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Self-Drive Tour: Hungary – Budapest & Lake Balaton

Not Rated
Duration

7-day

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

___

Overview

Budapest is perhaps the finest capital in Central Europe that a Greek traveller can reach by car. And with your own car you don’t just stay in the city: Lake Balaton, the vineyards of Eger and the villages along the Danube are all just an hour or two away.

The self-drive route

The route follows the classic E75 axis: Evzonoi → Skopje → Belgrade → Szeged → Budapest, almost entirely on motorway. Allow for an overnight stop in Niš or Belgrade. Within Hungary you’ll need an electronic vignette (e-matrica), bought online or at petrol stations. A green card is needed for Serbia and North Macedonia. In Budapest, leave the car at the hotel — the metro and trams are excellent.

History

Buda and Pest were two separate towns until 1873. The city was a joint capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and from that era come the Parliament, the Opera House and the grand boulevards. Eger is remembered for its 1552 siege, when 2,000 defenders held out against a far larger Ottoman army.

Highlights

The Parliament building and the view from Fisherman’s Bastion; the Széchenyi and Gellért thermal baths; the Chain Bridge and Buda Castle; Szentendre, an artists’ village on the Danube; Lake Balaton and the Tihany peninsula; and the wine cellars of Eger in the “Valley of the Beautiful Women”.

Food

Paprika everywhere: gulyás, pörkölt, lángos (fried dough with garlic and cheese), affordable foie gras, and fish from Lake Balaton. The wines of Eger (Egri Bikavér, “Bull’s Blood”) and the sweet wines of Tokaj are among Europe’s most historic.

Nightlife

Budapest has its romkocsma — “ruin bars” set in abandoned buildings of the old Jewish quarter, with Szimpla Kert the best known. It’s one of Europe’s most distinctive nightlife scenes. On Lake Balaton in summer, Siófok fills with people and music.

Useful information

Currency: Forint (HUF) — not the euro. Time zone: one hour behind Greece. Distance: ~1,200 km from Thessaloniki, comfortably two days of driving. You’ll need an e-matrica for Hungarian motorways and a green card for the countries in between. Best time to visit: May–September; Budapest is also magical in December, with its Christmas markets.

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Price and availability last updated: 21 September 2026

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  • The price drops
  • A new departure date opens
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Things to do there

We arrange your trip. For the days in between, these two partners cover tours, tickets and activities in Hungary.

These activities are provided and sold by our partners. You complete the booking on their page, at exactly the same price.

Internet abroad, no roaming chargesMyEsim — Greek eSIM for 180+ countries, set up before you fly. 10% off as our customer.LIASTRAVELMyEsim →

  • Accommodation at selected properties with breakfast
  • Suggested route and sightseeing itinerary
  • Office support before and during your trip
  • Transport to/from the destination — you travel in your own car
  • Fuel, tolls and green card insurance
  • Taxes, surcharges and fees where not stated
  • Travel insurance
  • Entrance fees to museums and sights
  • Meals and drinks (other than breakfast)
  • Optional excursions and guided tours
  • Personal expenses and anything not listed under "Included"

Voudapesti
Hungary
Limni Balaton

All year round

7-8 days

Paralia & Chalarosi

Europe

Individual trips
Self-drive

Athens
Thessaloniki

Tour's Location

What is the best time of year for this trip?

This trip is tailored to you, so you choose the dates yourself. We're happy to advise you on the best season for this destination and how weather, prices and crowds change throughout the year — just let us know roughly when you're thinking of travelling.

What does the price include?

The essentials included are:

  • Accommodation with breakfast
  • Suggested route & sightseeing itinerary
  • Office support

Transport is not included — this is a trip in your own car. The full list of what is and isn't included is in the "Included / Not included" section of the page.

Is the "From €X" price what I'll actually pay?

Not necessarily. The "From €X" price is the lowest price currently available, based on flight and hotel availability for those specific dates. Since availability changes daily, the final price for your trip may differ. We'll send you a final, written quote before you're charged anything, once you tell us the dates you're interested in.

Why does the price change depending on the date?

Flight and hotel prices change daily depending on the season, demand, day of the week and how far in advance you book. That's why the price you see is indicative — the earlier you tell us your dates, the easier it is for us to secure the best possible price.

How much does a single room cost?

The single-room supplement varies by hotel and destination and is included in the price/quote you receive for your specific dates. If you're travelling alone, let us know from the start so the quote includes the correct single-room price right away.

When do I pay for my trip?

Payment is made immediately upon booking. For certain properties with their own payment policy (e.g. a deposit or a specific payment deadline), we will inform you explicitly before you proceed, so you know exactly the terms.

If I book now, is the price locked in?

Yes — once your booking is completed, the price is fixed and is not affected by later changes in flight or hotel prices. Availability and price can only change before your booking is finalised.

Is there a surcharge if I depart from a different city?

As this is a trip in your own car, there is no departure surcharge — you start from wherever suits you.

What travel documents do I need?

For your trip within Greece, a valid ID card or passport is enough. If you're travelling by air, you'll need an official photo ID for airport checks. For minors travelling, please check what documentation may be required.

Can I change dates or cancel?

Changes and cancellations follow the terms of the airlines, hotels and suppliers booked on your behalf, so the cost depends on how close to departure we are and each fare's rules. Let us know as early as possible and we'll look for the least costly solution. The general terms of participation apply to every booking.

Is travel insurance included?

Travel insurance is not included in the price unless explicitly stated in the page's inclusions. We strongly recommend it, especially for trips outside the European Union, so that medical care, cancellation and luggage loss are covered. We can arrange it for you — just ask when booking.

Can the trip be customised?

Yes — this is an individual trip, not a group departure. There's no fixed itinerary or coach schedule: you travel on your own, at your own pace. We can change the overnight stays, the hotel category, add or remove destinations, and arrange transfers, car hire or private guided tours.

How do I book?

Send us a request through the form on this page, call us, or visit our office. We'll get back to you with availability and a written quote before anything is charged.

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