The Bus Ride from London to Calcutta

Pujit Siddhant

Mar 14 2024

<div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><p>Imagine a bus ride from London to Calcutta back in the 1950s – sounds wild, doesn't it? The Albert double-decker bus from Calcutta to London was started on April 15, 1957. Pioneering luxury travel on wheels, Albert Tours offered passengers an unforgettable experience spanning thousands of kilometers and multiple countries. Tickets for the London to Calcutta leg were priced at £85, with return journeys costing £65. The route, famously dubbed the Hippie Route, meandered through picturesque landscapes and cultural landmarks, traversing England, Belgium, Yugoslavia, and Northwestern India, among other destinations and took approximately 50 days to commence its journey.</p><span></div><a href='null'><div><img height='400px' width='auto;' class='img_dynaPost' src='/BlitzMobiImages/consumers/company551995499/mediafiles/2sYZt49w339.tmp'/></div></a><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><p>Luxury knew no bounds on the Albert bus, where passengers were treated to opulent amenities and personalized service. From reading and dining lounges to fully equipped kitchens and individual sleeping bunks, every aspect of the journey was meticulously designed for maximum comfort and enjoyment. With fan heaters to keep travelers warm and entertainment options like radio and taped music, Albert truly offered a "home away from home" experience on the road.</p><span></div><a href='null'><div><img height='400px' width='auto;' class='img_dynaPost' src='/BlitzMobiImages/consumers/company551995499/mediafiles/maQCGx3Q340.tmp'/></div></a><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><p>As the bus journeyed from England to Calcutta, it passed through an array of breathtaking tourist spots, including the Taj Mahal in Agra, the Golden Horn of Istanbul, and the historic streets of old Delhi. Free shopping days in bustling cities added an extra dimension of excitement to the adventure, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in the vibrant cultures of each destination.</p><p>However, After years of service, the bus met with an accident and was later purchased by British traveller Andy Stewart. Rebuilt as a double-decker mobile home, the bus embarked on a new chapter, traveling from Sydney to London via India in 1968. This journey marked the culmination of a remarkable era in luxury travel, as Albert Tours became synonymous with adventure and exploration.</p><p>Sadly, escalating tensions and logistical challenges led to the discontinuation of the bus service in 1976. Yet, the legacy of Albert Tours lives on, remembered fondly as a "friendly ambassador" that crossed borders and connected cultures on its extraordinary odyssey. As we reflect on the epic journeys of the Albert bus, we're reminded of the enduring spirit of adventure that continues to inspire travellers around the world.</p><span></div><a href='null'><div><img height='400px' width='auto;' class='img_dynaPost' src='/BlitzMobiImages/consumers/company551995499/mediafiles/8njFFXwD341.tmp'/></div></a>

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