River cruise... Vienna

Day four of our Viking cruise. We docked late yesterday afternoon; today is our much-anticipated tour of Vienna. We were in Austria in 1989, but never made it to Vienna. And since it's the home of the Spanish Riding School and the Lippizaners, I was excited to see the old city.
. . .

After breakfast, our coach dropped us in the heart of the old town, and we were met by our local guide. She walked us through the streets, such beautiful architecture and statues, such history all around. The highlight for me was seeing the home of the Spanish Riding School. The stables, and the performance hall across the street, by the palace. There were even a few horses in stalls, which we saw from the street. One of my favorite horseman statues was in a nearby courtyard. We did this tour with Jim & Julie, which I really enjoyed.

. . .

Breakfast is amazing every day. Choose from a huge buffet,
or they'll cook you just about anything to order.

This morning, the swans surrounded the boat...
waiting for breakfast, perhaps?

The architecture is amazing. To this architect's daughter, heavenly.

 

Painted staircase to the art museum.
Stairs and advertising in one place.

There are statues everywhere, even on the rooftops

A statue in the courtyard of the Spanish Riding School 

Chapel near the Spanish Riding School. Love the chandeliers.

The practice ring. Behind each archway is a stall, and a horse.
The performing stallions are away on vacation right now,
but there are horses in these stalls. Really.

When it's time for a performance, the stallions are ridden
up this ramp, across the street, and into the performance hall.

There are even horses on the streets.