Tag Archives: spring break europe

Lost: Not a love story

7 Feb

by: Kelley Robinson

It’s true, our adorable friend was out in Munich by herself. In the rain. No phone, no map. Completely lost.

And instead of enjoying the night with friends, there I was, also a bit lost and looking for her. Not in the charming “oh, I’ll explore the city” kind of lost. It was more the “I’m in the worst part of town, no I don’t want any cocaine, hell I would KILL for an umbrella” kind of lost.

I was with Bus2alps at Oktoberfest, so I had a plan, was shown by my guide how to get home at night and had their phone number to contact them if I ran into trouble. Sam, the lost girl, on the other hand thought she could do the weekend on her own.

Getting lost in a city you’ve never been to before is no fun. Even with friends, trying to figure out how to get around or the best places to go can be a stress – eating up precious time and causing tension among the best of pals.

She had spent the last few hours on the Munich subway system, riding stop to stop hoping someone she recognized would jump on the train. It was a miracle a Bus2alps guide eventually found her on accident – helping even though she didn’t come with us.

I found my way back to our campsite but the resentment of being the only one concerned about our friend ruined the night.

Luckily our friend saw the light after her midnight in Munich experience, and only booked Bus2alps trips after that. And she was never lost again.

Traveling with friends who know the cities well is an unspoken added value to your trip – why waste your own time when what you are searching for is only a question away?

Hitting the big cities like Prague, Berlin, Amsterdam and Paris in a Northern Loop Spring Break is the best way to see Europe. The Eastern Loop’s Budapest, Krakow, Prague and Munich are so much easier with Bus2alps. You can even bus or fly in to most of these cities with Bus2alps.

Leave the complicated details to us. Travel in style and never lose your way.

Spring Break is a Blast with Bus2alps

24 Feb

Simply soak up the sun and smile

The most anticipated time of year for college students- spring break! Just because you are abroad doesn’t mean your spring break spectacular has to change. Ride with Bus2alps and experience your best spring break yet.

Studying abroad has facilitated new friendships with people from all over. Traveling with a tour group does just the same. Bus2alps brings people together to share one common goal: to achieve the enjoyment of traveling to new places with new people.

Bus2alps makes it easy to enjoy your spring break. Student travelers only have to worry about filling their time with the activities and sights that make them smile instead of confirming and booking hostels or confirming and booking transportation. Bus2alps shoulders the logistical pains and provides knowledgeable destination guides on each trip. Instead of wasting time in Amsterdam figuring out the train schedule to Paris, spend it actually enjoying Amsterdam’s incredible atmosphere. Traveling with a tour group is traveling hassle free.

Take advantage of the break from your school program and see the world.  Travel with a group that is dedicated to facilitating fun and making your Spring Break stress free. Spend this spring break riding with Bus2alps soaking in the best-of-the-season destinations, staying in top rated accommodations, enjoying destination guides, creating great memories and more.

Check out our 8 and 10 day tours to Greece, our 10 Day Northern Loop tour (Prague, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Paris), and our 10 day African adventure in Morocco.

2010….The year that definitely was

27 Dec

As the first year of the new decade, the “oh-tens” or whatever some brainy wiz from pop culture would like to tab these years as is coming to its glorious conclusion, it is the time of year for that always-predictable reflection.

We love to tag each year with a unique label that we can forever remember just why that year was so unique. I can’t imagine a world without us reminding ourselves just why each year was so special, a world where a white Ford Broncos doesn’t make me think of my innocent youthful years of 1994, or hearing the word “poking” reminds me of how Mark Zuckerberg changed the world in 2004. For many, 2010 will be painted by their life-changing experience in Europe.

With that it is time to look in the shiny, reflective side-mirrors of Bus2alps 2010, where things are closer than they may appear, and rejoice at the all the memories we have made in Europe’s top destinations with some of the United States’ coolest people.

The year kicked off and ended with thousands of students from across Europe roaming the Alpine wonderland of Interlaken, Switzerland in search of beautiful scenery and powder. 2010 rolled through the adventure and thrills of Interlaken into Italy’s largest street festival, Venice Carnevale, followed by incredible spring break trips, including Greece (Athens, Corfu, and Aegina) and The Northern Loop (Prague, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Paris), culminating with Easter Weekend in Corfu, Greece, where over 200 students were unleashed on a wild time of toga parties, booze cruises, and Greek love.

As the sun shone, destinations like The Amalfi Coast, French Riviera, Croatia and Cinque Terre brought us to Europe’s most beautiful beach spots. Of course, we would be reminisced to not dedicate part of this memoir of this thrill-packed year to the largest party in the world, Munich’s Oktoberfest. This year Bus2alps made our mark on Munich’s cherished festival. With 600 plus people strong, Bus2alps showed the Germans that those of us from the States do know how to party!

Despite the post-Oktoberfest haze, we continued Bus2alps and our guests continued our wonderful 2010 blitz on Europe, making return splashes to the Northern Loop and Greece for Fall Break. Bus2alps takes over Europe culminated with an incredible, family-style Thanksgiving dinner and weekend in Interlaken, and one last foray into Interlaken’s snow-covered winter wonderland.

2010 was as special year that Bus2alps will always remember. In 2010, Bus2alps launched began a full schedule of departures from Barcelona, Prague, Paris, and London, in addition to many successful new trips including The Northern Loop Spring Break, Croatia, Cinque Terre, and Florence & Tuscany. Most of all, Bus2alps will always remember 2010 for the thousands of awesome guests whose lives we had the privilege to be a part of.

Winn a free Spring Break Trip in Europe – sponsored by bus2alps.com

25 Nov

Winn a free Spring Break Trip in Europe – sponsored by bus2alps.com

Looping Around Northern Europe

8 Nov

In two solid weeks of Fall Breaks, Bus2alps whipped around Northern Europe with 110 happy students who would not normally have 10 days in the middle of their Fall Semester to disappear into the depths of Europe’s top cities. Handsome Joe of Bus2alps recounts his time with these 110 students over his 2 weeks adventure in Northern Europe.

The Northern Loop trip started out with a bang in the beautiful city of Prague. The general consensus was that Prague was the city of the four that the group had the least expectations of because they had a lack of familiarity and understanding as to what it was all about. This quickly made Prague the sleeper city for the trip. The majority of the group was blown away by the walking tour because they didn’t realize how much important history there was in Prague. The beautiful buildings and gothic architecture made it really enjoyable to walk around the city to shop, explore, or just grab a beer as many of us did. The wide range of nightlife activities, including the many bars and clubs came as another surprise to many students in the group as they were unaware of Prague’s reputation as a party city. A good amount of the group claims the last night in Prague at the 80’s and 90’s dance club “Lucerna” to be their favorite night of the trip.

Berlin was an incredibly worthwhile stop in the trip. We hyped up the Berlin walking tour as one of the best in Europe and it didn’t disappoint. The guides went into such detail about the past events that occurred in Berlin and really portrayed how the city literally broke Europe down and rebuilt it again. We were able to really grasp that although Berlin is now one city, there is still clear differences between the East and the West. We stayed in former East Berlin which was conveniently located near the “East Side Gallery” one of the largest preserved remains of the Berlin Wall, now covered in paintings of many well-known artists. I was particularly fascinated by the actual dividing of the city via the Berlin Wall and how it literally took place overnight. The personal stories that were told during the tour and the significance of the events that took place after that are difficult to try and grasp. Everyone understood that they were standing in the city with the most historical significance of the past century and it truly felt eerie at times.

Berlin at night time is quite eccentric, even more so on Halloween. I couldn’t help notice the high volume of vampires, devils, and zombies that flooded the streets of Berlin that night. Although great costumes, the lack of originality and creativity leads me to believe that Berliners are not as evolved with the concept of Halloween as Americans. Nonetheless, the students really enjoyed the pub crawl that conveniently ended across the street from the hostel.

Amsterdam is a city that a lot of the group was looking forward to. I tried to relay the message beforehand that the city is not all just drugs and prostitution, but that there as a historical significance to these concepts. Of course there is also many historical aspects of the city such as the house that the Frank family occupied for two years during the war, museums paying tribute to famous artists such as Van Gogh and Rembrandt, the home of Heineken beer with an amazing factory tour, and the fact that it was all started by two fisherman building a dam on the Amstel river. Ancient philosopher Decartes once said, “God created the world, but the Dutch created Amsterdam” and the people here are “dam” proud of it. I particularly enjoyed this city because it was more hands off as a guide due to the fact that there was so much to do and certainly something to do for everyone. By the end of the stay here the group was definitely impressed with uniqueness of the city and all that it had to offer.

Ahh and then there was Paris – the city of love. Again, we got lucky with the weather which made the walking tour around the city that much better. I was surprised, along with many others of how enormous the city actually was, which is why everyone made it a point to get to one of the many amazing viewpoints of the city. I went up to the Arc de Triomphe with a group and I know another group went to the Sacre Coure and a few wasted no time getting to the Eiffel tower. One thing we stressed was getting out to see the city lit up at night. The sight of Paris lit up at nighttime is quite enchanting and unforgettable and many students now boast facebook profile pictures depicting that very description.

Real Travelers Wear Pink

30 Sep

How awesomely beautiful and wondrous a playground this is. The Pink Palace is a true complex of fun, sun, games, and traveler hedonism. I find Corfu to be one of the most unique Greek islands, looking so pre-historic you wonder when you will catch a T-Rex bounding over the mountainside, sending Agios Gordios beach into disarray.

The trip kicks off with an over-night ferry cruise across the Adriatic, complete with its own night club. With endless amounts of food, drinks and 450 other students excitement and anticipation captivates the voyage.

Upon arrival on the Pink Palace bus, the opportunities at The Pink Palace are abundant, allowing you to have a unique experience, regardless of your tastes. It is renowned for its incredible party atmosphere, and openness however, I have always found it easy to escape the insanity and slip into relaxation: disappear to the Palace’s private beaches, balconies, sundecks, or the Jacuzzi and experience a whole another side of Corfu.

If your mood is calling for a little more excitement, then you can rock the ATV-Safari, bringing you in tune with the island’s beauty, and simplicity of the locals. If speed is not your thing, slow down with a game of volleyball, basketball, kayak, or take a day trip to Corfu town.

A weekend here leaves you continuous opportunities to rock-out, and make some new friends. If it is possible to pull your face off the pillow early enough, you can hop on the Boat/Booze Cruise dance the day away while working on your tan and swimming in the ocean…it’s the perfect setting to let loose.

Later you can spend the night impressing your friends with the most creative toga at the Pink Palace Pink Toga Party. Full of Greek antiquity and spliced with modern entertainment, the toga party revs up an incredible night, complete with authentic Greek dancing, an Ouzo fire circle, and traditional Greek plate smashing.

Corfu, Greece is as mind numbing a party, or relaxing, panoramic haven as you so choose it to be. Just think of the fun times you are given when you join 450 American college students embarking on the closest experience to a Mexico spring break they will have while studying abroad? What happens when these 450 Americans are put on a 14 hour boat ride where the only things to do are make new friends and spend all night clubbing? What happens when the place you are taking them has tons of fun sports activities, a 6pm-11pm happy hour with 1 Euro beers and shots, optional booze cruises, an out-of-control toga party complete with Greek dancing and plate smashing, and a hot tub that is really a hot swimming pool? I’ll let you create your own comparisons. I would like to think it is similar to how the inventor of the board game Candy Land envisioned the world with the incredible scenery of Jurassic Park as the backdrop, sans dinosaurs and Jeff Goldblum.

It is amazing how the Pink Palace never ceases to amaze me. In my seven times here, once as a student, and six more as a tour guide, I have yet to be provided a stay that has not resulted in both exhilarating chaos and extreme relaxation. As I cruise away from this Greek isle I find myself smirking with always the same question on my mind…”did that really just happen?”

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New Blog Post about Spring Break Greece with Bus2Alps

21 Apr

Check out this new blog post about bus2alps and spring break.

A Fresh Coat of Pink

10 Mar

Winding through what could be perceived as the barren wasteland that is Corfu, Greece, the sense of anticipation really sets in. I think the drive from the port of Corfu has anticipation that is insurmountable by any other trip I have been on. The barren wasteland I describe is actually not so barren after all, but it brings me joy to say that I am trekking through a terrain that at first glance looks like it can barely sustain a livable environment, but on second glance is home to flourishing array of supple olive groves and fantastically green, starvingly tall and slender trees that let your know you truly are in the cradle of Western civilization. So in other words, Corfu is a extraordinary case study for what true beauty is. They say Corfu is the most beautiful of all the Greek islands. I dare to argue this point as I have trouble finding anything not beautiful about the backdrop that looks as though Spielberg green-screened Jurassic Park and placed in the backdrop of Agios Gordis. So here I am, winding my way down the cliff that slopes into the blue-green waters of Agios Gordis, paraglider at eye level drinking up the breath-taking views, and smack right in front, finally is this vivid Pink blob, portraying all that is stereotypical of Greece. The Pink Palace had a fresh coat of pink, and I was embarking on a fresh coat of a new season here. I was greeted by my Greek and ex-pats working at the Palace buddies on first step, with hugs, kisses, war-stories, all the works. The staff here has, and always will be incredible, one that I have trouble comparing to Balmers Herberge because they both sustain the two friendliest staffs of any hostel I have ever had the pleasure of slumping my body into a bed. If it were not for my job being as awesome as it is, I would be on the waiting list to throw Pink Palace Cabana Boy (really just I clean up after you and get drunk with you) as my most recent job on my resume. However, I find it slightly more enjoyable to come here because of my job, not because it is my job, but I digress. The partying was quite delightful and incomparable by any other  standards, especially with the always fun, and sometimes comical Pink Toga Party, the dinners included in the stay blowing away any pre-conceptions you may have about hostel food, and the experience paramount. Anyway, I am sitting here on my balcony grasping the awesomeness that has been the last two days, and will be the coming weeks of returning here, the smell of Gyros, Souvlaki, and Greek love in the air. I can not imagine what my life would like had I never stepped foot onto this sanctuary, but I am pretty sure there would be a whole in my physical and spiritual soul that could not be filled by any other material being. Today, I went on a hike up to the top of this cylindrical rock that would not have been inappropriate or unbelievable to find Velociraptors prancing around up there. Result, some of the most unbelievable scenery I have witnessed. In other words, all I am saying is you have to go to Corfu, you have to go to the Pink Palace, and there is no question about it.

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Greece Spring Break with bus2alps

1 Mar

Spring Break and Easter are right around the corner. Don’t miss out on Greece and the world famous toga partying at the Pink Palace!
You will never forget it…

Greece Spring Break
Corfu & Athens
spring break europe

Spring Break Cruising the Greek Islands!
Start off with an overnight cruise to the Greek Island of Corfu. Spend 2 CRAZY nights at The Pink Palace, one of the WORLDS biggest party places. More a resort than a hostel and situated right on the beach, there are 3 bars, 2 restaurants, nightclub, ATV tours, Booze Cruise and of course The Pink Palace’s Famous Toga Party. Ouzo anyone?
Next we travel by private overnight coach to the historic city of Athens and spend the next 3 days exploring the birth place of modern democracy, including the Acropolis, Marathon, and the local beaches and islands around Athens.
Haven’t had enough yet? One last overnight cruise ship party brings us back to Italy and the short bus trip to Florence.

Greek Easter Long Weekend
Party at the Pink Palace

The Greek Island 4 night party weekend! Take a cruise boat to the Greek Island of Corfu and spend 2 CRAZY nights at The Pink Palace, one of the WORLDS biggest party places. More a resort than a hostel and situated right on the beach, there are 3 bars, 2 restaurants, nightclub, ATV tours, Booze Cruise and of course The Pink Palace’s Famous Toga Party. Ouzo anyone?
What’s included? Luxury coach transfers to Ancona, cruise boat/ferry to Corfu and back, 2 nights accommodation at The Pink Palace, 2 evening meals, 2 breakfast meals, Bus2alps guide and guaranteed CRAZY weekend!

The Pink Palace on Corfu
The world famous Pink Palace offers a wide-ranging activities during the day: Boat excursion, cliff diving, beach hopping (booze cruise) 4-Wheeler Quad Safari 4-Wheeler rental – street legal Kayak Tour Jacuzzi Chill-out Private beach sunbathing And entertainment at night:
Dancing at our Palladium Nightclub Drinking cheap cocktails & drinks including pints of beer at 1 Euro Toga Parties & Theme nights Greek Dancing, Ouzo Circles & Plate Smashing

EASTER LONG WEEKEND
Easy Athens Hostel
More of a hotel than a hostel, Easy Athens is the most centrally located accommodation in Athens. Located in Athens Central area- Omonia Square and Athinas Street have got an atmosphere that can suit everyone. Cafés, theatres, nightlife, restaurants and of course, plenty of shops! No need to buy bus or tram tickets! No late night taxis!You can walk home to us from anywhere.
Easy Athens is the cleanest hostel we have seen yet and free internet makes it way better than any 3 star roach hotel.

Florence 2 Greece Spring Break Europe

25 Jan

logo-bus2alps
SPECIAL: What is Included? Luxury coach transport with W/C, DVD, all ferry transport, 2nights at the Pink Palace, 2 nights at Easy Athens, dinner meals at The Pink Palace, breakfasts and Bus2alps travel guide .

Spring Break Cruising the Greek Islands!

Start off with an overnight cruise to the Greek Island of Corfu. Spend 2 CRAZY nights at The Pink Palace, one of the WORLDS biggest party places. More a resort than a hostel and situated right on the beach, there are 3 bars, 2 restaurants, nightclub, ATV tours, Booze Cruise and of course The Pink Palace’s Famous Toga Party. Ouzo anyone?

Next we travel by private overnight coach to the historic city of Athens and spend the next 3 days exploring the birth place of modern democracy, including the Acropolis, Marathon, and the local beaches and islands around Athens.

Haven’t had enough yet? One last overnight cruise ship party brings us back to Italy and the short bus trip to Florence.

Weekend Highlights- The Cruises (there & back), The Pink-ness of The Pink Palace, The Toga Party, Chillin’ on the beach, Booze Cruise, The Quad Bike Safari, The Acropolis, Marathon.
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spring break europe

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