Is it worthwhile to take a several hour cruise on the Danube during my all- too- brief stay in Vienna of two nights, two days? I thought I wanted to do this, but does one have to ride a bus back from Melk? Or there other options? Thanks, Judy <BR>

Hi Judy: I have been to Vienna many times and to Melk twice. Yes Danube cruises very nice. Why <BR>dont you rent a car at Vienna airport and drive to <BR>Melk. Very nice drive down Danube valley. <BR>Also you can take bus or train from Vienna. I <BR>enjoy a town called Durrenstein. Many vineyards <BR>and wineries. Also if you have time a boat trip from Vienna to Budapest, Hungary. About a five <BR>hour trip and Budapest is a beautiful city. Have <BR>fun, Ed

I did my way to Melk by train. It was almost one hour. I visited the Melk Beneditine abbey. Very beautiful and worthy the trip. The Danube cruise until Vienna lasted four hours. It was beautiful but a little too long. The boat passed by Durrenstein. Enjoy your trip.

You don't have a lot of time, but if you do decide to take the cruise, take the train to Melk and the boat back, you'll be going with the current and cut the time by 1 1/2 hours or more. <BR>

I am also thinking of a trip on the danube. Is it feasible to take a train from Vienna to Melk, and cruise down to Durnstein, and a train back to Vienna from Durnstein?

May, Not sure of a train from Durnstein, but you can catch one from Krems, the next town east of Durnstein, a 1 hour ride to Vienna. <BR>

<BR>Thanks for the comments. This forum is invaluable...and thanks for not circling in red my "typo" in my original posting. I meant to write "Or are there other options?" not "Or there"...

I agree with Ed. Since you have so little time, rent a car.You can drive out of Vienna along the Danube one way and return a different route and the drives in the Wassau valley are delightful. You could spend as little or as much time as you need. Plus, there is SO MUCH to see in Vienna. <BR>

I forgot...don't pass up Durnstein. If you have time & energy after walking around this charming town , climb the hill to the ruins of the old castle( where Richard I was supposedly held captive on his return from crusade). You have a wonderful view of the Danube and exploring the ruins is lots of fun. I stayed in the " new castle" hotel..it is wonderful and you can have a meal & wine from their vineyards on the terrace overlooking the Danube. Enjoy! <BR>

Richard: Picky, picky! Of course, you are right. What was I thinking? Actually, I think the First Richard had a great time in his so-called confinment there. If Mama hadn't come with the money, he probably would have stayed. I know I would have.

What is the name of the "new castle" hotel in Durnstein where you enjoyed staying? Is it the Schloss Durnstein? <BR>

<BR>Rick: yes.