In the footsteps of Tokaj wine

Destinations / Hungary / Tokaj / In the footsteps of Tokaj wine

• Cruise length: 250 km
• Trip duration: 7 days
• Type of cruise: there and back
• Number of locks: 0

Tokaj: in the heart of Hungary's famous vineyards

In Tokaj, the confluence of the Tisza and Bodrog rivers creates a unique microclimate. This is considered to be the reason for the uniqueness of the world-famous Tokaj wines. In the unmissable Rákóczi winery there are thousands of oak barrels of this iconic whiteaging in the humid atmosphere of the galleries that the locals have dug into the volcanic rock. Be sure to visit them before you go on holiday - supplies of sweet Tokaji Aszú will surely be too low for a cruise anyway.

TIP: To find out more about what Louis XIV called "the wine of kings and the king of wines", take some time to discover the Tokaj Museum.

Bodrogkeresztúr: watch the birds from the deck of the ship

During your cruise along the Bodrog River, you will certainly find yourself anchored among vineyards, meadows and marshes in the heart of the Tokaj-Bodrogzug protected area, where many migratory birds live. From the deck of your houseboat, you will see eagles, fieldfare and storks on the banks. There are also several Tokaj wine cellars in the village.

Sárospatak: an unrivalled view of the Rakóczi Palace from your boat

Continuing your cruise along the Bodrog River leads to Vörös torony (Red Tower), a former medieval dungeon that stands unusually on the shore. Its history dates back to the 15th century. Be sure to stop here. We recommend a visit to Rakóczi Palace, rebuilt in the 16th century and displaying excellent Renaissance architecture. Other places to see are the Reformed College (Református Kollégium), the large Gothic church of Vártemplom and, for crews with children, the Végardó Fürdo swimming pool.

Sátoraljaújhely: cross the border to Slovakia

A boat holiday on the Bodrog River takes you to Sátoraljaújjhely on the border with Slovakia. If there are thrill-seekers among your crew, head to the Zemplén Kalandpark National Park. Here you'll find the longest summer bobsled run and the longest chairlift in Hungary. There's also a ski resort, zip line and much more!

Szabolcs: a peaceful village on the banks of the Tisza

When you walk through the small village of Szabolcs and see the 11th century church, you may notice a number of strange mounds. These mark the site of an old castle. Its layout starts to emerge as you explore the mounds.

Tiszabercel: the "flowering" of Tisza

If you plan your cruise on the Tisza in spring, you might be lucky enough to see what is a truly unique experience - the "flowering of the Tisza" in Tiszabercel. Every year at the end of spring, millions of vipers (dragonfly-like insects) fly over the river, mate and the individuals die. This exceptional phenomenon lasts only three to four days.

Dombrád: the city where everything is about water

Life in Dombrád is in harmony with its connection to the River Tisza. Carp, roach, pike, perch, catfish and mullet are found in the waters, which naturally attracts fishing enthusiasts. Anchor for a relaxing break and swim at the beautiful sandy beach of Dombrád.

Tiszalök: Enjoy an impressive nature walk along the Tisza River

When you arrive in Tiszalök, you'll see an impressive hydroelectric power station in front of you. There is also a long wooden footbridge with a path across the heath. The tranquillity of the beautiful surrounding wetlands awaits you.