This private luxury tour features the best of urban and rural Hungary, with a focus on the country’s centuries-old winemaking tradition. It includes tastings of unusual local varietals and private touring at leading wine estates in Hungary’s most renowned viticultural regions, as well as cultural touring in Budapest, Pecs, Eger and beautiful traditional villages throughout the country.

Begin among the farms and volcanic hills around Lake Balaton, where wine has been made since Roman times. Tour Badacsony and Szigliget, traditional villages along the scenic lake shore, and sample distinctive wines at family estates whose winemakers have been responsible for reviving the local wine industry over recent years. Stay in nearby Heviz, on the edge of a natural thermal lake popular for soaking away minor aches and pains.

Transfer by private car to the ancient town of Pecs, a major art center and university town. Take a walking tour of the Old Town, and see the historic cathedral, synagogue, mosques and fourth-century Christian necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with burial chambers decorated in murals. Also, visit the Zsolnay Museum, which showcases the hand-painted porcelain made in Pecs.

Continue along the Villany-Siklos Wine Road, passing through miles of vineyards. Visit select local wineries, rated some of the best in Hungary, to sample the red wines characteristic of the area.

Continue to Budapest. Tour the city with one of Hungary’s most knowledgeable guides and experience our favorite places and activities. Browse local food and antique markets. Drive through hidden backstreets to see Budapest’s most beautiful buildings and learn the role they played in the city’s history. Explore the Castle District and take a tour of Buda’s most exclusive residential districts. Experience the local bathing culture, and see indoor and outdoor baths that remain central to daily life. Take an exclusive private tour of Parliament, a fascinating building crucial to the city’s identity. Learn about the city’s rich Jewish history and tour important synagogues (active and in ruins) including one designed by Otto Wagner. Also, enjoy reservations at the city’s leading restaurants, many of which offer superb wine pairing options. Stay at one of Europe’s most luxurious and beautiful hotels—a true work of art—and enjoy the spa and views over the Danube River from your room.

Next, travel by private car to the Eger-Tokaj Wine Region—UNESCO conferred World Heritage status on the area for its long history of wine production. In addition to tasting the local wines, tour the cultural highlights of Eger, such as the medieval castle, Turkish minaret and Baroque palaces. Stay the night in a palace hotel in Tarcal, run by a well-known local winemaker. Continue to Tokaj to sample aszu, Hungary’s “wine of kings,” before returning to Budapest for a final evening.