Explore Europe’s largest freshwater lake by bicycle, following the dedicated cycle paths which run around the entire stretch of water in this beautiful destination. Venture further from the Lake shores to experience more of the surrounding landscape, its natural beauties and cultural treasures.
Price:
£1,100 per person based on two people sharing (including bike rental)
Single room supplement: £230
Extra nights in Budapest (B&B): £55 per person based on two people sharing.
Included:
Not Included:
Departure Dates:
Choose the date you wish to start between April to the mid October
Day 1 – Budapest
Arrival in Budapest and check in to your hotel for your first overnight.
Day 2 – Budapest to Csopak
This morning take the train to Csopak, at the Northern shore of Lake Balaton, where you collect your bike. The bike trail allows you to explore Balatonfüred or the Tihany peninsula. (Total: 10 or 35 km)
Dinner and overnight in Csopak.
Day 3 – Csopak
Today you have the option of two cycling routes which are detailed in your route notes; Tihany peninsula (Abbey Church, Echo Hill, Inner Lake, Lavender House) or Eastern basin of the lake (return to Tihany by ferry). (35 or 50 km). We provide packed lunch today.
Overnight in Csopak.
Day 4 – Csopak to Badacsony
Today you ride along the north shore with volcanic mountains and vineyards, pretty villages and lush vegetation stretching away to the right, while on your left tranquil views across the inviting waters of the lake. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the famous Badacsony wines! (Total: 50 km). To shorten the route, you may take a train westwards (direct trains run up to Badacsony).
We provide luggage transport from Csopak to Badacsony.
Dinner and overnight in Badacsony.
Day 5 – Badacsony
Today we suggest an excursion to the Káli basin, dotted with romantic villages among lavender fields. Or just relax, take a swim in the clear waters and enjoy the excellent Badacsony wines and local cuisine. We provide packed lunch today. Overnight in Badacsony.
Day 6 – Badacsony to Keszthely
From Badacsony, you’ll cross Lake Balaton on board a pleasure boat (together with your bike). Enjoy the pretty sights of the lake and both shores as you are taken across the lake. Arriving in Fonyód, you ride towards Keszthely, while having a splendid view of the mountains around Badacsony (Total:40km).
We provide luggage transport from Badacsony to Keszthely. Dinner and overnight in Keszthely.
Day 7 – Keszthely
A choice of routes again today; Keszthely (Festetics Castle) or Hévíz (thermal lake, lake bath) or Kis-Balaton (moorland, limited access) (local ride, 15 or 40 km).
We provide packed lunch today.
Overnight in Keszthely.
Day 8 – Keszthely to Csopak
Today you ride across a region rich in sights: several viewpoints, picturesque Szigliget and wine cellars are abundant on the mountain sides. From Badacsony you’ll ride on ‘familiar’ roads, just in the opposite direction as 3 days ago. You might revisit places you especially liked – or discover something new: an old watermill or a remarkable graveyard.
To shorten the route (Total: 70 km) you may take a train towards Csopak.
We provide luggage transport from Keszthely to Csopak plus packed lunch for this last ride. Overnight in Csopak.
Day 9 – Csopak to Budapest
After returning the bikes in Csopak this morning, you take your train back to Budapest.
Getting There:
By Plane:
Budapest and the United Kingdom are very well connected with various airlines flying to Hungary’s capital city every day. The following low-cost airlines have good and generally, inexpensive flights from various cities in the country to Budapest:
Wizz Air: Birmingham, Liverpool, London Luton,
Ryanair: London STN, East Midlands, Bristol and Manchester.
EasyJet: London Gatwick,
Jet2: Manchester, Edinburgh, Leeds, East Midlands
Most flights from outside of Europe will come via major European Cities including London. There are currently no direct flights from the USA, but there are direct options from Canada.
By Train:
Budapest has three international railway stations and is well connected with nearby European Capital Cities.
Accommodation:
Comfortable hotels and panzios near the lake.