Melk & Durnstein, Austria
Early this morning we arrived at the small town of Melk, Austria. Melk is situated at a quiet bend in the Danube River and the morning of our arrival was foggy and still. After finishing breakfast onboard the River Cloud, we departed in various ways to explore the imposing structure of Melk Abbey. Some guests walked with Ines and David, climbing the hill of the town to the Abbey courtyard. Others joined us for a short bus transfer to the top and we reconvened at the Abbey’s central fountain.
Our Abbey guides meandered through the contemporary exhibits of the Abbey and explained the tempestuous history of the fortified Benedictine Monastery. The current structure of Melk Abbey is a fantastic example of Baroque architecture, dating back to the early part of the 18th century. We finished our tour in the beautiful library, after a view of the hazy Danube from the Abbey balcony. Our experience was complete with a performance by Pater Bruno on the spectacular church organ.
For the remainder of the morning, we went our separate ways. Some guests joined Ines and David for a bicycle trip through the Wachau Valley to Durnstein. Others joined Jen in the Abbey Gardens for a walk to see the 250-year old Linden trees and unusual tropical foliage. Still more joined Ray and Lucy for a casual stroll through the wonderful streets of downtown Melk. Those of us cruising aboard this afternoon reconvened for lunch and set sail for our own experience in the Wachau Valley.
The Wachau Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with charming villages, terraced wine vineyards, and spectacular autumn colors. We passed our cyclists in the town of Spitz and gave them a hearty wave from the decks of the River Cloud.
We arrived at Durnstein in the afternoon and set off on some historical explorations of this beautiful, 16th century village. A few intrepid guests joined in a hike to the ruins of Kuenringerburg, the old castle that was once the prison of Richard the Lionheart. It began to rain only slightly, but didn’t dampen the spirits of those of us charmed by this lovely town. We met at Klosterkeller, a local heuriger or wine cellar, and tasted some of the local specialties: Gruner Veltliner and Riesling white wines.
We hosted our evening Recap and Briefing in the historic rooms of the heuriger, and toasted the end of a fine day on the Danube!
Early this morning we arrived at the small town of Melk, Austria. Melk is situated at a quiet bend in the Danube River and the morning of our arrival was foggy and still. After finishing breakfast onboard the River Cloud, we departed in various ways to explore the imposing structure of Melk Abbey. Some guests walked with Ines and David, climbing the hill of the town to the Abbey courtyard. Others joined us for a short bus transfer to the top and we reconvened at the Abbey’s central fountain.
Our Abbey guides meandered through the contemporary exhibits of the Abbey and explained the tempestuous history of the fortified Benedictine Monastery. The current structure of Melk Abbey is a fantastic example of Baroque architecture, dating back to the early part of the 18th century. We finished our tour in the beautiful library, after a view of the hazy Danube from the Abbey balcony. Our experience was complete with a performance by Pater Bruno on the spectacular church organ.
For the remainder of the morning, we went our separate ways. Some guests joined Ines and David for a bicycle trip through the Wachau Valley to Durnstein. Others joined Jen in the Abbey Gardens for a walk to see the 250-year old Linden trees and unusual tropical foliage. Still more joined Ray and Lucy for a casual stroll through the wonderful streets of downtown Melk. Those of us cruising aboard this afternoon reconvened for lunch and set sail for our own experience in the Wachau Valley.
The Wachau Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with charming villages, terraced wine vineyards, and spectacular autumn colors. We passed our cyclists in the town of Spitz and gave them a hearty wave from the decks of the River Cloud.
We arrived at Durnstein in the afternoon and set off on some historical explorations of this beautiful, 16th century village. A few intrepid guests joined in a hike to the ruins of Kuenringerburg, the old castle that was once the prison of Richard the Lionheart. It began to rain only slightly, but didn’t dampen the spirits of those of us charmed by this lovely town. We met at Klosterkeller, a local heuriger or wine cellar, and tasted some of the local specialties: Gruner Veltliner and Riesling white wines.
We hosted our evening Recap and Briefing in the historic rooms of the heuriger, and toasted the end of a fine day on the Danube!
