WireDonkey Cycling Holidays

Tour de Bükk: Cycling Holiday from Eger to Lillafüred

A Week of Cycling Through Castles, Spas, and Vineyards in the Heart of Hungary

Set out on a week-long bike tour of the Bükk mountains in Hungary and be mesmerized by its breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. This tour will take you through picturesque villages, dense forests, ancient vineyards, and soaring mountains.

You’ll visit the historic city of Eger, known for its famous wine, taste some of the city’s finest vintages and relax in one of the region’s thermal baths and spas. We’ll conquer the forest paths of the Bükk and ride through the Szalajka valley on a forest train, surrounded by towering trees and sparkling streams. We’ll finish our trip in the majestic Lillafüred. This bike tour combines adventure, relaxation, and culture, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Non-cyclist friends and family are welcome.

Tour Highlights

  • Walking tour of Eger
  • Wine tasting in Eger
  • Beehive stones in Szomolya
  • Cave homes of Noszvaj and Cserépfalu
  • Salt-mountain of Egerszalók
  • Spa-day in Egerszalók or Demjén
  • Forest train ride in the Szalajka Valley
  • Fairytale world of Lillafüred
  • Diósgyőr Castle
Destination Hungary Duration 7 days / 6 nights
Total distance 152 kms Avg distance 38 kms per day
Total climbing 2420 meters Avg climbing 605 meters per day
Road types
Asphalt 88% Gravel 12% Singletrack 0%

Book this trip

HU-L02R
Tour de Bükk: Cycling Holiday from Eger to Lillafüred
Base price € 2200
eBike supplement € 240
Single-room supplement € 300
Want to secure your spot before the group fills up, or book the tour privately?
2 guest price (per person) € 2500
3 guest price (per person) € 2400

Price includes: accommodation for 6 nights in guesthouses; meals (6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners); wine tasting; bike rentals and helmets; luggage transportation; entrance fees; English speaking local guide.

Doesn't include: your flight, airport transfer, insurance, personal expenses.

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Itinerary

This tour takes you through the Bükk Mountains, one of Hungary's most scenic national parks. You'll cycle between vineyards, forested valleys, and spa towns, discovering the charm of Eger's wine culture, the cave houses of Noszvaj, and the fairytale scenery of Lillafüred. Expect quiet roads, great food, and plenty of thermal baths to soak in after your rides.

Day 1: Walking tour of Eger and wine tasting

Most convenient is to transfer from Budapest, where you can spend a couple of days before or after the trip. You can transfer on your own, or we can arrange a transfer for you (not included in the price).

Once in Eger, we'll spend the first day exploring the city. We will visit the 16th-century Eger castle, the Turkish minaret and the classicist Basilica. We'll have plenty of riding time in the following days, so it will be mostly walking today.

In the evening, we will walk to the Kovács Nimród Winery to tour their cellar and taste 6 different varieties of Eger wine. Did you know Eger is nicknamed the Hungarian Burgundy?

Day 2: Beehive Stones and Cave Houses

On this second day, we will head out to the hills east of town. Our first stop will be in Szomolya, known for its rock columns with mysterious niches carved on the sides. Hence why they're called beehive stones.

Next, we will ride to Cserépfalu and Noszvaj. Both villages are known for their cave homes, carved in tuff stone. The most challenging part of the ride is yet to come, with the climb of Vesszős hill, but the descent through the vineyards will more than compensate you for it.

Day 3: Recharge at a spa

After the last days' exertions, we'll take it easier today. This is a theme for this tour: one easy day will always follow a tough day. Egerszalók is a short 40-minute ride away from Eger. Here we will check out the unique salt mountain, and then we'll have a choice of baths. We can either soak in the relaxing baths here or ride to the cave baths in Demjén for a more intrepid day with slides and all. We'll finish the day in Szépasszonyvölgy, Eger's largest interconnected series of wine cellars.

Day 4: What goes up, must come down #1

Perhaps our most demanding day will take us deep into the dense forest of the Bükk. We'll follow the bike path to Felsőtarkány, then turn north to gravel roads. We will exit the forest near Bélapátfalva, just beneath the famous Bél-kő. After a short visit to the remains of the Cistercian abbey, we will reach Szilvásvárad, our pit stop for the next couple of days.

Our non-cyclist friend will transfer by car or minibus.

Day 5: Active rest in the magical Szalajka Valley

Another rest day will allow us to ride the narrow-gauge railway through the enchanting Szalajka valley. We'll take in the sight of waterfalls, lakes and magical forests along the way. We will walk back to Szilvásvárad just in time for an evening of barbecue and chill.

Day 6: What goes up, must come down #2

Our final riding day takes us back to the woods on winding roads, ending with a giant descent to the valley of the Szinva river. Here we will stop at the ancient blast furnace of Ómassa for a quick intro into the region's mining past, then follow the road into Lillafüred. This fairytale land has a castle, hanging gardens, waterfalls and caves. We'll spend the rest of the day here before descending into Miskolc.

Day 7: Sad goodbyes

After one last evening together, it's time to part ways. Before getting on the way, you might want to check out the newly restored Diósgyőr castle for a medieval experience or the cave baths at Miskolctapolca. If you need a guide, you know where to look!

What's included

At Wiredonkey, we like to keep things simple for you. Once on the road, everything's handled. From meals in family-run guesthouses to your bike and luggage transfers, it''s all included, so you can focus entirely on the ride and the experience.

Bikes

We use top-quality mountain and gravel bikes — tuned for the scenic routes and rolling terrain of Transylvania and beyond. Each one comes with lights and helmets, and if you'd like a little extra help on the hills, eBikes are available on request.

Local guide and hosts

One of us rides with you, sharing stories, local legends, and the hidden corners most travelers never find. Another stays close in the support van, ready with snacks, cold drinks, or a quick fix whenever you need it. And when the day's ride ends, our hosts at each guesthouse make sure you're welcomed like family, with great food and plenty of comfort.

Accommodation

We'll stay in beautifully restored Saxon houses, many lovingly maintained by local families. These guesthouses are an essential part of the Wiredonkey experience. Full of charm, hand-painted furniture, and traditional touches that make every stop feel personal.

Food and drinks

You'll never go hungry on a Wiredonkey tour: we include three meals a day, plus plenty of snacks and cold drinks along the way. Most of what we eat comes from local farms and gardens, and many of the meals are home-cooked by the families who host us.

Luggage transfer

There's no need to carry anything but your essentials. Your luggage travels ahead each day, waiting for you when you arrive at the next guesthouse.

Activities

Our tours blend cycling with culture — you'll visit centuries-old fortified churches, meet local artisans, and discover traditions still alive in rural villages. And, as always with Wiredonkey, expect a few unexpected moments that make the journey unforgettable.
Check out the photos

Frequently Asked Questions

Before your trip

What makes our cycling holidays different?

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.

What language is the tour in?

Tours are guided in English by Peter, our founder and a local with deep knowledge of these regions.

What level of fitness do I need to participate?

This is a moderate week-long tour averaging 38km per day through the hilly Bükk National Park. Expect daily climbing. Some days have sustained ascents. Regular recreational cyclists will be comfortable; occasional riders should prepare with some training beforehand.

How big are the groups?

Groups are between 4 and 8 people.

What if I'm traveling solo?

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.

Can I learn more about who's already signed up for a trip?

100%!

Ask us about the makeup of each group, and we'll let you know the demographics.

Are non-riders welcome, and do they get a discount on trips?

Yes! Just because you don't ride doesn't mean you can't eat, drink, relax and discover the best our destinations offer.

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.

Can I travel with kids?

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.

What should I pack for a cycling tour?

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.

Do I need travel insurance?

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.

What is the best time of year for a cycling tour?

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.

Booking

What's included in the price?

Wiredonkey tours are mostly all-inclusive:

  • Accommodation
  • 3x meals a day
  • Bike rental and helmets
  • Vehicle assistance
  • Luggage transportation
  • All entrance fees
  • English-speaking local guide

Prices don't include the following:

  • Your flight
  • Airport transfer
  • Insurance
  • Personal expenses

What happens if the tour doesn't fill up?

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.

Can you run the tour for 2 or 3 people?

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.

How far in advance do I need to book?

We recommend booking at least 90 days before departure. Based on availability, last-minute bookings can be accommodated up to two weeks before departure.

Is airport transfer included?

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).

What is your cancellation policy?

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.

Can I book a private or custom tour?

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.

During the trip

How do you manage different rider levels on a tour?

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.

What happens if I can't finish the whole distance?

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.

Can I ride for longer distances?

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!

Do you have a support vehicle?

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.

Bikes and gear

What bikes do we ride?

You can choose between a road bike or a trekking bike based on your preference. We typically ride Canyon Endurace or similar road bikes, and Canyon Pathlite or similar trekking bikes, but the exact model depends on availability. The route is 88% asphalt with some gravel sections.

Do you provide eBikes?

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.

Can I bring my own bike?

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.

How do you ensure every guest has a comfortable fit on their 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.

What other gear is included?

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.

Accommodation

What type of accommodation do we get?

Charming family-run small hotels in the Bükk National Park and Eger.

Will I get a roommate if I'm traveling solo?

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.

Can you arrange a pre or post-night stay?

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.

Meals

How many meals are included?

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.

Where do we eat on this tour?

Meals are at pre-tested local restaurants or cafés.

Sometimes we organize a picnic or grill-party along the route.

Can you accommodate guests who are vegan or have other dietary needs?

We'll do our best to accommodate guests with dietary needs. Please specify your dietary requirements when talking to our representatives.

Ask us
Chat with our local guides
Peter Illés Your Wiredonkey Guide
Hi! I’m Peter, your local cycling guide. Leave me a message and I’ll get back to you shortly. Hi Peter! I came across your tours and had a question 😊 Chat with our local guides
Before you go

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