15 DAY | Balkan Voyager
EXSBDH-7
This tour visits: Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Hungary
Hit the high seas and make waves in paradise then roll through cities recovering
from a complicated past and now exist as buzzing, vibrant cities. Ready, set, sail,
then end in the romantic beauty of Budapest, this fabulously rewarding tour of
the Balkans is a travel experience that will stay with you forever.
The Bucket List
More Inclusions
Local guide Dubrovnik
14 breakfasts (B), 7 lunches (L) 3 dinners (D)
Sail the scenic Croatian coastline
7 nights in an en-suite cabin (twin or double below deck), 7
Visit UNESCO World Heritage-listed Plitvice Lakes National
nights hotel accommodation (twin or double)
Park
Modern air-conditioned coach + Croatian sailboat
Awesome Trip Leader + Local Captain + Crew + Sailing
representative
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - Dubrovnik, Croatia to Mljet
Everyone's a first mate today as we trim our sails and set course for the island of Mljet. Your responsibilities include swimming, improving
the tan and counting shades of blue.
Meals:
-Lunch
Day 2 - Mljet to Makarska
Welcome to the glitz, sunshine and high rolling antics of the Croatian Riviera. Laze around on pebbled beaches and channel your inner highroller. Tonight we party pirate style, so don your stripes and practise your finest "arrrr".
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Optional activities:
-Visit Mljet National Park
Day 3 - Makarska to Split
Next stop is Split, where Roman and Venetian architecture contrasts communist blocks from Tito's reign. But first: ziplining across the Cetina
Gorge (optional). Make like a local with a drink in the main square tonight or wrap your tastebuds around a seafood dish at a restaurant on
the esplanade.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
Optional activities:
-Zip lining
-River rafting
Day 4 - Split to Hvar
From one slice of island paradise to another. Head to Spanjola Fortress for Instagrammable views, and then make your way to Hula Hula
beach for a groovy afternoon. But first, a swim stop outside the port.
Included today:
-Night out in Hvar
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
Optional activities:
-Visit to Hvar Fortress
Day 5 - Hvar to Korcula
Our next stop is Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo and home to Massimos - a cocktail bar built in the turret of a 15th century tower,
where a steep ladder climb rewards you with epic views and delicious bevs.
Included today:
-Visit old town of Korcula
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
Day 6 - Korcula to Trestenik
Hit the sleepy town of Trestenik, a harbour on the southern coast of Pelijesac peninsula, where we'll have the afternoon to swim and relax.
Tonight, pull up a picnic blanket, grab a glass of the town's famous Dingac wine, and watch the stars ignite the sky. Yep, this is the good life.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
Optional activities:
-Captain's Dinner on board
Day 7 - Trestenik to Dubrovnik
Hit the beach, trace the top of the 1,940 metres of city walls and then grab a front row seat for the sunset. Tonight we go all out in the 'Jewel
of the Adriatic'.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
Optional Activities:
-Kayak Dubrovnik
Day 8 - Dubrovnik
Jay Z and Beyoncé rate it and so should you. Walk the incredible cobbled backstreets and soak up all that Dubrovnik has to offer. Free day to
set free and explore the best of Dubrovnik.
Included today:
-Walking tour of Dubrovnik with local guide
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 9 - Dubrovnik to Budva, Montenegro
The Dalmatian coast is spotted with all sorts of wonders and today and head off for Montenegro. Make sure you climb up the parapet in
Kotor, the view will take away whatever breath you have left.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Day 10 - Budva
Part beach resort part walled medieval wonder-city, Budva should keep you well occupied today.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 11 - Budva to Zadar, Croatia
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 Topdeck Trip Leader.
Included today:
-Guided tour of Zadar
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 12 - Zadar to Plitvice Lakes
Roll out of Zadar and head towards Plitvice lakes. Prepare for awe-inspiring scenes tomorrow.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Day 13 - 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
Day 14 - Plitvice Lakes to Ljubljana, Slovenia
Shoot one last longing look at the Lake before arriving in Ljubljana (lyoob-lya-nah) - capital of Slovenia. Jump in the Delorean (or the 70m
funicular) and glance back to the Middle Ages on a walking tour - the Ljubljana Castle and Old Town here have been waiting for you since
Celtic times. Tonight, hit up military-barracks-turned-bar-and-gallery-strip, for a tea or vino with a side of live music and underground art
installations.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional Activities:
-Ljubljana at Night Tour
Day 15 - Ljubljana to Budapest, Hungary
Out of Slovenia and into Hungary, our trip ends on arrival into Budapest. Go hunt down some tasty goulash, quirky ruin bars and the fiendish
Rubik's cube. See you next time.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Please note this itinerary is subject to change due to weather and mooring conditions
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 triple-share, 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.
Sailing
We use a fleet of both ‘A Category’ and ‘A + Category’ boats during the summer, which all feature en suite cabins. The cabins are generally
small as there is limited space on the boat so please pack light. If you are a solo traveller, you will always be sharing a twin room with
someone of the same sex.
A Category
Cabins are either ‘below deck’ or ‘on deck’. If you are in an ‘on deck’ cabin you may be on the main deck or on the top deck. The cabins do not
have air-conditioning* but most have air-conditioning units in the communal areas, which may be put on for some time during the night.
*A Category boats that depart on a Thursday include air-conditioned cabins.
A+ Category
On A+ boats you will experience a few more creature comforts with air conditioned cabins and a full English buffet breakfast. Linen and a
towel, as well as 1 litre of bottled water and fresh fruit per day are included. There is plenty of deck space on the boat for lounging.
Boat Crew
Your sailboat will come with three or four crew, who will ensure your cruise is the highlight of your experience in Croatia. There is a captain,
deckhands and a chef. The captain is solely responsible for the boat while at sea, and it is important you heed his advice at all times for your
own safety. All our captains come from this area and have been sailing this coastline for many years, so rest assured you’re in capable hands.
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.
Croatia - Mljet
Mljet National Park €10-€20 or 75-150 kuna (depending on season)
Croatia - Split
Ziplining €55 or 420 kuna
River Rafting €34 or 260 kuna
Meals
Your included meals are detailed in the 'More Inclusions' section of this document.
Breakfasts are included every day in the hotel (except on the first morning). They are usually 'continental breakfasts', which are typical 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, or make note of this in the Topdeck App when you check in (refer below). But 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 - Croatian Kuna (HRK)
Hungary - Forint (FOR)
Slovenia - Euro (EUR)
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
Time on the coach
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!
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.
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 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!