Charming Graz: A Private & Relaxed Guided Tour from Vienna
Active
8h - 10h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover Austria’s best-kept secret on this private tour to Graz. While Vienna is majestic and imperial, Graz is relaxed, Mediterranean, and incredibly cool. Known as the "Culinary Capital of Austria" and a UNESCO City of Design, this city offers a unique blend of red-roofed history and futuristic architecture.
Traveling with a professional two-person crew allows you to fully enjoy the region's famous hospitality. Your private driver ensures a smooth journey through the green Styrian mountains, while your guide introduces you to the local lifestyle and history. This isn't just a sightseeing tour; it's a sensory experience. The highlight is the taste of the region: we include a curated tasting of local Styrian spirits (Whisky, Gin, or Schnapps) to show you why Austrians secretly love Graz more than any other city.
Available options
Charming Graz: A Private & Relaxed Guided Tour from Vienna
Pickup included
What's included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Separate Private Driver
Private Professional Guide
Wi-Fi on board
Funicular/lift tickets to Schlossberg
Bottled water
Distillery Visit & Spirits Tasting
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Your private driver and guide pick you up in Vienna. We head south, crossing the spectacular Semmering Pass. As we enter Styria, the "Green Heart of Austria," the landscape becomes lush and hilly. Relax in your spacious vehicle and get ready for a day of visual and culinary delights.
2
We start with the best view. We ascend the Schlossberg hill (by funicular or elevator) to see the sea of red rooftops that makes Graz look like an Italian city. We visit the iconic Clock Tower (Uhrturm), the symbol of Graz, and stroll through the park, enjoying the Mediterranean vibe.
3
Stop 3
We descend to the city center for a walking tour defined by striking contrasts. First, we immerse ourselves in history, strolling through the UNESCO-protected medieval streets and admiring the magnificent Renaissance Landhaus courtyard. Then, we step abruptly into the future as we stand before the Kunsthaus Graz, affectionately known as the "Friendly Alien." This bizarre, blue biomorphic bubble floats surrealistically among historic red-roofed houses, creating a masterpiece of modern architecture. We also admire the Murinsel, a futuristic floating steel island that connects the banks of the river Mur, perfectly symbolizing how Graz bridges its imperial past with its creative present.
Before we leave, there is time for lunch. Your guide will recommend a place to try "Backhendl" (famous Styrian fried chicken) or a light meal in a trendy café. (Lunch cost is not included).
4
David Gölles — House of Whiskey, Gin & Rum: We leave the city and drive into the rolling hills of Eastern Styria, often called the "Austrian Tuscany" for its lush vineyards and green landscapes. Our destination is the renowned David Gölles Distillery (House of Whiskey, Gin & Rum), located right at the foot of the magnificent Riegersburg Castle.
This is not just a shop; it is a production site surrounded by nature. You will visit the barrel cellar where over 700 casks are aging.
Relax in the elegant lounge or on the terrace with a spectacular view of the castle. You will enjoy a curated tasting flight of their premium spirits—from the complex "Ruotker's" whiskey to the aromatic "Hands On" gin and "Ron Johan" rum. It is a world-class experience in a rustic, authentic setting. (Tasting flight included)
5
Stop 5
After enjoying the spirits and the fresh country air, sit back in your comfortable seat. The drive back to Vienna takes you through the scenic countryside, concluding a day of perfect contrasts: urban design in Graz and artisanal excellence in the "Tuscany" of Austria.
What's not included
Gratuities
Lunch
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Service animals allowed
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Vienna
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is renowned for its rich imperial history, vibrant arts scene, and stunning architecture. Known as the 'City of Music', it has been home to legendary composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. The city's elegant cafes, grand palaces, and world-class museums make it a cultural treasure trove.
Top Attractions
Schönbrunn Palace
A former imperial summer residence, Schönbrunn Palace is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. The palace and its gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Historical/Architecture
2-3 hours
€18 for Imperial Tour, €24 for Grand Tour
St. Stephen's Cathedral
A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, St. Stephen's Cathedral is a symbol of Vienna. The cathedral's multi-colored tile roof is iconic.
Religious/Architecture
1-2 hours
Free entry, €6 for tower climb, €7 for treasury
Belvedere Palace
A historic building complex with two Baroque palaces, the Belvedere houses the largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, including 'The Kiss'.
Historical/Art/Museum
2-3 hours
€16 for Upper Belvedere, €14 for Lower Belvedere
Vienna State Opera
One of the world's leading opera houses, the Vienna State Opera offers performances of opera, ballet, and concerts.
Cultural/Entertainment
2-4 hours (performance length)
€10-200 depending on performance and seat
Hofburg Palace
The former imperial palace, Hofburg Palace is now home to several museums, the Austrian National Library, and the Spanish Riding School.
Historical/Museum
2-3 hours
€14 for Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments, €20 for Silver Collection
Must-Try Local Dishes
Wiener Schnitzel
A thin, breaded, and fried veal cutlet, traditionally served with lemon and potato salad or dumplings.
Dinner
Contains gluten and dairy
Tafelspitz
Boiled beef, usually served with root vegetables, apple sauce, and horseradish.
Dinner
Gluten-free, dairy-free
Sachertorte
A famous chocolate cake with a thin layer of apricot jam, covered in dark chocolate glaze.
Dessert
Contains gluten and dairy
Apfelstrudel
A thin pastry filled with spiced apples, raisins, and sugar, often served with vanilla sauce or ice cream.
Dessert
Contains gluten
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Vienna Woods
Cycling along the Danube
Kayaking on the Danube
Coffee house hopping
Spa day at a luxury hotel
Strolling through Schönbrunn Palace Gardens
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending opera or concert performances
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This is the best time to visit Vienna for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city hosts numerous festivals and cultural events during these months.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: German
- Widely spoken: English, Austro-Bavarian dialect
- English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken elsewhere
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Vienna is a safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any major city, petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
- • Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
Getting there
By air
- Vienna International Airport • 18 km from city center
By train
Vienna Hauptbahnhof (Main Station), Vienna Westbahnhof
By bus
Vienna International Bus Terminal, Erdberg Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Vienna's metro system is efficient and user-friendly, with four lines (U1, U2, U3, U4).
Taxis
Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Innere Stadt
Leopoldstadt
Wieden
Hietzing
Day trips
Bratislava
80 km (50 miles) • Full day
The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava is a charming city with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Salzburg
300 km (186 miles) • Full day or overnight
The birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg is a beautiful city with a rich musical heritage, stunning architecture, and scenic surroundings.
Hallstatt
200 km (124 miles) • Full day or overnight
A picturesque lakeside village in the Austrian Alps, Hallstatt is known for its stunning natural beauty and historic salt mines.
Festivals
Vienna Festival (Wiener Festwochen) • May to June
Vienna Opera Ball (Wiener Opernball) • Late February or early March
Vienna Christmas Markets (Wiener Christkindlmarkt) • Late November to December 26
Pro tips
- Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
- Purchase a Vienna Pass for unlimited transport and attractions, saving time and money
- Explore the city's coffee house culture and try traditional pastries like Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel
- Take a day trip to nearby cities like Bratislava or Salzburg for a change of pace
- Use public transport or walk to explore the city, as driving can be challenging and expensive
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per person
Price varies by option
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