Wachau Valley Small Group

Wachau Valley Small-Group Tour and Wine Tasting from Vienna

★ 4.8 653 reviews

8 hours 30 minutes, free cancellation.

from $226.51 per person

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Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes
Group: small group
Meeting point: Vienna Explorer Franz-Josefs-Kai 45
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Vienna Explorer

Overview

This full-day trip packs an entire wine region into eight hours and thirty minutes, with a driver-guide at the wheel of an eight-seater vehicle and no more than eight travellers in the group.

The route calls at Dürnstein, where Richard the Lionheart was held prisoner in 1192, with free time for the castle ruins and a tavern lunch at your own expense. From May to September there is a seventy-minute Danube cruise between Spitz and Melk; outside those months the cruise is replaced by entrance and a one-hour guided tour of Melk Abbey, a Benedictine house founded in 1089. Winery tastings of local blends and a stop at the valley's oldest church, founded in 987, fill out the day before the return to Vienna in the evening.

It suits travellers who want countryside, history and wine in one organized outing. The tastings and local specialties are included, lunch and drinks are not, and one reviewer notes there is not much walking involved.

What's Included

Included

Transport in luxury 8-seater vehicle
Full-day accompaniment by expert driver/guide
Wine tastings and local specialties
70-minute Danube river cruise (May to September only)

Not Included

Lunch and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Itinerary

Meet in central ViennaCheck in at the Vienna Explorer office at Franz-Josefs-Kai 45, 1010 Wien, near metro Schottenring, for a 09:00 departure.
Drive to the WachauTravel out of the city by minivan into the Wachau Valley, with commentary on the region's wine heritage along the way.
Dürnstein and lunchFree time in the medieval town, including the castle ruins, followed by a traditional lunch at a local wine tavern at your own expense.
Danube river cruiseFrom May to September, a 70-minute cruise between Spitz and Melk. In winter months this is replaced by entrance and a one-hour guided tour of Melk Abbey.
Melk Abbey and wineriesVisit the Benedictine abbey dating to 1089, then sample local blends at regional wineries and stop at the valley's oldest church, founded in 987.
Return to ViennaThe day trip ends in the evening back at the original meeting point on Franz-Josefs-Kai.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape how the day goes, from what you pay for yourself to how much time you spend in the van.

Getting there. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan to be at Franz-Josefs-Kai 45 by 09:00. The listing notes that hotel pickup can sometimes be arranged by contacting the operator directly. The office sits near metro U2 and U4 at Schottenring.
Time in the van. One reviewer describes a drive of an hour and twenty minutes to the first stop, with about an hour back at the end, so expect decent stretches on the road between stops. That traveller would have preferred skipping the boat for one more winery. Bring something for the rides if long drives bore you.
Food and drink. Wine tastings and local specialties are covered, but lunch and drinks are not. Reviewers frequently mention a guide-recommended lunch spot in one of the villages and speak well of those meals, so budget for that stop.
Walking and pace. One reviewer describes the tour as not much walking, though it is not wheelchair accessible. Expect strolls through village streets and around sites rather than anything strenuous. The tour runs in all weather, so dress for the forecast.
Group feel. The vehicle seats eight and the tour caps at eight travellers. Reviewers describe a relaxed small-group atmosphere, with guides who are repeatedly praised as knowledgeable about both wine and the region's history.
Seasonal swap. The cruise only runs May to September, so check what your travel dates will get. Winter travellers get the Melk Abbey tour instead, so the season you visit changes the shape of the day.

Common issues. Lunch, drinks and gratuities are extra, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The Danube cruise is limited to May through September. The tour needs a minimum number of travellers to run; if it is cancelled for that reason, the operator offers a different date or a full refund. It is not wheelchair accessible. One reviewer also wished for more free time in Dürnstein.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

Transport in a luxury 8-seater vehicle, a driver-guide for the full day, wine tastings with local specialties, and the 70-minute Danube river cruise from May to September are included. Outside the cruise season, entrance and a one-hour guided tour of Melk Abbey are included instead.

Is Lunch Included?

No. Lunch and drinks are not included unless specified, and gratuities are also at your own discretion. Reviews often mention a good lunch stop in one of the villages, sometimes at the guide's recommendation, so plan to pay for that meal yourself.

Where Does The Tour Meet, And Is Hotel Pickup Available?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The tour starts and ends at the Vienna Explorer office at Franz-Josefs-Kai 45, 1010 Wien, near metro U2 and U4 at Schottenring, departing at 09:00. The listing says hotel pickup may be arranged by contacting the operator directly.

How Long Is The Tour And How Big Is The Group?

The tour runs 8 hours and 30 minutes, departing at 09:00 and returning to the meeting point in the evening. It has a maximum of eight travellers travelling together in an eight-seater vehicle.

Is The Tour Suitable For Children Or People With Limited Mobility?

The listing states the tour is not wheelchair accessible but is pushchair accessible, with infant seats available and most travellers able to participate. One reviewer notes there is not much walking. It runs in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the 09:00 start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before start are not refunded or accepted. The experience also requires a minimum number of travellers; if it is cancelled because that minimum is not met, you are offered a different date or experience or a full refund.