I recall reading in another post here that the Danube River cruise was not worth the time or money because all you saw were industrial buildings, etc. I was wondering if this is true for this tour that goes to Melk, via road and boat stopping at castle, then returns to Vienna... It sounds as though it goes through a scenic valley, not the city, so maybe different?
LINK TO TOUR INFO: Melk Boat Tour
Thanks,
Denise
Posted by
Redding, California
244 posts
We plan to use Rick Steves suggestion to cruise the Danube. It sounds wonderful. Read this article here, Danube. RS plan is to catch the early train from Vienna to Melk, tour the Abbey, have lunch. Then take the cruise on the Danube to Krems. From Krems take the train back to Vienna. He say to purchase the Kombi ticket which include the train, cruise and entry fee to the Melk Abbey. Cost $47. RS Vienna, Salzburg, and Tirol travel book gives you more detail. Again we haven't done this yet, plan to do this in September. If someone has done this maybe they can verify it is worth the trip! Sounds like a great trip you can do on your own, no tour needed.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
362 posts
The abbey at Melk followed by a boat ride from Melk to Durnstein is wonderful. Easily done on your own as pfresh3 details. We purchased the combo ticket from our hotel. Was a highlight for us in 2014.
Posted by
Michigan USA
343 posts
We did this trip on our own last fall. Agree that it's very easy and a really nice trip!
Posted by
139 posts
I found that boat trip only intermittently interesting. Some good scenery, but not enough.
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5381 posts
I made the industrial comment but it referred to an entirely different section of the Danube - the section along Vienna proper.
The stretch you are asking about, the Wachau Valley, is lovely and not at all industrial. Take the train to Melk, boat to Duernstein (or bike, better), bus to Krems, train to Vienna.
Posted by
OP
20 posts
Great! Thanks all... So I just tell the hotel I would like to do this, then they will help me get the travel arrangements/tickets set? I will have the Vienna travel pass if that does me any good as far as taking the train out of the city and back in.
Posted by
Portland
3594 posts
Just FYI, I believe the ticket for the abbey includes a guided tour. I don't remember if we had to pay extra for it, but it was very worthwhile.
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5381 posts
What do you mean by the Vienna travel pass? If this is your transportation pass, then it will help you get from your hotel to the train stations and back.
Posted by
alameda, ca, usa
2602 posts
I followed the plan as set out in Rick's book in 2014 and it was very easy and an enjoyable day--train to Melk, toured the abbey, had lunch and explored the charming little town, then boat down the Danube to Krems and train back to Vienna. I bought a kombiticket on the OEBB website and that included the abbey tour, no need to book a more costly tour unless you want further guidance.
Posted by
OP
20 posts
@Emily. I meant the travel card, not the pass... though I did buy the Vienna Pass that includes admission all the major sights etc. :)
Posted by
1900 posts
The Vienna Travel Pass is good for reduced entries to some sights. It can be pimped up by adding the Vienna Travel Card to include unlimited use of public transport for the time issued. But this is valid within the Vienna state area, only. So it is not good for going to Melk, Krems, etc., which are in the state of Lower Austria.