KLEIN-BALATON AND WATER BUFFALO RESERVE

9:00 Departure from the hotel 9:30-10:30 Walk on Kányavári Island: Discover the restored wooden bridge, a symbol of Kis-Balaton, while exploring the island's unique flora and fauna. Relax your soul in the tranquil surroundings.

Photo stop at the Fish Ladder in Balatonhídvég

11:00-12:30 Visit to the Buffalo Reserve in Kápolnapuszta: Home to Hungary's largest buffalo herd, this reserve offers insights into traditional animal husbandry. Walk along the educational trail and explore the exhibition. Booking a carriage ride is recommended to observe the domesticated animals up close.

Without lunch, arrival in Hévíz at 13:15. Swimming options available in the hotel's thermal area or in Lake Hévíz.

TIHANY PENINSULA PANORAMIC HIKE ON THE OLDEST VOLCANO AT LAKE BALATON

9:00 Departure from the hotel 10:15 Arrival in Tihany, followed by a short hiking tour to the Watchtower Lookout (216 m). A roughly 30-minute uphill walk leads to a stunning panorama overlooking the entire Lake Balaton, the outer and inner lakes, the old village, and Balatonfüred in the background. Maximum 5 km hike.

Walk along the shore of the inner lake and visit the Lavender House Visitor Center, offering an engaging journey through the region's volcanic history, natural beauty, and lavender cultivation. Alternatively, explore Eau de Tihany, an exhibition showcasing the history of Tihany lavender and the legacy of Dr. Gyula Bittera, the pioneer of Hungary's essential oil industry. (Free of charge)

Lunch in the center of the fishing village (Zander Restaurant menu or à la carte), followed by free time.

Optional: Visit to Tihany Abbey, one of Hungary's oldest sacred sites. Founded in 1055, it houses the tomb of King Andrew I (1046–1060).

Afternoon free time in Balatonfüred, a charming spa town known for its mineral spring, mild climate, and historic 18th-19th century town center.

BOAT TRIP IN THE LAKE CAVE OF TAPOLCA AND WINE TASTING IN BADACSONY

9:00 Departure from the hotel 10:00 Visit to the Lake Cave of Tapolca, discovered in 1903. The 250-meter long visitable section includes a 70-meter dry corridor and a 180-meter water-filled section, where visitors can enjoy a boat ride. The cave maintains a constant 20°C temperature year-round.

12:00 Drive through the Káli Basin to the Badacsony wine region, featuring picturesque villages within the Balaton Uplands National Park, such as Salföld—a fairy-tale-like landscape cherished by Hungary's artistic community.

13:00-15:00 Wine tasting with a cold plate at Laposa Wine Terrace, a breathtaking venue offering guided tastings of 3 or 6 wines, primarily white varieties such as Welschriesling, Rhine Riesling, Pinot Gris, Kéknyelű, and Furmint.

Alternative: Wine tasting with a cold plate at Szászi Birtok in Hegymagas, one of Hungary's oldest certified organic vineyards.

16:00 Arrival at the hotel in Hévíz.

MEDIEVAL CASTLES AND HISTORICAL EQUESTRIAN GAMES

11:00 Departure from the hotel 11:45 Arrival in Szigliget to visit the 750-year-old Castle of Szigliget, also known as The Castle of Lake Balaton. Built in the mid-13th century, it was destroyed by the Habsburgs during their campaign of suppression.

Coffee & Cake in Szigliget

13:30 Travel to Sümeg to visit the Castle of Sümeg, one of Hungary's most well-preserved medieval fortresses, built on a prominent hilltop during the 13th-14th centuries.

16:00 The Equestrian Games take place in the Historic Event Hall, featuring a Spanish horse show, knights' tournament, weapon demonstrations, jousts on horseback and on foot.

A medieval feast follows the program, accompanied by gypsy music and served by costumed warriors and damsels. In keeping with tradition, meals are eaten by hand.

THE FESTETICS HERITAGE

9:30 Departure from the hotel 10:00-12:00 Visit to the Festetics Castle in Keszthely, Hungary's most popular Baroque castle. Home to the Festetics family for 200 years, it showcases noble grandeur.

We also visited the Horse Carriage Museum, displaying a collection of over 60 carriages and horse-drawn sleighs from the 18th-19th centuries, along with artifacts and works of art related to horse riding.

12:00-14:30 Hike in the Keszthely Mountains, offering a scenic journey through the West-Balaton region. Along the way, a perfect picnic spot at Nagymező awaits, along with a visit to Gyenesdiás' popular hiking destination, the Vadleány Cave.

The Festetics Lookout Tower, rebuilt in 2000, offers breathtaking panoramic views from Keszthely Bay to the undulating hills and valleys beyond.

A maximum 5 km hike with an elevation gain of 850 meters, taking 2 hours.

On the way back to the hotel, a photo break at Fenyves Alley is highly recommended. The 6 km-long avenue of 900 black pines once linked Festetics Castle with the manor of Fenékpuszta.

15:30 Arrival at the hotel.

GALLERY