Ultimate Balaton Discovery: Lake Cruise & Hungarian Riviera

This was a nice trip but probably not as informative as I was hoping. There was a lot of free time which probably not so necessary when it was not a long tour

Did not think this was value for money. Although we were at the pickup 30 minutes early, the guide left without us 10 minutes before departure time. He had to come back and then wait for another four who were all on time. The bus trip was four hours round trip with a one hour boat ride. Nothing special scenically or historically about the trip or the cruise. Guide took us all to a restaurant of his choosing with no other choices close. Most expensive meal I have had in four weeks. Two entrees, coke and beer $57. Filled in a lot of time walking past old homes and small markets. Had to refuel on the way home because we started the tour with half a tank and driver didn’t refuel when we were on the boat, at lunch or walking the markets. We were away for 9 hours for what was effectively a one hour cruise.

This trip was amazing. Who would of thought that this beautiful lake existed. Vera was a great guide and very knowledgeable. It is definitely worth a visit if staying in Budapest.

Lovely day on the lake Balaton. We were a small group of four with a guide. Had a wonderful day visiting the Herend porcelain factory and the lake. Had a wonderful lunch and actually had a swim in the lake

The guide Gguri was an excellent guide and adjusted to our needs and the situation of the trip. He went out of his way to make us feel at home and enjoy the visit. The porcelain workshop at Hereld was nice to see and its guide explained the process of making the pieces very clearly. It took us two hours to get to Lake Balaton and Tihany. Unfortunately, it wasn't a good day for a swim and we could only see the amazing lake. All in all, a short but wonderful experience.

This is a very worthwhile day trip from Budapest. Lake Balaton and its surrounds are really beautiful and I could imagine staying there for a vacation. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that the Cityrama guide kept moving on without checking that the slower walkers were keeping up. She often started explaining things, including pickup times and locations, before everyone was together.

It was great trip. We liked the porcelain making demonstration in Herend and the views of lake Balaton and also the village which we stopped by to have lunch.

Whilst I enjoyed visiting the Herend porcelain factory, Tihany, and Balatonfured, there was no communications from the english/spanish speaking guide to set expectations and timings for the day. There was another guide who spoke Italian and she spoke with ease, presented well, and added other fun facts to the stories she told. The english/spanish speaking guide just gave us basic facts and figures you could get off google. It was also almost impossible to understand her as she had quite a monotone voice, didn't enunciate her words and and spoke too closely to the microphone. Very disappointed. It appeared it was the drivers first go at this tour as he missed a turn, sped, didn't stop at stop signs, and took a photo whilst driving. Despite this, the sights were lovely and we enjoyed good company from our fellow travellers.

Our day started by getting picked up from the hotel by taxi which took us to the meeting point. Our guide was very informative and made a good job by switching from French to English languages. Lake Balaton is indeed HUGE, Hungarians consider this to be their seaside. The view from the Tihany Abbey makes you appreciate the lake even more so. The tour round Herend Porcelain Manufactory is recommended if nothing else but to respect and admire the skills of the craftspersons. We were very lucky with the weather on the day, the peace and tranquillity of the area were soaked in!

Lake Balaton and Herend Porcelain Manufactory are both worth visiting. The stops at the abbey and the surrounding tourist village, and the lunch break were time restricted. There is not enough time to visit the church and also have a good look around the nice shops and maybe stop for a refreshment. Also the 50 minute lunch break is too short to enjoy the good food served at the beach restaurants.The tour leader had to explain in both Spanish and English. Unfortunately, she went into more detail in the Spanish version than in English. But, all in all, it was a very nice experience and highly recommended.