When everyone got back from the abbey tour, we had lunch with Lee and Jo (our Aussie friends), then sat top-side, on the sun deck, as we came into port at Dürnstein. It was an awesome setting and a charming little town, noted for its landmark, the blue and white tower of the abbey church.
Perched high above the town are the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, which was built between 1140 and 1145. It was almost completely destroyed, in 1645, by a blast carried out by the troops of the Swedish General Lennart Torstenson. This castle is famous for being the place that Richard the Lionheart was held prisoner by Leopold V, after the Crusades.
Although the sun was shining, and it was beautiful, it was cold and windy in Dürnstein, so Jo and I stayed on board, while we were docked there. Dan and Lee hopped off and did a little exploring. (I wasn't so sure Dan should be out in that wind, since he was already fighting a cold, but ...) The crew was busy re-stowing the electric bicycles, which had been used by some passengers that morning for a tour. Lee used his charm on one of the crew-members, and managed to get permission to take one of the bikes for a spin around Dürnstein. He had the time of his life!
That evening we were invited to Portobello's - a small, intimate dining room at the bow of the ship. Everyone received an invitation to this special meal one evening during the two-week tour. This was our evening. The meal was several courses and Italian cuisine. Seating was assigned (unlike our usual, more casual meals), so we got to know some new people that evening (all were from Australia). It was a lot of fun.
Around midnight, the Scenic Crystal docked in Vienna. I could hardly wait to tour that city the next day.
CLICK HERE NEXT (VIENNA DAY 1)
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