We left the city of Vienna behind and headed down the highway towards the Wachau Valley. I had read that in Rick Steves Vienna guide book that the Wachau Valley is a very picturesque area and as it was on our way to Salzburg, it worked out perfectly. We were just driving down the highway and there was this huge structure. We thought it was a castle – doesn’t it look like one(?) –  but after researching it, found out it is an abbey. Located in the town of Furth, this abbey is called Gottweig Abbey. The original structure was built in 1072 but burnt down and rebuilt in 1718.…

There have been so many stressful driving adventures since I got here and the day we visited the Schonnenburg Palace (the summer residence of the Hofburg Imperial family) it was no different. Russell has decided that you must drive here like you do in New York. We were partially in front of the Palace at a traffic light and a large delivery truck had been tailgating us. I guess we were just going too slow and being tailgated is something Russell really dislikes! I was busy consulting my guide book not looking up. The next thing I know we’re doing some kind of sharp turning (avoiding the barricades I imagine!),…

After leaving the Hofburg Palace we hopped on the Big Bus and finished our tour of the town and some of the surrounding area. It was nice and relaxing and they also have ear buds for you to hear the audio tour of the historic places you are seeing.           The entire time we were there the weather was beautiful and warm. Austria gets a lot of rain, so maybe that is why they all seemed to love being outdoors while we were there? They wanted to take advantage of the good weather?   Playing soccer in the city.   Down by the Blue Danube (which…

Day 2 of our stay in Vienna, we took a hop on, hop off, Red Bus Tour. We hopped off when we arrived at the Hofburg Palace. Have you ever heard of the Habsburg’s? I never had but yet that dynasty ruled for over 6 centuries starting in 1276 and ending in 1918. This family has ties in all kinds of countries! This is only one part of their palace.       The palace has 18 wings, 2550 rooms and 19 courtyards. The wealth and magnificence of the place is incredible. This is also where you would see the famous Lippazanner stallions. This is just a breezeway (for lack…

There is so much history in the city of Vienna! So much so that I went for 22 hours without eating. Let’s just say that is rather unusual for me. I love food! But there was so much to see and not enough time to see it all that food had to take a back seat. But after a day of touring the incredible Hofburg Imperial Palace (I will have to tell you all about it!), we took the recommendation of a local and went to Vapiano, a gourmet Italian eatery. Warning: This post is for all foodies, so if you not really into that kind of thing or…