Good afternoon. Four of us are planning our first RS trip/tour. We signed up for the Central Europe 15 day trip, mid Sep 2026. There is quite alot of long bus segments, 8 hours, 7 hours, 6 hours. Has anyone done this trip and what was your experience with all the bus travel.
Posted by
Pennsylvania
382 posts
We did this tour two years ago and really enjoyed it!
Yes, there is a decent amount of bus time, but generally you stop about every two hours (regulation for driver I think). Usually it’s just a comfort stop, with the opportunity to get snack or drink if desired. I like that, because we are always interested in what convenience stores in other countries sell:)
I’m guessing driving is the most economical way to get the group from one place to the next, so it’s pretty unavoidable if you want to cover so much ground.
It’s a full-size bus, and the tours are capped at around 28 people so there’s usually plenty of space to spread out and be comfortable. I didn’t mind the bus time because it gave me time to relax and rest, read, or take a little nap (the tour days in the cities are quite busy/active). The guide usually preps you on what you’ll be seeing next/tells you more about the countries for at least part of the time so that’s interesting. And some driving segments of the tour are quite scenic.
Posted by
Canada
17 posts
I agree with Barbara G (my attempt at poetry).
I think when it is reported as a say, 8 hours bus that is a rounded up time from one hotel departure to next hotel arrival and all the stops in between. One is not sitting on the bus for a single continuous eight hour stretch like a greyhound ride from Tuscaloosa to Myrtle Beach. More like leave at 8, 10 am comfort stop, at noon hour long lunch break, 3 pm comfort stop, 4 pm arrive at hotel. Or maybe at 2 pm there is a stop at a point of interest or a one hour walking tour enroute. So it is well broken up. I had intended on tracking one of the longer days just to answer this question that often comes up but too often get caught up in conversation, the countryside passing by or the guide sharing stories, history lessons or language tips so I don't have an actual record.
I too, was concerned about lengthy bus trips but I enjoyed the entire tip. I hope you do as well.
Posted by
1 posts
Thanks so much. Appreciate the feedback. It’s our first Rick Steve’s tour. We’re very active and we’ve always done DIY.