On Travelmarvel's 15 day Classical Europe cruise aboard the ms Sound of Music from Amsterdam to Budapest, weave right through the centre of the charming towns, villages and cities.
Day 1. Madrid, Toledo.
Set off from Madrid and head south to Toledo, the capital of Spain until 1560 and brimming with hundreds of years of history. Explore this magical city, including the magnificent cathedral, the fabulous Alcazar, Santa Maria la Blanca and the monastery of San Juan de los Reyes.
Day 2. Valdepenas, Cordoba.
Enter the vast plains of central Spain and the famed La Mancha – a land of fairytale castles, delicious wines and, of course, Don Quixote’s famous windmills. Arrive in Valdepenas, the centre of a world-renowned grape growing district, and admire the Plaza de España with its attractive blue and white façades. Visit a local bodega to sample the local wine and tapas. Continue to Cordoba, where you have the rest of the afternoon free.
Day 3. Cordoba, Seville.
This morning in Cordoba, visit Puente Romana, the mighty bridge the Romans built across the Guadalquivir River. You’ll also see the Great Mosque, a fascinating building that is part cathedral, part mosque. Afterwards, travel to Seville, epitomising all that is quintessentially Andalusian. Tonight you are at leisure to soak up the atmosphere of this city.
Day 4. Seville.
This morning enjoy a tour of Seville, visiting the great Cathedral, the Real Alcazar and the Santa Cruz district, where, in narrow alleyways, ancient houses almost lean over and touch each other. The afternoon is free to continue exploring on your own. Tonight you’ll gather with your fellow travellers for dinner and a visit to a traditional ‘tablaos’ – a club dedicated to the passion and energy of flamenco dance and song.
Day 5. Seville.
Today is at leisure to enjoy the delights of Seville. Alternatively, you can choose to join an optional cooking class, where you’ll learn to cook paella (own expense).
Day 6. Cadiz, Jerez de la Frontera, Arcos de la Frontera.
Today journey along the beautiful Andalusian coastline around Cadiz, a city famous for its picturesque charm and historical links with the sea. Then head inland to Jerez de la Frontera, where you can sample the world-famous sherry produced here. Continue to one of Andalusia’s ‘white villages’, Arcos de la Frontera. Set high on the mountainside, Arcos will enchant you as it balances dramatically on top of a rocky limestone ridge. From the central square you can climb the church bell tower for one of the most spectacular views to be found in all of Spain.
Day 7. Andalusian Coast.
Visit another of the famous white villages, Ronda, before heading to Costa del Sol, a magnet for holidaymakers and sun-seekers. Stop at the delightful town of Marbella, with its pretty alleyways lined with shops. Continue to quieter shores, and settle in to your hotel.
Day 8. Andalusian Coast.
Today is yours at leisure. You can explore the coast, take a swim, walk in the hills or just relax in the shade with a cooling drink.
Day 9. Granada.
This morning visit the beautiful village of Mihas, nestling comfortably on the mountainside. Continue to Granada, the jewel in the crown of Spain’s cultural and historic treasures. Explore the city’s riches and marvel at the cathedral, one of Spain’s most beautiful examples of Renaissance architecture.
Day 10. Granada.
This morning in Granada you’ll visit the Alhambra, the most famous example of Moorish architecture in the world and, quite rightly, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 11. Malaga.
Head back to the coast and visit the beautiful village of Frigiliana, a tangle of narrow cobbled streets lined by whitewashed houses with wrought-iron balconies overflowing with flowers. Continue to Nerja, where a fascinating system of caves containing paintings more than 20,000 years old await. Afterwards, head to Malaga for the evening.
Day 12. Malaga, Budapest, Embark Ship.
This morning after breakfast fly to Budapest and transfer to the MS AmaLegro.
Day 13. Budapest Sightseeing.
Join a sightseeing tour of Budapest. Visit 500 year-old Matthias Church, the Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle and more.
Day 14. Bratislava.
Relax this morning as you cruise to Bratislava. Disembark and join a walking tour, taking in the sights of this intriguing city.
Day 15. Vienna.
Disembark in Vienna this morning and enjoy a walking tour of this historic city.
Day 16. Durnstein, Melk.
This morning stop in Durnstein for a guided tour and a wine tasting. At lunch, continue to Melk for a tour of Melk Abbey.
Day 17. Linz, Passau.
Cruise past Linz and on to Passau. Here, disembark for a tour of this historic city.
Day 18. Regensburg.
Arrive in Regensburg and enjoy a guided tour of the city’s architectural highlights.
Day 19. Nuremberg.
Today, visit a number of Nuremberg’s World War II sites on a guided tour.
Day 20. Bamberg.
Disembark just outside of Bamberg and travel by coach into this enchanting town, where you’ll tour the city’s serpentine streets.
Day 21. Kitzingen, Wurzburg.
Arrive in Kitzingen and enjoy a walking tour. Then continue to Wurzburg and disembark for a tour of this charming city.
Day 22. Wertheim, Miltenberg.
Still in Germany, arrive in Wertheim. Enjoy time at leisure to look around, then board a coach and travel to Freudenberg, where you’ll rejoin the ship. During lunch, cruise to Miltenberg for a tour of this lovely town.
Day 23. Rudesheim, Koblenz.
Today arrive in Rudesheim, where a mini-train will take you to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum for a tour. Later, cruise through the Rhine Gorge on perhaps the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine.
Day 24. Koblenz, Cologne.
Today cruise from Koblenz to Cologne and enjoy a guided tour of this magnificent city, including its impressive cathedral.
Day 25. Cologne, Amsterdam.
Arrive in Amsterdam and join a canal boat cruise in a glass-top boat. Return to your ship for the Captain’s Gala Farewell Dinner.
Day 26. Disembark Ship, Depart Amsterdam.
Disembark the ship after breakfast and be transferred to the airport for your flight.
