Vienna, Austria

Day 3: Vienna, Austria This morning we departed Budapest by bus to travel to Vienna. En route we made a pit stop at the nicest, cleanest gas station I’ve ever seen. They were serving delicious looking pastries and freshly prepared meals. Apparently, in years past it could take days to get across the border into Austria so this served as a rest stop along with some nearby strip hotels which are now deserted. Gabe purchased “socialist” candy bars for us! So funny!! Sadly, we are seeing lots of wind turbines along the highway. Uber ugly! We stopped en route at a heurigen (wine tavern), an institution dating back more than 200 years, for an authentic Austrian lunch and to sample Austrian wines. We arrived at our hotel mid-afternoon and met with our local guide, Inga. We visited the Hofburg Palace and the Imperial Treasury and did a one hour walking tour in the pouring rain. How fitting that the bath products in the room are “time to chocolate” essence. So perfect for the hotel that is home to the original Sacher Torte. Our welcome treats in the room included mini Sacher Tortes along with a fresh fruit platter that they refresh each day. Lovely! Dine à la carte at the hotel this evening. We had a wonderful multi course meal in the Anna Sacher restaurant. Delightful and attentive service. And, of course, we had a scrumptious Sacher Torte for dessert. They also serve the Torte at breakfast each day! Austrian Currency is the Euro   Exchange rate $1 USA=.1.13 EUR Hotel Sacher Wien | Meals: B L D HOFBURG PALACE and THE IMPERIAL TREASURY The Imperial Treasury, located in a part of the Hofburg Palace built in the 13th century, is one of Vienna’s most important attractions: It houses the Crown of the Holy Roman Empire, the Austrian Imperial Crown, The Vestments of the Order of the Golden Fleece, Unique textile art from the Late Middle Ages: precious gold and silk embroidery of the highest quality, coronation vestments and mementos telling the long story and tradition of the House of Habsburg. There are also pieces of jewellery that belonged to Habsburg empresses and archduchesses, including Empress Elisabeth (“Sisi”). The Palace Is currently the residence of the president of Austria.