For years Europe has had tour bus companies that haul visitors around the continent for a single fare that includes sightseeing services and off-and-on privileges, but it's a concept mostly foreign to the United States -- until now.
Starting next month, a new company called Ameribus plans to introduce a coach travel and tour service on three U.S. routes. If it works, it will give domestic and foreign travelers an economical alternative to other forms of touring in this country.Ameribus, based in Hollywood, Fla., will offer flat-fee fares for each route that allow riders to disembark in a city and catch another bus days later to continue their journey along the designated route. The company also offers packages that include transportation, lodging and tours.
The routes are Florida, including Orlando, Tampa, Miami/Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers; a Western route, including Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Francisco; and an Eastern route, including Washington, Philadelphia, New York and Toronto.
A one-month pass costs $129 for one route; $249 for two routes; $369 for three routes; for two months, $150, $290, $400; for three months, $180, $330, $440. (AmeriBus does not provide transportation between the three regions.)
The package plans vary in price, depending on itinerary and type of hotel, and include transportation. From Philadelphia, for instance, the East Coast tour includes 10 days and nine nights from $599. The itinerary starts in Philadelphia with hotel check-in; Day 2, a Philadelphia trolley tour; Day 3, traveling to Washington; Day 4, a trolley tour there; Day 5, travel to Toronto; Day 6, Toronto sightseeing; Day 7, Niagara Falls; Day 8, travel to New York City; Day 9, a full-day bus tour of New York; Day 10, return to Philadelphia.
Travelers who bought the transportation-only option would be on their own for lodging but would get tour narration when aboard the AmeriBus coaches.
For complete itineraries and prices, contact AmeriBus at 1-800-922-0322; Web site: http://www.ameribus.com.