Visit the wineries and the township of beautiful Eger, Hungary’s northernmost red-wine-producing region on this private day trip from Budapest. With a private wine-expert guide, taste five to eight wines at each of three wineries including ‘Bull’s Blood’ (Egri Bikavér), the region’s most prominent red. Though better known for its reds, it also produces many whites (including native varietals like Leányka and Királyleányka).

Several of Eger’s best wineries are located in villages outside of town, but the town of Eger itself has played an important role in Hungary’s history, and is worth taking some time to explore. After taking a spin around town, you’ll be treated to a traditional Hungarian 3-course lunch, and cheeses and cured meats will accompany your final wine tasting.

Here is some useful information regarding your private tour:

Your guide will meet you inside the lobby of your central Budapest hotel. The scheduled time is 9am (but this can vary a bit according to the day's plan). You will travel to the beautiful historic site of Eger, Hungary’s northernmost wine-producing region: just 140 kilometres from Budapest (about a 1.5 hour drive in your private air-conditioned minivan), Eger is a perfect destination for a relaxed day trip. Feel free to ask your guide to customize your itinerary to fit any personal preferences you have, and ask any questions that come to mind.

On route, hear how Hungarian wines have gained international acclaim but are still hard to come by outside the country. Hear, too, about Eger’s 1,000-year wine making history and how it’s known for its Bull’s Blood reds, crisp Leányka white wines, and its medieval cellars, many carved from the local, soft ‘tufa’ rocks and cliffs.

Admire the vine-covered landscapes, and during the course of the day visit three traditional and modern country wineries to gain a balanced picture of Eger’s wines and how they’re produced.

Tour a vineyard to see the grapes close up, and at each winery, taste five to eight wines as your host talks you through their flavours and notes. The wines often change, but expect to sample some contemporary Bull’s Bloods, and learn how they’re much improved from the mass-produced varieties of the Communist era.

Between wineries, enjoy some time in the historical town of Eger, once the northernmost point of the Ottoman Empire, and known for its Baroque architecture and wineries. Explore the cobbled lanes to see the 13th-century castle and cathedral and perhaps climb the town’s 16th-century minaret — a reminder of Ottoman rule.

Around midday, savour a 3-course lunch at a local restaurant. Venues and menus change regularly, but lunch typically includes staples such as broths, stews, roasts and traditional desserts.

At your last winery, complement your tastings with selected cured meat and artisanal cheese, both perfect foils for your wine.

Then, return to Budapest where your private tour ends with a hotel drop-off. Budapest - Budapest, Hungary