Viking River Cruise - Day 3 - We are NOT in Vienna!

This morning we are still docked in Esztergom, Hungary as they are still cleaning up the debris from the accident up the Danube. Viking offered an alternate excursion to a small Hungarian village, but we opted to stay on the boat and relax. After breakfast, Steve and I headed out to see Esztergom. We could see there was a church high up on a hill which we were told was the largest Basilica in Hungary.

 There is the Esztergom Basilica... waaaaaay up there!

We started out by walking into the small town (I can tell you I was not looking forward to walking up that big hill, but resolved to do it anyway!)

Steve and I are endlessly amused by learning words in new languages. The Hungarian word for ice cream did not disappoint 😀

Well we thought we were headed towards the Basilica... but we were going the wrong way. It was a pleasant detour as we both enjoy seeing the buildings in small European towns.

Steve loves statues, so was thrilled to find this beauty as we entered the historical part of the town.

We love walking through small historical villages and peeking into the lives of people who live very differently than us. This is what we saw when we were peeking into somebody's courtyard at the base of the hill.

As you approach the bottom of the hill where the Basilica is we went through a long tunnel and came out in what looked like quite a touristic area. I was surprised, as it was looked like such a small village and I'd never even heard of it. It turns out that it has had an important role in Hungary's history and has had many turns at being invaded and rebuilt over thousands of years. Esztergom has quite a long history. It was the capital of Hungary for three centuries, until the 13th century when the King moved the capital to Buda.

 Heading through the tunnel... hoping we are going the right way!

I was pleasantly surprised when we got through the tunnel and Steve found a free "lift" to the top where the Basilica was. It only takes 6 at a time, but we only had to wait for one turn!

When we got to the top we came across this beautiful gigantic Basilica built in the Roman Style. You can see in the picture how tall the pillars really are! Steve was also happy to hear that a chapel in the Basilica was named after King Stephen 😉

 

The inside of the Basilica was absolutely stunning. You can never capture it on photos! This is the largest Basilica in Hungary even though it is in a smallish town that I had never heard of before yesterday.

 

As we were walking in the Basilica we ran into John and Dianne who had walked all the way up the hill!

 

The view was spectacular from the terrace of the Basilica.

I think Angie must have been missing us, because when we returned to the ship she was out on the deck waiting for us 😀

We had a lovely lunch on board (I'm not sure what's going to happen when we have to start paying for our lunch again!) and then hung out on the deck for the afternoon while we sailed toward Vienna.

Steve beating me in backgammon again...

The scenery is spectacular as we sail down the Danube. I cannot believe all the beautiful little villages and churches. This is one of my favourite things about river cruising!

One of the many stunning churches along the way.