Melk/Durnstein/Weissenkirchen (Wachau Valley)

We travelled 102 km overnight and docked in Melk at 7:30 am. It was nice to have a 9:30 am start for today's tour of Melk Abbey (Stift Melk), and a more leisurely start to the day. At breakfast, David was getting compliments for his performance during last night's show, and being asked if he'd had theatrical training!

Since 1089 the Abbey has been a Benedictine monastery, founded by Leopold II. The monastery was destroyed and rebuilt several times. Today's architecture dates from the beginning of the 18th century (Baroque). It was a short bus ride to the Abbey, where we had a one hour guided tour. It was very interesting to hear the history of the Abbey. Highlights were the views from the balcony, the amazing ancient library, and the church.

We had a quick look in the gardens, then walked down the hill to the small, quaint town. Then it was a longish stroll back to the boat for lunch. It was very sunny and warm. On the way through the town, David noticed the following sign, with the first mention of gluten-free we had seen anywhere in Europe.

After lunch we sailed for an hour and a half through the Wachau Valley. It was very picturesque, but the weather was alternating between warm sunshine, and drizzle.

Steve did another bike ride alongside the river, to meet up with the boat when it docked at Durnstein, beneath the castle where Richard I (Richard the Lionheart) had been imprisoned in 1192. We had a short tour of the town and it was sweltering hot. We had some samples of chocolate, then headed back to the boat to cool down.

This area is famous for its white wines, and apricot brandies and liquers. After another wonderful, special dinner served in the restaurant in the back of the boat (where we dined on NZ Lamb done to perfection) David and Steve joined a wine-tasting tour that included Austrian entertainment. This was back upstream at the town of Weissenkirchen, the boat sailing the short distance back during dinner, so that guests could enjoy the evening of wine-tasting. Jan and I retired to our cabins to get off our feet and relax.