Up early to catch the bus that would take us to our 'real boat' ride down the Danube. Have never really liked organised tours, but as we had a day to fill in before heading off tonight on the train to Venice, John thought it would be the way to go. Well, as usual on bus trips, there was a mixture of travellers. Most were wearing comfortable trackies with t shirts tucked in, a bum bag accessory and a bad cap - and then there were the men:) one and a half hours of freeway before we finally arrived at the dock. Boat after boat passed and still we as a group waited for our vessel to pick us up to take us to Melk Monastery. Well, in the distance john spotted a boat , limping down the river. It was travelling at a similar speed to our vessel yesterday and truly looked like it was struggling to stay afloat with the weight of people on board. Bravely we boarded and ran to grab some seats as it was nearly a 2 hour trip. By any other means, even crawling, I figure it would have taken 20 minutes, but this boat was so damned slow! Probably to get the tourists to buy more beer! Anyway I guessed there would be a commentary as we sailed past pretty villages, historic looking castles and old relics from the early 10th century - but noooooo. Most passengers seemed to be loving it - making new best friends and waving madly at every other boat that sped past us. I really think there is something seriously wrong with John and I that we weren't finding this fun? Finally we arrived in Melk, another flipping bus ride to the top of the hill, then an hours free time to eat at the 'lets add another few euros to the price of everything' restaurant that sat beneath the castle. Being the savvy travellers we are, we headed straight back down the hill into the local village. A family from California must have recognised our seasoned traveller look and tailed us all the way. We shared stories of how we disliked organised tours, and in fact had been travelling for 7 hours today and basically seen or learnt nothing! Back up the hill for the Melk Monastery tour . This WAS interesting. Amazing history and 40 monks still live their today, running a primary and high school. After the hour tour, back in the bus for the hour and a half trip back to Vienna! Tip - catch the local bus up and do the tour of Melk at your own pace. That was certainly 9 hours of our lives we won't get back :)
Dinner then taxi to train station for the overnighter to Venice. John has assured me it is 1st class with a cabin with our own shower and toilet . Can't wait to clean up, get into pjs mode , pour ourselves a glass of wine and relax in our bunks.