Wachau Valley Small-Group Tour and Wine Tasting from Vienna

Vienna , Austria

Wachau Valley Small-Group Tour and Wine Tasting from Vienna

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About this experience

Spend a day away from Vienna to discover the picturesque Wachau Valley in the Austrian countryside on this small-group, fully guided tour. Satisfy your cravings with a delicious lunch at a traditional Heurige (wine tavern). With your expert guide, visit stunning villages and historical sites like the UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval town of Dürnstein made famous by Richard the Lionheart and go for a wine tasting in a small local winery. Then, you'll see the the Wachau Valley from another perspective on a 70-minute scenic Danube river cruise (May to September only) between the historic villages of Spitz and Melk.

Available options

Wachau Valley Small-Group Tour and Wine Tasting from Vienna

What's included

Full-day accompaniment by expert driver/guide

Wine tastings and local specialties

70-minute Danube river cruise (May to September only)

Transport in luxury 8-seater vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Leaving Vienna behind you, travel in a comfortable vehicle to the country’s best winemaking region, the Wachau Valley for a fully guided day tour. Renowned for its quality wines, stunning villages and breathtaking scenery, it is the perfect place to enjoy a day away from the city. You’ll see the whole of the Wachau Valley while learning about its fascinating culture and history and sampling local wine as well as some other delicacies like the valley’s famed local specialties.

Besides the highlights, you’ll break away from the crowds to also see the more authentic and off-the-beaten-track landscapes. You also have the chance to visit the valley's oldest church, dating back to the year 987.

Stop 2 Pass by

Arrive in the UNESCO-listed Dürnstein – a picturesque medieval town famous for being where Richard the Lionheart was held captive in 1192. There, enjoy some free time to explore the streets and the castle ruins.

Afterwards you'll go for lunch in a traditional family-run Austrian wine tavern (not included).

Enjoy a one hour river cruise on the famous Blue Danube between the small villages of Spitz and Melk. (Summer itinerary)

Stop 5 Pass by

Before returning back to Vienna, you'll see Melk Abbey (Stift Melk) - entrance included during the winter months, a world-famous Benedictine abbey founded in 1089. Located above the town of Melk on a rocky outcrop, this impressive monastic site boasts stunning views of the Danube river down below. (Winter Itinerary)

What's not included

Lunch and drinks, unless specified

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

432 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.9

176 reviews

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Danube river cruise operates between May and September only. In the winter months entrance and one-hour guided tour of Melk Abbey will be included as a replacement

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Meeting point

This tour starts from our tour office, located at Franz Josefs Kai 45 (Metro U2 / U4 Schottenring, take exit “Schottenring” or “Salztorbrücke”. Hotel pick up can be arranged upon request. Please contact the local tour operator directly.

Important notes

Danube river cruise operates between May and September only. In the winter months, entrance and one-hour guided tour of Melk Abbey will be included as a replacement in your tour price.

Opening hours are:

08:00 - 19:00 Monday to Sunday

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