Things to do in

Melk

Cruise on the Danube river through the 36-kilometer long Wachau Valley. The valley has been declared a World Cultural Heritage site because of its uniqueness. Enjoy a delicious 3-course meal on board, while cruising along the river from Krems to Melk and back again. Highlights along the route through the river valley include Melk Abbey, Schönbühel Palace, and the town of Dürnstein with its blue church tower. In the ship's restaurant you will be spoiled with culinary delights made from regional produce, and you can enjoy the spectacular views of the open countryside from the generous sun deck. The ships have been newly renovated using traditional materials, creating a bright, pleasant atmosphere on board. Relax in the lounge area on the upper deck, sit under the flexible sun sail, or enjoy a drink at the bar area on the ship's sun deck.

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. Wachau Valley is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architectural and agricultural history, and it also attracts epicureans with its food and wine. 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) and go to the heart of the Wachau wine-growing region at the old city of Krems. A highlight of the tour will be a visit to the Benedictine Abbey of Melk, one of Austria's most famous Baroque buildings.

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.

Experience the stunning beauty of Austria’s most picturesque valley, noted for its spectacular white wines. The true allure of the Wachau Valley is revealed once you travel outside the city centers and onto the smaller country roads. On this full-day tour you’ll travel in a van that accommodates up to 8, and is able to maneuver the narrow roads that will take you into the heart of the Wachau Valley. Accompanied by your expert driver/guide, you’ll learn about wine-making and the fascinating history and culture of the region.   During the tour you’ll taste a wide variety of the valley’s dry and fruity whites and sample other local delicacies such as the valley’s famed apricot jams and liqueurs. You’ll have free time to explore the medieval town of Dürnstein, a highlight of the region. The town is overlooked by a castle where Richard the Lionhearted was once held prisoner. Enjoy lunch in a heuriger, a traditional family-run Austrian wine tavern. Sit back as your driver takes you through quaint villages and picturesque vineyard landscapes. End the day with a 1 hour River Cruise down the Danube River from Spitz to Melk (28th April 2018 - 7th October 2018).

Following pick-up from your hotel in Vienna, sit back and relax in the comfort of a luxury vehicle as you make your way to the city of Melk. Visit the Benedictine abbey located on a rocky outcrop with spectacular views of the Danube River. See the tomb of Saint Coloman of Stockerau and go to the top of the abbey to get panoramic views of Melk. Drive past pretty lakes and scenic towns such as Bad Ischl. Stop at the beautiful town of Hallstatt on the Hallstätter See, and learn more about its historic salt production. Visit a subterranean salt lake to see the mummy of a prehistoric miner preserved in salt! Next, visit the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in the city of Salzburg. Explore the highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Old Town, and discover where the legendary movie "The Sound of Music" was filmed. Return to Vienna and get dropped off at your hotel at the end of a memorable day

Depart Vienna and travel to the historic city of Melk in Lower Austria. See the Benedictine abbey that contains the tomb of St. Coloman of Stockerau, along with the remains of several members of the House of Babenberg, the first dynasty of Austria. Go to the top of the abbey to get a great view of Melk and its surrounding gardens. Continue further into the Lake District and drive through the beautiful towns of the Wachau Valley, such as Bad Ischl. Stop in Hallstatt, famous for its salt production dating back to prehistoric times and a cultural heritage that links some of the oldest civilizations of Europe. Move on to the birthplace of Mozart in the beautiful city of Salzburg. Admire the historic Hohensalzburg Fortress atop the Festungsberg, and discover the busy shopping street of Getreidegasse, with the house where Mozart was born at number 9. Return to Vienna or get the option to stay in Salzburg and explore independently.

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.

Travel through Lower Austria and enjoy local, stunning scenery during your full-day trip. Discover the beauty of Lower Silesia with views of the salt lakes, vineyards, and mountains. Start with a pickup from your accommodation in Vienna and follow the Danube River into the countryside filled with dense woodlands and rolling vineyards. Admire stunning landscapes to reach the famous Melk Abbey, Salzburg, and Hallstatt. Melk Abbey is one of the biggest and most beautiful European Baroque Ensembles and is located on top of the hill. Walk around Abbey Park with the baroque garden Pavillion. Marvel at the architecture. Step inside where your guide will lead you through Abbey Museum, the Marble Hall, balcony, library, and church with its amazing chapels and decorations. Move to beautiful Hallstatt village, Austria’s oldest and possibly most photographed village famous for its salt production. See the Lake of District and the picturesque town Bad Ischl. Discover Old Town, gorgeous Lutheran Church, landscapes with steep mountains, and waterfalls. Explore Salzburg, known as Mozart’s birthplace and the town of music. See the highlights such as UNESCO-protected Old Town, Cathedral, Fortress, and “The Sound of Music” filming locations. Choose if you want a guided tour of Melk Abbey and Salzburg city, or if you want to experience the essence of the whole trip with an accompaniment of a guide on board in each place with you. After the tour, sit it back and relax with a transfer back to your hotel in Vienna.

Visit Schönbrunn Palace and Melk Abbey on this private tour with transfers. Enter Schönbrunn Palace with skip-the-line tickets and admire the elaborate designs of its rooms and gardens. Visit Melk Abbey and be impressed by its location on the hilltop. Your tour begins at your accommodation in Vienna, from where the driver will take you to Schönbrunn Palace. Avoid the long queue thanks to your included skip-the-line tickets and enjoy exclusive knowledge from your private guide. Explore the palace's magnificent interiors, learn its fascinating history, and discover Austrian heritage. Explore Rococo-style apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife Elisabeth. Step inside over 40 rooms and hear fascinating stories spanning 3 centuries from your guide. Be charmed by the palace's beautiful gardens around see Schönbrunn's unique synthesis of Baroque art. After Schönbrunn, hit the road with your English-German speaking driver and drive through Wachau Valley to reach Melk. On the way, see landscapes full of vineyards. The drive takes approximately 1-hour maximum. Arrive at Melk Abbey and walk around to explore the abbey's park with its baroque garden pavilion. Marvel at exceptional architecture from the outside and step inside where a guide will lead you through the museum, the Marble Hall, balcony, library, and church with amazing chapels and decorations. After your visit to the abbey, take a walk around the village and see a hidden local gem, the Parish Church of Assumption of Mary. Head back to Vienna where your driver will drop you back off at your hotel.

Explore the natural beauty of Wachau Valley as you travel by kayak along the Danube on a private tour. See the incredible scenery, enjoy a delicious tasting of local wine, explore picturesque Durnstein, have a tasty lunch, and more. Meet at the main entrance of Vienna’s Westbahnhof railway station before a one-hour train journey to Melk, home of the world-famous baroque abbey, or meet there directly. Once there, prepare the kayaks and receive a safety briefing. It’s then time to travel by kayak along the Western Wachau, where the hills are carpeted in trees with castles and palaces sitting atop many of the valley’s highest peaks. You’ll be in awe of the valley’s natural beauty from your position in the heart of the Danube. The charming village of Spitz, approximately halfway through the valley, marks the beginning of the wine region. Noted for its dry Rieslings, Austria’s signature Gruner Veltliner, and the wonderfully unique and earthy Neuburger, visit one of the town’s finest local producers for an extensive tasting, before lunch (own expense) in a local hamlet. After this, paddle further east and see the steep valley landscape transform into visually stunning rows of dry stone walls and vines, separated into hundreds of individual vineyard plots. End the journey in picturesque Durnstein, the gem of the valley. You can climb the famous castle ruins or wander through the village, taking in its old-world medieval charm. After a full day of activity, arrive back in Vienna around 7 PM, although the precise time of arrival will depend on our progress over the course of the day – you won’t want to rush through the beautiful nature.