Group Tour Operator and DMC for Vienna, Austria
Vienna and the Blue Danube – NEW TOUR
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Sunset in Vienna, view from Donaupark to Kahlenberg ©Osterreich Werbung, Photographer Filmspektakel GmbH
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Exterior view of baroque Belvedere Palace in Vienna ©Belvedere Wien, Photographer Lukas Schaller
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Monument of Johann Strauss, Stadtpark ©Oesterreich Werbung, Diejun
This tour will put you in touch with the imperial history of Vienna, one of Europe’s most imposing cities, while also taking time to weave along the Danube’s blissful Wachau Valley. The River Danube is the second longest river in Europe, starting in Germany’s Black Forest and flowing for a distance of about 1,770 miles through Austria and further east until it finally empties into the Black Sea.
With its ornate imperial past spilling over into its modern persona, Vienna is truly impressive. With a charming core, littered with horse-drawn carriages and palaces, it’s quite the postcard perfect destination. Not to mention that it also features the world’s oldest zoo! 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.
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.
Dates
Dates throughout 2024 and 2025
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1-2
Depart the UK
Travel to Dover for the short sea ferry crossing to Calais. Upon disembarkation, continue towards the Cologne area for an overnight stay. Continue next day through Germany and to Passau for the next 2 nights. Check-into the hotel and have dinner together.
(Note: additional overnight stops may be necessary dependent upon requirements)
Day 3
Passau Sightseeing
The ‘Three Rivers City’ is really one of kind situated at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz. On a guided walking tour see the Old Town which was rebuilt in the 17th Century after a devastating town fire and is outstandingly beautiful. See also the Cathedral of St. Steven with its three characteristic, green onion-domed towers and home to the world’s largest cathedral organ, the New Bishop’s Residence and the magnificent Gothic Town Hall. The fortress ‘Veste Oberhaus’ and the Pilgrimage Church ‘Mariahilf’ overlook the city. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to explore the city further before spending a second night at your hotel.
Day 4
River Danube Cruise and Linz
After an early breakfast, check out of the hotel and load your luggage onto the coach before embarking on a cruise along the Danube to Linz. Enjoy the stunning panoramas as you sail along the Upper Danube Valley with its castles, monasteries and the famous Schlögen loop river bend which is nature’s window to the Danube’s 180-degree loops – a dramatic, snaking set of turns that occur only in Austria before arriving mid-afternoon into Linz. Here, the coach will meet you and make a short orientation tour of the city before checking into the hotel for an overnight stay.
Linz is the third largest city in Austria and its quaint old town has a relaxed and authentic feel. Once primarily an industrial centre, Linz has become a pioneer when it comes to culture, art, and technology. Home to a harbour that doubles as one of Europe’s biggest graffitti galleries and the cutting-edge art/technology museum. The musiktheatre is considered one of Europe’s most technically advanced opera houses. Take a stroll around the old town with its cobbled streets and centuries old buildings and have a coffee and cake al-fresco. Considered to be the oldest cake in the world, Linzer Torte is a true Austrian classic. It’s often served with a big dollop of whipped cream and dusted with confectioners’ sugar. In the Jindrak show bakery you can learn how to make this Austrian classic!
Linz’s Pöstlingberg tram (Pöstlingbergbahn), the steepest adhesion railway in Europe, creates a harmonious combination of nostalgia and modernity through its design. In only 20 minutes, starting from Hauptplatz, it climbs Linz’s local mountain. On its way it passes the Anton Bruckner University and the Zoo. The historical carriages are easily accessible. Whether you take the new mountain train or a nostalgia carriage (only in summer) – a trip on the Pöstlingberg is highly recommended.
Day 5
Melk Abbey and the Wachau Valley to Vienna
Depart the hotel after breakfast and drive along the Danube Valley for a visit and guided tour of Melk Abbey, a stunning Benedictine Abbey and one of the finest monastic sites in the world and part of UNESCO’s world heritage. Located above the town of Melk on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube river, adjoining the Wachau valley. The abbey contains the tomb of Saint Coloman of Stockerau and the remains of several members of the House of Babenberg, Austria’s first ruling dynasty. Since 1089, the Benedictine monks have been living and working in Melk Abbey in uninterrupted tradition.
There maybe time to explore the little town of Melk with its cobbled streets, souvenir shops, bars and cafes before boarding the ship that will take you along the Danube through the Wachau Valley to the picturesque town of Durnstein. Marvel at the magnificent blue facade of the baroque Stiftskirche. Above the town you will spot the ruins of the Kuenringerburg Castle where Richard the Lionheart, once a King of England, was imprisoned in 1192 after he offended captor Leopold V by tearing up the Austrian flag,
Then it’s time to board the coach for the onward journey to Vienna for the next 4 nights. Dinner will be together in the hotel this evening.
Day 6
Vienna Sightseeing and Schloss Schönbrunn
Get acquainted with this wonderful city on a guided tour, taking you past many of the Austrian capital’s highlights, such as St Stephen’s Cathedral, Parliament, City Hall, State Opera House, the Museum Quarter, the Burgtheater, Prater Park and its famous Ferris wheel and the Hofsburg Palace complex – home of the famed Habsburg monarchs which brings together the Burgkapelle (Imperial Chapel) and Spanish Riding School.
Continue with a visit and tour of Schloss Schönbrunn, the former imperial summer residence and one of Vienna’s most popular attractions. The sumptuous palace with its beautifully tended formal gardens, the Gloriette monument and Palm House attracts many visitors each year.
The 1441-room Schloss Schönbrunn is a picture of pure opulence and a stunning reminder of Vienna’s regal history. It is also home to Tiergarten Schöbrunn, the world’s oldest zoo, opened in 1752. In 1996, the palace was rightly placed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
The rest of the day and evening is at leisure.
Day 7
Vienna at leisure
Take some more time today to enjoy more of the many varied sights of Vienna. Vienna has many museums and art galleries, for example the Museum of Fine Arts with the world’s largest collection of Bruegel paintings or you may wish to explore the Imperial apartments and world-class museum at the Hofburg Palace, the former home to Emperors.
There may be the opportunity to see the famous Vienna Boys’ Choir or the magnificent Lippizaner horses put through their paces at the Spanish Riding School, an unforgettable performance of Strauss and Mozart’s loveliest melodies held at the Kursalon or you take one of the many horse and carriage rides for a alternative and relaxing tour of the city.
The rest of the day and evening is at leisure.
Day 8
Bratislava and the Danube
Take the high speed mini Danube cruise from Vienna to Bratislava in just 1.5 hours. On arrival, meet up with a local guide for a walking tour. Bratislava is a jumble of preserved 18th Century spires and squares, contrasted by socialist-era monuments. The city is overlooked by a castle which offers great views of the valley. Spend time exploring this compact Slovakian capital, 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.
Rejoin the coach for the journey back to Vienna for the final night in this magical city. Dinner in the hotel is included tonight.
Day 9 - 10 - 11
Depart Vienna to the UK
Depart after breakfast for the first leg of the return journey stopping in the Wurzburg area for an overnight stop before continuing the next day through Germany and into Belgium for a final overnight stop near Brussels. (Note: Only one overnight stop may be necessary dependent upon requirements)
Depart after breakfast on the last day to Calais for the short sea ferry crossing to the UK.
All 2025 sailing schedules are subject to confirmation and availability and excursions may have to be amended or adapted to suit.
| Dates | Half twin | Single Supplement |
| April – October 2024/2025 | Prices on request | Price on request |
