Today we took an optional tour rather than an included one, to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. This is a landlocked country, whose eastern border is Ukraine ! Splitting from Czechoslovakia, and then overthrowing its communist regime in 1993, it has had a turbulent history. Nether the less we thought it worth a visit being so far from home, and not knowing much about it.

We were a small group of 25, plus our guide Eva, who was from Bratislava. It’s only an hours journey from Vienna, and indeed we could see Austria from the castles walls. The border is marked by wind turbines. Austria has them, Slovakia doesn’t !

Dominating over the city Bratislava Castle has been largely reconstructed after a fire, with the formal style gardens being a recent addition, but done in the correct period style.

After a wander we were coached down to the city, also dominated by the Slovakian Popular Uprising Bridge, or UFO bridge, due to its unique restaurant at the top.

Compared to Vienna it was quiet, a welcome respite from the last couple of days.

The city has a number of quirky statues, being popular for selfie’s these are loosely based on past locals.

Lunch was at Caranevalle Restaurant, being empty they were appreciative of our custom. The main dish of ravioli with creamy sheep’s cheese filling were delicious, but we opted out of the 70% proof local liquor.

After another hour or so for shopping / exploring it was time to meet Eva and head back to Viking Lif. It’s a fascinating city, still with many signs of its communist past, but obviously a country of great potential, witness all the car manufacturers there….Seat, Land Rover, and Peugeot to name but a few.

With the gangplank crane standing by Lif moved soon after our return. Sailing downstream we passed many other river cruise ships at their moorings, it’s a highlight for many of them.

Later that evening we sailed through Bratislava, the UFO bridge looked good being lit up in different colours.