The “world’s longest bus journey” is about to begin, according to Indian expedition company Adventures Overland.
The 56-day voyage, which is scheduled to begin in August and can accommodate up to 30 passengers, will pass through 22 countries as it travels from Turkey’s largest city through the Balkans, Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and Western Europe before arriving in London.
Highlights of the 12,000-kilometer journey include a ferry ride across the Gulf of Finland, a trip to the North Cape (or Nordkapp), the northernmost point on the European continent, and a cruise along the Norwegian fjords.
The total cost of the package, which is $24,300, covers all hotel accommodations (on a twin sharing basis), 30 lunches and dinners, and a daily breakfast.
Some people may not find the idea of spending two months traveling by bus particularly appealing, but this specific bus is “a special luxury bus designed for comfortable long-distance travel.”
On board, passengers can unwind on adjustable recliners with “ample legroom.” Seats also include a AUX and USB port, a folding tray, and cup and drink holders. Two “full-size suitcases” are allowed per traveler.
Entrepreneurs Tushar Agarwal and Sanjay Madan founded Adventures Overland in 2012, and since then they have organized numerous expeditions from India to London in convoys of individual cars, as well as trips through Russia and Iceland, before launching their first transcontinental bus trip.
A statement from Agarwal said, “every single route in each country has been vetted to ensure that the journey is seamless so participants on Bus to London can get on board with the knowledge and confidence that they are in safe hands.”
“Providing a niche and classy experience in a secure environment is our top priority. We take charge of documentation, paperwork, visas and permits to ensure that the entire focus of participants is on experiencing the journey.”
The current longest bus route in the world, according to Guinness World Records, travels 6,200 kilometers from Lima, Peru, to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
With the introduction of a 1.9-kilometer (1.2-mile) long train with 100 coaches that runs along the Albula/Bernina track from Preda to Berguen last year, the Swiss railroad company Rhaetian Railway broke the previous mark for the world’s longest train route.
The bus from Istanbul to London is set to depart on August 7 and arrive on October 1.