RHINE RIVER CRUISE & CHRISTMAS MARKETS ITINERARY

Day 01 | Friday, Dec 11, 2026: ISTANBUL – DÜSSELDORF – COLOGNE

Meeting at Istanbul Airport International Terminal, Turkish Airlines counter at 05:30. Following check-in and passport formalities, departure for Düsseldorf via Turkish Airlines flight TK1523 at 08:00. Arrival in Düsseldorf at 09:20 local time, followed by a Panoramic Düsseldorf City Tour.

Explore Düsseldorf, one of Germany’s most popular cities, renowned for its Baroque architecture, lush parks, high living standards, and premier shopping. Afterwards, we depart for Cologne for a Guided Walking Tour. Established in the most favorable region of the Rhine Valley, Cologne is one of Germany’s oldest settlements with a 2,000-year history. Highlights include the iconic Cologne Cathedral (Dom), famous for its towering spires, the Hohe Strasse shopping district, and the scenic Rhine riverfront. Following the tour, transfer to our ship at the Cologne pier and cabin check-in. The ship sets sail at 17:00. Enjoy a "Welcome Cocktail" and dinner on board. Overnight stay on the ship.

Day 02 | Saturday, Dec 12, 2026: MAINZ (RÜDESHEIM)

Enjoy breakfast while cruising through the scenic Rhine. Arrival in Mainz, one of Germany’s best-preserved cities, at approximately 11:00. We will conduct a guided walking tour of Mainz before lunch. Mainz is a captivating city where deep-rooted history is felt at every corner, offering an open-air historical journey with its monuments and museums. The vibrant Altstadt (Old Town), particularly around Augustinerstraße, still preserves the atmosphere of the Middle Ages and early modern era.

Witness the Augustinerkirche, with its magnificent Baroque facade that survived the war unscathed. Following lunch on board, we will travel by private vehicle through the most beautiful stretch of the river, known as the "Romantic Rhine." We will pass the Lorelei Rocks and verdant vineyards surrounding historic castles on our way to Rüdesheim. Located at the southern entrance of the Lorelei Valley, this charming town is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its viticulture. After a discovery tour with your guide, we highly recommend visiting the Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum or sipping a traditional Rüdesheimer Coffee on the famous Drosselgasse. Return to the ship for dinner, followed by a visit to the dazzling Mainz Christmas Market, famous for its festive lights and warm atmosphere. The ship departs at 22:00. Overnight stay on the ship.

Day 03 | Sunday, Dec 13, 2026: MANNHEIM (HEIDELBERG – SPEYER)

After breakfast, we begin the day at 09:00 with a tour of Heidelberg, located on the banks of the Neckar River—a muse for many philosophers. Our walking tour includes Heidelberg University, Germany's oldest and most prestigious educational institution. We will explore the Old Bridge (Carl-Theodor Bridge), historic churches, and the 1.5 km long Hauptstrasse. The Heidelberg Castle offers a postcard-perfect view from the outside.

Next, we head to Speyer. With 2,000 years of history, Speyer takes visitors back in time to one of the most important stages of German Medieval history. The city's crown jewel is the Speyer Imperial Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981 and one of the largest Romanesque structures in the world. We will also see the Dreifaltigkeitskirche (Trinity Church), a masterpiece of late Baroque art. Speyer is set to be one of the most impressive stops of our Advent journey. Return to the ship after the tour. Overnight stay on the ship.

Day 04 | Monday, Dec 14, 2026: COLOGNE (BONN) – ISTANBUL

Following breakfast on board, we disembark with our luggage. Transfer by private vehicle to Bonn, the former capital of West Germany, for a Guided Walking Tour. Situated on both banks of the Rhine, Bonn awaits visitors with its art-filled squares, museums, and the Beethoven House (Beethoven-Haus). The Christmas markets add a unique festive spirit to the city during this season.

After the tour, transfer to Cologne-Bonn Airport. Following check-in and passport control, departure for Istanbul via Turkish Airlines (or partner) flight TK1676 at 18:15. Arrival at Istanbul Airport at 23:35 local time. End of our services.