Full-Fledged 5-Country Alpine Tour and Bernina Express Route (BSL-ZRH)

9 March 2027 – 16 March 2027 | 7 Nights, 8 Days
Tour details

IMPORTANT NOTES

ABOUT THE TOUR PROGRAM

• The advertised prices are subject to a tiered pricing system that applies as capacity fills up. • Your travel documents and flight tickets must be with you throughout the journey. • The tour will take place only if sufficient participation is achieved (typically, the minimum required number of participants is 20 and the maximum is 40, though this may vary by date and tour). If sufficient participation is not met, the final cancellation notification date is 20 days prior to the tour start. Tours cancelled due to insufficient participation will be communicated to you through your agency. • In necessary cases, we reserve the right to change the order of cities visited and the airline company without prior notice, provided the program content remains unchanged. • Possessing a valid passport and/or visa does not guarantee entry into the country. Border police have the authority to deny entry; BinRota is not responsible for this situation, and all responsibility lies entirely with the passenger. • BinRota acts as an intermediary between the airline and the passenger and is subject to the Hague Protocol of 28.09.1955. There may be risks of delays or cancellations in scheduled and special flights, and flight times may change; BinRota is obligated to notify passengers of such changes as soon as possible. Our passengers purchase the tour knowing and accepting that flight details may change.

ABOUT ACCOMMODATION

• Hotels specified in the program are listed as "and similar" categories; final hotel information will be provided 48 hours before the tour departure. • Hotel star ratings may vary depending on local conditions in the destination countries. • During peak periods such as fairs, congresses, concerts, events, or sports tournaments, hotels may be selected at distances greater than those specified. • Check-in at the hotel is earliest at 15:00 local time, and check-out is between 11:00 - 12:00. • Bed types cannot be guaranteed and are blocked based on hotel availability. Triple rooms are assigned according to hotel suitability and consist of 1 large bed + 1 extra bed; since extra beds are foldable or convertible sofa beds (coach beds), guests booking triple rooms and/or children are deemed to accept potential crowding and the bed type. Child discounts apply only to one child aged within the range specified in the pricing section, traveling alongside two adults. • In group accommodations, breakfast is typically served as a limited continental menu (butter, jam, bread, tea or coffee) in a separate room allocated to the group, at a specific time designated for the group, in accordance with the culture of the country visited.

ABOUT FLIGHT TICKETS

• Tickets are issued exactly matching the name/surname, date of birth, Turkish ID number, and passport details on the passport; our agency bears no responsibility for incorrect information provided. • Passengers must be at the airport at least 3 hours before the flight time. Online check-in is performed by the guest 24 hours before the flight. Some airlines do not allow online check-in or seat selection for group tickets. • Our agency is not responsible for delays, cancellations, or changes in time/route/price caused by the airline. • Due to airlines' sequential ticket rules, if the outbound flight is not used, the return flight may also be cancelled.

NOTES ON GUIDING AND TOURS

• Panoramic city tours are guided tours conducted from inside the vehicle to provide a general introduction to cities; they do not include entrance fees to museums or historical sites and last a maximum of 2-3 hours. • Our agency is not responsible for tours being unable to proceed due to closures of sightseeing locations by local authorities, road closures, or adverse weather conditions. Some tours may be conducted using public transport or on foot, where feasible, due to closed roads or points where vehicle access is not permitted. • Optional/extra tours are organized by the local agency subject to a minimum participation requirement of one-third of the group size and participation is not mandatory. If the required number is not met, tours may not take place, or prices, content, and vehicles used may vary based on the number of participants. The days and times of optional tours may be changed depending on whether museums/historical sites are open or closed and weather conditions.

VISA AND PASSPORT

• Holders of ordinary (red) passports require a visa; holders of special (green) and service passports are exempt from visas. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the end date of the trip and must not be older than 10 years. There must be blank pages in the passport for entry and exit stamps. • For destinations requiring a visa, applications must be made using the documents listed in the "Documents Required for Visa" list provided by your agency. • Torn, worn, wet, or otherwise damaged passports must be renewed; if the destination country requires a visa for Turkish citizens, a valid visa must be present in the new passport. Otherwise, responsibility lies with the passenger. • Guests under 18 years old traveling alone or with only one parent may be asked for a joint consent document at border crossings; we advise exercising caution in this matter.

HEALTH

• There are no mandatory vaccinations for visiting European countries. • No health issues are expected in hotels and quality restaurants; however, during times outside the group schedule, it is recommended to consume bottled water, avoid ice, milk and dairy products, eat well-cooked meat/fish, and prefer fruits that can be peeled like bananas and pineapples.

CURRENCY

• Countries using Euro (EUR): Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece, and other Eurozone countries. • Countries using their own currency: Switzerland (Swiss Franc / CHF), United Kingdom (Pound Sterling / GBP), Czech Republic (Czech Koruna / CZK), Hungary (Forint / HUF), Poland (Zloty / PLN), Denmark/Sweden/Norway (Krona). It is advisable to carry some Euros even when visiting countries outside the Eurozone.

TIME ZONES

• Most Continental European countries (Germany, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Hungary, Poland, etc.) are 1 hour behind Turkey during daylight saving time and 2 hours behind during standard winter time. • United Kingdom and Portugal are 2 hours behind Turkey during daylight saving time and 3 hours behind during standard winter time. • Greece is in the same time zone as Turkey.

ELECTRICITY AND PLUGS

• In Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Portugal, Greece, and most Continental European countries, plug types are the same as in Turkey (Type C/F, 220-230V). • In the United Kingdom, a different plug type (Type G, three flat pins) is used; you must bring a plug adapter for this country.

TELEPHONE USE

• Your mobile phone line can be used abroad if international roaming is enabled.

SHOPPING

• You have the opportunity to shop at shopping malls and souvenir stalls in city centers. In EU countries, you can benefit from Tax Free (tax refund) on purchases above a certain amount.

CLOTHING AND ESSENTIAL ITEMS

• Summer season: T-shirts and shirts that are easy to put on and take off, cotton trousers, shorts, comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket and sweater for evenings; additionally, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, and chargers are recommended. • Winter season: Layered clothing that allows free movement and keeps you warm, jackets, scarves, beanies, and waterproof shoes are recommended.

What's included
  • Economy class air ticket with Turkish Airlines between Istanbul (IST) – Basel (BSL) / Zurich (ZRH) – Istanbul (IST)
  • 7-night room and breakfast accommodation in 4-star hotels
  • Airport-hotel-airport transfers & all transfers by private bus
  • Ticket for the Bernina Express train between Tirano and Saint-Moritz
  • Panoramic city tour of Zurich
  • Panoramic city tour of Milan
  • Panoramic city tour of Geneva
  • 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: One-Day 4-Countries Tour worth 160 Euro
  • Professional Turkish guide and assistant services
  • Hotel and tourist city taxes (25-30 Euro)
  • TURSAB mandatory professional liability insurance
  • Travel and health insurance (surcharge applies for ages over 65)
Not included
  • Fees for personal and official items such as exit taxes, visas, etc.
  • All types of personal expenses and hotel extras.
  • All services not explicitly specified in the program and included services.
  • Optional tours / activities if available in the program.
  • Alcoholic / non-alcoholic beverages consumed during meals included in the program, if applicable.
  • Domestic connecting flights and domestic transportation fees.
  • Tips and driver gratuities are excluded.
Tour Program
Istanbul – Basel – Freiburg – Mulhouse
We meet our guide at the Istanbul Airport International Terminal, complete our baggage and ticket procedures at the Turkish Airlines counter, and then depart on a scheduled flight to Basel. Upon arrival in Basel, we begin our panoramic city tour, weather permitting. Highlights include the flower-adorned Altstadt (Old Town), the red sandstone City Hall, the 12th-century Münster Cathedral, and the Mittlere Rheinbrücke bridge over the Rhine River. Next, we head to Freiburg, Germany. During our visit, we will see the "Bächle," small water channels lining the streets with a total length of 15.5 km; the Freiburger Münster (Cathedral) with its 116-meter-high tower visible from every corner of the city; the Markthalle (Covered Market) offering a wide array of international cuisines; the large Münsterplatz square; Rathausplatz, home to the old and new town halls; Kaiser Joseph Street, filled with souvenir shops and cafés; and Augustiner Platz, the city's central meeting point. At the end of the tour, we transfer to our hotel in Mulhouse for overnight stay.
Mulhouse – Alsace – Strasbourg – Riquewihr – Colmar – Mulhouse
After breakfast at our hotel, we set off for our Strasbourg & Colmar tour to discover the wonders of Alsace. First, we head to Strasbourg, the second most important city in the European Union after Brussels. This historically and culturally rich city is the birthplace of Gutenberg, Rouget de Lisle, the philosopher Erasmus, and the writer Goethe. Strasbourg's historic center lies within the "Grande Île," a UNESCO World Heritage site; during our city tour, we will see the Notre-Dame Cathedral and many other historic buildings situated on an island surrounded by the river. To the southwest of this island is La Petite France (Little France), the city's most beautiful district, where we enjoy a pleasant walk among the confluence of rivers, Renaissance-era historic houses, and museums. Next, we travel to Riquewihr, a village famous for its vineyards, flower-adorned balconies, car-free cobblestone streets, and well-preserved structures that escaped damage during World War II. As the most visited village in the region, Riquewihr, with its population of about 1,100 and surrounding vineyards, is like a true gem. Typical Alsatian half-timbered houses in pastel tones and decorated with flowers line the gently sloping main street, Grand Rue. Finally, we proceed to the fairy-tale town of Colmar. Among the sights we will visit are the Old Customs House, the Pfister House, and the colorful houses surrounding the canals in Petite Venise (Little Venice). In this unique canal-lined setting, you can savor local delicacies and shop for souvenirs. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel in Mulhouse for overnight accommodation.
Mulhouse – Montreux – Lausanne – Geneva
After breakfast at our hotel, we depart for Montreux. Well-known in our national history, Montreux is not only renowned for its castles, historic structures, and natural beauty but also holds a significant place in the world of music. The iconic song "Smoke on the Water" tells the story of a fire that broke out at a casino in Montreux during a specific era. Additionally, a statue of Freddie Mercury, who spent his final years in this city, stands here. After an enjoyable break in Montreux, we view Chillon Castle, the symbol of the town, from a panoramic perspective and capture postcard-worthy views with our cameras. Next, we proceed to Lausanne. Due to hosting the signing of the Treaty of Lausanne on July 24, 1923, Lausanne occupies a special place in our national history; it was also one of the major episcopal centers of the Middle Ages. Following a short stop in the D'Ouchy district along the shores of Lake Geneva, we head to Geneva. Upon arrival at our hotel, we have free time. Overnight stay at our hotel.
Geneva – Annecy – Milan
After breakfast at our hotel, we begin our panoramic city tour of Geneva. Key sights on the tour include St. Pierre Cathedral, the Jet d'Eau fountain—a symbol of the city that reaches up to 140 meters—and the Monument to the Reformation. Following the tour, we depart for Annecy. Located in France's Haute-Savoie region at the foot of the Alps, Annecy is known as the "Venice of the Alps" due to its historic fabric woven with canals. We take a short stroll along the shores of the turquoise Lake Annecy, one of Europe's cleanest lakes, and enjoy a photo stop in this fairy-tale town. Among the highlights are the 12th-century Palais de l'Isle, built on a rocky island in the middle of the canal; the Pont des Amours, also known as the Lovers' Bridge; flower-lined canal banks; and the cobblestone streets of the old town. After our excursion, we set off toward Milan, traveling alongside breathtaking Alpine scenery. Upon arrival in Milan, we transfer to our hotel and spend the night there.
Milan – Como – Lugano – Milan
After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, we begin our panoramic city tour of Milan. Highlights of the tour include the iconic Duomo Cathedral, the Galleria, Piazza della Scala, and La Fortezza. Following the tour, we depart for our Como & Lugano excursion nestled at the foot of the Alps. Our journey starts with Lake Como, Italy's third-largest lake. This glacial lake, shaped like the letter "Y," welcomes countless visitors year-round amidst its stunning landscape where green meets blue. We take a short walk around this natural wonder and pause for photos; in this charming town, known for its quaint villages, we will visit Piazza Cavour and the 14th-century Duomo. Afterward, we proceed to Lugano. In this natural gem located within Swiss borders, we enjoy a panoramic drive around the breathtaking Lake Lugano, which captivates us with its unique views, followed by another photo stop. Finally, we transfer back to our hotel for overnight accommodation.
Milan – Zurich via the Bernina Express
After breakfast at our hotel, we depart by private vehicle to Tirano train station. Today, we embark on the Bernina Express, a truly enchanting journey that will fulfill your dreams. Built between 1898 and 1904 and now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the world-renowned Bernina line offers an extraordinary Alpine landscape along this fairytale route cherished by travelers worldwide. We will enjoy breathtaking views and have ample opportunities for photography throughout this delightful trip. Upon arrival at Saint Moritz train station, we continue our journey to Zurich in our private vehicle. After reaching Zurich, we transfer to our hotel for overnight accommodation.
Zurich – Rhine Falls – Lindau – Bregenz – Liechtenstein – Maienfeld (Heidi Village) – Rapperswil
After breakfast at our hotel, we depart early in the morning from our Zurich accommodation by private vehicle for our "Four Countries in One Day" tour. Our first stop is the Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall. Here, we take a brief pause to feel the power of this natural wonder up close amidst its roaring waters and capture plenty of photos. Next, we head to the shores of Lake Constance, first crossing into Lindau, a charming island town in Germany renowned for its medieval streets. Wandering through its narrow alleys, we admire the Bavarian Lion statue and the Lindau Lighthouse, while enjoying panoramic views of the lake and the Alps. We then proceed to Bregenz on the Austrian side of the lake, where we take a short break by the water. Afterward, we cross the border into Liechtenstein, one of the world's smallest yet most captivating countries. During free time in the center of Vaduz, our guests can shop in boutique stores, relax in cafés, or visit Vaduz Castle atop the hill; those who wish may have their passports stamped with a Liechtenstein souvenir mark. Leaving Vaduz, we re-enter Switzerland and arrive in Maienfeld, the setting of the beloved "Heidi" story. We take a short break in Heidi Village, nestled among Alpine meadows, immersing ourselves in the story's atmosphere and taking photos against the backdrop of fairytale mountain scenery. Continuing along the shores of Walensee, we make our final stop in Rapperswil, a town on the banks of Lake Zurich. Known as the "Town of Roses," Rapperswil offers lakeside walks and breathtaking views from Rapperswil Castle on the hill. At the end of the day, we return to our hotel in Zurich for an overnight stay.
Zurich – Istanbul
After breakfast at our hotel, we begin our panoramic city tour of Zurich. Highlights of the tour include Fraumünster Church, Grossmünster Church, the Swiss National Museum, the Opera House, Lake Zurich, the Glockenspiel Clock Tower, historic guild houses, the Zurich Old Town (Altstadt), and the bustling Bahnhofstrasse Avenue lined with world-famous shops. At the end of the tour, we transfer to Zurich Airport at a time determined by our guide. Following baggage check-in, ticket procedures, and customs formalities, we fly to Istanbul on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. Upon arrival, our tour concludes.