Balaton Uplands National Park

Lake Balaton Family Bike Tour

Tour Description: Guided

The Balaton Uplands National Park is one of the youngest national parks in Hungary, but the Romans started to plant grapes on its hills and the ancient Hungarians founded the first villages. Thousand years history, culture and nature makes for a unique mixture of this land.

The strong wines, sandy beaches, delicious Hungarian meals and the beauty of the nature make you wonder here. We don't use the mass tourism routes. We use our own experience and local knowledge to collect the right places and sights for you. We haven't planned this trip above a desk, but from the saddle of our bicycles to make it safe and unique. 

Nothing is better than a holiday together with the family. Balaton offers everythig for a nice cycling vacation for children and adults too. The bicycle road is almost flat and absolute safety. The daily distances are fitted for the childrens pace and fitness levels.

Every accomodation is close to the beach and in a superb surrounding. The cities you will see are the most beautiful around the lake and have great sights and programs for children too. We built up this trip as we would travel with our own families. It's easy, nice, and interesting for the small ones and the big ones too.

These tours provide you independence, flexibility, and allows you to set your own pace. We book your accomodation, move your baggage each day from hotel to hotel and supply you with a bike. You are also equipped with Garmin GPS, maps and a details of what to see along the route. We give you a roadbook and a GPS in which you find every important information about the accomodations, restaurants and the route.

Not sure which type of tour to book? Learn about the differences between guided and self-guided tours. 

Tour Description: Self-guided

The Balaton Uplands National Park is one of the youngest national parks in Hungary, but the Romans started to plant grapes on its hills and the ancient Hungarians founded the first villages. Thousand years history, culture and nature makes for a unique mixture of this land.

The strong wines, sandy beaches, delicious Hungarian meals and the beauty of the nature make you wonder here. We don't use the mass tourism routes. We use our own experience and local knowledge to collect the right places and sights for you. We haven't planned this trip above a desk, but from the saddle of our bicycles to make it safe and unique. 

Nothing is better than a holiday together with the family. Balaton offers everythig for a nice cycling vacation for children and adults too. The bicycle road is almost flat and absolute safety. The daily distances are fitted for the childrens pace and fitness levels.

Every accomodation is close to the beach and in a superb surrounding. The cities you will see are the most beautiful around the lake and have great sights and programs for children too. We built up this trip as we would travel with our own families. It's easy, nice, and interesting for the small ones and the big ones too.

These tours provide you independence, flexibility, and allows you to set your own pace. We book your accomodation, move your baggage each day from hotel to hotel and supply you with a bike. You are also equipped with Garmin GPS, maps and a details of what to see along the route. We give you a roadbook and a GPS in which you find every important information about the accomodations, restaurants and the route.

Not sure which type of tour to book? Learn about the differences between guided and self-guided tours. 

Highlights: Guided

• Relax in superb 4-star wellness hotels 
• Cycle in the most beautiful parts of Balaton Uplands National Park
• Enjoy safe and quality bicycle roads separated from the traffic 
• Taste homemade traditional hungarian dishes in stew-pot and grilled meats
• Take refreshing bath in the lake, huge playgrounds
• Take advanteage of wellness facilities & programs in the hotels 
• Picnics in nature
• Visit old ruins and cultural sights
• See the real Hungary 

Highlights: Self-guided

• Relax in superb 4-star wellness hotels 
• Cycle in the most beautiful parts of Balaton Uplands National Park
• Enjoy safe and quality bicycle roads separated from the traffic 
• Taste homemade traditional hungarian dishes in stew-pot and grilled meats
• Take refreshing bath in the lake, huge playgrounds
• Take advanteage of wellness facilities & programs in the hotels 
• Picnics in nature
• Visit old ruins and cultural sights
• See the real Hungary 

Daily Program: Guided

Daily Program: Self-guided

Day 1: Balatonfured 
Many sights and programs welcome the visitors in the capital city of Balaton. The most common words in connection of this city are history, culture, wine, fun and hospitality. 
Overnight in Balatonfured.

Day 2: Balatonfured – Tihany – Balatonfured (9 miles/15 km)
Visiting the Tihany peninsula and the Benedict Abbey which is the part of UNESCO World Heritage. Stop for a swim at the free beach at Tihany.
Overnight in Balatonfured.

Day 3: Balatonfured - Balatonkenese (18 miles/29 km)
After breakfast we leave Balatonfüred towards Csopak. Today we cycle along the shoreline on the bicycle path. We ride trough charming villages and small towns which has been populated since the roman times. During this trip Balaton shows all of its beauty. If you would like to have a break nice beaches wait for you in Alsoors and Balatonalmadi. You can stop for a slide at the biggest summer bob-track and adventure park in Balatonfured. From here Balatonkenese is not far away.
Overnight in Balatonkenese. 

Day 4: Balatonkenese     
Have a resting day and enjoy the hotels own beach or go for a sailing excurshion on the lake.
Overnight in Balatonkenese. 

Day 5: Balatonkenese – Siofok (14 miles/22 km)     
We leave behind Balatonakarattya and Balatonkenese on the bicycle road. The highlight for today comes now. Shortly we find ourselves on the top of the lake. This is the so called high coast which is 200 m above the sea level. Simply beautiful. We continue our journey along the lake trough Balatonvilágos towards the exciting city Siófok. This city has got the most famous beach around the lake with a lot of programs and events.
Overnight in Siofok.

Day 6: Siofok     
Enjoy the beach and sights of Siofok. Huge range of programs and excellent ice cream.
Overnight in Siofok.

Day 7: Siofok – Balatonfured (14 miles/23 km)   
This cycling day will be an easy one. If you get bored with Siofok, use the ferry back to Tihany. From the peninsua Balatonfured is just 5 km. At the accomodation you can choose to stay and relax or have some excitement, the biggest aquapark around the lake is in Balatonfüred. A lot of slopes and pools are waiting for you there. We fit this day to your mood, everything depends on you.
Overnight in Balatonfured. 

Day 8: Balatonfured
Our journey ends after breakfast. 

Dates: Guided

Dates: Self-guided

Daily: Apr 1- Sep 30, 2013

Packages and Prices: Guided

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Tour package (self-guided)
Per person, double occupancy €625 Tour pricing for children under 12 in double room €590 Tour pricing for children under 12 on extra bed €500 Dinner and cruise on Danube in Budapest €36 Bike Rentals Hybrid touring bike, 24-speed €20 Bike rental for children under 12 in double room €15 Bike rental for children under 12 on extra bed €10 Luggage transfers Luggage transfer for adults €55 Luggage transfer for children under 12 €25 Extra nights, Budapest (July/August) Per person, double occupancy €69 Single room supplement (1 person/1 room) €59 Extra nights, Budapest (May/June/September) Per person, double occupancy €89 Single room supplement (1 person/1 room) €79

Included Services: Guided

Included Services: Self-guided

• 7 nights accomodation at 3 and 4-star hotels with familiar atmosphere, high quality and superb surrondings
• Half board: 7 breakfasts, 7 gourmet dinners (3-course)
• one soft drink included (beer, wine, juice, Coke or water is included) per person per night
• Luggage transfer
• Service hotline
• Helmets, water bottle, front bag, mudguards, rear rack, panniers, lights
• free child trailer
• Maps
• Detailed GPS navigation and roadbook (tips on sights, cultural highlights, scenic stops and recommended restaurants)
• Free wi-fi internet in 90% of the hotels

Hotels: Guided

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability. 

1st & 2nd and 7th night: Anna Grand Wine and Vital Hotel, Balatonfüred (4-star)
http://www.annagrandhotel.hu/
The hotel is located on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, a 100 meters away from the lake, in the middle of the historical district of Balatonfüred and the Small Forest. Quiet and luxurious.

3rd & 4th  night: BFYC Hotel, Balatonkenese (4-star)
http://www.bfyc.hu/
The hotel is located on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, directly at the lake. Sailing opportunity and own beach at the hotel. Hidden treasure.

5th & 6th night: Villa Campana or Villa Italia, Siófok (3-star)
http://www.villa-campana.com/
The Villa Campana ot Italia is located in Siófok.  It is near to the golden beach and is surrounded by trees from the turn of the 19th century. The villa is situated in the most tourism-frequented quarter of Siófok 50 metres away from Lake Balaton. You can also find many sport and pleasure possibilities in direct neighbourhood.

Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options. 

Hotels: Self-guided

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability. 

1st & 2nd and 7th night: Anna Grand Wine and Vital Hotel, Balatonfüred (4-star)
http://www.annagrandhotel.hu/
The hotel is located on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, a 100 meters away from the lake, in the middle of the historical district of Balatonfüred and the Small Forest. Quiet and luxurious.

3rd & 4th  night: BFYC Hotel, Balatonkenese (4-star)
http://www.bfyc.hu/
The hotel is located on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, directly at the lake. Sailing opportunity and own beach at the hotel. Hidden treasure.

5th & 6th night: Villa Campana or Villa Italia, Siófok (3-star)
http://www.villa-campana.com/
The Villa Campana ot Italia is located in Siófok.  It is near to the golden beach and is surrounded by trees from the turn of the 19th century. The villa is situated in the most tourism-frequented quarter of Siófok 50 metres away from Lake Balaton. You can also find many sport and pleasure possibilities in direct neighbourhood.

Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options. 

Bike Rentals: Guided

The bikes for this tour are high quality hybrid Caprine, Neuzer, Hauser, Merida, Giant, Altrix bikes with 24 Shimano gears, front suspension and light aluminium frame.

Child trailers are available and free to rent. 

Helmets, water bottle, front bag, mudguards, rear rack, saddle bags, lights, repair kit, pump and extra tubes are provided. GPS navigation is available for the self-guided version. 

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

The bikes for this tour are high quality hybrid Caprine, Neuzer, Hauser, Merida, Giant, Altrix bikes with 24 Shimano gears, front suspension and light aluminium frame.

Child trailers are available and free to rent. 

Helmets, water bottle, front bag, mudguards, rear rack, saddle bags, lights, repair kit, pump and extra tubes are provided. GPS navigation is available for the self-guided version. 

Surface and Terrain: Guided

Hungary is a rather flat country with some hilly areas. The highest point is about 1000 m (3,280 feet). Hills higher than about 200 m are usually called mountains here.

We selected mainly flat and sometimes slightly undulating routes where longer downhills outnumber short uphills. We use paved bicycle road (asphalt). Our tours are designed for everybody who can cycle 30 km a day with a leisure pace.

With a suitable fitness level you will not have difficulties, but if you never do any sport activities at home, some regular training in advance is recommended.

This tour is rated Easy and is for cyclists in average physical condition. 

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

Hungary is a rather flat country with some hilly areas. The highest point is about 1000 m (3,280 feet). Hills higher than about 200 m are usually called mountains here.

We selected mainly flat and sometimes slightly undulating routes where longer downhills outnumber short uphills. We use paved bicycle road (asphalt). Our tours are designed for everybody who can cycle 30 km a day with a leisure pace.

With a suitable fitness level you will not have difficulties, but if you never do any sport activities at home, some regular training in advance is recommended.

This tour is rated Easy and is for cyclists in average physical condition. 

How To Get There: Guided

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 organizes bus transfer from/back to the airport, an optional extra on self-guided tours.

From Budapest (airport or any hotel in the city) to Veszprém and back to Budapest (airport or any hotel in the city) costs €60 per person.

One way from Budapest (airport or any hotel in the city) to Veszprém or from Veszprém to Budapest (airport or any hotel in the city) costs €30 per person.

The local company can organize different transfers for the best price upon special requests.

Tips on getting to and from your tour

How To Get There: Self-guided

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 organizes bus transfer from/back to the airport, an optional extra on self-guided tours.

From Budapest (airport or any hotel in the city) to Veszprém and back to Budapest (airport or any hotel in the city) costs €60 per person.

One way from Budapest (airport or any hotel in the city) to Veszprém or from Veszprém to Budapest (airport or any hotel in the city) costs €30 per person.

The local company can organize different transfers for the best price upon special requests.

Tips on getting to and from your tour

Weather: Guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information.

Weather: Self-guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information.

Tour Company Background: Vinociped: Guided

Vinociped, located in Veszprem, Hungary, specializes in organizing bike tours and active vacations. Tours are great mixtures of active, wine, cultural, rural and ecotourism in order to provide you the best experience. The company was founded in 2003 by close friends whose passion for travelling and cycling surely determinate their future. They would like you to feel that instead of being your tour-guide, they travel with you.

Vinociped's special strenghts include local knowledge, sense of humor, flexibility and quality. Biking is their lifestyle, and they will show you all Hungary has to offer. As they say: "Visiting, seeing, getting acquainted is much different than getting it ready-made. We show you the way, everything else depends on you. Jump into the saddle with Vinociped!"

Tour Company Background: Vinociped: Self-guided

Vinociped, located in Veszprem, Hungary, specializes in organizing bike tours and active vacations. Tours are great mixtures of active, wine, cultural, rural and ecotourism in order to provide you the best experience. The company was founded in 2003 by close friends whose passion for travelling and cycling surely determinate their future. They would like you to feel that instead of being your tour-guide, they travel with you.

Vinociped's special strenghts include local knowledge, sense of humor, flexibility and quality. Biking is their lifestyle, and they will show you all Hungary has to offer. As they say: "Visiting, seeing, getting acquainted is much different than getting it ready-made. We show you the way, everything else depends on you. Jump into the saddle with Vinociped!"

Terms and Conditions: Vinociped: Guided

Content of Contract, Information and other services 

The customer is liable by himself for the adherence to all regulations on travel documents and visa, customs regulations, exchange control legislation and sanity regulations valid at the time of travelling.

Participation at ones own risk, the price does not include insurance. Any participant is liable for the adherence to traffic regulations and has to be equal to the physical demands of the journey selected. Minors have to be accompanied by their parents or entitled adults. Reaching beyond his duties, the tour operator has to provide sufficient information on his services. The tour operator has got the right to modify the route in case of danger or any special circumstances.

Cancellation fees:

Up to 28 days prior to tour start: 10% of tour price*

Between 27 and 8 days prior tour start: 50% of tour price

Between 7 and 1 days prior tour start: 80% of tour price

At tour start (during office hours CET)/NO SHOW: 100% of tour price 

*mimimum 50 EUR

Terms and Conditions: Vinociped: Self-guided

Content of Contract, Information and other services 

The customer is liable by himself for the adherence to all regulations on travel documents and visa, customs regulations, exchange control legislation and sanity regulations valid at the time of travelling.

Participation at ones own risk, the price does not include insurance. Any participant is liable for the adherence to traffic regulations and has to be equal to the physical demands of the journey selected. Minors have to be accompanied by their parents or entitled adults. Reaching beyond his duties, the tour operator has to provide sufficient information on his services. The tour operator has got the right to modify the route in case of danger or any special circumstances.

Cancellation fees:

Up to 28 days prior to tour start: 10% of tour price*

Between 27 and 8 days prior tour start: 50% of tour price

Between 7 and 1 days prior tour start: 80% of tour price

At tour start (during office hours CET)/NO SHOW: 100% of tour price 

*mimimum 50 EUR