West-Hungarian Bicycle Tour

Description

Taking part on this tour you will experience many attractions of Western Hungary: medieval towns and villages, magnificent palaces, romantic fortresses and castle ruins, healing spas and protected natural landscapes of forests, lakes and wetlands. The notable palaces and castles of the region: Sárvár, Kőszeg, Fertõd and Nagycenk. In the 16th century Sárvár was a leading cultural and intellectual center of Hungary. The first Hungarian-language version of bible was printed here in 1541. The Turks attacked the Nádasdy castle more times, but they were beaten back. The pentagon - shaped Nádasdy Castle is one of the few Hungarian castles that were never captured by Turks. The castle is decorated with frescoes from 1653, depicting battle scenes of the Turkish wars. The museum depicts the history of castle and the town, includes the exhibit of hussar soldiers, old maps and printings. Fortress of Kőszeg, the Jurisics castle is one of the best preserved castles in Hungary. In 1532 commander Jurisics defended the castle against the attack of Turkish army led by Sultan Suleiman, Magnificent. After this defeat the Turks withdrew and abandoned their campaign against Vienna. Sopron is one of the richest Hungarian towns in historic monuments. The Fire Watch-Tower, symbol of Sopron was founded in Roman ages. Other important places of interest are the Goat Church and Storno House. The wine region Sopron is one of the most ancient wine growing regions of the country. Do not miss to taste excellent "Kékfrankos" red wine of Sopron "Ponzichters".
The beautiful Esterházy palace of Fertőd with 126 rooms (often called as the Hungarian Versailles) was built in the 18th century. That time the music life of Fertőd was admired throughout Europe. Jopseph Haydn was living here as the conductor of the palace orchestra for nearly 30 years. The Széchenyi palace of Nagycenk was the home of Count István Széchenyi,”the greatest Hungarian” in the 19 th century. (He initiated the foundation of the Hungarian Academy of Science, paid the costs of the building of the first permanent bridge between Pest and Buda, the Chain Bridge)..

The region is rich in thermal springs; you can relax in the baths of Balf, Sárvár and Bükfürdõ.
The Fertő / Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape is on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. Lake Fertõ is a shallow, salt lake. The large grasslands and colorful meadows around the lake provides home for many species of birds.

Depending on the plane schedule perhaps you will have some spare time on the first and last day. To enrich your attendance in Budapest, we offer you some of our guaranteed tours for additional costs: Danube Legend, Budapest Sightseeing by coach, Duna Bella, Gödöllő Royal Castle.
See the details of our guaranteed programs .

Dates
Available:                                     from 1 th of April  till 31th October 2011

Price
Participation fee:                         EUR 460 / persons sharing the double room
Luggage transfer:                       EUR  70 
Bike rental:                                  EUR  70
Extra nights in  Budapest:         EUR  55 / persons in double  room
                                                      EUR  85 / persons in single room 

Services
The participation fee includes: 4 overnight in 3-star hotels, in double room with bath or shower, with breakfast, transfer from Budapest airport to Sárvár and from Sopron to Budapest, maps and information material.
The participation fee does not include the price of bike rental and luggage transfer.
 

Tour Identifier: CYWH051