Through the Dolomites to Verona

We left our overnight hotel in Villach for a scenic drive to the outskirts of Verona through the Dolomites along a mountain road but fit for a bus. We had one exciting incident when we must have taken a wrong turn and reached a point where we could go no further and fortunately, we stoped outside a police station. Fortunately, we had an Italian on board and ended up with an escort to the correct route.

There were several stops for photos including one for an apéro in magnificent scenery.

We started off gently



and started to see mountains


Passing some alpine looking villages



Along interesting roads


Then the mountains become impressive








An apéro stop







Christophe takes a non alcoholic break


Back to the mountains











John taking a photo, but within reach of my zoom



A lake










There was a lunchtime stop on the birder at Savone, where we have stopped on previous trips before we continued back to France and home.



- Pat and John on tour

Vienna woods, Mayerling, Heiligenkreuz and Baden

The Vienna Woods is now a biosphere reserve and is 45 km long and 20km wide outside Vienna. The highest point is just under 900m. Several rivers flow through the woods and there is an observatory. It is the place to live in Vienna, with many smart or historic houses, including that of Schubert. Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to walk on the woods.



Heiligenkreuz Abbey (Holy Cross)

Heiligenkreuz Abbey was founded in the 12th centrury (1133) as a Cistercian Monestry.

It is now a theological institute and the largest German speaking institution for teaching priests. There is limited access to the monestry.









Originally, the woods was a hunting ground for Royalty. In the 19th century, the crown prince, Rudolph, used Mayerling as a hunting lodge.

Three years after purchasing it, he and his mistress killed themselves there, but the reason is not known.

The Emporer turned the lodge into a convent and built a church. The statue of the Madonna in the church is unusual in that the face of the Madonna is that of Rudolph's mistress and that there is a dagger in the heart.




Then it was time to say goodby to our guide, Emmanuelle in Vienna and start the long trip home, running parallel to the Hungarian and Slovakian borders, but there were many more photos to be taken.



- Pat and John on tour

Vienna 2

The Belvedere Palace was our first stop. This was built in the 17th century by Prince Eugene of Savoy as a summer residence. It consists of two palaces, and orangery and a stables in a park by Hildebrand.

It is clearly a popular place for a day out at the weekend.






It later became a royal palace until Austria lost the area to Bavaria and then a museum.

A settlement for Austria after the Second World War was signed here.



A chandelier and a detail from the ceiling


The Imperial Crypt where many kings and queens are buried was founded in 1618. The crypt is under the Capruchin monestry in Vienna, not far from the Cayhedral. It was built by the empress Anna for herself and her husband Emperor Ferdinand II.

In the centre of Vienna is the Cathedral of St Steven. The current cathedral dates form the 14th century and has origins in the 12th century. Restoration of the exterior is taking place and will lclearly take some time. Parts of the roof have been finished, showing the original colours.


The interior is less interesting than many for the other sites that we have visited.


We had some free time for the rest of the afternoon and, after the interior of the cathedral, went to find a park.

The first park that we came to had been selling wine and food, but the stalls were closing as we arrived. We continued through the park and paid our respects to Schubert and Strauss.


Then wandered past a very decorated church


Passed the Opera


And the the Hotel Sacher with no time to pop in to sample the Sacher torte, sadly.


Finally, we returned to the Cathedral where we met the rest of the group to continue back to our hotel.

- Pat and John on tour

Vienna 1

The Hofburg palace was an Imperial palace of the dukes of Austria built in the 13th century and is now a government building.

The National Library is close to the Hofburg and houses a national collection of books. It is richly decorated with great detail. As well as books, there are archived documents on display. The library is open for viewing, but access to the books is by appointment, of course.





Schoenberg palace was the kings' summer residence with 1441 rooms and magnificent gardens. The site was bought in 1569 as a hunting ground. The palace was built in the 17th century. It is now UNESCO listed


On the same site, there is a carriage museum with 60 carriages displayed.

The imperial crypt where many kings and queens are buried was founded in 1618. The crypt is under the Capruchin monestry. It was built by the empress Anna for herself and her husband Emperor Ferdinand II.


The interior of the palace and the gardens.








- Pat and John on tour