Day 3, Mon., 8/16 –
The hotel offered a wonderful breakfast buffett. 7:45a.m. bus to Schonbrunn Palace (still in Vienna); summer home for the Habsburg (correct Austrian spelling) family, who ruled Austria for 600 years. Most notable and most recent rulers of the family were Maria Theresa and Franz Josef. Franz Josef ruled for 68 years.

10:30, back on bus for city tour of Vienna (Wien) hosted by Renate, followed by a walking tour of St. Stephen’s gothic cathedral (Stephendom). Walked back to hotel with Peter & Carole; stopped for gelato on the way. Went into beautiful St. Michael's church...awesome.

Afternoon was free and we walked around the downtown and historical district, having lunch at an outdoor café. We also walked to St. Peter’s church, which was in the baroque style of architecture, very ornate with lots of gold guilting. More impressive inside than St. Stephens.

The motorcoach took us to board a little tourist train for a ride through the vinyards. It was quite interesting to be "off the beaten path". Then on to a Heurigan dinner. It was in an outdoor courtyard and very informal, with violin and accordian seranade and singing. Got our first taste of wiener schnitzel. We were at a table with Bill (86) and Margo (80) from Illinois and Ken & Lynn (Austrailia).

After dinner, we returned to the hotel and then walked to Rathaus Park where the Vienna Film Festival was going on all week. Chuck and Joan Stovers were with us as well. Many, many people and vendors, as well as operas being shown on a huge screen in front of the Rathaus for those who wanted to watch. There were many many people watching the film.

Bed at 12:15p.m.

Today's "options" were -
*Schonbrunn Palace; Imperial Apartments inside visit & gardens ($39)
*Heurigen Dinner & little train through the hills & view of the city & villas ($58)