Wine & Bike in Hungary’s Balaton Uplands
7 nights from 
4.85This tour is no longer available. Please contact us for tour suggestions or check out our other tours in Hungary.
Replace your beach umbrella with a shaded forest pathway and explore the romantic Hungarian countryside first-hand. Riding through Hungary's Balaton Uplands National Park on a bicycle allows you to experience the area as a native, not just a tourist. Discover extinct volcanoes. Follow winding paths through hidden villages, forests, and grape fields. There's nothing like riding your bike with a cool breeze on your face.
Along the route, take a rest in the shadows of the historic walls and learn about battles, local heroes, and legends. It’s a pleasure to share the Hungarian history with you. Don’t be too shy to stop to take photos!
Besides the scenic cycling routes, you'll enjoy traditional Hungarian meals like goulash and homemade strudel, and don't forget one of the highlights of this tour: the local wines!
Taste the full-bodied wines from the sunny hillsides along your path. The hospitality of these local vineyards and quality of the wines will not disappoint you, even the selections from old wine cellars or small family-run vineyards.
Your tour operators are native to the area and have put together an itinerary to really show you the hidden values of the Uplands. Their focus is on a stress-free, leisurely-paced experience and a fun tour of their homeland. Their passion for active bike travel and their commitment to their culture and ecotourism will thrill you and your travel companions.
Nice trip 👌
“Very beatyful landscape all the hotel was and the local vine was so good.
Gàbor our guide was so nice and helpful.”
—Gudrun Agisdottir
Great trip 👌
“Beatyful landscape very good food and wines ? hotels was charming.
Nice whether rain for one day maby better to come week earlier. All the information that we got in the beginning was perfect thanks Gàbor Zàvodi for all your help.”
—Gudrun Agisdottir
Hidden Gem!
“What a great trip - Gabor was an amazing host and guide. Bright, entertaining and so knowledgable about the history and culture of the area. Food and wine were plentiful and…” Full Review
“What a great trip - Gabor was an amazing host and guide. Bright, entertaining and so knowledgable about the history and culture of the area. Food and wine were plentiful and delicious. The scenery was wonderful, biking through the vineyards and along the lakeside delightful at a leisurely pace on great bike paths and low traffic roads. The hotel selections were great and the local people we met all gracious and friendly. The E-bike option makes this tour a really easy cruising pace, but is not necessary, as the mileage distances and routes never felt excessive. Our entire group of mixed level cyclists all handled the routes without difficulty. The highlight for me was Gabor's knowledge of his country. Every day we were treated to detailed discussions about the sites we visited as well as insight into the history, culture and economics of the area, both from his perspective and also that of his parents and grandparent's generation's experiences. Gave me new appreciation for the complex history of Hungary. Heartily recommend the guided version of this trip. Thanks Gabor!” Less
—Boise cyclist
Daily Program
The itinerary differs slightly based on the hotel category booked. Both itineraries are detailed below.
Category A itinerary *Also used for the Guided tour
Day 1: Veszprém
Our first day starts in Veszprém in the City of Queens. The accomodation is in a relaxing place nearby the Castle and the Old Town. After a refreshing shower take your camera and discover the Saint Michael Chapel wich is famous because our first queen Gisel and after Her every hungarian queen were crowned there. Enjoy the historic places and the unique atmosphere of Veszprém and discover this lovely town before the first cycling day.
Day 2: Veszprém – Balatonfüred
24 miles/38 km
After the square breakfast take the full equipped bicycles and start the trip in direction of the lake Balaton. This day is a special one because this is the first meeting with the idylic landscape, the charming villages and the lake. Until Balatonalmádi we use the built bicycle road. After it we change it for the old Roman road which goes next to the coastline. We will see everywhere grapefields which were planted in the Roman times. The wine and vital hotel stand still in Balatonfüred the capital of lake Balaton. The most common words in connection of this city are history, culture, wine, and hospitality.
Day 3: Balatonfüred – Tótvázsony
20 miles/32 km
We start the cycling to the city central of Tihany where we could spend a whole day without boring. We visit the 950 years old Benedict Abbey which was built to the top of the extinct vulcano. From here we can take a look down to the middle of the peninsula to the old caldera and the Inner lake. After the sights of Tihany we are heading to Koczor Winecellar for lunch and winetasting. We climb up to Tótvázsony at the end of the day.
Day 4: Tótvázsony – Badacsony
30 miles/49 km
We roll across the land of extinct volcanos, the so called vitnessing mountains which are in the heart of the Balaton Uplands National Park. We use this day hidden roads which go trough charming little villages like Köveskál, Szentantalfa, Óbudavár. Lunch and wine tasting at the excellent Gergely Wine cellar. After lunch we roll down to the 1000 years old wine region, Badacsony.
Day 5: Badacsony – Szigliget – Badacsony
17 miles/27 km or 27 miles/43 km
On this day we visit in Badacsony the Szegedy Róza House and Museum in which we can see how the people lived in the XIX Century in this area. After this we use the Roman way and the Balaton cycle road to reach Szigliget. In Szigliget we visit the 250 years old Eszterházy Winemuseum and climb up to the Castle which was used in the türkish war in XVI Century.
Day 6: Badacsony – Balatonfüred
31 miles/50 km
This day we will follow the bicycle road which goes along the coast. We can stop for a bath almost everywhere. A cold beer or ice cream helps to push the pedals and get closer to Balatonfüred. The picnic lunch is again a homemade Hungarian dish by chef Joseph at Wineflowers Wine cellar. The whole day is about the cycling, the sunsine, and the lake.
Day 7: Balatonfüred – Veszprém
22 miles/34 km
On the last cycling day we use the Balaton cycling road which leads next to the coastline. We will have the opportunity to stop for a refreshing bath or an ice cream as many times as we want. We follow from Balatonalmádi the embankment to take a last look to the lake and we turn in direction of Veszprém. This day is an ideal cool down after the whole bike tour. We arrive in Veszprém in the right time for a nice walk or shopping. The dinner will be the last moment to enjoy the holiday and Hungary because the next day is the end of the tour.
Day 8: Veszprém
Our journey unfortunately ends after breakfast.
Category B itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Veszprém
The first day of cycling starts in Veszprém, the City of Queens. The accommodation is in a relaxing place nearby the Castle and the Old Town. After checking in, take your camera and discover the Saint Michael Chapel, which is famous because it is where the first Hungarian queen, Gisel, and every Hungarian queen after her were crowned. Enjoy the historic places and the unique atmosphere of Veszprém before the first cycling day.
Day 2: Veszprém – Balatonfüred
24 miles/38 km
Following breakfast head out on the bikes in the direction of Lake Balaton. This day is the first meeting with the idyllic landscape, charming villages and lake. You'll cycle on a dedicated bicycle path until you reach Balatonalmádi. From there you'll use the old Roman road that goes to the coastline, passing grape fields planted in Roman times. The day's final stop is Balatonfüred, capital of Lake Balaton. The most common words in connection with this city are history, culture, wine, and hospitality.
Day 3: Balatonfüred – Badacsony
28 miles/50 km
Today you start cycling west following the coastline on the built cycle road. You can stop for a swim almost everywhere. This day is about the nature, the sunshine, and the water. The accommodation will be in Badacsony in a charming pension at the foot of mountain Badacsony. This wine area is the oldest in Hungary and the wines are excellent with the local meals.
Day 4: Badacsony – Szentbékkálla or Szentantalfa
19 miles/30 km
A highlight today is Badacsony, featuring the Szegedy Róza House and Museum. From Badascony you follow the Roman way and Balaton cycle road to reach Szigliget. In Szigliget you visit the 250-year-old Eszterházy Wine Museum and climb up to the Castle, which was used in the Turkish war in 16th century. From here you cycle across a land of extinct volcanoes, the so-called "Witnessing Mountains" that are in the heart of the Balaton Uplands National Park. Cycling through the oldest Hungarian village, you will spend the evening in the authentic village of Szentbékálla.
Day 5: Szentbékkálla or Szentantalfa – Tótvázsony
22 miles/36 km
Today you use hidden roads that go through charming little villages like Köveskál, Szentantalfa, Óbudavár. Discover the beauty of Balaton Uplands National Park and the idyllic grape field landscapes. From there, you go through the Nivegy Valley wine area that played important role in wine export in the Roman times. Finish the day in a nice quiet hotel in Tótvázsony at the foot of Bakony Mountain.
Day 6: Tótvázsony – Balatonfüred
24 miles/39 km
Today you cycle to Pécsely and Aszófö on the way to the city center of Tihany. Visit the 950-year-old Benedict Abbey, built on the top of the extinct volcano. From there you have great views of the peninsula to the old caldera and the Inner lake. After the sights of Tihany, you head to Koczor Winecellar for picnic lunch and wine tasting. You spend the evening in Balatonfüred.
Day 7: Balatonfüred – Veszprém
22 miles/34 km
On the last cycling day you use the Balaton cycling road, which leads you towards the coastline. You will have the opportunity to stop for a refreshing swim or an ice cream any time you want. From Balatonalmádi, you follow the embankment before you turn toward Veszprém. This day is an ideal lighter day of cycling, arriving in Veszprém with time for a nice walk or shopping. The dinner will be the last moment to enjoy the holiday and Hungary before the tour ends.
Day 8: Veszprém
Depart after breakfast
Hotels
These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
Category A: 4-Star Hotels *used for the Guided tour
Hotel Oliva, Veszprém
www.oliva.hu
Anna Grand Wine and Vital Hotel, Balatonfüred
www.annagrandhotel.hu
Hotel Neptun, Badacsony
www.neptunpanzio.hu
Bakony Hotel, Totvazsony
www.hotelbakony.hu
Category B: Basic Hotels
Oliva Hotel, Veszprém
www.oliva.hu
Anna Grand Wine and Vital Hotel, Balatonfüred
www.annagrandhotel.hu
Hotel Neptun, Badacsony
www.borbaratok.hu
Gergely Winery and Inn, Szentbékkálla
www.gergelyborhaz.hu
Bakony Hotel, Tótvázsony
www.hotelbakony.hu
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
Bikes
Bikes available on this tour, and included in the tour cost (reserved in advance at the time of booking):
- Standard bikes, 24-speed, with front suspension and light aluminum frame: Caprine, Neuzer, Merida, Giant, and Altrix
- Child trailers available and included in tour cost
Bikes available to rent:
- Electrically assisted bikes*
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
Bikes come equipped with:
- Water bottle
- Front handlebar bag
- Mudguards
- Rear rack with panniers
- Lights
- Repair kit with pump and extra tubes
- GPS navigation system is available
Pedals:
The bikes are equipped with flat pedals. You may bring your own pedals if desired.
Seats:
Please let us know if you intend to bring your own seat, so we can ensure the post will fit the bike.
Helmets:
Helmets are provided as part of the tour package, but we recommend that you plan to bring your own helmet for safety and hygeine purposes.
Prices
This tour is no longer available. Please contact us for tour suggestions or check out our other tours in Hungary.
Included services
Self-guided tour includes:
These tours provide you independence and flexibility to set your own pace. We book your accommodation, move your baggage each day from hotel to hotel and supply you with a bike. You are equipped with Garmin GPS, maps, and a detailed guide of what to see along the route. We give you a roadbook and a GPS in which you find every important information about the accommodations, restaurants and the route.
- 7 nights accommodation at 3- and 4-star hotels and charming country inns with familiar atmosphere, high quality, and superb surroundings
- 7 breakfasts
- 7 gourmet dinners at the best local restaurants (3 courses) with excellent wines (unlimited local wine)
- Maps and detailed GPS navigation and roadbook (tips on sights, cultural highlights, scenic stops and recommended restaurants)
- Luggage transfer
- Service hotline
- High quality standard bike with 24 gears, front suspension, and light aluminum frame
- Helmets, water bottle, front bag, mudguards, rear rack, panniers
- Free wi-fi internet in the hotels
- Safe and quiet bike roads of the Balaton Uplands National Park
Guided tour includes:
Two experienced, bilingual attendants on bicycle and a support vehicle will guide each tour. We book your accomodation, move your baggage each day from hotel to hotel and supply you with a bike. In addition to transporting your luggage we are available to offer you assistance or give you a lift if necessary. We also carry water, tools, first aid kit and a handy. We give you a roadbook with tips on sights, cultural highlights, scenic stops and recommended restaurants.
- 7 nights accomodation at 3- and 4-star hotels and charming country inns
- 7 breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches in the nature, 7 gourmet dinners (3 course) with excellent wines (unlimited local wine)
- Luggage transfer, full technical service and a trailer for the bicycles
- Maps and detailed roadbook in English (tips on sights, cultural highlights, scenic stops and recommended restaurants)
- 2 professional, English-speaking guiding during the tour (including cycling with you), and 1 attendant driving the support car
- 6x wine tasting
- High quality standard Merida, Giant, Altrix bikes with 24 gears, front suspension, light aluminium frame
- Helmets, water bottle, front bag, mudguards, rear rack, panniers, lights
- All the entrance fees and tickets of the sights written in the program
- Transfers from/to airport or hotel in Budapest
- Free wi-fi internet in the hotels
- Safe and quiet bike roads of the Balaton Uplands National Park
Surface and terrain
Hungary is a rather flat country with some hilly areas. The tour follows selected flat routes. You'll experience an occasional hilly section, but the longer downhills outnumber short uphills.
You cycle along paved bicycle paths, low-traffic, bicycle-friendly roads, and some good quality dirt roads (packed surface). Approximatley 50% of the tour is on quiet roads, 40% on dedicated bicycle paths and 5% of roads shared with traffic and 5% on dirt or gravel roads.
The tour is designed for everybody who can cycle 13-35 miles (20-50 km) a day at a leisurely pace.
How to get there
Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Budapest, Hungary
Nearest train station: Veszprém, Hungary
Budapest is well-served from North America directly and via many European gateways and by European low-cost airlines.
The local company can organize transfer from/to the airport at an extra cost (must be booked in advance).
Tips on getting to and from your tour
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