Vienna to Zagreb One-Way Transfer Tour

Turn the wasted travel day into the highlight of your trip with stops at the Riegersburg Castle, Graz and Ptuj on your journey from Vienna to Zagreb.

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This tour is also available from Zagreb to Vienna.

Most helpful review

Vienna to Zagreb with Martina – A Journey to remember for us

We had the absolute pleasure of traveling from Vienna to Zagreb with Martina as our driver and tour guide, and it was one of the highlights of our entire trip! From the moment we set off, Martina impressed us with her professionalism, warmth, and deep knowledge of the region. The itinerary from Vienna to Zagreb was both scenic and culturally rich, with perfectly timed stops that made the journey feel like a personalized adventure rather than just a transfer between cities. Our first stop was the stunning Riegersburg Castle, perched dramatically on a volcanic hill. Martina’s insights into the castle’s history and the region’s traditions made the experience even more engaging. We also had time to enjoy the breathtaking views and explore the grounds at our own pace. Next, we stopped in Graz, a charming city full of character. Martina guided us through its beautiful old town, sharing local stories and pointing out hidden gems we would’ve easily missed on our own. Her recommendations for a quick bite at the top of Graz and coffee or tea were spot on Our final stop before reaching Zagreb was Ptuj, Slovenia’s oldest town. With its medieval charm and peaceful atmosphere, it was a perfect place to stretch our legs and soak in some more history. Martina made sure we had just the right balance of guided information and free time to explore. Throughout the trip, Martina was incredibly accommodating, attentive to our needs, and always ready with a smile. Her driving was smooth and safe, and her passion for the places we visited truly made the journey special. We can't recommend Martina highly enough—she turned what could have been a simple transfer into a memorable travel experience filled with learning, beauty, and great company. Thank you, Martina

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Trip Itinerary

• Leave from Vienna

  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: Riegersburg Castle

  We will visit Riegersburg Castle, a stunning hilltop fortress perched on a volcanic rock, offering breathtaking views over the Styrian countryside.

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  Riegersburg Castle

  What we'll do

  We’ll have the opportunity to visit Riegersburg Castle, one of Austria’s most remarkable hilltop fortresses, dramatically perched on a steep volcanic rock. From its fortified walls and courtyards, we’ll enjoy beautiful panoramic views over the rolling green hills, vineyards, and forests of the Styrian countryside, making it a perfect spot to take in the picturesque surroundings.

  The castle can be reached by funicular or on foot, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenic surroundings on the way up.

  Please note: The funicular ticket and access to the castle’s outdoor areas cost €8.50 (not included in the tour price).

  About Riegersburg Castle

  Riegersburg Castle is an imposing fortress from the 12th century located in the Austrian region of Styria. It stands atop a volcanic hill that rises approximately 482 meters above sea level, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

  Riegersburg is known for its long and rich history, filled with legends and stories of brave knights and strong women. One of the most notable figures associated with the castle is Baroness Katharina von Galler, who owned the castle in the 17th century and significantly fortified it. Due to her relentless defenses against enemies, she is often referred to as the "strong woman of Riegersburg".

  From 1822 the castle belongs to the noble Liechtenstein family. The Hollenegger line of the Liechtenstein family moved to Riegersburg over 50 years ago and since 2009 they have been working to preserve the castle.

  Today, the castle is open to the public and offers visitors a variety of attractions. You can explore various exhibitions, including the Witch Museum, which tells the story of medieval witch trials, as well as the Arms Museum and the Knight's Hall. 

• Stop 2: Graz

  We'll explore Graz by crossing the unique Murinsel, ascending to the iconic Uhrturm clock tower for panoramic views, and strolling through the charming old town streets.

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  Graz

  What we'll do
  

  Starting with a stroll across the unique Murinsel, a floating island on the Mur River, we'll ascend to the iconic clock tower Uhrturm, offering panoramic views of the city's skyline. As we return to the old town via Herrengasse and Berggasse, you'll encounter charming cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings and quaint cafes. Along the way, you'll learn about Graz's rich history and architectural heritage.

  After our explorations, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely lunch break (not included), savoring the local flavors at your own pace.

  
  

  
  

  About Graz
  

  Graz, Austria's second-largest city, seamlessly blends historic charm with modern vitality. Its medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases centuries of history, with landmarks like the iconic Clock Tower atop Schlossberg hill offering panoramic views. Graz's roots date back to Roman times, but it flourished during the Middle Ages, becoming a cultural and economic hub.

  Today, the city's dynamic arts scene, vibrant markets, and culinary delights continue to captivate visitors, inviting them to delve into Graz's rich heritage and vibrant culture.

  
  

• Stop 3: Ptuj

  We will explore the historic town of Ptuj, visiting its hilltop castle for stunning views, strolling charming streets, and enjoying the peaceful Drava River banks.

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  Ptuj

  What we'll do

  Our visit to Ptuj begins with a scenic walk towards Ptuj Castle, nestled atop a gentle hill, offering breathtaking views of the town and its picturesque surroundings. As we ascend, we’ll soak in the castle’s historic charm and the beauty of its grounds.

  From there, we’ll wander through the town’s quaint streets, lined with traditional architecture that reflects Ptuj’s rich past. Our journey leads us to the peaceful banks of the Drava River, where we’ll take a moment to appreciate the serene atmosphere and stunning natural scenery.

  About Ptuj

  Nestled along the scenic banks of the Drava River, Ptuj is one of Slovenia’s oldest and most historically rich towns. With a heritage spanning over two millennia, this charming northeastern town has played a pivotal role throughout history.

  Once a thriving Roman outpost known as Poetovio, Ptuj later flourished as a medieval market town, shaped by noble families and centuries of trade and culture. Today, its well-preserved medieval architecture takes visitors back in time, with highlights including the iconic Ptuj Castle, majestically perched atop a hill, and cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old buildings.

  Blending historical charm with breathtaking landscapes, Ptuj invites travelers to wander through its storied streets, uncover its fascinating past, and soak in the timeless beauty of Slovenia’s oldest town.

• Arrive at Zagreb

  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.

• Local tour leaders

  Our tour leaders are what make Sidetrip special. You’ll feel like you’re traveling with a knowledgeable local friend. Our tour leaders are energetic, educated locals from the region who speak excellent English, so communication is easy and nothing gets lost in translation.

• Transport & sightseeing combined

  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.

• Small groups

  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.

• Top-rated on TripAdvisor

  Thousands of travellers have reviewed our tours with a 5-star rating in the Baltics and Central Europe.

• Great value for your money

  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

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What's included?

• One-way transfer from Vienna to Zagreb 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

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Meeting point

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.

See the drop-off point in Zagreb  

Questions & Answers

• Is this a one-way tour?

  Yes, this is a one-way tour ending in Zagreb. Please note that the tour does not take you back to Vienna.

• How long is this tour?

  The planned duration of this tour is 9-10 hours. For the safety of our passengers and drivers, we are unable to accommodate requests to extend this duration.

• Do you offer hotel pick-up/drop-off?

  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.

• Can I take my luggage with me?

  Yes! We have space for luggage, similar to common airline baggage allowances. There is no extra charge for luggage that meets these criteria:

  • One item of airline carry-on size: maximum size of 55 x 40 x 23cm (22 x 14 x 9in)
  • One item of airline checked size: maximum size of 80 x 50 x 30cm (32 x 20 x 12in), weighing less than 23 kg (50lbs)
  • One personal item: maximum size of 15 x 15 x 10 cm (6 x 6 x 4in)

  If you your luggage requires special consideration, please contact us.

• Is lunch included in the tour price?

  Lunch is not included in the tour price but a lunch break is scheduled. Kindly let our tour leader know if you have any special dietary needs that we should take in account.

• Is this tour suitable for senior citizens?

  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.

• What is your cancellation policy?

  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.