My Time on the Danube: Paddling My Way Through Hungary 

Discover Hungary's beauty and hospitality through the eyes of B&amp;R CEO Mike Scarola, who spent much of his athletic career training, racing and rejuvenating around the Danube and Lake Balaton.

Growing up on the east coast of Canada near Lake Banook in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, sprint-racing canoeing has always been part of my life. My passion for the sport would allow me to travel the world and eventually led me to represent Canada at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece.While racing demanded speed, I found slowing down and taking in the surroundings to be magical. Much like biking a route with friends, canoeing with a group of friends is a wonderful way to appreciate the beauty of a region from a new perspective.&nbsp;While every European country has its unique charm, Hungary holds a special place in my heart as it played a significant role in my canoeing career. My long-time coach is Hungarian, and his passion for the sport and his homeland were unmistakable. Hungary has a rich history in canoeing and has produced more Olympic medals in the sport than any other country.

As an athlete, I spent many summers training and racing in Hungary. I trained with many of the best paddlers in Hungary, and some of the best paddlers in the world.&nbsp;While canoeing up and down the Danube river we would meet many locals who were happy to share a drink and a smile. Despite the language barrier, their warmth and welcoming nature shone through.&nbsp;Lake Balaton, in particular, left a lasting impression on me. Following a competition in Szeged, Hungary, I spent time in the region with my teammates and newfound local friends. I was immediately drawn to the culture and warm hospitality. The locals were incredibly generous in opening up their culture and friendship to us, something I'm excited to share with our travellers on <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/vienna-to-budapest-wine-country-biking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">B&amp;R's Vienna to Budapest Wine Country Biking</a> trip.

I'm excited to return to a country where I've spent a significant amount of time as an athlete and to now experience it in an entirely new way. I’ll be co-guiding our first Vienna to Budapest Wine Country Biking departure of the season, going deep into the history and culture along bike routes chosen for their authentic beauty, and connecting with some really interesting local people that entertain and inspire. Hungary is a country that has been through a lot in the past 80 years, and its people are very proud of their culture and eager to share it with open arms and warm spirits.&nbsp;Join me in Vienna and Budapest on our September 16 - 22 departure, an incredible journey that pulls out the best of Central Europe through the region’s top hotels, hyper-local wine experiences and unbelievable meals and biking routes.

Discover Hungary's beauty and warm hospitality through the eyes of Butterfield & Robinson CEO Mike Scarola, who spent much of his athletic career training and racing in the country

Hungary

Hungary remains one of Eastern Europe’s most intriguing enigmas—and promising destinations. Home to wine regions that are as culturally and oenologically rich as France, it is gaining importance in the wine industry while quietly continuing centuries-old traditions. As for the cuisine: hearty, simple, real and always delicious.

From Budapest’s majestic castles to the tranquil Danube

Experience Hungary with Butterfield & Robinson luxury active travel.

Hungary | Butterfield & Robinson | Luxury Travel

Sophistication and old-world charm: where the only thing more world-class than its sites are its rare vintages. You'll traverse through two countries and capitals, where quiet lakes, historic towns and globally ranked restaurants await around every bend. Follow great lakes through four wine-growing regions in the Pannonian Basin, bursting with world-class liquid gold just waiting to be discovered. Savour a night in Budapest's Gresham Palace and two at Taubenkobel (where we're the only bikers invited to stay!).

Great Bikes, Great Rides

Vibrant Culture

Exceptional Wines

Pedal from Vienna to Budapest through a swirl of old-world charm and new-world wine. Glide past quiet lakes, vineyard-draped hills, and towns that pair perfectly with a glass of white. With four wine regions and two iconic capitals, this ride serves up rare vintages, historic views, and enough elegance to make your passport feel fancy.

Ride from Austria to Hungary

Experience the old-world charm of Austria and Hungary

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

Preview the itinerary

Experience Designers

Shabby chic and old-world charm: where the only thing more world-class than its sites are its rare vintages. We’ll traverse through two countries and capitals, where quiet lakes, historic towns and globally ranked restaurants await around every bend. As does a night in Budapest's Gresham Palace, and two at Taubenkobel (where we're the only bikers invited to stay).

Should you float down the Danube or bike along it? Why not have your Gerbeaud cake and eat it too? Gawk at towering castles from the deck of our world-class Signature Ship one day, cycle the pretty riverbank the next.&nbsp;Our top-notch local guides (hello Jeanette, Silvia, Martin, and Judith!) lead you on show-stopping tours of local culture and cuisine. Pop into castles, towns and abbeys. Win/win/win.<a href="https://www.uniworld.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Learn more about Uniworld Boutique River Cruises</a>

In partnership with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Should you float down the Danube or bike along it? Why not have your Gerbeaud cake and eat it too? Gawk at towering castles from the deck of our world-class Signature Ship one day, cycle the pretty riverbank the next.&nbsp;Our top-notch local guides (hello Jeanette, Silvia, Martin, and Judith!) lead you on show-stopping tours of local culture and cuisine. Pop into castles, towns and abbeys. Win/win/win.

Hungary

My Time on the Danube: Paddling My Way Through Hungary

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