So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, good-bye Vienna. AmaPrima departs Vienna, Austria. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

After leaving Vienna on AmaPrima this past Saturday, we visited several destinations along the Danube — in only a couple of days.

That’s the beauty of river cruising. You can see a lot — in relatively little time. Sunday morning, for example, we visited charming Durnstein, Austria, where we pedaled bicycles, provided free of charge by AmaWaterways. We rode 12 kilometers to Krems and back. We enjoyed the exhilarating and beautiful ride through the Wachau Valley, with its miles of rolling vineyards and inspiring landscape.

Upon our return we walked our bikes through Durnstein, then pedaled to Weissenkirchen, 12 kilometers roundtrip in the other direction, before making our way back to AmaPrima and a relaxed lunch on board as we cruised through the Wachau Valley.

Another group opted to pedal 30-kilometers (with guides) from Durnstein to Melk. River cruising is an active experience for those who want activity, and we were happy that AmaWaterways makes bicycles available for its guests. Every bike tour during our time on board was at capacity.

In Melk, we walked through town and up the steps to the Melk Abbey, among the world’s most famous monastic sites. Again, an active experience.

The next morning AmaPrima docked in Linz, Austria, where we pedaled for an hour before joining a free tour by motorcoach to Austria’s Lakes District. The lakes themselves and the towns along their shores were picture-postcard-perfect, and there was also a bit of history in each. We stopped in St. Gilgen, birthplace of Mozart, on the Wolfgangsee, and we visited Mondsee, where the cloister church was used for the site of the wedding in The Sound of Music.

This morning, we docked in Passau, Germay. At the confluence of three rivers, Passau must be one of Europe’s prettiest cities. It certainly has been one of the most beautiful on our AmaWaterway’s voyage, which is saying a lot on an itinerary like this one.

Today, we dock in Vilshofen, Germany, where AmaPrima will be christened. Stay tuned.

Church of Many Names

AmaPrima docked in front of St. Francis of Assisi Church, also known as the Kaiser Jubilee Church and the Mexico Church, is a Basilica-style Catholic church in Vienna, Austria. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Pedaling to Krems

When AmaPrima docked in Durnstein, Austria, we pedaled bicycles, provided free of charge by AmaWaterways, six kilometers to Krems, a charming village on the Danube. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Bridges & Boats

Life along the Danube as seen from Krems, Austria. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Pedaling Through Vineyards

We pedaled on bikes provided by AmaWaterways through vineyards in the Wachau Valley on our way back from Krems to Durnstein, where AmaPrima was docked. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Vineyards and Bikes

Every day of our cruise on AmaPrima, we pedaled bikes through charming towns, alongside the Danube and through vineyards. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Bicycles On Board

AmaWaterways makes bicycles available at no extra charge. We pedaled every day during our voyage, an active and efficient way to see the attractions and beauty along the Danube. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Grounds at the Melk Abbey

Exploring the beautiful grounds at the Melk Abbey. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Exploring The Melk Abbey

The Melk Abbey was founded in 1089 when Leopold II, Margrave of Austria gave one of his castles to Benedictine monks from Lambach Abbey. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Melk Abbey

The Benedictine abbey is among the world's most famous monastic sites. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Gmunden, Austria

When AmaPrima docked in Linz, Austria, yesterday, we joined the free tour to Gmunden, in Austria's Lakes District. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

The Wolfgangsee, Birthplace Of Mozart

During yesterday's included tour on AmaPrima, we visited St. Gilgen, birthplace of Mozart, on the Wolfgangsee. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Table For Two

At a table overlooking the Wolfgangsee we had a coffee and Apfelstrudel against a beautiful mountainous backdrop. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

The Hills Are Alive

We visited Mondsee on our tour yesterday. The town's cloister church was used for the site of the wedding in The Sound of Music. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

In Passau

In Passau, flood waters rose to just beneath the height of the bridge in this photo. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Water Level Record Broken This Year

Record water levels set in 1501 were broken this year when the Danube overflowed its banks. This year the water rose to the point where the stucco changes color from dark to light. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Biking In Passau

Setting off from AmaPrima to explore Passau on bicycles provided free of charge by AmaWaterways. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Cycling Along The Inn — In Passau

Cycling in Passau. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Sunflower

A sunflower along the cycling trail in Passau. @ 2013 Ralph Grizzle

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