Subject: Re: Austria
Hi Linda and Ziners

My son and his family live in Vienna and so I have been there several times.

Glad you are including Melk in your itinerary...the Monastery there is so worthwhile a stop. Dont miss it.

On recommendation from Ziners,I have twice taken the train to Salzburg from Vienna and then the city bus (I love to do these things) to Haus Ballwein. Spotless accomodations in a rural setting and a delicious breakfast.

Haus Ballwein Moosstrasse 69A 5020 Salzburg Österreich Tel. +43 (0) 662/824029 Fax +43 (0) 662/824029

We were picked up in the AM by Bob's Special Tours http://www.bobstours.com/ and did the traditional Sound of Music Tour and also the Bavarian Mountain Tour including the Eagles Nest which is really a not to be missed adventure. The mountains are just breathtaking and of course history is all around you. We went to Berchesgarten and walked around the local cemetery.this is the kind of experience I travel for.

We also spent a weekend in Hallstatt, in the Lake District http://www.hallstatt.net/besucher/index.php3?lang=en This is one of the most beautiful sections of Austria with cold crystal clear water. We stayed at Gasthof Zauner...spotless, reasonable and a marvelous restaurant. I hope to return there one day.

Gasthof Zauner Familie Sepp Zauner Marktplatz 51 4830 Hallstatt, Österreich Tel. +43(6134)8246 Fax +43(6134)82468 http://www.oberoesterreich.at/zauner-seewirt

The tour of the salt mine in nearby Bad Ischl is another adventure not to miss.

Hope this helps... Joan Malden Bridge