Our most recommended things to do in Wachau Valley

Krems: Wachau Valley River Cruise with 3-Course Meal

1. Krems: Wachau Valley River Cruise with 3-Course Meal

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.

Vienna: Wachau, Melk Abbey, and Danube Valleys Tour

2. 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 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.

Vienna: Traditional Dinner Show at the Wiener Rathauskeller

3. Vienna: Traditional Dinner Show at the Wiener Rathauskeller

Take part in a musical journey from the mountains of Tirol to Salzburg, the Salzkammergut and the Wachau to the great final in Vienna. Look forward to spirited Landlers from the Alps, romantic arias from Salzburg, swift polkas and the famous Viennese waltzes. Be enchanted by excellent singers, spirited dancers and a colorful show. Enjoy a delicious 3-course menu and look forward to three diverse and enchanting scenes. Experience a hearty musical welcome by the full ensemble followed by evergreens from the operetta "Der Vogelhändler - The Bird Seller" as well as instrumental pieces. Listen to well-known melodies of the film “The Sound of Music“ and enjoy various famous operettas of Vienna.

From Melk: 5-Hour Wachau River Cruise

4. 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.

Grape Grazing: Wachau Valley Winery Biking Tour

5. 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: Dürnstein and Wachau Cruise

6. From Vienna: Dürnstein and Wachau Cruise

Every Friday & 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 Vienna: Wachau Valley Day Tour with Wine Tasting

7. 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

8. 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.

Melk, Hallstatt, and Salzburg Private Tour from Vienna

9. Melk, Hallstatt, and Salzburg Private Tour from Vienna

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.

Vienna: Guided Tour by Kick Bike or E-Scooter with a Local

10. Vienna: Guided Tour by Kick Bike or E-Scooter with a Local

Join a local guide on a unique 3-hour tour of Vienna and push your way around the city using a fun kick bike scooter, or opt for a smooth ride on an e-scooter. Scoot over the so called hipster district and discover hidden square and traditional restaurants called Beisl (no stop there). In order to get a perfect overview of the city to visit the places after the tour again. Join the city's youth on Danube Island and become a local for the day. Avail of an itinerary that can be tailored to suit your mood, the weather, and recommendations from your guide. See much more than you would on foot or by public transportation with the help of your fun guide and convenient mode of transport.   You will have the kick bikes or e-scooters for the duration of the tour and can upgrade to keep them until the end of the day for a small additional fee.

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What people are saying about Wachau Valley

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 1,685 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.

Enjoyable night, good music, food and entertainment