Geo: 48.2341, 15.3316A town population of 5,000 near the end of the Wachau Valley. The 10th© home of the Babenberg family, the original rulers of Austria.... read more

Geo: 48.2242, 16.4083Too many incredible buildings for me to show. Vienna should be a 'must see' on a trip to Europe. Continuity of 650 years of Hapsburg rule up to 1918 is reflected in the art, architecture, music, Lippizaner stallions, etc.There was a private concert for our passengers last night in the Albertine Palace. Orchestra plus two singers performing Strauss and Mozart music. No prizes for guessing The Blue Danube was on the bill. We felt very cultured (between naps).Today went to the Museum of Fine Arts. What a treasure! We had a great guide who beautifully described the main items in each room. Forget Paris museums, check this out. Included some pics, see captions...... read more

Geo: 47.7951, 18.7224Budapest highlights then start the 23 hour cruise to Vienna.At 2,600km, the Danube is the second longest river in Europe (after the Volta). It's quite shallow and typically there's only 1.5 m of water under our keel. Before the snow melt, it's too shallow for the cruise ships in Jan and Feb. The smallest locks (69 of them on our cruise) are 12m wide, leaving very little space either side of the 11.45m wide boat.Tomorrow I'll add some pics of the boat.... read more

Geo: 50.083, 14.4163Today a road trip to Karlstejn Castle via a glassworks and a micro brewery.There can't be too many places where beer is the cheapest beverage, of any kind. The brewery sells craft beer in 1.5l plastic bottles with screw tops for 40 Crowns - AUD$2.50. About the same price as for a small soft drink.The 14th© castle even had some original wood furniture, as well as wood panelling, ceilings, etc. It still didn't come close to the churches for Wow factor, but not many can compete with promises of an afterlife.Off to Budapest early tomorrow to join our cruise.... read more

Geo: 50.0831, 14.4164Met our guide Marketa at our hotel and planned the activities for the next days. Old and New Town walking tour today.Decided not to post umpteen pictures of old buildings, but for a few pics that I couldn't resist. (Don't forget to read the captions).... read more