5 Country Tour in the Alps and Bernina Express Route (BSL-ZRH)
Tour Detail
Dolu Dolu Alps 5 Country Tour and Bernina Express Route (BSL-ZRH)
June 26 - July 3, 2027
7 nights bed and breakfast accommodation in 4* hotels
Turkish Airlines
Milan - Lausanne - Basel - Zurich - Freiburg - Riquewihr - Vaduz - Geneva - MONTREUX - Colmar - Tirano - Mulhouse - Annecy - Como
Transportation Details
Flight No: TK1923 (Turkish Airlines) - Departure: Istanbul - Date: July 25, 2027 - Time: 07:40 - Arrival: Basel - Date: July 25, 2027 - Time: 09:45
Flight No: TK1910 (Turkish Airlines) - Departure: Zurich - Date: August 1, 2027 - Time: 18:45 - Arrival: Istanbul - Date: August 1, 2027 - Time: 22:40
Day 1
Istanbul – Basel – Freiburg – Mulhouse (26.06.2027 Sat)
We meet our guide at the International Terminal of Istanbul Airport and, after our baggage and ticket procedures at the Turkish Airlines counter, we depart for Basel on the scheduled flight. After arriving in Basel, depending on our flight time, we begin our panoramic Basel city tour; sights include the flower-decorated Altstadt (Old Town), the red sandstone Town Hall, the 12th-century Münster Cathedral and the Mittlere Rheinbrücke over the Rhine. Then we set off for our tour of Freiburg, Germany. During our tour, sights include the small water channels called "Bächle" running along the streets with a total length of 15.5 km, the Freiburger Münster (Cathedral) with its 116-meter tower visible from every point in the city, the Markthalle (Covered Market) bringing together many flavors from world cuisine, the large Münsterplatz square, the Rathausplatz where the old and new town halls are located, the Kaiser Joseph Street filled with souvenir shops and cafés, and Augustiner Platz, the city's meeting point. At the end of the tour, we transfer to our hotel in Mulhouse. Overnight at our hotel.
Flight No: TK1923 (Turkish Airlines) - Departure: Istanbul - Date: June 26, 2027 - Time: 07:40 - Arrival: Basel - Date: June 26, 2027 - Time: 09:45
Accommodation: Hotel Novotel Mulhouse or similar / Mercure Bale Mulhouse Aeroport or similar
Day 2
Mulhouse – Alsace – Strasbourg – Riquewihr – Colmar – Mulhouse (27.06.2027 Sun)
After breakfast at our hotel, we set off for our Strasbourg & Colmar tour to explore the wonders of Alsace. First we head to Strasbourg, the second most important city of the European Union after Brussels. This historically and culturally rich city is the city of Gutenberg, Rouget de Lisle, the philosopher Erasmus and the writer Goethe. The historic center of Strasbourg lies within the "Grande Île" area on the UNESCO World Heritage List; the Notre-Dame Cathedral and many historic buildings we will see on our city tour are located on an island surrounded by the river. At the southwest of this island is La Petite France, the most beautiful district of the city, where we take a pleasant walk in this area filled with Renaissance-era historic houses and museums where the rivers meet. Then we move on to Riquewihr, famous for its vineyard-surrounded setting in the Alsace region, flower-filled balconies, cobbled car-free streets and buildings that survived World War II intact. Riquewihr, the most visited village in the region, with a population of about 1,100 and surrounding vineyards, is like a pearl. Its half-timbered, pastel-toned, flower-decorated houses specific to Alsace line the gently sloping main street "Grand Rue." Finally we head to the fairy-tale town of Colmar; sights include the Old Customs House, the Pfister House and Petite Venise (Little Venice), the city's most famous area with its colorful houses surrounded by canals. In this unique setting surrounded by canals, you can taste local flavors and find souvenirs. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel in Mulhouse. Overnight at our hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Novotel Mulhouse or similar / Mercure Bale Mulhouse Aeroport or similar
Day 3
Mulhouse – Montreux – Lausanne – Geneva (28.06.2027 Mon)
After breakfast at our hotel, we head to Montreux. Montreux, which we know well from our national history, is an important city for the music world as well as for its castles, historic buildings and natural beauty. The song "Smoke on the Water," which left its mark on an era, tells of a casino fire in Montreux; there is also a statue of Freddie Mercury, who spent the last years of his life here. After a pleasant break in Montreux, we get a panoramic view of the Chillon Castle, the symbol of the town, and take photos of the postcard-perfect scenery. Then we move on to Lausanne. Lausanne, which has a special place in our national history for hosting the Treaty of Lausanne signed on July 24, 1923, is also one of the important episcopal centers of the Middle Ages. After a short break in the D'Ouchy district on the shore of Lake Geneva, we move on to Geneva. Upon arrival at our hotel, free time. Overnight at our hotel.
Accommodation: NH Geneva Airport Hotel or similar / Everness Hotel & Resort or similar
Day 4
Geneva – Annecy – Milan (29.06.2027 Tue)
After breakfast at our hotel, we begin our panoramic Geneva city tour; during the tour, sights include St. Pierre Cathedral, the Jet d'Eau fountain rising up to 140 meters that has become the symbol of the city, and the Reformation Monument. After the tour, we head to Annecy. Located in the Haute-Savoie region of France at the foot of the Alps, Annecy is known as the "Venice of the Alps" thanks to its historic fabric laced with canals. We take a short stroll and photo stop in this fairy-tale town on the shore of the turquoise Lake Annecy, which is ranked among Europe's cleanest lakes. Sights include the 12th-century Palais de l'Isle built on a rock in the middle of the canal, the Pont des Amours known as the lovers' bridge, the canal sides decorated with flowers, and the cobblestone streets of the old town. After our tour, we set off for Milan, continuing along the way accompanied by unique Alpine scenery. Upon arrival in Milan, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.
Accommodation: Belstay Milano Assago or similar / Holiday Inn Milan Nord-Zara or similar / IH Hotels Milano Gioia or similar / Crowne Plaza Milan Malpensa Airport or similar
Day 5
Milan – Como – Lugano – Milan (30.06.2027 Wed)
After breakfast at our hotel, we begin our panoramic Milan city tour; sights include the city's symbol, the Duomo Cathedral, the Galleria, Piazza della Scala and the Castello Sforzesco. After the tour, we set off for our Como & Lugano tour at the foot of the Alps. We begin with Lake Como, Italy's third largest lake. This glacial lake at the foot of the Alps, shaped like the letter "Y," welcomes many visitors throughout the year. We take a short stroll and photo stop around this natural wonder where green meets blue; sights in the charming town include Piazza Cavour and the 14th-century Duomo. After the tour, we head to Lugano. In this natural wonder city within the borders of Switzerland, we take a panoramic tour around Lake Lugano, which captivates us with its unique scenery, and make a photo stop. Then we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.
Accommodation: Belstay Milano Assago or similar / Holiday Inn Milan Nord-Zara or similar / IH Hotels Milano Gioia or similar / Crowne Plaza Milan Malpensa Airport or similar
Day 6
Milan – Zurich by Bernina Express (01.07.2027 Fri)
After breakfast at our hotel, we set off by private vehicle toward Tirano train station. Today, we set off on the Bernina Express for a train journey so enchanting it could fill dreams. Along the world-famous Bernina line, built between 1898 and 1904 and now on the UNESCO World Heritage List, we will watch extraordinary Alpine scenery and have chances for photography during this fairy-tale journey that many travel lovers dream of. After this pleasant journey, we arrive at Saint-Moritz train station. Then we set off for Zurich in the private vehicle waiting for us. Upon arrival in Zurich, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.
Accommodation: Tailormade Hotel BAB Bachenbulach or similar / Hilton Zurich Airport or similar / Dorint Airport-Hotel Zurich
Day 7
Zurich – Rhine Falls – Lindau – Bregenz – Liechtenstein – Maienfeld (Heidi Village) – Rapperswil (02.07.2027 Sat)
After breakfast at our hotel, we set off early in the morning from our hotel in Zurich by private vehicle for our "4 Countries in One Day" tour. Our first stop is the Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe. Here we take a short break, feel the power of this natural wonder right near the roaring waters, and take plenty of photos. Then we head to the shore of Lake Constance, first to the town of Lindau in Germany. Walking through the narrow streets of this island town famous for its medieval streets, we see the Bavarian Lion Statue and the Lindau Lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views of the lake and the Alps. We cross to the town of Bregenz on the Austrian shore of the lake and take a short break by the lakeside. Then we cross the border and enter Liechtenstein, one of the smallest yet most impressive countries in the world. During free time in the center of the capital Vaduz, guests who wish can shop at boutiques, sit in cafés or see Vaduz Castle on the hill; those who wish can have a Liechtenstein souvenir stamp put in their passports. After leaving Vaduz, we cross back into Swiss territory and reach Maienfeld, which hosts the world-beloved "Heidi" story. We take a short break in Heidi Village set in the middle of Alpine meadows, breathe in the atmosphere of the story, and take photos against the fairy-tale mountain scenery. Then we continue along the shore of Lake Walen and make our last stop in the town of Rapperswil on the shore of Lake Zurich. Known as the "Town of Roses," in Rapperswil you can walk along the lakeside and enjoy magnificent views from Rapperswil Castle on the hill. At the end of the day, we return to our hotel in Zurich. Overnight at our hotel.
Accommodation: Tailormade Hotel BAB Bachenbulach or similar / Hilton Zurich Airport or similar / Dorint Airport-Hotel Zurich
Day 8
Zurich – Istanbul (03.07.2027 Sun)
After breakfast at our hotel, we begin our panoramic Zurich city tour. Sights include Fraumünster Church, Grossmünster Church, the Swiss National Museum, the Opera House, Lake Zurich, the Clock Tower, old guild houses, the Zurich Altstadt (Old Town) and the bustling Bahnhofstrasse lined with world-famous stores. At the end of the tour, we transfer to Zurich Airport at the time set by our guide. After baggage, ticket and customs procedures, we fly to Istanbul on the scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. With our arrival, we reach the end of our tour.
Flight No: TK1910 (Turkish Airlines) - Departure: Zurich - Date: July 3, 2027 - Time: 18:45 - Arrival: Istanbul - Date: July 3, 2027 - Time: 22:40
What's Included
Services Included in the Package Price:
- Economy class flight ticket with Turkish Airlines from Istanbul (IST) – Basel (BSL) / Zurich (ZRH) – Istanbul (IST)
- 7 nights bed and breakfast accommodation in 4* hotels
- Airport-hotel-airport transfers & all transfers by private coach
- Train ticket for the Bernina Express from Tirano – Saint-Moritz
- Panoramic Zurich city tour
- Panoramic Milan city tour
- Panoramic Geneva city tour
- Included: Alsace Wonders Colmar & Strasbourg Tour, worth 100 Euro
- Included: Basel Tour, worth 50 Euro
- Included: Lausanne and Montreux Tour, worth 40 Euro
- Included: Annecy Tour, worth 50 Euro
- Included: Freiburg Tour, worth 40 Euro
- Included: Como & Lugano Tour, worth 75 Euro
- Included: 4 Countries in One Day Tour, worth 160 Euro
- Professional Turkish-speaking guiding and assistance services
- Hotel and tourist city taxes (25-30 Euro)
- TURSAB mandatory professional liability insurance
- Travel and health insurance (a surcharge applies for those over 65)
Not Included
Services Not Included in the Package Price:
- Fees for exit tax from the country, visa, etc. for personal and official items
- All kinds of personal expenses and hotel extras.
- All services not explicitly stated in the program and included services.
- Optional tours / activities, if any in the program.
- Alcoholic / non-alcoholic beverages taken with included meals, if any in the program.
- Domestic connecting flights and domestic transportation fees.
- Tips and driver tips are not included.
General Information
IMPORTANT NOTES
REGARDING THE TOUR PROGRAM
• The advertised prices are subject to a tiered pricing system that applies as seats fill up. • Your travel documents and airline tickets must be with you throughout the trip. • For the package tour to take place, sufficient participation is required (the required number of participants is typically set at a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 40 people, but this may vary by date and tour). If sufficient participation cannot be achieved, the final cancellation notice date is 20 days before the tour start. A tour cancelled due to insufficient participation will be communicated to you through your agency. • Where deemed necessary, the right is reserved to change the order in which tours/cities are visited and the airline, without prior notice and without impairing the program content. • Holding a valid passport and/or visa does not guarantee entry into the country. Passport control has the authority to deny entry; in such cases BinRota bears no responsibility and full responsibility rests with the passenger. • BinRota acts as an intermediary between the airline and the passenger and is subject to the 28.09.1955 Hague Protocol. Delays may occur on scheduled and charter flights, and flight times may change; BinRota is obliged to notify such changes as soon as possible. Our passengers purchase the tour knowing and accepting that flight details may change.
REGARDING ACCOMMODATION
• Hotels listed in the program are in the "or similar" category; the final hotel information is communicated 48 hours before the tour departure. • The star classification of hotels may vary according to the local conditions of the countries visited. • During busy periods such as fairs, congresses, concerts, events or sports tournaments, hotels may be selected further away than the stated distances. • Check-in is at 15:00 local time at the earliest, and check-out is between 11:00 and 12:00. • Bed type cannot be guaranteed and is blocked according to hotel availability. Triple rooms are provided depending on hotel suitability and consist of 1 large bed + 1 extra bed; since extra beds are fold-out or convertible sofa (coach bed) types, guests in the 3rd person and/or child bookings are deemed to accept the possible crowding and bed type. Child discounts apply to one (1) child staying with 2 adults and falling within the age group specified in the pricing section. • For group accommodations, breakfast may be served as a limited continental breakfast (butter, jam, bread, tea or coffee) in line with the local culture of the country, in a separate room allocated to the group and at a time set specifically for the group.
REGARDING AIRLINE TICKETS
• Tickets are issued to exactly match the name/surname, date of birth, Turkish ID number and passport details; our agency is not responsible for incorrect information submitted. • You must be at the airport at least 3 hours before the flight. Online check-in is performed by the guest 24 hours before the flight. Some airlines do not allow online check-in and seat selection on group tickets. • Our agency is not responsible for delays, cancellations, or changes in time/route/price caused by the airline. • Under airlines' sequential ticket rules, if the outbound flight is not used, the return flight may also be cancelled.
NOTES ON GUIDANCE AND TOURS
• Panoramic city tours are general introductory tours of cities conducted from the vehicle with guide commentary, do not include museum/archaeological site entrances, and last a maximum of 2–3 hours. • Our agency is not responsible for tours that cannot be conducted due to closures of sites by local authorities, road closures or adverse weather conditions. Some tours may, where possible, be carried out by public transport or on foot due to closed roads or points where vehicle access is not permitted. • Optional / extra tours are organized by the local agency subject to a participation requirement of at least one third of the group size, and participation is not mandatory. If sufficient numbers are not reached, excursions may not take place, or the price, content and vehicle used may change depending on the number of participants. The days and times of optional tours may change depending on the open/closed status of museums/archaeological sites and weather conditions.
VISA AND PASSPORT
• Holders of ordinary (burgundy) passports are subject to visa requirements; holders of private (green) and service passports are exempt from visas. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the end date of travel and must not be older than 10 years. The passport must have blank pages for entry and exit stamps. • For destinations requiring a visa, applications must be made with the documents listed in the "Documents Required for Visa" list that your agency will send you. • Torn, worn, wet or otherwise damaged passports must be renewed; if the destination country applies visas to Turkish citizens, the valid visa must be present in the new passport. Otherwise, responsibility lies with the passenger. • Guests under 18 years of age travelling alone or with only one parent may be asked for a joint consent document at border crossings; we recommend taking care in this regard.
HEALTH
• There are no mandatory vaccinations for the European countries visited. • No health issues are expected at hotels and quality restaurants; however, outside of group times, it is recommended that you drink bottled water, avoid ice, milk and dairy products, eat well-cooked meat/fish, and prefer fruits with peelable skins such as bananas and pineapples.
CURRENCY
• Countries using the Euro (EUR): Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece and other Eurozone countries. • Countries using their own currency: Switzerland (Swiss Franc / CHF), United Kingdom (Pound Sterling / GBP), Czechia (Czech Koruna / CZK), Hungary (Forint / HUF), Poland (Złoty / PLN), Denmark / Sweden / Norway (Krone). It is advisable to carry some Euros with you even in countries outside the Eurozone.
TIME ZONE
• Most continental European countries (Germany, Austria, Belgium, Czechia, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Hungary, Poland, etc.) are 1 hour behind Turkey during summer time and 2 hours behind during winter time. • The United Kingdom and Portugal are 2 hours behind Turkey during summer time and 3 hours behind during winter time. • Greece is in the same time zone as Turkey.
ELECTRICITY AND PLUGS
• In Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Portugal, Greece and most continental European countries, plug types are the same as in Turkey (Type C/F, 220–230V). • The United Kingdom uses a different plug type (Type G, three flat pins), so you will need a plug adapter for this country.
PHONE USAGE
• If your mobile phone line is enabled for international use (roaming), it can be used abroad.
SHOPPING
• There are opportunities to shop at shopping malls in city centers and souvenir stalls. In EU countries, you may benefit from the Tax Free (VAT refund) option on purchases above a certain amount.
CLOTHING AND ESSENTIAL ITEMS
• In the summer season: easy-to-wear T-shirts and shirts, cotton trousers, shorts, comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket and sweater for evenings; hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera and chargers are also recommended. • In the winter season: layered clothing that allows comfortable movement and keeps you warm, a coat, scarf, hat and waterproof shoes are recommended.