Private Tour Vienna to Salzburg via Wachau & Lake District
Active
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
On this full-day private tour, travel from Vienna to Salzburg and explore the Wachau region, which is recognized by UNESCO, and the Salzkammergut Lake Region. Highlights of the itinerary include visits to the picturesque village of Duernstein, where you can learn about the Robin Hood legend, Lake Attersee, which served as the model for many of Gustav Klimt's landscape paintings, and the quaint community of Mondsee, home to the church from the Sound of Music. The tour concludes with a drop-off at your accommodation in Salzburg; if desired, you can take the train back (2h20min).
• During one exciting day, get a comprehensive introduction to some of Austria's major attractions.
• The tour includes door-to-door transportation from your Vienna hotel to your Salzburg hotel
• Optional return by train in only 2 ½ hours
Available options
Private Tour: Vienna to Salzburg via Wachau heritage region
Pickup included
Driver PLUS licensed Guide
Chauffeur PLUS Licensed Guide: Travel in style with your personal driver and expert guide—seamless comfort, curated insights, and a first-class experience.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Bottled water
Luxury transportation in a Mercedes-Benz V-Class van with air conditioning
Private tour led by a professional, English-speaking guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off at your accommodation
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Get ready for pickup at 10:00 AM and settle into your luxury tour vehicle. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a scenic drive along the Danube River Valley into the stunning UNESCO-listed Wachau region.
2
Stop 2
Dürnstein is a picturesque Austrian town nestled in the heart of the Wachau Valley. Stroll through its charming streets and uncover the legend of Robin Hood’s era—this is where King Richard the Lionheart was held captive in 1192 after his capture near Vienna, just before Christmas.
3
Stop 3
Melk Abbey is one of the biggest and most beautiful European Baroque ensembles. Its splendid architecture is famous worldwide and part of UNESCO’s world cultural heritage. The Baroque building situated on a rock overlooking the Danube, in the Wachau region, ranks as one of Austria’s most visited art-historical sites.
4
Next, travel comfortably via highway from Melk to the Salzburg Lake District—a direct route that allows us to maximize your time in this beautiful region.
5
Stop 5
The tour continues with a scenic drive along the full length of Lake Attersee—from Seewalchen to the charming lakeside village of Unterach. Once nicknamed "Little Venice" in the 19th century, Unterach lies at the southern tip of the lake. World-renowned artist Gustav Klimt spent his summers here between 1900 and 1916, capturing the region’s beauty in many of his famous landscape paintings.
6
Next is the quaint and charming village of Mondsee. The village is home to the Sound of Music Wedding Church, where the wedding scene of the world famous movie Sound of Music was filmed.
7
Stop 7
Pass by
After eight hours exploring one of Austria’s best Sightseeing Routes, your private tour will conclude with drop-off at your Salzburg City hotel or optional at the train station: it is a ride of 2h20min back to Vienna, 2 trains every hour.
What's not included
Gratuities
Entrances: Melk Abbey
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
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Tripadvisor
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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
A maximum of 7 people per booking
Important notes
MPORTANT: When booking, please be sure to provide your contact number, number of passengers and luggage. Helpful baggage information should contain: number of main-full size bags, hand luggage, etc.
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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