21 DAY | Eastern Pathways
This tour visits: Italy, Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Hungary,
Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands
To travel in Eastern Europe is to take the road less travelled. However, it is an
exciting and vibrant path to take, rich in culture and history and home to some
gorgeous cities and stunningly beautiful scenery. Discover the heart of it for
yourself on this affordable camping tour of Eastern Europe as we head from the
warm waters of the Mediterranean to the lakes of Croatia, through the beauty of
Budapest to the gothic charm of Prague. And not to forget three stunning days
sailing the Med in Greece!
ECPTRL-7
The Bucket List
More Inclusions
Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration
20 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 9 dinners
3 nights flotilla sailing in Greece
9 nights in European campsites in spacious twin-share
Local guide Tirana
dome style tents with air mattresses, 1 night hotel upgrade,
Local guide Dubrovnik
6 nights multi-share hostel upgrade, 3 nights sailing in
Visit former concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau
Greece & 1 night in a cabin on overnight ferry from Italy to
Greece
English Channel ferry crossing
Modern air-conditioned coach
Guided tours of all major cities
Trip Leader + Driver + Topdeck Chef
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - Rome, Italy
Meet the group and high five your new camping mates. 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. 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:
-Dinner
Day 2 - Rome to Sailing in Greece via Overnight Ferry
Play connect-the-dots with the stars or let the swell rock you to sleep as we ferry from Bella Italia to Greece. Restaurants, bars, and cosy
cabin rooms will keep you comfortable.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
Day 3 - Sailing in Greece
A short drive along the Greek coastline, then onto our flotilla of yachts for three days of sun, sand and sailing on the Ionian Sea. By night,
flaunt those european tan lines as we drop anchor and hop between authentic Greek tavernas for a night of feasting, table dancing and a
splash of ouzo. You know the saying, too much of a good thing? Neither do we.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Day 4 - Sailing in Greece
A free day to sail, swim, eat, sleep, repeat.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
Day 5 - Sailing in Greece
More turquoise water. More swimming. More diving off boats. More epic Instagram shots. You could probably get used to this.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
Day 6 - Sailing in Greece to Tirana, Albania
What happens when you paint a former communist capital in vivid colours? According to Tirana's artist-turned-mayor-turned-TED speaker
Edi Rama, people start paying taxes and crime rates plummet. True story. Kick off with a driving tour and a group dinner before we let you
loose in the night.
Included today:
-Tour of Tirana with local guide
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Day 7 - Tirana to Dubrovnik, Croatia via Budva, Montenegro
Gawk at all the stunning views that race past the coach window as we head up the gorgeous coast of Montenegro and make for the most
famous walled city in Europe. Wander Dubrovnik's tiny cobblestoned streets and explore hidden cafés and shops before grabbing some
dinner and checking out the glitzy nightlife.
Included today:
-Visit to Budva en route
-Walking tour of Dubrovnik with local guide
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Day 8 - Dubrovnik
Make the most of your free day in Dubrovnik. Check out the residential homes further up in the old town for awesome views and a local
perspective, and then relish a cold beer on the wall as the sun sets over the Adriatic. Alternatively, catch the views from the turquoise water
with a spot of optional sea kayaking. This is the good life.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Sea kayaking
Day 9 - Dubrovnik to Plitvice Lakes
Listen to the ocean play an instrument in Zadar. The Sea Organ is a quirky art installation that sits amongst the city's eclectic mix of Roman
ruins and public art. More cool facts await you on a guided city tour with your brainy Trip Leader. Next up: bliss and waterfalls at the Plitvice
Lakes National Park to catch some z's.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Day 10 - Plitvice Lakes
Today is brought to you by Mother Nature. Made up of 16 lakes connected by streams and waterfalls and surrounded by 300 square
kilometres of national park, Plitvice Lakes didn't make it onto the UNESCO World Heritage list without reason. Hike up to see the tallest
waterfall in Croatia or glide across the crystal blue lakes in a rowboat. Mindfulness just got a whole new meaning.
Included today:
-Plitvice Lakes National Park
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Day 11 - Plitvice Lakes to Budapest, Hungary
Your house in Budapest awaits. Meet your Trip Leader and set off on a driving tour to get down and Danube (that be the river) with twin
cities, Buda and Pest. Check out Hero's Square, Parliament House, the National Palace, Fisherman's Bastion and swanky Andrássy Ave. Then
it's time to meet the major food groups: goulash, cabbage rolls and dumplings, oh my!
Included today:
-Guided tour of Budapest
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
Day 12 - Budapest
Free day = put down your Rubik's Cube and take on a city with enough baroque, neoclassical and art nouveau architecture to keep you
puzzled for hours. Take to the waters at the art nouveau Gellért Baths and don't leave til you're pruny. There are 80+ thermal springs in
Budapest but this is its most famous. Wave pool, anyone?! Indulge in a spa treatment then visit the Buda Castle or House of Terror Museum.
Tonight, hang with the hipsters and drink local fruit brandy at one of the original ruin bars.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 13 - Budapest to Krakow, Poland
Get all up in the streets of Krakow today on a walking tour. Then let the statement, "Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire" really
sink in at Oskar Schindler's factory (optional). Go 327 metres underground to see hundreds of shades of rock salt in the Wieliczka Salt Mine,
visit a centuries-old synagogue and discover the city's inner-hipster in the Jewish district and shop for Amber in the UNESCO-listed Cloth Hall.
Your day, your choice.
Included today:
-Walking tour of Krakow
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
Day 14 - Krakow
Legend has it a dragon had to be smited in order for Krakow to be built (with a sulphur-stuffed lamb as bait). Bit tougher than the usual
council approvals, no? Meet Poland's beating heart – and the largest medieval town square in Europe – on foot. Buff up on history at Wawel
Castle, feed the ducks on the bank of the Wisla and after dinner, slay a few glasses of mead.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 15 - Krakow to Prague, Czech Republic
Bohemia's cobblestones are calling but first, a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau 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 of Prague. Check out the castle
deemed worthy by Guinness World Records as being the largest ancient castle in the world, cross medieval Charles Bridge and watch 'Death'
toll the hour on an astronomical clock that's over 600 years old.
Included today:
-Auschwitz-Birkenau visit
-Walking tour of Prague
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Day 16 - Prague
Another free day for the win. Channel your inner bohemian and seek out the John Lennon memorial wall, soak up some more Czech history
at the National or Communist Museum or get a taste of the quirky local culture at a marionette puppet opera (you gotta see it to believe it).
Snap a selfie at Prague's own Eiffel Tower, visit a miniatures museum, eat roast pork from one of the street vendors lining Old Town Square
and drink beer. Really. Good. Beer.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 17 - 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. Prep yourself for currywurst, absinthe 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 making your
food baby sing with a hearty German meal.
Included today:
-Walking tour of Dresden
-Driving tour of Berlin
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Day 18 - Berlin
Shake off last night with a wander around the German capital. Optional: Third Reich walking tour and local insight into what the city was like
under Nazi rule during World War II. Kreuzberg is a hit for lunch. Afternoon suggestion? Have a picnic at the historic Tempelhof airport
turned public park #picniconthetarmac. Tonight: hit the hotspots on an optional nightlife tour.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Third Reich walking tour
-Berlin Alternative Tour and Nightlife tour
Day 19 - Berlin to Amsterdam, Netherlands
Cheese lovers, rejoice. Your next stop is a local Dutch farm to see how cheddar (and clogs) gets made. Next: Amsterdam, mayo-dipped fries
and red lights. Get your bearings on a walking tour of the vibrant capital and see the Dam Square, Royal Palace and National Monument.
Then: explore all that this notoriously liberal city has to offer.
Included today:
-Dutch cheese and clogs demonstration
-Walking tour of Amsterdam
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
Day 20 - Amsterdam
Join the 881,000 bicycles and get local on a city bike tour of Amsterdam's iconic canals, bridges and parks. Culture fiends, delve deeper with a
visit to the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh or Rijksmuseum. 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.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Optional activities:
-Bicycle tour of Amsterdam
-Canal drinks cruise
Day 21 - Amsterdam to London, England
After all the Amster-damage has been done and dusted, it’s time to hit the road and make tracks to ol’ Blighty. Soak up all the happy group
vibes you can possibly handle – this is your last coach ride with the gang. #sadface.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Accommodation
Your trip will mainly stay in campsites. Topdeck provides comfortable, twin-share dome tents to sleep in and every passenger will have an
inflatable air mattress to sleep on. If you are travelling alone, you will be paired with a tent partner of the same sex. The tents have
ventilation windows, zipped-up fronts and sewn-in ground sheets. They are light and easy to erect and you will be given a demonstration at
the start of the trip. You and your tent partner will be responsible for pitching your own tent, and you will generally have the same tent for
the entire trip. Our camping trips encourage passenger participation in all activities – social and otherwise!
The Camping trips feature some included accommodation upgrades in certain locations. On such occasions, the number of people in a room
varies depending on the type of accommodation. Rooms in hostels usually four to six. When staying on a Camping trip, multi-share
accommodation follows a single-sex policy.
Campsites
Some European camping grounds are like small cities with supermarkets, bars, restaurants, swimming pools, hot showers and newsagents.
Others, mainly in Eastern and Southern Europe, are of a more basic standard. Clothes washing facilities are usually adequate, but don’t
expect machines and dryers in all campsites. Hot showers are sometimes free and sometimes not – where not, you will have to pay a small
amount to use them. On rare occasions some campsites do not supply toilet paper in the toilet blocks, so it is useful to carry a small toilet roll
or pack of tissues with you, which can be easily purchased throughout Europe.
Sailing in Greece
During the flotilla sailing leg of your trip, you will sail the waters around the island of Corfu on an eight-berth skippered yacht. This means,
you can relax on your yacht while having a professional Skipper do all the sailing for you! You will move in a flotilla with the other yachts, so
all passengers on your trip will sail together.
There are sailing and swim stops during the day, and each evening you will dock at a different village where you can go ashore for dinner at a
local tavern or restaurant. Two of the three dinners are included. You are also provided with a ‘sailing pack’ per boat, which includes food for
breakfasts and lunches that you will prepare yourselves while onboard.
You will sleep onboard the boats, and all your sheets and blankets are provided.
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.
Italy - Venice
Gondola ride €20
Croatia - Dubrovnik
Sea kayaking 220 Kuna
Croatia - Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice National Park 110 Kuna
Germany - Berlin
Third Reich walking tour €10
Alternative Tour and Pub crawl €18
Netherlands - Amsterdam
Bike tour €14
Canal drinks cruise €30
"
Meals
Included meals
Accompanying you on this trip will be a cook tent, fitted out with tables and gas burners, which will be erected upon our arrival in each
campsite. You will have a Topdeck On-Road Chef travelling with you who is responsible for organising the included meals. Breakfast is
included every day (except on the first morning). You will be provided freshly cooked evening meals and lunches as per your Trip Itinerary. All
cutlery and eating utensils are supplied. Occasionally, some of the included meals may be in local restaurants or accommodation places.
A full list of included meals is in the More Inclusions section of this document.
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.
No Tip Necessary
Your Topdeck crew never expect tips themselves and will not ask for any; that’s not what friends do! We also know how much tipping can
cost you. So go ahead, spoil yourself with the money you will save by travelling with Topdeck (just don’t forget Mum’s souvenir).
Topdeck Travel App
Our travel app has landed! With a range of awesome features including a Currency Converter, Budget Tracker, Check-In tool and Social
Timeline you can plan your trip like a pro. Think of it like your very own Topdeck Trip Leader, always on call with the latest info, weather,
maps and city guides to give you the trip of a lifetime, all in the palm of your hand.
Please note: The Topdeck Travel App should only be downloaded once you have booked onto your trip. You will not be able to log in unless
you have a Topdeck Booking Reference Number.
Get it for iPhone
Get it for Android
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.
Below is a list of all the other currencies you will use on your trip:
Croatia - Kuna (HRK)
Hungary - Forint (HUF)
Czech Republic - Koruna (Crown) (CZK)
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.
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.
Emergency Contact
Our Customer Service team is on hand 24/7 to help*
Please call 1300886332 from within Australia, 0800525366 from within New Zealand, 18006071399 from within North America, 0800982308
from within South Africa, 0362731786 from within Japan, 08452575212 from inside the UK or +44289873305 for the rest of the world. A
Topdeck representative will be on hand to help.
* Please note our Customer Service team may be closed over bank holidays. Please check out www.topdeck.travel/abouttopdeck/contact-us over these times.
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 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!