Tour Detail
Ankara Departure International Tours: Christmas Markets Tour on the Rhine River with a Direct Flight from Ankara
Ready to explore the world-famous Christmas markets, decorated with colorful lights, on the banks of the Rhine River, where history and fairy tales meet in the heart of Europe, without the stress of transfers? Ankara departure international tours and Ankara departure river cruises: the most enchanting and most sought-after winter season route, the Full-Packed Christmas Markets Tour on the Rhine River, takes you directly to Europe's winter fairy tale with the comfort of a direct flight departing from Ankara Esenboğa Airport. Without wasting time on long connections, a dreamlike holiday awaits you, from the sparkling streets of Strasbourg to the magnificent cathedral of Cologne, from the half-timbered houses of Alsace to the historic castles of the Rhine Valley.
Optimized by our agency's expert team with the most efficient route flow, this special Ankara departure Christmas markets tour ensures you make the best use of your time and budget. Don't miss this unique winter adventure with its advantageous European tour prices, comfortable concept and packed content.
The Most Important Highlights and Routes Awaiting You on This Tour
Ankara departure international tours and New Year period tours are among the top searches, and this comprehensive route showcases the most valuable landmarks along the Rhine in order:
1. Strasbourg and the Fairytale Towns of Alsace (France)
Strasbourg, known as the "Capital of Christmas," and the region's most charming villages.
- Strasbourg Christmas Markets: The oldest market squares in the shadow of the historic Notre Dame Cathedral, adorned with giant Christmas trees and colorful decorations.
- Colmar and Riquewihr: Fairytale towns with canals, flower-decked stone streets and the "Little Venice" district, transforming into a true postcard in the winter months.
2. Historic German Cities on the Banks of the Rhine
- Heidelberg and Baden: Historic streets where the heart of German romanticism beats, castle ruins and elegant architecture.
- Koblenz and Cochem: Medieval castles and river views at the point where the Rhine and Mosel rivers meet.
- Cologne: Europe's largest and most magnificent Christmas markets, set up in front of the magnificent Cologne Cathedral on the UNESCO list.
What You Need to Know About the Rhine River Christmas Markets Tour
1. When Should You Go on This Christmas Tour?
This special route is carried out in December (Christmas market season), when the New Year's excitement in Europe peaks and cities are decorated with colorful lights and ornaments.
2. Is a Visa Required for This Tour?
Yes, since the countries on the route are within the Schengen Area, Turkish citizens need to obtain a Schengen visa. Our agency makes the process easier by providing professional support to our guests on document preparation, appointments and necessary guidance during the visa application process before the tour.
3. What to Eat and Drink on This Route?
Delicious flavors that surround the markets and historic streets along the Rhine in winter:
- Freshly Baked Gingerbread Cookies and Christmas Pastries (Lebkuchen): Traditional winter snacks scented with cinnamon and cloves.
- Hot Chocolate and Milky Drinks Similar to Salep: Freshly made hot beverages that warm you up in historic squares and cafes.
- Regional Bakery Products and Pretzels: Crispy German pretzels and local pastry flavors.
- Local Soups and Oven Dishes: Traditional German and Alsatian home-style dishes served hot on winter days.
Why Should You Choose the Christmas Markets Tour on the Rhine River from Ankara?
- Direct Flight Advantage: Thanks to the direct flights departing from Ankara Esenboğa Airport, you can travel non-stop, without fatigue and without wasting time.
- Unique Winter Atmosphere: A fascinating route combining the most famous Christmas markets along the Rhine, from Strasbourg to Cologne, in a single trip.
- Budget-Friendly Prices: An economical, comfortable and dreamlike winter holiday opportunity with advantageous tour prices.
- Expert Guidance: Professional Turkish-speaking guide support sharing the region's rich history, the best photo spots and Christmas traditions.
Reserve Your Spot Before the Quotas Fill Up!
Reserve your spot right away on this popular route between Ankara departure international tours to explore the fairytale Christmas markets of the Rhine River, Strasbourg and the colorful towns of Alsace with the advantage of a direct flight from Ankara. Contact our agency for early booking opportunities!
Tour Program
01 Ankara – Frankfurt – Strasbourg
02 Strasbourg
03 Mannheim – Mainz – Rüdesheim
04 Rüdesheim – Koblenz
05 Cologne – Düsseldorf – Ankara
What's Included
- Economy class airline ticket on the round-trip route with SunExpress from Ankara (ESB) – Frankfurt (FRA) // Düsseldorf (DUS) – Ankara (ESB)
- 4-night full board accommodation on the MS Gloria river ship (Full board service starts with dinner on the day of embarkation and ends with breakfast on the day of disembarkation).
- All tours included in the program
- Airport taxes & ship port taxes
- Airport transfers (on the day of embarkation and the day of disembarkation)
- Entertainment and activity package (Turkish Music Group, Professional Sports Instructor)
- Coffee & tea station all day on the ship and afternoon tea refreshments
- Welcome Cocktail
- Captain’s Gala Cocktail, Gala Special Menu
- Porter service for luggage on the ship’s first and last day
- Travel & Health Insurance (valid from the moment the trip starts outside Turkey.)
- Professional Turkish-speaking guide
- TURSAB compulsory professional liability insurance
Not Included
- Visa fee and service charge
- Domestic connecting flight ticket
- International departure tax
- Ship Crew Service Fee (Calculated at 14 Euro per person per night, and a total of 56 Euro per person will be added to your room account.)
- City taxes (A total of 45 Euro will be collected in cash on the ship by your guide).
- Optional tours organized by the ship or guide
- All kinds of personal expenses
- Museum and archaeological site entrance fees not specified in the services included in the price
- Travel & Health Insurance Surcharge (for guests aged 65 and over)
- Driver tips 5-10 Euro / per person (optional)
- All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on board
Important information
Round-Trip Transfer from Your Home to the Airport for Tours Departing from Ankara Is on Us!