Durnstein, wachau valley and melk

We woke up early to find ourselves in the medieval village of Durnstein. We walked up the narrow cobblestone streets to small shops, wineries and homes built right into the rock. A steep rugged walk up the hill took us to the ancient remains of a fortification from medieval times.
After lunch we sailed several hours down river thru the wachau valley, passing towns, castles and remnants  of ancient monasteries. We arrived at melk, a charming villag

e with the grandest of baroque monuments, the Benedictine abbey. It still houses 30 silent monks, and 900 children attend school.  It was unbelievably ornate and had an amazing library. Cold but refreshing walk back to the ship.