13 DAY | Festive Escape
EEFELL-7
This tour visits: Germany, France, Switzerland, Netherlands
Relish a festive escape this Christmas with a brilliant getaway in Europe. Starting
and ending in London, this trip makes its way through the wintry wonderlands
of Germany, France and Netherlands. Shop in quaint Christmas markets,
explore German castles and see Europe at its snowy best – one magical
Instagram post at a time.
The Bucket List
More Inclusions
12 breakfasts, 5 dinners
10 nights in hostels & 2 nights in bungalows
English Channel crossings
Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
Guided tours of all major cities
Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - London, England to Cologne, Germany
Meet your Trip Leader and cross the English Channel into Christmas market cheer. Fairy lights, Glühwein and a giant ice cream cone atop a
shopping centre - what's not to love about this place?! You have four giant markets to choose from and the one in front of Cologne Cathedral
attracts more than two million visitors per year. Prost to new friends over a welcome dinner then head out to see the largest Christmas tree
in the Rhineland shine bright like a diamond.
Included today:
-English Channel crossing
-Walking tour of Cologne
-Experience the Christmas markets in Cologne
Meals:
-Dinner
Day 2 - Cologne
Take yourself to church - climb the 509 spiralling, stone steps for 360-degree views at the UNESCO World Heritage listed Kölner Dom. There
are over 30 museums to check out and one of them is dedicated to chocolate. Enjoy that sweet history then sort out dinner at the markets.
Indulge in gingerbread, apple strudel and for mains? Pork knuckle, of course (it matches the beer in deliciousness). Head to the Alter Markt
for wooden market stalls and live bands playing all the festive favourites.
Included today:
-Experience the Christmas markets in Cologne
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 3 - Cologne to Paris, France
Say auf wiedersehen to Germany and bonjour to France. Do you have big expectations? Raise 'em, tenfold. So much more than baguettes
and berets, tonight's dinner will prep your taste buds for what French cuisine is all about (butter, mostly). Then see what the City of Light
does does best on a driving tour and play landmark bingo with the Eiffel Tower, Champs Élysées and Arc de Triomphe.
Included today:
-Driving tour of Paris
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Day 4 - Paris
A free day in Paris to soak up all the pastries, paintings and prettiness you can handle. Bike along the Seine on an optional tour or just flâner
(stroll) around and drink it in. Check out L'eclair de Genie in Le Marais, get your obligatory Eiffel Tower #selfie then explore the world's
largest grave at the Catacombs. Tonight, experience the razzle dazzle of a cabaret show or hop on a boat down the river to crank the
romance dial to 11.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Bike tour of Paris
-Traditional cabaret show in Paris
-Scenic river cruise on the Seine
Day 5 - Paris to Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Tear yourself away from that baguette - fondue awaits! Driving through the Swiss countryside is like watching Monet paint a masterpiece,
each mountain on the way to Interlaken another masterful brushstroke. Thanks, nature. Get your comfort eating pants on for an included
dinner. Hint: There will be cheese.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Day 6 - Swiss Alps
Hop on board the optional excursion to Jungfrau ('The Top of Europe'), which takes you to the highest train station in Europe. Hint: the view
is ridic. Want more adventure? Up the adrenaline by skydiving out of a helicopter, then head back down for some snow angels and hot
chocolate.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Scenic excursion to Jungfrau ('The Top of Europe')
-Scenic helicopter ride
-Skydiving
Day 7 - Swiss Alps to Munich, Germany
This morning we leave the alpine temperatures behind and warm up in Munich. It's time to get to know the city where beer is officially
considered a food. Your Trip Leader will clue you up on the Bavarian capital on a walking tour. Slide on your Lederhosen and have a royal
happy hour experience (none of that craft beer nonsense here) at the Hofbräuhaus - the recipes here were passed down from Wilhelm V, the
Duke of Bavaria. "Oans, zwoa, g'suffa" (one, two, down the hatch)!
Included today:
-Walking tour of Munich
-Dinner in Munich's famed Hofbräuhaus
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Day 8 - Munich
This morning, pause and reflect with a sobering visit to the first Nazi concentration camp, Dachau. After a short journey back to Munich,
climb the Frauenkirche tower, watch the Glockenspiel rattle off its Bavarian show tune in Marienplatz or jump on an electric bike tour to
relish modern Munich in all its thigh slapping glory. Burn off that bratwurst by climbing the 92-metre, 17th century St Peter's Church tower.
Included today:
-Visit former concentration camp Dachau
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Segway or electric bike tour of Munich
Day 9 - Munich to Berlin
Prep yourself for currywurst and more hipsters per capita than anywhere else as we make your beard all the more ironic in Berlin. 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. Save some room to get your DJ groupie on.
Included today:
-Driving tour of Berlin
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 10 - Berlin
Join the optional Third Reich walking tour for an insight into what the city was like under Nazi rule during WWII, go on a museum crawl
(covering everything from the Ramones to life in former East Germany) or head to the zoo. More culture awaits on Museum Island, with
creative types and memorable meals available in the Prenzlauer Berg and Kreuzberg neighbourhoods. Tonight, no curfew at clubs = all bets
are off!
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Third Reich walking tour
-Street art & nightlife tour of Berlin
Day 11 - Berlin 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 windmill dotted fields to
Amsterdam. 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:
-Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration
-Walking tour of Amsterdam
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 12 - Amsterdam
Get on your bike and ride! Do as the locals do and join the 881,000 bicycles on an optional city bike tour to soak up the wintery canal vistas
before retreating with hot chocolate, poffertjes and stroopwafels. Take on the city's 51 museums (must-dos: Van Gogh Museum and the
Anne Frank House). Still thirsty for more? Check out the Heineken Experience for an interactive visit and tasting at the brewery. Top it off with
a dinner cruise on the canal.
Included today:
-Canal dinner cruise
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Optional activities:
-Bike tour of Amsterdam
Day 13 - Amsterdam to London, England
Make #bestfriendsforever over coach games and road trip snacks as we say goodbye in London.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Accommodation
Hostel Plus trips host our most eclectic types of accommodation. While hostels make up the majority of your overnighters you could also
stay in hotels (free upgrade – yeah!) or bungalows.
The number of people to a room on Hostel Plus trips will vary. For hostels (remember, the most common) 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 is single sex and therefore couples should not expect to share
a room.
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
Traditional cabaret show in Paris: €56.50
Scenic river cruise on the Seine: €8
Bike tour of Paris: €26
Switzerland - Swiss Alps - Lauterbrunnen
Scenic excursion to Jungfrau (‘The Top of Europe’): CHF 161.80-189.60
Skydiving: CHF 390 plus €30 deposit
Scenic helicopter ride: CHF 100 plus €20 deposit
Germany - Munich
Segway or electric bike tour of Munich: €25
Germany - Berlin
Third Reich walking tour: €10
Street art & nightlife tour of Berlin: €18
Netherlands - Amsterdam
Bike tour of Amsterdam: €14
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.
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.
London Office
Your best recourse to assistance during the day is to call our team between 8am-9pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am-4pm on Saturdays UK
time.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8987 3305
Emergency Contact
If you need to contact Topdeck outside of the above hours the following number is available: Mobile: +(44) 7792 775 415
Please remember if it is a genuine emergency, we of course want you to call us; however, if it can wait until the next day, we ask
that you call during our office hours.
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!