19 DAY | Romans to Vikings
ECCLVL-7
This tour visits: Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic,
Germany, Denmark, Netherlands
Channel your inner Roman or Viking on this epic exploration of the best of East
and central Europe (including a Croatian island escape!). Say buongiorno to your
fellow #Topdeckers and start by ticking off bella Italia, before moving onto
Croatia, Hungary and the Netherlands. Get seriously Dutch at a cheese and
clogs demonstration, go local on a bicycle tour of Amsterdam and feel the love
on a vaporetto ride in Venice. And that’s just some of the action. Huzzah!
The Bucket List
More Inclusions
Croatian Island Hideaway of Pag
18 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 6 dinners
Guided tour of former concentration camp Auschwitz-
11 nights in European campsites in spacious twin-share
Birkenau
dome style tents with air mattresses & 7 nights multi-share
Dutch cheese and clogs demonstration
hostel upgrade
Vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal, Venice
English Channel crossing
Modern air-conditioned coach
Guided tours of all major cities
Trip Leader + Driver + Topdeck Chef
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - Venice, Italy
Say ciao Venice as we meet and greet our camper mates. Later, have an Eat Pray Love-worthy relationship with an irresistible Italian (meal)
and get pumped for living out your own version of The Italian Job tomorrow.
Meals:
-Dinner
Day 2 - Venice
You know it as the floating city, but this place is actually sinking (slowly). Check out St. Mark's Square, Accademia Bridge and a who's who of
Venice's usual suspects on a guided walking tour then jump on a vaporetto and explore the Grand Canal. Also on the schedule: an optional
gondola ride through the maze of marble bridges and gelato shops we call Venice. Throw away your map in the afternoon and try to find the
world's most epic little bookshop, Libreria Acqua Alta, or just go on a mission to find the perfect gelato.
Included today:
-Walking tour of Venice
-Vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Gondola ride on the Grand Canal
Day 3 - Venice to Pag Island, Croatia via Postjana Caves, Slovenia
Check out the Postojna Caves and cast your eye out for stalagmites on the way to one of Croatia's coolest today. Set your watch to island
time.
Included today:
-Visit to Postojna Caves en route
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Optional activities:
-Entry to Postojna Caves
Day 4 - Pag Island
Two whole days to relax and chill out in the sun. The water is warm, the food is awesome. Then later on, well, let's just say this island knows
how to party.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
Day 5 - Pag Island
Eat, sleep, party, repeat.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 6 - Pag Island to Budapest, Hungary
Hungary for more? Your house in Budapest awaits. A driving tour will get you 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 and cabbage rolls and dumplings, oh my!
Included today:
-Driving tour of Budapest
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
Day 7 - 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. Perhaps take to the waters at the art nouveau Gellert Baths? 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 8 - Budapest to Krakow, Poland
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.
Included today:
-Walking tour of Krakow
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
Day 9 - Krakow
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.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 10 - Krakow to Prague, Czech Republic
First, a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp for a lesson in the resilience of humanity. Then, onto Prague. 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).
Included today:
-Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp visit
-Prague walking tour
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Day 11 - Prague
Another free day for the win. 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 12 - 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 13 - 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: explore modern Berlin on an optional alternative tour then hit the city's night time hot spots
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Third Reich walking tour
-Berlin Alternative Tour and Nightlife tour
Day 14 - Berlin to Copenhagen, Denmark
On to Copenhagen to find out why this city keeps popping up among the top five most liveable cities in the world. Get your bearings on a
guided driving tour and discover why Copenhagen is home to half of the nation's population.
Included today:
-Driving tour of Copenhagen
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Day 15 - Copenhagen
Last night's tour crossed the main sights off your list. Today you have the chance to explore the city in true local fashion: on a bike. Romantic
streak? Check out The Little Mermaid, a tribute to the fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen's pre-Disney masterpieces. Spoiler: his version
has the lovestruck mermaid become foam on the sea after she fails to win the prince's affections (even back then, it seems,
#thestrugglewasreal).
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
Day 16 - Copenhagen to Hamburg, Germany
Boasting more bridges than Venice and Amsterdam combined, no skyscrapers (views for days) and the first zoo with no enclosures,
Hamburg is one of the hippest cities in Europe. With 3km of funfair and the biggest Japanese garden in Europe why wouldn't you want to
explore this gem? Later, check out the nightlife at the Port.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
Day 17 - Hamburg to Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amster-DAM it's going to be a good day! 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 and see the Dam Square, Royal Palace and National Monument. End the night with a cone of hot chips with mayo. Mmm.
Included today:
-Walking tour of Amsterdam
-Dutch cheese and clogs demonstration
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
Day 18 - Amsterdam
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.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Optional activities:
-Canal drinks cruise
-Amsterdam bike tour
Day 19 - Amstedam 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.
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
Paris cabaret €56.50
Seine River cruise €8
Paris bike tour €26
Switzerland - Swiss Alps - Lauterbrunnen
Jungfrau Excursion CHF 157- 183.60
Skydiving CHF 390 plus 30 deposit
Helicopter ride CHF 100 plus 20 deposit
Schilthorn 75 CHF
Italy - Rome
Vatican tour €40
Italy - Venice
Gondola ride €20
Germany - Berlin
Third Reich walking tour €10
Alternative Tour and Nightlife tour €18
Netherlands - Amsterdam
Canal drinks cruise €30
Bike tour €14"
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)
Poland - Zloty (PLN)
Denmark - Danish Krone (DKK)
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!