Linz

 


Today there was quite a choice of excursions. There were 2 full day tours, one to Salzburg and the other to Cesky Krumlov. Both involved bus trips of 2 hours or longer each way. Again it's going to be a hot day, about 30C.  We opted to stay in Linz .In the morning Ian did a walking tour, and I did a bike tour. Linz has a nice setting on the Danube, surrounded by hills. After WW2 Linz was a divided city for 10 years, occupied by the Americans and the Soviets.  It's a very clean city, and more than half is green space. There are many museums and universities, and quite a mix of old and new buildings. It's less busy and less touristy than the other towns we've been in on this trip. 

Our bike tour was much shorter and more relaxed than yesterdays. We biked the path along the Danube, and crossed the bridge to the north side of the river. This is the quieter more residential side, and the bike bath is shaded by tall trees. We stopped at a beach on the river and watched people rowing and paddling on the river. (the current doesn't seem as strong here) Then we crossed another bridge back to the south side, and into the large main square which is dominated by the Trinity Column. It was built to give thanks for delivering the city from war, fire and plague. We then biked through some smaller streets to the New Cathedral, built in the 20s. The back to the ship through some pretty streets in the old town. One of the buildings Mozart stayed in to compose the Linz Symphony.

We met back at the ship for lunch. I had a light lunch of soup and salad but Linzer Torte for dessert! In the afternoon we did a tour to a Whiskey Distillery. We hadn't been sure if we would take this or not, but we're so glad we did! The 30 minute drive there was through some lovely countryside. Rolling hills and small farms. The Peter Affenreller distillery was very interesting and innovative, and their product excellent! It had rained a little while we were at the distillery, so the temperature is now much more comfortable.

This evening it's the 2nd last night, and we're having the Captain's farewell cocktail party before dinner. And tonight we did the Chef's Table restaurant for dinner. An absolutely wonderful  dinner and great company. A fantastic 8 course tasting menu with wines to match. Then an Austrian musical show, very entertaining. Afterwards I went up to the top deck. A beautiful evening. Warm night, still a bit of light in the sky. Building illuminations. All in all - fantastic!



















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