23 DAY | Reindeer and Russians
EERSOM-7
This tour visits: Norway, Finland, Estonia, Russia
Welcome aboard the Reindeers and Russians trips where classic European
capitals meet stunning natural landscapes, and all experiences come with a side
of ‘wow. From the Arctic Circle (aka the Land of the Midnight Sun), magnificent
Moscow and vibrant St Petersburg you’ll be hard pressed to find a trip that ticks
off as many bucket list hotspots. Are you ready for this? BYO fondness for group
selfies and a really great time.
The Bucket List
More Inclusions
Geiranger Fjord cruise
22 breakfasts, 15 lunches, 15 dinners
Enjoy a Polar plunge & wood-fired sauna in Skibotn
4 nights in hostels & 7 nights in hotels & 11 nights in cabins
Cross the Arctic Circle
Modern air conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
Russian guide travelling with the group for 8 days through
Guided tours of all major cities
Russia
Awesome Trip Leader + Driver + Topdeck Chef
Entrance and guided tour to the Hermitage museum and
Kremlin
Metro & Kremlin tours, Moscow
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - Oslo, Norway
Meet the group and prepare for the an incredible adventure. Hit our campsite for dinner in the land of the midnight sun.
Meals:
-Dinner
Day 2 - Oslo
Wake up amidst Gustav Vigeland's bizarre and eccentric creations on a stroll through his sculpture park this morning before a
comprehensive driving tour and an optional visit to the seafaring themed Viking Ship Museum, Kon-Tiki Museum and Fram Polar Ship. Take
the rest of the day off to soak up the funky 60s vibe of the rich capital.
Included today:
-Driving tour of Olso
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
Optional activities:
-Viking ship museum
-Kon-Tiki Museum
-Fram Polar Ship
Day 3 - Oslo to Andalsnes
On to Lillehammer, home of the 1994 Winter Olympics. Do a run down the bobsled track (optional) before we move on to Andalsnes for a full
day on the Geiranger Fjord. To call the scenery epic would be an understatement (Google Images for proof).
Included today:
-Visit the Ringebu Stave Church
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Optional Activities:
-Lillehammer Bobsled track
Day 4 - Andalsnes
Take a window seat and squeeze through fjords, long recognised as one of the greatest natural attractions. Gawk at the sheer scale of these
breathtaking beauties and wind your way around some of Europe's most scenic roads.
Included today:
-Trolls pass crossing
-Geiranger Fjord cruise
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Day 5 - Andalsnes to Steinkjer
Chase the sun to Trondheim, the religious capital of Norway. Repent your sins. Next stop is Hell. Yes, really. Only this one is usually frozen
over. But really, temps can dip down to -25°C #brrr. After snapping up some photographic proof, we're off to Steinkjer for the night.
Included today:
-Trondheim & Hell Visit
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Day 6 - Steinkjer to Bjerka
A coastal drive to Bjerka, an inland village surrounded by mountains. Look forward to some peace and quiet, plus more greenery than you
can poke a pine tree at.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Day 7 - Bjerka to Tysfjord
Tysfjord for the night to experience the narrowest point in Norway. A chance to check out Svartisen-the second largest glacier in Norway.
Polar ice baths and wood-fired saunas build character.
Included today:
-Arctic circle visit
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Optional activity:
-Visit to Svartisen Glacier
Day 8 - Tysfjord to Skibotn
Set foot on the site of a historic power struggle between the British Royal Army and invading Nazis in Narvik en route to Skibotn - where
wood-fired saunas await your arrival (lifelong bragging rights are awarded to those who take the plunge).
Included today:
-Wood fired sauna
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Day 9 - Skibotn to Olderfjord
Fuel up with a late breakfast. Then: hike through the rugged countryside. This evening, you'll have the option to witness nature's sight for
sore eyes atop the towering cliffs of Nordkapp, Europe's most accessible northern point. Go to bed counting reindeer and dreaming of fjords.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Day 10 - Olderfjord
Onwards and upwards, we're heading north for the last time to witness the height of the midnight sun, so named for not setting between
May and June. This optional excursion is sure to knock your socks off (if you're lucky enough to score some top-notch weather!).
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Optional activities:
-Alta museum
-Midnight sun Nordkapp experience
Day 11 - Olderfjord to Rovaniemi, Finland
Sing jingle bells as we make our way to Rovaniemi, the home of Santa Claus.
Included today:
-Santa's Village visit
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Day 12 - Rovaniemi to Jyvaskyla
Next up: Jyvaskyla where we soak up as much of the outdoors as possible.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Day 13 - Jyvaskyla to Helsinki
A short trip south to the quirky Finnish capital, Helsinki. Kick back and let us show you the highlights of this funky town. Picture art-nouveau
buildings versus oh-so-fancy cafes.
Included today:
-Driving tour of Helsinki
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
Day 14 - Helsinki to Tallinn, Estonia
More fairy tale magic as we hop across to Tallinn with its old city walls and medieval buildings. A walking tour will show you the highlights
before we hand you over to the city.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Day 15 - Tallinn
Whatever tickles your fancy today. See the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral or check out the KGB museum for a history lesson on the antics of
the former security agency for the Soviet Union. Pro tip: Old Town is where you'll get the best kind of Estonian #throwback vibes.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 16 - Tallinn to St. Petersburg, Russia
Cross the border to Russia for a tour of the country's former capital. Later, find some blini and caviar (yes, caviar) washed down with a shot
of vodka, if you wish. When in Rome...
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Day 17 - St. Petersburg
Enter Russia: a land of 11 time zones and an epic history. Luckily, we have a local guide to start us off on the right foot. Anything called the
Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood has got to be worth a look (and it really is). You'll see it on today's driving tour. And the bucket list
items. So. Many. Things. You won't be bored in St Petersburg.
Included today:
-Guided tour of St Petersburg with local guide
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 18 - St. Petersburg
Dig into breakfast with your pinkies raised. You're going on a guided tour of the Hermitage Museum that spans six palatial buildings,
including the epic Winter Palace. Ah-maze! You won't want to miss this. Next: (window) shopping, chowing and grooving your way down
Nevsky Prospect, the capital's main street.
Included today:
-Hermitage Museum tour
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 19 - St. Petersburg to Novgorod
Through the Russian countryside to the World Heritage-listed city Novgorod. Try: Medovukha, the Russian version of mead.
Included today:
-Walking tour of Novgorod
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Day 20 - Novgorod to Moscow
Roll into Moscow today where the city is alive in rain hail or shine. Believe it or not, Moscow sparkles so be prepared for an incredible few
days ahead. As you move through the city, spot the tangible reminders of Russia's involvement in modern history.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Day 21 - Moscow
March through the greats on today's tour, including the Moscow University, Red Square and St Basil's Cathedral (aka the capital's technicolor
sandcastle). Explore the Kremlin with our local guide before setting off to roam the streets. Tonight: get fancy with an optional evening at the
Russian ballet. Binoculars at the ready and clink that champagne. Oh la la!
Included today:
-Driving tour of Moscow
-Visit the Kremlin
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Visit the Russian Ballet
Day 22 - Moscow
Down we go for a guided tour of the not-so-mundane Moscow Metro. If you are picturing the Piccadilly or Central Line in London nope, think
again. Not even close. Think: chandelier lined stations with each one more decadent than the last. Next: visit Lenin's tomb. Keep the history
lesson going with an optional guided Kremlin Armory tour. The Russian capital's been known to set the stage for nights to remember. Home
of vodka, remember?
Included today:
-Metro underground art tour
-Visit to Lenin's tomb
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activity:
-Guided Armoury tour
Day 23 - Moscow
Today we say goodbye, aww! Check out and swap numbers.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Accommodation
Hostel Plus* trips host our most eclectic types of accommodation. While modern hostels make up the majority of your overnighters you
could also stay in hotels (free upgrade – yeah!) or bungalows.
The ‘More Inclusions’ section details what type of accommodation will be used for overnight stops on your trip.
The number of people to a room on Hostel Plus trips will vary. For hostels you will have multi-share rooms and share with between 3 and 5
others while in hotels there will be twin or triple-shares (and the odd quad-room). Bungalows can be up to 4 people to a room.
Please note: When staying on a Hostel Plus trip, multi-share accommodation follows a single-sex policy.
*New name, same great experience - From May 2016 we're renaming our Trip Style Club to Hostel Plus. Travellers will enjoy the same great
experience, just under a new name.
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.
Russia - Moscow
Ballet from €70
Guided tour of the Armoury €22
Norway
Bobsleigh - NOK 195
Viking Museum - NOK 80 (students 50)
Kontiki Museum NOK 100 (students 40)
Fram Polar Ship NOK 100 (students 40)
Svartisen Glacier NOK 120
Nordkapp midnight sun NOK 800"
Meals
Included Meals
Your included meals are detailed in the 'More Inclusions' section of this document.
Breakfasts are included every day (except on the first morning). Included meals will be a combination of those prepared by Topdeck On-Site
Chefs, local restaurants and places in which we stay.
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:
Norway - Norwegian Krone (NOK)
Russia - Russian Ruble (RUB)
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.
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!