Hungary Walking Vacations

Hungary, Slovakia & Poland Hiking

An Eastern European Odyssey

This one-of-a-kind journey provides an opportunity to experience the reemergence of Eastern Europe. From Budapest, travel to Hungary’s idyllic wine-growing area, Tokaj. Walk from private vineyards to medieval towns before shuttling into Slovakia’s famed Spiš region. Hike through the hills to Slovakia’s largest castle, then venture into the High Tatras, the loftiest range of the Carpathians. Here gondolas whisk us to grand heights for hikes past 9,000-foot granite peaks, emerald mountain lakes and alpine flora. As a final flourish, visit Kraków, a city buzzing with history and architectural wonders.

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The Day-to-Day Itinerary

Days 1-2 tarcal

Meet in Budapest Shuttle to De La Motte Castle, the country's smallest renovated Baroque castle, for a private tour  Stride through vineyards and woods savoring vistas of rolling Hungarian countryside Walk along footpaths in the Tokaj region, a World Heritage site famed for its dessert wine, Tokaji Aszú Explore the romantic old village of Tokaj, settled by French and Italian vintners in the Middle Ages Indulge in a wine tasting in an ancient cellar.

Day 3 tatranska lomnica

Journey into Slovakia to the hamlet of Spissky Hrhov Walk to Spiš Castle, a World Heritage site crowning a bluff above a windswept plain Explore the UNESCO-recognized town of Levoča Soak up magnificent views of the High Tatras peaks in the mountain town of Tatranská Lomnica.

Day 4 tatranska javorina

A gondola transports you to an alpine landscape of granite spires and glacial lakes  Make the 1,200-foot ascent to Velka Svistovka, then descend into Dolina Zeleneho Plesa, embraced by the inspiring Tatra Mountains.

Days 5-6 zakopane

In Pieniny National Park, trek through meadows of wildflowers to a rocky promontory with sensational 360-degree views Keep your eyes peeled for martens, boar, wolves and lynx Sample vodkas flavored with everything from horseradish to plum Ascend by gondola to Kasprowy Wierch for a strenuous hike with vistas of alpine lakes and valleys.

Days 7-8 krakow

Enjoy a mellow jaunt through the countryside, replete with pine tree forests, haystacks and farmers tending their sheep Shuttle to Kraków and explore the city’s historic center, a World Heritage site anchored by Europe’s largest market square, dating from the 13th century Walk to Wawel Castle or the intriguing Jewish quarter of Kazimierz.

Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!

I loved it! Having never been on a Backroads trip before, I imagined great things and my expectations were even surpassed. In spite of the fact that this was the first running of the trip, everything seemed to be well organized. Even the weather cooperated. We are already looking at the Backroads catalog to find a trip for next year.
Kate Staehly - Wellesley, MA All Guest Reviews

For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. For walking tours and hiking tours in , trust our in-depth connections. To see all our walking tours and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.

Hungary, Slovakia & Poland Hiking

CENTRAL EUROPEAN GEMS: Premiere Inns*

Grof Degenfeld Castle Hotel
Grof Degenfeld Castle Hotel

Tarcal, Hungary (2 nights) Slumber in elegance at this 19th-century palace-turned-hotel featuring a sunny terrace, wine bar, tennis courts, swimming pool and splendidly appointed guest rooms.

Grandhotel Praha
Grandhotel Praha

Tatranská Lomnica, Slovakia (1 night) This 1905 Hapsburg-yellow grande dame rests at the foot of the second loftiest peak of the High Tatras.

Kolowrat Hotel

Tatranská Javorina, Slovakia (1 night) Alpine accommodations with a swimming pool, a spa, bowling, billiards and fantastic mountain views.

* Casual Inn

Hotel Belvedere
Hotel Belvedere

Zakopane, Poland (2 nights) Enjoy well-appointed guest rooms, a large indoor swimming pool and spa, squash courts and a wellness center at this luxurious hotel in a spectacular mountain setting.

Hotel Copernicus
Hotel Copernicus

Kraków, Poland (1 night) This elegant Relais & Châteaux-member hotel, set on Kraków’s oldest street in a beautifully restored Renaissance building, offers deluxe amenities and a rooftop terrace looking onto Wawel Castle.

Hungary, Slovakia & Poland Hiking

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Routes For All Abilities

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Activity Level Average Time Biking Average Walking Average
1 2-3 hours 10-20 miles 2-5 miles
2 2-4 hours 21-30 miles 5-7 miles
3 3-5 hours 31-40 miles 7-9 miles
4 4-6 hours 41-55 miles 9-11 miles
5 5-7+ hours 56-75+ miles 11-13+ miles
Day 1
  • Level 1  1 Route Option Available
  • 4 miles
  • 400 feet elevation gain
Day 2
  • Level 2  1 Route Option Available
  • 6.7 miles
  • 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
  • Level 1  1 Route Option Available
  • 2.9 miles
  • 600 feet elevation gain
Day 4
  • Levels 2 to 4  2 Route Options Available
  • 6.5, 10.6 miles
  • 1200 - 1500 feet elevation gain, significant elevation loss 
Day 5
  • Level 3  1 Route Option Available
  • 7.5 miles
  • 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
  • Level 2  2 Route Options Available
  • 5.8, 6.5 miles
  • 1000 - 1500 feet elevation gain, significant elevation loss 
Day 7
  • Levels 1 to 2 1 Route Option Available
  • 5 miles
  • 100 feet elevation gain
Day 8
  • Walking Tour 2.5 hours 

RESERVE THIS TRIP!

Premiere Inns Trip Price:
  • $3,998 to $4,198 pp dbl. occ.
  • (+$660 to $680 for sgl. occ.)
Trip Notes

All meals included except 2 lunches and 1 dinner.

Cancellation Policy

View cancellation policy

Meet / Depart

Budapest, Hungary/Kraków, Poland

Special Interest

Culture & History, Fine Wine & Cuisine, Geological Wonders, Natural Beauty &/or Wildlife, Romance &/or Honeymoon, Spa

Recommended Reads

Essential trip reading

Contact Us, call: 800-462-2848 or 510-527-1555, Fax: 510-527-1444, E-mail us or contact your travel agent