Authentic Christmas Castles & Markets: Private Danube Valley Tour

Vienna , Austria

Authentic Christmas Castles & Markets: Private Danube Valley Tour

Active

6h - 8h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Escape the crowds and experience Christmas the authentic Austrian way. This private tour takes you from Vienna into the Wachau Valley, where castles and abbeys turn into magical holiday settings. Instead of busy city markets, discover medieval courtyards, wooden stalls, and handcrafted gifts in a festive yet relaxed atmosphere that feels like a storybook.

Travel in comfort with your own driver&guide and enjoy the freedom to stop for photos, linger at your favorite spot, and taste authentic seasonal treats. Food and drinks are not included — so you can choose what you love most, from mulled wine made with local wines to freshly baked gingerbread.

Available highlights by date:
- Aggstein Castle Medieval Christmas Market — Nov 7–9, Nov 14–16, Nov 21–23
- Melk Abbey & Schloss Dürnstein Christmas Market — Dec 6–8, Dec 13–14, Dec 20–21

This private journey blends Austria’s cultural heritage with the festive charm of its most beautiful valley.

Available options

Authentic Christmas Castles & Markets: Private Danube Valley Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pick up and drop off

Bottled water

Professional English speaking guide

Professional English speaking driver

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Start your journey just outside Vienna at Klosterneuburg Monastery — Austria’s oldest abbey and a treasure house of history. Discover medieval halls, sacred relics, and royal artifacts, including a rare 14th-century ducal hat. A perfect introduction to Austria’s cultural and festive heritage.

Stop 2

Drive through winter vineyards to the fairytale village of Dürnstein, where King Richard the Lionheart was once held prisoner. On Dec 6–8, 13–14 & 20–21, the charming Christmas market fills the cobbled streets with lights, music, and handcrafted gifts. The Danube views and iconic blue-and-white Baroque church create an unforgettable festive backdrop.

(Available Nov 7–9, 14–16 & 21–23) Step back into the Middle Ages at Aggstein Castle, perched dramatically above the Danube. Its courtyards transform into a medieval Christmas market, lit by torches and bonfires. Enjoy rustic food, hot mulled wine, artisans in period dress, and the sound of medieval music — an enchanting start to the season.

(Available Dec 6–8, 13–14 & 20–21) After visiting the world-famous Melk Abbey — a masterpiece of Baroque architecture overlooking the Danube — we head down to the charming town below. Here, the Christmas market fills the streets with lights, music, and stalls offering mulled wine, pastries, and handcrafted gifts. It’s the perfect mix of sacred grandeur above and festive cheer in the town below.

Stop 5

Return to Vienna in comfort (approx. 1 hour). Drop-off is available at your hotel or any other location you prefer.

What's not included

Gratuities for the guide&driver (optional).

Food and drinks at the Christmas markets.

Available languages

Audio guide

Guide guide

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Vienna

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is renowned for its rich imperial history, vibrant arts scene, and stunning architecture. Known as the 'City of Music', it has been home to legendary composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. The city's elegant cafes, grand palaces, and world-class museums make it a cultural treasure trove.

Top Attractions

Schönbrunn Palace

A former imperial summer residence, Schönbrunn Palace is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. The palace and its gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours €18 for Imperial Tour, €24 for Grand Tour

St. Stephen's Cathedral

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, St. Stephen's Cathedral is a symbol of Vienna. The cathedral's multi-colored tile roof is iconic.

Religious/Architecture 1-2 hours Free entry, €6 for tower climb, €7 for treasury

Belvedere Palace

A historic building complex with two Baroque palaces, the Belvedere houses the largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, including 'The Kiss'.

Historical/Art/Museum 2-3 hours €16 for Upper Belvedere, €14 for Lower Belvedere

Vienna State Opera

One of the world's leading opera houses, the Vienna State Opera offers performances of opera, ballet, and concerts.

Cultural/Entertainment 2-4 hours (performance length) €10-200 depending on performance and seat

Hofburg Palace

The former imperial palace, Hofburg Palace is now home to several museums, the Austrian National Library, and the Spanish Riding School.

Historical/Museum 2-3 hours €14 for Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments, €20 for Silver Collection

Must-Try Local Dishes

Wiener Schnitzel

A thin, breaded, and fried veal cutlet, traditionally served with lemon and potato salad or dumplings.

Dinner Contains gluten and dairy

Tafelspitz

Boiled beef, usually served with root vegetables, apple sauce, and horseradish.

Dinner Gluten-free, dairy-free

Sachertorte

A famous chocolate cake with a thin layer of apricot jam, covered in dark chocolate glaze.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy

Apfelstrudel

A thin pastry filled with spiced apples, raisins, and sugar, often served with vanilla sauce or ice cream.

Dessert Contains gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Vienna Woods Cycling along the Danube Kayaking on the Danube Coffee house hopping Spa day at a luxury hotel Strolling through Schönbrunn Palace Gardens Visiting museums and galleries Attending opera or concert performances

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Vienna for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city hosts numerous festivals and cultural events during these months.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: German
Widely spoken: English, Austro-Bavarian dialect
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken elsewhere

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Vienna is a safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any major city, petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services

Getting there

By air

Vienna International Airport • 18 km from city center

By train

Vienna Hauptbahnhof (Main Station), Vienna Westbahnhof

By bus

Vienna International Bus Terminal, Erdberg Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Vienna's metro system is efficient and user-friendly, with four lines (U1, U2, U3, U4).

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Innere Stadt Leopoldstadt Wieden Hietzing

Day trips

Bratislava

80 km (50 miles) • Full day

The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava is a charming city with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene.

Salzburg

300 km (186 miles) • Full day or overnight

The birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg is a beautiful city with a rich musical heritage, stunning architecture, and scenic surroundings.

Hallstatt

200 km (124 miles) • Full day or overnight

A picturesque lakeside village in the Austrian Alps, Hallstatt is known for its stunning natural beauty and historic salt mines.

Festivals

Vienna Festival (Wiener Festwochen) • May to June Vienna Opera Ball (Wiener Opernball) • Late February or early March Vienna Christmas Markets (Wiener Christkindlmarkt) • Late November to December 26

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Purchase a Vienna Pass for unlimited transport and attractions, saving time and money
Explore the city's coffee house culture and try traditional pastries like Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel
Take a day trip to nearby cities like Bratislava or Salzburg for a change of pace
Use public transport or walk to explore the city, as driving can be challenging and expensive