Travels 2025 - The Last Frontier, the PCH & the Danube

  Tuesday, September 30 Viking Vali docked in Passau The last day of September is leading us into Passau Germany.    Passau, at more than 2000 years old is one of Bavaria’s oldest cities.   It is known as the city of three rivers because it lies at the confluence of the Danube, the Inns and the Ilz rivers.    where the rivers meet but don't mingle, Passau Because of this strategic location the city enjoyed and grew into a powerful economic and political power.   Passau is also where two nations meet, and it is here that the German-Austrian border begins. Today, we went on a walking tour led by a sweet girl named Sophia.  She told us from the start that she was a design major, was not good with dates and numbers, but would point out all the beautiful and decorative bits of her town! Sophia, our guide shops tucked along the cobble-stone streets the Hummels were in many shop windows LeRoy needs his beer stein! One of Passau’s claims to fame is the ve...

Monday, September 29   Wachau Valley views Today, as we make our way up the Danube, on our way to Melk, Austria, we sail through the absolutely beautiful Wachau Valley.   This scenic rolling hills area extends about 20 miles and hugs the river. It is home to all things wine as well as apricots.   The entire valley is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and the valley begins near Melk and extends to the city of Krems.  more scenic views castle along the Danube castles are common here ... like a postcard Vineyard after vineyard set into the rolling terraced farmland greet you as you slowly sail by.   This is what I expected Sonoma or Napa to look like when we traveled there earlier this year.   Everything must be just right here for the growing of grapes.   I almost thought that you could just walk out to the terraced farms and just pick wine bottles off the vine.   Alas, the area is mostly known for their white wines and LeRoy is a spoiled l...