Durnstein & Melk
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Dürnstein is a small town on the Danube river in the Austrian state of Lower Austria. It is one of the most-visited tourist destinations in the
Wachau region and also a well-known wine growing area. Our first introduction was walk from the dock along the path to a small road to enter the town.
Durnstein is a quaint and beautiful place, with cobbled streets and narrow roads. It has an old world feeling and we just loved the style of 16th century houses
and shops here. They were incredibly preserved form time long ago. Unique souvenirs and craft is everywhere here as well as many different liqueurs
that come from the local area.
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Up on the hill, was the ruins of the famed Kuenringerburg Castle where Richard the Lionheart, was imprisoned. The history here is marked with many
images of that time and much information can be found on the tracks leading up to the castle. The hill is very steep and the long walk is worth the effort.
The castle is in ruins, but the views of the Wachau Valley and the Danube River are magnificent. A great day to revisit history and so easy to be introduced
to it by the informative signs and displays. After retracing or steps, taking many photos and admiring the views, we still had time to look around
in the town some more and we visited the former Augustinian Monastery of Dürnstein that is easily recognised by its blue tower and is the landmark of the
Wachau valley. Another highlight here od course was the wine tastings as the local vineyards produce some of the best wines and they certainly are a delight to drink.
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After a wonderful time in Durnstein, it was time to board the Travelmarvel Diamond and cruise down a spectacular part of the Danube to
reach Melk, our next place to visit. The scenery was full of colour, vineyards and churches and homes. Delightful trip and all too soon we were in Melk.
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Here after disembarking, we met a local guide who introduced himself to us and then we boarded the coach to go for
a short trip up to Melk Abbey. Looking up at it from the river made us so keen to explore a fabulous Abbey so off we went. It is known as biggest and
most beautiful European Baroque buildings and centres itself on art and preservation of historical and religious times. On arrival , we walked around
the step entrance and entered the building to see all the incredible artefacts that are here. The corridors and rooms are so full of history that the
short time we had was not enough. The views from the top showed what lovely countryside there is here and scattered with many homes and buildings one
could easily stay and spend more time.
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