4* Superior Rhine Symphony Ship with the Rhine River – Colorful Christmas Markets Tour
Day 01 | 11.12.2026 Friday ISTANBUL – DUSSELDORF – COLOGNE
Meet at Istanbul Airport, International Departures Terminal, Turkish Airlines counter at 05:30. After check-in and passport procedures, departure to Düsseldorf with Turkish Airlines flight TK1523 at 08:00. Arrival in Düsseldorf at 09:20 local time and panoramic Düsseldorf City Tour. Known for its Baroque architecture, lush parks, gardens, high living standards, and shopping opportunities, Düsseldorf is one of Germany’s most popular cities. After the city tour, transfer to Cologne and join your guide for a walking tour of Cologne. The city is located in the most suitable region of the Rhine Valley and has a history of 2000 years, making it one of Germany’s oldest settlements. The Cologne Cathedral, with its high bell towers, Hochstraße shopping street and pedestrian zone, and the Rhine River are among the sights to see during our city tour. After the tour, transfer to our ship at Cologne port, settle into your cabins, and at 17:00, the ship departs. Welcome cocktail. Dinner onboard. Overnight on the ship.
Day 02 | 12.12.2026 Saturday MAINZ (RUDESHEIM)
Enjoy breakfast with the beauty of the Rhine River. Around 11:00, arrive in Mainz, one of Germany’s best-preserved cities. A guided walking tour of Mainz will take place before lunch. Mainz is a fascinating city rich in history at every corner. Its impressive buildings, monuments, and museums offer visitors an open-air historical journey. The lively old town (Altstadt) area, especially around Augustinerstraße with its narrow winding streets, still preserves the atmosphere of the Middle Ages and early modern periods. This area was once the city’s most important commercial street and still charms visitors with its historical texture. The Mainz Cathedral, with its well-preserved Baroque facade, rises elegantly among the houses and adds grandeur to the skyline. This city tour offers a perfect opportunity to discover Mainz’s different eras, cultural richness, and multifaceted character. After lunch on the ship, we will take a private vehicle through the most beautiful part of the Rhine known as the Romantic Rhine, passing by the Lorelei Rocks, castles, and lush vineyards of the Rhine Gorge, and arriving in Rüdesheim. Located on the southern entrance of the Lorelei Valley, Rüdesheim is a charming town with a long history of wine production and is part of UNESCO World Heritage. We recommend a guided exploration tour of the town and visiting the Siegfried Museum of Musical Instruments. Afterwards, enjoy coffee at Drosselgasse street in Rüdesheim. At the end of the day, return to the ship, have dinner, and join your guide for a visit to Mainz’s famous Christmas Market, a perfect finale to experience the magic of winter.
The ship departs from the port at 22:00. Overnight on the ship.
Day 03 | 13.12.2026 Sunday MANNHEIM (HEIDELBERG – SPEYER)
Enjoy breakfast before starting the day with a tour of Heidelberg at 09:00, located on the banks of the Neckar River, which inspires philosophers. In Heidelberg, start with a walking city tour. The Heidelberg University, the oldest in Germany and one of the most renowned educational institutions, is located here. The city is divided by the Neckar River and offers sights such as Carl-Theodor Old Bridge, historic churches, and the 1.5 km long Hauptstraße. The castle, seen from afar, has a postcard-like appearance. Afterward, we head to Speyer. Located on the Rhine, the charming Speyer has a 2,000-year history and takes visitors on a journey through time. Its most impressive monument is the Speyer Imperial Cathedral, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This massive Romanesque structure continues to awe visitors. Speyer’s cultural treasures are not limited to this; the Dreifaltigkeitskirche, once considered not very attractive, is now regarded as a fine example of late Baroque art. Walking through the streets, you feel the blend of history, architecture, and culture at every turn. Speyer is one of the most impressive stops on the Rhine’s Advent journey. Return to our ship after the tour. Overnight onboard.
Day 04 | 14.12.2026 Monday COLOGNE (BONN) – ISTANBUL
After breakfast onboard, disembark with your luggage. Transfer by private vehicle to Bonn, the former capital of Germany, where we will take a walking city tour with your guide. Bonn, the old capital of West Germany, is located on both sides of the Rhine River. The city’s squares are home to art pieces, museums, and Beethoven’s House (Beethoven-Haus). During the Christmas period, the markets add a special atmosphere to Bonn. After the tour, transfer to Cologne-Bonn Airport. Check-in and passport procedures, then depart to Istanbul with SunExpress flight TK1676 at 18:15. Arrive at Istanbul Airport at 23:35 local time. End of our tour.
Tour departure date;
From the time of booking: 20%
Between 59 days – 30 days: 70%
Between 29 days – 21 days: 90%
From 20 days to the day of the tour departure: 100% penalty!
What's Included
- Turkish Airlines with Istanbul – Düsseldorf / Cologne – Istanbul economy class flight ticket
- Airport and port taxes (per person 480 Euro)
- 3 nights / 4 days full-board accommodation aboard the 4* SUPERIOR RHEIN SYMPHONIE cruise ship
- Full-board service begins with dinner on the embarkation day and ends with breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Airport transfers specified in the program
- Home-to-home airport transfers in the specified cities
- All excursions worth €320 as specified in the program
- Drink package worth €120 on the ship
- Professional Turkish-speaking Tour Leadership Service (provided if minimum group size of 20 people is met)
- 24/7 tea & coffee station on the ship
- Welcome reception treats and captain’s gala dinner
- Live music & activities on the ship
- Türsab mandatory liability and travel health insurance
- Over 70 years old, 100% surcharge applies. Since the insurance is also a professional compulsory insurance, cancellations are not possible.
Not Included
- Crew and local driver guide service fee
- 60 euros per person is collected in advance on the airport meeting day
- Minibar, internet package, laundry service
- Travel cancellation insurance
- Exit fee for abroad
Our partners
