8 DAY | Parades to Piazzas
EHWDLR-7
This tour visits: France, Switzerland, Italy, Vatican City
Throw caution to the wind as you gallivant the mesmerising trail from London to
Rome, stopping to experience the magic of some of Europe’s most coveted
winter destinations. In between exploring the charming streets of Paris (sans
crowds), making snow angels in the Swiss Alps, brushing up on your art
knowledge in Florence and enjoying Rome at its quietest, kick your feet up in
hotel accommodation that’s sure to impress. Winter never looked so hot.
The Bucket List
Paris 'City Lights' Tour
Local guide in Florence
Taste a traditional Swiss fondue
Swiss Alps ski resort
Trip Itinerary
More Inclusions
7 breakfasts, 3 dinners
7 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 1 - London, England to Paris, France
Leave London for dust as we jump over the English Channel to France for a beauty smackdown. Brush up on your bonjours when you meet
the rest of the group and wrap your lips around your first real French meal at our included dinner. See the City of Light at its best on a driving
tour and play landmark bingo with the Eiffel Tower, Champs Élysées and Arc de Triomphe.
Included today:
- English Channel crossing
- Driving tour of Paris
Meals:
- Dinner
Day 2 - Paris
A free day in Paris to partake in pastries, paintings and Centre Pompidou! 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 (don't ask questions), 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 or hop on a boat down the river to crank the
romance dial to 11.
Meals:
- Breakfast
Optional activities:
- Traditional cabaret show
- Seine River cruise
- Bike tour of Paris
Day 3 - Paris to Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Tear yourself away from that baguette - fondue awaits! The vista out your window today plays like a documentary on 'world's sexiest views'.
Unlike the Toblerone box, the Swiss Alps aren't all lined up perfectly, so we weave up through the breathtaking valleys and peaks to reach
Engelberg. Grab your forks and prepare to cover everything in cheese at dinner tonight.
Meals:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 4 - Swiss Alps
Wake up, eat hearty then go Stallone all over the Alps. Or just settle in with some Gluhwein. They don't make these ridiculously cosy cafes for
nothing! If you get a second wind, jump on the revolving gondola to the top of Mt. Titlis and test your pano photo skills. Then head back
down for some snow angels and hot chocolate.
Meals:
- Breakfast
Optional activities:
- Scenic excursion to Mt. Titlis
Day 5 - Swiss Alps to Florence, Italy
Hand back the skis and yodel your way down the mountains and into the land of the long boot. 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.
Then the evening is yours to stroll along the real-life watercolour of the Arno River, wishing you were a painter.
Meals:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
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. 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 and sit on the Spanish Steps. Tonight, you're
in Disneyland for foodies. Have fun.
Included today:
- Walking tour of Florence with local guide
- Walking tour of Rome
Meals:
- Breakfast
Day 7 - Rome including Vatican City visit
Create the ultimate Roman Holiday in one day with a whirlwind of Vespas, espresso, two-cheek kisses and pizza the way it's supposed to
taste. Pop in on the Pope on an optional tour of the Vatican City to see how Michelangelo messed around and created the High Renaissance,
then play eye spy with two-and-a-half millennia worth of history. Shop ‘til you drop on Via Condotti, head to Capitoline Hill for awesome
views of the Roman Forum and Colosseum or just kick back in Piazza Navona for some dolce far niente (delicious idleness).
Meals:
- Breakfast
Optional activities:
- Guided tour of Vatican City
Day 8 - Rome
Make it an espresso doppio this morning – you're on your way 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?
Meals:
- Breakfast
Accommodation
We endeavour to select a combination of good quality hotels that reflect the character of the local area as well as being as centrally located
as possible, all the while striving to keep the cost affordable.
Your trip will stay in a range of European hotels of three and four-star quality.
Please be aware that European hotel rooms, especially those in major urban centres or older cities, may be smaller than what you are used
to in other parts of the world. Standards and ratings may also be different to your home country.
Rooms are en-suite and either twin or double, depending on what you have booked. If you are a solo traveller, you will always be sharing a
room with someone of the same sex.
If you are travelling as a couple and would prefer to have a double bed, please officially request a double room with your travel agent or
Topdeck trip consultant. We never presume that two people travelling together are a couple, even if you share the same surname, unless
informed otherwise.
Optional Activities
On all trips we have arranged extra activities that we think will enhance your travel experience, but you have a choice as to whether or not
you will participate. These are not included in the cost of your trip. They are usually organised on a group participation basis and should be
taken into consideration when budgeting your spending money.
None of the Optional Activities on your trip are operated by Topdeck, nor do they form part of your contract with Topdeck for your trip.
Topdeck arranges the activity as an agent of the local supplier. Should you participate in any Optional Activities your contract will be with the
local supplier and their conditions will apply.
Please note: while we make every effort to keep these prices as accurate and up-to-date as possible, they are subject to change and in rare
circumstances the actual price may vary slightly to what is published here.
France - Paris
Traditional cabaret show: €56.50
Seine River cruise €8
Bike tour of Paris: €26
Switzerland - Engelberg
Scenic excursion of Mount Titlis: CHF 78
Italy - Rome
Guided tour of Vatican City: €40
Meals
Breakfasts are included every day in the hotel (except on the first morning). They are usually ‘continental breakfasts’, which are common in
most European countries. A typical breakfast may consist of cereals with milk or yoghurt, bread, croissants, cold meats, cheese and a range
of spreads, with fruit juice, tea or coffee to drink. It is rare to get a hot breakfast in continental Europe, though on some occasions there may
be some hot food available as well.
Included evening meals are in local restaurants or accommodation places, and are either two or three courses. In most cases table water is
provided with the meals, and if you wish to purchase additional drinks you can do so at your own expense.
If you have any dietary requirements we will make every effort to cater to your specific needs as long as you advise your travel agent or
Topdeck Trip Consultant when you book. Please be aware that although we will do everything in our power to arrange it, we cannot
guarantee that every restaurant we use will be able to cater to all dietary needs, particularly in Eastern Europe. We also cannot cater for
tastes or dislikes, as most of our included evening meals feature a set menu.
Your included meals are detailed in the 'More Inclusions' section of this document.
Other Information
Finances
Changing Money
ATMs/cashpoints are available all over Europe and are the safest and easiest way to access money. Major credit cards are also accepted and
we recommend you bring yours along in case you see something special that you hadn't budgeted for.
Some nationals may have access to pre-paid cards that you can use at any ATM just like a debit card that you may want to consider as a
viable alternative or addition to your bank card.
We recommend that you change approximately €100 in cash before departure and approximately 30 Swiss francs (if your trip goes through
Switzerland). This will cover you for spending money until you have the chance to change more or find an ATM on the ground.
Please note credit cards cannot be used to pay for Optional Activities.
Spending Money
Based on experience, we recommend at least €50 – €60 per day. This is to cover daily expenses including sightseeing, small souvenir
shopping and non-included meals.
Remember, this is a rough figure only and spending habits vary greatly between individuals according to their budget and habits!
Tipping
Although you may not be accustomed to tipping at home, in many European countries it is customary. In some countries a service charge
may be added to your bill, in other countries it is usual to round the bill up to the nearest Euro or to leave an additional amount of between
5% and 10%. Your Trip Leader will be able to advise you further on the tipping customs in the countries you visit.
Topdeck Top Tip: it is a really good idea to hide away somewhere a small amount of cash and/or extra card; this will really come in handy in
the unlikely event that you lose your wallet or any other kind of emergency.
European Currencies
While the predominant currency throughout Europe is the euro (€), there are still many European countries that sit outside the Eurozone for
which you will need to use local currency (or rely on your credit/debit cards). It is generally always possible to exchange money into local
currency after arriving in the country, but the easiest way is to make a withdrawal from a local ATM/cashpoint.
Insurance
It is compulsory for all passengers to take out comprehensive travel insurance before the trip departs covering cancellation, medical
expenses including repatriation, loss or damage to baggage and personal belongings, money and personal liability.
For more information go to www.topdeck.travel/travel-insurance.
You must bring a copy of your travel insurance policy with you on the trip. Details of your policy must be uploaded into the Topdeck app
before your trips departs, otherwise they will be requested by your Trip Leader on Day One
Passports and Visas
Please make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after the last day of your trip. Some countries will refuse entry if there is not at
least six months validity remaining on your passport after your departure date from their country. Depending on your nationality, you may
require a visa to enter certain countries.
It is your responsibility to obtain these prior to the departure of this trip. You can consult the government websites of the countries in which
you will be travelling or your own government’s website to determine which visas you will require. We also have a visa chart on our website
listing the visas required by some nationalities travelling on our trips. To check go to www.topdeck.travel/visas.
Remember that some visas can take up to six weeks to acquire, so don’t leave it until the last minute. Also bear in mind that the validity of
the visa often runs from the date of issue rather than date of entry into the country. Please check with the appropriate embassies prior to
departure as requirements do change periodically.
Transport
Coach Time
We try to spend as little time on the coach as possible so that you have more time to enjoy the places you visit. But do please remember that
Europe is a large continent and it takes time to get around!
On driving days between cities you will be on the coach during the day, stopping off to visit places of interest where possible. Strict driving
rules apply in Europe that limit the maximum number of hours your Driver can drive each day. They also limit the maximum number of days
that can be driven before a day off must be taken. We have worked hard to make sure this does not affect your trip, but in some cities it
means we will use public transport while your Driver has a well-earned rest day. The cost for this is included in your trip price and your Trip
Leader will show you how to get around town as the locals do!
Please note: this doesn't cover your own local transport while in a city, only when the coach is not in operation
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for all passengers in Europe, this includes both coach and sailing trips. For more information about our Wi-Fi allowance
and availability per country, please head to our website www.topdeck.travel/wi-fi.
Please note: Wi-Fi charges are subject to change. If you feel necessary, please enquire with us to ensure your particular coach has Wi-Fi
availability.
Health and Safety
We want to make sure you’re having the time of your life while travelling with us. Therefore, if you suffer from any kind of medical condition
or allergies, we will need to know at the time of booking, or at least six weeks prior to the departure of your trip.
If you require regular medication, you must have a sufficient supply before your trip departs, as it may be difficult to obtain while travelling.
You must be able to administer your own medication, as Topdeck Road Crew will not be able to administer it, and there are no guarantees
that there will be anyone with first aid training on board.
Vaccinations
There are currently no compulsory vaccinations required for any of the countries this trip visits. Please reconfirm this with your GP or health
professional before you leave as conditions can change.
General Information
Public toilets
In most European countries you can expect to pay a small amount to use public toilets at service stations and in city centres. It is a common
practice in Europe and should be regarded as a form of ‘tipping’, as the money goes to the people who clean and/or maintain the facilities. It
is very rare that public toilets do not supply toilet paper, but it may be useful to carry a pack of tissues with you.
Power
All European countries (with the sole exception of the United Kingdom) use a CEE7/16 standard round, two-prong plug and a single adaptor
will work in all countries.
Voltage
Throughout Europe the voltage is a uniform 220v. If the voltage is the same or similar in your home country your appliance will comply. If
you have a 110v appliance you will need to use a transformer to avoid damaging your appliance.
In Cases of Emergency
While we hope you never have to use it, if for any reason you need to contact someone from Topdeck, whether it be that you have missed a
trip departure meeting, have become separated from your trip on the road or any other unforeseeable problem, the following options are
available to you.
London Office
Your best recourse to assistance during the day is to call our team between 8am-9pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am-4pm on Saturdays UK
time.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8987 3305
Emergency Contact
If you need to contact Topdeck outside of the above hours the following number is available: Mobile: +(44) 7792 775 415
Please remember if it is a genuine emergency, we of course want you to call us; however, if it can wait until the next day, we ask
that you call during our office hours.
What to Bring
We recommend soft bags, suitcases or frameless backpacks, plus a small day pack or carry bag. No external framed bags please, as they
damage other bags on the coach. Please limit your luggage to a maximum of 20kg. Luggage must not exceed dimensions of 70cm in height,
45cm in width and 25cm in depth. Only one piece of luggage is allowed.
Please note that due to space and weight restrictions on our coaches, passengers with too much luggage on departure morning may be told
that they cannot take their entire luggage with them. Luggage storage facilities are usually available at the departure point, if they are not
available you will have to make your own arrangements to have it stored or shipped home. Any luggage left behind will be at your own risk
and you will be required to pay any costs incurred.
Sleeping Bags
A sleeping bag will not be required for your trip.
Suggested Packing List
The golden rule is to travel as light as you can. Only bring what you really need and leave plenty of space for things you might want to buy.
Don't forget you will have to carry your bag around yourself before and after the trip, as well as in and out of where you’re staying while on
your trip!
The following is a suggested clothing list only, based on our experience:
1 pair of comfortable walking shoes
1 pair of smart casual shoes
1 pair thongs/jandals/flip-flops
2 pairs jeans/trousers
2 pairs shorts/skirts
4 shirts/t-shirts
2 sweaters/jumpers
Smart casual evening wear
1 rainproof jacket
1 warm jacket
Underwear and socks!
Other things to pack:
Swimwear
Towel
Toiletries
Hat and Sunscreen
Basic medical kit (including plasters, aspirin etc.)
Washing powder
Insect repellent
Conversion plug
Optionals to consider:
Sewing kit
Pillow case
Torch
Travel pillow
Please note: entry into some religious sites, such as cathedrals and mosques, requires clothing to cover the knees, chest and shoulders.
Final Checklist
Passport (with visas if required!)
Airline tickets (where applicable)
Insurance Policy (you must bring these details with you)
Camera; batteries; chargers; conversion plug
That’s it – you’re now ready for your trip of a lifetime! If you have any further questions feel free to give our team a shout at any time. Happy
travels!