Lake Balaton, Lavender Harvest & Tihany Tour
Budapest
Catch the lavender bloom! Discover historic Tihany, ride the ferry, and pick your own bouquet at Kőröshegy Farm with breathtaking lake views. Seamless travel from Budapest by train.
Lake Balaton Lavender Tour from Budapest
This full-day tour from Budapest suits nature lovers and heritage seekers interested in exploring Lake Balaton, Tihany Peninsula, and local lavender farms.
Highlights
- Explore Tihany Heritage: the historic Benedictine Abbey and old village streets.
- Visit the Tihany Lavender House for local crafts and lavender ice cream.
- Pick your own fresh lavender bouquet at Kőröshegy Lavender Farm.
- Stress-free station pickup and personal assistance with train tickets.
- Scenic round-trip ferry crossing on Lake Balaton.
Description
This tour includes purchasing your round-trip train tickets from Budapest in advance to avoid foreign railway apps. After booking, you fill out a form with passenger details and reimburse the ticket cost on arrival. The direct train from Budapest takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
Your journey begins at Balatonföldvár railway station, where your guide meets you with a retro Japanese Kei car minibus featuring a full panoramic glass roof. This unique vehicle offers open-air views as you travel toward your first stop.
You will cross Lake Balaton by ferry to the Tihany Peninsula. During the crossing, either seated in the open-top minibus or on the ferry deck, enjoy fresh air and clear views of the volcanic coastline.
The first visit is the Lavender House Visitor Center, managed by Balaton-uplands National Park. This eco-friendly venue features interactive exhibits on local botany, a lakeside park, and a shop with authentic lavender products.
Next, you explore Tihany's historic old village with one hour of free time. Options include walking the cobblestone streets, visiting the Benedictine Abbey, photographing panoramic viewpoints, or tasting local lavender ice cream.
Afterward, the tour returns by ferry to the southern shore and travels to Kőröshegy Lavender Farm. Here you can cut your own lavender bouquet with provided scissors and a harvest bag. You can also relax with a local lavender drink under the shade of surrounding trees.
The guide then drives you back to Balatonföldvár railway station in the panoramic minibus in time for your direct train back to Budapest. Assistance with train ticket purchase ensures a smooth return journey.
Includes
- Travel in a rare retro glass-roofed Kei car minibus.
- Round-trip ferry tickets across Lake Balaton.
- One hour free time in Tihany to explore the Abbey and Old Village.
- Visit to the Tihany Lavender Visitor Center.
- Visit to Kőröshegy Lavender Farm with bouquet harvesting.
- Pickup and drop-off at Balatonföldvár railway station.
- Assistance with train ticket purchase to and from Budapest.
Excludes
- Round-trip train tickets from Budapest (approx. 5,700 HUF / 16 EUR per person)
- Lavender Farm entrance fee (approx. 2,500 HUF / 7 EUR per person)
- Food and drinks
Important Information
- On weekends, buy train tickets at least one day in advance. From May 1, seat reservations are mandatory during high season.
- Train ticket booking assistance is provided as part of the tour.
- The train departs from Déli Railway Station in Budapest at 8:35 AM.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour start for a full refund.
Book early to secure your train seats and bring comfortable walking shoes for village exploration and lavender farm walking. The best time to visit is during the lavender blooming season (usually June to July).
