14 DAY | Pasta and Peaks
ECJNRL-7
This tour visits: Italy, Vatican City, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein,
Germany, Netherlands
Feast on pasta and roll through handsome peaks through Europe on this
incredible adventure. From oodles of pizza’s in Rome to clogs and cheese (all
that matters) in Amsterdam, this trip has it all. Have your own “The Hills are
Alive” moment on the Austrian Alps, wander through Liechtenstein on your way
to the Swiss Alps and day trip it to Pompeii to find out what went down, topped
off with as much pizza, steak, tapas, beer and chocolate as you can handle.
The Bucket List
More Inclusions
Local guide in Florence
13 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners
Vaporetto ride on Grand Canal, Venice
11 nights in European campsites in spacious twin-share
Stay in the Rhine Valley castle region
dome style tents with air mattresses, 2 nights hostel
Day trip to Pompei & guided tour
accommodation upgrade
Dutch cheese and clogs demonstration
English Channel crossing
Visit Pisa
Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
Guided tours of all major cities
Awesome Trip Leader + Driver + Topdeck Chef
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - Rome, Italy
Meet and greet the city known for it’s lesson in carbs. Learn a thing or two while if you arrive early into rome.
Included today:
-Dinner
Day 2 - Rome
Today is all you. Get up close and personal with the Colosseum or splurge on via del Corso. Step back to 753 BC in one of the world's oldest
open-air museums on a walking tour and give that bucket list a workout. Make like Caesar (the emperor, not the salad) and work up a
colossus hunger as you pass by the Pantheon, throw your two cents in the Trevi Fountain, sit on the Spanish Steps and visit ancient history's
version of the Hunger Games set at the Colosseum.
Included today:
-Walking tour of Rome
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 3 - Rome
Today we’re off to explore the ancient city of Pompeii – the once thriving and sophisticated Roman city that was buried in ash and pumice
after the catastrophic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 C.E. Like stepping inside a real-life history book, you’ll get the chance to experience a
guided look at some of the site’s highlights including the theatre, thermal baths, local’s homes and the extraordinarily preserved frescoes
and mosaics.
Included today:
-Day trip to Pompeii & guided tour
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 4 - Rome to Florence including Vatican City visit
Check out the home of the Pope, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel (optional) before we head off to Florence.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Optional activities:
-Vatican City tour
Day 5 - Florence
Get down with the Renaissance on a walking tour and meet a local artisan. Your mission tonight: hunt down the best aperitivo (Google it).
Included today:
-Walking tour of Florence with local guide
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 6 - Florence to Venice
Buh bye Florence, and hello Venice. Wave hello and get excited for the upcoming maze and bridge hopping ahead of you.
Included today:
-Visit Pisa & the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Day 7 - Venice
Tick off the Bridge of Sighs and shoo pigeons in San Marco Square on today's walking tour. Then it's over to you. Don't miss the winning
combo of bubbly and peach purée – yep, the Bellini was born here.
Included today:
-Walking tour of Venice
-Vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Gondola Ride
Day 8 - Venice to Austrian Alps
An action packed afternoon to work off those Italian carbs. Plus scenery so smashing, it'll leave your jaw sore.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Optional activities:
-Canyoning
-Tandem paragliding
-Skydiving
-Bicycle ride
Day 9 - Austrian Alps to Swiss Alps via Vaduz Liechtenstein
Gear up for another day to crane your neck, we're hitting the Swiss Alps next. #YO(de)LO
Included today:
-Walking tour of Liechtenstein
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Day 10 - Swiss Alps
A day to hang out in the Alpine village or catch the epic views from the top of Jungfrau mountain. Also: last chance to skydive. Just sayin'
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Optional activities:
-Jungfrau excursion
-Schilthorn excursion
-Skydiving
-Helicopter ride
Day 11 - Swiss Alps to Rhine Valley, Germany
Medieval castles, vineyards and the mighty Rhine River are all up next today. Breathe in as we weave our way through narrow cobblestone
streets and tunnels. Besides its obvious appeal (hello, fairytale views over the Rhine) half of Germany's wine comes from here. Shame not to
try some.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Optional activities:
-Rhine Valley River Cruise
Day 12 - Rhine Valley 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. Cue liberal views, vintage bikes and fries served with mayo #winning. See the Dam Square, Royal Palace and National
Monument.
Included today:
-Dutch cheese & clogs factory
-Walking tour of Amsterdam
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
Day 13 - Amsterdam
A free day to explore. Hit the Jordaan district to shop vintage between art galleries or kick back in Vondel Park. Don't miss the chance to
cruise the canals tonight.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Optional activities:
-Bicycle tour of Amsterdam
-Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam
Day 14 - 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.
Italy - Rome
Vatican Tour €40
Italy - Venice
Gondola ride €20
Austria - Kirchdorf - Tyrol
Canyoning €65 plus €15 deposit
Tandem Paragliding €129 plus €24 deposit
Skydiving €249 plus €40 deposit
Bike hire €16
Switzerland - Swiss Alps
Jungfrau excursion CHF 157 - 184
Schilthorn excursion CHF 75
Skydiving 30 + 390CHF
Helicopter ride 20 +100CHF
Germany - Rhine Valley
Rhine Valley River Cruise €9
Netherlands - Amsterdam
Bicycle Tour of Amsterdam €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:
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 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!