Running for 33 kms between Melk and Krems, the Wachau valley is the most beautiful stretch of the entire Danube River. Home to rolling hills, ancient castles, picture postcard villages and steeply terraced vineyards, the Wachau also produces some of Austria's finest wines.
The first part of the tour takes you through west Wachau. There it is a little too cool for wine production, so the hills are covered in carpets of trees, with castles and palaces sitting proudly atop many of the valley's highest peaks. You'll then stop to visit one of the best Wachau Valley wineries for an extensive wine tasting (e.g. Riesling, Gruner Veltliner, Neuburger).
After continuing downstream briefly, you'll take another break, this time for lunch in a small yet historically fascinating local hamlet (lunch not included). After continuing downstream, you'll finish in the picturesque Durnstein - the undisputed gem of the Wachau. During your free time there, you'll be able to climb the ruins of Durnstein Castle (if you wish) to get some breathtaking views and photos over the river and the vineyard landscapes below, before returning to Vienna with the best memories.
