14 DAY | Iberian Coast
EESPBX-7
This tour visits: Spain, Morocco, Portugal
Come with us and explore the beautiful and the intriguing as we tour Spain and
Portugal's enticing Iberian Coast as well as magical Morocco. This was once the
frontier of where two of history's great civilisations merged and we will witness
the influence of both European and Arab culture and architecture on either side
of the Mediterranean. As we make our way from spectacular Barcelona to
wonderful Lisbon, we will get a taste for all aspects of the region’s diverse
culture, history and of course cuisine!
The Bucket List
More Inclusions
Guided tour of the Alhambra, Granada
13 breakfasts, 6 dinners
Visit UNESCO Heritage listed city Meknes
4 nights hotel upgrade & 9 nights in hostel accommodation
Local guide in Fes and Volubilis
Strait of Gibraltar ferry crossings
Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
Guided tours of all major cities
Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - Barcelona, Spain
Bienvenidos to the city of art nouveau, alluring accents and most importantly, tapas. Meet and greet your fellow travellers before getting
your bearings on a guided tour of bustling Barca, ticking off the likes of Sagrada Familia, the Columbus Monument and Las Ramblas. Then:
fuel up for the notorious nightlife with a feast of local cuisine.
Included today:
-Driving tour of Barcelona
Meals:
-Dinner
Day 2 - Barcelona to Valencia
A whole morning in Barcelona and the chance to catch up on anything you might have missed yesterday. Then we head to Valencia with a pit
stop at the Cava Caves. Lose yourself down the dark narrow tunnels and spiralling staircases of these mazy structures.
Included today:
-Walking tour of Valencia
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Optional activities:
-Cava Caves tour
Day 3 - Valencia
We’ve cleared your schedule to explore the birthplace of paella (and obviously dig into copious amounts of the local dish). Check out the Old
Quarter for some serious throwback charm or just, you know, hit the beach. We won’t judge. Word has it that valencia is home to the paella
dish. The Spaniards have been experimenting for years and have perfected the recipe. Think: a hot mix of rice, spice, seafood and everything
else in between.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Valencia pub crawl
Day 4 - Valencia to Granada
Wake up to a scenic drive to Granada, the last Moorish city in Spain to fall to the Christians, and gear up for a couple of days to discover why
this is the hottest destination in Andalusia.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 5 - Granada
Feign royalty on a guided tour of the Alhambra, a former palace city dating back to the Muslim Nasrid Dynasty that ruled the region for more
than two centuries. Once you leave the regal grounds, take in the impressive Moorish architecture within the Albayzín district against a
backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Cue: an endless stream of Instagram-worthy pics. Seal the deal by treating yourself to some local
cuisine for dinner. Tip: most places serve free tapas with your beverage. Win!
Included today:
-Guided tour of Alhambra
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 6 - Granada to Asilah, Morocco
Make your way to the whitewashed wonder that is the seaside town of Asilah and get snap-happy in between Spanish feasts. Feeling more
like a Greek island village, this place will impress with its burgeoning art scene and drool-worthy selection of tapas restaurants.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Day 7 - Asilah to Fes
Today you'll discover why the oldest and largest medieval city in the world is better known for its food. Work up an appetite on our drive
through the Moroccan landscape, we're going local for dinner again tonight. In other words: tagine.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Day 8 - Fes
Tick 'em off with a local guide: royal palace, Jewish neighbourhood, UNESCO-listed medina and leather tannery. Then hunt down a hammam
and lose yourself in the labyrinth of souks and cobblestone streets. Bring your bargaining pants and embrace the centuries-old tradition of
paying what you want for things, not what you're told they cost. Bargains can be had if you're willing to put in the lip service. Relax with some
mint tea afterwards and congratulate yourself on your bargaining prowess.
Included today:
-Walking tour of Fes with local guide
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 9 - Fes
Spend the day amongst the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the once ruling centre of the Roman province of Mauritania. The ancient site dates back
to 40 AD, which explains why the ville nouvelle, or 'new city' neighborhood of Fes bears its name despite being 700 years old. Also: a visit to
the World Heritage listed city of Meknes.
Included today:
-Tour of Volubilis with a local guide
-Visit the World Heritage-listed city Meknes
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 10 - Fes to Seville, Spain
Leave the tajines for paella and the Moorish brilliance that is the Alcazar. Seville was founded 3000 years ago by Hercules and Sevillanos are
extremely proud of their city. Lawrence of Arabia, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (the palace on Naboo), Kingdom of Heaven and
Games of Thrones (season 5) were all filmed or partly filmed here. When you look as good as Seville it's hard not to show off.
Included today:
-Guided tour of Seville
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Day 11 - Seville
The royal tour continues in Seville with the likes of the Real Alcazar. The palace is the most stunning example of Mudéjar architecture found
on the Iberian Peninsula. Also on the schedule: Plaza de Sappan and the Cathedral of Seville. Your date tonight? A hot and spicy flamenco
show.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
Flamenco show
Day 12 - Seville to Lisbon, Portugal
Flirt with Spain's girl next door and discover why Lisbon is basically the San Francisco of Europe. Find (or lose) your bearings on a guided tour
of the undulating capital and let the Jeronimos Monastery and the World Heritage listed Belem Tower feed your daily dose of history. A local
meal will sustain a night of dancing in Bairro Alto. Oi!
Included today:
-Guided tour of Lisbon
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Day 13 - Lisbon
Pocket a Portuguese tart. Get friendly with the capital city on foot and keep an eye out for all things Portuguese. Get lost in the medieval
maze that is Alfama, the oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon, or venture up to São Jorge Castle for epic views and a history lesson on Moorish
culture. Afterwards, wind down in the Lisbon Botanical Gardens – a city oasis which is the result of a king wanting one of every type of plant
in the world. He didn't quite get all of them but came pretty close. Sprawl out, have a picnic and get in touch with nature (while also seeking
some respite from all your exploring!).
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 14 - Lisbon
Ohh Lisbon, it was nice to meet and hang out with you. Today we say goodbye. Time for the next adventure soon?
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.
Spain - Barcelona
Cava cave tour €7
Spain - Seville
Flamenco Show €33
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:
Morocco - Dirham (MAD)
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!