Velo-Touring

During the cycling tour you get acquainted with the most famous Holiday Resort of Hungary. Lake Balaton is the biggest natural freshwater lake in Europe with water surface of 600 square km (232 square mile). The length of the shoreline is approximately 200 km (125 miles). The southern shore of the lake is known for its shallow water beaches and its spectacular panorama. One of the many reasons why so many tourists the southern shore choose to see the marvellous sunset behind the hills. The northern shore has hills and the most beautiful region with its meadows, forests and ravines. The area is well known for its white & red wines, therefore nice vineyards surround it. After 7 km (4 miles) of cycling the World’s third largest thermal lake, Hévíz can be reached as well. The place is known as a curative centre from the time of the Roman emperors. May and June, when fruit trees are flowering, is a very romantic part of the year to come and ride a bike through this area. September and October are restful and colored.

Day 1 – Arrival in Budapest, Hungary. Arrival to the Hotel of Budapest in your organisation. Overnight stay in our contractual hotel in Budapest. (its location is favourable to the 1st-cycling-day-program)

Day 2 – ALONG THE SOUTHERN SHORE OF THE HUNGARIAN SEA – After breakfast, meeting with the Driver of the transport-van at the hotel at 8:45 AM. The transfer bus/van takes you collectively to the south side of Lake Balaton (approx. 1 hour travel) Handing over the bikes and information material. You will cycle on the flat south lakeside. Panoramic view and chance for swimming en route.
(approx. 46 km / 29 miles cycling)

Day 3 – THE "CAPITAL" OF THE BALATON ON THE WEST SHORE – Cycling on the south lakeside and swimming if possible. The lake panorama with the old volcanic mountains on the opposite side will charm you for miles. You will cycle first towards the western lakeside and then to the “capital of the Balaton” – Keszthely.
(approx. 45 km / 28 miles cycling)

Day 4 – TWO WONDERS: TAKING A BATH AND CYCLINGY – We recommend visiting the Palace Festetics with Palace Garden and/or to take a walk in the downtown of Keszthely and/or to make a short bike trip to the thermal lake of Hévíz where you can enjoy Europe’s largest thermal lake with a water temperature of 32 Celsius. Early afternoon you start off cycling along the northern lakeside, passing by some amazing dormant volcanoes, splendid panorama and wonderful vineyards.
(approx. 39 or 53 km / 24 or 33 miles cycling)

Day 5 – ALONG THE VOLCANIC NORTHERN COAST – Last chance to take a look at the tuff organ pipes on the Badacsony hill. Continue towards Eastern and the peninsula Tihany ahead of us. The peninsula is very rich in sights and natural attractions. After the visit the last few biking miles begin until you will reach Balatonfüred (thermal-spa resort). There are 5 springs and also a beautiful park located near the yacht harbour.
(approx. 52 km / 33 miles cycling)

Day 6 – ROUND TRIP COMPLETED, GO TO BUDAPEST!
Our last cycling day has been started. Cycling along the north-east bay of the Lake Balaton. The Holy Right Hand Chapel with its gold mosaics is located in Balatonalmádi. During this stage you will pass by an impressive yellow soil wall down the eastern bank. On this day your circular trip will be completed so say goodbye to your bikes at the worth seeing high coast. The transfer van/bus is ready to take you together to the hotel in Budapest (about 1 hour travel). Accommodation in Budapest again.
(approx. 38 km / 24 miles cycling)

Day 7 – Individual departure after breakfast or exploring Budapest, additional night/s in Budapest or in Vienna.

Included Services

• 6 nights accommodation with buffet breakfast in 3-and 4-star hotels and country inns, free Wi-Fi internet in 99% of the hotels, en-suite rooms with bath or shower/WC
• 6 breakfasts, in the most quarters buffet.
• To and back transport Budapest-Lake Balaton-Budapest by bus/van.
• Service/Follower van for luggage transport from hotel to hotel.
• Special bike-transporting trailer for every bicycle & spare bikes.
• The driver/tour-coordinator is reachable via cell-phone /Service Hotline/ for additional information and requests and in case of emergency as well.
• Help in case of a breakdown or/and bicycle change on the spot quickly and for free
• Options for discussion about the cycling stages on the spot
• Proposals for selected routes by day and local expert advice at the accommodation (morning & evening) by the driver of the escort van.
• “Bicycle atlas Lake Balaton” (-ring binder-) & Map Lake Balaton to rent or buy
• Information sheets per booking, on the spot.

The company-unique Velo-Touring Service:
• The holiday includes the services of a driver/tour-manager who follows the group in a back-up van
• This service and luggage vehicle accompanies the cyclists discreetly (undisturbing) on the daily stages, so in case of technical problems our driver can be called via phone and he will be there to help as soon as possible
• Mobile bike-repair service the quickest roadside assistance without any additional charges in case of our bikes has any problem
• Driver meets with the cyclists at the pre-agreed points along the way
• Organised meeting points en-route and helps and gives advice if needed