< Start at the beginning of this series: Grand European River Cruise

After our fabulous afternoon in the thermal baths of Budapest, we returned to our boat – just in time for our 5:45 departure for Vienna. In approximately 24-hours we’ll reach our destination – just in time for tomorrow night’s excursion. The awesome logistics continue!

Below are some photos as we left Budapest and as we continued our journey up the Danube the following day. I put titles where I knew (or googled) the names, but some I just liked the looks of and included. By clicking on the first photo, they’ll all be a little larger and scrolling thru the photos is easier by clicking the arrow at the right.

After our farewell to Budapest, we had a short break before a toast by the Captain and Hotel Manager to welcome us aboard. Every evening before dinner, we were addressed (and a little amused) by our Program Director as he shared his plan for the following day regarding travel times, excursion times, transportation and other options for the day. Some evenings the chef would explain the specials of the evening, most times the special included some local fare (and wine or beer) from the region we were passing through.

The next morning was our safety briefing, but not till 10:45, so we could ease into the day, with another couple of hours off before Austrian Tea Time. There we got a live demonstration on how to make Austrian Apple Strudel, with samples of course!

Being rested and relaxed made this evening’s entertainment even more sweet. While we were in Vienna, we wanted to do as the Viennese do and relish in some moving classical music in an absolutely gorgeous venue.

Vienna, the City of Music
Welcome to the world’s music capital! More famous composers have lived here than in any other city – in Vienna, music is literally in the air: Waltzes and operettas have their home here, and so do musicals “made in Vienna,” which have conquered international audiences. – READ MORE

Although no pictures were allowed during the concert, I got a few before it began. Click on the link below to see a photo of the fabulous vestibule.

Palais Auersperg is a stunning venue and our concert was held in Rosenkavalier Hall. “The centre of the palace: unique in its oval form, impressive in its height, unmatched in its acoustics and sumptuous with its marble pilasters, crystal chandeliers and reliefs by Henrici. It would also be remiss not to mention that all of the crystal chandeliers can be dimmed and that the room is completely air-conditioned.” – READ MORE

The Vienna Residence Orchestra (photo from their website) was on the stage tonight just for Viking – our group and at least one more. “Authenticity is the trademark of the Vienna Residence Orchestra. An exclusive ensemble of musicians who interpret classical music like Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven genuinely, with sensibility and the special feeling that is needed to make the Viennese waltz a great experience. With a program that leaves nothing to be desired for, dancers of the Vienna State Opera Ballet and the Volksoper Ballet, as well as known opera singers make every concert an aesthetic enjoyment.” – READ MORE

Wow, what a night!

Next up: Vienna, Austria

Happy trails,
Barb