Krakow to Budapest Bike Tour
A Cycling Adventure Through Poland, Slovakia & Hungary
Poland’s grand Pieniny Mountains. Slovakia’s sleepy woods and castles. Hungary’s Tokaj wine country, spread over volcanic hills. String them together with stellar cycling for a three-course Central European delight.
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
From $4,999 - $5,249/person
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Spend a week exploring scenic destinations that are iconic in their respective countries but lesser-known abroad
- Breathe in the clean mountain air of Poland’s Pieniny National Park and roam the Old World resort town of Szczawnica
- Our rural rides follow riverside bike paths, converted rail trails and a working railway line through a mossy forest
- From pierogi at a village tavern to a wine tasting at a vineyard, delight in the traditional fare of this unique region
- Connect Krakow and Budapest, two of Central Europe’s most dynamic and fascinating gateway cities
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Kraków, Poland Airport & Travel Details
- Our inaugural ride coasts over sweeping fields of wheat as the rocky peaks of the Tatra Mountains crowd the distant horizon
- Pedal along the car-free wonderland of the Dunajec River bike path
- Get to know your fellow travelers over traditional treats and the folk tunes of a highlander band
- Cycle through Pieniny National Park—a favorite weekend destination of Poles—to arrive in Szczawnica, a charming spa town whose alkaline springs were once just what the 19th-century doctor ordered.
Night 1
Luxury Hotel
Cozy modern touches and an Old World Polish twist on mountain-lodge architecture live up to this resort’s motto of “slow life.” Slow it down even more at the indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling window views and a relishable series of saunas. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Cross the border to bike Slovakian roads past haystacks, cottages and roadside crosses
- Visit the 12th-century Spiš Castle and learn about its fascinating history withstanding sieges
- Relax at our nature-centric spa retreat tucked in the forest
- Check out the baroque frescoes at a World Heritage monastery
- Cycle atop a lofty ridge surrounded by grand views
- Wander the colorful cobbled streets of Košice.
Nights 2-3
Deluxe Hotel
Natural wellness and serenity are the endgame at this forest getaway where every aspect of the guest experience is lovingly crafted, especially the exquisite locavore cuisine. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Say dovidenia to Slovakia and szia to Hungary
- Pedal along a roller coaster of backcountry roads between the rugged green slopes of the Tokaj Mountains
- Follow a lonely railroad track through a mossy forest
- More castles crown each hilltop as you spin down from the mountains into Tokay wine country
- Bike through vineyards and stroll the streets of a charming wine country town
- Deep in the volcanic rock, tour the cave cellars where Tokay has been aged for time immemorial
- Raise a glass to toast to our colorful three-country journey
- End your journey in gilded Budapest, a city so marvelous you’ll forget your post-trip blues.
Nights 4-5
Luxury Hotel
You’ll know you’re in wine country as soon as you lay eyes on this languid pied-à-terre. Brick terrace dotted with umbrellas: check. Pool deck with views of vineyards and ancient walls: check and check. The colonnaded bathhouse complex which would make a Roman green with envy—that’s just a bonus. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
End Budapest, Hungary Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 2-4
All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
All accommodations on your Backroads trip
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Expertise and services of Backroads Trip Leaders
Fully equipped Backroads titanium bike, Wahoo GPS device, helmet and accessories
Bike fitting and equipment support throughout your trip
Backroads On Trip App with route maps, elevation profiles, daily snapshots and more
Additional local guides and experts, plus equipment for included activities as detailed in your itinerary
Exclusive activities, tours and cultural experiences, as detailed in your itinerary
All luggage transfers and porterage during your trip
Snacks and beverages between meals
Private cocktail and wine receptions on the first and last nights of your trip
Choice of Backroads cycling jersey, t-shirt or hat, plus water bottle and luggage tag
Detailed Travel Planner with destination tips and pre-trip information
