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Car rental (to) and wine tourism (in) Eger

Posted by (Nova Scotia, Canada) on

Hey folks. We want to spend a couple of nights in Eger in September. I see there is a train. We do enjoy the freedom of a rental car as well, but I was told by Hungarian colleagues (5 or 6 years ago) that car rental in Hungary is difficult for visitors. Is this still the case?

Also, as we are interested in some wine explorations, what is the best way to get around without risking driving under the influence? I have heard of the Valley of the Beautiful Women, or something like that, with many wineries represented in a central area so you can walk one to the next. Is this just, you know, drinking, or are there organized and moderated tastings? And is that in town/walking distance from hotels and such? I wonder if anyone has experience with something like a small van tour that might take us to more than one vineyard? (Starting in Eger, we really don't want to day-trip from Budapest.)

On my previous Hungarian visit I really enjoyed a tasting in Budapest at Taste Hungary. Great sommelier leading us through it, and a really broad range of wineries and wine regions represented. I was planning to go back again with my husband (I've forgotten most of it!), but if there is something similar in Eger, we could do it there.

And I am admitting here we have the new RS Central Europe book which apparently includes Eger. I should go look there too!

Posted by
201 posts

Hi JoAnne,

I've rented a car from Koala Auto Rents before and had a good experience meaning there were no problems, but it took FOREVER to go through the paper work and get the car: over an hour. Fuel is quite expensive and there is ZERO tolerance when it comes to drinking and driving. You can't have any alcohol at all. I'm used to unlimited miles/kilometers when I rent, and couldn't find that option anywhere. Also, driving in Budapest is tricky and I just don't think it's worth it.

You're best to take a train to Eger. It's a lovely little city with lots to see. For the "Valley of the Beautiful Women" you can visit several different cellars, all grouped together. To get there, take a taxi or a tram to the cellars. You can also walk if you're fit. It's not too long, maybe 30 minutes or less.

If you're in Budapest and want a different wine tasting option, I would recommend Faust Wine Cellar: https://gbwine.eu/index.php/en/ We've enjoyed tastings there on several occasions. Gabor, the owner, is so passionate about Hungarian wines.

Posted by
4986 posts

I would love to hear what you find, as you continue to research. Last October, I had intended to do this very thing: 3 nights in Eger before heading farther in Hungary on the way to Kocise. That plan got replaced…. But in my research, I couldn’t find a small group tour leaving either from Budapest OR Eger. I know there are private guides, but I decided that wasn’t what I wanted for this experience. So I had planned on train to Eger, walking and tram (or taxi) to and from the Valley of the Beautiful Women, and spending a day in Eger itself. I am still going to plan on this in August this year. Fingers crossed it finally happens!

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