We docked this morning under the gaze of the magnificent Melk Abbey. As well as being a UNESCO World Heritage site it houses a community of Benedictine monks who have been living there for over 900 years.

Walking down stairs to the Abbey were some poppies in flower, a lovely colour contrast to the stone.

The stunning facade embraced a courtyard, where we entered via the imperial chambers.

No interior photography was allowed, so I’ve included some post card shots. The library was most impressive, especially the fresco.Whilst the dining room was bit extravagant it was nothing compared to the church, especially the cupola. With everything being guilded and ornate it wasn’t my idea of a church, rather a representation of what they thought paradise to be in their time.

The views out over the river and town were spectacular, everything being on such a big scale.

The garden was a bit more intimate, more like a park rather than a lot of flower beds. Unfortunately we didn’t have enough time to explore it, being scheduled for a scenic afternoon cruise through the Wachau Valley.

Although not as stunning as the Rhine Valley Castle cruise the Wachau Valley provided plenty of castles, churches and little towns scattered along its course. Being protected there no modern buildings to detract from then.

Durnstein next to the Danube, with its overlooking castle that imprisoned King Richard the Lionheart in 1192.

We are currently moored up against Krems City mooring. The church opposite provides a most scenic outlook from our balcony. Tomorrow…..VIENNA 🎼🎻🎹