The ship offers guided walking tours, regular and leisurely, as well as private tours arranged for those who are not up to the exercise of distance walking In view of my chronic knee discomfort I have elected to do the private tours. My knee responds somewhat to pain killers but it isn't up to extended walking and the stairs aboard ship have not been to its liking. However, I am managing to see the sights, enjoy the company of many similarly afflicted comrades and I remain inspired by the awesome architecture and history of this most enjoyable excursion on the riv
After a scenic drive through the city which was in holiday mode, we stopped for a close up view of beautiful St Peter's cathedral where an afternoon service was just beginning. We were permitted a look see at the inside of the church and observed the opening ceremony's and listened to the beautiful choir sing the joyous songs of Easter although it was not in a language that I understood but I could identify the beauty of the sound.
Each city that we have visited has had it's own charm and identity conveyed through its architecture and in the ever present cobblestone streets. The 12th century stone bridge is one of the oldest of its kind.
Monday, April 1. Passau. We arrived at this beautiful city on the Danube mid-morning and had a brief tour of the city through narrow alley ways posing as by ways. We received a quick view of the acclaimed Cathedral of St Stephen and we were sorry to miss what is deemed to be an outstanding organ recital helped daily from May to November. We would cheerfully have exchanged yesterday's snow for a recital but the alternative was not offered. We passed by the stores and business' that remained open on this holiday for much of Germany. Our tour included a climb to the top of the hill for a close up view of the impressive medieval Veste Oberhause Fortress that stands majestically above the"blue Danube". It is widely believed that the person responsible for coining the phrase "blue Danube" may have been under the influence of something less than good insight inasmuch as the Danube is not and has never been blue.
Those among us who are enjoying their walking tours are finding some of the hills great for walking off the excessive calories generated by the good food aboard.
