Vienna

Boat Tours & River Cruises

Embark on a boat trip along the Danube Canal through the historical and modern city of Vienna. Once known as the “Vienna Water,” the “Vienna Arm," and the “Little Danube," this route of today’s Danube Canal was the main arm of the Danube in the Middle Ages. On this tour, see important buildings including the Uniqa Tower, the Urania Observatory, hotels and commercial buildings by Jean Nouvel, and the Media Tower by Hans Hollein. Take a look at the Schützenhaus by Otto Wagner, the Ringturm, the Rossauer Barracks, and the waste incineration plant of Spttelau designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Below the lock, the boat turns around and heads back to the starting point. Let the new Vienna and its countless graffiti art pieces and trendy areas enchant you as they pass by.

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, and winner of the award for "Best Historic Destination of the World" in 2008.

Pass the romantically lit shores and enjoy the excellent service of the on-board restaurant. Varied menus that are always freshly prepared on the ship provide culinary highlights. Come aboard the 'Dream Ship' and let your mind wander. The cruise starts at Schwedenplatz, just a few steps from the city center. Exchange your voucher for a ticket at the shipping station (after the checkpoint directly at the ship). The friendly crew of MS Wien is pleased to welcome you on board. The evening cruise leads past the lively bustle on the banks of the Danube Canal. Pass the Nussdorf lock and experience how the ship overcomes the dammed-up elevation and approaches the sunset on the Danube.

Depart Vienna and journey by bus into the Austrian Alps to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Salzkammergut, famous for its scenic lakes, limestone mountains and historic castles. Continue to the beautiful village of Hallstatt on the Hallstätter See and learn more about the development of the village and its salt production industry, dating back to prehistoric times.  Next, climb aboard a boat and cruise across the tranquil waters of the Hallstätter See (only in the summer). Get some free time to explore the village on your own before making your way back to Vienna.

Discover the wonders of Vienna from a different perspective on this idyllic cruise along the Danube Canal. The trip begins at Schwedenplatz and sets sail onto the Viennese Donaukanal. Watch as the lock below is turned and the boat turns around to continue the journey. As you glide along the water, soak up the sights that surround you and enjoy a delicious warm apple strudel and a hot drink. Choose between a melange, hot chocolate, or a tea, then find a seat to admire the view. On the tour, see a selection of the city’s most iconic buildings, including the Uniqa Tower, Uranie Observatory, Jean Nouvel hotel and commercial building, the Schützenhaus by Otto Wagner, Ringturm, Roßauer Kaserne, Zaha Hadid House and the Spittelau waste incineration plant designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

A cruise through Vienna with a fitting culinary combination. The ticket includes a boat trip down the Danube and through Vienna. Start the tour at Schwedenplatz and redeem your voucher at the Vienna/City boat station at the DDSG Blue Danube. The ships depart just a few minutes' walk from St. Stephen's Cathedral in the city center. On board, the crew welcomes you. The ships are beautiful restaurant ships that sail both the Vienna Danube Canal and the great Danube. During the tour you will pass through two locks, a process that takes about 20 minutes each time. The tours are carried out with both the French designed MS Vindobona, which is now one of the sights of Vienna (departure 11:30 and 15:00) and the MS Wien, which has a large outdoor deck (departure 10:30 and 14:00). Both ships are air conditioned. The food is freshly prepared on board, the Schnitzel of course tapped, breaded and baked in butter lard. As you wish, you can also enjoy premium coffee from Julius Meinl or typical Austrian pastries, but neither of these are included in the price and have to be paid additionally. The round trip takes about 3.5 hours, returning to your starting point at the conclusion of the tour. Simply relax by the water and enjoy your stay aboard.

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. Schedule: • 8:30 AM: Departure Vienna / Marina Wien • 9:00 PM: Arrival Vienna / Marina Wien

Enjoy Viennese Heuriger music, just as the Viennese love it. Marion Zib from Radio Wienerlied brings the best heurigen duos of the city to the cozy Hundertwasser ship MS Vindobona. Look forward to the very special atmosphere when the musicians go from table to table, accepting their music wishes and inviting you to sing. The ship embarks on a great Danube cruise where you circle the 2nd and 20th district of Vienna. Admire the modern and beautifully illuminated skyline of Vienna with the Danube Tower, the Danube Plate, and the DC Tower. Take a look at historic buildings such as the Anniversary Church, the Ringturm or the Rossauer barracks. The on-board restaurant spoils you to the theme with typical delicacies from the cold and warm Heurigenbuffet.

Cruise past the romantically-lit shores of Vienna and experience the excellent service of the on-board restaurant on the MS Admiral Tegetthoff during a 3.5-hour evening barbeque cruise. Enjoy a delicious barbeque buffet prepared by an award-winning grill professional. The acting WBQA world champion of pork shoulder Geri Hochgatterer will spoil you with delicious meat dishes and barbeque varieties. As you eat, enjoy atmospheric live saxophone jazz and first-class vocals by the onboard band. During the tour, you will get to see the Danube River from a unique perspective as well as iconic landmarks such as the Donauplatte, the Danube Tower and the Millennium Tower.

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).