River Cloud on the Danube

In Durnstein, Austria began wine country and we stopped at a local winery to hear stories about how Richard the Lionheart of England was kept prisoner in this town over 800 years ago.

After Durnstein we stopped in Vienna for several days. While Vienna was full of tourists it was still a great stop. Think Johann Strauss, the Schonbrunn Palace, the Hapsburgs and all the coffeehouses you could ask for in one day.

My favorite visit in Vienna was the Prater Amusement Park and the Giant Ferris Wheel. Built in 1896/97, the Ferris Wheel was destroyed by bombs and fire in 1945, but rebuilt in 1947. Not like any Ferris Wheel you've ever been on, there are 15 large cabins and you can stand up inside for a good view of the city.

Bratislava, Slovakia was the real jewel in my heart on this trip. Slovakia has only been her own country for a short time, and was under Communist rule for many years. Since 1993 the city been the capital of the Slovak Republic, however remains of communism still exist in Bratislava today.

The cruise ended in Budapest, Hungary. Budapest is made up of two cities separated by the Danube; Buda and Pest. The Buda side is considered tranquil with the Buda Castle and the old center and the Pest side is bustling and full of activity. Budapest is home to the popular thermal baths, so if you have some extra time, spend it there.

While there is much more to see in Eastern Europe, the River Cloud certainly gives you a look at what this part of the world offers.

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