Virtuoso Insights - October/November 2008 - (Page 34) T he ship’s Tamino Deck also features a relaxing spa area with an indoor heated pool, whirlpool, sauna, and solarium. I confess, however, that for much of our time on the water, I simply gazed at the fertile Wachau Valley passing by, its undulating landscape covered in terraced vineyards and fruit orchards and dotted here and there by timeworn farmhouses and tiny villages. Our late summer departure found us amidst the just-turning leaves that blanketed the riverbanks, and the views from the sun deck, as well as from my cabin’s picture window, were absolutely mesmerizing. While Mozart visited a port a day, I never felt rushed. Because these ancient towns were born along the river, their historic centers and major attractions are usually within walking distance from where the ship docks. A half-day in Dürnstein offered ample time to wander its cobbled streets lined with charming shops and 16th-century burgher houses. The town is dominated by Kuenringer Castle, where King Richard the Lionheart was held prisoner upon his return from the Crusades; if physically able, it’s well worth the climb to its impressive ruins. i simply gazeD aT The ferTile Wachau valley passing by, iTs unDulaTing lanDscape covereD in TerraceD vineyarDs anD fruiT orcharDs anD DoTTeD here anD There by TimeWorn farmhouses anD Tiny villages. Born along the river: the village of Ybbs, Austria. more Danube on page 36 P 34 Virtuoso insights
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.