Discover the beautiful and scenic Lake Balaton on a week-long 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 chance 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 way to experience the best of what Lake Balaton has to offer, all while getting some exercise and soaking in the region's beauty.
Price includes: accommodation for 6 nights in guesthouses; meals (6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners); 2x wine tastings, bike rentals and helmets; luggage transportation; entrance fees; English speaking local guide.
Doesn't include: 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.
Most Hungarian cyclists arrive at Lake Balaton by train. So that's precisely how we'll start our journey. We'll get off the train 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, we'll go to Balatonfüred harbour for an afternoon of sailing where our lovely captain (not me, I promise) will show you the ropes!
On day 4, we will transfer from Balatonfüred to Révfülöp. 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. We'll jump on the train 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!
