Bike & Wine in Hungary
Hungary Bike Tours
Bike Hungary through Balaton Uplands National Park
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1575 Rates
Overview
Bike and wine in Hungary? Yes! The Balaton Uplands National Park is one of the youngest national parks in Hungary, however, its rich history dates back thousands of years to when the Romans planted the first vineyards and the ancient Hungarians founded the first villages.
These beautiful, historic vineyards, sandy beaches, and the beauty of Balaton National Park make this a very unique tour. On a bike, you are transformed from a tourist to an active participant in your surroundings.
This tour allows you to choose between self-guided or guided. It can also be customized according to your needs.
Highlights
- Combining biking, wine, culture, history, and ecotourism
- Full-bodied local wines
- Good 3 and 4-star accommodations according to booked category many with wellness facilities
- Balaton Uplands National Park
Be sure to check out our full list of bike tours in Hungary.
Itinerary
* All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions, or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations/detours caused by roadwork, In this case, please follow the directions posted on site.
Day 1: Veszprém
Day 2: Veszprém - Balatonfüred, 23 mi. (38 km)
Day 3: Balatonfüred - Tótvázsony, 20 mi. (32 km)
Day 4: Tótvázsony - Badacsony, 30 mi. (49 km)
Day 5: Badacsony - Szigliget - Badacsony, 17 or 26 mi. (27 or 43 km)
Day 6: Badacsony - Balatonfüred, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 7: Balatonfüred - Veszprém, 21 mi. (34 km)
Day 8: DepartureDay 1: Veszprém
The first day of this cycling vacation begins in Veszprém. This city is often called the "City of Queens", because Hungary's first queen, Gisel, and every Hungarian queen after her was crowned here. After settling into your room, you are free to explore the city. Take some time to enjoy the historical and unique places of Veszprém before beginning the first day of cycling.Accommodation: Oliva Hotel, a small but superb quality inn in the middle of the old town with an excellent restaurant with a lovely Mediterranean atmosphere.
Optional services: Sauna, massage, and jacuzzi at your accommodation.Day 2: Veszprém - Balatonfüred, 23 mi. (38 km)
After breakfast, you will begin to cycle to Lake Balaton. The beautiful landscape, charming villages, and the beautiful scenery surrounding Lake Balaton is a picturesque sight. You will cycle this pike path until you reach Balatonfüred. The route changes to an old Roman road that follows the coastline. Along the route, grape fields which were planted in Roman times, are visible. Today's route will end in Balatonfüred, the capital of Lake Balaton, a city known for its history, culture, wine, and hospitality.Accommodation: Anna Grand Wine and Vital Hotel, located on the Northern shore of Lake Balaton in the middle of the historic district and the small forest.
Optional services: Pool, jacuzzi, steam chamber, Finnish/infra sauna, massage, beauty treatments, bowling at your accommodation.Day 3: Balatonfüred - Tótvázsony, 20 mi. (32 km)
You begin cycling to the city center of Tihany where the whole day could be spent sightseeing. Visit the 950 years old Benedict Abbey which was built at the top of the extinct volcano. From the top, the view reaches to the middle of the peninsula, the old caldera, and the Inner lake. After the sights of Tihany, cycle to Koczor Winecellar for lunch and wine tasting. Climb up to Tótvázsony at the end of the day.Accommodation: Bakony Hotel, located in a small village at the feet of Bakony mountain. The rooms are very large and cozy and the food is homemade.
Optional services: Sauna, massage, yoga at your accommodation.Day 4: Tótvázsony - Badacsony, 30 mi. (49 km)
Cycle across the land of extinct volcanos in the heart of the Balaton Uplands National Park. Today you'll ride along hidden roads which go through charming little villages like Köveskál, Szentantalfa, Óbudavár. Lunch & wine tasting at the excellent Gergely Winecellar. After lunch, you'll continue on until reaching the old wine region, Badacsony.Accommodation: Hotel Neptun, Family owned small hotel with outstanding food and wine at the foot of Badacsony Mountain.
Optional services: Jacuzzi, sauna, massage at your accommodation.Day 5: Badacsony - Szigliget - Badacsony, 17 or 26 mi. (27 or 43 km)
On this day, visit the Szegedy Róza House and Museum in Badacsony, in which you can see how people lived in the XIX. Century in this area. After this visit, use the Roman way and the Balaton cycle road to reach Szigliget. In Szigliget, visit the 250 years old Eszterházy Wine museum and climb up to the Castle which was used in the Türkish war in XVI Century.Accommodation: Hotel Neptun, Family owned small hotel with outstanding food and wine at the foot of Badacsony Mountain.
Optional services: Jacuzzi, sauna, massage at your accommodation.Day 6: Badacsony - Balatonfüred, 31 mi. (50 km)
Today you'll follow the bicycle road which goes along the coast. There are multiple opportunities to stop for a swim. A cold beer or ice cream helps you press as you pedal closer to Balatonfüred. The picnic lunch is again a homemade Hungarian dish by chef Joseph at Wineflowers Winecellar. The whole day is about cycling, sunshine, and the lake.Accommodation: Anna Grand Wine and Vital Hotel, located on the Northern shore of Lake Balaton in the middle of the historic district and the small forest.
Optional services: Pool, jacuzzi, steam chamber, Finnish/infra sauna, massage, beauty treatments at your accommodation.Day 7: Balatonfüred - Veszprém, 21 mi. (34 km)
On the last cycling day, you use the Balaton cycling road which leads next to the coastline. You will have the opportunity to stop as many times as you wish for a refreshing swim or an ice cream. Cycle along the embankment from Balatonalmádi and take in one last view of the lake before turning in the direction of Veszprém. This day is an ideal cool down after the whole bike tour. After arriving in Veszprém you can explore or do a little shopping.Accommodation: Oliva Hotel, a small but superb quality inn in the middle of the old town with an excellent restaurant with a lovely Mediterranean atmosphere.
Optional services: Sauna, massage, and jacuzzi at your accommodation.Day 8: Departure
Your cycling tour ends after breakfast.Day 1: Veszprém
Day 2: Veszprém - Balatonfüred, 23 mi. (38 km)
Day 3: Balatonfüred - Badascony, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 4: Badascony - Szentantalfa, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 5: Szentantalfa - Tótvázsony, 22 mi. (36 km)
Day 6: Tótvázsony - Balatonfüred, 31 mi. (39 km)
Day 7: Balatonfüred - Veszprém, 23 mi. (34 km)
Day 8: DepartureDay 1: Veszprém
Your first day starts in Veszprém in the City of Queens. The accommodation is in a relaxing place near the Castle and the Old Town. After a refreshing shower, take your camera and discover Saint Michael Chapel which is famous because of Queen Gisel. After her, every Hungarian queen was crowned here. Enjoy the historic places and the unique atmosphere of Veszprém and discover this lovely town before the first cycling day.Accommodation: Oliva Hotel, a small but superb quality inn in the middle of the old town with an excellent restaurant with a lovely Mediterranean atmosphere.
Optional services: Sauna, massage, and jacuzzi at your accommodation.Day 2: Veszprém - Balatonfüred, 23 mi. (38 km)
After breakfast, your cycling begins in direction of Lake Balaton. This day is a special one because this is your introduction to the idyllic landscape, the charming villages, and the lake. Until Balatonalmádi, you will cycle on a dedicated bike path. Afterward, you cycle the old Roman road which follows the coastline. Vineyards dot the landscape. The accommodation will be in Balatonfüred the capital of Lake Balaton. The most common words used to describe this city are history, culture, wine, and hospitality.Accommodation: Anna Grand Wine and Vital Hotel, located on the Northern shore of Lake Balaton in the middle of the historic district and the small forest.
Optional services: Pool, jacuzzi, steam chamber, Finnish/infra sauna, massage, beauty treatments, bowling at your accommodation.Day 3: Balatonfüred - Badascony, 31 mi. (50 km)
You continue to follow the coastline westerly, again on a dedicated bike path. You can stop for a swim almost anywhere. This day is about nature, sunshine, and water. The accommodation will be in Badacsony in a charming pension at the foot of Mt. Badacsony. This wine area is the oldest in Hungary and the wines are excellent with the local meals.Accommodation: Hotel Neptun, Family owned small hotel with outstanding food and wine at the foot of Badacsony Mountain.
Optional services: Jacuzzi, sauna, massage at your accommodation.Day 4: Badascony - Szentantalfa, 19 mi. (30 km)
On this day you visit Szegedy Róza House and Museum in which you can see how people lived in the XIX. Century in this area. Afterward, you follow the Roman way and the Balaton cycle road to reach Szigliget. In Szigliget you visit the 250 years old Eszterházy Winemuseum and climb up to the Castle which was used in the türkish war in XVI. Century. From here you pedal across the land of extinct volcanos which are in the heart of the Balaton Uplands National Park. You will cycle through the oldest Hungarian villages and your accommodation will be in an authentic village in Szentantalfa.Accommodation: Szentantalfa Gergely Winery and Inn, a tiny inn perched on Balázs Mountain. The treasure of this establishment is its innocence and native beauty.
Day 5: Szentantalfa - Tótvázsony, 22 mi. (36 km)
Following remote and quiet roads, the route leads through charming little villages like Köveskál, Szentantalfa, Óbudavár. You discover the beauty of Balaton Uplands National Park and the idyllic landscapes dotted with vineyards. You go through the Nivegy valley wine area which played an important role in wine export in Roman times. You end your day in a quiet hotel in Tótvázsony at the foot of Bakony mountain.Accommodation: Bakony Hotel, located in a small village at the feet of Bakony mountain. The rooms are very large and cozy and the food is homemade.
Optional services: Sauna, massage, yoga at your accommodation.Day 6: Tótvázsony - Balatonfüred, 31 mi. (39 km)
You descend to Pécsely and Aszófő to reach the city center of Tihany. You visit the 950 years old Benedict Abbey which was built on top of an extinct volcano. From here you can enjoy the view down to the middle of the peninsula to the old caldera and the inner lake. After the sights of Tihany, the route leads to Koczor Winecellar for a picnic lunch and wine tasting. After lunch, the accommodation in Balatonfüred is just 25 minutes away.Accommodation: Anna Grand Wine and Vital Hotel
Optional services: Pool, jacuzzi, steam chamber, Finnish/infra sauna, massage, beauty treatments at your accommodationDay 7: Balatonfüred - Veszprém, 21 mi. (34 km)
On the last cycling day, you use the Balaton cycling road which leads next to the coastline. You will have the opportunity to stop as many times as you wish for a refreshing swim or an ice cream. Cycle along the embankment from Balatonalmádi and take in one last view of the lake before turning in the direction of Veszprém. This day is an ideal cool down after the whole bike tour. After arriving in Veszprém you can explore or do a little shopping.Accommodation: 3* Oliva Hotel, a small but superb quality inn in the middle of the old town with an excellent restaurant with a lovely Mediterranean atmosphere.
Optional services: Sauna, massage, and jacuzzi at your accommodationsDay 8: Departure
After breakfast take a transfer to the airport or onward arrangements.Be sure to check out all of our bike tours in Europe or look at our featured bike trips, specials, and news.
Map
Hotels & Bikes
Accommodations
Two categories are offered on this tour. Both categories feature small family-owned hotels. The location of each overnight is carefully chosen, either close to the centers of the towns, close to the lake, or in quiet charming villages, close to nature. On each day’s details, you will find that the preferred hotel is indicated. Please note that the final hotel list will be based on availability. If the preferred hotel is not possible, you will be offered an alternative of equal standard. Please see the list of preferred hotels under the day-to-day itinerary.
Category A: 4-star facilities as much as possible. If the hotel is rated 3-star, you are accommodated in upgraded rooms.
Category B: 3 and 4-star hotels
Please note the slightly different itineraries for each category.Bicycles
Standard Bike
CTM Trek Bike - Men's / Women's frames
Frame Hi Ten / ALU 6061 Fork Suntour Nex Shock Front RST suspensions Handlebar Zoom MTB / CTM rise bar Saddle CTM Elite Pedals SP 877 / SP 510 Shifters Shimano Altus 21 / 24 Speed Front Derailleur Shimano Rear Derailleur Shimano Brakes Alhonga V-Brake Tyres Freedom Wedge 28x1,75" reflex line / 700x38C Mudguards Yes Inclusions
What’s Included
Category A: Self-guided
- 7 nights accommodation in 4-star hotels (1 night in a 3-star hotel)
- 7 breakfasts, 7 gourmet dinners (3 courses), with excellent wines (unlimited wine consumption)
- Luggage transfer
- High-quality standard Caprine, CTM, Neuzer bikes with 21/24 gears, front suspension, light aluminum frame
- Helmets, water bottle, front bag, mudguards, rear rack, panniers, lights
- Maps
- Detailed GPS navigation and roadbook (tips on sights, cultural highlights, scenic stops and recommended restaurants)
- Free WiFi in hotels
- Service hotline
- 7 nights accommodation in 4-star hotels (1 night in a 3-star hotel)
- 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches (3 picnic lunches), 7 gourmet dinners (3-course) with excellent wines (unlimited wine consumption)
- 6 wine tastings
- Bus transfer from/to the airport is included in the price
- Luggage transfer, full technical service and a trailer for the bicycles
- High-quality standard Caprine, CTM, Neuzer bikes with 21/24 gears, front suspension, light aluminum frame
- Helmets, water bottle, front bag, mudguards, rear rack, panniers, lights
- Two cycling guides
- Support vehicle
- All entrance fees as mentioned in guided
- Detailed road book in English (tips on sights, cultural highlights, scenic stops and recommended restaurants)
- Maps
- Free WiFi in hotels
- 7 nights accommodation in 3-4-star hotels and charming country inns
- 7 breakfasts, 7 gourmet dinners (3 courses) with excellent wines (unlimited wine consumption)
- Luggage transfer
- High-quality standard Caprine, CTM, Neuzer bikes with 21/24 gears, front suspension, light aluminum frame
- Helmets, water bottle, front bag, mudguards, rear rack, panniers, lights
- Maps
- GPS with detailed navigation and roadbook (tips on sights, cultural highlights, scenic stops and recommended restaurants)
- Free WiFi in hotels
- Service hotline
Category A: Guided
Category B: Self-guided
What’s Not Included
- Lunches (self-guided tour)
- Entrance fees and tickets for excursions (self-guided tour)
- Airport transfers (self-guided)
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Self Guided
Daily from April 1 to September 30, 2023
Minimum number of participants: 2Guided: Choose your dates between April 1 to September 30, 2023
Only available in Category A. We can organize a guided tour on request based on availability.
Generally, the minimum number of participants is 8 but please do not hesitate to contact us if your group is less than 8.Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2023
Self guided
Category A Category B Double room $ 2875 £ 1473 $ 2,645 € 1715 Ft 689993 kr 266391 ₪ 7355 ¥ 276269 Mex$ 37651 NZ$ 3134 kr 20608 zł 7475 S$ 2519 kr 19861 CHF 1644 $ 1,946 $ 2640 £ 1353 $ 2,429 € 1575 Ft 633667 kr 244645 ₪ 6755 ¥ 253716 Mex$ 34577 NZ$ 2878 kr 18926 zł 6864 S$ 2314 kr 18240 CHF 1510 $ 1,787 Single supplement $ 619 £ 317 $ 569 € 369 Ft 148459 kr 57317 ₪ 1583 ¥ 59442 Mex$ 8101 NZ$ 674 kr 4434 zł 1608 S$ 542 kr 4273 CHF 354 $ 419 $ 552 £ 283 $ 507 € 329 Ft 132366 kr 51104 ₪ 1411 ¥ 52999 Mex$ 7223 NZ$ 601 kr 3953 zł 1434 S$ 483 kr 3810 CHF 315 $ 373 Guided
Category A Category B Double room $ 4149 £ 2126 $ 3,817 € 2475 Ft 995763 kr 384442 ₪ 10614 ¥ 398697 Mex$ 54335 NZ$ 4523 kr 29740 zł 10787 S$ 3636 kr 28662 CHF 2373 $ 2,809 - Single supplement $ 619 £ 317 $ 569 € 369 Ft 148459 kr 57317 ₪ 1583 ¥ 59442 Mex$ 8101 NZ$ 674 kr 4434 zł 1608 S$ 542 kr 4273 CHF 354 $ 419 - Extra Options
E bike rental $ 334 £ 171 $ 307 € 199 Ft 80063 kr 30911 ₪ 853 ¥ 32057 Mex$ 4369 NZ$ 364 kr 2391 zł 867 S$ 292 kr 2305 CHF 191 $ 226 One way transfer to/from airport (1-8 pax) $ 352 £ 180 $ 324 € 210 Ft 84489 kr 32619 ₪ 901 ¥ 33829 Mex$ 4610 NZ$ 384 kr 2523 zł 915 S$ 308 kr 2432 CHF 201 $ 238 Extra nights on request Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This tour is rated as easy to moderate and can be guided or self-guided. Hungary is a rather flat country with some hilly areas. The highest point is about 1000 m. Hills higher than about 200 m are locally referred to as mountains! Your route is mainly flat but you will encounter some hills, where longer downhills outnumber short uphills. You will cycle on designated bike paths (asphalt) for 40%, low traffic bicycle-friendly roads (asphalt), 50%, and some good quality dirt roads, 5%. Only about 5% of this tour would be on shared roads with traffic. The average daily distance is 25 miles.
Airport Info
Fly to Budapest Liszt Ferenc Airport (BUD).
Local Travel
We recommend booking the transfers available due to public transportation costs, complicity, and travel time.
From the airport, it is best to catch a taxi if you are staying overnight in Budapest. There are fixed fares of approximately 7500 HUF / person (€26). It takes 20 minutes to reach Budapest central. First take the bus to the metro station Kőbánya/Kispest and there go to city central. Travel time is approximately 40 minutes to city central. Helpful link from the airport to the city central:
http://www.bud.hu/english/passengers/transport_and_parking/by_public_transport
From Budapest, you can reach the starting city (Veszprém) by train or bus, but it is a bit complicated. By train go to Déli Pu. (South railway station) and from there to Veszprém. For bus go to Népliget (central bus station) and from there to Veszprém. We do recommend booking organized transfers.
Useful link for train travel: http://www.mav.hu/english/index.php
Useful link for bus travel: http://www.volanbusz.hu/en/
Climate
The Lake Balaton region has a Mediterranean-like climate. Summers are warm with June-Sep reaching above 25C. During these months, there is also increased rainfall, so be sure to pack light rain gear.
Remarks
Free WiFi is included in the hotels.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Tour Operator
This tour is run by Vinociped.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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