Book with Confidence: Enjoy peace of mind — your 20% deposit is fully refundable up to 60 days before departure. See terms & conditions.

Self-Guided Krakow to Budapest Three Country Bike Tour

This cycling itinerary takes you on a relaxed but rewarding journey from the foothills of the Tatras all the way to the famous wine region of Tokaj. Over several days, you ride through a mix of mountain scenery, quiet countryside, river valleys, and historic towns. The route passes through southern Poland, eastern Slovakia, and northern Hungary, giving you a great feel for the culture and landscapes of Central Europe.

You will pedal along peaceful back roads, cycle paths, and scenic riversides, with plenty of chances to stop for local food, coffee, and sightseeing. Highlights include views of the Tatras, charming towns like Košice, and the gradual shift from mountains to vineyard covered hills as you approach Tokaj. Each day offers a manageable distance, making the trip suitable for recreational cyclists who want adventure without rushing.

It is a journey that blends cycling, travel, and discovery in a very natural way.

Tour Type

Self-Guided

Lodging

casual hotels

Start

Krakow

Finish

Tokaj

Level

moderate

Avg. Daily Distance

43 km / 27 mi

Cycling Days

6

Group size

Min. 2, Max. 12

Fly-In

Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK)

Fly-Out

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)

Highlights

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Scenic Journey Across Three Countries

Cycle through Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary, experiencing changing landscapes, cultures, and traditions. The route connects mountain foothills, river valleys, historic towns, and quiet countryside, offering a true taste of Central Europe at a relaxed, immersive pace.

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From Mountain Views to Wine Country

The tour begins near the Tatras, where rolling hills and fresh mountain air set the tone. As you ride south, the terrain softens into gentle valleys and vineyard covered hills, ending in Tokaj, one of Europe’s most famous wine regions.

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Peaceful Routes and Cultural Stops

Enjoy mostly traffic-free cycle paths and quiet back roads, ideal for unhurried riding. Along the way, stop in charming towns like Košice, sample local cuisine, and take time to explore regional history, architecture, and everyday life beyond the tourist trail.

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.

DayPlacecasual InnsMealsDistanceActivity
DAY 1Kraków Hotel Wyspiański
DAY 2Kezmarok Hotel ClubB20 km / 12 micycling
DAY 3LevocaHotel u Leva B30 km / 19 micycling
DAY 4KrompachyPrenájom v súkromí KrompachyB35 km / 22 micycling
DAY 5 KosiceHotel Gloria Palac B60 km / 37 micycling
DAY 6Satoraljaujhely Hotel Hunor (4 Star)B70 km / 43 micycling
DAY 7Tokaj Hotel TokajvaB45 km / 28 micycling
DAY 8DepartureB

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Kraków

Arrive in Kraków and make your way to your hotel in the city center. After check-in, you have time to rest or begin exploring one of Poland’s most historic cities. You can walk through the Old Town, visit the Main Market Square, or see Wawel Castle overlooking the Vistula River. This day is meant for settling in and recovering from travel.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and soak in the lively atmosphere of the city. Tour documents, route information, and bike fitting are usually provided either today or the next morning.

Meals:
Accommodation: Hotel Wyspiański
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Day 2: Kezmarok

After breakfast, you are transferred south from Kraków toward the High Tatras in Slovakia. The drive itself offers beautiful views as the mountains come into sight. Cycling begins near Tatranská Lomnica, where fresh alpine air and mountain scenery set the tone for the tour. Today’s ride is mostly downhill and gentle, ideal for easing into the journey.

You pass through forests, open fields, and small villages before reaching Kežmarok. The town’s medieval square, castle, and historic wooden church are highlights worth exploring.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 20 km / 12 mi
Accommodation: Hotel Club
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Day 3: Levoca

After breakfast, you leave Kežmarok and cycle through peaceful countryside with constant views of the Tatras behind you. The route follows quiet roads through farmland and traditional Slovak villages. Gentle rolling terrain makes for enjoyable riding without major climbs. As you approach Levoča, the landscape opens up and the town’s historic walls come into view.

Levoča is one of Slovakia’s most beautiful medieval towns, known for its large central square and well-preserved architecture. The afternoon is free to explore churches, cafés, and cobbled streets.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 30 km / 19 mi
Accommodation: Hotel u Leva
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Day 4: Krompachy

Today’s ride takes you deep into the culturally rich Spiš region. After leaving Levoča, you cycle through gently undulating terrain dotted with small villages and countryside scenery. One of the major highlights is riding near Spiš Castle, an impressive UNESCO World Heritage site visible from afar. The route continues through rural landscapes and forested areas.

Occasional climbs are balanced by long, scenic descents. You finish the day in Krompachy, located in the green Hornád River valley.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 35 km / 22 mi
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Day 5: Kosice

This is one of the longer cycling days, but the route is varied and rewarding. You follow rivers, reservoirs, and forested sections, often riding on cycle paths or very quiet roads. The scenery alternates between wooded hills and open valleys. As you approach Košice, the surroundings become more urban.

Košice is Slovakia’s second-largest city and offers a lively old town with impressive Gothic architecture, including St. Elisabeth Cathedral. The evening is free to enjoy the city’s restaurants and cafés.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 60 km / 37 mi
Accommodation: Hotel Gloria Palac
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Day 6: Satoraljaujhely

Leaving Košice behind, you head south toward the Hungarian border. The terrain gradually softens, with fewer hills and more agricultural landscapes. You cross into Hungary, where the scenery becomes quieter and more rural. Small villages, open fields, and low-traffic roads dominate the day. The ride ends in Sátoraljaújhely, a historic town marking the northern gateway to the Tokaj wine region.

The relaxed pace allows time to absorb the change in culture and landscape.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 70 km / 43 mi
Accommodation: Hotel Hunor (4 Star)
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Day 7: Tokaj

Your final cycling day is a scenic ride through the heart of the Tokaj-Hegyalja wine region. The route follows rivers, vineyards, and old rail paths, creating a smooth and enjoyable ride. Rolling hills are gentle and never demanding. Vineyards, wine cellars, and small wine villages appear along the way. You arrive in Tokaj, beautifully located at the meeting point of two rivers.

The afternoon is ideal for wine tasting, walking along the riverbank, or celebrating the completion of your journey.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 45 km / 28 mi
Accommodation: Hotel Tokajva
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Day 8: Departure

After breakfast, the tour officially comes to an end. You can depart Tokaj by train to Budapest for onward travel. Depending on your schedule, there may be time for a final stroll through the town or to purchase local wine as a souvenir.

You also have the option of driving back to Krakow on our minivan.

Meals: Breakfast

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Dates and Prices

Book with Confidence: Enjoy peace of mind — your 20% deposit is fully refundable up to 60 days before departure. See terms & conditions.

Single Supplement

From US $250

E-Bike Upgrade

From US $150



Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?

Open your date as a join-in tour or customize further as a private one.


Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

Luggage Transfer

Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

Exclusions

Airport pickup

We recommend to book direclty from airport.

Airport drop

We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

Bikes

A great ride begins with a great bike. Our tours typically include the models listed below, though in some cases—due to height or availability constraints—we may provide an equivalent alternative.

Bike Image

Lady's bike or similar

hybrid

Included in your trip price

Bike Image

Men's bike or similar

hybrid

Included in your trip price

Bike Image

Kalkhoff ebike or similar

ebike

Available at a surcharge

Arrival & Departure Details

Arrival

Your tour starts near Kraków, Poland. The most convenient arrival airport is Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK). From the airport, you can reach the city center and your hotel by official airport taxi, Uber/Bolt, or train. Taxis and ride-hailing services are available directly outside the arrivals terminal and usually take 25–35 minutes to reach central Kraków, depending on traffic.

Fares typically range between 80–120 PLN (18–27 EUR). Trains from the airport run frequently and take about 20 minutes to Kraków Main Station, from where hotels are easily accessible by foot or short taxi ride. It is recommended to arrive a day before the tour begins to allow time for bike fitting and briefing.

Departure

Your tour ends in Tokaj, Hungary. As Tokaj is a small town, there is no nearby international airport. The recommended departure point is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD). From Tokaj, you can travel to Budapest by train, which usually takes 3–4 hours with one change, or by pre-booked private transfer arranged through your hotel.

Trains depart regularly from Tokaj station and connect conveniently to Budapest. We recommend allowing sufficient buffer time when booking onward flights, especially if traveling on the same day.

You can also travel back to Krakow on our minivan and prefer to take a flight out of Krakow itself.

Weather

The best time to cycle from the Tatras to Tokaj is late spring to early autumn. During May and June, temperatures range from 15–25°C (59–77°F), offering fresh mountain air and green landscapes. July and August are warmer at 22–30°C (72–86°F), especially in Hungary, but long daylight hours suit relaxed cycling. September is excellent, with cooler temperatures around 15–23°C (59–73°F) and vineyard harvest season in Tokaj.

April and October can be unpredictable with cooler mornings and occasional rain. Winter months are unsuitable due to cold, snow, and short days, especially in mountain areas.

January

Offseason

February

Offseason

March

Mixed

April

Good

May

Best

June

Best

July

Good

August

Good

September

Best

October

Mixed

November

Offseason

December

Offseason

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

What to Pack

Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.

Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear

  • Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
  • Padded cycling shorts.
  • Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
  • Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
  • Synthetic cycling socks.
  • Sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
  • Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
  • Rain jacket or windbreaker.
  • Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).

Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.

Clothing

  • Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
  • Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
  • Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
  • Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
  • Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
  • Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.

Other Necessities

  • Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
  • Plug socket adaptor.
  • Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.

Pro Tips

  • Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
  • Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
  • Pack light to leave room for shopping.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.

Visa Information

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

Insurance

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Is proof of travel insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided bike tour allows you to explore independently using our detailed app-based navigation and pre-arranged logistics. We provide route notes via app, luggage transfers, hotel bookings, and emergency phone support. There is no local guide riding with you, so you manage your own navigation and basic bike upkeep.

For self-guided tours, the fitting process is designed to be simple and flexible while ensuring you start with a bike that suits your measurements.

Before Your Tour

When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.

At the Start of the Tour

The setup experience varies by destination:

  • In some locations, you may receive an in-person handover with basic adjustments made by the local partner.


  • In others, especially in more remote regions, you may receive a bike that is pre-set based on the measurements you provided.


All self-guided bikes include basic tools, so you can make simple adjustments such as raising or lowering the saddle yourself.

During the Tour

You can adjust the bike as you ride using the provided tools. If anything feels off and you need assistance, our local partners are reachable and will support you as promptly as the location allows.

What to Expect

The self-guided bike fit is practical and rider-adjustable. It ensures:

  • You start with the correct frame size

  • You can fine-tune your comfort easily

  • You have the flexibility to adjust as needed along the route


It’s not an in-depth professional fitting, but it’s perfectly suited for multi-day touring comfort.

We provide an app-based navigation system that includes all your daily routes, points of interest, and important trip notes. You can download the app to your phone in advance, and we’ll share your login details before your trip.

Yes. Once the routes are downloaded, the app works completely offline, so you don’t need mobile data while riding. You can even use it in airplane mode, which helps conserve your phone’s battery.

To extend battery life further, we recommend reducing screen brightness and carrying a small power bank for longer days on the trail.

A mobile holder is not provided. Since you’ll be using your phone for navigation, we strongly recommend bringing your own sturdy, handlebar-mounted mobile holder to ensure a safe and comfortable riding experience.

We do not provide GPX files separately. All routes are available within our navigation app, which is the most reliable and up-to-date source for your trip. Once you receive the login details for the navigation app — generally shared about one month before your departure — you can explore the routes and, if needed, also download the GPX files directly from the app for use with your personal Garmin or GPS device. We recommend getting familiar with the app and its features before your tour starts to ensure a smooth experience on the road.

For minor issues like punctures, the guests are provided with a self-repair kit, which includes tools to help them fix such minor issues. The exact contents of the kit depend on the type of bike, terrain and other factors, and will be communicated to you closer to your date of departure. However, usually such a kit includes tire levers, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a pump, allowing riders to fix the problem themselves. In some cases, the kit may only include a pump or a repair foam.

Self-guided riders are expected to be independent in handling these minor problems. While there are some bike shops along the route, they are limited. If you are unsure about how to repair a puncture, we recommend considering a guided or van-supported trip instead.

For major mechanical failures, such as a cable break, the guests can contact the emergency support number provided. The support team will help coordinate a solution, which could include dispatching a local mechanic, suggesting a nearby bicycle shop for repairs, or sending a vehicle to pick up the rider. Please note that all support services will be provided on a chargeable basis, and assistance may take time, so we advise being prepared for potential delays.

Yes, each rider will be provided with at least one pannier to carry personal items during the tour. Please note, road bikes do not support panniers.

Yes, we provide helmets. However, we recommend that guests try to bring their own helmets, as these are items of a personal nature.

Your luggage will be picked up at the reception of your hotel every morning by 9.00am.

It will be delivered to the next hotel before 5pm. Most of the time it is delivered in the early afternoon itself.

We recommend that you carry no more than 2 bags together weighing up to 15kgs for this trip. You can have one large bag, which contains all your clothing and gear needed for the trip, and one small bag that contains essential items you will frequently need such as passport etc. Please note that once a bag gets loaded in the luggage transfer vehicle, you may not have access to it till later in the evening when you reach the hotel for the night.

We provide local support by phone for any medical emergencies during the tour. Our local team will assist in coordinating medical care, guiding you to the nearest healthcare facility, and ensuring you receive the necessary support. The national emergency system is reliable and effective, and in the event of a serious accident, contacting them is highly recommended. However, due to our distance from certain areas, response times may be longer. We strongly recommend having appropriate travel insurance, and we will do everything we can to ensure your safety and well-being during an emergency.

Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.

For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.

For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.

We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.

We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.

On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.

Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.

We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.

The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.

Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.

Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)

Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.

Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.

You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.

The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.

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