Monday, May 14, 2007

In the morning we cycle through the Wachau Valley on our way to Melk. The valley is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site; a mix of orchards and vineyards. The hills are dotted with ruins of castles, abbeys, and churches. In Melk we have a guided tour of the Benedictine Abbey; one of the largest in Europe. We then ride back toward our hotel in Weissenkirchen. The trip back includes a short river cruise and two ferry rides across the Danube. We stop to explore the village of Durnstein where Richard Lionheart was held prisoner in 1193. When we get back to Weissenkirchen we have our farewell dinner at a lovely restaurant.