Day 14 MELK 27/8/2019

We arrived in Melk at 7:30am. 

Up and about early as we have to be ready to go by 8:45. Today we are on a walking tour around the city of Melk.  

The first thing you see when you leave the ship is this rather large imposing building high up the side of hill.

So on the bus to the top of said hill to start our trip.

The Abbey was first a residence of the Babenberg family but since 1089 it has been a Benedictine monastery.  For over 900 years the, nuns have lived and worked in Melk Abbey following  rules laid down by St.Benedict. There is still active parishes and schools within the Abbey. Since 1978 extensive restoration works have been carried out, and once again the Abbey stands out as one of Austria’s finest attractions. Over time the monastery has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. 

Our guide showed us around the rest of the town which had some very quaint boutiques and coffee shops. 

We then walked back to the ship through the forest for a light lunch as Ian had signed up to ride from Melk to Dürnstein (38kms), whilst we stayed on the ship and sailed there. 

When we arrived At Dürnstein Rosie, Rob and  myself walked into town for a stroll around the village.  This little town was on the side of the hill the town had small lane-ways and quaint shops. Only window shopping, at the end of the village we had a magnificent view over The Danube.  We sat in a little cafe and had a drink before walking back to the ship.

By the time we returned the cyclists had turned up and were having a well earned beer in the bar. 

After dinner tonight the chefs turned on the most magnificent dessert bar, OMG  I have never seen so much cake in one spot.

We were saying at lunch today we have had nothing to complain about on this cruise absolutely everything has been amazing.  Would recommend it to any to come on one of these cruises only if you are of a certain age not for the young too slower pace perhaps for you 🤣🤣🤣