Group Tour Operator and DMC for Vienna, Austria

Heady bliss in the Wachau Valley

The rolling hills and vineyards of the 22-mile Wachau Valley carves through the heart of Lower Austria, tracing the path of the world-famous Danube River past the classical old towns of Dürnstein, Melk and Krem.

With human history here dating back as far as the Neolithic era, the ancient monasteries of Melk are among a bounty of heritage in Wachau’s UNESCO listed stretch of the Danube.

Sat just above the town of Dürnstein is the mournful ruin of Kuenringerburg Castle. Once housing Richard the Lionheart after he offended captor Leopold V by tearing up the Austrian flag, the castle offers spectacular views of Wachau Valley’s natural beauty.

Vienna: Streets paved with Culture

Home to Mozart, Schubert, Brahms, Strauss (both father and son), and Beethoven – as well a wealth of other greats – Vienna is truly the city of music. The notes vibrate melodically from the space between buildings. The city’s many venues, from the renowned Musikverein to the Staatsoper, still boast some of the world’s best acoustic experiences.

The history doesn’t cease with music. The city’s MuseumQuarter, transformed from the former imperial stables, hosts a contrast of classical works of the Leopold Museum’s old masters and the striking modernity of MUMOK’s avant-garde. Meanwhile, the Naturhistorische Museum offers an earthier approach to Austrian history. Not to forget the Sigmund Freud museum either, which offers a look into the life and times of the founder of psychoanalysis.

In amongst the fine dining and vaulted Vinothek wine cellars lie some of the quaintest and most classically Austrian eating spots imaginable. Grand coffee houses serve cakes and pastries almost too ornate to eat while the pub-like Beisln of the city off the warm embrace of hearty wiener schnitzel and other Austrian favourites.

1,441 reasons to love Schloss Schönbrunn

Vienna is one of those rare cities in which it’s possible to be awestruck without ever having to pay an entry fee. The immense grandeur of the city’s imperial architecture, from the Kaiserappartments (Imperial Apartments) to the neo-Gothic Rathaus, is quite literally unmissable.

The Hofsburg Palace complex – home of the famed Habsburg monarchs – for over 6 centuries provides a spiritual centre point, bringing together the Burgkapelle (Imperial Chapel) and Spanish Riding School.

The 1441-room Schloss Schönbrunn is a picture of pure opulence. The former summer residence of the Habsburgs is UNESCO heritage site and a stunning reminder of Vienna’s regal history. It is also home to Tiergarten Schöbrunn, the world’s oldest zoo, opened in 1752.

Consider Bratislava

Why not spend an extra day exploring the compact Slovakian capital of Bratislava? A quirky city of rich history decorated with vibrantly coloured buildings. Wander the city streets, from the cobbles of the medieval old town and baroque castles of Hungarian nobility to the harsh, angled reminders of Slovakia’s recent communist history.

Furthermore, there’s the option to enjoy a catamaran trip along the Danube back to Vienna, after your day exploring.

Vienna by Coach

Vienna is a fantastic destination by coach. It can easily be incorporated with a number of Europe’s highlights such as the imperial cities. Alternately, you can make stops along the way to break up the journey, perhaps visiting the breathtaking Rhine Valley or Austrian Tyrol. Contact us for more information about tailoring your overland journey.