Scenic Cruising through the Wachau Gorge

What a trip! Viking River Cruises Melk & Dürnstein (Wachau Valley)

Today is a big day for cruise passengers sailing on the Danube Waltz river cruise offered by Viking River Cruises. There are calls to the cities of Melk and Dürnstein and an optional excursion (extra cost) to a wine tasting at a winery in the Wachau Valley.

Melk

There was some type of delay at a lock near Melk so Viking Skadi stopped in Pochlarn, which is close by. The staff had already made arrangements for buses (four in total) to take passengers to Melk.

The highlight of the morning visit to Melk consists of going to a 900-year-old abbey. The abbey, a Benedictine monastery, was originally one of Leopold II’s castles. The abbey is a must-see, especially if cruise passengers like San Maria Maggiore in Rome and St Marks/St Lawrence in Venice. A great example of the High Baroque period. Make sure to check out the walls and ceiling frescoes and take note of the library’s comprehensive collection of medieval manuscripts. To learn more click here:  http://www.stiftmelk.at/englisch/

Melk Photo tour

Downtown Village of Melk

After lunch, Viking Skadi set off for scenic cruising of the Wachau Valley en route to the town of Dürnstein.   Our group has elected to participate in the optional wine tasting tour before setting off the Christmas Markets. Be sure to read Part II in the series, which I will complete upon return from the wine tasting.