Day 1 Istanbul – Stuttgart – Strasbourg
We’ll meet in front of the Turkish Airlines counter at the Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal three hours before the flight. After completing baggage, ticket, and passport procedures, we’ll depart for Stuttgart at 8:55 a.m. on flight TK1701; arrival is at 10:00 a.m. local time.
We begin our Stuttgart city tour with the vehicle waiting for us. Nestled among the green hills of southwestern Germany, Stuttgart stands out not only for its industrial heritage but also for its elegant parks, vineyards, and cultural fabric. During our tour, we’ll see the city’s largest square, Schlossplatz (Palace Square), the Neues Schloss (New Palace), the Altes Schloss (Old Palace), and the Johanneskirche (St. John’s Church).
Next, we head to Strasbourg, one of France’s most beautiful cities and the jewel of the Alsace region. The city boasts one of Europe’s largest medieval districts with cobblestone streets; its wooden houses, historic churches, and works of art create a fairy-tale atmosphere. In Strasbourg, where the French national anthem, “La Marseillaise,” was written, Alsatian culture and French architecture are intertwined. During our city tour, we’ll visit Strasbourg Cathedral, the Rohan Palace, Kléber Square, and the Petite France district, adorned with traditional Alsatian houses. Transfer to the hotel; overnight stay in Strasbourg or the surrounding area.
Day 2 Strasbourg – (Fairy-Tale Villages of Alsace: Eguisheim, Colmar, Kaysersberg, Riquewihr)
After breakfast, guests who wish to do so can join the optional “Magnificent Alsace Fairy-Tale Villages Tour” (110 €).
Our first stop is Eguisheim, named “The French’s Favorite Village” in 2013; with its colorful houses reflecting Alsatian architecture, it looks like something straight out of a postcard. Next, we head to Colmar, famous for its medieval buildings, Gothic churches, and colorful houses: St. Martin’s Church, built entirely of pink stone; “Little Venice,” which evokes Venice with its small canals; Maison Pfister, one of the city’s oldest houses; and the Renaissance-style Maison des Têtes, whose facade is adorned with a hundred figures.
Our third stop is the medieval town of Kaysersberg, known for its colorful houses and narrow streets; its 13th-century castle and the Gothic Sainte-Croix Church are the town’s landmarks. Finally, in Riquewihr—one of Alsace’s most charming villages, with its half-timbered houses, flower-lined streets, and ramparts—we’ll see the castle ruins and stroll along the old ramparts. Transfer to the hotel; overnight stay in Strasbourg or the surrounding area.
Day 3 Strasbourg – (Heidelberg, Baden-Baden, and Outlet Center)
After breakfast, you’ll have free time. Guests who wish to do so may join the optional “Magnificent Germany Duo Tour” (110 €).
Our first stop is Heidelberg—a tranquil and elegant city where every corner evokes the Middle Ages through its streets, squares, and architecture: Hauptstrasse, Marktplatz, the Old Bridge, and Heidelberg Castle. Our second stop is Baden-Baden, a city nestled in nature, known for its thermal springs, cultural and artistic life, and one of Europe’s most famous casinos—a place that has inspired many writers and composers. Finally, free time for shopping at the Outlet Center, where many famous brands are gathered under one roof. Transfer to the hotel; overnight stay in Strasbourg or the surrounding area.
Day 4 Strasbourg – (Rhine Falls, Zurich & Lucerne)
After breakfast, you’ll have free time. Guests who wish to do so can join the optional “Magnificent Schaffhausen Rhine Falls and Swiss Cities Tour” (130 €).
Our first stop is the Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall at 150 meters wide and 23 meters high; we’ll take a walk around the falls. Next, we’ll visit Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city: the historic center, the Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches, St. Peter’s Church—which features Europe’s largest clock face—and the city’s main shopping street, Bahnhofstrasse.
Our final stop is the historic city of Lucerne at the foot of the Alps: the Lion Monument, erected in memory of the Swiss soldiers who lost their lives protecting King Louis XVI and his family; the Chapel Bridge; and the view of Lake Lucerne. Transfer to the hotel; overnight stay in Strasbourg or the surrounding area.
Day 5 Strasbourg – Freiburg – Basel – Istanbul
After breakfast and checking out of our rooms, we’ll head to Freiburg. A city tour of Freiburg, located near the Black Forest and known for its natural beauty and medieval charm: the city’s landmark and one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture, Münster Cathedral; the Markthalle (Covered Market); Münsterplatz; Rathausplatz; Kaiser-Joseph-Straße; Augustinerplatz; Adelhauser Platz; and Gerberau.
Next, after Zurich and Geneva, we head to Basel, Switzerland’s third-largest city. In this city, which blends modern and historic elements, we visit Basel Cathedral—home to the tomb of the Renaissance writer Erasmus—the main square, Marktplatz, the red-fronted City Hall, and Hotel Les Trois Rois.
After completing baggage, ticket, and passport procedures at Basel Airport, depart for Istanbul at 6:05 p.m. on Flight TK1926. Arrival at 11:15 p.m. local time marks the end of our tour.
