Danube River Cruise - Vienna

Wien, as it is known in German, is an elegant and grand city. This morning our city tour takes us along the famous Ringstrasse to get a glimpse of Vienna`s grand and elegant architecture and a visit of St. Stephen's Cathedral, Austria's most eminent Gothic edifice which houses a wealth of art treasures.

Largely initiated by Rudolf IV and stands on the ruins of two earlier churches, the first being a parish church consecrated in 1147. As the most important religious building in Austria's capital, the cathedral has borne witness to many important events in that nation's history and has, with its multi-colored tile roof, become one of the city's most recognizable symbols.

 Our tour continues along Vienna`s beautiful pedestrian streets, past the palace buildings and the stables of the world famous Lipizzaner Stallions. We`re in luck as there are few horses in their stalls.
The Lipizzaner breed dates back to the 16th century, when it was developed with the support of the Habsburg nobility. The breed takes its name from one of the earliest stud farms established, located near the Kras village of Lipica (spelled "Lipizza" in Italian), in modern-day Slovenia.

Our tour ends right across the road from the famous Hotel Sacher, known for it`s delectable Sacher Torte.  A few of us decided to indulge ourselves and enjoy the fine cake and a cup of coffee.  
The Torte consists of two layers of dense, not overly sweet chocolate dough with a thin layer of apricot jam in the middle and dark chocolate icing on the sides and top.It is traditionally eaten with whipped cream, as most Viennese consider the torte too dry to be eaten without.  Wunderbar!


Some of us continue our walking tour as we pass through the gardens and on to the museum district.  We pass by a wonderful statue of Mozart and on to Maria Theresien Platz square where there is a huge monument of Maria Theresa in the middle of the square.Two museum buildings are on either side of the square and these monumental buildings mirror each other; they have the same neo-Renaissance design with large domes.

 Next stop - Shopping!  Shoes, shoes and shoes.  Such fun.  I love my new shoes.
We continue our walk along the Ring Strasse, past the Parliament Buildings and City Hall and stop for lunch at Langarten Cafe; a daily stop for Sigmund Freud.  I had a delicious Goulash Soup and a nice cold beer. Our day in Vienna must come to an end and we meander back through the picturesque city to catch our bus back to the ship.

 This evening we have another fabulous meal on board the Amalegro. We have another birthday celeberation.  Happy Birthday  Linda! I'm sure this was a great way to celebrate your birthday..

Afterwards we transfer by bus to a local vineyard for wine tasting and fun. Everyone seems to be having a great time.  There's story telling, singing and much laughter.  A wonderful night out with new and long time friends!