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Wachau Valley UNESCO sites

Our most recommended Wachau Valley UNESCO sites

From Vienna: Dürnstein and Wachau Cruise

1. From Vienna: Dürnstein and Wachau Cruise

Every Saturday & Sunday between July and September, you can have the opportunity to take a ride on the luxurious MS Kaiserin Elisabeth II, traveling from Vienna to the Wachau Valley. Enjoy the navigation and the beautiful view of the surrounding villages, meadows and forests as you sit back and relax. During your two-hour journey, you can stroll through Dürnstein and explore the quaint village. The ship has a well-equipped onboard restaurant which allows you to choose from a wide range of breakfasts, lunches, and snacks. All meals are freshly prepared for you on board and the emphasis is placed on regional cuisine.

From Melk: 5-Hour Wachau River Cruise

2. From Melk: 5-Hour Wachau River Cruise

From the end of March to the beginning of November, the proud red-and-white fleet will take you on a daily leisurely cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wachau. A boat trip through the Wachau is an experience in every season. In spring, the apricot and fruit trees are in full bloom whilst in the summer you will drive past baroque monasteries and medieval castles under a bright blue sky. In in the autumn you can see a natural spectacle when the vineyards turn red-gold and shimmer in the afternoon sun. Your ship will allow you to travel in comfort through the UNESCO World Heritage Site Wachau. These ships have huge sundecks with plenty of seating, as well as a partial roof and a beautiful all-round view which contribute to the perfect experience. Let yourself be pampered in the on-board restaurants, with a varied food and beverage package being offered. The menu focuses on regional products and modern interpretations of Wachau classics, such as a summer salad with apricot pieces.

Vienna: Wachau, Melk Abbey, and Danube Valleys Tour

3. Vienna: Wachau, Melk Abbey, and Danube Valleys Tour

Experience a romantic sightseeing tour by bus and boat from Vienna, introducing you to the beauty of the Wachau and Danube Valleys in Lower Austria. Visit the Benedictine Abbey of Melk with a guide. In winter, enjoy lunch in place of the Danube boat trip. Explore the River Danube as it flows around picturesque villages and steep vineyards. Pass by many ancient castles testify to the former importance of the river. One of these is the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, where, according to legend, Richard the Lionheart was kept imprisoned, and was eventually freed by his faithful minstrel Blondel. Then take a romantic boat trip along the legendary Danube (only in summer, in winter we offer you a lunch). In the old city of Krems, go to the heart of the Wachau wine-growing region, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architectural and agricultural history. Then, follow your guide to the Danube River town of Melk. Visit the Benedictine Abbey of Melk, one of Austria's most famous Baroque buildings and its cultural and spiritual center.

Grape Grazing: Wachau Valley Winery Biking Tour

4. Grape Grazing: Wachau Valley Winery Biking Tour

Discover the most beautiful section of the Wachau Valley on this full-day biking and wine tasting excursion in Austria’s most beautiful valley, voted the Best Historic Destination in the World in 2008. Enjoy a glorious day of sipping, swirling, and casual cycling through the country’s most famous wine-making regions. Experience world-renowned white wines, stunning villages, and breathtaking scenery. The Wachau Valley is the perfect place to enjoy a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city.  Arrive by train and then hop on your bike to explore with your expert guide. Breathe in the fresh country air as you cycle by historic towns, charming villages, and spectacular scenery. Stopping at local wineries, sample dry and fruity whites as well as other delicacies, like the valley’s famed apricot jams and liqueurs. Explore the medieval town of Dürnstein, a well-known Wachau highlight, complete with a castle where Richard the Lionhearted was once held prisoner.  Or perhaps swim in the Danube and then enjoy lunch at the local tavern, a traditional family-run restaurant. When your time in the valley is up, take a relaxing train ride back to Vienna. This winery bike tour of the Wachau Valley is the perfect choice for those looking for a unique wine tasting experience that combines fun, biking, and stunning scenery.

From Vienna: Wachau Valley Day Tour with Wine Tasting

5. From Vienna: Wachau Valley Day Tour with Wine Tasting

Experience the stunning beauty of Wachau Valley and sample its white wines on a guided day trip from Vienna. Hop on a river cruise down the Danube from Spitz to Melk. Visit Melk Abbey and Weissenkirchen. Stop at a family-run tavern in Dürnstein to taste liqueurs, wines, and local delicacies. Start the trip from Vienna and travel in a van through narrow countryside roads into the heart of the Wachau Valley. Accompanied by your driver/guide, learn about wine-making and the fascinating history and culture of the region. Taste a variety of the valley’s dry and fruity whites and sample other local delicacies like apricot jams and liqueurs. In summer, take a boat ride on the Danube River from Spitz to Melk to soak up the beauty of the Wachau Valley. During winter, take a guided tour of the beautiful Melk Abbey. Once in Dürnstein, enjoy free time to explore the medieval town and its colorful architecture. Learn about the castle where Richard the Lionhearted was once held prisoner. Finally, visit a heuriger, a traditional family-run Austrian wine tavern, for wine tasting.

From Krems: Wachau Valley River Cruise on the Danube

6. From Krems: Wachau Valley River Cruise on the Danube

From the end of March to the beginning of November, the proud red-and-white fleet will take you on a daily leisurely cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wachau. A boat trip through the Wachau is an experience in every season. In spring, the apricot and fruit trees are in full bloom, whilst in the summer drive past baroque monasteries and medieval castles under a bright blue sky. In in the autumn, you can see a natural spectacle when the vineyards turn red-gold and shimmer in the afternoon sun. Your ship will allow you to travel in comfort through Wachau. These ships have huge sundecks with plenty of seating, as well as a partial roof and a beautiful all-around view which contribute to the perfect experience. Let yourself be pampered in the onboard restaurants, where a varied food and beverage package offered. The menu focuses on regional products and modern interpretations of Wachau classics, such as a summer salad with apricot pieces.

Krems: Super Combo Ticket to Kunstmeile Krems

7. Krems: Super Combo Ticket to Kunstmeile Krems

The Kunstmeile Krems (art mile Krems) has a rich and varied cultural offer with numerous museums, galleries, art and music festivals. In its centre - at the Museumplatz - you can visit the Cartoon museum Krems, the Kunsthalle Krems, as well as the new State Gallery of Lower Austria. The museums afford you an opportunity to experience contemporary art forms of different genres in the historical ambience of the gateway town to the Wachau region. The cartoon museum Krems, the only Austrian museum for satirical art, is mainly devoted to political caricature, humorous drawings, comics and illustrations. Caricature thrills and inspires both viewers and artists of all disciplines. The Caricature Museum Krems is a lively place for high-quality and socio-political exhibitions. The Kunsthalle Krems is the international exhibition center for modern and contemporary art in Lower Austria. Its program features art after 1945 with a special focus on contemporary art. The new State Gallery of Lower Austria combines the items in the Lower Austria collections with important private collections and reflects Lower Austria as an art landscape. The museum forms the stage for art treasures and masterpieces of Austrian art history.

Vienna: Melk Abbey, Wachau, Danube Valley Private Trip

8. Vienna: Melk Abbey, Wachau, Danube Valley Private Trip

Travel in comfort to the picturesque Wachau and Danube Valleys following the Danube River into the countryside filled with dense woodlands and rolling vineyards. Admire stunning landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage Site status, enjoying a full-day trip from Vienna. Explore fabulous places and hidden gems along the way. Sightsee each different village on your own and discover beautiful sights. Stop in Krems where all looks like time has frozen. Walk through Krems Old Town and see Steinertor, Rathaus, and Gozzoburg Krems. See ancient ruins of Dürnstein Castle. According to legend, Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned, and eventually freed by his faithful minstrel Blondel. Get to the Spitz and experience a fantastic boat cruise to reach Melk. See wild Austrian landscapes while relaxing. Walk to the ruins of Hinterhaus Castle dated from the XI century, with some prime views of Lower Austria from the top. Walk around and explore the beautiful Abbey Park with the baroque garden Pavillion. Marvel at exceptional architecture from outside and step inside the Abbey Museum, the Marble Hall, balcony, library, and church with amazing chapels and decorations. Stroll around the village and see the hidden local gem of Parish Church of Assumption of Mary, a peaceful place with nice decorations. No worries about return, sit back and relax, the driver will drop you off at your hotel in Vienna.

Vienna: Guided Walking Tour with St. Stephen's Cathedral

9. Vienna: Guided Walking Tour with St. Stephen's Cathedral

Walk around the finest areas in Vienna on this walking tour with your art historian guide. Visit the Ringstrasse, explore the Hofburg and hear about classical dressage outside the infamous Spanish Riding School. Visit the most famous attractions of the city, including the Hofburg Imperial Palace, the Spanish Riding School, the famous Graben shopping street, Hero's Square and the Austrian National Library. Meet your guide at the geographical center of Vienna, the splendid 13th-century St Stephen's Cathedral, at Stephansplatz. Walk through Vienna's historical downtown and learn about the stories hidden behind its monuments, magnificent boulevards, and epic architecture. Hear stories of imperial rulers, grand architecture, and epoch-changing historical events. Learn insider tips from your guide like where the best bars and restaurants in the city are and how to make the most of the famous coffee house culture.

From Vienna: Full-Day Kickbike Tour through Wachau

10. From Vienna: Full-Day Kickbike Tour through Wachau

Begin the day with a pick-up from central Vienna and then board the Mercedes Viano minibus. From there, you will head to the UNESCO World Heritage site Wachau. Enjoy a short walk through Stift Melk before hopping on the awaiting cross bikes. Take a leisurely ride through the old town while on the bicycle, then take a break at a traditional butcher shop for snacks and sandwiches. Once you are finished with your snacks, cruise along a road that twists through the scenic areas of Wachau.  Before you ride down the first hill, you will be given the opportunity to visit the old castle Aggstein. This route will be filled with sharp curves at a high level of speed. Proceed to board the ferry to cross the Danube River. After docking, ride your bike to your wine tasting. Get a taste of unique Austrian wine and an optional typical dinner. At 6:00pm, you will return to Vienna and dropped back off at your original departure point.

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What people are saying about Wachau Valley

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 342 reviews

We absolutely loved our time on this tour. In Krems we only had 45 minutes but we went to both main churches and explored the alleyways and inspiring views! In Durstein we had an hour and I managed to run up the mountain to the castle ruins and had time to quickly explore town and the river after. If you're hoping to see the castle ruins but can't walk very quickly up a steep hill you won't be able to make it in time for this tour. Lastly, Melk Abbey was amazing and so beautiful. We learned a lot about its history and enjoyed our guide. The timing was very prompt. We had a nice lunch too!

It is a beautiful part of the country. Melk Abbey is stunning. The guide for the Abbey was very informative. Wachau Valley should not be missed. We plan to stay in the valley next time we visit there. Tasting wines at the local winery taught a lot on the different types of wines.

so glad I found this tour. the guide Tim was AMAZING. he let us go at our own pace, showed usbso many cute less known spots. we had a great lunch and so many wines for the tasting!

So beautiful and informative! This made my trip to Austria one of THE best trips I’ve ever taken.

Very interesting guide. The time left in the towns visited was very good. Nice visits. THANKS !