Lake Balaton and Herend Porcalain (Full-Day Private Tour)

Budapest , Hungary

Lake Balaton and Herend Porcalain (Full-Day Private Tour)

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About this experience

This full-day private tour to the Lake Balaton region covers the largest hand-painting porcelain manufactory of the world in Herend, the 1000-year old Benedictine Abbey in Tihany, beautiful walkway in Balatonfüred and a wine tasting in the wine region Balatonfüred-Csopak.

Herend is famous for its Porcelain Manufactory – you can see how the luxury hand painted products are made (and also can buy products if you want).

In Tihany you can visit the Benedictine Abbey, and enjoy a delightful panorama of Lake Balaton.

In Balatonfüred you can take a walk on the bank. A lot of sailboats and yachts could be seen on the lake. If you get tired, there are a lot of benches to relax and cafés to refresh yourself. If the weather is enough warm, you can try a beach if you want.

At the end of the day you can enjoy a great wine at one of the many wine bars on the hilltops by the wineries overlooking the lake.

Available options

Lake Balaton and Herend Porcalain (Full-Day Private Tour)

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled water

Professional private guide

Air-conditioned vehicle

Parking and highway fees

Professional driver

Detailed itinerary

It's worth to take a tour to the legendary Herend Porcelain Manufactury. The Herend Porcelain Manufactory is a Hungarian manufacturing company, specializing in luxury hand painted and gilded porcelain. Founded in 1826, it is based in the town of Herend near the city of Veszprém. In the mid-19th century it was purveyor to the Habsburg Dynasty and aristocratic customers throughout Europe. Many of its classic patterns are still in production.

The price of the entrance ticket in 2023: 4.100 HUF. Visit to the Minimanufactory and the Porcelain Museum including bonus coffee or tea served at the Apicius Café.

Tihany is a village on the northern shore of Lake Balaton on the Tihany Peninsula. The center of the district is the Benedictine Tihany Abbey, which was founded in 1055 by András (Andrew) I, who is buried in the crypt. The founding charter of this abbey is the first extant record of Hungarian language. The church itself was rebuilt in baroque style. The still functioning abbey is a popular tourist attraction due to its historical and artistic significance. It also has the best view of Lake Balaton.

Tihany is famous for the echo, existing since the 18th century. There were poems written for this echo, like by Mihály Csokonai Vitéz and Mihály Vörösmarty.

The town has two marinas, a string of carbonated mineral water springs, listed buildings from the middle of the 18th and the 19th centuries and fine restaurants.

Visitors come for the mild micro-climate, scenery, the local wine, made of Olaszrizling grapes and sailing and swimming facilities, as well as to revive the two-century-old tradition of socializing around spas, bathing and vacationing.

On the way back, it's worth making a short stop in the great Csopak-Balatonfüred wine region. You can enjoy a glass of great wine at one of the numerous wine bars on the hilltops by the wineries overlooking the lake.

What's not included

Porcelanium (including the museum, tour in the mini-manufactory, and a cup of coffee/tea in the porcelain manufactory's café)

There's time and the possibility for a lunch break. However, meals are to be paid for on-site and are not included in the tour price.

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN HU

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

5 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

About Budapest

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and thermal baths. Straddling the Danube River, it offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western European cultures, making it a captivating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Budapest Parliament Building

The Hungarian Parliament Building is a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture and a symbol of Hungary.

Architecture 1-2 hours €20-30

Buda Castle

Buda Castle is a historical castle and palace complex that offers panoramic views of the city.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore, €3-5 for museums

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Széchenyi Thermal Bath is one of the largest thermal baths in Europe, offering a relaxing experience in historic surroundings.

Relaxation 2-3 hours €15-20

Fisherman's Bastion

Fisherman's Bastion is a neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque structure offering panoramic views of the Danube and Pest.

Architecture 1 hour Free (€3 for the tower)

Heroes' Square

Heroes' Square is a significant monument and a major landmark in Budapest, commemorating the heroes of Hungary's history.

Historical 1 hour Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Goulash

A traditional Hungarian soup made with beef, vegetables, and paprika.

Dinner Contains beef, gluten (from bread or flour)

Lángos

A deep-fried dough topped with sour cream, cheese, and garlic.

Snack Contains dairy, can be made gluten-free

Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács)

A sweet, cylindrical pastry cooked over an open fire and coated with sugar and cinnamon.

Dessert Contains wheat, sugar, can be made gluten-free

Töltött Káposzta

Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced pork and rice, cooked in a tomato sauce.

Dinner Contains pork, gluten (from tomato sauce)

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Buda Hills Cycling along the Danube Kayaking on the Danube Visiting thermal baths Strolling along Andrássy Avenue Relaxing in City Park Visiting museums and galleries Attending classical music concerts

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Budapest for warm weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with festivals and tourists.

18°C to 30°C 64°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Hungarian
Widely spoken: English, German
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Hungarian Forint (HUF)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Budapest is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious with valuables in crowded areas
• Use official taxis or app-based services
• Check bills carefully at restaurants and bars

Getting there

By air

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport • 16 km from city center

By train

Budapest-Keleti Railway Station, Budapest-Nyugati Railway Station

By bus

Népliget Bus Station, Árpád Bridge Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and easy to use, with four lines connecting major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, Főtaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

District V (Belváros) District VII (Jewish Quarter) District VIII (Józsefváros) District IX (Ferencváros)

Day trips

Szentendre

20 km from Budapest • Half day

A charming town known for its museums, galleries, and colorful houses.

Esztergom

50 km from Budapest • Full day

A historic town with a stunning basilica and a rich history.

Visegrád

40 km from Budapest • Full day

A historic town with a royal palace and scenic views of the Danube Bend.

Festivals

Budapest Christmas Market • Late November to early January Budapest Spring Festival • March Sziget Festival • August

Pro tips

Use the Budapest Card for free public transport and discounts on attractions
Take a Danube River cruise for stunning views of the city
Visit the thermal baths early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds
Explore the Jewish Quarter for its vibrant nightlife and historic sites
Try local street food, such as lángos and kürtőskalács, for an authentic taste of Budapest