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A new 56-day bus odyssey has been planned by Indian expedition company Adventures Overland, taking passengers on a 12,000-kilometer journey through 22 different countries across Europe, starting in Istanbul and finishing in London. This route beats the current longest bus journey by Peruvian company Ormeño that covers 6,200 kilometers. The epic trip, named Bus to London, was inspired by the Hippie Trail, a legendary overland journey through Europe and beyond that was popular from the 1950s to the 1970s. The trip was originally scheduled for 2023 but was postponed due to the pandemic and will now launch in August 2023.
The bus journey begins in Istanbul, progressing through the Balkans and Eastern Europe and stopping in capitals like Sofia, Belgrade, and Zagreb. It also covers eastern European capitals like Budapest, Bratislava, Prague, and Warsaw before moving north to Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, crossing the Gulf of Finland on a ferry. It then continues north to Santa Claus Village and Nordkapp, the most northerly part of continental Europe accessible by road, with spectacular views of the Norwegian Fjords. Passengers will meander through Norway enjoying stops in Tromso, Bergen, and Oslo, even possibly having the opportunity to witness the northern lights. The route then continues through Scandinavian countries like Sweden’s Stockholm and Denmark’s Copenhagen before winding through Western Europe. The last week of the trip takes in Germany and the Netherlands, Belgium and France, before finishing up in London, UK.
The bus journey follows a pattern of one day of travel followed by one day off, averaging around 440 kilometers per day, covering a total distance of 12,265 km. The trip is limited to thirty people, and tickets cost 2 million INR ($24,340) per person plus taxes. This covers all transport, necessary visas, accommodation for two sharing, all breakfasts, 30 lunches and dinners, and local English-speaking guides and sightseeing tours. The company promises to provide luxurious and comfortable buses with reclining adjustable seats, fold-up trays, USB phone chargers, entertainment systems with AUX and USB ports, and two large suitcases onboard each.
In conclusion, the bus journey presents a unique opportunity to explore multiple European countries and cities while creating memorable experiences with local guides and fellow travelers.
