Private Danube-Valley Tour From Vienna

The gorgeous Danube Valley is one of our country's true gems and is always worth a visit. Take a side-trip from Vienna to discover Austria's wine country, quaint towns and medieval villages and to visit the world-famous Melk Abbey. Depart from your hotel in Vienna at your preferred time in a chauffeur-driven private limousine or minivan. For your safety and comfort you are driven by a professional chauffeur and guided by a separate expert guide. Heading west alongside the river you drive past the upstream wine-town of Krems and finally enter the Danube Valley. First pay a visit to the medieval town of Drnstein, where the English King Richard the Lionheart was held prisoner in the 12th century. Your guide shows you the highlights, including the town hall, the medieval courtyards, the rustic wine taverns and the abbey of St. Augustine with its famous blue tower. If you like take a short hike up to the fortress, where Richard the Lionheart suffered back in the day. Dont miss your opportunity to sample the locally made apricot marmelade and the delicious apricot schnapps. Further up the Danube, in Spitz, depart on a Danube river cruise (optional). A modern cruise ship takes you to the upstream town of Melk in 1,5 hours. Have lunch on board and enjoy the amazing scenery while listening to the commentary explaining the sights. If you prefer not to take the river cruise we'll gladly make a reservation for you in one of the Valley's Wineries for lunch. Afterwards visit the world-famous Melk Abbey. The vast monastery was founded almost 1000 years ago by the Benedictines and houses the remains of some of the early Babenbergs, the former rulers of Austria. With your guide visit the ample courtyards and take a peek into the amazing baroque chapel. Optionally take a private tour of the Abbey Museum, the Mable Hall and the baroque library with one of the monasteries own guides (not included). On the way back to Vienna drive across the Western part of Lower-Austria and traverse the famous Vienna Woods. The tour ends back at your hotel in Vienna. Enjoy the great service and the personal atmosphere of this private tour: Your knowledgeable guide is ready to respond to (almost) your every request and requirement. Decide for yourself what you want to see and how much time to spend at each location. Plenty of photo opportunities!