Cool spring morning greeted us as we arrived in Durnstein. Delightful hillside town with beautiful church, medieval significance and great shops. A long solo wander was just what was needed. Too many guided tours can do your head in!
An early lunch and then three hours of 'scenic cruising'. Top deck, deck chair, umbrella, perfectly balanced commentary and mood music, local wine and appropriate finger food (even an ice cream party!) , spring sunshine, no wind .... simply perfect. The Wachau Valley revealed hillside vineyards, quaint villages, Austrian church steeples, May Poles, ruined and restored castles and rolling hills and mountains round every Danube bend. All I had hoped for in this river cruise experience.
Arriving late afternoon in Melk we headed off on a guided tour of the amazing 600 year old abbey. Beautifully presented for those of us, a bit in the know, and impressive too for the uninitiated. A very pleasant walk through the town back to the ship.
Yet another delightful meal with our Croatian tour group followed.
BTW ... Last night I spent from 12 - 1 on the top deck experiencing the sail away from Vienna. Just me and the captain in the bridge! Cold but worth it.
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ReplyDeleteJust catching up with the blog Helen. It all sounds so delightful. Good on you for staying up to farewell Vienna. What a lovely memory! :)
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