Turn the wasted travel day into the highlight of your trip with stops at Dürnstein, Melk Old Town & Melk Abbey and the picturesque Traunfall Waterfalls on your journey from Vienna to Munich.
My wife and I, along with three of our good friends, had the pleasure of spending the day with Petra on our trip from Vienna to Munich. A highlight of the drive was visiting a beautiful Abbey along the Danube and dining in a local butcher shop for lunch. She curated a lovely tour making several stops along the way. Two other top stops were a trip to Durnstein where we tasted homemade schnapps and chocolates and a lovely side trip to a beautiful waterfall! I would highly recommend Petra as a guide.
She was great!
This tour offers hotel pick-up. You will be picked up from your hotel, apartment, or any other pick-up point accessible by car.
Stop 1: Dürnstein
We will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Wachau Valley and the Danube River from the Dürnstein Castle ruins or walk around the picturesque village.
The Dürnstein Castle ruins offer a beautiful viewpoint, allowing us to appreciate the stunning landscape dotted with vineyards, forests, and charming villages. On a clear day, the views stretch far and wide, offering glimpses of neighboring towns and picturesque countryside.
Additionally, we can explore the castle ruins themselves, imagining the history and legends that have unfolded within its walls over the centuries. Dürnstein Castle provides a memorable experience for travelers seeking both natural beauty and historical intrigue.
About Dürnstein
Dürnstein is a picturesque town situated along the Danube River in the Wachau Valley of Lower Austria.
Famous for its stunning scenery, historic architecture, and vineyards. The town is renowned for its well-preserved medieval charm, with narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings.
One of the most iconic landmarks of Dürnstein is the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, perched high on a rocky hill overlooking the town. The castle gained fame for its association with Richard the Lionheart, who was imprisoned there in the 12th century. Dürnstein offers a serene blend of natural beauty with a rich history and culture.
Stop 2: Melk Abbey & Old Town
We will visit the famous Melk Abbey or stroll around Melk's Old Town and beautiful riverside promenade along the Danube river.
There's a variety of activities to enjoy in Melk. We can start by exploring the iconic Melk Abbey (tickets not included), known for its rich history and stunning library. Admire the beautiful Baroque architecture and explore the treasures inside.
For those who prefer not to visit the abbey, a leisurely stroll through Melk's Old Town offers a glimpse into its medieval charm with picturesque streets and historic buildings. Take a walk along the riverside promenade to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Danube River and the surrounding scenery. Whether visiting the abbey or exploring the town, Melk offers a rewarding experience.
Additionally, you will have time for a lunch break (not included) in Melk.
About Melk
Nestled in the picturesque Wachau Valley in Lower Austria, Melk boasts a centuries-old history as a significant trading center along the Danube River. Its rise to prominence began with the establishment of Melk Abbey in 1089.
Originally a Benedictine monastery, the abbey became a hub of culture and learning over the years, attracting scholars and artists from afar. Renowned for its library housing rare manuscripts and priceless art, the abbey underwent a grand Baroque renovation in the 18th century.
Despite challenges, such as wars, Melk Abbey remains a symbol of faith and heritage, captivating visitors with its rich history and stunning beauty.
Stop 3: Mondsee Village & Lake
We will visit the famous St. Michael’s Basilica, known as the wedding church from "The Sound of Music" followed by a walk along the Mondsee Lake promenade.
Enjoy the scenic beauty and charming atmosphere of Mondsee, a picturesque village nestled along the shores of Lake Mondsee.
We’ll explore the village’s highlights, including the famous St. Michael’s Basilica, known as the wedding church from The Sound of Music (entry free). Wander through the quaint streets, lined with colorful houses and inviting cafés, or take a relaxing stroll along the lakeside promenade, offering breathtaking alpine views.
For those who prefer a peaceful moment, Mondsee Lake provides the perfect setting to soak in nature’s beauty. And for the brave, the playful, or anyone looking to cool off on a hot summer day, there’s even the opportunity to take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the lake. Whether exploring the village or enjoying the lake, this stop promises a tranquil and delightful experience.
Additionally, you will have time for a lunch break (not included) in Mondsee.
About Mondsee
Located in the Salzkammergut region of Austria, Mondsee is a charming lakeside village with a rich history dating back to prehistoric times. The area was once home to ancient pile dwellings, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The village gained international fame due to its stunning St. Michael’s Basilica, where the wedding scene in The Sound of Music was filmed. Surrounded by breathtaking mountains and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Mondsee, the area is a beloved retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Despite its small size, Mondsee captivates visitors with its mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a perfect stop for relaxation and sightseeing.
Arrive at Munich
This tour offers hotel drop-off. Please provide your preferred drop-off location when making the booking.
Want to personalize this trip?
When booking a private transfer, tell us your itinerary and start time preferences and we'll do everything we can to accomodate your request. Note: open group tours cannot be customized.
We offer the chance to see popular tourist sights, as well as lesser-known places of cultural and historic significance, while you travel between two cities.
Most of our tours are limited to a maximum of 8 people which means you get the personal care and attention of your tour leader during your trip, as well as the chance to get to know your fellow passengers.
Our tour leaders are selected due to their thorough knowledge of local history and culture, as well as their enthusiasm for travel. The stories they share will inspire you!
Our tours run regularly so anyone can afford to join the open group tour making it a great travel option for solo and independent travellers.
Reviews
4.6/5
Overall rating based on 7 reviews
Smart careful driver/guide
We had a great time and conversation. Thank you Sidetrip.
Excellent trip
We enjoyed our trip with Alexandra. Everything was great.
Amazing service!
Stepan was prompt, professional, accommodating and very personable. He made what would have been a long day of travel into an amazing day trip filled with unexpected surprises. Highly recommend this company!
One-way transfer from Vienna to Munich with 3 sightseeing stops
Knowledgeable local tour leader
Transport in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan or car
Room for a reasonable amount of luggage
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Lunch (a break is scheduled for this)
Gratuities (optional)
Good to know
Confirmation will be provided within 24 hours of booking.
All tours are subject to availability.
Minimum numbers for group size apply. There is a possibility of cancellation even after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative tour or a refund. The Sidetrip team will also be happy to help you arrange alternative transport to your destination city.
Paper free confirmation: just bring your confirmation code or a valid ID.
A moderate amount of walking is involved, please wear flat shoes suitable for walking.
Infant seats are available on request during the booking.
The tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress according to the weather and wear proper shoes for walking (waterproof would be great in winter).
The planned duration of this tour is 9 hours. Our priority is to deliver you safely and on time to your destination. In the event of delays due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances, we reserve the right to abbreviate or omit certain stops to ensure your prompt arrival.
All our public group tours are in English. Private tours in different languages are subject to availability.
This tour offers hotel pick-up only for private bookings. For private bookings, you will be picked up from your hotel, apartment, or any other pick-up point accessible by car. Please provide your preferred pick-up location when making the booking.
The planned duration of this tour is 9 hours. For the safety of our passengers and drivers, we are unable to accommodate requests to extend this duration.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off are only available when booking this tour as a private tour for a single group. Open group tours have a fixed meeting point and drop-off location.
Lunch is not included in the tour price but a lunch break is scheduled in Melk. Kindly let our tour leader know if you have any special dietary needs that we should take in account.
Yes! With a maximum of 8 people in each group, our guide can make sure that the pace of the tour is suitable for everyone. Just note that the tour does include some walking at the stops.
If you cancel more than 48 hours before the tour, your booking is fully refunded*. If you cancel less than 48 hours before the tour or in the case of a no-show, no refund is issued.
*Please note, that the credit card processing fee (1.5-3%, up to 5.9% if you paid by Paypal) charged by the third-party payment provider will not be refunded.
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