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Day Trips

Wachau: Day Trip from Vienna to Danube Valley

The main courtyard of Melk Abbey
Melk Abbey Garden in Vienna
Librabry inside Melk Abbery in Vienna
Group of tourists on a guided tour exploring the ancient Roman Basilicas and underground catacombs on the Appian Way in Rome, Italy

Discover Wachau, a beautiful valley and a UNESCO World Heritage Site along the Danube River with transfers from Vienna to this picturesque destination.

Highlights

  • Discover the picturesque landscape and lush vineyards of Wachau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Lower Austria for a unique getaway.

  • Right next to the Wachau Valley is the tranquil Melk Abbey, an attraction that overlooks the Danube River. You can opt for this and enjoy free time in Melk along with a guide.

  • Enjoy the comforts of a coach ride from Vienna as you pass by many beautiful castles, visit Krems/Dürnstein depending on the season, and more.

  • Enjoy a delectable lunch at a local restaurant in the winter months or take an exciting boat ride on the Danube River in the summer months. Take your pick!

  • Fun fact: It’s home to a unique type of apricot called the Wachau apricot or "Marille" which is often used in traditional Austrian apricot jam, known as "Marillenmarmelade."

Inclusions

  • Full-day trip to the Danube, Wachau Valley from Vienna

  • Round-trip transfers in a modern coach

  • Visit Melk Abbey (based on option selected)

  • Guided tour of Melk Abbey (based on option selected)

  • Boat trip (in summer)

  • Lunch (in winter)

  • Visit Krems/Dürnstein (depending on the season)

Exclusions

  • Boat ride in winter

  • Lunch at a restaurant in the summer

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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This day trip will take you from Vienna to Wachau, a beautiful valley located next to the Danube River in Austria. Board a premium air-conditioned bus, and enjoy a relaxing ride to the destination. You will travel through the serene Austrian countryside and arrive at Durnstein after a short ride.

Of castles and abbeys

The ruins of Durnstein castle can be seen on a nearby hill. The English king, Richard the Lionheart, was held captive in this castle in the 12th century. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features numerous monasteries, medieval castles, and a breathtaking landscape. One of the highlights of the tour is an optional visit to the Melk Abbey. Located on a rocky outcrop of a cliff, overlooking the Danube River, the Melk Abbey was founded in the latter half of the 11th century. The current abbey was built in 1736 in the Baroque style and features eye-catching frescoes by Johann Michael Rottmayr and a library with innumerable medieval manuscripts. Enjoy free time in Melk and based on the option selected by you, have fun on a boat ride during summer or savor a scrumptious lunch during winter months.

Depending on the season, visit the historic city of Krems, at the heart of the Wachau wine-growing region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich architectural and agricultural heritage. You may also get to visit Dürnstein. It is a charming town known for its historic ruins and blue church tower. It’s also associated with the story of King Richard the Lionheart, who was imprisoned here.

The day trip will come to an end after this, and you will return to the Vienna State Opera on the bus.

What's not allowed

  • Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.

Additional information

  • The basic Danube Valley day trip includes Melk Abbey in winter, but without the boat. In summer you can enjoy the trip with a boat, but without Melk Abbey.

  • The boat trip on the Danube takes place on dates between March 30 and November 3.

  • Please note: The summer period is between 30 March to 03 November. The winter period is between 24 November to 22 March.

  • Due to unpredictable events such as high or low water or delays during locks or bridges, a program and/or route change may become necessary.

  • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

  • Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

  • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

Meeting point

  • Meet your guide at BIOGENA PLAZA.

  • Address: Operngasse 8, 1010 Wien, Austria.

  • Guide Identifier: Your guide will be wearing a yellow uniform.

  • Landmark: Next to the Opera fountain.

Get directions to the meeting point

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