved in memory of the 800 Swiss soldiers who died protecting Louis 16th and his family, the Chapel Bridge and the views over Lake Lucerne, we return to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel in or around Strasbourg.

Freiburg and the flight home

After breakfast we check out and drive to Freiburg, a city near the Black Forest known for its natural setting and medieval character. Our city tour takes in the Münster, the city's symbol and a fine example of Gothic architecture, the Markthalle covered market, Münsterplatz, Rathausplatz, Kaiser-Joseph-Strasse, Augustinerplatz, Adelhauser Platz and Gerberau.

After the tour we transfer to Basel Airport. After check-in and passport control we board Turkish Airlines flight TK1926, departing at 18.05 for Istanbul. We arrive at 23.15 local time, and our tour ends.