This tour is also available as a road cycling tour, with around 60 km a day, climbs into the Balaton Highlands and the volcanic hills of Badacsony.
Discover the beautiful and scenic Lake Balaton on a six-day bike tour. This tour will take you on a journey through the charming towns and villages along the lake. You can enjoy the scenic views and relax in the warm sun as you cycle along the lake’s stunning shoreline.
There’ll be plenty opportunities to take a refreshing dip in the lake and you’ll also have the option to learn how to sail a boat. Lake Balaton is also famous for it’s wines. From the crisp, refreshing whites of Balatonfüred to the full-bodied reds of Badacsony, you will be able to sample a variety of flavours, experience the region’s rich wine culture, and learn about the wine-making process.
This tour is the perfect introduction to the kind of outdoor and cultural experiences that make Hungary such a rewarding destination for active travelers.
Price includes: accommodation for 5 nights in guesthouses; meals (5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners); 2x wine tastings, bike rentals and helmets; luggage transportation; transfers from and back to Budapest; entrance fees; English speaking local guide.
Doesn't include: optional sailing trip, your flight, airport transfer, insurance, personal expenses.
We will transfer to the start of the tour from Budapest, where you can spend a day before or after the trip.
Our ride starts in Balatonvilágos, and after a short climb to the raised beaches, we'll be immediately treated to some of the best views of the lake.
We will continue around the north tip of the lake to Balatonfüred, which will be our base for the next couple of days.
Day 2 will take us through the vineyards of Balaton, stopping multiple times at renowned wineries such as Petrányi, St. Donát or Jásdi to sample the noblest grape juices of them all.
After lunch will take in the sight of the picturesque village of Paloznak and head up the viewpoint of Somló-hegy before following the bike path along the lake back to Balatonfüred.
We'll start early in the morning and ride to Tihany to visit the benedictine abbey and the former monk dwellings. We'll also take a ride around the pretty inner lake of the peninsula and talk about its formation.
After lunch, there's an optional afternoon of sailing from Balatonfüred harbor, where our lovely captain (not me, I promise) will show you the ropes!
On day 4, we ride along the shore from Balatonfüred to Révfülöp, with plenty of time to swim, enjoy the culinary experiences Balaton has to offer, or grab a gelato.
The Káli-medence or Káli Basin is a valley surrounded by the striking truncated cones shapes of the volcanic hills. Our first stop is at Kornyi Lake for some bird-spotting and checking out the quirky sculpture installation called Human Comedy.
From there, we will head for the Hegyestű, a marvellous peak with towering basalt columns. We'll grab a quick lunch in Köveskál before turning toward the Balaton again and visiting the ranch in Salföld.
On our final riding day, we will head out to the remains of Szigliget castle, an important bastion against the Turkish invasion in the 16th century. On our way back, we'll do some winery-hopping along the Badacsony before making a final stop at the Folly Arboretum.
Our time at the Balaton ends here. In the evening, we'll transfer back to Budapest, where you can spend an extra few days if you'd like. If you need a guide, you know where to find one!
We offer small-group, guided cycling adventures in Hungary. You ride at your own pace while we handle the logistics: vehicle backup and local tips. Expect family-run guesthouses and traditional meals.
Tours are guided in English by Peter, our founder and a local with deep knowledge of these regions.
This is an easy six-day tour averaging 34km per day on mostly flat roads around Lake Balaton. Occasional cyclists will manage well. The leisurely pace and flat terrain make this one of our most accessible tours.
Groups are between 4 and 12 people.
No worries! We're confident you'll make a new friend! Our guides and friendly guests will make you feel right at home.
Even our trips are designed to bring the group together with many community events, like grill-parties, wine tastings and even some ice-breakers on our first evening together.
100%!
Ask us about the makeup of each group, and we'll let you know the demographics.
Yes! Just because you don't ride doesn't mean you can't eat, drink, relax and discover the best our destination offers.
Since all our tours include the cost of bike and gear rental, these costs will be subtracted from the price. Please make an inquiry and ask for an exact price for non-riders.
Children under 12 are welcome as long as they're accompanied by one non-riding adult. Cycling children must be 14 or older. eBikes are available for riders aged 16 and over.
We've put together a full packing list covering cycling gear, clothing, toiletries, and travel essentials — including what to leave at home. Read the full packing list.
Travel insurance is not included in the tour price. We strongly recommend purchasing a policy that covers adventure activities — the kind typically used for skiing, covering medical evacuation and cycling-related incidents.
Our tours run from April to October. The best months are May, June, and September — comfortable temperatures, quiet roads, and the landscape at its best. July and August are fine for most tours but can be hot. April and October offer dramatic scenery but colder mornings and occasional rain, so pack layers.
Wiredonkey tours are mostly all-inclusive:
Prices don't include the following:
This tour requires a minimum of 4 guests to guarantee departure. If your booking falls below 4, we will contact you before final payment with two options: pay the departure cost to secure your preferred date (refunded in full if the group reaches 4 before departure), or switch to a different trip or departure date.
Yes. Our listed prices are based on groups of 4–8 guests.
We guarantee the tour once 4 guests are booked. If you are a group of 2 or 3 and want to secure the dates regardless of whether others join, or if you'd prefer to keep the tour private, we can run it as a private tour at the 2- or 3-person rate, which covers the minimum group cost.
We recommend booking at least 90 days before departure. Based on availability, last-minute bookings can be accommodated up to two weeks before departure.
Airport transfers are not included in the tour price. Trip groups meet at a centrally located meeting point. Details are provided upon booking.
If needed, we can arrange a transfer from the airport or your accommodation to the meeting point (an extra charge may apply).
The deposit is 70% refundable up to 30 days before the tour start date.
Bookings are 100% transferable to another person up to 30 days before the tour.
If Wiredonkey Cycling Tours cancels the tour for any reason, 100% of all payments made will be refunded.
No refunds are provided for no-shows or late arrivals once the tour has started.
Yes. Any of our tours can be run as a private group — just get in touch to discuss dates and pricing. If you'd like a fully custom itinerary, we're happy to build something around your preferences, pace, and dates. Find out more about custom cycling tours.
Most of our bike tours are designed in a 'slow ride' spirit, allowing our guests to truly immerse themselves in the local culture and landscape. However, a lot of tour days offer the possibility for multiple ride options to accommodate rides of different levels. Some may take a detour to include an additional site. Some might go over the mountain, while others might want to go around. Please ask your guide to recommend you the best option.
The support vehicle also offers up some additional options. You can hitch a ride over a major climb or head to the next town for extra exploration time.
If you feel you can't finish the whole distance because you're tired, we'll take a rest. No one is in a hurry.
If you're really feeling out of it and can't continue, you can hop in our support vehicle, which is always near.
If you'd like to pedal for a bit longer than planned for the day, contact your guide. Our guides are prepared with alternative routes and ideas for additional sights. Just make sure you have something left in the tank for the next day!
Yes. A support vehicle accompanies every multi-day tour. It carries your luggage between stops, keeps spare gear, tools, water, and snacks on hand, and is always nearby if you need a lift over a tough climb or a mechanical fix.
You can choose between a road bike or a trekking bike based on your preference. We typically ride Scott Speedster or Scott Addict road bikes and Scott trekking bikes, but the exact model depends on availability. The route is 99% asphalt around Lake Balaton.
All of our tours provide an eBike option; however, the type of eBike might not match the style of the tour. E.g. we might be able to only offer electric mountain bikes.
Absolutely!
And since all of our tours include the cost of bike and gear rental, these costs will of course be subtracted from the price. Please inquire and ask for an exact price if you plan to bring your bike.
When you sign up for your trip, we will work with you to determine your bike size and fit. On the first day of your trip, your guides will adjust your bike to your comfort and preferences to ensure an excellent fit. Your guides are always available to make small adjustments throughout the week.
All bikes come with a helmet and lights (front and rear).
All bikes come with a push pedal by default. If you plan to bring your own cycling shoe, let us know in advance so we can accommodate you with a suitable pedal.
Characterful family-run guesthouses and small hotels along the Balaton shoreline.
Yes. Our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Guests who wish to have their own room will be charged a Single Supplement fee provided a room is available on the desired trip.
If you wish to arrange a pre or post-night stay for your tour, please contact us, and we'll try to accommodate you. However, please understand that we might not be able to always accommodate you at the same guesthouse or hotel or in the same room.
All our tours include 3 meals per day. The exception is the first day when there is no breakfast and the last day when no dinner is provided.
We also provide one water bottle per person.
Meals are at pre-tested local restaurants or cafés.
Sometimes we organize a picnic or grill-party along the route.
We'll do our best to accommodate guests with dietary needs. Please specify your dietary requirements when talking to our representatives.
Ask us
