36 DAY EUROPEAN
PIONEER
Departure Point: 6.00am
Clink Hostel
78 Kings Cross Road, London, WC1X 9QG
Tel: +44 (0)20 7183 9401
For those joining us in Paris please see your joining accommodation details at the end of
this itinerary.
Trip Code:
EEEDLL (previously HTED)
ITINERARY:
Europe has so many wonderful countries with rich and varied histories, landscapes and cultures,
that sometimes it can be hard to pick a favourite. But one thing is for sure – with Topdeck’s
European Pioneer, you won’t be short of places to choose from! From the classic beauty of France
and Mediterranean flair of Spain, to the artistic wonder of Italy and enthralling history of Germany,
Western Europe will give you plenty of food for thought. But how about Eastern Europe? The Gothic
glory of the Czech Republic, the romanticism of Hungary, the young and vibrant Balkan region, and
the laid-back allure of the Greek islands will all stake their own claim. Our trip takes in the highlights
of every corner of this great continent, and sharing it with our professional Topdeck road crew and a
host of like-minded companions will ensure that you’ll be left with memories to last a lifetime!
DAY 1: LONDON TO PARIS, FRANCE
Depart with us early this morning from London and wave goodbye to the white cliffs of Dover as we
cross the English Channel by ferry, giving us a chance to change currency and grab any final
supplies. Alternatively, meet us at our destination- Paris! The capital of France is a city of lights and
love, fashion and food, creativity and culture – in short, one of the greatest cities in the world. After
dinner, take it all in on our City Lights tour, where our expert Topdeck road crew will share with you
the sights and sounds of the world’s favourite urban destination. (D)
DAY 2: PARIS
At Topdeck we believe in giving you as much free time as possible to explore the places we take you
to- starting today! A free day to take in this magnificent city, whether it’s the breathtaking
collections of the Louvre, the glorious Notre Dame cathedral, the stunning Arc de Triomphe or the
chic boutiques of the Champs Elysees- just keep those credit cards on a leash!
In the afternoon, there is an option to take a bike tour of the city, a great way to feel the pulse of
Paris and get up close to some of its finest monuments. In the evening we can all enjoy Topdeck’s
exclusive, mouth-watering gourmet picnic in the shadow of the iconic Eiffel Tower – delicious food in
a truly special setting. After dinner there is the opportunity to take in a quintessentially Parisian
cabaret show in the effortlessly cool Latin Quarter, or hop on a boat cruise down the famous waters
of the River Seine. (B, D)
DAY 3: PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND
Today we make our way in to Switzerland, a country so scenic it makes picture postcards spring to
life. Our base in the village of Lauterbrunnen is set in a deep valley, flanked by towering cliffs from
which waterfalls tumble, framed by the snowy peaks of Europe’s great mountain range, the Alpswe’re confident you will fall in love with it! Dinner has a local flavour and is prepared on-site by our
resident Topdeck chef, after which we can always head to the bar for a nightcap. (B, L, D)
DAY 4: SWISS ALPS
This morning there is an option to ride the historic Jungfraubahn railway to the highest station in the
continent, and visit the summit of the Jungfrau Mountain. At over 12000ft high, this truly deserves
its nickname, the ‘Roof of Europe’. Not to mention… there’s guaranteed snow! For those who think
that being 12000ft high whilst having your feet on the ground is too boring – why not throw yourself
This itinerary is valid for departures 31 March 2013 – 31 October 2013 and is subject to change without notice.
out of a helicopter instead?! Okay, so you would have a parachute and experienced skydive master
attached to you…. but let’s not dwell on the details! An optional (weather permitting) skydive over
the Swiss Alps is a truly memorable experience.
The rest of the day is ours to explore this most picturesque corner of the world, with numerous
mountain walks and the majestic Trummelbach Falls providing a feast for the eyes. Later there’s a
feast of the more conventional kind, as we enjoy another delicious meal from our Topdeck chef.
(B, L, D)
DAY 5: SWISS ALPS TO AVIGNON, FRANCE
We bid a fond farewell to Switzerland this morning, but the scenery is no less impressive as we
make our way to the South of France and the ancient walled city of Avignon. This gem of the wine
growing Rhone Valley region will surprise you with its impressive architecture and lovely ambience.
The city was home to several Popes in the 14th Century, as they were exiled from Rome, and such
illustrious residents demanded illustrious residences - not least the foreboding Palais des Papes,
which along with the gold-topped Cathedral next door, provide a picturesque backdrop for our stay.
Tonight we have the opportunity to investigate the local bistros for dinner, or simply picnic along the
banks of the river with a baguette, cheese and red wine – an equally authentic French dining
experience! (B, L)
DAY 6: AVIGNON TO BARCELONA, SPAIN
Our first stop today is the impressive Pont du Gard, a marvellously preserved Roman aqueduct
which gives a tantalising glimpse of the engineering brilliance of the Romans.
Then… Viva España! We travel south to the glorious Spanish city of Barcelona, a perennial favourite
of Topdeck crew. The capital of the Catalunya region is a vibrant, eclectic city with a strong
Mediterranean culture and an architectural style all of its own, and there are no shortage of sights to
see.
Our Topdeck crew will take you on a driving tour to see such highlights as the Christopher Columbus
Monument, Montjuic (site of the 1992 Olympics), and the jewel in the crown- the spectacular
Sagrada Familia. This inimitable Cathedral is the life’s work of Antoni Gaudi, the famous local
architect who gave Barcelona its architectural soul – over 120 years and it’s not even finished yet!
Tonight we enjoy an included dinner in a local restaurant, giving you a first opportunity to sample
the cuisine of Spain. (B, D)
DAY 7: BARCELONA
Today we get to explore Barcelona at our own pace on our free day, and our wonderful hostel makes
the perfect base to start from. You could stroll down the lively Las Ramblas and check out the
market stalls; you could lounge in the fairytale Parc Guell, an idyllic testament to Gaudi’s
eccentricity; or perhaps you could take a tour of the Camp Nou, the other great landmark where
locals go to worship – their soccer heroes of FC Barcelona that is!
This evening, we have the opportunity to sample some local cuisine – why not find one of the
numerous tapas restaurants and delight in being able to order 5 different dishes and not feel guilty
about it! There is also the option to visit a local flamenco show, where we can see the flamboyant
dancers and talented musicians of Spain at their passionate best. (B)
DAY 8: BARCELONA TO FRENCH RIVIERA, FRANCE
We travel north to France once more, to the rugged coastline and azure blue seas of the French
Riviera. En route we visit a local perfumery, in a region famed around the globe for its fragrances,
where a short guided tour gives us an insight in to the industry – maybe you will find your calling as
a ‘Nose’! Tonight we enjoy an included group dinner in a local restaurant. (B, D)
DAY 9: FRENCH RIVIERA
This part of the world is beloved by the rich and famous, and today is your chance to get in on the
act! Pop on those giant sunglasses and join the sunseekers on the beaches of glamorous Nice, or
wander through the old town and check out some of the best shopping in Europe. In the evening,
it’s time to glam up for a trip to the principality of Monaco, one of the world’s smallest countries and
a billionaire’s playground. There is a chance to have a flutter in one of the famous casinos of Monte
Carlo- you could even warm James Bond’s seat in the Grand Casino itself! (B)
DAY 10: FRENCH RIVIERA TO VENICE, ITALY
Onwards in to Italy, where we have ample time to take in the wonderful countryside, culture, and
cuisine of this fantastic country! We head towards one of the most unique cities in the world Venice, but en route we make a stop at Verona. This ancient city is famous for being the home of
Shakespeare’s “star-cross’d lovers”, Romeo and Juliet. It also boasts a remarkably well-preserved
Roman amphitheatre and some of Italy’s finest gelato!
From there we head to our resort and a delicious meal from our resident Topdeck chef, whilst the
on-site bar provides a great place to unwind with a few drinks. (B, D)
DAY 11: VENICE
This morning we head in to Venice itself, a city consisting of a dizzying array of islands,
interconnected by countless bridges, and serviced by a beautiful network of canals – there really is
no other city like it on earth! A walking tour with our Topdeck Trip Leader winds through alleyways
and across piazzas, finishing in St Mark’s Square with its magnificent basilica.
We then pay a visit to a local lace school to see how these delicate masterpieces are created by the
talented Venetians, before an optional ride on a gondola, the traditional (and most romantic) way to
navigate the waterways that link this great city, during which you can view the famous Rialto Bridge
from the waters of the Grand Canal. The rest of the day is ours to spend how we wish, before
enjoying another tasty meal from our on-site Topdeck chef in our resort this evening. (B, D)
DAY 12: VENICE TO FLORENCE
From one fabulous Italian city to another! We take time out to visit Pisa and get our photographs
with the famous ‘Leaning Tower’, before heading to Florence. This glorious city is arguably one of
the most important in the world, as it was from here that the great Renaissance movement flowered
and spread to the rest of Europe. Learn about this and so much more on our fantastic city tour this
afternoon, taken by a local Florentine guide. We can see the magnificent Duomo, or cathedral, cross
the beautiful Ponte Vecchio bridge, and immerse ourselves in the legacy of legends such as
Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, in a city that is home to around one third of the world’s great
art treasures.
If this proves a bit overwhelming, then we can always shop ‘til we drop at a local leatherworks,
where a brief demonstration will enable us to pick the quality goods from the fakes. (B, L, D)
DAY 13: FLORENCE TO ROME
This morning we have some free time to enjoy Florence. We could visit the stunning Academia to
gaze upon Michelangelo’s ‘David’, wander amongst Renaissance masterpieces in the Uffizi gallery, or
perhaps climb the towering Duomo for a breathtaking view of the city!
Our short drive then transports us to the capital city of Italy, Rome. Nicknamed the ‘Eternal City’,
this is the historic centre of the great Roman Empire, and our walking tour this afternoon with our
Topdeck Trip Leader takes in over 2000 years worth of history and a stunning array of sights. These
range from the relatively recent, like the opulent Trevi Fountain and the towering Victor Emmanuel
II Monument; to the truly ancient, such as the wondrous Pantheon and the awe-inspiring
Colosseum. It is a city where the ancient and modern intermingle, and undoubtedly one the world’s
great destinations! (B)
DAY 14: ROME
As if the sights of the previous day weren’t enough, this morning there is an option to take a guided
tour of Vatican City, the world’s smallest state and home of the Catholic religion. An experienced
guide can show us the treasures of the Vatican Museums and the world famous Sistine Chapel with
its ceiling frescoes by Michelangelo, after which we can explore inside the world’s largest church, the
incredible St Peter’s Basilica.
The day is then ours to explore the splendour of Rome. You could take a tour of the Colosseum or
ancient Roman Forums, join the locals lounging on the famous Spanish Steps, shop ‘til you drop on
the exclusive Via Condotti… or head back to our resort and take a dip in the pool! On one of our
evenings in Rome we enjoy an included group dinner, freshly cooked by our resident Topdeck chef.
(B, D)
DAY 15: ROME TO PATRAS, GREECE (OVERNIGHT FERRY)
We head from Rome across the Italian peninsula to catch our overnight ferry to Greece. The ferry is
equipped with restaurants and bars, and cabin accommodation is provided to make our journey a
comfortable one. (B, L)
DAY 16: PATRAS TO ATHENS
Upon arrival in Greece we make our way to the capital, Athens. The Ancient Greeks were one of the
greatest civilisations in the history of mankind, and Athens was the most important city state of
them all. Our orientation tour will help immerse you in the history of this region, where ancient
wonders such as the Acropolis and Parthenon sit side by side with a modern, bustling metropolis.
(D)
DAYS 17-19: ATHENS TO MYKONOS
Good times ahoy! We catch a ferry from Athens to the legendary island of Mykonos, where we have
3 nights to enjoy all that this magical place has to offer. Stunning scenery, wonderful beaches,
endless authentic Greek tavernas and a buzzing nightlife – it’s no wonder that Topdeck crew love
coming here so much! The allure of this paradise island will be hard to leave behind. (Bx3, Dx1)
DAY 20: MYKONOS TO ATHENS
We reluctantly depart magnificent Mykonos and head back via ferry to Athens, as we prepare to
journey northwards towards the exciting Balkan region. (B)
DAY 21: ATHENS TO METEORA
We head through central Greece to Meteora, a place of dazzling scenery and architectural madness!
From the 14th Century onwards a series of monasteries were constructed here, perched high on the
towering cliffs and stacks of the Thessaly plain region, in seemingly impossible locations. Of the
original 24 monasteries, only 6 remain intact, and we get the chance to visit one of them and see
these remarkable abodes up close. Please note, that as this is a religious site, we will need to be
covered up in order to visit. Tonight we enjoy an included group dinner. (B, D)
DAY 22: METEORA TO TIRANA, ALBANIA
This morning we make our way north to the charismatic country of Albania. It is one of the few
remaining corners in Europe where it wouldn’t be unusual to pass a donkey and cart on the road,
but though it may be poor in economic terms, it is rich in character and charm. The people are
friendly, welcoming, and passionate about their home, and a local guide will give us a tour of the
capital, Tirana, before we head to our luxurious accommodation, which we are sure you will be
impressed by! (B, L, D)
DAY 23: TIRANA TO DUBROVNIK, CROATIA
We continue our journey northwards through the Balkans region, an area of the world shut off for
many years by various Communist regimes, and one which suffered terribly during some horrific
conflicts in the early 1990s. Thankfully, this beautiful corner of the globe has put the past firmly
behind it, and the enthralling coastline of Montenegro provides some stunning viewing as we head
for the quaint coastal city of Dubrovnik, nestled at the foot of towering hills at the southern tip of
Croatia. (B,D)
DAY 24: DUBROVNIK
This gorgeous walled city at one stage found itself under siege for seven months during the
Yugoslav wars of the early 1990s. The physical scars can still be seen on some buildings, but many
people have laboured long and hard to restore the city to its former glory, and it now stands as
undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities anywhere in the world.
Today is a free day for us to explore, perhaps taking a tour of the city walls, visiting one of the
numerous courtyard cafes and restaurants, or finding an exhibition in one of the winding backstreets
of this great town. Find out why the Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw was moved to proclaim;
“Those who seek paradise on Earth, should come to Dubrovnik”! (B)
DAY 25: DUBROVNIK TO SARAJEVO, BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA
Today we move eastwards and take the path less travelled; we head towards countries which only
20 years ago would have been cut off to outside travellers. Bosnia and Herzegovina witnessed some
of the worst fighting of the Yugoslav wars, and our first stop, Mostar, is closely linked with this
period. Stari Most, the iconic 16th Century bridge spanning the River Neretva in the centre of town,
was ruthlessly shelled during the war and collapsed in 1993. It has been painstakingly restored and
we may be lucky enough to see some of the fearless locals diving from it in to the river below, a
tradition which has been going for centuries.
We then head to the capital Sarajevo, an up-and-coming city with a fascinating past - it hosted the
Winter Olympics in 1984 and is also the city where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in
1914, the event which triggered World War I. As we witness the results of the heroic rebuilding of
this city, you will truly feel like a European Pioneer! (B, D)
DAY 26: SARAJEVO TO BELGRADE, SERBIA
We continue on our Balkan odyssey today as we head to one of the saddest locations in Europe. The
town of Srebrenica in the east of Bosnia and Herzegovina was declared a ‘safe area’ by the United
Nations in 1993 during the Yugoslav Wars, but the peacekeepers were powerless to prevent an
appalling massacre of over 8000 Bosnians, predominantly Muslim men and boys. We get the chance
to learn more and pay our respects at the site of the worst genocide in Europe since World War II.
We move on to Serbia to one of the oldest cities in Europe – situated on the banks of the mighty
Danube, Belgrade has a delightful Old Town and some vibrant nightlife. An orientation tour will take
in the heart of Serbia’s capital, after which we have time to explore the restaurants, bars and clubs.
(B)
DAY 27: BELGRADE TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
This morning we peek further behind the former ‘Iron Curtain’ - a term coined to describe the deep
political division of East and West Europe that existed from just after World War II until the 1990s.
Our destination is Hungary, a former Communist nation. The twin cities of Buda and Pest, which sit
either side of the mighty River Danube, are better known together as the romantic capital,
Budapest. A driving tour with our Topdeck crew takes in some magnificent sights, such as Heroes
Square, the National Palace, Parliament House and Fisherman’s Bastion, after which we check in to
our accommodation and enjoy an included dinner. (B, D)
DAY 28: BUDAPEST
Today is a free day for us to explore this amazing city. You could explore the Castle District, full of
cobbled streets and underground catacombs, perhaps unwind in one of the famous thermal baths
with a massage and beauty treatment, or learn about the darker side of Hungary’s Communist past
in the House of Terror museum. After a long day, why not unwind with a nice goulash at a local
restaurant and a drink at one of the city’s legendary ‘dive’ bars! (B)
DAY 29: BUDAPEST TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA
This morning we head north-west, to the Alpine beauty of Austria. Our destination is the capital,
Vienna, a gorgeous city dripping in culture, with impressive sights such as the Hofburg Palace, St
Stephen’s Cathedral and the majestic Vienna Opera House to be seen on a driving tour taken by our
Topdeck crew.
Vienna is undoubtedly the home of classical music; Mozart, Beethoven, Bach and Strauss have all
had their compositions proudly premiered here, and this evening there is a chance to glam up for an
optional visit to a traditional Viennese Chamber Orchestra in one of Vienna’s many Palaces! (B)
DAY 30: VIENNA TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Today we make our way to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic. Great architecture, fantastic
shopping, fascinating history and outstanding nightlife – there are many reasons why this city is a
true favourite of Topdeck crew! A city tour with our Trip Leader takes in Gothic masterpieces such as
the Hradcany Castle District, Charles Bridge, and the stunning Tyn Church. Tonight, why not take
the opportunity to sample some of the best nightlife in Europe. (B, D)
DAY 31: PRAGUE
A free day to explore this beautiful city, hidden for decades behind the ‘Iron Curtain’ that divided
East and West Europe, but now a hugely popular destination and a true gem of Eastern Europe. You
could get your portrait painted by an artist on Charles Bridge, learn more about Czech culture and
history at the National Museum, or indulge in the charmingly bizarre spectacle of watching an opera
performed entirely by traditional marionette puppets! The Czech Republic also produces arguably
the world’s finest beer, giving us even more reason to celebrate the Prague nightlife. (B)
DAY 32: PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY
Willkommen in Deutschland! Welcome to Germany! Our first stop in this great country is the city of
Dresden, virtually destroyed in World War II, but rejuvenated once again. Its restored Renaissance
buildings symbolise the desire of the nation to rebuild following World War II and the division of East
and West Germany which followed.
Nowhere is that division more clearly illustrated than in Berlin, Germany’s glorious capital city, which
for over 25 years was physically separated by the Berlin Wall. After checking in to fantastic hostel,
we enjoy an included group dinner. (B, D)
DAY 33: BERLIN
Remaining stretches of the Berlin Wall can be seen on the driving tour conducted by our Topdeck
crew this morning, which also takes in famous sights such as the Reichstag, Checkpoint Charlie and
the Brandenburg Gate. There is also the option to do a Third Reich walking tour, where a local guide
can give us a fantastic insight in to some of the places most closely associated with the Nazis and
World War II. The day is then ours to explore this incredibly vibrant city, bursting with life and
offering no end of things to see and do. This evening, why not take part in an optional nightlife tour,
and see why Berlin has a reputation as one of the party capitals of Europe! (B)
DAY 34: BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
Our trip moves on to the Netherlands, famous for many things- cheese and clogs may spring to
mind! So on the way we can pay a visit to a local farmer to see how these typically Dutch products
are made, before heading on to the cultural capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam. A walking tour
takes in the heart of this multicultural, famously liberal city, stopping at Dam Square to see the
Royal Palace and National Monument, before heading to the famous Red Light district! (B, L)
DAY 35: AMSTERDAM
This morning we have a Topdeck exclusive; an included bike ride of Amsterdam, giving us the
chance to travel amongst the canals and parks of this gorgeous city as the locals do. We have plenty
of free time to take in the abundant culture of Amsterdam, perhaps paying a visit to the
Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum…. Or the Heineken Experience – it all
depends on your own personal definition of ‘culture’! This evening, we have a farewell dinner in a
local restaurant, followed by an optional canal cruise around the waterways of this great city, the
perfect way to round off a memorable Topdeck trip. (B, D)
DAY 36: AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND
Today we say our sad farewells to the Netherlands, heading to Belgium and the incredibly well
preserved medieval city of Bruges. A short walking tour is followed by free time to explore and
sample some delicious Belgian specialities; chocolate, waffles, and for the more sturdy souls- beer!
We then head to Calais and catch our ferry back to England, where the trip finishes this evening at
the Clink hostel, and we say our fond farewells to our Topdeck companions! (B)
NOTES:

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

Itineraries may vary and/or attractions be substituted for any cause including seasonal
conditions, weather extremes, traditional owner and national park requirements. See terms
and conditions for full details.

This trip is for active 18-39 year olds.

Travel Insurance is compulsory for all travellers on all trips.

A luggage limit of 20kgs applies for main luggage, plus one carry on bag

To make sure you have the best Topdeck trip ever, our experienced crew will tailor all of the
activities based on seasonal and cultural conditions throughout the year. Any deviation from
this itinerary will be made with serious consideration and with your best interests and safety
in mind.
If you need to contact us while you are on your Topdeck Trip, please call or email us and we will be
happy to help!
Topdeck United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 8987 3305
Email: [email protected]
For those joining us in Paris your joining details are:
Departure Point: 5.00pm
B&B La Villette
4 rue Emile Reunaud, 75019 Paris
Tel: +33 148 11 10 30
Except for departures 02/05/2013, 16/05/2013 and 07/07/2013, please contact us closer to your
trips departure date.