Bus tours to Europe during the holidays remain a popular travel option for Ukrainians. Find out how much Christmas and New Year bus tours cost, what is included in the price, and how you can save money
Bus tours to Europe during the Christmas and New Year holidays remain one of the most popular forms of travel for Ukrainians. For many, this is an opportunity to change their surroundings, take a break from air raid sirens, and spend a few days in European cities, even despite the long journey. The publication finance.ua analyzed the prices of holiday bus tours and explained what determines their cost.
What determines the price of a bus tour to Europe
The cost of a bus tour is determined by several factors. The key ones are the country and route of travel, the duration of the tour, the format of travel, and specific holiday dates.
The most budget-friendly tours are those with overnight travel. According to finance.ua, such options cost an average of €120 to €250 per person. These are usually trips to 3-4 cities in Central Europe — Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, or Austria — departing from Lviv. This format involves a packed program and minimal expenses, but also less comfort on the road. Tours without overnight travel or routes to more popular destinations will cost more — from €250 to €350 per person.
A separate category is tours that fall directly on the holiday night. They usually cost €20–100 more than similar routes focused solely on visiting Christmas markets. In addition, organizers often require a mandatory surcharge for New Year's Eve dinner, which is not included in the base price and can range from €60 to €150 per person.
A 4-5 day bus tour for Christmas or New Year's will cost from €374 (approximately UAH 18,400).
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What is usually included in the tour price
Regardless of the destination, a standard bus tour usually includes a basic set of services:
● travel by tourist class bus;
● accommodation in 2-3 star hotels with breakfast;
● sightseeing tours along the route;
● group leader accompaniment.
At the same time, most additional expenses are paid separately. This applies to lunches and dinners, personal expenses, tourist tax (on average about €20), as well as excursions.
Keep in mind: holiday bus tours often involve an active program, travel between cities, and long periods on the road. That is why it is important to take care not only of the itinerary, but also of your own safety and health in advance. To travel abroad, Ukrainians need to take out medical insurance that will cover the costs of illness or emergency care during the trip. It is convenient to do this online on the Visit Ukraine platform — the policy is sent to your email in a few minutes and allows you to feel more confident on your holiday trip.
We remind you! Air travel requires careful preparation of your luggage. Read about what items are not allowed in your carry-on baggage, why they are confiscated during security checks, and how to avoid problems before departure.
Photo: turskidki
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