Scenic Sailing: Wachau Valley

  • Scenic river valley with hillside village

Sail through a serene tapestry of terraced vineyards, forested slopes, charming towns and castle ruins in Austria’s Wachau Valley, celebrated as perhaps the most scenic stretch of the Danube. Journey 18 miles through this vast UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the river courses through picturesque hillsides. Gaze upon the prolific grapevines and quaint wine-producing villages hugging the shores—the legacy of vintners that stretch as far back as Celtic and Roman times and an echo of the more than 30 monasteries that served as vineyards in Renaissance days.

Krems, Austria

  • Scenic vineyard overlooking river valley

A small university town at the eastern end of the Danube’s Wachau Valley, Krems is surrounded by terraced vineyards. In its heyday, during the 12th century, Krems held even more importance than Vienna for its iron, grain, salt and wine trade. As to the latter, the city has played a long and celebrated part in the popularity of the Wachau’s wine culture; the valley’s south slopes in Krems are bathed in sunlight all day and create some of the best Riesling and Veltliner wines in the world. The city’s cobblestone streets, taverns, wine bars and coffeehouses have a timeless appeal.

Shore Excursions

Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.

Historic clock tower and distant castle view

Göttweig Abbey

Experience a Benedictine abbey where monks work and worship during an exclusive visit to Göttweig Abbey.

Included
Privileged Access
Historic clock tower and distant castle view

Göttweig Abbey

Duration: 3 hours      

A Working Monastery for More Than 900 Years

Experience a Benedictine abbey where monks work and worship during an exclusive visit to Göttweig Abbey. A scenic drive will take you to the abbey, located on a hilltop overlooking the splendid Wachau Valley and the Danube River. Your host and guide will welcome you at the cellar entrance with a glass of sparkling apricot wine produced in the region. Then, enjoy a private viewing of a short film about monastic life and learn what it takes to run a monastery today. Step through the church’s neoclassical portal to admire its colorful and ornate interior. Continue into the abbey’s museum, which chronicles its 900-year history as a center of religious life and its role as a monastic retreat. Climb the Imperial Staircase, crowned by one of the largest and most spectacular ceiling frescoes in the world. The adjoining princely and imperial rooms showcase splendid artwork from the abbey’s own collections.

* Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.
Orchestra in formal attire on staircase

Mozart & Strauss Concert

The classical music never stops in Vienna, as you will hear firsthand during this special concert.
Orchestra in formal attire on staircase

Mozart & Strauss Concert

Duration: 3 hours      

The Vienna Residence Orchestra Serenades You

The classical music never stops in Vienna, as you will hear firsthand during this special concert. Even the elegant architecture along the famed Ringstrasse seems to sing. On a daily basis, the city celebrates its long musical tradition with concerts in high-style venues. The Vienna Residence Orchestra is one of its most beloved institutions. Despite its young age (it was founded in 1989), it has hosted luminaries in the classical music world; Rudolf Nureyev was once a guest director. During this special performance, lose yourself in the lilting airs of Vienna’s most beloved music. In a historic venue, witness the period come to life as costumed singers and dancers take to the stage. And enjoy the beautiful strains of Strauss waltzes and selections from Mozart’s The Magic Flute. Then, the magic continues during a scenic drive after dark through an illuminated Vienna.

* Easy - Walking portions are generally over easy surfaces with few steps or inclines. Total time walking or standing is normally not longer than 1.5 hours.
Violinist in red dress performing on stage

Alma Deutscher Plays Mozart & Strauss

Enjoy an evening of classical music with a privileged access performance led by the renowned Alma Deutscher.

Privileged Access
Violinist in red dress performing on stage

Alma Deutscher Plays Mozart & Strauss

Duration: 3 hours      

A Celebrated Young Composer, Pianist and Violinist

Enjoy an evening of classical music with a privileged access performance led by the renowned Alma Deutscher. Take your seat at the Zögernitz Palais in Vienna, a historic concert hall where the renowned Strauss family once performed. Here, Alma will act as both conductor and violinist in an enthralling concert of old and new music. Born in 2005, Alma is a musical prodigy who has captivated the classical world, selling out her Carnegie Hall debut at age 14 and being hailed as the “new Mozart.” Tonight, listen to a stirring presentation of timeless music as she leads the historic Strauss Capelle, the orchestra with a tradition going back nearly 200 years to the iconic composer himself, through renditions of the music of Mozart and the waltzes of Strauss, as well as her own compositions. After, return to your ship, no doubt humming many of the evening’s melodies.

View sailing dates for Viking river cruises during which you may attend Alma Deutscher’s performances in Vienna.


* Easy - Walking portions are generally over easy surfaces with few steps or inclines. Total time walking or standing is normally not longer than 1.5 hours.
Apricot dumplings with powdered sugar dessert

Göttweig Abbey with Apricot Dumpling Demonstration

Enjoy an exclusive visit to historic Göttweig Abbey before learning how to make tasty apricot dumplings.

Privileged Access
Apricot dumplings with powdered sugar dessert

Göttweig Abbey with Apricot Dumpling Demonstration

Duration: 3 hours      

A Benedictine Monastery and a Traditional Austrian Treat

Enjoy an exclusive visit to historic Göttweig Abbey before learning how to make tasty apricot dumplings. Take a scenic drive to the Benedictine monastery, located on a hilltop overlooking the splendid Wachau Valley and Danube River. Your host and guide will welcome you at the cellar entrance with a glass of sparkling apricot wine or juice produced in the region. Enjoy a private viewing of a short film about monastic life and learn how the monastery is run today. Step through the church’s neoclassical portal to admire its ornate, colorful interior and stroll the abbey’s informative museum. Climb the Imperial Staircase, crowned by one of the largest and most spectacular ceiling frescoes in the world. Following your tour, continue to the abbey’s show kitchen, where a cook will demonstrate the preparation of Austrian-style apricot dumplings using local ingredients. Sample the delicious results with coffee or tea before returning to your ship.

* Easy - Walking portions are generally over easy surfaces with few steps or inclines. Total time walking or standing is normally not longer than 1.5 hours.
Group cycling on riverside trail

Wachau Valley by Bicycle

Follow the flat bicycle trails along the scenic Danube to Dürnstein on an electric bike, or e-bike.
Group cycling on riverside trail

Wachau Valley by Bicycle

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes      

Cycle the River of Legend

Follow the flat bicycle trails along the scenic Danube to Dürnstein on an electric bike, or e-bike. The Danube Cycle Path, a revolutionary international bicycle trail, begins in Passau, Germany, and follows the course of the river all the way to the Danube Delta in Romania. The route through Austria is considered one of Europe’s top cycling experiences for its sweeping vistas. You will meet your guide by the pier and, after a safety briefing, set off along the fabled river, pedaling through a breathtaking landscape of vine-clad hillsides and green meadows. Your e-bike allows you to choose between pedaling or getting assistance from a small motor, making for an easy ride. Upon arrival in Dürnstein, you will have time to admire the charms of one of the Danube’s most picturesque villages. Enjoy free time to explore on your own, then return to Krems, passing lush vineyards along the way.

* Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.
Shore excursions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.