Wow, you’re here as we continue planning and booking the perfect river cruise together. When I think back to our time in the charming village of Melk, the first thing that comes to mind is the view from the ship. As soon as the doors opened, I was greeted by rows of the most delightful, colorful houses tucked along the riverbank. It truly felt like stepping into a storybook!
Our main focus for the day was the magnificent Melk Abbey. If you aren’t familiar with its history, this Benedictine abbey has been a center of spiritual and cultural life for over 900 years. It was originally a palace before it was gifted to the monks in the 11th century. Today, it stands as one of the most beautiful schools with Baroque architecture.
Inside, the Abbey houses a world-class library that felt like something I had only ever seen in the movies. With floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and intricate woodwork, it is a dream for any history lover. While we didn’t happen to spot a monk during our visit, the spiritual presence is felt everywhere, especially in the chapel. It is adorned with so much gold and detail that it truly takes your breath away. Something that I do want you to note is that they do not allow photos inside the Abbey, but they do have a nice gift shop where you can buy photos and postcards
One thing I really want to recommend for this trip style is wearing your most supportive, comfortable shoes. It is quite a walk from the ship up to the Abbey, and you’ll want to feel steady on your feet as you explore the grounds.
Our group was also very impressed by our guide. We really appreciated how she took the time to share the interesting history of the abbey and answer every single question with such care and expertise.
When it was time to head back to the ship, we had a choice. While a bus is provided for those who prefer to save their energy, our guide showed us a lovely walking path back to the docks. We chose to walk, and I certainly didn’t regret it.
The path led us past several local shops and even some cozy Christmas markets. If you are visiting during the holiday season, just keep in mind that some of these smaller village markets open a bit later in the afternoon or evening. It was the perfect way to see the local life up close before our departure.
To top off a perfect day, we enjoyed a scenic cruise through the Strudengau Valley during the evening. Watching the hills and ruins go by from the comfort of the ship is the best way to reflect on everything you’ve learned. If you’re dreaming of sipping cocoa at a Christmas market or exploring golden abbeys yourself, I want to make sure you have all the details on special rates.
Want to hear more about our adventure at the Christmas Markets? Click below to follow our cruise and learn about our next day in Melk!
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Have you ever walked into a ship and immediately felt your shoulders drop? That was my exact experience when I stepped aboard the Amadeus Riva recently. I often hear from my group members that they want a modern but beautiful ship. This ship delivers exactly that with its airy design and calming jewel tones. It feels like a boutique hotel that just happens to float.
I finally discovered why everyone is buzzing about Amadeus recently. The real magic happens right in the local kitchen on board. We need a little sit-down about why this food tastes so special. Many travelers often overlook this boutique line for the larger corporate names.
I am so happy to have you along for this journey through the Netherlands and Belgium with Amadeus. After a busy River Cruise conference in Amsterdam, stepping onto the Amadeus Diamond felt like a breath of fresh air.