Enjoying a glass of Pinot Noir before taking a dip in a cave pool sounds too dreamy to be true. But, a little town just off the tourist radar can provide just that – and it won’t cost you a fortune
A weekend sipping on wine and relaxing in a jacuzzi doesn’t have to come with a high price point.
It’s no secret Europe is home to some of the world’s most impressive vineyards, finest wines, and luxury spas. But a grape-squashing trip to Sicily or France could leave your bank balance a little empty. Luckily, there is a wine town brimming with spa hotels and underground wine cellars which are much more affordable.
Hungary probably isn’t the first place that springs to mind when you picture orange sunsets paired with a magnificent Malbec, but just a couple of hours away from the stag-do-ridden Budapest lies a magical town that’s been described as Europe’s ‘best kept secret’.
Travel blogger Sandy, known as Sany Makes Sense, has racked up a whopping 187,000 followers thanks to her handy holiday tips. In one now-viral video, the content creator shared the top place you should visit before it gets ‘too popular’.
“This is Tokaj in Hungary which is said to be the oldest wine region in the world,” she said, while enjoying a glass. “They make the ‘wine of Kings’ here in underground wine cellars that look like cute Hobbit houses.”
Tokaj is home to more than 3,000 wine cellars and is recognised by UNESCO for its importance to cultural heritage. A tour around the scenic vineyards followed by a tasting down in the dark is a must. It is recommended to visit from March to November, as harvest begins in September.
The nearby village of Hercegkút has a unique cellar system that looks like something out of the Lord of the Rings and is another itinerary essential. Even if you’re not too bothered about wine, the rows of cute mini-houses are a spectacular sight and will make you feel like you’re on another planet.
After filling up on booze, the town has a slew of spa hotels, allowing you to fully relax and unwind. The Andrássy Rezidencia is the town’s only five-star hotel and is famed for its “outstandingly high-level” wellness and spa services. It features a cave bath, cave pool, and a gastro restaurant offering a 7-course menu with wine pairings. Prices start from £170 per night, based on two sharing.
Other attractions include the World Heritage Wine Museum, the Castle of Hungarian Freedom, and Zemplen Adventure Park (if you’re feeling a little adventurous).
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You can fly directly to Budapest from most major UK airports, including Glasgow, Liverpool, Belfast, Luton and Gatwick. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab a bargain as budget airlines such as Wizz fly these routes regularly.
For example, even in the high season (summer) you can get a return flight from Luton on August 1-8 for £89. From here, you’ll need to catch a train to get to Tokaj, which takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes, and only costs around £6. Alternatively, you could hire a car if you’re with a small group, as prices start from just £12 per day.
Accommodation in the town is also extremely affordable. A four-star hotel with an indoor swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, and restaurant costs £76 a night, based on two people sharing one room. If that’s still over budget, you can stay in a well-reviewed apartment for £44 a night. Both of these stays are based on a seven-night stay from August 1-8.
What’s your top European bucket list destination? Let us know in the comments section below…