PLACES YOU SHOULD VISIT IN WINTER PAGE. 4
FRANCE EXPLORE
FEATURING
BUCKET LIST
All good things start with a list.
THIS IS YOUR WORLD TLC + freedom = trip of a lifetime.
TRAVEL BUDGET
Because you want to save money.
PICK
HOTEL
Enjoy more creature comforts.
CLUB
Variety is the spice of life.
EXPLORER
Relaxed itineraries that travel deeper.
FESTIVALS
Experience Europe’s best festivals & events.
01
PARDON MY FRENCH. Paris is a love affair meant to be continued. It starts with a romantic rendezvous under Pont-Marie, a fleeting kiss at the Eiffel Tower and a history lesson at Musée du Louvre. It’s home to the Mona Lisa and Coco Chanel, Jay-Z went here for his birthday and kissing in public is encouraged. And don’t get us started on the food.
PAGE. 15, 16, 21, 38, 40.
03
HOGMANAY.It’s official. The Scots really know how to party. Envisage festivelylit streets lined with joyous punters, incredible live bands and one of the world’s most spectacular fireworks display. Now add a flurry of traditional dancing and more kilts than you can poke a bagpipe at, and you’ve captured just a glimpse of what Hogmanay in Edinburgh is all about. Get ready for one the biggest New Year’s Eve bashes in the world.
PAGE. 57.
05
MIDNIGHT IN MADRID. Want to avoid the crowds? Go out before midnight. If you’re willing to sacrifice some sleep, Madrid offers up more youthful vibes, culture and churros than most places in Europe. Get your culture fix at the art triangle made up of Museo del Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza then head to Círculo de Bellas Artes for epic rooftop views of the city.
PAGE. 36, 40, 44, 45, 46.
07
SWISS ALPS. There’s more to Switzerland than chocolate. Yodeling and cuckoo clocks aside, this is one of the most beautiful places in Europe. For a country that runs like precision clockwork, there’s no shortage of time-passing opportunities. Take on four languages, some of the world’s most epic waterfalls and the highest railway station in Europe (3,454 metres).
PAGE. 16, 21, 35, 40, 44.
02
PRAGUE TIPPLES. It’s officially a thing. Prague has the best beer in Europe (sorry Carlsberg). Start with classics like Urquell, Staropramen and Budvar then make your way to local drops like Kout na Šumavě and Svijanský Rytíř. Also, don’t miss one of the best-preserved old towns in the world, the Lennon Wall and the pastry deliciousness that is trdelník.
PAGE. 16, 18, 23, 38, 43.
04
NORTHERN LIGHTS. There are two really epic places to watch the northern lights. From the top of a space station or in Iceland. Stick with the latter and throw in a who’s who of awe-inspiring locations, geothermal pools and a culture stretching back all the way to the Middle Ages. Don’t miss: Ponies that will make you go “awww” and food dares.
PAGE. 32, 50.
06
V FOR VENICE. You come for the gondolas and stay for the gelato. Cruise down ancient canals or island-hop your way around in a vaporetto – life here runs on cruise control and so should you. Explore a neverending maze of marble churches and historical relics making up one of the most complicated architectural contraptions in human history.
PAGE. 15, 22, 44, 51, 58.
08
ICH BIN EIN BERLINER. Once bitten twice as funky. Despite nearly three decades of Cold War politics and bitter separation, Berlin has bounced back as a hub of tolerance and creativity. Visit the remnants of the notorious Berlin Wall for a sobering Throwback Thursday then equalise with a dose of the city’s contagious night vibes.
PAGE. 18, 27, 35, 38, 43.
WE REALISE THAT EVERYONE’S DIFFERENT – which is why our trips offer loads of free time to play, discover and channel your inner explorer. Jumping for a jam-packed day? Let’s go. Keen to kick back? No worries. We’ve built in enough time for you to do your own thing. It’s your trip, your way
SLURP DOWN SPAGHETTI IN ROME, taste test tagine in Morocco and wrap your mouth ‘round ramen in Japan. From sampling traditional fare in local restaurants to enjoying quality feasts prepared by our expert Topdeck Chefs, we’ll ensure your tummy is just as full as your passport.
US TOPDECKERS are as passionate about travel as you are. Our Trip Leaders, Drivers and Chefs are a unique bunch of curious, confident and friendly folk who share more enthusiasm for adventure than you can poke a selfie stick at. Plus, we know our stuff – so expect loads of fun with a side of #mindblowing knowledge.
MEMORIES FADE BUT FACEBOOK FRIENDS ARE FOREVER. Our trips are specifically designed for travellers between 18-39, which means you can hang out with other young explorers bent on seeing the world and create friendships that last longer than your festival wristband.
FROM OUR MODERN, Wi-Fi equipped coaches to our hand picked accommodation and unique Bucket List items, we’ve got it covered – meaning you get to have the best trip possible, completely hassle-free. Plus, we have a No Tipping policy, so you’ll have more cash to spend on optional activities (and tacky souvenirs, of course).
With a thirst for adventure, an endless stream of knowledge and let’s face it, a keen eye for a hearty local meal, our dedicated Topdeck crew make the best travel pals, ever.
WE WANT TO KNOW ABOUT YOU AND WHAT FEEDS YOUR WANDERLUST. We might follow an itinerary, but no two trips are the same. You're the hero in this travel story.
SOCIALLY INTUITIVE WITH AN EYE FOR WHAT MAKES THE BEST TRIPS TICK, we’ll help you write stories with the people you meet along the way. Because friends made on the road are friends for life.
THE ROAD IS OUR HOME, THE RIDE IS A LIFESTYLE. We love what we do and use every ounce of our experience to give you the trip of a lifetime.
ROCKSTAR LEADERS SHARING A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE. You can count on us to keep you safe and informed as you explore.
Does the idea of waking up in Venice one day, hanging out in the Austrian Alps for a few days then hitting up the cobblestoned streets of Prague sound like your idea of a perfect work week? Are you an experienced traveller passionate about showing young people the world? Then we should talk. Visit www.topdeck.travel/about-topdeck/work-for-us for more info about how to become a part of the Topdeck Crew.
All travellers are different. Some like creature comforts, others like discovering up-and-coming destinations. As long as you have the urge to explore, experience new things and meet awesome people, you’ll find that our trip styles cater to (almost) everyone. BYO fondness for a really good time.
The go-to trip style for travellers looking to make a solid dent in their bucket list. Variety rules. Room with new friends and spend your nights in modern hostels, hotels, yachts, bungalows plus a 12th century castle for good measure, all without forking out a fortune. Cue lifelong memories and endless reasons to be #sorrynotsorry.
FEATURED STAY: Generator Hostel Paris, France. This sleek hostel boasts all the comforts of a cutting-edge property. Think: contemporary rooms, a 24-hour lounge and a rooftop terrace that overlooks the City of Light.
Dreaming of a white Christmas? Watch Europe’s cobblestoned streets turn into a walking fairytale of Christmas markets, mulled wine and snow-capped rooftops. Then wake up from your festive food coma, ring in the new year and dance the night away in your favourite European capital.
FEATURED STAY: Smart City Hostel Edinburgh, Scotland. Occupying an imposing stone building a minute’s walk from the Royal Mile, this simple, modern hostel is perfectly located for all your Hogmanay festivities. Plus, with an onsite bar and a killer hot English breakfast, this place has your night (and morning) covered.
Escape the dorm days or leave them behind for good. This style is fit for couples and singles alike, looking for a touch of luxury. Indulge in private ensuite twin-share rooms with all the amenities you’ll need and still be close to the action with lots of time to explore on your own.
FEATURED STAY: Engelberg Ski Lodge, Switzerland. Started by two Swedish skiing buddies and kept alive by the local hipster community, the Ski Lodge in Engelberg offers up the perfect mix of German after-ski beers, boutique designer rooms and authentic vibes.
With smaller groups, heaps of local food and more time to explore a region, these relaxed itineraries let you travel deeper. Get under the skin of a local culture by veering off the beaten track without compromising on comfort. You’ll sleep in some of our best beds on the road and tick beyond your bucket list.
FEATURED STAY: Skuggi Hotel Reykjavik, Iceland. A stylish hotel that mirrors its naturally beautiful (and convenient) locale, expect to find cool, contemporary decor in a warm and friendly environment. Plus, with free Wi-Fi, rainfall showerheads and plasma TVs, this place makes exploring look chic.
THE GO-TO TRIP STYLE FOR COUPLES AND THOSE WANTING A FEW MORE CREATURE COMFORTS. Stay in charming twin-share hotels and know deep down that there will always be somewhere to plug in your hair straightener.
FEATURED STAY: ENGELBERG SKI LODGE, SWITZERLAND.
+ Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
+ Krakow, Poland
+ Milan, Italy
+ Austrian Alps, Austria
BUCKET LIST HIGHLIGHTS:
+ Gondola ride, Venice
+ Locally guided tour of Florence
+ Amsterdam bike ride and dinner canal cruise
+ Dinner at Hofbräuhaus, Munich
DAY 1 HELSINKI, FINLAND. Stalk the major sites and embrace Finnish tradition with a hearty salmon soup (lohikeitto). Alternatively, try ice-skating or foodie-stall hopping at Old Market Square before meeting your soon-to-be-besties for a group dinner. (D)
DAY 2 HELSINKI TO TALLINN, ESTONIA. Ferry it from Helsinki to the Silicon City on the Baltic Sea, where Skype was invented and kids start coding at six. Go analogue on a walking tour and see the only surviving Gothic town hall in northern Europe. (B,D)
DAY 3 TALLINN. Go all knight in shining armour with a medieval tour of the city (horse not included), or feed your inner hippie with a flower power visit to Kadriorg Palace. To do: Hunt down the spot where you can see all five of the town’s church spires. (B)
DAY 4 TALLINN TO ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA. Russia is bigger than Pluto, so it’s understandable today’s drive will take a while. Say Zdravstvujtye (zdrahstvooy-tee = hello) as we arrive in St. Petersburg in time to scope out the Venice of the North on a guided tour. Love: the Church of Spilt Blood in all its domed and glittery glory. (B,D)
DAY 5 ST. PETERSBURG. With 3 million items in the archives, the Hermitage Museum is your morning and more sorted. It has the largest collection of paintings in the world and guard cats that protect them from rodents. Afterwards: go for your life, it's your choice. (B)
DAY 6 ST. PETERSBURG (OVERNIGHT TRAIN). Dress in your finery (Russians do a good line in chic) and take in the city at your pace today. Why not dial-up your inner hipster with a visit to the city’s street art museum? Then all aboard the night train for Moscow. (B)
DAY 7 MOSCOW. Bounce to Moscow this morning to roll with the billionaires – the city is home to the largest number of high-rollers in the world. Explore at your leisure. (B,D)
DAY 8 MOSCOW. Check out the Red Square, then onto the Kremlin. Facty bit: The Kremlin was saved
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Local guide in St. Petersburg & Moscow
+ Entrance and guided tour to the Hermitage Museum & Kremlin
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 9 breakfasts (B), 4 dinners (D)
+ 8 nights hotel accommodation (twin/double)
+ Ferry ticket
+ Overnight train ticket
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Awesome Trip Leader
from WWII bombing by disguising it as a normal house. (B)
DAY 9 MOSCOW. St Basil’s Cathedral in winter blows all those Hans Christian Andersen fables out of the water. Ogle the onion domes and pop back in on Putin at the Kremlin before going underground for the world's cheapest (art) ticket at one of 196 insanely elaborate metro stations (optional). (B)
DAY 10 MOSCOW. Time to say ‘poka’ (bye) after breakfast but it's a good thing it also means 'so far' –Moscow might not be done with you yet! (B)
DAY 1 LONDON TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). Say au revoir to England and introduce yourself to French food, new amis and killer sights with a night time driving tour. Pinch yourself. This is only night one. (D)
DAY 2 PARIS. Make like a local and head along the banks of the Canal St Martin for a cafe scene they don’t want you to know about. Or just tick off the must-dos — it's your day. Finish with: cabaret or a river cruise. (B,D)
DAY 3 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. Yodel out the window as we roll into the Alps today. Scenery like this needs to be seen—and Instagrammed—to be believed. (B,D)
DAY 4 SWISS ALPS. Ride to the top of the world (well, nearly) or explore a village that will inspire you to buy (and eat) a Toblerone. (B,D)
DAY 5 SWISS ALPS TO FLORENCE, ITALY. Onwards to beautiful Firenze. Tip: Hot chocolate + Piazzale Michelangelo for great views over the city and secret bakeries (Google it). (B,D)
DAY 6 FLORENCE TO ROME. Take advantage of the local POV today as we check out the sights. Then it’s off to Rome for the Colosseum, and the Pantheon. #Spoilt. (B)
DAY 7 ROME. Visit the Vatican (optional) then #livelikealocal. Get off the main drag, dodge the mopeds and stride out in shades. See: tiny wine bars, street markets, thin pizza dough and awesome fashion. (B)
DAY 8 ROME TO VENICE. Ah, fair Verona. Channel Juliet (or Romeo) and re-enact the world’s most famous balcony scene. Then get ready for island hopping city style. (B,D)
DAY 9 VENICE. They say it’s all about the gondolas. You’ll know why today. More love at St Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace and Rialto Bridge. Then, hang out with the locals at Cannaregio. (B)
DAY 10 VENICE TO SALZBURG, AUSTRIA. Welcome to Salzburg. One city. One complex musical dynasty. To
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Gondola ride in Venice
+ Paris city lights driving tour
+ Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration
+ Local guide in Florence
+ Amsterdam bike tour & farewell dinner cruise
+ 13 breakfasts (B), 9 dinners (D)
+ 13 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double)
+ English Channel crossings
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
the left, Mozart. To the right, the Sound of Music. Play spot the fan as you go. Hint: the Sound of Music guys quite often dress up, Mozart less so. (B,D)
DAY 11 SALZBURG TO HEIDELBERG, GERMANY. Dial up the Disney. A fairytale castle makes Heidelberg ideal to unleash your inner Princess/Prince Charming. They do a good beer, too. (B,D)
DAY 12 HEIDELBERG TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. And you thought Italy was foodie heaven. Amsterdam has come into its own with pared back, clean flavours. Check out the city centre then take off to find some scrumptious eats. (B)
DAY 13 AMSTERDAM. Final full day. Hold off on that sad face as it ain’t over yet. Explore the city by bike then get your smartphone ready to immortalise everything at our farewell dinner cruise. (B,D)
DAY 14 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON VIA BRUGES, BELGIUM. Drop-off in London via beer and chocolate capital Bruges. There are worse memories. See you next year. (B)
CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE
DAY 1 LONDON TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). Brush up on your bonjours when you meet the rest of the group and wrap your lips around your first real French meal. Cue Paris by night on a driving tour. #Amazing. (D)
DAY 2 PARIS. Bike along the Seine on an optional tour, get your obligatory Eiffel Tower selfie then explore the world's largest grave at the Catacombs. Tonight, experience the razzle dazzle of a cabaret show if you wish. (B,D)
DAY 3 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. It’s all about what’s going on outside your window today as we roll into the Swiss Alps. Grab your forks and
prepare to cover everything in cheese at dinner tonight. Don't worry, there are plenty of mountains to ski down to burn the calories off. (B,D)
DAY 4 SWISS ALPS. Snow thrill seeker or vin chaud drinker? Either works. Jump on the revolving gondola to the top of Mt Titlis and test your pano photo skills, and then head back down for some snow angels and hot chocolate. (B,D)
DAY 5 SWISS ALPS TO FLORENCE, ITALY. Make your food baby sing as we roll into the land of hearty Tuscan cuisine and birthplace of gelato: Florence. Italian food is just as good in winter. Eat, sleep, repeat. (B,D)
DAY 6 FLORENCE TO ROME. Get schooled on the Medici family, stroll the Ponte Vecchio and learn about leather (new handbag, anyone?) on a morning walking tour. Then we're Romeward bound for a rendezvous with ancient architecture's biggest players. (B)
DAY 7 ROME. Fancy a bit of culture? Enter, Vatican museums and the Sistine Chapel. Once you’re finished ogling the ceiling, shop ‘til you drop on Via Condotti, head to Capitoline Hill for views of the Colosseum or just kick back in Piazza Navona. (B)
DAY 8 ROME TO VENICE. Grab a partner to re-enact Juliet’s balcony scene in Verona. Then, say ciao to Venice as we check into our hotel and have an Eat Pray Love-worthy relationship with an irresistible Italian meal. (B,D)
DAY 9 VENICE. Get your bearings on this morning's walking tour and soak up St Mark's Square before a quintessential gondola ride on the Grand Canal. (B)
DAY 10 VENICE TO LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA. We're off to Ljubljana, but first, a stop at Insta-worthy Lake Bled. Shoot back to the Middle Ages on a walking tour through the fairytale-like Ljubljana Castle and Old Town, and then hit up the social strip for a tea or vino with a side of live music. (B)
DAY 11 LJUBLJANA TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Welcome to Budapest! Enjoy a walk this evening and soak up the view from the Citadella, and then roll into bed in the very grand Gellért Hotel. (B,D)
DAY 12 BUDAPEST. Soak up the vibes at the Gellért Baths (pun intended), and then visit the Buda Castle or House of Terror Museum. Tonight, hang with the hipsters and drink local fruit brandy at Szimpla Kertmozi – the original ruin bar. (B)
DAY 13 BUDAPEST TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Amp up the classical music and get ready for the City Of Dreams. Wave hello to the President as we go past
the Hofburg Palace, and top off your day with a schnitzel and apple strudel. (B)
DAY 14 VIENNA TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. First, a sobering visit to Mauthausen concentration camp for a lesson in the resilience of humanity. Then, fuel up on trdelník before a walking tour amongst spires and cobblestone streets in Prague. (B,D)
DAY 15 PRAGUE. Channel your inner bohemian and seek out the John Lennon memorial, before cruising the street vendors lining Old Town Square and sampling beer. Really. Good. Beer. (B)
DAY 16 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY (VIA DRESDEN). Prep yourself for currywurst and more hipsters per capita than anywhere else. We'll drive you around to see (what's left of) the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag building before knuckling down with some pork at Hofbräuhaus. Save some room to get your DJ groupie on. (B,D)
DAY 17 BERLIN. Hang with the cool cats in Kreuzberg, and get the low down from the locals on where to go next on this free day. (B)
DAY 18 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Start dreaming of cheese, clogs and cheeky cafe stops as we roll through tulip and windmill dotted fields to Amsterdam. (B)
DAY 19 AMSTERDAM. Take on the city's 51 museums (must-dos: Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House). Still thirsty for more? Check out the Heineken Experience for an interactive visit and tasting at the brewery. Top it off with a dinner cruise on the canal. (B,D)
DAY 20 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON VIA BRUGES, BELGIUM. Dull the goodbyes with Bruges chocolate and get planning for your next trip!
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Stay at famous Hotel Gellért, Budapest
+ Entry to the world-renowned Gellért Baths
+ Dinner at Hofbräuhaus, Berlin
+ Paris city lights driving tour
+ Gondola ride in Venice
+ Amsterdam bike tour & farewell dinner cruise
+ Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration
+ Local guide in Florence
+ Visit former concentration camp Mauthausen
+ 19 breakfasts (B), 10 dinners (D)
+ 19 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double)
+ English Channel crossings
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE CITY
LONDON OR PARIS
DAY 1 LONDON TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). Say bonjour to the city where food is king. Ease yourself in with a highlights tour of the city lights. (D)
DAY 2 PARIS. Bike ride around the sights, check out the cabaret at the Latin Quarter (optional) or channel your inner Amélie and go exploring. (B,D)
DAY 3 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. Smartphones ready. Prepare for Instagram paradise today as we head into the fairytale landscapes of the Swiss Alps. (B,D)
DAY 4 SWISS ALPS. That mountain air is just what the doctor ordered. Spend a day in the landscape that inspired Toblerone (the white chocolate version, naturally). (B,D)
DAY 5 SWISS ALPS TO MILAN, ITALY. Strike a pose today as we roll on to the fashion capital of Italy via Liechtenstein. If fashion’s not your thing, this is also the home of AC Milan. (B)
DAY 6 MILAN TO FLORENCE. After THAT shot in Pisa we’re off to Florence. Huddle up, grab a double espresso and hit the streets. Seriously. (B,D)
DAY 7 FLORENCE. Your mission tonight: track down the best steak in Florence. But first, we explore the city on foot with a local Italian guide and check out Ponte Vecchio, Duomo Cathedral and the Uffizi Gallery. (B)
DAY 8 FLORENCE TO ROME. On your way out of Florence keep your eyes peeled for local artist Clet’s doctored street signs (Google it). Then arrive in Rome
for an orientation that’s nothing like the one you had at uni. (B,D)
DAY 9 ROME. Go pizza-hunting in Caesar’s backyard and get #livinglikealocal. (B)
DAY 10 ROME TO VENICE. Off to the home of more than 400 bridges and 118 islands via Verona. Fill up over dinner then slip into a food coma of epic proportions. (B,D)
DAY 11 VENICE. Chop off some of those calories exploring the city on foot this morning. Then cue singing men in water limos taking you down a labyrinth of canals. Viva Italia. (B)
DAY 12 VENICE TO AUSTRIAN ALPS. Arrive at the home of carbs and adrenaline sports on stick(s). Tonight we kick off in style with tobogganing (optional). (B,D)
DAY 13 AUSTRIAN ALPS. Sing “Let It Go”, eat snow, slide down white slopes and play king of the castle. Or jump on a sledge or a cable car if you want to play it low key. (B)
DAY 14 AUSTRIAN ALPS. Take two. Build a snowman then stuff yourself with meat and strudel. (B,D)
DAY 15 AUSTRIAN ALPS TO MUNICH, GERMANY. This is so boring. Said no one ever. A late start for extra snowtime then Munich for some après-ski at the Hofbräuhaus. (B)
DAY 16 MUNICH TO LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA. Chocolate box perfection as we roll into Ljubljana today. Kick things off with a guided tour then explore your way around Europe’s last undiscovered fairytale. (B)
DAY 17 LJUBLJANA TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Ruined buildings? Redesign? Not in Budapest. If you haven’t heard of ruin bars, you should have. Get
your glad rags on and prepare for some signature European nightlife with a hipster twist. (B,D)
DAY 18 BUDAPEST. Included entry to the Gellért Baths is just the tonic after the night before. Relax and enjoy. And then get right back out there. We told you Budapest was hardcore, right? (B)
DAY 19 BUDAPEST TO KRAKOW, POLAND. Two countries in one day? Easy. Take the scenic route through Slovakia to Krakow and kick back with a Polish feast. (B,D)
DAY 20 KRAKOW. Start with Kazimierz, the Old Jewish quarter of the city. Labyrinth streets and markets, bars and cafés – this is where the cool kids hang out. (B)
DAY 21 KRAKOW TO ČESKÝ KRUMLOV, CZECH REPUBLIC. Put things into perspective with a visit to Europe’s most notorious concentration camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau. Then continue on with a night in UNESCO heritage city Český Krumlov. (B,D)
DAY 22 ČESKÝ KRUMLOV TO PRAGUE. A hop, skip and a jump (read: short drive) and we’re in Prague. Explore the city on foot, then find out why this city is known for its nightlife. (B,D)
DAY 23 PRAGUE. Check out the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square or the Astronomical Clock. For quirky (and not so) museums, try the Castle District. (B)
DAY 24 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. From one behemoth to another. A quick stop in pretty-special Dresden then a rolling history lesson in the home of rave and currywursts. (B,D)
DAY 25 BERLIN. Start off your day with a history lesson at the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie and the Reichstag building. Then strap on your dancing shoes and assemble the wolfpack – tonight we party. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Stay at famous Hotel Gellért, Budapest
+ Entry to the world-renowned Gellért Baths
+ Paris city lights driving tour
+ Gondola ride in Venice
+ Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration
+ Overnight stay in UNESCO World Heritage-listed Český Krumlov
+ Amsterdam bike tour & farewell dinner cruise
+ Guided tour of former concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau
+ Local guide in Florence
+ Stays in the Swiss & Austrian Alps
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 27 breakfasts (B), 15 dinners (D)
+ 27 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double)
+ English Channel crossings
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
DAY 26 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. On to the spiritual home of Van Gogh. Eat fries with mayo, explore the city or wander the picturesque canals. (B)
DAY 27 AMSTERDAM. Hit the streets like a local, exploring the city by bike, then dance to the beat of your own drum for the rest of the day. For a dose of history, pay a visit to the Anne Frank House, and then reconvene for an evening canal dinner cruise. (B,D)
DAY 28 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON VIA BRUGES, BELGIUM. The trip might be over but there’s still time to stock up on Belgian chocolate and comfort your broken soul. There’s always Facebook. And next year. (B)
Meet at 6am in London. Finish Approximately 9pm in London.
SECTOR TRIPS OFFER YOU A GREAT WAY TO CHOOSE A DEPARTURE CITY, SET OF EXPERIENCES OR JOURNEY LENGTH THAT BEST SUITS YOU. A sector trip is part of a larger journey, meaning your new friends might continue on after you get off or you might be joining a trip already in progress.
DAY 1 LONDON TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). Leave London for dust as we Dover over the English Channel to Calais for a beauty smackdown. Wrap your lips around your first real French meal then see the City of Lights at its best on a jawdropping driving tour. (D)
DAY 2 PARIS. Bike along the Seine on an optional tour or just flâner (stroll) around and drink it in. Check out L’eclair de Genie in le Marais, get your obligatory Eiffel Tower #selfie then explore the world’s largest grave at the Catacombs. Tonight, river cruise or cabaret? Your call. (B,D)
DAY 3 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. Tear yourself away from that baguette – fondue awaits! The Swiss Alps will smash those fairytale ideals outta the park with scenery even Elsa’s high notes couldn’t top. Enjoy the National Geographic doco on repeat from your window then get your comfort eating pants on for an included dinner. Hint: There will be cheese. (B,D)
DAY 4 SWISS ALPS. Today = no brainer. Ski, snowboard, snow angel, then park yourself fireside with a mug of glühwein. They don’t make these ridiculously cosy cafes for nothing. Craving more altitude? Jump on the revolving gondola to the top of Mt Titlis and test your pano #photoskills. (B,D)
DAY 5 SWISS ALPS TO FLORENCE, ITALY. Make your food baby sing as we roll into the land of hearty Tuscan cuisine and birthplace of gelato: Florence. Whip around Santa Maria del Fiore before tucking into amore on a plate. (B,D)
DAY 6 FLORENCE TO ROME. Get schooled on the Medici family, stroll the Ponte Vecchio (the only bridge not bombed in WWII) and learn the art of leather tooling (new handbag, anyone?) on a morning walking tour. Then hightail it to Rome for a rendezvous with ancient architecture’s biggest players. (B)
DAY 7 ROME. Create the ultimate Roman Holiday in one day with a whirlwind of Vespas, espresso, twocheek kisses and pizza the way it’s supposed to taste. Opt to see the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica, go back to 80AD inside the Colosseum and Roman
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Paris city lights driving tour
+ Local guide in Florence
+ Stay in the Swiss Alps
+ 7 breakfasts (B), 5 dinners (D)
+ 7 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double)
+ English Channel ferry crossings
+ Modern air-conditioned coach
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
Forum, or conquer the cobblestones in search of the weirdest gelato flavours you can find. Kentucky tobacco, anyone? (B)
DAY 8 ROME. Make it an espresso doppio this morning – you’re on your own from here. Rome wasn’t built in a day so why not spend a few more and get to know the Eternal City a little better? (B)
DAY 1 ROME, ITALY. All roads lead to Rome: pass by the Pantheon, throw your two cents in the Trevi Fountain, sit on the Spanish Steps and visit ancient history’s version of the Hunger Games set at the Colosseum. Tonight, you’re in Disneyland for foodies. Have fun.
DAY 2 ROME. When in Rome...do an optional guided tour of the world’s smallest country and bask in the glory of the Sistine Chapel. Then go your own way and protest paleo (the average Italian eats 20kg of pasta a year) or drink espresso standing up, like you’re meant to. (B)
DAY 3 ROME TO VENICE. Say ciao to Venice from across the lagoon as we check into our hotel and have an Eat Pray Love-worthy relationship with an irresistible Italian (meal). But first, a pitstop at Romeo and Juliet’s old hangout in Verona (Shakespeare’s version, not Luhrmann’s). (B,D)
DAY 4 VENICE. After a walking tour to set your inner GPS and a quintessential (also: essential) included gondola ride, take the day at your own pace. Contrary to popular belief, this archipelago of islands is only sinking about 3-4 centimetres every century, so you’ve got time. (B)
DAY 5 VENICE TO SALZBURG, AUSTRIA. So long, farewell as we set off to find The Sound of Music and tick off Mozart’s House and the Salzburg Castle. Save room for strudel – this place has the best. (B,D)
DAY 6 SALZBURG TO HEIDELBERG, GERMANY. Picture the definition of pretty and you’ve got Heidelberg. Think: castle ruins, bridges and meadows, oh my! – then clink beer steins over dinner. The local brew Vetter 33 packs a record-setting punch, so pace yourself. (B,D)
DAY 7 HEIDELBERG TO AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS. It’s built on stilts and has more bikes than people. But if that doesn’t ring a bell, then a photo opp at the famous ‘I Amsterdam’ is sure to spell it out. Explore the best bits on foot, sans-clogs, including the notorious Red Light District. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Gondola ride in Venice
+ Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration
+ Amsterdam bike tour & farewell dinner cruise
+ 8 breakfasts (B), 4 dinners (D)
+ 8 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double)
+ English Channel ferry crossings
+ Modern air-conditioned coach
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
DAY 8 AMSTERDAM. Push the pedals with a bike tour, then carb-load on poffertjes and stroopwafels – muchneeded energy to take on the city’s 51 museums (must-dos: Anne Frank, Van Gogh and Heineken). It might be nicknamed the ‘Dam, but it’s actually home to more canals than Venice – tonight we'll take them on with an included dinner cruise. (B,D)
DAY 9 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON. Today is brought to you by the letter B – Bruges, beer, Belgian chocolate and a 366-step belfry (worth it for the views from the top). Nip the post-holiday blues in the bud before London calls with a serving of the local specialty – chips by the cone fried in beef and horse fat. Mmm. (B)
DAY 1 ROME, ITALY. Meet your Trip Leader and embark on a walking tour that’ll give your bucket list a workout. Make like Caesar (the emperor, not the salad) and work up a colossus hunger as you pass by the Pantheon, throw your two cents in the Trevi Fountain, sit on the Spanish Steps and visit ancient history's version of the Hunger Games set at the Colosseum.
DAY 2 ROME TO VENICE. Snap a selfie at Juliet’s balcony in Verona, and then say ciao to Venice from across the lagoon as we check into our hotel. Note: get ready to have an Eat Pray Love-worthy relationship with an irresistible Italian meal. (B,D)
DAY 3 VENICE. Get your bearings on this morning's walking tour, as you soak up St Mark's Square before a quintessential gondola ride on the Grand Canal. This afternoon, snoop the Doge's Palace, cross Rialto Bridge and shop for Carnevale masks. (B)
DAY 4 VENICE TO LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA. Giddy up, we're off to Ljubljana (lyoob-lya-nah) – aka the capital of Slovenia. But first a stop at Insta-worthy Lake Bled. Shoot back to the Middle Ages with a visit to Ljubljana Castle and Old Town, and then tonight, hit up the military-barracks-turned-bar-and-gallery-strip, for a tea or vino. (B)
DAY 5 LJUBLJANA TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Budapest awaits. Check out Hero's Square, Parliament House, the National Palace, Fisherman's Bastion and swanky Andrássy Ave on a driving tour, and then roll into bed in the very grand Gellért Hotel. (B,D)
DAY 6 BUDAPEST. Indulge in a spa treatment at the famous Gellért Baths, and then visit the Buda Castle or House of Terror Museum. Tonight, hang with the hipsters and drink local fruit brandy at Szimpla Kertmozi – the original ruin bar. (B)
DAY 7 BUDAPEST TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Pick your Baroque from Rococo as we slide into Vienna and check out the Hofburg and Schonbrunn Palaces. Top off your day with a schnitzel and apple strudel at Cafe Central, the regular hangout of Freud, Trotsky and Lenin. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Gondola ride in Venice
+ Stay at famous Hotel Gellért, Budapest
+ Entry to the world-renowned Gellért Baths
+ 9 breakfasts (B), 3 dinners (D)
+ 9 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double)
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
DAY 8 VIENNA TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. First, a sobering visit to Mauthausen concentration camp for a lesson in the resilience of humanity. Then, fuel up on trdelník (pastry deliciousness) before a walking tour amongst spires and cobblestone streets in Prague. (B,D)
DAY 9 PRAGUE. Channel your inner bohemian and seek out the John Lennon memorial wall to start your free day, before visiting the National or Communist Museum, eating roast pork from one of the street vendors lining Old Town Square and drinking beer. Really. Good. Beer. (B)
DAY 10 PRAGUE. Our trip is ending, but that doesn't mean your time here has to. Get in touch with your boho side and stay longer to hit a high note at a jazz club, circle Wenceslas Square or say hello to Prague Castle. (B)
DAY 1 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Welcome to Budapest! Get to know your fellow travellers over a mouthwatering Hungarian feast in a local restaurant, and then kick your feet up at the world-famous Hotel Gellért. (D)
DAY 2 BUDAPEST. Today, indulge in a spa treatment at the world famous Gellért Baths, and then visit the Buda Castle or House of Terror Museum. Tonight, hang with the hipsters and drink local fruit brandy at Szimpla Kert – the original ruin bar. (B)
DAY 3 BUDAPEST TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA. We roll into Vienna and wave hello to the President as we pass the Hofburg Palace. Top off your day with a schnitzel and apple strudel at Cafe Central, the regular hangout of Freud, Trotsky and Lenin. (B)
DAY 4 VIENNA TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. First, a sobering visit to Mauthausen concentration camp for a lesson in the resilience of humanity. Once we hit Prague, suss out the castle deemed the largest ancient castle in the world by Guinness World Records, cross medieval Charles Bridge and watch 'Death' toll the hour on an astronomical clock that's over 600 years old. (B,D)
DAY 5 PRAGUE. Soak up some Czech history at the National or Communist Museum or get a taste of the quirky local culture at a marionette puppet opera. After, eat roast pork from one of the street vendors lining Old Town Square and wash it down with some beer. Really. Good. Beer. (B)
DAY 6 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. Get acquainted with 800 year old Dresden – a city virtually destroyed in WWII and then rebuilt – and ogle the Frauenkirche before making your beard all the more ironic in Berlin. We'll drive you around to see (what's left of) the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag building before knuckling down with some pork at Hofbräuhaus. Tonight, we party. (B,D)
DAY 7 BERLIN. Join the optional Third Reich walking tour for an insight into what the city was like under Nazi rule during WWII, go on a museum crawl or head to the zoo. More culture awaits on Museum Island,
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Stay at famous Hotel Gellért, Budapest
+ Entry to the world-renowned Gellért Baths
+ Dinner at Hofbräuhaus, Berlin
+ Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration
+ Amsterdam bike tour & farewell dinner cruise
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 9 breakfasts (B), 4 dinners (D)
+ 9 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double)
+ English Channel crossing
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
with creative types and memorable meals available in the Prenzlauer Berg and Kreuzberg neighbourhoods. (B)
DAY 8 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Start dreaming of cheese, clogs and cheeky cafe stops as we roll through tulip and windmill dotted fields to Amsterdam. Learn how cheddar and the chunky wooden shoes are made then get your bearings on a walking tour of the vibrant capital. (B)
DAY 9 AMSTERDAM. On your bike and soak up the city's 51 museums (must-dos: Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House). Still thirsty for more? Check out the Heineken Experience for an interactive visit and tasting at the brewery. Top it off with a dinner cruise on the canal. (B,D)
DAY 10 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON. Homeward bound with a stop at Bruges. With chocolate and waffles at top of the national pride list, it makes for a damn fine walking tour. Stock up on the sweet stuff, climb the 366 step belfry and then it's back on the ferry to ol' Blighty. (B)
DAY 1 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Budapest is a high roller of a city. In fact, in 1946 they printed a bank note worth 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 pengo (that’s a quintillion). We'll see what they spent all that cash on during the next two days. (D)
DAY 2 BUDAPEST. You’ve got included entry to the Gellért Baths today – lap it up. If you’re shy and think you’ll turn redder than Hungarian paprika, check out the views from the chain bridge as you cross the Danube. (B)
DAY 3 BUDAPEST TO KRAKOW, POLAND. A dragon had to be smited in order for Krakow to be built. Bit tougher than the usual council approvals, no? Check out Wawel Castle and Old Town and slay a few glasses of mead on the way. (B,D)
DAY 4 KRAKOW. Krakow has fantasy, history and a giant salt mine that goes 327 metres underground. Seriously. Cruise around the city on two wheels and then check out MOCAK (Museum of Contemporary Art Krakow) which shares walls with the remnants of Oskar Schindler’s factory. (B)
DAY 5 KRAKOW TO ČESKÝ KRUMLOV, CZECH REPUBLIC. This morning we pay our respects at Auschwitz-Birkenau. Then, we make our way to Český Krumlov. Check out what it takes to make some true World Heritage list material then tuck into a traditional Czech meal. It’s pretty much the cosiest place in the world. (B,D)
DAY 6 ČESKÝ KRUMLOV TO PRAGUE. Time to storm into Prague with a thirst for pilsner and an appetite for architecture. We check out Old Town Square and Charles Bridge as your Instagram explodes. #PragueLyf. (B,D)
DAY 7 PRAGUE. Prague is over 1,100 years old and has learned a few things over the years – like how to make the best beer you’ll ever taste and stay sexy well into your 1000s. The mix of old world castles and crazy new buildings like Frank Gehry’s Dancing House will keep your friends back home jealous. (B)
DAY 8 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. The city centre of Dresden was completely destroyed in World
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Stay at famous Hotel Gellért, Budapest
+ Entry to the world-renowned Gellért Baths
+ Overnight stay in UNESCO heritage listed Český Krumlov
+ Guided tour of former concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 9 breakfasts (B), 5 dinners (D)
+ 9 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double)
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
War II so our walking tour is a lesson in resilience. Berlin’s next so prep yourself for currywurst, absinthe and more hipsters per capita than anywhere else. (B,D)
DAY 9 BERLIN. Fun fact: Berlin has more museums than rainy days, so stash the umbrella, it’s culture time! Then wander the historical highway from Checkpoint Charlie to the actual building where the Final Solution was planned. (B)
DAY 10 BERLIN. Auf Wiedersehen is hard enough to say, so book another trip so you can don your lederhosen once again. (B)
This is part of the 28 Day Winter Expedition. See p.18 or visit www.topdeck.travel
Start Meet at 6pm in Budapest. Finish Approximately 9am in Berlin.
DAY 1 MUNICH, GERMANY. What better place to start than in the friendliest city there ever was? No really, ‘Munich likes you’ is the city motto. Thanks Munich! We kinda’ like you, too. Now that you and the city have broken the ice, enjoy a stroll through its enigmatic streets, and then treat yo'self to a stein at Hofbräuhaus.
DAY 2 MUNICH TO LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA. Jump in the Delorean (or the 70-metre funicular) and shoot back to the Middle Ages – the Ljubljana Castle and Old Town here have been waiting for you since Celtic times. (B)
DAY 3 LJUBLJANA TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Meet Buda and Pest: the twin cities sitting pretty on the River Danube. Get the goss on a driving tour then feast, Hungarian style! (B,D)
DAY 4 BUDAPEST. So much to do, so much to see! Mull it over while soaking in the Gellért Baths. Then cruise down Andrássy út, wander (and spend) at the Central Market Hall, or settle into a ruin bar. (B)
DAY 5 BUDAPEST TO KRAKOW, POLAND. Legend has it this medieval capital is protected by a dragon. Lucky for you it gave us the all-clear to explore. Wawel Castle and Market Square, we’re coming for ya! (B,D)
DAY 6 KRAKOW. Get all up in the streets of Krakow today. Check out the Wieliczka Salt Mine or Oskar Schindler’s factory. (B)
DAY 7 KRAKOW TO ČESKÝ KRUMLOV, CZECH REPUBLIC. Open your heart on this morning’s visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Then to Český Krumlov – aka what UNESCO dreams are made of. Think: cobblestone lanes built around one fine castle with bears living in its moat. Epic. (B,D)
DAY 8 ČESKÝ KRUMLOV TO PRAGUE. Prague? Czech! Now you can say you’ve strolled across Charles Bridge and sussed out the castle deemed the largest ancient castle in the world. #Word. (B,D)
DAY 9 PRAGUE. Disney castle spires, hand-made puppets and street artists – talk about magic! Hit up the Jewish Quarter and medieval Town Hall then
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Entry to the world-renowned Gellért Baths
+ Guided tour of former concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau
+ Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration
+ Amsterdam bike tour & farewell dinner cruise
+ Overnight stay in UNESCO heritage listed Český Krumlov
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 13 breakfasts (B), 6 dinners (D)
+ 13 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double)
+ English Channel crossing
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
gorge on dumplings and honey cake. In other news: beer has been brewed here since 993 AD. (B)
DAY 10 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. Hello Germany! Make a pit stop in Dresden to ogle the Frauenkirche then onward to Berlin in all its hipster glory. Chow down on pork knuckle at Hofbräuhaus before getting your DJ groupie on. (B,D)
DAY 11 BERLIN. Take the optional Third Reich walking tour, stroll under the Brandenburg Gate and get a sense of how far the city has come. Afterwards, (B)
DAY 12 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Off to the land of clogs and cheese, where there are more bikes than people. Before hitting the town, take a peek in the Red Light District. (B)
DAY 13 AMSTERDAM. Make like a local and get on a 'Dam bike! After some peddling, check out Van Gogh Museum and the Heineken Experience. Top it off with a dinner cruise on the canal. (B,D)
DAY 14 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON. The end is near, but first we’re in Bruges. Time to indulge in copious amounts of chocolate and waffles before exploring the city distinguished by its canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings. (B)
DAY 1 ROME, ITALY. Make like Caesar (the emperor, not the salad) and work up a colossus hunger ogling the Colosseum and Spanish Steps, then feast at a local trattoria.
DAY 2 ROME TO VENICE. Today, onto Venice! First, Juliet’s Balcony in fair Verona to join throngs of lovers leaving notes on the wall. (B,D)
DAY 3 VENICE. 100+ slowly sinking islands won’t explore themselves; let us hook you up with a gondola ride, and then walk like a Byzantine to see St Mark’s Square and Rialto Bridge. (B)
DAY 4 VENICE TO LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA. A fairytale castle + an Insta-worthy lake (Bled) = just an average day for the Slovenes. A mashup of modern and ancient, there’s wine bars, eclectic cafes and sights galore to tackle. (B)
DAY 5 LJUBLJANA TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Paternal twins Buda and Pest sit pretty on the River Danube; get familiar with a driving tour to see Buda Castle and Gellért Hill. Later: Tippling at ruin bars. (B,D)
DAY 6 BUDAPEST. Useless fact: Both the noiseless match and Rubik’s cube were invented by Hungarians. Mull over these tidbits while cruising Andrássy Ave, making eyes at St Stephen's Basilica, and soaking in the Gellért Baths. (B)
DAY 7 BUDAPEST TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Pick your Baroque from Rococo as we slide into The City of Dreams (kudos, Freud)! The Vienna Orchestra provides the soundtrack while you check out Schönbrunn and Hofburg Palaces. (B)
DAY 8 VIENNA TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. This morning, we visit Mauthausen and learn of the resilience of humanity. After, it’s onto bohemia's cobblestoned streets. Check out Prague’s 606-yearold Astronomical Clock and devour a mouthwatering Trdelník. (B,D)
DAY 9 PRAGUE. Ch-Czech out this pretty city. Get #Selfie happy at Prague Castle, Charles Bridge + the Old Town Square. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Gondola ride in Venice
+ Stay at famous Hotel Gellért, Budapest
+ Entry to the world-renowned Gellért Baths
+ Dinner at Hofbräuhaus, Berlin
+ Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration
+ Amsterdam bike tour & farewell dinner cruise
+ 13 breakfasts (B), 5 dinners (D)
+ 13 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double)
+ English Channel crossing
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
DAY 10 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. A quick stop in historic Dresden to snap the Frauenkirche. Then, pork knuckle and merry-making at Hofbräuhaus before hitting Berlin’s famous club scene. Prost! (B,D)
DAY 11 BERLIN. Get beneath the city’s gritty exterior like ein Berliner at the Jewish Memorial and Brandenburg Gate. Memories of Checkpoint Charlie still remain but this once divided city now stands united. (B)
DAY 12 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS. Fan of cheese and clogs? The ‘Dam is your jam. This bike-loving city nails a good time, all the time. End the night with a cone of hot chips with mayo. (B)
DAY 13 AMSTERDAM. This morning’s included bike ride = the most fun you can have on a fixie. Also check out: The I Amsterdam sign, Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, and Heineken’s HQ just in time for beer o’clock. (B,D)
DAY 14 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON. It’s nearly home time! Console yourself with a big ol’ box of Belgian chocolate before we make our way to LDN. Facebook friends? (B)
DAY 1 LONDON TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). The French invented cinema to capture the world around them. Seeing Notre-Dame, the Louvre and the Arc De Triomphe you’ll know why. (D)
DAY 2 PARIS (FREE DAY). Take the chance to bike around the Eiffel Tower and Place De La Concorde, but pedal hard because dinner is a French affair. (B,D)
DAY 3 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. The view out your window today plays like a documentary on ‘world’s sexiest views’. Then, one word: fondue. (B,D)
DAY 4 SWISS ALPS (FREE DAY). Wake up, eat hearty, then go Stallone all over the Alps. You can glide, slide, hike and ski all over Mount Titlis. Or just chill in the chalet. (B,D)
DAY 5 SWISS ALPS TO MILAN, ITALY. Stop in the tax haven of Liechtenstein to deposit your billions before we make our way to fashion’s capital, Milan. (B)
DAY 6 MILAN TO FLORENCE. The Leaning Tower of Pisa puts a new slant on our trip before we arrive in the birthplace of the renaissance. (B,D)
DAY 7 FLORENCE. Florence has more stories than Bilbo Baggins, more culture than a Shoreditch hipster, over 1800 restaurants and gave the world gelato. We have a local guide to get you in the know today. (B)
DAY 8 FLORENCE TO ROME. Orvieto will fill you up with boar before we make like Caesar and head to Rome. (B,D)
DAY 9 ROME. Take an optional tour of Vatican City to see how Michelangelo messed around and created the High Renaissance, then play eye spy with two-anda-half millennia's worth of history. (B)
DAY 10 ROME TO VENICE. Hark! Maketh haste to whence the lady Juliet was wooed in Verona. See her balcony then continue north to Venice. (B,D)
DAY 11 VENICE. Kick off your day with a city tour, then get your swag on with an included gondola ride through the Grand Canal. This afternoon: throw away
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Paris city lights driving tour
+ Local guide in Florence
+ Gondola ride in Venice
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 15 breakfasts (B), 9 dinners (D)
+ 15 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double)
+ English Channel crossing
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
your map and lose yourself among 118 islands worth of OMG. (B)
DAY 12 VENICE TO AUSTRIAN ALPS. Mountains, skiing and all things après-ski = we’re on our way to Austria. Time to get your Schwarzenegger impression perfect. Get to da choppa! (B,D)
DAYS 13 & 14 AUSTRIAN ALPS (FREE DAYS). Red Bull was born here and once you ski, snowboard and paraglide all over Tyrol you’ll see why. (B) (B,D)
DAY 15 AUSTRIAN ALPS TO MUNICH, GERMANY. In 1632 a Swedish King planned to burn Munich to the ground but instead took a few hostages and 600,000 barrels of Hofbräuhaus. Yep, this is beer so good it stops cities being annihilated. Visit the legendary beer hall and prost to that! (B)
DAY 16 MUNICH. European winters are long so the trip doesn’t need to end here. Group hug it out then start planning your next adventure. (B)
DAY 1 ROME, ITALY. See ‘em and weep: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain. Dinner? There are no bad choices. (D)
DAY 2 ROME. Pop in on the Pope or just kick back in Piazza Navona for some dolce far niente (delicious idleness). (B)
DAY 3 ROME TO VENICE. Snap a selfie at Juliet’s Balcony in Verona and get amped for Venice and its 118 islands. (B,D)
DAY 4 VENICE. Get your bearings on a walking tour, hit St Mark’s Square then go for an included gondola ride. (B)
DAY 5-7 VENICE TO AUSTRIAN ALPS. Austria is bound to impress. Ski. Snowboard. Repeat. Or just sit and stare at the storybook landscape like a love-sick puppy. (B,D) (B) (B,D)
DAY 8 AUSTRIAN ALPS TO MUNICH, GERMANY. Slide on your Lederhosen and have a royal Happy Hour experience at the 427-year-old Hofbräuhaus. (B)
DAY 9 MUNICH TO LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA. Stroll the Old Town and hit up Metelkova Mesto for a sip with a side of live music. (B)
DAY 10 LJUBLJANA TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Get down with twin cities, Buda and Pest. Check out Hero's Square and Andrássy Ave. (B,D)
DAY 11 BUDAPEST. There are 80+ thermal springs in Budapest. Get pruny, then ruin bar hop the night away. (B)
DAY 12 BUDAPEST TO KRAKOW, POLAND. Onto Krakow where you can eat your weight in Polish pierogi. Delish. (B,D)
DAY 13 KRAKOW. Buff up on history at Wawel Castle, visit Oskar Schindler’s factory or check out the Wieliczka Salt Mine. (B)
DAY 14 KRAKOW TO ČESKÝ KRUMLOV, CZECH REPUBLIC. This morning, visit Auschwitz-Birkenau. Take time to reflect before arriving into fairytale Český Krumlov. (B,D)
DAY 15 ČESKÝ KRUMLOV. Fun to say, even more fun to explore. This pocket-sized Prague is all about the charm. (B,D)
+ Gondola ride in Venice
+ Entry to the world-renowned Gellért Baths
+ Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration
+ Amsterdam bike tour & farewell dinner cruise
+ Overnight stay in UNESCO heritage listed Český Krumlov
+ Stay in the Austrian Alps
+ 20 breakfasts (B), 10 dinners (D)
+ 20 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double)
+ English Channel crossings
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
DAY 16 ČESKÝ KRUMLOV TO PRAGUE. Get clued up with a walking tour amongst Prague’s spires. Then chill in Old Town Square and drink really good beer. (B)
DAY 17 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. Say hi to Dresden then see remnants of the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie, followed by pork at the Hofbräuhaus. (B,D)
DAY 18 BERLIN. Your choice: Third Reich tour, museum crawl or the zoo. (B)
DAY 19 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Dream of cheese and clogs as we roll through windmill-dotted fields and see what all that Red Light District fuss is about. (B)
DAY 20 AMSTERDAM. Bike the city before or tour the Anne Frank House. Tonight: Dinner + canal cruise. (B,D)
DAY 21 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON. Make a chocolate stop in Bruges then back to ol’ Blighty (to start planning your next escape). (B)
NZD PER PERSON
is part of the 28 Day Winter Expedition. See p.18 or visit www.topdeck.travel
THEY SAY VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE, AND WE’RE NOT ONES TO DISAGREE. Perfect for budding adventurers looking to tick off the highlights of Europe, Club trips include lots of must-do experiences and accommodation ranging from modern hostels to a 12th century castle. FEATURED STAY: GENERATOR HOSTEL PARIS, FRANCE.
+ Swiss Alps, Switzerland
+ Bordeaux, France
+ Budapest, Hungary
+ Marrakech, Morocco
BUCKET LIST HIGHLIGHTS:
+ Paris city lights driving tour
+ Vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal, Venice
+ Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration
+ Wine tasting in Bordeaux
DAY 1 REYKJAVIK, ICELAND. A small but captivating country, Iceland is unparalleled when it comes to jawdropping landscapes and incredible natural scenery. Meet your Trip Leader and fellow travels buds at your accommodation and get ready to be wowed. (D)
DAY 2 REYKJAVIK. Time to tick off those bucket list items, one Insta-worthy photo at a time. First up: the Blue Lagoon – a lunar-like geothermal pool surrounded by freakishly awesome natural landscapes. Swim, relax, explore and be generally awed by the surrounds, made awesome by the eery steam hovering above the aquamarine water. As if life couldn’t get any better, wait ‘til tonight. Enter: the Northern Lights. Visibility isn’t guaranteed but if you do happen to score that shot, you’ll score bragging rights for life. (B)
DAY 3 REYKJAVIK. Today we swap hot springs for skyscrapers with a free day in über-cool Reykjavik. If you're all about the great outdoors, be sure to check out the Golden Circle for 300 kilometres of the very best Icelandic landscapes. Alternatively, check out the views from Hallgrímskirkja then hit up the half-submerged City Hall and grab a coffee with half your body under the waterline. #Surreal. Tonight, we feast. Take advantage of the city’s local variety of seafood, meat and game, or if you’re not feelin’ the Nordic fare, tuck into the famous Icelandic hot dog – a staple in the Reykjavik’s food scene since 1937. Made with a combination of pork, beef and lamb, the dog is dubbed the best in Europe. You be the judge. Postdinner, delve into the city’s buzzing nightlife, but be prepared for a late one: things don’t get good ‘til like, midnight. (B)
DAY 4 REYKJAVIK. Today = goodbyes. Shake off the gloomy feels and look forward to the moment you get to relive the trip through your computer screen. Hello, #bestphotosever! (B)
Start Meet at 2-5pm in
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Tour of the Blue Lagoon with local guide
+ Northern Lights tour
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 3 breakfasts (B), 1 dinner (D)
+ 3 nights hostel accommodation
+ Awesome Trip Leader
DAY 1 KIRCHDORF IN TYROL, AUSTRIA. All roads lead to Kirchdorf! Make sure you’ve booked your shuttle transfer from Munich, Innsbruck or Salzburg airports to this charming Alpine village in time for a meeting with your crew and set your snow itin’. Newbie or not, you’ll nail it.
DAY 2 DAY 2 KIRCHDORF IN TYROL. Ready, set, shred. Kirchdorf, St Johann, Steinplatte, Fieberbrunn and Kitzbühel ski zones are in yodelling distance, you lucky duck. Post-slopes, head indoors for an included session of après-ski. (B)
DAY 3 KIRCHDORF IN TYROL . Charge that GoPro, today you hit the slopes like a local. Don’t let your eyes fool you, the postcard perfection is for real. Take notes: Our mountain guides are the piste de resistance. Find all the #trickspo you need at tonight’s ski show. (B)
DAY 4 KIRCHDORF IN TYROL. The snow-capped hills (Alps, really) are alive with the sound of carving. You’ve got this down. A three-course meal including Tyrolean ribs* is bound to provide tonight’s sustenance (vegetarian option available). (B,D)
DAY 5 KIRCHDORF IN TYROL. All this pow pow makes for sore legs. Take the cable car up to let gravity do the work on the way down. Tonight, we feast on schnitzel in St Johann. Schnitz, yeah! (B)
DAY 6 KIRCHDORF IN TYROL. Feeling competitive? Join in a ski or snowboard race. Alternatively, 1.6 kilometres of fresh snow + a toboggan have your name on them. Hit up Wilder Kaiser to make tracks down the mountain. Eyes on the prize though, it ain’t as easy as it looks. (B,D)
DAY 7 KIRCHDORF IN TYROL. How ‘bout them views? So much pretty to take in, but you haven’t really been there without a few sneaky selfies, right? Say edelweiss! (B)
DAY 8 KIRCHDORF IN TYROL. Still so much stoke, but it’s time to say goodbye. Swap emails over breakfast before hightailing it back to the real world. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Exclusive Topdeck mountain tour with qualified instructors
+ Tobogganing or curling on the Wilder Kaiser
+ Schnitzel evening in St Johann
+ Karaoke evening
+ 7 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D) including traditional Tyrolean ribs
+ 7 nights in a traditional Austrian Bed & Breakfast chalet
+ Awesome Trip Leader
*Tyrolean ribs night will be a Christmas dinner during Christmas week
No need to bring all your gear. You can book everything you need on arrival. Skis, snowboards, helmets and boots. Then choose lessons (if you need them) and a lift pass (you'll probably need one of these). Easy.
TWIN/DOUBLE TRIP PRICE OF $1165
XMAS/NY TWIN/DOUBLE TRIP PRICE OF $1195
G = Guaranteed departure
8 DAYS FROM $1060
NZD PER PERSON
Meet at 2pm in Kirchdorf in Tyrol. Finish Approximately 10am in Kirchdorf in Tyrol.
+
TRIP PRICE OF $1380 + $350 FOOD FUND =
PRICE $1730
TRIP PRICE OF $1450 + $350 FOOD FUND =
DAY 1 LONDON TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). What’s the first thing we want in France? French food, of course. Devour dinner with a side of snails (eek!) before a tour of Paris to see the twinkly lights. Job done. (D)
DAY 2 PARIS. A free day in Paris = go nuts. Follow in your favourite literary figure’s footsteps (hello, Hemingway) or just hang with the locals. If you fancy a cabaret or river cruise after dinner, we’ll hook you up. (B,D)
DAY 3 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. We’ll be #nofilter-ed out by the end of today’s Instagram feed. With picturesque mountains and to-die-for scenery, this place has to be seen to believed. Not to mention the carb-tastic dinner. (B,D)
DAY 4 SWISS ALPS. Burn off last night’s dinner with a hike or bike – or take the cruisey option and head up the Jungfrau by train. It’s the highest rail station in Europe, as the views will attest. (B,D)
DAY 5 SWISS ALPS TO VENICE, ITALY. Bella Italia today as we roll into Venice. Get ready to get lost in its maze-like alleyways as you ogle the romantic canals. Inside tip: the best local haunts will always be found off the beaten track. (B,D)
DAY 6 VENICE. We’ll take to land and ‘sea’ today. Enjoy a walking tour taking in the greats, then a classic vaporetto ride. This is what public transport should be like. And don’t miss the full gondola experience. (B)
DAY 7 VENICE TO MUNICH, GERMANY. In a city so well known for beer (Oktoberfest rules here) it would be a shame not to drink it. Wirsthauser (pub restaurants) ensure plenty of beer and for non-vegos, plenty of meat. Prost! (B)
DAY 8 MUNICH TO RHINE VALLEY. Not too many grapes on the vine at this time of year but it doesn’t matter. Pinch yourself because tonight you live like a
and sleep in a castle. (B,D)
DAY 9 RHINE VALLEY TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Europe’s most infamous city. Get the obvious out of the way (Red Light District, anyone?)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal, Venice
+ Paris city lights driving tour
+ Amsterdam bike tour & farewell dinner cruise
+ Dutch cheese & clog demonstration
+ Stay in the Rhine Valley castle region
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 10 breakfasts (B), 7 dinners (D)
+ 2 nights hotel upgrade, 8 nights hostel accommodation
+ English Channel crossings
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
then discover the Amsterdam the locals want to keep quiet. (B)
DAY 10 AMSTERDAM. The best city to explore by two wheels. Not only for the cool-factor but because there are no hills. At all. We’ll continue our mission to #LiveLikeALocal this afternoon before our farewell dinner cruise. (B,D)
DAY 11 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON VIA BRUGES, BELGIUM. The final stretch. Bruges for chocolate and beer then London town. (B)
Start Meet at 6am in London.
DAY 1 LONDON TO COLOGNE, GERMANY. Cross the English Channel into Christmas market cheer. Fairy lights, glühwein and a giant ice-cream cone atop a shopping centre…what’s not to love about this place?! (D)
DAY 2 COLOGNE. Take yourself to church – climb the 509 spiralling, stone steps for 360-degree #epic views at the UNESCO-listed Kölner Dom. There are 30+ museums to suss out but the chocolate museum has obvious swag. (B)
DAY 3 COLOGNE TO PARIS, FRANCE. Big expectations? Raise ‘em, tenfold. So much more than baguettes and berets, tonight’s dinner will prep your tastebuds while a city lights driving tour will slap you with pretty. (B,D)
DAY 4 PARIS. French vocab 101: macaron, eclair, croissant…that should cover you on this free day. Jump on a bike tour, drop some dolla dolla bills on Champs-Élysées or scale Tour Eiffel. Tonight, cabaret or Seine cruise? Your choice. (B)
DAY 5 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. Tolkien hiked here in 1911 but you’ll get the scenic coach option today and see why Lauterbrunnen valley inspired the fictitious valley of Rivendell. (B,D)
DAY 6 SWISS ALPS. Ski and board ‘til it hurts – this is the Alps; the piste de resistance. Not hardcore enough? Training it to the top of Jungfrau or skydiving out of a helicopter oughta do the trick. (B,D)
DAY 7 SWISS ALPS TO MUNICH, GERMANY. Get to know the city where beer is officially considered a food. The Hofbräuhaus doesn’t want you to go hungry, so (pork) knuckle in. (B,D)
DAY 8 MUNICH. Pause and reflect at Dachau concentration camp this morning. Later: climb the Frauenkirche tower or jump on an electric bike tour. Free day = your way. (B)
DAY 9 MUNICH TO BERLIN. Practice your "Ich bin ein Berliner" before a driving tour of the (remnants of) Berlin Wall + Checkpoint Charlie. (B,D)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Paris city lights driving tour
+ Amsterdam bike tour & farewell dinner cruise
+ Visit former concentration camp Dachau
+ Christmas markets in Cologne
+ 12 breakfasts (B), 7 dinners (D)
+ 10 nights hostel accommodation, 2 nights in bungalows
+ English Channel crossings
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
DAY 10 BERLIN. Join the Third Reich walking tour for a history lesson and tonight, get down with your badass self – this is the real city that never sleeps. (B)
DAY 11 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. When your day starts with cheese and clogs and ends with cones of fries with mayo in the Red Light District, you know you’re in for a good time. (B)
DAY 12 AMSTERDAM. Work off those stroopwafels and fries on a bike tour, take time to reflect in Anne Frank House, then cruise the canals on a private dinner boat tour. Life = made. (B,D)
DAY 13 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON VIA BRUGES, BELGIUM. Gluten intolerant? We’re sorry. Really. With chocolate, waffles and beer topping the national list of pride in Bruges, it makes for a damn fine stop before home time. (B)
$2430
DAY 1 MADRID, SPAIN. Reset your body clock; you’re on Madrid time now. Meet your crew and get fired up for the trip. (D)
DAY 2 MADRID TO GRANADA. Siesta as we make our way to the base of the Sierra Nevada, aka the land of free tapas (Google it). After dinner, seek out a tetería for delish pastries and sweet mint tea. (B,D)
DAY 3 GRANADA. Winter = no crowds through the chiselled kaleidoscope that makes up the Alhambra and the Palacio de Generalife. Get schooled in Islamic architecture with a guided tour then tapas your heart out. (B)
DAY 4 GRANADA TO CHEFCHAOUEN, MOROCCO. Wave Andalusia goodbye and be awash in blue as we enter Chefchaouen, known for its pastel colours. Give your Instagram feed a workout while you tour the medina and souk. (B,D)
DAY 5 CHEFCHAOUEN TO FES. Hightail it to the Mecca of the West with a front-row pano of the rolling Rif Mountains and snow-strewn Middle Atlas Mountains playing out the coach window. Thanks nature. (B)
DAY 6 FES. Tick ‘em off with a local guide: royal palace, Jewish neighbourhood, UNESCO-listed medina and leather tannery. Then hunt down a hammam and lose yourself in the labyrinth of souks and cobblestone streets. (B)
DAY 7 FES TO MARRAKECH. Bend it like the berbers back ‘round the Middle Atlas towards Marrakech and soak up the colours, smells and vibes of the Red City. (B,D)
DAY 8 MARRAKECH. See the Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Minaret and mosaic madness that is the Saadian Tombs, then work your way past snake charmers and fall into the rhythm of Djemma el-fna square. (B)
DAY 9 MARRAKECH TO ASILAH. Make your way to the whitewashed wonder that is this seaside town and get snap-happy in between Spanish feasts. (B,D)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Guided tour of the Alhambra, Granada
+ Local guide in Fes & Marrakech
+ Farewell dinner in Madrid
+ 14 Breakfasts (B), 8 dinners (D)
+ 6 nights hotel upgrade, 8 nights hostel accommodation
+ Strait of Gibraltar ferry crossings
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
DAY 10 ASILAH TO SEVILLE, SPAIN. Leave the tajines for the home of paella and the Moorish brilliance that is the Alcazar. (B,D)
DAY 11 SEVILLE. Random fact: Seville’s cathedral allegedly houses Christopher Columbus’s tomb, but the jury’s still out as to whether he’s really buried there. Do your own investigating then opt in for a fierce flamenco performance. (B)
DAY 12 SEVILLE TO LISBON, PORTUGAL. Three words you need to know in Lisbon: Pastéis de Belém. Make a beeline for the famous egg tarts before dinner. (B,D)
DAY 13 LISBON. Catch a yellow tram, hit up a fado club, snap a #selfie in the pink street and save some energy for Bairro Alto for live music and cocktails. (B)
DAY 14 LISBON TO MADRID, SPAIN. Cross the border back to the Spanish capital and gorge on a smorgasbord of art history on a driving tour of the city. (B,D)
DAY 15 MADRID. Finish off your trip with some free time to explore Madrid. You'll be back. (B)
DAY 1 LONDON TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). So long London, bonjour France! A first taste of French cuisine and a tour of the most iconic sights in Paris – by night. Ooh la la! (D)
DAY 2 PARIS. Free day means #livinglikealocal. Browse bookshops in Le Marais, drink espresso in the 10th arrondissement or get lost in Père Lachaise. Plus, the chance for cabaret or a Seine cruise this evening. (B,D)
DAY 3 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. With sceneries like this, it’s all #NoFilter today. (B,D)
DAY 4 SWISS ALPS. Take a ride to Europe’s highest railway station for bragging rights and great views. (B,D)
DAY 5 SWISS ALPS TO FLORENCE, ITALY. From nature-made to man-made as we stop in Pisa en route to Florence. (B,D)
DAY 6 FLORENCE. Explore the city with a local guide. Take notes. Then come back to explore. (B)
DAY 7 FLORENCE TO ROME. A stop in Orvieto and then Rome in winter = #FOMO killer. (B,D)
DAY 8 ROME. Take the option to visit the Vatican (aka the world’s smallest country), then Rome is yours. Red wine and pizza anyone? (B)
DAY 9 ROME TO VENICE. Ah, fair Verona. Sigh over Juliet/Romeo then shake it off – we’re going island hopping, Venice-style. (B,D)
DAY 10 VENICE. Take a map. Or don’t. Either way, find St Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. They’re epic. And free. (B)
DAY 11 VENICE TO SALZBURG, AUSTRIA. The city of Mozart vs. the Sound of Music. Get ready for a danceoff. (B,D)
DAY 12 SALZBURG TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. It’s a sobering start to the day with a visit to Mauthausen. Next up, Prague. (B,D)
DAY 13 PRAGUE. An unexpected foodie paradise. Go beyond the beer and check out the fare on offer in the ‘City of a Hundred Spires’. (B)
+ Vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal, Venice
+ Amsterdam bike tour & farewell dinner cruise
+ Paris city lights driving tour
+ Local guide in Florence
+ Try traditional Swiss fondue
+ Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration
+ Guided tour of former concentration camp Mauthausen
+ 17 breakfasts (B), 11 dinners (D)
+ 2 nights hotel upgrade, 11 nights hostel accommodation, 4 nights in bungalows
+ English Channel crossings
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
DAY 14 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. Off to Dresden. Look up the history – then look at the city centre. Berlin history awaits with a driving tour of all the favourites. (B,D)
DAY 15 BERLIN. Work your free day with a visit to hipster-chic Neukölln, Friedrichshain or Kreuzberg. (B)
DAY 16 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Yes, we’ll visit the Red Light District. But don’t let that fool you. Take a walk to experience the real Amsterdam. (B)
DAY 17 AMSTERDAM. Take to two wheels as we bike across the city. Then smartphones at the ready for our farewell dinner cruise. (B,D)
DAY 18 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON VIA BRUGES, BELGIUM. Chocolate from Bruges makes farewell in London that bit sweeter. (B)
Start Meet at 6am in London. Finish Approximately 9pm in
PRICE $3155
PRICE OF $2680 + $560 FOOD FUND = TOTAL TRIP PRICE $3240
DAY 9 ROME TO VENICE. Verona today = R + J 4EVA. After channeling your inner romantic, we’re off to Venice where public transport by boat is totally the norm. (B,D)
DAY 10 VENICE. The best way to explore? Get lost. Get found. Repeat. Just make sure you do find St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. That, and get yourself on a gondola ride. (B)
DAY 11 VENICE TO SALZBURG, AUSTRIA. Introducing old-world charm at its best. If Salzburg’s not top of a Google Image search, it should be. (B,D)
DAY 12 SALZBURG. Pass a day in strudel heaven or go high energy with an opportunity to ski (or snowboard). (B)
DAY 13 SALZBURG TO VIENNA. Welcome to Vienna –the home of Freud and free association. Go. (B)
DAY 14 VIENNA TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. In Bratislava, make sure to statue spot as we check out the city on foot. Then onto Budapest for nightlife that really is THAT good. (B,D)
DAY 1 LONDON TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). First day. First item off the list? A jam-packed city lights tour after a sumptuous dinner. Keep your eyes peeled for the Arc de Triomphe, the Palais Garnier and that really famous tower. (D)
DAY 2 PARIS. Explore the city’s hidden gems on your free day. After dinner join us at a cabaret, sail the Seine by night or soak up some jazz at a café in the 10th arrondissement. (B,D)
DAY 3 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. Au revoir, Paris – it’s been a blast. Next up, Lauterbrunnen. If you haven’t seen this place in winter, you haven’t lived. #NoFilter needed. (B,D)
DAY 4 SWISS ALPS. We’re all about Jungfrau today aka The Top of Europe. Ride the rail or soak up the scenery at ground level. Whatever you choose, mind
your neck. You’ll be craning it to take in the sights. (B,D)
DAY 5 SWISS ALPS TO FLORENCE, ITALY. Reacclimatise to city life today in marvellous Florence – stopping in Pisa for THAT shot first, of course. (B,D)
DAY 6 FLORENCE. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city’s greats this morning. Think: Ponte Vecchio, Florence Cathedral and that famous naked guy, David. (B)
DAY 7 FLORENCE TO ROME. A city under a city as we visit Orvieto en route to Rome. Then fire up Instagram for a walking tour of the must-dos. (B,D)
DAY 8 ROME. Rome is where the heart is. Visit the world’s smallest country (hello, Vatican City) or just mix it with the locals. Espresso stops mandatory. (B)
DAY 15 BUDAPEST. Enjoy a free day today, but be sure you don’t leave without a thermal spa. Or a visit to a ruin bar, for that matter. (B)
DAY 16 BUDAPEST TO KRAKOW, POLAND. The best winter food in Europe. Fact. If you have a meal without carbs, you’re doing it wrong. (B)
DAY 17 KRAKOW. Make like a culture vulture with a museum visit (hint: Schindler’s Factory), check out the salt mines or just people watch with a hot chocolate. (B,D)
DAY 18 KRAKOW TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. Auschwitz-Birkenau puts things in perspective today before we arrive into Prague. (B,D)
DAY 19 PRAGUE. Old school vs. new school on this free day. Think Charles Bridge vs. John Lennon Wall. Then, beer. Really. Good. Beer. (B)
DAY 20 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. See the phoenix-like city of Dresden – rising from war ashes and now a must-see. Then find out why everyone wants to be ein Berliner in the coolest city in Europe. (B,D)
DAY 21 BERLIN. Almost too many choices on this free day. Do culture, do food, do history. It’s all here. Also: nightlife. (B)
DAY 22 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. We’re rocking Amsterdam this evening with a visit to Dam Square and the area most well-known for its bright colour palette. Yep, welcome to the Red Light District. (B)
DAY 23 AMSTERDAM. Check out the sights and tone your legs this morning with a two-wheel tour. Hit up your faves this afternoon before our farewell dinner cruise. (B,D)
DAY 24 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON VIA BRUGES, BELGIUM. Make #bestfriendsforever over waffles and chocolate as we say goodbye (via Bruges) in London. (B)
+ Amsterdam bike tour & farewell dinner cruise
+ Vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal, Venice
+ Guided tour of former concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau
+ Paris city lights driving tour
+ Local guide in Florence
+ Try traditional Swiss fondue
+ Dutch cheese & clog demonstration
+ 23 breakfasts (B), 13 dinners (D)
+ 4 nights hotel upgrade, 15 nights hostel accommodation, 4 nights in bungalows
+ English Channel crossings
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
Start Meet at 6am in London. Finish Approximately 9pm in London.
TRIP PRICE OF $3210 + $635 FOOD FUND = TOTAL TRIP PRICE $3845
TRIP PRICE OF $3290 + $635 FOOD FUND = TOTAL TRIP PRICE $3925
TRIP PRICE OF $3390 + $635 FOOD FUND = TOTAL TRIP PRICE $4025
Guaranteed departure
CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE
DAY 1 LONDON TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). First day. First item off the list? A jam-packed city lights tour after a sumptuous dinner. Keep your eyes peeled for the Arc de Triomphe, the Palais Garnier and that really famous tower. (D)
DAY 2 PARIS. Explore the city’s hidden gems, either by foot or by optional bike tour. After dinner join us at a cabaret, sail the Seine by night or soak up some jazz at a café in the 10th arrondissement. (B,D)
DAY 3 PARIS TO BORDEAUX, FRANCE. Today we roll on to the port city of Bordeaux, where half the entire city is Unesco-listed and vineyards reign supreme. (B,D)
DAY 4 BORDEAUX. Wander the picturesque streets, with special stops at Cathédrale St-André, Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Jardin Public. After, embrace
France’s finest #cafelife and slurp down top-notch vino. Obvs. (B)
DAY 5 BORDEAUX TO BILBAO. Next stop: Bilbao –famed for its titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum that boasts an incredible collection of contemporary art and more curves than Beyoncé. Also: Basque Country fare. Delish. (B)
DAY 6 BILBAO TO MADRID, SPAIN. As a city known for its artistic pedigree, culinary wonders and buzzing nightlife, you’re sure to find just what you’re looking for in Madrid. (B,D)
DAY 7 MADRID. Check out the Royal Palace, get cultured at the Prado Museum or just kick back in the botanical gardens. Tonight, delve into the buzzing nightlife of Malasaña and Chueca. (B,D)
DAY 8 MADRID TO VALENCIA. Onto Spain's third largest city, Valencia. Be sure to dig into a range of mouthwatering local dishes at tonight's dinner. (B,D)
DAY 9 VALENCIA TO BARCELONA. Bienvenidos to the city of art nouveau, alluring accents and most importantly, tapas. Flamenco, anyone? (B,D)
DAY 10 BARCELONA. Get your bearings on a guided tour of bustling Barca, ticking off the likes of the Sagrada Familia, Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas. Then: fire up for the notorious nightlife. (B)
DAY 11 BARCELONA TO MARSEILLE, FRANCE. Today we cross the border back into France (Marseille, to be exact). With its boat-lined quayside, history and architecture, there’s no wonder this is one of France’s most visited cities. (B,D)
DAY 12 MARSEILLE. Explore bustling La Canebière or dig into bouillabaisse – the hearty fish stew invented in Marseille – as you watch the sun set over the Vieux Port. (B)
DAY 13 MARSEILLE TO FLORENCE, ITALY. With more culture than a British hipster, over 1,800 restaurants and the world’s best gelato (hands down), Florence is where all your Italian dreams are made. (B,D)
DAY 14 FLORENCE. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city’s geats this morning. Think: Ponte Vecchio, Florence Cathedral and that famous naked guy, David. (B)
DAY 15 FLORENCE TO ROME. Today, we’re Romeward bound. Prep Instagram for a walking tour of the must-dos. (B,D)
DAY 16 ROME. Rome is where the heart is. Visit the world’s smallest country (hello, Vatican City) or just mix it with the locals. Espresso stops mandatory. (B)
DAY 17 ROME TO VENICE. Verona today = R + J 4EVA. After channeling your inner romantic, we’re off to Venice where public transport by boat is totally the norm. (B,D)
DAY 18 VENICE. The best way to explore? Get lost. Get found. Repeat. Just make sure you do find St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. That, and get yourself on a gondola ride. (B)
DAY 19 VENICE TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. Off to the Alps, where the air is crisp, the views are storybook worthy and fondue is totally acceptable at any time of day. (B,D)
DAY 20 SWISS ALPS. Ski, snowboard, snow angel, then park yourself fireside with a mug of glühwein. Craving more altitude? Head to the ‘Top of Europe’, aka Jungfrau, on an optional adventure and test your pano #photoskills. (B,D)
DAY 21 SWISS ALPS TO LUXEMBOURG. A country with the same name as its capital city. Confused? Don’t be. Luxembourg is too pretty to be hung up on geography. Delve into the many restaurants, museums and galleries the city has to offer. (B)
DAY 22 LUXEMBOURG TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Europe’s most infamous city. Get the obvious out of the way (Red Light District, anyone?) then discover the ‘real’ Amsterdam locals want to keep quiet. (B)
DAY 23 AMSTERDAM. The best city to explore by two wheels. Not only for the cool-factor but because there are no hills. At all. We’ll continue our mission to #livelikealocal this afternoon before our farewell dinner cruise. (B,D)
DAY 24 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON VIA BRUGES, BELGIUM. Make #bestfriendsforever over waffles and chocolate as we say goodbye (via Bruges) in London. (B)
+ Paris city lights driving tour
+ Walking tour of Florence
+ Bordeaux winery tour and tasting
+ Bicycle tour and farewell dinner cruise in Amsterdam
+ Leather demonstration in Florence
+ Dutch cheese and clogs demonstration
+ Try traditional Swiss fondue
+ 23 breakfasts (B), 14 dinners (D)
+ 4 nights hotel ugrade, 19 nights hostel accommodation
+ English Channel crossings
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
Start Meet at 6am in London.
Finish Approximately 9pm in London.
TRIP PRICE OF $3090 + $700 FOOD FUND = TOTAL TRIP PRICE $3790
TRIP PRICE OF $3240 + $700 FOOD FUND = TOTAL TRIP PRICE $3940
TRIP PRICE OF $3395 + $700 FOOD FUND = TOTAL TRIP PRICE $4095
SECTOR TRIPS OFFER YOU A GREAT WAY TO CHOOSE A DEPARTURE CITY, SET OF EXPERIENCES OR JOURNEY LENGTH THAT BEST SUITS YOU. A sector trip is part of a larger journey, meaning your new friends might continue on after you get off or you might be joining a trip already in progress.
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration
+ Amsterdam bike tour & farewell dinner cruise
+ Driving tour of Berlin
DAY 1 PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. (D)
DAY 2 PRAGUE. (B)
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 6 breakfasts (B), 3 dinners (D)
+ 6 nights in hostel accommodation
+ English Channel crossing
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
DAY 3 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. (B,D)
DAY 4 BERLIN. (B)
DAY 5 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. (B)
DAY 6 AMSTERDAM. (B,D)
DAY 7 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON VIA BRUGES, BELGIUM. (B)
This is part of the 24 Day Winter Spirit. See p.38 or visit www.topdeck.travel
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Guided tour of former concentration camp AuschwitzBirkenau
+ Walking tour of Prague
DAY 1 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. (D)
DAY 2 BUDAPEST. (B)
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 6 breakfasts (B), 3 dinners (D)
+ 2 nights hotel upgrade, 4 nights hostel accommodation
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
DAY 3 BUDAPEST TO KRAKOW, POLAND. (B)
DAY 4 KRAKOW. (B,D)
DAY 5 KRAKOW TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. (B,D)
DAY 6 PRAGUE. (B)
DAY 7 PRAGUE. (B)
This is part of the 24 Day Winter Spirit. See p.38 or visit www.topdeck.travel
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Paris city lights tour
+ Bordeaux winery tour and tasting
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 6 breakfasts (B), 4 dinners (D)
+ 2 nights hotel uprade, 4 nights hostel accommodation
+ English Channel crossings
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
DAY 1 LONDON TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). (D)
DAY 2 PARIS. (B,D)
DAY 3 PARIS TO BORDEAUX. (B,D)
DAY 4 BORDEAUX. (B)
DAY 5 BORDEAUX TO BILBAO, SPAIN. (B)
DAY 6 BILBAO TO MADRID. (B,D)
DAY 7 MADRID. (B)
This is a part of the 24 Day Western Compass. See p.40 or visit www.topdeck.travel
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration
+ Try traditional Swiss fondue
+ Amsterdam bike tour & farewell dinner cruise
DAY 1 ROME, ITALY.
DAY 2 ROME TO VENICE, ITALY. (B,D)
DAY 3 VENICE. (B)
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 8 breakfasts (B), 4 dinners (D)
+ 2 nights hotel upgrade, 6 nights hostel accommodation
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
DAY 4 VENICE TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. (B,D)
DAY 5 SWISS ALPS. (B,D)
DAY 6 SWISS ALPS TO LUXEMBOURG. (B)
DAY 7 LUXEMBOURG TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. (B)
DAY 8 AMSTERDAM. (B,D)
DAY 9 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON VIA BRUGES, BELGIUM. (B)
This is a part of the 24 Day Western Compass. See p.40 or visit www.topdeck.travel
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Paris city lights driving tour
+ Local guide in Florence
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 8 breakfasts (B), 6 dinners (D)
+ 4 nights in hostel accommodation, 4 nights in bungalows
+ English Channel crossings
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
DAY 1 LONDON TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). (D)
DAY 2 PARIS. (B,D)
DAY 3 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. (B,D)
DAY 4 SWISS ALPS. (B,D)
DAY 5 SWISS ALPS TO FLORENCE, ITALY. (B,D)
DAY 6 FLORENCE. (B)
DAY 7 FLORENCE TO ROME. (B,D)
DAY 8 ROME. (B)
DAY 9 ROME. (B)
This is a part of the 24 Day Winter Spirit. See p.38 or visit www.topdeck.travel
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Walking tour of Florence with local guide
+ Leather demonstration in Florence
DAY 1 MADRID, SPAIN. (D)
DAY 2 MADRID TO VALENCIA. (B,D)
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 9 breakfasts (B), 6 dinners (D)
+ 9 nights hostel accommodation
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
DAY 3 VALENCIA TO BARCELONA. (B,D)
DAY 4 BARCELONA. (B)
DAY 5 BARCELONA TO MARSEILLE, FRANCE. (B,D)
DAY 6 MARSEILLE (FREE DAY). (B)
DAY 7 MARSEILLE TO FLORENCE, ITALY. (B,D)
DAY 8 FLORENCE (FREE DAY). (B)
DAY 9 FLORENCE TO ROME. (B,D)
DAY 10 ROME. (B)
This is a part of the 24 Day Winter Spirit. See p.38 or visit www.topdeck.travel
DAY 1 LONDON TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). First day. First item off the list? A jam-packed city lights tour after a sumptuous dinner. Keep your eyes peeled for the Arc de Triomphe, the Palais Garnier and that really famous tower. (D)
DAY 2 PARIS. Explore the city’s hidden gems, either by foot or by optional bike tour. After dinner join us at a cabaret, sail the Seine by night or soak up some jazz at a café in the 10ème. (B,D)
DAY 3 PARIS TO BORDEAUX. Today we roll on to the port city of Bordeaux, where half the city is Unescolisted and world-class vineyards reign supreme. (B,D)
DAY 4 BORDEAUX. Hit Bordeaux’s charming streets with special stops at Cathédrale St-André, Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Jardin Public. After, embrace France’s finest #cafelife and slurp down top-notch vino. Obvs. (B)
DAY 5 BORDEAUX TO BILBAO. Next stop: Bilbao –famed for its titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum that boasts an incredible collection of contemporary art and more curves than Beyoncé. (B)
DAY 6 BILBAO TO MADRID, SPAIN. As a city known for its artistic pedigree, culinary wonders and buzzing nightlife, you’re sure to find just what you’re looking for in Madrid. (B,D)
DAY 7 MADRID. Check out the Royal Palace, then stroll through the expansive Plaza Mayor and get cultured at the Prado Museum. Or just kick back and relax in the botanical gardens. (B,D)
DAY 8 MADRID TO VALENCIA. Onto Spain’s third largest city, Valencia. As a city known for its mouthwatering fare, be sure to dig into a range of tasty local dishes at tonight’s dinner. (B,D)
DAY 9 VALENCIA TO BARCELONA. Bienvenidos to the city of art nouveau, alluring accents and most importantly, tapas. Dive right in. (B,D)
DAY 10 BARCELONA. Get your bearings on a guided tour of bustling Barca, ticking off the likes of Sagrada Familia, Columbus Monument and Las Ramblas. Then: fire up for the notorious nightlife. (B)
DAY 11 BARCELONA TO MARSEILLE, FRANCE. Today we cross the border back into France (Marseille, to
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Paris city lights driving tour
+ Walking tour of Florence with local guide
+ Bordeaux winery tour and tasting
+ Leather demonstration in Florence
+ 15 breakfasts (B), 10 dinners (D)
+ 2 nights hotel upgrade, 13 nights hostel accommodation
+ English Channel crossings
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
be exact). With its beaches, history and architecture, there’s no wonder this is one of France’s most visited cities. (B,D)
DAY 12 MARSEILLE. Explore bustling La Canebière or dig into bouillabaisse – the hearty fish stew invented in Marseille – as you watch the sun set over the Vieux Port. (B)
DAY 13 MARSEILLE TO FLORENCE, ITALY. With more culture than a Shoreditch hipster, over 1,800 restaurants and the world’s best gelato (hands down), Florence is where all your Italian dreams are made. (B,D)
DAY 14 FLORENCE (FREE DAY). Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city’s geats this morning. Think: Ponte Vecchio, Florence Cathedral and that famous naked guy, David. (B)
DAY 15 FLORENCE TO ROME. A city under a city as we visit Orvieto en route to Rome. Then fire up Instagram for a walking tour of the must-dos. (B,D)
DAY 16 ROME. Visit the world’s smallest country (hello, Vatican City) before saying ciao to your new travel pals. (B)
DAY 1 ROME, ITALY. They had swords and shields; you can bring your selfie stick. Conquer history’s heavyweights: Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Roman Forum + punish (real) pasta. (D)
DAY 2 ROME. Sign up for a Vatican City rendezvous or tack back and forth across the Tiber, taste-testing gelato and mainlining espresso. (B)
DAY 3 ROME TO VENICE. Wherefore art thou Verona? Kick it at Juliet’s balcony before dinner in the birthplace of prosecco. (B,D)
DAY 4 VENICE. See St Mark’s Square, snoop the Doge’s Palace, cross Rialto Bridge and shop for Carnivale masks. Whatever floats your gondola. (B)
DAY 5 VENICE TO SALZBURG, AUSTRIA. Go for baroque and make a date with Mozart on a walking tour of his birthplace. (B,D)
DAY 6 SALZBURG. Carve out your day shredding in the Alps or let Salzburg seep into your veins with coffee, cake and classical tunes. (B)
DAY 7 SALZBURG TO VIENNA. You’ve arrived at Europe’s classiest capital! Celebrate with strudel + Schonbrunn Palace. (B)
DAY 8 VIENNA TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Bounce into Bratislava, then admire Hungary’s capital at Buda Castle and Gellért Hill. Pre-dinner snack? Lay into a langos. (B,D)
DAY 9 BUDAPEST. Dip into the art nouveau Gellért Bath, visit the House of Terror and shop your way along Andrássy Ave. (B)
DAY 10 BUDAPEST TO KRAKOW, POLAND. Leave the ruin bars behind and crack onto Krakow. Whip around Old Town and Wawel Castle for a real-life game of Dungeons & Dragons before dinner. (B)
DAY 11 KRAKOW. Visit Schindler’s factory. Dig into a 13th century salt mine. Eat pierogi. Apply for your Polish passport. (B,D)
DAY 12 KRAKOW TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. Hurry, the Astronomical Clock’s chiming and the Charles Bridge ain’t going to walk itself. First, a sombre tour at Auschwitz-Birkenau. (B,D)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration
+ Amsterdam bike tour & farewell dinner cruise
+ Vaporetto ride on Grand Canal, Venice
+ Guided tour of former concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 17 breakfasts (B), 8 dinners (D)
+ 4 nights hotel upgrade, 11 nights hostel accommodation, 2 nights in bungalows
+ English Channel crossings
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
DAY 13 PRAGUE. Czech this out: cobbled alleyways, 500 spires and trams galore. Insta locales? Old Town Square + Prague Castle. (B)
DAY 14 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. Today: Dresden’s Frauenkirche and a walking tour of this Saxon city before a Napoleonic drive past the Brandenburg Gate. (B,D)
DAY 15 BERLIN. The must-dos = Checkpoint Charlie, Holocaust Memorial and Third Reich walking tour. After collecting yourself, up the mood with the best wurst of your life. Extra curry, please! (B)
DAY 16 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. See past the Red Light District, buy fromage, don those clogs and explore Holland’s heartland. (B)
DAY 17 AMSTERDAM. The Netherlands + you = match made in cycling heaven. Do the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House. Don't miss: the Heineken experience. (B,D)
DAY 18 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON VIA BRUGES, BELGIUM. Ease the separation anxiety with chocolate and a whip around the belfry in Bruges, then back to Blighty. (B)
This is a part of the 24 Day Winter Spirit. See p.38 or visit www.topdeck.travel
$2940
CHANNEL YOUR INNER WANDERER WITH OUR RELAXED, SMALL-GROUP ITINERARIES DESIGNED TO EXPLORE A SINGLE REGION IN MORE DEPTH. THINK: chasing the Northern Lights in Iceland, walking in the footsteps of a giant in Northern Ireland and off-the-beaten-track adventures.
FEATURED STAY: SKUGGI HOTEL REYKJAVIK, ICELAND.
+ Reykjavik, Iceland
+ Edinburgh, Scotland
+ Sorrento, Italy
BUCKET LIST HIGHLIGHTS:
+ Northern Lights Tour
+ Tuscan Wine Tasting
+ Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
ACCOMMODATION HOTELS
TRIP LENGTH 4-14 DAYS
ROOM TYPES TWIN/DOUBLE/TRIPLE
DAY 1 REYKJAVIK, ICELAND. With landscapes like this, Iceland might as well be its own solar system. Make your own way to your accommodation for a date with your Trip Leader and fellow #Topdeckers. Make friends, swap travel legends and grab some drinks. This is going to be epic. (D)
DAY 2 REYKJAVIK. Off to the Blue Lagoon today. Sounds like something out of Disney and looks like something from space. Lunar landscape. Natural geothermal pools. The chance to explore and swim. In winter. Outside. Iceland is awesome. As if life couldn’t (or shouldn’t) get any better than that, wait ‘til tonight. We’re off chasing the Northern Lights. Visibility can’t be guaranteed but if you nail that shot you won’t need to take another photo again. Ever. (B)
DAY 3 REYKJAVIK. Swap natural wonders for city life with a free day in über-cool Reykjavik. Check out the views from Hallgrímskirkja then hit up the half-submerged City Hall and grab a coffee with half your body under the waterline. Surreal. If you're a nature-lover, don't miss the Golden Circle for 300 kilometres of the very best Icelandic landscapes. Also, the UNESCO Heritage Site Thingvellir National Park hosts the country’s first Parliament as well as Geysir (you got that one, right?) and Gullfoss Falls. Come nightfall, there are foodie haunts abound. Local
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Tour of the Blue Lagoon with local guide
+ Northern Lights tour
+ An introduction to Iceland’s nightlife
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 3 breakfasts (B), 1 dinner (D)
+ 3 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double)
+ Awesome Trip Leader
delicacies like smoked sheep head or rotten shark = a little too much for most. But we’re up for a roll from the world's best hot dog stand. Bill Clinton allegedly rates it. For something even more local, head to the other end of the lake for great food and great views. Worth the trip. Be warned, the best nightlife starts late. Like midnight. (B)
DAY 4 REYKJAVIK. Farewells today. Don’t get too upset. You ticked off a bucket list killer. (B)
DAY 1 ROME, ITALY. We’ve got a date. Meet your Trip Leader and check out the Pantheon, Spanish Steps and the Colosseum. And then, dinner (get ready to be wowed). (D)
DAY 2 ROME. Off to the smallest country in the world and St Peter’s Basilica (optional). If you’re a culture vulture, consider taking one of the tours at the Vatican museum and Sistine Chapel – or live la dolce vita exploring the streets. (B)
DAY 3 ROME TO SORRENTO. Ciao Roma, hello Amalfi Coast! Think: Pinterest board material and holiday hotspot for literary geniuses like Dickens, Nietzsche and Goethe. Get inspired and write some postcards after dinner. (B,D)
DAY 4 SORRENTO. Stay seaside or opt in to travel back to 79AD to the UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient city of Pompeii, which was abruptly buried when near-by Vesuvius erupted all over the place. Tonight, carb up at a local joint of your choosing. Pro tip: Follow the sound of live music. (B)
DAY 5 SORRENTO TO ASSISI. On to the hillside town Assisi to meet our local guide and find out how the Basilica of St Francis was built without cranes. Really. And just how that roof was painted. (B,D)
DAY 6 ASSISI TO VENICE. Nature + fast cars en route to Venice today. First: the views from San Marino castle then Maranello for every car geek’s dream. Hello, Ferrari museum! In Venice, canals tick the nature box while man brought the bridges. Very cool. (B,D)
DAY 7 VENICE. Bridges and boats. A walking tour means our day starts with minus calories. Choose your poison for lunch then jump on a gondola to see the Grand Canal. Perfecto. (B)
DAY 8 VENICE TO MILAN. Dust off (and maybe iron) those glad rags today. Milan is Italy’s fashion capital and the residents know it. Expect three-thousandeuro knee high boots and tailored coats. Just saying. (B)
+ Gondola ride in Venice
+ Tuscan wine tasting
+ Entry to the Ferrari museum
+ Leather demonstration in Florence
+ Local Italian guides in Assisi & Florence
+ 10 breakfasts (B), 5 dinners (D)
+ 10 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double)
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Guided tours of all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader
DAY 9 MILAN TO FLORENCE. The only shot to get in Pisa (you know) before we continue through Tuscany. First up, wine tasting, then Florence. Tip: take a walk to Piazzale Michelangelo. The night views are so worth it. (B)
DAY 10 FLORENCE.. Get to know the city with a local this morning. See: the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. Clock the bell tower beside the main Duomo to avoid the queues and get the same dramatic views. (B,D)
DAY 11 FLORENCE TO ROME. Full circle today as we head back to the capital to say goodbye. But first, Orvieto for your life's first wild boar panini (if you’re game). (B)
DAY 1 LONDON TO LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND. We begin with Harry Potter-esque, Oxford. Check it out before we head to Liverpool and embrace the Beatles/ footie/nightlife-loving Liverpudlians. (D)
DAY 2 LIVERPOOL TO YORK. Don your finest yellow as we travel through Tour de France country. Arriving into York, we’ll check out York Minster. Later, a pub tea then a ghost walk. Spooky. (B,D)
DAY 3 YORK TO EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND. Roll into the most gothic city outside of Transylvania today. Go Dracula hunting while we explore the highlights on foot. Then hit up the city for a local pub feast and take the chance to explore the nightlife with your crew. (B,D)
DAY 4 EDINBURGH. Get under the skin of Edinburgh with a free day. Hot tip: walk to Leith Port and check out the art galleries, great cafes, bars and restaurants. Tonight there's an optional Ceilidh Dinner – where the dancing has to be seen to be believed. (B)
DAY 5 EDINBURGH. We’re spoilt today with a second full free day in the capital. Go Loch Ness Monsterhunting or check out the city vaults under South Bridge. (B)
DAY 6 EDINBURGH TO GLASGOW. You can’t do Scotland without whisky. Cue a distillery tasting tour then onto the nightlife behemoth we call Glasgow. For a more chilled night, choose Merchant City or go sheer crazy on Sauchiehall Street. (B)
DAY 7 GLASGOW TO BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND. Ferry over to a city with a lot of (recent) history and now a buzzing, cosmopolitan feel. A walking tour through the Cathedral Quarter will show you Belfast’s street art, murals and uber cool venues. Then hit up the Titanic Museum or hop on an optional Black Cab tour for local tales and insider tips. Tonight: gobble down some local grub with the group before knocking back some pints. (B,D)
DAY 8 BELFAST TO GALWAY, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (VIA DERRY). Big Question. How did 40,000 hexagonal rock columns end up in the same place? Doesn’t matter – the Giant’s Causeway rocks (pun intended). We’ll arrive in Galway tonight. (B)
THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Visit the world-famous Guinness Storehouse in Dublin
+ Evening ghost walk in York
+ Traditional English Sunday roast in Liverpool
+ Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 13 breakfasts (B), 6 dinners (D)
+ 13 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double)
+ Irish Sea ferry crossings
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Walking tours in all major cities
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
DAY 9 GALWAY. A free day in Galway, the land of ‘craic’. Alternatively, there is an optional day trip to the Aran Islands, a location of real beauty where stone cottages and farmhouses are nestled into the rolling green hills and dramatic coastline. (B)
DAY 10 GALWAY TO DUBLIN. Take in the scenery on our drive to Dublin. Tonight, an Irish show after dinner is your chance to sample a taste of tradition. (B,D)
DAY 11 DUBLIN. Get your bearings for this afternoon’s free time on a walking tour. Then take in the view of the city from the Guinness Skybar after touring the epic dark brew distillery. (B)
DAY 12 DUBLIN TO CARDIFF, WALES. Westlife to Tom Jones. Musical references to live by today. Otherwise, enjoy the ferry and roll into Cardiff to find out how many Welsh words you can learn in one night. (B)
DAY 13 CARDIFF. Do culture at Cardiff Castle or watch a rugby match in The Home of Sport. Tonight, it’s our farewell dinner. #SadFace. (B,D)
DAY 14 CARDIFF TO LONDON. After a night out in Cardiff, our stop-off in Bath is perfectly complemented with classy sights and a Roman Bath. Spin past Stonehenge and unleash your inner spiritualist before London calls. (B)
TRIP PRICE OF $3395
TRIP PRICE OF $3510
TRIP PRICE OF $3640
TRIP PRICE OF $3820
NZD PER PERSON
DAY 1 PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. A giant Christmas tree with more decorations than a Liberace concert, chestnuts roasting on an open fire, the smell of mulled wine and stalls that put Santa’s workshop to shame – welcome to Prague’s Christmas markets! (D)
DAY 2 PRAGUE (CHRISTMAS DAY). Ho, ho, holy moly it’s Christmas Day! It’s time to prep the roast and peel those potatoes (don’t worry we’ll do that, you just go check out Charles Bridge and the Castle District). At dinner we’ll show you Santa Claus didn’t forget you, he just hit the kitchen instead of the workshop. (B,D)
DAY 3 PRAGUE TO KRAKOW, POLAND. Wawel Castle could only be built after a cobbler’s apprentice did the impossible: he slayed a dragon with a sheep full of sulphur. A city with history like that needs to be explored so we take you through Old Town and the largest medieval market square in Europe. (B)
DAY 4 KRAKOW. Make yourself a ‘seasoned’ traveller by exploring the Wieliczka Salt Mine, cruise around the hipster Jewish quarter, visit Schindler’s factory and then dig into a plate of pierogi. These dumpling-esque morsels of deliciousness will have you applying for your Polish passport. Stat. (B,D)
DAY 5 KRAKOW TO BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA. We tour through Auschwitz-Birkenau in remembrance of the atrocities played out. Then, we head to Slovakia. A guided tour through Bratislava will offer you loads of insight, just in time to make the most of a city that has a UFO for a restaurant (if you’ve got the funds). (B)
DAY 6 BRATISLAVA TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Mozart, Beethoven and Freud called Vienna home and they left a huge impression on the world. The reason? Lots and lots of coffee. Visit a wiener kaffeehaus (coffee house) before getting Bach on track with an optional Viennese Concert. (B)
DAY 7 VIENNA TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Swap the classical symphony for some serious soaking in one of Budapest’s 80+ thermal springs and gorge on goulash and langos. New Year’s resolutions haven’t started yet. (B,D)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Christmas Day in Prague
+ New Year’s Eve in Budapest
+ Guided tour of former concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 8 breakfasts (B), 4 dinners (D)
+ 8 nights hostel accommodation (multi-share)
+ Awesome Trip Leader
DAY 8 BUDAPEST. Watch the Danube explode with fireworks while everyone yells “boldog új évet”. You can just say “Happy New Year” because pronouncing that looks harder than a cobblestone street. (B)
DAY 9 BUDAPEST. Don’t be down about starting the New Year with goodbyes. Make your resolution to book another trip because it’s ski season and Austria is right around the corner. (B)
Start Meet at 1pm in Prague.
Finish Approximately 9am in Budapest.
TRIPCODE: EFWBCM
TRIPDATE: 3 - 4 DEC, 10 - 11 DEC, 17 - 18 DEC
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Walking tour of Bruges
+ Experience the Bruges Christmas markets
+ 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
+ 1 night multi-share hostel accommodation
+ English Channel crossings
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
TRIPCODE: EFNSH4
TRIPDATE: 29 - 1 JAN MAKE YOUR OWN WAY
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Entry to La Sagrada Familia
+ New Year’s celebrations in Barcelona
+ Walking tour of Barcelona
+ 3 nights multi-share hostel accommodation
+ 3 breakfasts, 1 dinner
+ Awesome Trip Leader
For a detailed itinerary visit our website.
TRIPCODE: EFCBLL
TRIPDATE: 24 - 27 DEC
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Walking tour of Bruges & Brussels
+ Belgian Christmas lunch
+ Belgian chocolate demonstration
+ 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch
+ 3 nights multi-share hostel accommodation
+ English Channel crossings
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
TRIPCODE: EFCPLL TRIPDATE: 24 - 27
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Paris city lights driving tour
+ Disneyland ticket + transfer
+ 3 breakfasts, 1 dinner
+ 3 nights multi-share hostel accommodation
+ English Channel crossings
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Walking tour of Berlin with local guide
+ New Year celebrations at the Brandenburg Gate
+ 3 breakfasts, 1 dinner
+ 3 nights multi-share hostel accommodation
+ Awesome Trip Leader
29 - 1 JAN
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Walking tour of Prague
+ New Year's Eve dinner and party
+ 3 breakfasts, 2 dinners
+ 3 nights multi-share hostel accommodation
+ Awesome Trip Leader
TRIPCODE: EFNMH4
TRIPDATE: 29 - 1 JAN
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Walking tour of Madrid
+ Entrance into the Royal Palace
+ New Year celebrations in downtown Madrid
+ 3 breakfasts, 1 dinners
+ 3 nights multi-share hostel accommodation
+ Awesome Trip Leader
TRIPCODE: EFBPH4
TRIPDATE: 29 - 1 JAN
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Walking tour of Budapest
+ Entrance to the Szechenyi baths
+ 3 breakfasts, 1 dinner
+ 3 nights multi-share hostel accommodation
+ Awesome Trip Leader
TRIPCODE: EFNAH4
TRIPDATE: 29 - 1 JAN
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Walking tour of Amsterdam
+ Canal cruise
+ New Years Eve party in Amsterdam
+ 3 breakfasts, 2 dinner
+ 3 nights multi-share hostel accommodation
+ English Channel crossings
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
TRIPCODE: EFNEH4
TRIPDATE: 30 - 2 JAN
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Hogmanay street party ticket + voucher for torchlight procession
+ Walking tour of Edinburgh
+ 3 breakfasts
+ 3 nights multi-share hotel accommodation
+ Awesome Trip Leader
TRIPCODE: EFNLH4
TRIPDATE: 29 - 1 JAN
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Entry to Jorge Castle
+ New Year's Eve party at the hostel
+ Walking tour of Lisbon
+ 3 breakfasts, 2 dinners
+ 3 nights hostel accommodation
+ 3 days public transport
+ Awesome Trip Leader
TRIPCODE: EFNEH5
TRIPDATE: 29 DEC - 2-JAN
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Hogmanay street party ticket + voucher for torchlight procession
+ Walking tour of Edinburgh + half day trip to Stirling Castle
+ Transport to witness Loony Dook
+ 4 breakfasts + 4 nights multi-share hostel accommodation
+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
DATE: 17 - 20 FEB
A flurry of colourful costumes and elaborate masks, the annual Venice Carnival is a celebration of epic proportions. Historically an opportunity to indulge in treats before Lent, the festival now offers visitors the chance to experience masked balls, costume parades and a hint of nostalgia for a more decadent time. Don your mask and get ready to party!
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Walking tour of Venice
+ Venice Carnival celebrations
+ Vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal, Venice
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 3 breakfasts (B), 1 dinner (D)
+ 3 nights hotel accommodation (twin-share)
+ Awesome Trip Leader
DATE: 15 - 18 MAR
What began as a religious feast day for the patron saint of Ireland is now an international, rollicking celebration of all things Irish, celebrated by the locals (and locals-at-heart). Yep, we’re talking St. Patrick’s Day – and what better way to kick up your heels than to swathe yourself in green and join in on the action in the country’s charming capital. Guinness, anyone?
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
+ Walking tour of Dublin
+ Guinness Storehouse tour & complimentary pint of Guinness
+ St Patrick's Day Parade & celebrations
MORE INCLUSIONS
+ 3 breakfasts (B)
+ 3 nights hostel accommodation (multi-share)
+ Commemorative t-shirt
+ Awesome Trip Leader
13 Apr - 5 may SEE
JOIN US IN REMEMBRANCE AS WE COMMEMORATE one of the most defining days in the history of Australia and New Zealand. The Anzac Day dawn service has become a day of national unity to remember fallen men and women who have helped define both nations’ legacy.
For a detailed itinerary visit our website.
14 - 17 apr
SEE
WHILE EASTER FOR MANY OF US SCREAMS A FOUR-DAY WEEKEND and a chocolate-induced tummy ache, the religious holiday in Europe is celebrated in a variety of unique ways. Take the opportunity to observe the elaborate festivities and experience centuries-old traditions in some of the most iconic destinations in the world. In other news: hot cross buns. Yes, please!
For a detailed itinerary visit our website.
BORN IN THE EARLY 90S to celebrate the changing political landscape and replace socialist youth summer camps, Sziget has grown into an institution on the European festival scene. With 400,000+ crowds and previous headliners including Blink 182, Prodigy, Queens Of The Stone Age and Calin Harris, Budapest has never looked this hot.
For a detailed itinerary visit our website.
28 Aug-31 Sep
EVERYONE LOVES A GOOD FOOD FIGHT. Join 20,000 people to dispose 40 metric tonnes of council funded tomatoes in the world’s biggest vegetable skirmish. You’ll not only get your daily dose of vitamins, you’ll also have a perfectly valid excuse to dance in the streets and drink sangria at 11am with cool people from all over the world.
For a detailed itinerary visit our website.
25-28 Apr
CLOAK YOURSELF IN ORANGE and dive into Amsterdam’s biggest street party as the city celebrates the annual festival, King’s Day.
Originally celebrated for the first time in 2014 after the inauguration of King WillemAlexander on 30 April 2013 (what was then still Queen’s Day), the event offers an electric atmosphere not to be missed. Expect live music, DJs, parties and a citywide street market.
For a detailed itinerary visit our website.
15 Sep-3 Oct
OFFICIALLY THE WORLD’S BIGGEST PARTY, Oktoberfest draws a crowd of seven million people every year to celebrate the three best things to come out of Germany: beer, bratwurst and pretzels. The dress code is Bavarian classic, lederhosen are optional and singing, hugging and dancing on tables is encouraged. Prost!
For a detailed itinerary visit our website.
It is our intention to set out clearly and simply the responsibilities which we at Top Deck Tours Pty Ltd, ABN 30 107 934 (“Topdeck, us or we”) have to You and any member of your party (“You”) and which You, in turn, have to us when a contract is made between us. You should therefore read and understand the contents.
All trips in this brochure are operated by Topdeck, except the following trips which are operated by contracted local operators: Both Iceland trips, (pages 32 and 50), Ski Austria (page 33) and ANZAC trips to Turkey (page 59). These trips are operated by: GJ Travel, Reykjavik, Iceland, Alpen Adventures, Kirkdorf, Austria, and New Faces Tourism and Travel, Istanbul, Turkey. Your contract will be with Topdeck as the operator, save for these excepted trips in which case your contract for tour services will be with those operators and will also be subject to their respective terms and conditions (in addition to the booking conditions set out below). For any excepted trip, the operator will be identified on your itinerary or travel documents and their respective terms and conditions will be available directly on their websites or by contacting them. Should we book a flight on your behalf it will be subject to the conditions of the respective airline, including but not limited to deposit/full payment and cancellation conditions.
All Topdeck trips are sold subject to the following conditions (“these Conditions”).
1. (a) Please note that our trips are designed for young people between the ages of 18 to 39 years. We may in special circumstances approve persons outside this range. If You are 17 years of age and wish to book on one of our trips, please contact us before making a booking as we will require the written consent of your parent or guardian. We reserve the sole right to decline a booking request from You should we think our trips are not suited to You.
(b) A contract between You and us will exist as soon as we issue an invoice in response to your request for a booking and the deposit has been paid to your travel agent or us.
BOOKING YOUR TRIP
2. Bookings can be made either through your local travel agent or with us direct and must be secured with a deposit of $200 per person paid at the time of booking, (or $100 for Christmas/New Year trips of 5 days or under featured on pages 56-58). This deposit is non-refundable unless we cancel your trip. If You are making a booking within 42 days of departure, then full payment is required PROVIDED HOWEVER that if the trip comprises a special offer we may require full payment including any pre and post accommodation and sundry service charges to be paid at the time specified in the offer. Your booking is taken to be confirmed, and accepted when we issue an invoice. If your booking is made through a travel agent, we will address all correspondence to that travel agent. All monies paid by You to the travel agent will be held by them on behalf of Topdeck. If You arrange your trip direct with us, all correspondence and communications will be sent to your address in our booking file unless You specify otherwise. Balance of all payments is required at least 42 days prior to your trip departure date. If You do not pay within this period we may deem your booking cancelled and your deposit forfeited.
3. Alterations or cancellations by You after your booking has been accepted will be effected subject to the provisions of clauses 5, 6 and 7 of these Conditions.
4. Prices quoted in our brochures are calculated on costs and exchange rates at 09 March 2016. These prices may increase or decrease and we reserve the sole right to alter prices and other particulars contained in our brochures and on our website. Price changes in trips featured in subsequent brochure versions will supersede the prices in this brochure. (The version date is indicated on the back cover of this brochure). Before You make a booking we will provide You with details of the current price of your chosen trip. This will also be displayed on the website. Once You have accepted this price and your booking has been confirmed in accordance with clause 2 that price will remain fixed and will not be subject to surcharges.
5. You must clearly state all your requirements at the time of booking. Please note that any dietary requirements will be a request only. We cannot guarantee special dietary requirements nor will we assume any responsibility or liability if your special requirements cannot be fulfilled. If You want to change any aspect of your booking including but not limited to a change to a trip of shorter duration or different departure date You must notify us as soon as possible in writing. We will do our best to accommodate your requested changes but You will be required to pay an amendment fee of $60 per person per change. If a request is made less than 42 days before departure, normal cancellation fees will apply in accordance with clause 7 unless the transfer or change is to an earlier departure of the same trip. In the event of a request for a change to be made a new invoice will be issued by Topdeck and cancellation charges/amendment fees will be shown. All amendment fees are payable within 7 days of the issue of a new invoice or on the date of departure, whichever is the sooner.
6. If You are prevented from traveling as a result of illness, the death of an immediate family member, jury service, or other reason beyond your control which we consider significant, we will agree to your booking being transferred to another person who satisfies all the conditions applicable to the trip, subject to You and the other person accepting liability for full payment of the trip cost and any additional costs arising from the transfer PROVIDED THAT we must be given at least 21 days written notice of the proposed change.
CANCELLATION BY YOU
7. Cancellation of a booking by You must be made in writing. We will not regard a booking as cancelled unless and until written notice is received by us. On cancellation the following charges will apply:
8. Every effort will be made to operate all trips as advertised but it must be remembered that our trips are planned up to eighteen months in advance. We therefore reserve the sole right, at our discretion, to modify or cancel any trip, accommodation or arrangement at any time. We will notify You as soon as possible of any changes and they will form part of our contract with You. In the case of any material modification or cancellation, we will, if possible, provide You with three alternatives:
(1) a trip of an equivalent or closely similar standard and price, if available; (2) a trip of a lower standard together with a refund of the difference in price; or (3) cancellation with a full refund of all monies paid.
9. A material modification is one which has a serious effect on your trip and includes a change of departure date, departure point or airport, or change of departure time of more than twelve hours, which would cause substantial inconvenience to You. We do not consider a change of accommodation, or transport style a material change.
10. We will endeavor not to materially modify or cancel the trip within 42 days of the date of the scheduled departure unless compelled to do so because of circumstances beyond our reasonable control. If a material modification or cancellation is made by us within six weeks of the scheduled departure date for reasons other than Force Majeure in accordance with clause 21 You will receive compensation as stated in the scale below.
Period before scheduled departure date that we notify You or your travel agent together with the compensation offered.
Over 42 days nil
42-29 days $50
28-14 days $75
13-7 days $100
6-0 days $200
11. Topdeck may require a minimum number of participants for certain trips and in the event that there are insufficient bookings recorded by not later than 42 days before the scheduled departure date we will be entitled to cancel the scheduled trip, whereupon all monies paid by You for your Topdeck trip shall be refunded but no further compensation will be paid and You and Topdeck hereby agree to mutually release each other from any further obligations which would have been enforceable had the trip not been cancelled.
12. We reserve the right to alter or substitute the type or size of vehicle, or style of transport mentioned in the brochure, depending on the number of passengers carried, which can vary from trip to trip. Normally the maximum group size is 48 passengers. Please also note there are strict laws in Europe governing Driver’s driving hours and this may necessitate utilizing public transport in some cities.
OUR LIABILITY TO YOU
13. Save where the provisions of Force Majeure apply, in the event that the trip does not reasonably comply with the description in the brochure Topdeck may compensate You to a maximum value equal to twice the price of the trip but excluding insurance premiums and amendment fees AND Topdeck will only be liable to pay the maximum amount of compensation where there has been a total failure of consideration for your payment. Topdeck will not be liable where any failure in the performance or provision of Your trip is due to: (a) Your acts or omissions or the acts or omissions of another member in Your group (b) any third party (c) unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised or (d) an event which we or a travel service provider, even with all due care, could not foresee or forestall (including but not limited to Force Majeure and unavoidable technical problems with transport and similar events).
14. If You are killed, injured or become ill during or as a result of, carriage by ship, train or coach forming part of the trip in circumstances where such death, injury or illness is not caused by or contributed to by You our liability to pay damages and/ or the amount of compensation we will be liable to pay is limited in accordance with the liability of a carrier under any international Convention applicable to such events, including, but not limited to:
• In respect of carriage by sea, the Athens Convention;
• In respect of the provision of accommodation, the Paris Convention;
• In respect of carriage by rail, the Berne Convention; and,
* In respect of carriage by road, the Geneva Convention.
15. The terms of these Conventions are incorporated into and form part of our contract with You. You should know that the carrier will rely upon its ‘conditions of carriage’ which may limit or remove the carrier’s liability to You and limit compensation under any international Conventions. Our liability will also, in all cases, be limited in accordance with relevant carrier conditions of carriage. If Your trip is an ‘excepted trip’ as outlined above our obligation to You is to (and You expressly authorise us to) make trip bookings on Your behalf with reasonable skill and care and to arrange a contract between You and the relevant operator. We exercise care in the selection of reputable operators but we have no control over, or liability for, the services provided by third parties. All bookings are made on Your behalf subject to the terms and conditions, including conditions of carriage and limitations of liability, imposed by the relevant operator. Your legal rights in connection with such trips are against the specific operator and are not against us, except to the extent a problem is caused by fault on our part.
16. In the event that Topdeck (or its insurers) make any payment to You for death, personal injury or illness, You must give us or our insurers all and any rights You may have to take action against the party responsible for causing the death, personal injury or illness and You must co-operate fully with us in seeking recovery of any payment we may make from such party.
EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY – FORCE MAJEURE
21. We do not accept liability for any loss, damage or expense resulting from war or terrorist activities threatened or actual, civil unrest, industrial action threatened or actual, weather conditions, fire, flood, drought, closures, unforeseen alterations to public transport schedules, rescheduling of aircraft or boats, epidemic or outbreaks of illness or any other event outside our control which either delays or extends or reduces the trip, or compels a change in the trip arrangements after departure (“Force Majeure”).
CONTRAVENTION OF LAW
We will not be responsible for any loss or damage sustained by You as a result of a contravention of any law or regulation of any of the countries visited while on the trip.
HEALTH AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS
22. If You have a medical condition or disability which may affect your trip, we ask that You inform us in writing at the time of booking the trip of any special arrangements required by You so that we are able to advise as to the suitability of those arrangements. If we reasonably feel we are unable to satisfactorily accommodate your particular needs, we reserve the right to decline the booking or ask for You to be accompanied by a person who is able to provide full assistance to You throughout your trip.
YOUR LIABILITY TO US
23. You will not be permitted to embark or continue on the trip if your mental or physical condition is, in the reasonable opinion of any representative of Topdeck, such as to render You incapable of caring for yourself, or whereby You become objectionable to other passengers, or You become a hazard to yourself or other passengers. We will not be responsible for expenses resulting in You being precluded from completing the trip for any reason, nor will we refund You any part of your trip cost. In all cases we will notify You of the reasons why we have taken this action. We will have no obligation to arrange for your return to the point of the trip departure where your condition manifests itself after the trip departure. Further, if the trip involves travel by air, the captain of your aircraft can refuse to allow You to fly on the aircraft if he believes that You could be dangerous or disruptive to other passengers on the flight.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
24. Please ensure You carefully read your invoice, tickets and all other documents we send to You as soon as You receive them, and contact your travel agent, or us immediately if any information appears to be incorrect. We will not accept any liability if You fail to notify us of any inaccuracy in any document within 14 days of us sending them to You or your agent. While we will do our best to rectify any changes made outside this time, it is your responsibility to meet any additional costs which may be involved, except in the case of an error made by Topdeck and where there is reasonable justification for You not contacting us within the specified time. You are responsible for ensuring that all necessary travel documents including, but not limited to, passports, visas and vaccination certificates are valid and subsisting. We strongly recommend that You verify current documentation requirements and all other relevant protocols and procedures associated with your trip with your travel agent or us. Please note requirements change and you must check with your Consulate for the most up to date information, including but not limited to Visa requirements for the countries visited on your Trip. Passports must have an expiry date of at least six months after completion of the trip
25. You should take out comprehensive travel insurance before You travel on your trip. Your insurance protection should include cover for cancellation, medical and repatriation expenses, personal injury and accident, death and loss of personal baggage and money and personal liability insurance. Evidence of such insurances should be produced to Topdeck on request and normally on day one of your trip. Insurance cover offered by credit card companies or reciprocal medical cover agreements is often not comprehensive.
26. You hereby indemnify us against all third-party actions taken against us for loss or damage caused by You or arising from your participation on the trip.
27. In the event of You making a claim against Topdeck arising out of the trip, You hereby assign to us, any rights to take action against any third party supplier or any other person or party that Topdeck reasonably considers to be a party to the action and to co-operate fully with Topdeck should Topdeck or its insurers wish to enforce those rights which have been assigned to Topdeck.
28. In the event that You make a claim against us which is covered by your insurance policy, You agree to pursue the claim through your insurer either in addition to, or in substitution for, your claim against us (if any). We agree to indemnify You in respect of reasonable expenses incurred in successfully pursuing such a claim and acknowledge that any settlement made by the insurer shall not prejudice your rights against us.
29. In the event of You not making a claim before 5 working days of the maximum length of time permitted by your policy, You must assign, by letter sent by courier delivery to Topdeck not less than 5 working days prior to the said specified time, the benefit of the policy and give immediate notice of such an assignment to your insurer.
COMPLAINTS
30. In the event of any dissatisfaction with the accommodation or any other service provided by Topdeck, You must report it immediately to the Trip Leader so that action can be taken to remedy the problem. Failure to notify the Trip Leader of any problem immediately may prejudice Topdeck and may result in your ability to claim compensation from us being extinguished or reduced. Any complaint made to Topdeck following the conclusion of the trip should be made in writing within 28 days of completion of the trip. In the event that You do not notify us in writing within 28 days, Topdeck’s ability to investigate the complaint may be prejudiced and may extinguish your claim.
DATA PROTECTION
Any cancellation within 6 weeks which incurs more than deposit charge is not applicable to this offer. The Rolling Deposit Voucher (RDV) may only be used as a deposit on one future Topdeck trip 4 days of length or more. Only one Rolling Deposit may be applied per trip. The RDV has no expiry date, but the passenger must be aged between 18 to 39 years to travel as per these booking terms and conditions.
The RDV will equate to the initial deposit amount paid. If redeeming against a trip with a lower deposit amount, the remainder of the voucher will be forfeited. If redeeming against a trip with a higher deposit amount the balance will be payable at time of booking. The RDV has no cash value and cannot be transferred to another customer.
The RDV can only be combined with 1 other discount, either a standard Early Bird deal or standard brochure discount as long as it is applicable at the time of booking. Rolling deposit vouchers cannot be requested or redeemed against African Safari trips.
FLIGHTS
Cancellation charges for the flight segment of any flight included as part of your Topdeck Trip featured in this brochure: Up to 42 days before trip departure: Included in trip deposit loss
Less than 42 days: $60 plus any airline charges, which could be up to the full value of the ticket.
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
Should we book any flights on your behalf they will be subject to the conditions of the respective airline - this includes but is not limited to deposit/full payment and amendment/cancellation conditions. Topdeck will charge a $60 per person administration fee for any amendments, cancellations or reissue of tickets in addition to any airline fees.
17. Your booking is accepted on the condition that You understand, and take responsibility for, the risks inherent in adventure travel. Every effort will be made to operate all trips featured in this brochure but because of the number of countries visited on trips there may be a necessity to vary the itinerary from that stated in the brochure, and delays may occur for a variety of reasons beyond our control. The need for a flexible attitude to this type of travel is stressed in our publication. The final decision on the itinerary and the content of the trip will be taken by the Trip Leader, as appointed by us in the interest of the group as a whole. Please note that due to Public holidays some sights or activities may not be available on a particular trip.
18. No refund will be made for services made available by Topdeck but which for whatever reason are not used by You once the trip has departed.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES AND EXCURSIONS
19. Topdeck and/or its associated staff partners and suppliers makes no warranties or representations in relation to implied or explicit suggestion and/or recommendation for services, activities and events not highlighted as included in the related trip(s). Information not explicitly noted as included is provided 'as is' and intended to be general in nature so may not be suitable for your particular needs. It is essential that you ensure that any/all risk associated with getting to/ from, the participation in or visitation of any area, activity, event or venue is in-line with your expectations and suitably covered under your travel insurance
20. During Your trip You will be offered the chance to purchase various optional excursions and activities. Topdeck does not own, operate or control any of the companies or individuals which provide the optional activities or excursions. Some of the optional activities and excursions, such as canyoning are inherently risky. If You want to take part in such optional activities or excursions You must be fit enough to do so and must follow all reasonable instructions. The standards of health and safety which will be adopted by the company or the individual providing the optional activity or excursion will be those of the country where the optional activity or excursion takes place. Please note that these standards may not be the same as You would find in the UK, or in Your home country. If You wish to book any optional excursion or activity, You may do so subject to the operator’s terms and conditions. Your contract will be with the operator of the activity or excursion and will be governed by local law. Topdeck acts only as their agent.
Topdeck’s Trip Leader will have further details and additional information can be found on our website. Topdeck accepts no liability for any act or omission of any operator or operator’s employees, agents or sub-contractors.
31. We are committed to protecting your personal information and agree to process your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy, which is available online at www.topdeck.travel/privacy. In order to make your booking and ensure that your travel arrangements run smoothly, we need to use the information You provide and pass it on to other relevant suppliers who are responsible for parts of your travel arrangements. In many cases this will include transferring your data to overseas recipients. In making this booking, your consent to this information being passed on to the relevant persons is deemed to be given unless You object and advise Topdeck of your objection at the time of booking. The information may also be provided to public authorities such as Customs or Immigration if required by them, or as required by law. This consent applies to any sensitive information that You give to us such as details of any disabilities or dietary/religious requirements.
SMOKING
32. Topdeck operates a non-smoking policy on our coaches (although we make frequent stops for breaks), and in most of our accommodation.
LUGGAGE
33. There are strict weight limits for coaches when fully loaded. Therefore You are only entitled to have one piece of main luggage of standard size (see the pre-departure information or our website for size limits), and not weighing more than 20kg. In addition You may also a daypack.
GENERAL
34. You understand that future Topdeck advertising and publicity material may include statements made by passengers, or their photographs, and You consent to such use of your comments or photographic/video likeness.
35. No servant, agent, employee or representative of the Company has any right to alter, vary or waive any of these Conditions, nor undertake any activity likely to lead to increased liability whatsoever on behalf of Topdeck unless such be in writing and signed by a duly authorised person.
36. All contracts for bookings made with Topdeck, for trips in this brochure, are governed by Australian law and are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Australian Courts, should any dispute between us not be otherwise amicably agreed.
WE’VE CREATED THIS HANDY REFERENCE TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND THE INS AND OUTS OF OUR ITINERARIES AND MAKE AN EDUCATED DECISION ON THE BEST TRIP FOR YOU. GO FORTH AND EXPLORE, GRASSHOPPER!
THE BASICS.
Where you start, finish and top line inclusions.
BUCKET LIST (INCLUSIONS).
This is where the fun starts and it’s all included. Compare bucket list items, highlight inclusions for each trip.
ITINERARY.
A magical string of words that gives you the lowdown on where we go, what we do and the awesomeness you will encounter on the way. Things not mentioned on the bucket list may not be included, but are too awesome to leave out.
MAP.
Everyone’s favourite way to visually make sense of the world since 600 B.C. Also super useful to get the lay of the land and understand what regions you will cover on your trip.
TRIP CODE.
Use this to book a trip through our website or when you talk to your travel agent. Not useful for Scrabble so don’t even go there.
TRAVEL DATES.
Planned departure dates for the upcoming travel season. Trips marked with a ‘G’ are guaranteed, which means just that. Check our website regularly for updated departures.
PRICE.
The starting price of your adventure and goal amount for your piggy bank, excluding add-ons and optional activities.
