22 DAY | Timeless Trail
EEEDLA-7
This tour visits: France, Switzerland, Spain, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City,
Greece
From revolutionary Paris to the Renaissance beauty of Florence, from the
'Eternal City' of Rome to the wondrous antiquity of Athens, over 2000 years of
history will burst to life as we make our way across this great continent! But this
is also a tour of a Europe that includes the modern buzz of Barcelona, the
awesome majesty of the Swiss Alps and the idyllic paradise of the Greek Islands.
And with much more besides, this is a tour of Europe that will go down in
history!
The Bucket List
More Inclusions
Local guide in Florence
21 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 10 dinners
Paris city driving tour
2 nights in hotels, 9 nights in hostels, 6 nights in bungalows
Gourmet picnic beside the Eiffel Tower
at European campsites, 3 nights in canvas cabins & 1 night
Vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal, Venice
in a cabin on overnight ferry
French Riviera perfumery experience
English Channel crossing
Sun, sea & party on Mykonos
Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
Guided tours of all major cities
Awesome Trip Leader + Driver + On-Site Chefs
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - London, England to Paris, France
Spot French poodles on an epic driving tour. Pinch yourself and instagram your first selfie before we dig into a gourmet picnic under the
Eiffel Tower. Food matters. A lot. In Europe, it comes alive. Complete your foodie mission on day 1 with a picnic under the Eiffel Tower. Kick
back under and watch Paris sparkle. Ooooh you pretty thang!
Included today:
-Paris city driving tour
-Gourmet picnic by the Eiffel Tower
Meals:
-Dinner
Day 2 - Paris
More oh la la today. With Parisian charm crammed into every nook and cranny, make sure you hit all of the iconic haunts. Later, if you are in
the mood for an optional cabaret show, let us know – we’ll sort it.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Seine river cruise
-Traditional Paris cabaret
-Bike tour of Paris
Day 3 - Paris
Grab your baguette and go. Run, don’t walk. Another free day in Paris to soak up all those Frenchy vibes. Oui oui! Have you ticked off all the
sites yet? If you haven’t gone fromage crazy just yet, hit up as many local food markets as you can. Thank us later.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Visit the Palace of Versailles
-Paris food tour
Day 4 - Paris to Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Roll up and out of Paris and onwards to the Alps. Aim high and think epic peaks. #Jawdropping scenery ahead as we head to the Swiss Alps.
Urban charm ain't got nothing on Swiss scenery. Upon arrival, chow down on Swiss cuisine and hit the bar for a nightcap.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Day 5 - Swiss Alps
Scenic hikes and jaw-dropping views are on today's agenda. Go low key with a mountain walk or hop on board the Jungfraubahn railway for
an optional visit to the Jungfrau Mountain summit. Fairytale villages en route, sky-diving out of a helicopter upon arrival (if heights don't scare
you). Another local feast awaits your return, regardless of how you make your way back down. Then head back down for some snow angels
and hot chocolate. #hardlife.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Optional activities:
-Jungfrau excursion
-Helicopter ride (subject to availability)
-Skydiving
-Schilthorn cable car
Day 6 - Swiss Alps to Avignon, France
This afternoon welcomes you to Avignon, home to the magnificent Palais des Papes (aka one of the largest and most important medieval
Gothic buildings in Europe). Tonight: hit up a local bistro or gather for a makeshift picnic. Either way, be sure to pair your meal with some
local wine.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
Day 7 - Avignon to Barcelona, Spain
First stop is the famous Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard. Enter Barcelona where tapas and sangria rule. Easily one of the best cities in the
world, you lucky thing! First up: driving tour of Barcelona to get your bearings. Later: if you think you’ve eaten it all, nah-ah not even close.
Uncover the food market gems scattered across Barcelona and satisfy your inner gastronome. Visit La Boqueria in Barcelona for a luxe open
air experience. Tonight: shall we dance? Optional flamenco show.
Included today:
-Driving tour of Barcelona
-Visit Pont du Gard
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Optional activities:
-Flamenco show
Day 8 - Barcelona
Next up, rowdy Gaudi. Free day today to tick off Park Güell or the La Sagrada Familia. At night, strut along the Las Ramblas. Who needs the
snooze button when you got a whole day in a city packed to the rafters with art nouveau, alluring accents and most importantly, tapas. Hit
the side streets and alleyways around Las Ramblas or give in to your inner football fanatic and kneel to the sporting gods at Camp Nou.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 9 - Barcelona to French Riviera, France
Buh-bye Barcelona and onwards to the French Riviera. Before we arrive, we visit a French perfume factory to freshen up. New signature
scent perhaps? A crash course in perfume then on to the red carpets and Rolexes of the Riviera. Get your glitz and glam ready.
Included today:
-French perfumery visit
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 10 - French Riviera including Monaco visit
Picture life in the fast lane as we cruise through dazzling Monaco (ticking off another country in the process). Get ready to sparkle sparkle!
Glitzy and glam? You bet your fur coat it is. Feeling lucky? Hit the tables at the Monte Carlo Casino and make it rain (or not).
Included today:
-Guided tour of Monaco
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 11 - French Riviera to Venice, Italy
Seek out Juliet's balcony in Verona and wave before we push through to the canal-lined maze of Venice. Then, 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.
Included today:
-Walking tour of Verona
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Day 12 - Venice
Venice; it’s all about the vaporetti, fine wines and getting lost. We’ve got a sinking feeling that Venice is the way to go today. Stomp along the
canal bridges with a walking tour of Venice’s greats, before taking to the water on an optional gondola ride. How luxe! Later, head into St
Mark’s Square, shoo pigeons and jump over the Rialto Bridge to find the best damn pizza before we leave tomorrow.
Included today:
-Vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal
-Walking tour of Venice
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Optional activities:
-Gondola ride
Day 13 - Venice to Florence
Shake and shimmy past Pisa. Get THAT photo at the Leaning Tower of Pisa today. Selfie success? Okay great now on we go to Florence. Get
excited. If you think you’ve seen it all, think again. Allow us to show you the ropes with a local guide today and school you in the A to Z of
Florence. Say ciao to cheeky David and strut along the Ponte Vecchio, gelato in hand.
Included today:
-Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa
-Walking tour of Florence with local guide
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Day 14 - Florence to Rome
Enter Rome where history was born and made. Handfuls of tourists flock to Rome each year - but with good reason. Prepare yourself for THE
ultimate walking tour of Rome. Become an amateur historian in no time. Cross off some red hot ruins, oodles of obelisks and of course, the
big ticket sights. Refuel on pizza and espresso shots, you'll need it.
Included today:
-Walking tour of Rome
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Day 15 - Rome including Vatican City visit
It wouldn't be Rome without a visit to the Pope. Catch that 360-degree view from the Basilica (optional). Last chance to find the best pizza or
pasta before we head off tomorrow. Top tip: Trastevere. Just go.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Visit the Vatican city
Day 16 - Rome to Athens, Greece via Overnight Ferry
An Italian road trip today to meet our overnight ferry to Greece to the land of gyros and all things amazing. Play connect-the-dots with the
stars or let the swell rock you to sleep as we ferry from Bella Italia to Greece.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 17 - Athens
It doesn't get feta than this! Orient yourself as you wander either solo or with company to tick off the Greek Parliament and Syntagma
Square. Then, drop your jaw at the Acropolis. More of an urbanite? Take the rest of the day to get lost - you're free until dinner.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Day 18 - Athens to Mykonos
Ferry over to Mykonos (aka 'that-island-with-the-cute-windmills). Epic beaches, sinfully good local restaurants and a bustling nightlife, what's
not to love?
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Day 19 - Mykonos
Free day in para-para-paradise. Loving it up? Good, we hope so. Soak up those rays and make the most of 50 shades of blue.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 20 - Mykonos
Another day of loving life. And loving the turquoise water. Loving more swimming. More chalky villages, skyblue churches and laze-worthy
beaches on the horizon. Pro tip: grub it up in Parikia Town for the best restaurants and bars.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 21 - Mykonos to Athens
Another ferry returns us to Athens for a second dose of ancient vibes. Pay attention as we take you on a driving tour through Athens.
Included today:
-Driving tour of Athens
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 22 - Athens
Today, we're outta here after breakfast. Cue hugs and farewells. Make sure to swap numbers and plan the next adventure.
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.
France - Paris
Paris cabaret €56.50
Seine River cruise €8
Paris bike tour €22
Switzerland - Swiss Alps - Lauterbrunnen
Jungfrau Excursion CHF 151-173
Skydiving CHF 390 plus €30 deposit
Helicopter ride CHF 100 plus €20 deposit
Italy - Rome
Vatican tour €39
Italy - Venice
Personalised group shirts and hoodies between €18.50 and €29
Gondola ride €20
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:
Switzerland - Swiss Franc (CHF)
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 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!