BERLIN, GERMANY
WE ARE TOPDECK. WE DO EPIC EUROTRIPS,BIG GAME SAFARIS, AMERICAN ROAD TRIPS, SAILING VOYAGES, OUTBACK EXPLORATIONS AND LOADS OF OTHER GLOBAL ADVENTURES FOR TRAVELLERS BETWEEN 18-39.
We realise that everyone’s different – which is why our trips offer loads of free time to play, discover and channel your inner explorer. It’s your trip, your way. Hit the road in modern coaches, stay at unique, handpicked accommodation, get around in purpose-built transport and hang out with other young explorers bent on seeing the world. Keen to start ticking off your Bucket List? We hear you. Our trips include all the must-see, must-do activities, with plenty of top-notch local fare to recharge your batteries in between stops – meaning you can spend your money where it matters, and focus on satisfying your thirst for adventure. After all, it’s a thirst for adventure that started it all. We had a group of mates, some wheels and enough wanderlust to make most mothers worried. More than forty years into this crazy ride and us Topdeckers are still discovering new places to see, and unforgettable experiences to make our trips that little bit more awesome. So that’s us, but this is about you. It’s time to live large, dream big and squeeze life for all it’s worth. The rest can wait. Ready to pack your bags? Let’s talk.
What's in this brochu re 08
06
EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES
WHY TOPDECK
It’s your trip, your way. Let us make your travel dreams a reality.
Play eye spy with Moscow’s metro art, cruise the canals of Amsterdam or go ‘off-piste’ on the Austrian Alps. These are bucket list experiences at their best.
ITINERARY
8:08 AM
Carrier
100%
10
FREEDOM TO EXPLORE
Make good use of your ‘me’ time with some of these not-to-be-missed experiences.
TRIP GROUP CHAT
Carrier
NO
8:08 AM
MY DASHBOARD
100%
BUDGET TRAC
ST R I NG S
8:08 AM
Carrier
100
MY BUDGET
James
is typing… January 9, 2016
227
DAYS TO G O
Hi, I was wondering if any one is going on the Europe express on 8 July?
2 2 DAY GRAND EURO TRIP
4:08PM
Hello! I’m Going!
4:55PM
11FOOD
DELICOUS
PICK YOUR STYLE
16
56
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
12 THE CREW
GU
ARA NTEE
0
14 WITH US
15 BIG WITH US
Hotel
Hostel Plu s
Exp lor er
S T A R T I N G P. 1 8
S T A R T I N G P. 4 0
S T A R T I N G P. 3 6
63 STOPOVERS 66
TRIP MAPS & INDEX
MEET
62
STAY & PLAY
MY ITIN
MY MAPS
W E AT H E R
CONNECT
-
300
BUDGET LEFT
HOW TO SAVE
CONTENTS | 05
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
FREEDOM TO EXPLORE
DELICIOUS FOOD
Our one-of-a-kind included and
We realise that everyone’s
With visits to local restaurants
optional activities in both iconic
different – which is why our
and delicious feasts prepared
hotspots and off-the-beaten track
trips offer loads of free time
by our very own chefs, we’ll
places mean there’s never a dull
to play, discover and channel
ensure your tummy is just
moment on your trip of a lifetime.
your inner explorer.
as full as your passport.
PASSION & EXPERTISE
LASTING FRIENDSHIPS
VALUE FOR MONEY
With over 40 years in the
Memories fade but Facebook
With no hidden costs, free
travel industry, a team
friends are forever. Hang out
Wi-Fi on our coaches and our
of passionate crew and a
with other young explorers
No Tipping policy, we’ve got all
collection of award-winning
aged 18 to 30-something and
the important stuff covered -
trips under our belt, you can
create bonds that last longer
meaning you score a great value
be sure we know our stuff.
than your festival wristband.
trip, completely hassle-free.
WHY TOPDECK | 07
EXPERI
E EXPERIE R U
NCE
FEA T
Topdeck exclusive
THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
HOGMANAY
SKI THE AUSTRIAN ALPS
Step into the über-cool Reykjavík
Hit the streets of Edinburgh and ring in
Shred and carve your way through
and join the hunt for the elusive
the new year, the Scottish way. Grab your
picturesque Kirchdorf where the
Northern Lights. Nail that Insta-
torch, weave through the streets like a
Alps come alive. Don your best ski
worthy shot and of course,
fire breathing dragon and dance until
gear and take your pick from an
claim those all-important
the fireworks go down. Accompanied
adrenaline-fuelled adventure or an
bragging rights while crossing
by your awesome Trip Leader, it’s
‘All-About-Après Ski’ experience.
off a major Bucket List item.
guaranteed good times galore.
REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
KIRCHDORF IN TIROL, AUSTRIA
IENCES WALKING TOUR OF ROME
UNDERGROUND ART IN MOSCOW
DINNER CRUISE IN AMSTERDAM
Enter Rome, where history was
Transport and art coexist in wild ways
Forget jumping over bridges and
born and made. Epic cities deserve
across Russia. Go underground and
navigating the Amsterdam labyrinth
epic walking tours, naturally.
step into a maze of metro lines for a
on foot – cruise it! Get up close and
Cross off some red hot ruins,
taste of art history – but not like you’d
personal with the ‘Dam as you feast
oodles of obelisks and of course,
expect. Your mission: find countless
on dinner and experience the city’s
the big ticket sights. Refuel on pizza
chandeliers in Moscow and miles of
liberal charms from the canals.
and espresso shots. Obviously.
mosaics hidden below the surface.
ROME, ITALY
MOSCOW, RUSSIA
AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES | 09
Freedom to Put down the itinerary, stray from the crowd and make good use of your spare time with some of these not-to-be-missed experiences. Freedom never felt so good.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS, GERMANY
THE SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND
Cue cosy vibes, mugs of steaming hot Glühwein
Expand your horizons (literally) and reach new
and of course, the essential festive spirit that
heights gallivanting across the Swiss Alps.
fills Germany over winter. For all-things-
You’ll be Snap-chatting your way up and down the
Christmas, you know where to go.
slopes, guaranteed. Anyone for The Jungfrau?
10 | FREEDOM TO EXPLORE
BARCELONA FOOD MARKETS, SPAIN In Europe, you’ve gotta eat it all. Fact. Uncover the food markets scattered across Barcelona and satisfy your inner gastronome. First stop: La Boqueria for a luxe open air foodie experience.
Delicious
FOOD
Some may bring home a tacky souvenir; others a picture-perfect postcard. But that epic feast you ate while on the trip of a lifetime? That’s a memory that will stay with you forever. Dig in!
FONDUE, SWIZTERLAND
PORK KNUCKLE, GERMANY
Dip and dunk your way through excessive
Pork knuckle might not look pretty (or sound it),
amounts of fondue, aka the best cheese-based
but it sure tastes like heaven. Add a serving of
creation ever. If there’s one thing the Swiss do
mashed potato, wash it down with a pint of the
well, it’s cheese. Mmm. Need we say more?
local brew and prepare to feel mighty merry. Prost!
GOULASH, HUNGARY Hot and dangerous (in a good way) this dish is the definition of ‘Hungary’. Slurp your way through a big ol’ bowl of slow-cooked meat and spiced goodness. Did we mention it’s ah-maze?
DELICIOUS FOOD | 11
meet our With a thirst for adventure, an endless stream of knowledge and let’s face it, a keen eye for a hearty local meal, our dedicated Topdeck crew make the best travel pals, ever.
“DECIDING TO BECOME A TRIP LEADER WAS THE BEST THING I EVER DID. I GET TO EXPLORE SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST FASCINATING COUNTRIES, WHILE MAKING SURE MY PASSENGERS HAVE THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES. IT REALLY IS THE BEST JOB IN THE WORLD.” - DAN, TOPDECK TRIP LEADER
CURIOUS Keen to learn about our passengers and what feeds their wanderlust.
FRIENDLY Socially intuitive with an eye for what makes the best trips tick.
PASSIONATE Embodying the spirit of Topdeck and all the brand represents.
RESPONSIVE Always in the know about current events and ensures your safety and wellbeing at all times.
words from our
Our crew really are pretty awesome, but don’t just take our word for it. Check out what some of our passengers have to say...
SALLY, NEW ZEALAND (SPIRIT OF EUROPE)
SAM, AUSTRALIA (WEST COAST CRUISER)
KELLY, UNITED KINGDOM (DOWN SOUTH & OUTBACK)
“This trip was exactly what I wanted and
“Amazing tour of Canada and the States. We got
“Best experience of my life! Made friends for life
expected. I was able to see 13 countries in 24
to see everything on my bucket list, the group all
and saw and experienced more things I could
days around Europe, which gave me just the
bonded and our Trip Leader was fabulous.
only have dreamed of.”
right amount of time in each place.”
Definitely recommend.”
MEET THE CREW | 13
CONNECT WITH US
CHECK IT OUT WWW.TOPDECK.TRAVEL Your one-stop shop for all things adventure
Discover More
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TOPDECK.TRAVEL
My Top deck
TOPDECK.TRAVEL/LATEST-DEALS
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BLOG.TOPDECK.TRAVEL
GET SOCIAL NOW AVAILABLE: THE TOPDECK APP Introducing the sleek new addition to our Topdeck family. With its easy-breezy functionality, comprehensive travel tools and social media prowess, this little gem will be your new fave travel pal. Because, unnecessary apps? Ain’t nobody got time for that.
ITINERARY
8:08 AM
Carrier
100%
TRIP GROUP CHAT
Carrier
8:08 AM
MY DASHBOARD
100%
BUDGET TRACKER
Carrier
8:08 AM
100%
MY BUDGET
James
is typing… January 9, 2016
227
DAYS TO G O
Hi, I was wondering if any one is going on the Europe express on 8 July?
2 2 DAY GRAND EURO TRIP
4:08PM
Hello! I’m Going!
0 4:55PM
MY ITIN
MY MAPS
-
W E AT H E R
WWW.TOPDECK.TRAVEL/APP
14 | CONNECT WITH US
3000
$1,200 BUDGET LEFT
+
S AV
E WITH TOPDECK
TRAVEL BUDGET
With us INC
736
$
LUDE
VS
Going it alone
D ON TOPD
EC
K
GETTING AROUND
Eurail Pass, Return English Channel ferry crossing & London transfer + Local buses/trains
E R O M
S AVE EAT
WAYS TO
12 breakfasts + 6 dinners
STAY
13 nights hotel accommodation
SEE
Guided tours of major cities
14 DAY WINTER WONDER TOTAL
DO
Gondola ride in Venice, Paris city driving tour, Amsterdam bike tour & farewell dinner cruise
2995 V S
$
3731
$
TOTAL
MORE W A Y S T O SAVE
PAST PASSENGER SAVE UP TO 5%
MULTI TRIP DISCOUNT SAVE UP TO 10%
FRIENDS DISCOUNT SAVE UP TO 10%
10% EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT
PAY IN FULL BY 30 JUNE 2017
NO
GU
ST R I NG S
TOPDECK – NO STRINGS GUARANTEE
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE ARA NTEE
Terms & Conditions: Early Bird Discount is valid strictly for trips listed in the new Europe Winter 2017/18 brochure. For 10% Early Bird Discount to apply all Topdeck services must be booked & paid in full by 30 June 2017. Discount can be combined with one standard brochure discount up to the maximum discount of 15% if applicable (excluding Early Payment Discount). The discount does not apply to Festivals, Ski trips or pre/post accommodation. New bookings only. Subject to availability. Promo code EW17EB10% must be mentioned at time of booking. Normal cancellation conditions apply. Passengers must be aged 18-39 at time of travel. Topdeck reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. For full terms and conditions please visit www.topdeck.travel
TRAVEL BUDGET | 15
k c i P r u Yo
e l y t S
BECAUSE ALL TRAVELLERS ARE DIFFERENT All travellers are different. Some like creature comforts, others like discovering up-andcoming destinations – some even like a crazy-costume hostel party. As long as you have the urge to explore, experience new things and meet awesome people, you’ll find that our trip styles cater to (almost) everyone. BYO fondness for a really good time. SKI LODGE, ENGELBERG, SWITZERLAND 16 | PICK YOUR STYLE
Hostesl
GENERATOR HOSTEL, PARIS, FRANCE
ROOM T YPES MULTI-SHARE
ROOM T YPES SINGLE/TWIN/DOUBLE
EXPLORER TRIPS With all the benefits of a Hotel trip but with smaller groups and more time to explore a region in-depth, these itineraries let you get to the heart of each place you visit.
ACCOMMODATION +3 STAR HOTEL TRIP LENGTH 11-14 DAYS ROOM T YPES SINGLE/TWIN/DOUBLE
STARTING FROM
TRIP LENGTH 4-28 DAYS
STARTING FROM
ACCOMMODATION +3 STAR HOTEL
P.36
HARCOURT HOTEL, DUBLIN, IRELAND
P.18
STORM HOTEL, REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND
Fit for couples and singles alike who are looking for creature comforts, our Hotel trips offer private ensuite twin-share/ double rooms with all the amenities you’ll need. Comfy stays that are centrally located or close to public transport links, you can expect a little more ‘me time’.
TRIP LENGTH 7-24 DAYS
r e r o l p x E
Hotel
HOTEL TRIPS
ACCOMMODATION HOSTELS/BUNGALOWS/HOTEL
STARTING FROM
HOSTEL PLUS TRIPS Get the most out of your Topdeck trip, without breaking the bank. From modern hostels, bungalows, and cabins, you’ll stay in varied multi-share accommodation with plenty of hotel upgrades to boot. Our most social trip style, Hostel Plus is perfect for fun-seeking travellers who are looking for a taste of adventure.
P.40
Plu
l e t Ho STORM HOTEL, REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND
HOTEL
19
Fit for couples and singles alike who are looking for creature comforts, our Hotel trips offer private ensuite twin-share/double rooms with all the amenities you’ll need. Comfy stays, which are centrally located or close to transport links, you can expect a little more ‘me-time’ and space to spread out.
DAYS | TRIP NAME
4 DAY | ICEL AND EXPLORER 8 DAY | PARADES TO PIAZZAS 9 DAY | HADRIAN'S PATH 10 DAY | ROMAN TRAIL 10 DAY | DEMOCRACY ROAD 10 DAY | EASTERN JOURNEY 10 DAY | BIG RED TO RED STAR 14 DAY | WINTER SPREE 14 DAY | CAESAR'S PATHWAY 14 DAY | WINTER W ONDER 16 DAY | TRAIL TO THE ALPS 20 DAY | DISCOVER WINTER 21 DAY | WINTER PATHWAY 28 DAY | WINTER EXPEDITION
PAGE SECTOR 20 21 22 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 34
WHAT ARE SECTORS? Sector trips offer you a great way to choose a departure city, set of experiences or journey length that best suits you. A Sector trip is part of a larger journey, meaning your new friends might continue on after you leave, or you might be joining a trip already in progress.
ACCOMMODATION +3 STAR HOTELS TRIP LENGTH 4-28 DAYS ROOM T YPES SINGLE/T WIN/DOUBLE
• • • • • • • • •
20
HOTEL
4 DAY | I C E L A N D E X P L O R E R
PHOTO: BLUE LAGOON, ICELAND
REYKJAVÍK
START/FINISH
Reykjavík ICELAND
REYKJAVÍK
4
MEALS
1
COUNTRY
WI-FI
Gulfoss Falls þingvellir NP
Blue Lagoon
1 STOP & STAY
DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: EHICJJ S TA R T
FINISH
S TA R T
2017
FINISH 2018
G
16
NOV
19
NOV
23
NOV
26
NOV
30
NOV
3
DEC
G
11
JAN
14
JAN
18
JAN
21
JAN
25
JAN
28
JAN
14
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8
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11
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23
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26
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15
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18
FEB
29
DEC
1
JAN
22
FEB
25
FEB
8
MAR
11
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22
MAR
25
MAR
G
TRIP PRICE OF $1260 TRIP PRICE OF $1335 TRIP PRICE OF $1410 G = Guaranteed Departure Price based on AUD Per Person twin-share/double Single Supplement from an extra $440 TRAVELLED WITH US BEFORE? AW, SHUCKS! DON'T FORGET TO SCORE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TRIP!
4 DAYS FROM
$
1260
AUD PER PERSON
STARTING FROM $ 315 / D AY
All items listed within the Bucket List and More Inclusions are included within the price of your trip. Other activities mentioned are optional (and so may cost extra) but too awesome to miss out.
DAY 1 REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND. With landscapes like this, Iceland might as well be its own solar system. Make your own way to your accommodation for a date with your Trip Leader and fellow #Topdeckers. Make friends, swap travel legends and grab some drinks. This is going to be epic. (D) DAY 2 REYKJAVÍK. Off to the Blue Lagoon today. Sounds like something out of Disney and looks like something from space. Lunar landscape. Natural geothermal pools. The chance to explore and swim. In winter. Outside. Iceland is awesome. As if life couldn’t (or shouldn’t) get any better than that, wait ‘til tonight. We’re off chasing the Northern Lights. Visibility can’t be guaranteed but if you nail that shot you won’t need to take another photo again. Ever. (B) DAY 3 REYKJAVÍK. Swap natural wonders for city life with a free day in über-cool Reykjavík. Check out the views from Hallgrímskirkja then hit up the half-submerged City Hall and grab a coffee with half your body under the waterline. Surreal. If you're a nature-lover, don't miss the optional Golden Circle tour for 300 kilometres of the very best Icelandic landscapes (see also: the UNESCO World Heritage Site Thingvellir National Park). Come nightfall, there are foodie haunts abound. Local delicacies like smoked sheep head or rotten shark = a little too much for most. But we’re up for a roll from the world's best hot dog stand. Bill Clinton allegedly rates it. For something even more local, head to the other end of the lake for great food and great views. Worth the trip. Be warned, the best nightlife starts late. Like midnight. (B) DAY 4 REYKJAVÍK. Farewells today. Don’t get too upset. You ticked off a bucket list killer. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST ( I N C L U D E D ) ++ Visit the famous Blue Lagoon ++ Northern Lights tour
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 3 breakfasts (B), 1 dinner (D) ++ 3 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double) ++ Awesome Trip Leader
TOP OPTIONALS ++ Excursion to the famous Golden Circle START MEET AT 3-4PM IN REYKJAVÍK FINISH APPROXIMATELY 10AM IN REYKJAVÍK
21
LONDON
ROME
10
MEALS
4
COUNTRIES
HOTEL
8 DAY | P A R A D E S T O P I A Z Z A S WI-FI
START
PHOTO: FLORENCE, ITALY
London
ENGLAND
2 Paris
FRANCE
2
Swiss Alps
SWITZERLAND
Florence ITALY
1
FINISH
Rome
1 STOP & STAY
DAY 2 PARIS. 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, river cruise or cabaret? Your call. (B) DAY 3 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. Tear yourself away from that baguette – fondue awaits! The Swiss Alps will smash those fairytale ideals outta the park with scenery even Elsa’s high notes couldn’t top. Enjoy the National Geographic doco on repeat from your window then get your comfort eating pants on for an included dinner. Hint: There will be cheese. (B,D) DAY 4 SWISS ALPS. Today = no brainer. Ski, snowboard, snow angel, then park yourself fireside with a mug of glühwein. They don’t make these ridiculously cosy cafes for nothing. Craving more altitude? Jump on the revolving gondola to the top of Mt Titlis and test your pano #photoskills. (B) DAY 5 SWISS ALPS TO FLORENCE, ITALY. Make your food baby sing as we roll into the land of hearty Tuscan cuisine and birthplace of gelato: Florence. Whip around Santa Maria del Fiore before tucking into amore on a plate. (B,D) DAY 6 FLORENCE TO ROME. Get schooled on the Medici family, stroll the Ponte Vecchio (the only bridge in Florence not bombed in WWII) and learn the art of leather tooling (new handbag, anyone?) on a morning walking tour. Then hightail it to Rome for a rendezvous with ancient architecture’s biggest players. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST ( I N C L U D E D ) ++ Driving tour of Paris ++ Walking tour of Florence with local guide ++ Stay in the picturesque Swiss Alps
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
7 breakfasts (B), 3 dinners (D) 7 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double) English Channel crossings Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi Guided tours of all major cities Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
++ Traditional cabaret show in Paris ++ Guided tour of Vatican City START MEET AT 6AM IN LONDON FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9AM IN ROME
DAY 7 ROME. Create the ultimate Roman Holiday in one day with a whirlwind of Vespas, espresso and pizza the way it’s supposed to taste. Opt to see the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica, go back to 80AD inside the Colosseum and Roman Forum, or conquer the cobblestones in search of the weirdest gelato flavours you can find. (B) DAY 8 ROME. Make it an espresso doppio this morning – you’re on your own from here. Rome wasn’t built in a day so why not spend a few more and get to know the Eternal City a little better? (B)
DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: EHWWLR S TA R T
FINISH
S TA R T
2017
FINISH 2018
15
OCT
22
OCT
5
NOV
12
NOV
7
JAN
14
JAN
14
JAN
21
19
NOV
26
JAN
NOV
21
JAN
28
26
NOV
JAN
3
DEC
28
JAN
4
FEB FEB
3
DEC
10
DEC
10
DEC
17
DEC
17
DEC
24
DEC
24
DEC
31
DEC
G
G
4
FEB
11
18
FEB
25
FEB
4
MAR
11
MAR
G
TRIP CODE: EHWDLR S TA R T
TOP OPTIONALS
VATICAN CITY
FINISH
S TA R T
2017
FINISH 2018
3
NOV
10
NOV
10
NOV
17
NOV
17
NOV
24
NOV
24
NOV
1
DEC
1
DEC
8
DEC
8
DEC
15
DEC
15
DEC
22
DEC
22
DEC
29
DEC
29
DEC
5
JAN
G G G G
5
JAN
12
JAN
12
JAN
19
JAN
19
JAN
26
JAN
26
JAN
2
FEB
2
FEB
9
FEB
16
FEB
23
FEB
9
MAR
16
MAR
23
MAR
30
MAR
G
TRIP PRICE OF $1850 TRIP PRICE OF $1895 TRIP PRICE OF $1955 G = Guaranteed Departure Price based on AUD Per Person twin-share/double Single Supplement from an extra $465
All items listed within the Bucket List and More Inclusions are included within the price of your trip. Other activities mentioned are optional (and so may cost extra) but too awesome to miss out.
TRAVELLED WITH US BEFORE? AW, SHUCKS! DON'T FORGET TO SCORE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TRIP!
8 DAYS FROM
1850
$
AUD PER PERSON
STARTING FROM $ 232 / D AY
DAY 1 LONDON, ENGLAND TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). Leave London for dust as we Dover over the English Channel to Calais for a beauty smackdown. Wrap your lips around your first real French meal at our included dinner, and then see the City of Lights at its best on a jaw-dropping driving tour. (D)
2
22
HOTEL
9 DAY | H A D R I A N ' S P A T H ROME
LONDON
FINISH
10
MEALS
5
10 DAY | R O M A N T R A I L
COUNTRIES
ROME
PRAGUE
12
MEALS
2 Amsterdam
London
COUNTRIES
FINISH
NETHERLANDS
ENGLAND
5
2 Prague
CZECH REPUBLIC
Mauthausen Vienna
1 Heidelburg GERMANY
AUSTRIA
Salzburg
2
HUNGARY
1
Venice Verona
Verona
2 Budapest
Lake Bled
1
AUSTRIA
1
Ljubljana
SLOVENIA
2
Venice
START
START
Rome ITALY
1 STOP & STAY
Rome
2
1 STOP & STAY
DAY STOP
S TA R T
FINISH
S TA R T
2017 20
OCT
28
OCT G
DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: EHWDRP
TRIP CODE: EHWWRL S TA R T
1
ITALY
VATICAN CITY
FINISH
15
DEC
23
DEC
22
DEC
30
DEC
29
DEC
6
JAN
10
NOV
18
NOV
24
NOV
2
DEC
1
DEC
9
DEC
12
JAN
20
JAN
8
DEC
16
DEC
19
JAN
27
JAN
2018
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED) ++ Gondola ride in Venice ++ Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration ++ Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam
TOP OPTIONALS ++ Guided tour of Vatican City ++ Bike tour of Amsterdam
S TA R T G G
FINISH
FINISH
DEC
30
DEC
28
DEC
6
JAN
JAN
3
FEB
9
NOV
18
NOV
2
FEB
10
FEB
16
NOV
25
NOV
9
FEB
17
FEB
23
NOV
2
DEC
23
FEB
3
MAR
30
NOV
9
DEC
9
MAR
17
MAR
7
DEC
16
DEC
14
DEC
23
DEC
MORE INCLUSIONS
FINISH
21
26
++ 8 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D) ++ 8 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double) ++ English Channel crossings ++ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi ++ Guided tours of all major cities ++ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
S TA R T
2017 G G G
S TA R T G
2018
FINISH
1
FEB
10
8
FEB
17
FEB FEB
22
FEB
3
MAR
4
JAN
13
JAN
15
MAR
24
MAR
11
JAN
20
JAN
29
MAR
7
APR
18
JAN
27
JAN
25
JAN
3
FEB
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED) ++ Gondola ride in Venice
TOP OPTIONALS ++ A night at the Viennese Chamber Orchestra (dinner optional at an additional expense)
G
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 9 breakfasts (B), 3 dinners (D) ++ 9 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double) ++ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi ++ Guided tours of all major cities ++ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver START MEET AT 3PM IN ROME FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9AM IN PRAGUE
START MEET AT 4PM IN ROME FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9PM LONDON
DAY 1 ROME, ITALY. DAY 1 ROME, ITALY. DAY 2 ROME. (B) DAY 3 ROME TO VENICE. (B,D) DAY 4 VENICE. (B) DAY 5 VENICE TO SALZBURG, AUSTRIA. (B) DAY 6 SALZBURG TO HEIDELBERG, GERMANY. (B) DAY 7 HEIDELBERG TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. (B) DAY 8 AMSTERDAM. (B,D) DAY 9 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. (B) This is a part of a the 14 Day Winter Wonder trip. See p.28 or visit our website.
DAY 2 ROME TO VENICE. (B,D) DAY 3 VENICE. (B) DAY 4 VENICE TO LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA. (B) DAY 5 LJUBLJANA TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. (B,D) DAY 6 BUDAPEST. (B) DAY 7 BUDAPEST TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA. (B) DAY 8 VIENNA TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. (B,D) DAY 9 PRAGUE. (B) DAY 10 PRAGUE. (B) This is a part of a the 20 Day Discover Winter trip. See p.30 or visit our website.
TRIP PRICE OF $1795
TRIP PRICE OF $1595
TRIP PRICE OF $1845
TRIP PRICE OF $1675
TRIP PRICE OF $1895
TRIP PRICE OF $1750
G = Guaranteed Departure
G = Guaranteed Departure
Price based on AUD Per Person twin-share/double Single Supplement from an extra $450
Price based on AUD Per Person twin-share/double Single Supplement from an extra $395
9 DAYS FROM
1795
$
STARTING FROM $200/DAY
10 DAYS FROM
1595
$
AUD Per Person
STARTING FROM $160/DAY
23
LONDON
13
MEALS
5
COUNTRIES
WI-FI
PHOTO: BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
BUDAPEST
HOTEL
10 DAY | D E M O C R A C Y R O A D
Amsterdam
NETHERLANDS FINISH
2
2
London
ENGLAND
Berlin
GERMANY
Dresden
2 Prague
CZECH REPUBLIC
Mauthausen
1 Vienna
2
AUSTRIA
START
Budapest
HUNGARY
1 STOP & STAY
DAY 2 BUDAPEST. Indulge in a spa treatment at the city's world famous thermal baths if you wish, and then visit the Buda Castle or House of Terror Museum. Tonight, hang with the hipsters and drink local fruit brandy at one of the original ruin bars. (B) DAY 3 BUDAPEST TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Roll into Vienna and wave hello to the President as we pass the Hofburg Palace. Top off your day with a schnitzel and apple strudel at Café Central, the regular hangout of Freud, Trotsky and Lenin. (B) DAY 4 VIENNA TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. First, a sobering visit to Mauthausen concentration camp for a lesson in the resilience of humanity. Once we hit Prague, suss out the castle deemed the largest ancient castle in the world by Guinness World Records, cross medieval Charles Bridge and watch 'Death' toll the hour on an astronomical clock that's over 600 years old. (B,D) DAY 5 PRAGUE. Soak up some Czech history at the National or Communist Museum or get a taste of the quirky local culture at a marionette puppet opera. After, eat roast pork from one of the street vendors lining Old Town Square and wash it down with some beer. Really. Good. Beer. (B) DAY 6 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. Get acquainted with 800 year old Dresden – a city virtually destroyed in WWII and then rebuilt – and ogle the Frauenkirche before making 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 knuckling down with some pork at Hofbräuhaus. Tonight, we party. (B,D) DAY 7 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 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. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST ( I N C L U D E D ) ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
Visit Schönbrunn Palace Visit former concentration camp Mauthausen Dinner at Hofbräuhaus, Berlin Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
9 breakfasts (B), 4 dinners (D) 9 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double) English Channel crossings Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi Guided tours of all major cities Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
TRIP CODE: EHWDHL S TA R T
START MEET AT 6PM IN BUDAPEST FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9PM IN LONDON
DAY 8 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Start dreaming of cheese, clogs and cheeky café stops as we roll through windmill dotted fields to Amsterdam. Learn how gouda and the chunky wooden shoes are made then get your bearings on a walking tour of the vibrant capital. (B) DAY 9 AMSTERDAM. Soak up the city's 51 museums (must-dos: Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House) on an optional bike tour. 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. (B,D) DAY 10 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. Today it's back on the ferry, homeward bound to ol' Blighty. Start planning the next adventure, before we end in London town. Facebook friends? (B)
FINISH
S TA R T 8
JAN
17
JAN
15
JAN
24
JAN
22
JAN
31
JAN
29
JAN
7
FEB FEB
NOV
22
NOV
20
NOV
29
NOV
27
NOV
6
DEC
4
DEC
13
DEC
11
DEC
20
DEC
18
DEC
27
DEC
25
DEC
3
JAN
G G G
2018 1
JAN
FINISH
2017 13
10
JAN
5
FEB
14
12
FEB
21
FEB
26
FEB
7
MAR
19
MAR
28
MAR
2
APR
11
APR
G
G
TRIP PRICE OF $1795 TRIP PRICE OF $1845
TOP OPTIONALS ++ A night at the Viennese Chamber Orchestra (dinner optional at an additional expense) ++ Bike tour of Amsterdam
DAY STOP
TRIP PRICE OF $1895 G = Guaranteed Departure Price based on AUD Per Person twin-share/double Single Supplement from an extra $450 TRAVELLED WITH US BEFORE? AW, SHUCKS! DON'T FORGET TO SCORE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TRIP!
10 DAYS FROM
1795
$
AUD PER PERSON
All items listed within the Bucket List and More Inclusions are included within the price of your trip. Other activities mentioned are optional (and so may cost extra) but too awesome to miss out.
STARTING FROM $ 180 / D AY
DAY 1 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Welcome to Budapest! Get to know your fellow travellers over a mouth-watering Hungarian feast in a local restaurant, and then kick your feet up at your comfy hotel. (D)
24
HOTEL
10 DAY | E A S T E R N J O U R N E Y
PHOTO: KRAKOW, POLAND
BUDAPEST
BERLIN
13
MEALS
4
COUNTRIES
WI-FI
FINISH
Berlin
GERMANY
2 Dresden
AuschwitzBirkenau
Prague
2
2 Krakow
1
POLAND
Český Krumlov
CZECH REPUBLIC
2 START
Budapest
HUNGARY
1 STOP & STAY
DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: EHWXHG S TA R T
FINISH
S TA R T
2017
FINISH 2018
23
NOV
2
DEC
7
DEC
16
DEC
21
DEC
30
DEC
28
DEC
6
JAN
G G
11
JAN
20
JAN
18
JAN
27
JAN
25
JAN
3
FEB
1
FEB
10
FEB
8
FEB
17
FEB
22
FEB
3
MAR
8
MAR
17
MAR
G G
TRIP PRICE OF $1740 TRIP PRICE OF $1795 TRIP PRICE OF $1820 G = Guaranteed Departure Price based on AUD Per Person twin-share/double Single Supplement from an extra $435 TRAVELLED WITH US BEFORE? AW, SHUCKS! DON'T FORGET TO SCORE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TRIP!
10 DAYS FROM
$
1740
AUD PER PERSON
STARTING FROM $ 174 / D AY
All items listed within the Bucket List and More Inclusions are included within the price of your trip. Other activities mentioned are optional (and so may cost extra) but too awesome to miss out.
DAY 1 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Budapest is a high roller of a city. In fact, in 1946 they printed a bank note worth 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 pengo (that’s a quintillion). We'll see what they spent all that cash on during the next two days. (D) DAY 2 BUDAPEST. Soak away your (non-existent) worries in one of the city’s famous thermal baths, feast on all the goulash and check out the views from the chain bridge as you cross the Danube. (B) DAY 3 BUDAPEST TO KRAKOW, POLAND. A dragon had to be smited in order for Krakow to be built. Bit tougher than the usual council approvals, no? Check out Wawel Castle and Old Town and slay a few glasses of mead on the way. (B) DAY 4 KRAKOW. Krakow has fantasy, history and a giant salt mine that goes 327 metres underground. Seriously. Cruise around the city on two wheels and then check out MOCAK (Museum of Contemporary Art Krakow) which shares walls with the remnants of Oskar Schindler’s factory. (B) DAY 5 KRAKOW TO ČESKÝ KRUMLOV, CZECH REPUBLIC. This morning we pay our respects at Auschwitz-Birkenau. Then, we make our way to Český Krumlov. Check out what it takes to make some true World Heritage list material then tuck into a traditional Czech meal. It’s pretty much the cosiest place in the world. (B,D) DAY 6 ČESKÝ KRUMLOV TO PRAGUE. Time to storm into Prague with a thirst for pilsner and an appetite for architecture. We check out Old Town Square and Charles Bridge as your Instagram explodes. (B,D) DAY 7 PRAGUE. Prague is over 1,100 years old and has learned a few things over the years – like how to make the best beer you’ll ever taste and stay sexy well into your 1000s. The mix of old world castles and crazy new buildings like Frank Gehry’s Dancing House will keep your friends back home jealous. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST ( I N C L U D E D ) ++ Overnight stay in UNESCO World Heritage listed Český Krumlov ++ Guided tour of former concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
9 breakfasts (B), 4 dinners (D) 9 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double) Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi Guided tours of all major cities Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
TOP OPTIONALS ++ Third Reich walking tour ++ Street art & nightlife tour of Berlin START MEET AT 6PM IN BUDAPEST FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9AM IN BERLIN
DAY 8 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. The city centre of Dresden was completely destroyed in World War II so our walking tour is a lesson in resilience. Berlin’s next so prep yourself for currywurst, absinthe and more hipsters per capita than anywhere else. (B,D) DAY 9 BERLIN. Fun fact: Berlin has more museums than rainy days, so stash the umbrella, it’s culture time! Then wander the historical highway from Checkpoint Charlie to the actual building where the Final Solution was planned. (B) DAY 10 BERLIN. Auf wiedersehen is hard enough to say, so book another trip so you can don your lederhosen once again. (B)
25
MOSCOW
14
MEALS
3
COUNTRIES
WI-FI
START
Helsinki FINLAND
1
2
St. Petersburg RUSSIA
2 1
Tallinn ESTONIA
Overnight train
PHOTO: MOSCOW, RUSSIA
HELSINKI
HOTEL
10 DAY | B I G R E D T O R E D S T A R
3 FINISH
Moscow
1 STOP & STAY
DAY 2 HELSINKI TO TALLINN, ESTONIA. Ferry it from Helsinki to the Silicon Valley on the Baltic Sea, where Skype was invented and kids start coding at six. Go analogue on a walking tour and see the only surviving Gothic town hall in northern Europe. (B,D) DAY 3 TALLINN. Go all knight in shining armour with a medieval tour of the city (horse not included), or feed your inner hippie with a flower power visit to Kadriorg Palace. To do: Hunt down the spot where you can see all five of the town’s church spires. (B) DAY 4 TALLINN TO ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA. Russia is bigger than Pluto, so it’s understandable today’s drive will take a while. Say Zdravstvujtye (zdrah-stvooy-tee = hello) as we arrive in St. Petersburg in time to scope out the Venice of the North on a guided tour. Love: the Church of Spilt Blood in all its domed and glittery glory. (B,D) DAY 5 ST. PETERSBURG. With 3 million items in the archives, the Hermitage Museum is your morning sorted. It has the largest collection of paintings in the world and guard cats that protect them from rodents. Afterwards: go for your life, it's your choice. (B) DAY 6 ST. PETERSBURG (OVERNIGHT TRAIN). Dress in your finery and take in the city at your pace today. Why not dial-up your inner hipster with a visit to the city’s street art museum? Then all aboard the night train for Moscow. (B) DAY 7 MOSCOW. Bounce to Moscow this morning to roll with the billionaires – the city is home to the largest number of high-rollers in the world. Explore at your leisure. (B,D)
ON THE BUCKET LIST ( I N C L U D E D ) ++ Local guide in St. Petersburg & Moscow ++ Entrance & guided tour to The State Hermitage Museum & Moscow Kremlin
DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: EHWBHM S TA R T
FINISH
S TA R T
2017 6
DEC
15
DEC
23
DEC
1
JAN
G
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
9 breakfasts (B), 5 dinners (D) 8 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double) Ferry tickets Overnight train ticket Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi Awesome Trip Leader
TOP OPTIONALS ++ Visit Kadriorg Palace in Estonia ++ Guided tour of Moscow's metro art START MEET AT 2PM IN HELSINKI FINISH APPROXIMATELY 10AM IN MOSCOW
DAY 8 MOSCOW. Check out the Red Square, then onto the Kremlin. Facty bit: The Kremlin was saved from WWII bombing by disguising it as a normal house. (B)
FINISH 2018
10
JAN
19
JAN
31
JAN
9
FEB
21
FEB
2
MAR
TRIP PRICE OF $2330 G = Guaranteed Departure Price based on AUD Per Person twin-share/double Single Supplement from an extra $815 TRAVELLED WITH US BEFORE? AW, SHUCKS! DON'T FORGET TO SCORE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TRIP!
10 DAYS FROM
2330
$
AUD PER PERSON
All items listed within the Bucket List and More Inclusions are included within the price of your trip. Other activities mentioned are optional (and so may cost extra) but too awesome to miss out.
DAY 9 MOSCOW. St Basil’s Cathedral in winter blows all those Hans Christian Andersen fables out of the water. Ogle the onion domes and pop back in on Putin at the Kremlin before going underground for the world's cheapest (art) ticket at one of 196 insanely elaborate metro stations (optional). (B) DAY 10 MOSCOW. Time to say ‘poka’ (bye) after breakfast but it's a good thing it also means 'so far' – Moscow might not be done with you yet! (B)
STARTING FROM $ 233 / D AY
DAY 1 HELSINKI, FINLAND. Stalk the major sites and embrace Finnish tradition with a hearty salmon soup (lohikeitto). Alternatively, try ice skating or foodie-stall hopping at Old Market Square before meeting your soon-to-be-besties for a group dinner. (D)
26
HOTEL
14 DAY | W I N T E R S P R E E
PHOTO: CESKY KRUMLOV, CZECH REPUBLIC
MUNICH
Amsterdam
MEALS
6
COUNTRIES
WI-FI
2
2
ENGLAND
18
Berlin
NETHERLANDS FINISH
London
LONDON
Dresden
AuschwitzBirkenau
2 Prague
2 Krakow
1 Český
START
Munich
GERMANY
POLAND
Krumlov
1
CZECH REPUBLIC
2 Budapest
Lake Bled
HUNGARY
1 Ljubljana SLOVENIA
1 STOP & STAY
DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: EHWXUL S TA R T
FINISH
S TA R T
2017
FINISH 2018
21
NOV
4
DEC
5
DEC
18
DEC
19
DEC
1
JAN
26
DEC
8
JAN
G G
9
JAN
22
JAN
16
JAN
29
JAN
23
JAN
5
FEB
30
JAN
12
FEB
6
FEB
19
FEB
20
FEB
5
MAR
6
MAR
19
MAR
G G
TRIP PRICE OF $2450 TRIP PRICE OF $2525 TRIP PRICE OF $2595 G = Guaranteed Departure Price based on AUD Per Person twin-share/double Single Supplement from an extra $615 TRAVELLED WITH US BEFORE? AW, SHUCKS! DON'T FORGET TO SCORE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TRIP!
14 DAYS FROM
$
2450
AUD PER PERSON
STARTING FROM $ 175 / D AY
All items listed within the Bucket List and More Inclusions are included within the price of your trip. Other activities mentioned are optional (and so may cost extra) but too awesome to miss out.
DAY 1 MUNICH, GERMANY. What better place to start than in the friendliest city there ever was? No really, ‘Munich likes you’ is the city motto. Thanks Munich! We kinda' like you, too. Now that you and the city have broken the ice, enjoy a stroll through its enigmatic streets, and then treat yo'self to a stein at Hofbräuhaus. DAY 2 MUNICH TO LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA. Jump in the the 70-metre funicular and shoot back to the Middle Ages – the Ljubljana Castle and Old Town here have been waiting for you since Celtic times. (B) DAY 3 LJUBLJANA TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Meet Buda and Pest: the twin cities sitting pretty on the River Danube. Get the goss on a driving tour then feast, Hungarian style! (B,D) DAY 4 BUDAPEST. So much to do, so much to see! Mull it over while soaking in one of the city’s many thermal baths. (B) DAY 5 BUDAPEST TO KRAKOW, POLAND. Legend has it this medieval capital is protected by a dragon. Lucky for you it gave us the all-clear to explore. Wawel Castle and Market Square, we’re coming for ya! (B) DAY 6 KRAKOW. Get all up in the streets of Krakow today. Check out the awe-inspiring St Mary’s Basilica or Oskar Schindler’s factory. (B) DAY 7 KRAKOW TO ČESKÝ KRUMLOV, CZECH REPUBLIC. Open your heart on this morning’s visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Then to Český Krumlov – aka what UNESCO dreams are made of. (B,D) DAY 8 ČESKÝ KRUMLOV TO PRAGUE. Prague? Czech! Now you can say you’ve strolled across Charles Bridge and sussed out the castle deemed the largest ancient castle in the world. (B,D) DAY 9 PRAGUE. Disney castle spires, hand-made puppets and street artists – talk about magic! Hit up the Jewish Quarter and medieval Town Hall then gorge on dumplings and honey cake. In other news: beer has been brewed here since 993 AD. (B) DAY 10 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. Hello Germany! Make a pit stop in Dresden to ogle the Frauenkirche then onward to Berlin in all its hipster
ON THE BUCKET LIST ( I N C L U D E D ) ++ Guided tour of former concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau ++ Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration ++ Overnight stay in UNESCO World Heritage listed Český Krumlov ++ Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
13 breakfasts (B), 5 dinners (D) 13 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double) English Channel crossings Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi Guided tours of all major cities Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
TOP OPTIONALS ++ Third Reich walking tour ++ Bike tour of Amsterdam START MEET AT 5PM IN MUNICH FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9PM IN LONDON
glory. Chow down on pork knuckle at Hofbräuhaus before getting your DJ groupie on. (B,D)
DAY 11 BERLIN. Take the optional Third Reich walking tour, stroll under the Brandenburg Gate and get a sense of how far the city has come. (B) DAY 12 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Off to the land of clogs and cheese, where there are more bikes than people. Before hitting the town, take a peek in the Red Light District. (B) DAY 13 AMSTERDAM. Make like a local and get on a 'Dam bike! After some optional peddling, check out Van Gogh Museum then top it off with a dinner cruise on the canal. (B,D) DAY 14 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. Today it’s homeward bound to ol' Blighty. Start planning the next adventure, before we end in London town. (B)
27
LONDON
18
MEALS
7
COUNTRIES
WI-FI
Berlin
Amsterdam
GERMANY
NETHERLANDS FINISH
2
2
London
ENGLAND
Dresden
2 Prague
CZECH REPUBLIC
Mauthausen Vienna
1
AUSTRIA
2 Budapest
Lake Bled Venice
2
Verona
START
Rome ITALY
1 STOP & STAY
DAY 2 ROME TO VENICE. Today, onto Venice! First, Juliet’s balcony in fair Verona to join throngs of lovers leaving notes on the wall. (B,D) DAY 3 VENICE. Let us hook you up with a gondola ride, and then walk to see St Mark’s Square. (B) DAY 4 VENICE TO LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA. A fairytale castle + an Insta-worthy lake (Bled) = just an average day for the Slovenes. (B) DAY 5 LJUBLJANA TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Paternal twins Buda and Pest sit pretty on the River Danube; get familiar with a driving tour to see Buda Castle and Gellért Hill. (B,D) DAY 6 BUDAPEST. Useless fact: Both the noiseless match and Rubik’s cube were invented by Hungarians. (B)
DAY 7 BUDAPEST TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Pick your Baroque from Rococo as we slide into The City of Dreams (kudos, Freud)! The Vienna Orchestra provides the soundtrack while you check out Schönbrunn and Hofburg Palaces. (B) DAY 8 VIENNA TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. This morning, we visit Mauthausen and learn of the resilience of humanity. After, it’s onto bohemia's cobblestoned streets. Check out Prague’s 606-yearold Astronomical Clock and devour a mouthwatering Trdelník. (B,D) DAY 9 PRAGUE. Ch-Czech out this pretty city. Get #selfie happy at Prague Castle + the Old Town Square. (B) DAY 10 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. A quick stop in historic Dresden to snap the Frauenkirche. Then, pork knuckle and merry-making at Hofbräuhaus before hitting Berlin’s famous club scene. (B,D) DAY 11 BERLIN. Get beneath the city’s gritty exterior like ein Berliner at the Jewish Memorial and Brandenburg Gate. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST ( I N C L U D E D ) ++ ++ ++ ++
Gondola ride in Venice Dinner at Hofbräuhaus, Berlin Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
13 breakfasts (B), 5 dinners (D) 13 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double) English Channel crossings Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi Guided tours of all major cities Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
Ljubljana
SLOVENIA
1
DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: EHWDRL S TA R T
FINISH
S TA R T
2017
FINISH 2018
9
NOV
22
NOV
16
NOV
29
NOV
23
NOV
6
DEC
30
NOV
13
DEC
7
DEC
20
DEC
14
DEC
27
DEC
21
DEC
3
JAN
28
DEC
10
JAN
G G G G
4
JAN
17
JAN
11
JAN
24
JAN
18
JAN
31
JAN
25
JAN
7
FEB
1
FEB
14
FEB
8
FEB
21
FEB
22
FEB
7
MAR
15
MAR
28
MAR
29
MAR
11
APR
G
TRIP PRICE OF $2495 TRIP PRICE OF $2595
TOP OPTIONALS ++ A night at the Viennese Chamber Orchestra (dinner optional at an additional expense) ++ Street art & nightlife tour of Berlin START MEET AT 3PM IN ROME FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9PM IN LONDON
TRIP PRICE OF $2695 G = Guaranteed Departure Price based on AUD Per Person twin-share/double Single Supplement from an extra $625 TRAVELLED WITH US BEFORE? AW, SHUCKS! DON'T FORGET TO SCORE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TRIP!
14 DAYS FROM DAY 12 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Fan of cheese and clogs? The ‘Dam is your jam. This bike-loving city nails a good time, all the time. End the night with a cone of hot chips with mayo. (B) DAY 13 AMSTERDAM. This morning’s optional bike ride = the most fun you can have on a fixie. Also check out: the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum and Heineken’s HQ just in time for beer o’clock. (B,D) DAY 14 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. Today it's back on the ferry, homeward bound to ol' Blighty. Start planning the next adventure, before we end in London town. (B)
2495
$
AUD PER PERSON
All items listed within the Bucket List and More Inclusions are included within the price of your trip. Other activities mentioned are optional (and so may cost extra) but too awesome to miss out.
STARTING FROM $ 179 / D AY
DAY 1 ROME, ITALY. Make like Caesar and work up a colossus hunger ogling the Colosseum and Spanish Steps, then feast at a local trattoria.
HUNGARY
1
PHOTO: LAKE BLED, SLOVENIA
ROME
HOTEL
14 DAY | C A E S A R ' S P A T H W A Y
28
HOTEL
14 DAY | W I N T E R W O N D E R
PHOTO: PARIS, FRANCE
LONDON
START/FINISH
LONDON
18
MEALS
7
COUNTRIES
WI-FI
2 Amsterdam
London
NETHERLANDS
ENGLAND
1 Heidelburg GERMANY
2 Paris
Salzburg
FRANCE
1
AUSTRIA
2
Swiss Alps
SWITZERLAND
Verona
2
Venice Florence ITALY
1
1 STOP & STAY
VATICAN CITY
2
Rome
DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: EHWWLL S TA R T
FINISH
S TA R T
2017
FINISH 2018
15
OCT
28
OCT
5
NOV
18
NOV
7
JAN
20
14
JAN
27
19
NOV
2
JAN
DEC
21
JAN
3
FEB
26
NOV
3
DEC
9
DEC
28
JAN
10
FEB
16
DEC
4
FEB
17
10
DEC
23
DEC
FEB
18
FEB
3
MAR
17
DEC
30
DEC
4
MAR
17
MAR
24
DEC
6
JAN
G
G
JAN
G
TRIP PRICE OF $2795 TRIP PRICE OF $2895 TRIP PRICE OF $2995 G = Guaranteed Departure Price based on AUD Per Person twin-share/double Single Supplement from an extra $700 TRAVELLED WITH US BEFORE? AW, SHUCKS! DON'T FORGET TO SCORE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TRIP!
14 DAYS FROM
$
2795
AUD PER PERSON
STARTING FROM $ 200 / D AY
All items listed within the Bucket List and More Inclusions are included within the price of your trip. Other activities mentioned are optional (and so may cost extra) but too awesome to miss out.
DAY 1 LONDON, ENGLAND TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). Say au revoir to England and introduce yourself to French food and killer sights with a night driving tour and included dinner. Pinch yourself. This is only night one. (D) DAY 2 PARIS. Make like a local and head along the banks of the Canal St Martin for a cafe scene they don’t want you to know about. Or just tick off the must-dos – it's your day. Finish with: cabaret or a river cruise. (B) DAY 3 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. Yodel out the window as we roll into the Alps today. Scenery like this needs to be seen – and Instagrammed – to be believed. (B,D) DAY 4 SWISS ALPS. Ride to the top of the world (well, nearly) or explore a village that will inspire you to buy (and eat) a Toblerone. (B) DAY 5 SWISS ALPS TO FLORENCE, ITALY. Onwards to beautiful Firenze. Tip: Hot chocolate + Piazzale Michelangelo for great views over the city and secret bakeries (Google it). (B,D) DAY 6 FLORENCE TO ROME. Take advantage of the local POV today as we check out the sights. Then it’s off to Rome for the Colosseum, and the Pantheon. (B) DAY 7 ROME. Visit the Vatican (optional) then #livelikealocal. Get off the main drag, dodge the mopeds and stride out in shades. See: tiny wine bars, street markets, thin pizza dough and awesome fashion. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST ( I N C L U D E D ) ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
Driving tour of Paris Gondola ride in Venice Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration Walking tour of Florence with local guide Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
13 breakfasts (B), 5 dinners (D) 13 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double) English Channel crossings Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi Guided tours of all major cities Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
TOP OPTIONALS ++ Scenic excursion to Mt Titlis ++ Bike tour of Amsterdam START MEET AT 6AM IN LONDON FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9PM IN LONDON
DAY 11 SALZBURG TO HEIDELBERG, GERMANY. Dial up the Disney. A fairytale castle makes Heidelberg ideal to unleash your inner Princess/ Prince Charming. They do a good beer, too. (B)
DAY 8 ROME TO VENICE. Ah, fair Verona. Channel Romeo and Juliet and re-enact the world’s most famous balcony scene. Then get ready for island hopping city style. (B,D)
DAY 12 HEIDELBERG TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. And you thought Italy was foodie heaven. Amsterdam has come into its own with pared back, clean flavours. Check out the city centre then take off to find some scrumptious eats. (B)
DAY 9 VENICE. They say it’s all about the gondolas. You’ll know why today. More love at St Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace and Rialto Bridge. Then, hang out with the locals at Cannaregio. (B)
DAY 13 AMSTERDAM. Final full day. Hold off on that sad face as it ain’t over yet. Explore the city by bike (optional) then get your smartphone ready to immortalise everything at our farewell dinner cruise. (B,D)
DAY 10 VENICE TO SALZBURG, AUSTRIA. Welcome to Salzburg. One city. One complex musical dynasty. To the left, Mozart. To the right, the Sound of Music. Play spot the fan as you go. Hint: the Sound of Music guys quite often dress up, Mozart less so. (B)
DAY 14 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. Today it's back on the ferry, homeward bound to ol' Blighty. Start planning the next adventure, before we end in London town. Facebook friends? (B)
29
MUNICH
20
MEALS
7
COUNTRIES
WI-FI
START
London
ENGLAND
FINISH
Munich
2
GERMANY
Paris
FRANCE
LIECHTENSTEIN
Swiss Alps
SWITZERLAND
1
Austrian Alps
AUSTRIA
2
Milan
ITALY
Verona
1
Pisa
2 Venice
PHOTO: AUSTRIAN ALPS, AUSTRIA
LONDON
HOTEL
16 DAY | T R A I L T O T H E A L P S
2
Florence Orvieto Rome
1 STOP & STAY
DAY 2 PARIS. Take the chance to bike around the Eiffel Tower and Place De La Concorde, but pedal hard because dinner should be a French affair (aka plenty of carbs). (B) DAY 3 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. The view out your window today plays like a documentary on ‘world’s sexiest views’. Then, one word: fondue. (B,D) DAY 4 SWISS ALPS. Wake up, eat hearty, then go Stallone all over the Alps. Opt to glide, slide, hike and ski all over Mt Titlis. Or just chill in the chalet. (B) DAY 5 SWISS ALPS TO MILAN, ITALY. Stop in the tax haven of Liechtenstein to deposit your billions before we make our way to fashion’s capital, Milan. (B) DAY 6 MILAN TO FLORENCE. The Leaning Tower of Pisa puts a new slant on our trip before we arrive in the birthplace of the renaissance. (B,D) DAY 7 FLORENCE. Florence has more stories than Bilbo Baggins, more culture than a Shoreditch hipster, over 1,800 restaurants and gave the world gelato. We have a local guide to get you in the know today. (B) DAY 8 FLORENCE TO ROME. Orvieto will fill you up with boar before we make like Caesar and head to Rome. (B) DAY 9 ROME. Take an optional tour of Vatican City to see how Michelangelo messed around and created the High Renaissance, then play eye spy with two-and-a-half millennia worth of history. (B) DAY 10 ROME TO VENICE. Hark! Maketh haste to whence the lady Juliet was wooed in Verona. See her balcony then continue north to Venice. (B,D) DAY 11 VENICE. Kick off your day with a city tour, then get your swag on with an included
ON THE BUCKET LIST ( I N C L U D E D ) ++ Driving tour of Paris ++ Walking tour of Florence with local guide ++ Gondola ride in Venice
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
15 breakfasts (B), 5 dinners (D) 15 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double) English Channel crossings Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi Guided tours of all major cities Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
START MEET AT 6AM IN LONDON FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9AM IN MUNICH
gondola ride through the Grand Canal. This afternoon: throw away your map and lose yourself among 118 islands worth of OMG. (B)
DAY 12 VENICE TO AUSTRIAN ALPS. Mountains, skiing and all things après-ski = we’re on our way to Austria. Time to get your Schwarzenegger impression perfect. Get to da choppa! (B,D) DAYS 13-14 AUSTRIAN ALPS. Red Bull was born here and once you ski, snowboard and paraglide all over Tyrol you’ll see why. (B) (B) DAY 15 AUSTRIAN ALPS TO MUNICH, GERMANY. In 1632 a Swedish King planned to burn Munich to the ground but instead took a few hostages and 600,000 barrels of Hofbräuhaus. Yep, this is beer so good it stops cities being annihilated. Visit the legendary beer hall and prost to that! (B) DAY 16 MUNICH. European winters are long so the trip doesn’t need to end here. Group hug it out then start planning your next adventure. (B)
DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: EHWXLU S TA R T
FINISH
S TA R T
2017
FINISH 2018
7
NOV
22
NOV
21
NOV
6
DEC
5
DEC
20
DEC
12
DEC
27
DEC
26
DEC
10
JAN
G G G
2
JAN
17
JAN
9
JAN
24
JAN
16
JAN
31
JAN FEB
23
JAN
7
6
FEB
21
FEB
20
FEB
7
MAR
G
TRIP PRICE OF $3150 TRIP PRICE OF $3275 TRIP PRICE OF $3395
TOP OPTIONALS ++ Traditional cabaret show in Paris ++ Scenic excursion to Mt Titlis
VATICAN CITY
G = Guaranteed Departure Price based on AUD Per Person twin-share/double Single Supplement from an extra $795 TRAVELLED WITH US BEFORE? AW, SHUCKS! DON'T FORGET TO SCORE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TRIP!
16 DAYS FROM
3150
$
AUD PER PERSON
All items listed within the Bucket List and More Inclusions are included within the price of your trip. Other activities mentioned are optional (and so may cost extra) but too awesome to miss out.
STARTING FROM $ 197 / D AY
DAY 1 LONDON, ENGLAND TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). The French invented cinema to capture the world around them. Seeing Notre-Dame, the Louvre and the Arc De Triomphe you’ll know why. Take in the sights on a driving tour and feast at our included dinner. (D)
2
20 DAY | D I S C O V E R W I N T E R LONDON
LONDON
10
COUNTRIES
2
DAY 6 FLORENCE TO ROME. Get schooled on the Medici family, stroll the Ponte Vecchio and learn about leather (new handbag, anyone?) on a morning walking tour. Then we're Romeward bound for a rendezvous with ancient architecture's biggest players. (B)
ENGLAND
Dresden Prague
2 2
CZECH REPUBLIC
Mauthausen
Paris
FRANCE
Vienna
1
Budapest
HUNGARY
AUSTRIA
Swiss Alps
SWITZERLAND
2
Lake Bled
2 Verona
1 Ljubljana 2
SLOVENIA
Venice Florence ITALY
1
Rome
1 STOP & STAY
2
VATICAN CITY
DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: EHWDLL DAY 1 LONDON, ENGLAND TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). Brush up on your bonjours when you meet the rest of the group and wrap your lips around your first real French meal at our included dinner. Cue Paris by night on a driving tour. (D) DAY 2 PARIS. Bike or cruise along the Seine on an optional tour, and then explore the world's largest grave at the Catacombs. Tonight, experience the razzle dazzle of a cabaret show if you wish. (B)
WI-FI
DAY 5 SWISS ALPS TO FLORENCE, ITALY. Make your food baby sing as we roll into the land of hearty Tuscan cuisine and birthplace of gelato: Florence. Italian food is just as good in winter. Eat, sleep, repeat. (B,D)
GERMANY
2
London
MEALS
Berlin
Amsterdam
NETHERLANDS START/FINISH
27
DAY 3 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. It’s all about what’s going on outside your window today as we roll into the Swiss Alps. Grab your forks and prepare to cover everything in cheese at dinner tonight. (B,D) DAY 4 SWISS ALPS. Snow thrill seeker or vin chaud drinker? Either works. Jump on the revolving gondola to the top of Mt Titlis and test your pano photo skills, and then head back down for some snow angels and hot chocolate. (B)
DAY 7 ROME. Fancy a bit of culture? Enter, Vatican museums and the Sistine Chapel. Once you’re finished ogling the ceiling, shop ‘til you drop on Via Condotti, head to Capitoline Hill for views of the Colosseum or just kick back in Piazza Navona. (B) DAY 8 ROME TO VENICE. Grab a partner to re-enact Juliet’s balcony scene in Verona. Then, say ciao to Venice as we check into our hotel and have an Eat Pray Love-worthy relationship with an irresistible Italian meal. (B,D) DAY 9 VENICE. Get your bearings on this morning's walking tour, soak up St Mark's Square before a quintessential gondola ride on the Grand Canal. (B) DAY 10 VENICE TO LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA. We're off to Ljubljana, but first, a stop at Insta-worthy Lake Bled. Shoot back to the Middle Ages on a walking tour through the fairytale-like Ljubljana Castle and Old Town, and then hit up the social strip for a tea or vino with a side of live music. (B) DAY 11 LJUBLJANA TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Welcome to Budapest! Enjoy a walk this evening and soak up the view from the Citadella, and then roll into bed at your comfy hotel. (B,D)
DAY 13 BUDAPEST TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Amp up the classical music and get ready for the City Of Dreams. Wave hello to the President as we go past the Hofburg Palace, and if you’re wanting to go super traditional, top off your day with a schnitzel and apple strudel. (B) DAY 14 VIENNA TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. First, a sobering visit to Mauthausen concentration camp for a lesson in the resilience of humanity. Then, fuel up on trdelník before a walking tour amongst spires and cobblestone streets in Prague. (B,D) DAY 15 PRAGUE. Channel your inner bohemian and seek out the John Lennon memorial, before cruising the street vendors lining Old Town Square and sampling beer. Really. Good. Beer. (B) DAY 16 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. Prep yourself for currywurst and more hipsters per capita than anywhere else. We'll drive you around to see (what's left of) the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag building before knuckling down with some pork at Hofbräuhaus. Save some room to get your DJ groupie on. (B,D)
ON THE BUCKET LIST ( I N C L U D E D ) ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
Driving tour of Paris Walking tour of Florence with local guide Visit former concentration camp Mauthausen Dinner at Hofbräuhaus, Berlin Gondola ride in Venice Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam
S TA R T
19 breakfasts (B), 8 dinners (D) 19 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double) English Channel crossings Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi Guided tours of all major cities Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
TOP OPTIONALS ++ Bike tour of Amsterdam ++ Scenic excursion to Mt Titlis START MEET AT 6AM IN LONDON FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9PM IN LONDON
DAY 17 BERLIN. Hang with the cool cats in Kreuzberg, and get the lowdown from the locals on where to go next on this free day. (B)
DAY 19 AMSTERDAM. Take on the city's 51 museums (must-dos: Van Gogh Museum and 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. (B,D)
DAY 18 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Start dreaming of cheese, clogs and cheeky cafe stops as we roll through windmill dotted fields to Amsterdam. (B)
DAY 20 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. Today it's back on the ferry, homeward bound to ol' Blighty. Start planning the next adventure, before we end in London town. Facebook friends? (B)
S TA R T
FINISH 2018
3
NOV
22
NOV
10
NOV
29
NOV
17
NOV
6
DEC
24
NOV
13
DEC
1
DEC
20
DEC
8
DEC
27
DEC
15
DEC
3
JAN
22
DEC
10
JAN
29
DEC
17
JAN
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
FINISH 2017 G G
5
JAN
24
12
JAN
31
JAN JAN
19
JAN
7
FEB FEB
26
JAN
14
2
FEB
21
FEB
G
16
FEB
7
MAR
9
MAR
28
MAR
G
23
MAR
11
APR
G
TRIP PRICE OF $3795 TRIP PRICE OF $3995 TRIP PRICE OF $4095 G = Guaranteed Departure Price based on AUD Per Person twin-share/double Single Supplement from an extra $995 TRAVELLED WITH US BEFORE? AW, SHUCKS! DON'T FORGET TO SCORE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TRIP!
20 DAYS FROM
3795
$
AUD PER PERSON
All items listed within the Bucket List and More Inclusions are included within the price of your trip. Other activities mentioned are optional (and so may cost extra) but too awesome to miss out.
STARTING FROM $ 190 / D AY
DAY 12 BUDAPEST. Your day to ‘do you’. Soak up the vibes at the Széchenyi Baths (pun intended), and then visit the Buda Castle or House of Terror Museum. Tonight, hang with the hipsters and drink local fruit brandy at one of the original ruin bars. (B)
PHOTO FROM LEFT (CLOCKWISE): SWISS ALPS | PARIS | SWISS ALPS | AMSTERDAM
HOTEL
31
21 DAY | W I N T E R P A T H W A Y ROME
LONDON
Amsterdam
FINISH
London
ENGLAND
27
NETHERLANDS
Berlin
2
2
MEALS
9
AuschwitzBirkenau
2 Prague 1 Munich
AUSTRIA
Lake Bled
1
2
START
1 STOP & STAY
DAY STOP
ITALY
2
Budapest
HUNGARY
Ljubljana
Venice
Rome
POLAND
2
Austrian Alps Verona
2 Krakow
Český Krumlov
CZECH REPUBLIC
1
SLOVENIA
VATICAN CITY
TRIP CODE: EHWXRL DAY 1 ROME, ITALY. Make like Caesar (the emperor, not the salad) and work up a colossus hunger ogling the Colosseum and Spanish Steps, then feast at a local trattoria. DAY 2 ROME. Pop in on the Pope on an optional Vatican City tour or just kick back in Piazza Navona for some dolce far niente (delicious idleness). The day is yours. (B) DAY 3 ROME TO VENICE. First, visit Juliet’s Balcony in fair Verona to join throngs of lovers leaving notes on the
WI-FI
DAY 8 AUSTRIAN ALPS TO MUNICH, GERMANY. It's time to get to know the city where beer is officially considered a food. Slide on your Lederhosen and have a royal Happy Hour experience (none of that craft beer nonsense here) at the 426 year old Hofbräuhaus.(B)
Dresden
GERMANY
COUNTRIES
wall. Then, Venice (aka the home to the Grand Canal, a gazillion pretty Venetian masks and Bellini). (B,D)
DAY 4 VENICE. Get your bearings on a walking tour, hit St Mark’s Square then go for an included gondola ride. Cue cheesy serenading and ample #selfie time. (B) DAYS 5-7 VENICE TO AUSTRIAN ALPS. Austria is bound to impress. Ski. Snowboard. Repeat. Or just sit and stare at the storybook landscape like a lovesick puppy. We won’t blame you. (B,D) (B) (B)
DAY 9 MUNICH TO LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA. Give one last prost to Munich before arriving in Ljubljana (lyoob-lya-nah) - capital of Slovenia. Jump in the Delorean (or the 70-metre funicular) and shoot back to the Middle Ages with a visit to the Ljubljana Castle and Old Town that have been waiting for you here since Celtic times. Tonight, hit up military-barracks-turned-bar-and-gallery-strip, Metelkova Mesto for a tea or vino with a side of live music and underground art installations. (B) DAY 10 LJUBLJANA TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Your house in Budapest awaits. A driving tour will get you down and Danube (that be the river) with twin cities, Buda and Pest. Check out Hero's Square, Parliament House, the National Palace, Fisherman's Bastion and swanky Andrássy Ave. After gorging on goulash, cabbage rolls and dumplings, roll into bed at your comfy hotel. (B,D) DAY 11 BUDAPEST. There are 80+ thermal springs in Budapest. Get pruny, then hang with the hipsters and drink local fruit brandy at one of the original ruin bars. (B) DAY 12 BUDAPEST TO KRAKOW, POLAND. Meet Poland's beating heart – and the largest medieval town square in Europe – on foot. Buff up on history at Wawel Castle, feed the ducks amongst the slushy snow on the bank of the Wisla and after dinner, slay a few glasses of mead. (B)
DAY 14 KRAKOW TO ČESKÝ KRUMLOV, CZECH REPUBLIC. This morning, visit Auschwitz-Birkenau. Take time to reflect before arriving into fairytale Český Krumlov. (B,D) DAY 15 ČESKÝ KRUMLOV TO PRAGUE. Fun to say, even more fun to explore. This pocket-sized Prague is all about the charm. (B,D) DAY 16 PRAGUE. Get clued up with a walking tour amongst Prague’s spires, then chill in Old Town Square and drink really good beer. (B) DAY 17 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. Get acquainted with 800 year old Dresden – a city virtually destroyed in WWII and then rebuilt – and ogle the Frauenkirche before making your beard all the more ironic in Berlin. Prep yourself for currywurst and more hipsters per capita than anywhere else before knuckling down with some pork at Hofbräuhaus. Save some room to get your DJ groupie on. (B,D) DAY 18 BERLIN. Your choice: Third Reich tour, museum crawl or the zoo. Tonight, no curfew at clubs = all bets are off! (B) DAY 19 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Dream of cheese and clogs as we roll through windmill dotted fields and see what all that Red Light District fuss is about. (B) DAY 20 AMSTERDAM. Do as the locals do and join 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) and then top it off with a dinner cruise on the canal. (B,D)
ON THE BUCKET LIST ( I N C L U D E D ) ++ Gondola ride in Venice ++ Overnight stay in UNESCO World Heritage listed Český Krumlov ++ Stay in the scenic Austrian Alps ++ Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration ++ Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam
S TA R T
20 breakfasts (B), 7 dinners (D) 20 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double) English Channel crossings Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi Guided tours of all major cities Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
TOP OPTIONALS ++ Guided tour of Vatican City ++ Skiing in the Austrian Alps START MEET AT 4PM IN ROME FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9PM IN LONDON
DAY 21 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. Say your goodbyes; it’s back to ol’ Blighty. (B)
S TA R T
FINISH 2018
14
NOV
4
DEC
28
NOV
18
DEC
12
DEC
1
JAN
19
DEC
8
JAN
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
FINISH 2017 G G
2
JAN
22
JAN
9
JAN
29
JAN
16
JAN
5
FEB
23
JAN
12
FEB
30
JAN
19
FEB
13
FEB
5
MAR
27
FEB
19
MAR
G G
TRIP PRICE OF $3730 TRIP PRICE OF $3895 TRIP PRICE OF $3995 G = Guaranteed Departure Price based on AUD Per Person twin-share/double Single Supplement from an extra $935 TRAVELLED WITH US BEFORE? AW, SHUCKS! DON'T FORGET TO SCORE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TRIP!
21 DAYS FROM
3730
$
AUD PER PERSON
All items listed within the Bucket List and More Inclusions are included within the price of your trip. Other activities mentioned are optional (and so may cost extra) but too awesome to miss out.
STARTING FROM $ 178 / D AY
DAY 13 KRAKOW. Get all up in the streets of Krakow today and let the statement, “Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire” really sink in at Oskar Schindler's factory. Your day, your choice. (B)
PHOTO FROM LEFT (CLOCKWISE): PRAGUE | BUDAPEST | PRAGUE | SWISS ALPS | LJUBLJANA
HOTEL
33
28 DAY | W I N T E R E X P E D I T I O N LONDON
LONDON
Amsterdam
ENGLAND
COUNTRIES
2 Munich
2
Swiss Alps
ITALY
2 Lake Bled
AUSTRIA
SWITZERLAND
1 Pisa
Verona
2 Krakow
POLAND
CZECH REPUBLIC
Austrian Alps
2
Milan
Krumlov
1
LIECHTENSTEIN
AuschwitzBirkenau Prague
1 Český
GERMANY
Paris
2
Budapest
HUNGARY
1 Ljubljana
SLOVENIA
Venice
2
Florence Orvieto Rome
1 STOP & STAY
2
VATICAN CITY
TRIP CODE: EHWXLL
DAY 2 PARIS. Bike ride around the sights, check out the cabaret at the Latin Quarter (optional) or channel your inner Amélie and go exploring. (B) DAY 3 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. Prepare for Instagram paradise today as we head into the fairytale landscapes of the Swiss Alps. (B,D)
DAY 8 FLORENCE TO ROME. On your way out of Florence keep your eyes peeled for local artist Clet’s doctored street signs (Google it). Then arrive in Rome for an orientation that’s nothing like the one you had at uni. (B) DAY 9 ROME. Go pizza-hunting in Caesar’s backyard and get #livinglikealocal. (B) DAY 10 ROME TO VENICE. Off to the home of more than 400 bridges and 118 islands via Verona. Fill up over dinner then slip into a food coma of epic proportions. (B,D) DAY 11 VENICE. Chop off some of those calories exploring the city on foot this morning. Then cue singing men in water limos taking you down a labyrinth of canals. Viva Italia. (B) DAY 12 VENICE TO AUSTRIAN ALPS. Arrive at the home of carbs and adrenaline sports on stick(s). Tonight we kick off in style with tobogganing (optional). (B,D) DAY 13 AUSTRIAN ALPS. Sing “Let It Go”, eat snow, slide down white slopes and play king of the castle. (B)
DAY STOP
DAY 1 LONDON, ENGLAND TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). Say bonjour to the city where food is king. Ease yourself in with a highlights tour of the city lights and an included dinner. (D)
WI-FI
DAY 7 FLORENCE. Your mission tonight: track down the best steak in Florence. But first, we explore the city on foot with a local Italian guide and check out Ponte Vecchio, Duomo Cathedral and the Uffizi Gallery. (B)
Dresden
FRANCE
12
2
2
London
MEALS
Berlin
NETHERLANDS START/FINISH
37
DAY 4 SWISS ALPS. Spend a day in the landscape that inspired Toblerone (the white chocolate version, naturally). (B) DAY 5 SWISS ALPS TO MILAN, ITALY. Strike a pose today as we roll on to the fashion capital of Italy via Liechtenstein. (B) DAY 6 MILAN TO FLORENCE. After THAT shot in Pisa we’re off to Florence. Huddle up, grab a double espresso and hit the streets. Seriously. (B,D)
DAY 14 AUSTRIAN ALPS. Take two. Build a snowman then stuff yourself with meat and strudel. (B) DAY 15 AUSTRIAN ALPS TO MUNICH, GERMANY. This is so boring. Said no one ever. A late start for extra snowtime then Munich for some après-ski at the Hofbräuhaus. (B) DAY 16 MUNICH TO LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA. Chocolate box perfection as we roll into Ljubljana today. Kick things off with a guided tour then explore your way around Europe’s last undiscovered fairytale. (B) DAY 17 LJUBLJANA TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Ruined buildings? Redesign? Not in Budapest. If you
PHOTO FROM LEFT (CLOCKWISE): VENICE | PRAGUE | AUSTRIAN ALPS | MUNICH
HOTEL
35
DAY 18 BUDAPEST. Opt to soak your weary bones in the Széchenyi Baths (just the tonic after the night before). Relax, enjoy, and then get right back out there. We told you Budapest was hardcore, right? (B) DAY 19 BUDAPEST TO KRAKOW, POLAND. Two countries in one day? Easy. Take the scenic route through Slovakia to Krakow and kick back with a Polish feast. (B) DAY 20 KRAKOW. Start with Kazimierz, the Old Jewish quarter of the city. Labyrinth streets and markets, bars and cafés – this is where the cool kids hang out. (B) DAY 21 KRAKOW TO ČESKÝ KRUMLOV, CZECH REPUBLIC. Put things into perspective with a visit to Europe’s most notorious concentration camp, AuschwitzBirkenau. Then continue on with a night in World Heritage City Český Krumlov. (B,D) DAY 22 ČESKÝ KRUMLOV TO PRAGUE. A hop, skip and a jump (read: short drive) and we’re in Prague. Explore the city on foot, then find out why this city is known for its nightlife. (B,D) DAY 23 PRAGUE. Check out the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square or the Astronomical Clock. (B) DAY 24 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. From one behemoth to another. A quick stop in pretty special Dresden then a rolling history lesson in the home of rave and currywurst. (B,D) DAY 25 BERLIN. Start off your day with a history lesson at the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie and the Reichstag building. (B) DAY 26 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Eat fries with mayo, explore the city or wander the picturesque canals. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST ( I N C L U D E D ) ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
Driving tour of Paris Gondola ride in Venice Walking tour of Florence with local guide Overnight stay in UNESCO World Heritage listed Český Krumlov Guided tour of former concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau Scenic stays in the Swiss & Austrian Alps Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam
S TA R T
27 breakfasts (B), 10 dinners (D) 27 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double) English Channel crossings Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi Guided tours of all major cities Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
S TA R T
7
NOV
4
DEC
NOV
18
DEC
5
DEC
1
JAN
12
DEC
8
JAN
26
DEC
22
JAN
G G G
29
JAN
JAN
5
FEB
16
JAN
12
FEB
23
JAN
19
FEB
6
FEB
5
MAR
20
FEB
19
MAR
G
TRIP PRICE OF $5730 G = Guaranteed Departure Price based on AUD Per Person twin-share/double Single Supplement from an extra $1325 TRAVELLED WITH US BEFORE? AW, SHUCKS! DON'T FORGET TO SCORE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TRIP!
28 DAYS FROM
5295
++ Snowboarding in the Austrian Alps ++ Bike tour of Amsterdam
AUD PER PERSON
DAY 28 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. The trip might be over but there’s always Facebook. (B)
JAN
TRIP PRICE OF $5515
$
DAY 27 AMSTERDAM. Hit the streets like a local, exploring the city by bike on an optional tour, then dance to the beat of your own drum for the rest of the day. For a dose of history, pay a visit to the Anne Frank House, and then reconvene for an evening canal dinner cruise. (B,D)
2 9
TRIP PRICE OF $5295
TOP OPTIONALS
START MEET AT 6AM IN LONDON FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9PM IN LONDON
FINISH 2018
21
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
FINISH 2017
All items listed within the Bucket List and More Inclusions are included within the price of your trip. Other activities mentioned are optional (and so may cost extra) but too awesome to miss out.
STARTING FROM $ 190 / D AY
haven’t heard of ruin bars, you should have. Get your glad rags on and prepare for some signature European nightlife with a hipster twist. (B,D)
r e r o l p Ex HARCOURT HOTEL, DUBLIN, IRELAND
EXPLORER
37
With all the benefits of a Hotel trip but with smaller groups and more time to explore a region in-depth, these itineraries let you get to the heart of each place you visit. Think: wine tasting in Tuscany, walking in the steps of a giant in Northern Ireland and loads of other off-the-beaten-track adventures.
DAYS | TRIP NAME
11 DAY | WINTER BRAVO ITALIA 14 DAY | WINTER BRITAIN & IREL AND
ACCOMMODATION +3 STAR HOTELS TRIP LENGTH 11-14 DAYS ROOM T YPES SINGLE/T WIN/DOUBLE
PAGE 38 39
38
EXPLORER
11 DAY | W I N T E R B R A V O I T A L I A
PHOTO: AMALFI COAST, ITALY
ROME
1
Milan
15
MEALS
2
COUNTRIES
WI-FI
2 Venice Maranello
2 Pisa Florence
San Marino
1 Assisi
Orvieto
VATICAN CITY
2
START/FINISH
Rome ITALY
2 Sorrento
DAY STOP
1 STOP & STAY
TRIP CODE: EXWIRR S TA R T
FINISH
S TA R T
2017
FINISH 2018
22
OCT
1
NOV
7
JAN
17
12
NOV
22
NOV
21
JAN
31
JAN JAN
3
DEC
13
DEC
11
FEB
21
FEB
17
DEC
27
DEC
4
MAR
14
MAR
TRIP PRICE OF $2250 TRIP PRICE OF $2325 TRIP PRICE OF $2395 G = Guaranteed Departure Price based on AUD Per Person twin-share/double Single Supplement from an extra $565 TRAVELLED WITH US BEFORE? AW, SHUCKS! DON'T FORGET TO SCORE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TRIP!
11 DAYS FROM
$
2250
AUD PER PERSON
All items listed within the Bucket List and More Inclusions are included within the price of your trip. Other activities mentioned are optional (and so may cost extra) but too awesome to miss out.
STARTING FROM $ 205 / D AY
ROME
DAY 1 ROME, ITALY. We’ve got a date. Meet your Trip Leader and check out the Pantheon, Spanish Steps and the Colosseum. And then, dinner (get ready to be wowed). (D) DAY 2 ROME. Off to the smallest country in the world and St Peter’s Basilica (optional). If you’re a culture vulture, consider taking one of the tours at the Vatican museum and Sistine Chapel – or live la dolce vita exploring the streets. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST ( I N C L U D E D ) ++ ++ ++ ++
Gondola ride in Venice Tuscan wine tasting Entry to the Ferrari Museum Local Italian guides in Assisi & Florence
MORE INCLUSIONS 10 breakfasts (B), 5 dinners (D) 10 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double) Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi Guided tours of all major cities Awesome Trip Leader
DAY 3 ROME TO SORRENTO. Ciao Roma, hello Amalfi Coast! Think: Pinterest board material and holiday hotspot for literary geniuses like Dickens, Nietzsche and Goethe. Get inspired and write some postcards after dinner. (B,D)
++ ++ ++ ++ ++
DAY 4 SORRENTO. Stay seaside or opt in to travel back to 79AD to the UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient city of Pompeii, which was abruptly buried when nearby Vesuvius erupted all over the place. Tonight, carb up at a local joint of your choosing. Pro tip: Follow the sound of live music. (B)
++ Guided tour of historical Pompeii ++ Guided tour of Vatican City
DAY 5 SORRENTO TO ASSISI. On to the hillside town Assisi to meet our local guide and find out how the Basilica of St Francis was built without cranes. Really. And just how that roof was painted. (B,D) DAY 6 ASSISI TO VENICE. Nature + fast cars en route to Venice today. First: the views from San Marino castle then Maranello for every car geek’s dream. Hello, Ferrari museum! In Venice, expect a labyrinth of canals and picture-perfect bridges. Very cool. (B,D) DAY 7 VENICE. Bridges and boats. A walking tour means our day starts with minus calories. Choose your poison for lunch then jump on a gondola to see the Grand Canal. Perfecto. (B) DAY 8 VENICE TO MILAN. Dust off (and maybe iron) those glad rags today. Milan is Italy’s fashion capital and the residents know it. Expect three-thousand-euro knee high boots and tailored coats. Just saying. (B)
TOP OPTIONALS
START MEET AT 3PM IN ROME FINISH APPROXIMATELY 4PM IN ROME
DAY 9 MILAN TO FLORENCE. Capture the only shot you need in Pisa (we’re talking that famous leaning tower) before we continue through Tuscany. First up, wine tasting, then Florence. Tip: take a walk to Piazzale Michelangelo. The night views are so worth it. (B) DAY 10 FLORENCE. Get to know the city with a local this morning. See: the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. Clock the bell tower beside the main Duomo to avoid the queues and get the same dramatic views. (B,D) DAY 11 FLORENCE TO ROME. Full circle today as we head back to the capital to say goodbye. But first, Orvieto for your life's first wild boar panini (if you’re game). (B)
39
LONDON
17
MEALS
5
COUNTRIES
WI-FI
PHOTO: GIANT'S CAUSEWAY, NORTHERN IRELAND
LONDON
EXPLORER
14 DAY | W I N T E R B R I T A I N & I R E L A N D
Loch Ness
Glasgow Giant’s Causeway
IRELAND
SCOTLAND
1 Belfast
Londonderry/Derry
Galway
Edinburgh
1
NORTHERN IRELAND
1 York 1 Liverpool
2
2
Dublin Oxford START/FINISH
Cardiff
WALES
DAY 3 YORK TO EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND. Soak up Edinburgh’s old-world charm, hit up the city for a local pub feast and take the chance to explore the nightlife with your crew. (B,D) DAY 4 EDINBURGH. Get under the skin of Edinburgh with a free day. Hot tip: walk to Leith Port and check out the art galleries, great cafes, bars and restaurants. Tonight there's an optional Ceilidh Dinner – where the dancing has to be seen to be believed. (B) DAY 5 EDINBURGH. We’re spoilt today with a second full free day in the capital. Go Loch Ness Monster-hunting or check out the city vaults under South Bridge. (B) DAY 6 EDINBURGH TO GLASGOW. You can’t do Scotland without whisky. Cue a distillery tasting tour then onto the nightlife behemoth we call Glasgow. (B) DAY 7 GLASGOW TO BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND. Ferry over to a city with a lot of (recent) history and now a buzzing, cosmopolitan feel. A walking tour through the Cathedral Quarter will show you Belfast’s street art, murals and ϋber cool venues. Then hit up the Titanic Museum or hop on an optional Black Cab tour for local tales and insider tips. (B,D) DAY 8 BELFAST TO GALWAY, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND. Big Question. How did 40,000 hexagonal rock columns end up in the same place? Doesn’t matter – the Giant’s Causeway rocks (pun intended). We’ll arrive in Galway tonight. (B) DAY 9 GALWAY. A free day in Galway, the land of ‘craic’. Grab yourself some fish and chips and a beer from the local pub before admiring the buskers on Shop Street. (B) DAY 10 GALWAY TO DUBLIN. Take in the scenery on our drive to Dublin, including a visit to ancient site, Newgrange. Tonight, an Irish show after dinner is your chance to sample a taste of tradition. (B)
++ ++ ++ ++
Traditional English Sunday roast in Liverpool Evening ghost walk in York Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland Visit the world-famous Guinness Storehouse in Dublin ++ See historic Stonehenge ++ Visit prehistoric Newgrange site
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
13 breakfasts (B), 4 dinners (D) 13 nights hotel accommodation (twin or double) Irish Sea ferry crossings Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi Walking tours in all major cities Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
TRIP CODE: EXWULL S TA R T
FINISH
S TA R T
2017
FINISH 2018
29
OCT
11
NOV
5
NOV
18
NOV
G G
7
JAN
20
JAN
14
JAN
27
JAN
12
NOV
25
NOV
21
JAN
3
FEB
19
NOV
2
DEC
28
JAN
10
FEB
26
NOV
9
DEC
11
FEB
24
FEB
3
DEC
16
DEC
25
FEB
10
MAR
10
DEC
23
DEC
17
DEC
30
DEC
24
DEC
6
JAN
28
DEC
10
JAN
G
G
G
TRIP PRICE OF $3145 TRIP PRICE OF $3260 TRIP PRICE OF $3375
TOP OPTIONALS ++ Nightlife tour of Edinburgh ++ Day trip to Loch Ness
Stonehenge
G = Guaranteed Departure Price based on AUD Per Person twin-share/double Single Supplement from an extra $785
START MEET AT 7:30AM IN LONDON FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9PM IN LONDON
TRAVELLED WITH US BEFORE? AW, SHUCKS! DON'T FORGET TO SCORE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TRIP!
14 DAYS FROM DAY 11 DUBLIN. Get your bearings for this afternoon’s free time on a walking tour. Then take in the view of the city from the Guinness Skybar after touring the Guinness Storehouse. (B) DAY 12 DUBLIN TO CARDIFF, WALES. Enjoy the ferry and roll into Cardiff to find out how many Welsh words you can learn in one night. (B) DAY 13 CARDIFF. Do culture at Cardiff Castle or watch a rugby match in The Home of Sport. Tonight, it’s our farewell dinner. (B,D) DAY 14 CARDIFF TO LONDON. After a night out in Cardiff, our stop-off in Bath is perfectly complemented with some classy sights. We’ll spin you past Stonehenge before London calls. (B)
3145
$
AUD PER PERSON
All items listed within the Bucket List and More Inclusions are included within the price of your trip. Other activities mentioned are optional (and so may cost extra) but too awesome to miss out.
STARTING FROM $ 225 / D AY
DAY 2 LIVERPOOL TO YORK. Arriving into York, we’ll check out York Minster. Later, refuel at the pub before a ghost walk. Spooky. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST ( I N C L U D E D )
Bath
ENGLAND
DAY STOP
1 STOP & STAY DAY 1 LONDON TO LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND. We begin with Harry Potter-esque, Oxford. Soak up the medieval vibes before we head to Liverpool. (D)
London
2
l e t s o H s u l P
GENERATOR HOSTEL, PARIS, FRANCE
HOSTEL PLUS
41
Get the most out of your Topdeck trip, without breaking the bank. Enjoy modern, multi-share hostels, bungalows and cabins with like-minded explorers, with plenty of hotel upgrades to boot. Our most social trip style, Hostel Plus is perfect for fun-seeking travellers who are looking for a taste of adventure.
DAYS | TRIP NAME
7 DAY | WINTER WALTZ 7 DAY | SPIRES IN THE SNO W 7 DAY | SOUTHERN RUNNER 8 DAY | SKI AUSTRIA 9 DAY | NORTHERN DIRECTIONS 9 DAY | MARCH ON ROME 10 DAY | WESTERN RUNNER 11 DAY | WINTER EXPRESS 13 DAY | FESTIVE ESCAPE 15 DAY | ROAD TO MARRAKECH 16 DAY | WESTERN CORNERS 18 DAY | WINTER GETAWAY 18 DAY | WINTER RHAPSODY 24 DAY | WINTER SPIRIT 24 DAY | WESTERN COMPASS
PAGE SECTOR 42 42 43 43 44 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 54
• • • • • •
• •
WHAT ARE SECTORS? Sector trips offer you a great way to choose a departure city, set of experiences or journey length that best suits you. A Sector trip is part of a larger journey, meaning your new friends might continue on after you leave, or you might be joining a trip already in progress.
ACCOMMODATION HOSTELS/BUNGALOWS/HOTELS TRIP LENGTH 7-24 DAYS ROOM T YPES MULTI-SHARE
42
HOSTEL PLUS
7 DAY | W I N T E R W A L T Z PRAGUE
LONDON
9
MEALS
3
COUNTRIES
PRAGUE
8
MEALS
3
COUNTRIES
GERMANY
2
2
London
ENGLAND
BUDAPEST
Berlin
Amsterdam
NETHERLANDS
FINISH
7 DAY | S P I R E S I N T H E S N O W
Auschwitz-Birkenau
2
2 Krakow
POLAND
FINISH
Dresden
Prague
CZECH REPUBLIC
2 START
Prague
2
CZECH REPUBLIC
START
Budapest
HUNGARY
1 STOP & STAY
DAY STOP
1 STOP & STAY
TRIP CODE: EEWSPL S TA R T
DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: EEWSHP
FINISH
S TA R T
2017 G
FINISH
26
DEC
1
JAN
28
DEC
3
JAN
31
DEC
6
JAN
S TA R T G
JAN
29
JAN
28
JAN
3
FEB
30
JAN
5
19
NOV
25
NOV
26
NOV
2
DEC
3
DEC
9
DEC
4
FEB
5
DEC
11
DEC
2
JAN
8
JAN
11
FEB
10
DEC
16
DEC
6
JAN
12
JAN
18
12
DEC
18
DEC
8
JAN
14
JAN
G
G
G
2018
17
DEC
23
DEC
14
JAN
20
JAN
22
DEC
28
DEC
16
JAN
22
JAN
24
DEC
30
DEC
21
JAN
27
JAN
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED) ++ Driving tour of Berlin ++ Visit the restored city of Dresden ++ Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration ++ Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam
TOP OPTIONALS ++ Third Reich walking tour ++ Bike tour of Amsterdam
G
FINISH
23
S TA R T
FINISH
S TA R T
2017 G
G
FINISH
22
DEC
28
DEC
24
DEC
30
DEC
27
DEC
2
JAN
29
DEC
4
JAN
15
NOV
21
NOV
FEB
22
NOV
28
NOV
10
FEB
29
NOV
5
DEC
17
FEB
1
DEC
7
DEC
FEB
24
FEB
6
DEC
12
DEC
2
JAN
8
4
MAR
10
MAR
8
DEC
14
DEC
4
JAN
18
MAR
24
MAR
13
DEC
19
DEC
10
1
APR
7
APR
18
DEC
24
DEC
12
20
DEC
26
DEC
17
MORE INCLUSIONS 6 breakfasts (B), 3 dinners (D) 6 nights in hostel accommodation English Channel crossing Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi ++ Guided tours of all major cities ++ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver ++ ++ ++ ++
G
S TA R T G G
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED) ++ Guided tour of former concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau ++ Walking tour of Prague ++ Walking tour of Krakow
START MEET AT 5PM IN PRAGUE FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9PM IN LONDON
JAN
25
24
JAN
30
JAN
26
JAN
1
FEB
JAN
6
FEB
7
FEB
13
FEB
JAN
14
FEB
20
FEB
10
JAN
28
FEB
6
MAR
JAN
16
JAN
14
MAR
20
MAR
JAN
18
JAN
28
MAR
3
APR
JAN
23
JAN
G
MORE INCLUSIONS
START MEET AT 6PM IN BUDAPEST FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9AM IN PRAGUE
DAY 1 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. (D)
DAY 2 PRAGUE. (B)
DAY 2 BUDAPEST.(B)
DAY 3 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. (B,D)
DAY 3 BUDAPEST TO KRAKOW, POLAND. (B)
DAY 4 BERLIN. (B)
DAY 4 KRAKOW. (B)
DAY 5 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. (B)
DAY 5 KRAKOW TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. (B,D)
DAY 6 AMSTERDAM. (B,D)
DAY 6 PRAGUE. (B)
DAY 7 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. (B)
DAY 7 PRAGUE. (B)
This is a part of the 24 Day Winter Spirit trip. See p.52 or visit our website.
This is a part of the 24 Day Winter Spirit trip. See p.52 or visit our website.
TRIP PRICE OF $995
TRIP PRICE OF $945
TRIP PRICE OF $1040
TRIP PRICE OF $995
TRIP PRICE OF $1075
TRIP PRICE OF $1020
G = Guaranteed Departure
G = Guaranteed Departure
Price based on AUD Per Person multi-share: usually 2-6 per room
Price based on AUD Per Person multi-share: usually 2-6 per room
995
$
AUD Per Person
STARTING FROM $143/DAY
7 DAYS FROM
945
$
AUD Per Person
STARTING FROM $135/DAY
G
++ 6 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D) ++ 6 nights in hostel accommodation ++ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi ++ Guided tours of all major cities ++ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
DAY 1 PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. (D)
7 DAYS FROM
JAN
31
2018
G
FINISH
19
7 DAY | S O U T H E R N R U N N E R LONDON
MADRID
8
MEALS
2
8 DAY | S K I A U S T R I A
COUNTRIES
MAKE YOUR OWN WAY TO KIRCHDORF IN TYROL
2 Paris
Munich Airport
9
MEALS
1
COUNTRY
START
London
ENGLAND
FRANCE
Loire Valley
Salzburg Airport
7
Innsbruck Airport
START/FINISH
Kirchdorf AUSTRIA
2 Bordeaux 1 Bilbao SPAIN
1 Madrid FINISH
1 STOP & STAY
DAY STOP
1 STOP & STAY
TRIP CODE: EEWMLM S TA R T
DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: EFSKAO
FINISH
S TA R T
2017
FINISH
S TA R T
2017 G
OCT
28
OCT
3
DEC
9
DEC
5
NOV
11
NOV
17
DEC
23
DEC
19
NOV
25
NOV
30
DEC
5
JAN
++ Driving tour of Paris ++ Bordeaux winery tour & tasting
TOP OPTIONALS ++ Seine river cruise in Paris ++ Visit Château de Chambord
S TA R T
2018
22
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
FINISH
G
FINISH
S TA R T
2017
FINISH
S TA R T
2018
FINISH 2018
14
JAN
20
JAN
23
DEC
30
DEC
6
JAN
13
JAN
27
JAN
3
28
JAN
3
FEB
30
DEC
6
JAN
13
JAN
20
JAN
3
FEB
10
FEB
11
FEB
17
FEB
20
JAN
27
JAN
3
MAR
10
MAR
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 6 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D) ++ 4 nights in hostels & 2 nights hotel upgrade ++ English Channel crossings ++ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi ++ Guided tours of all major cities ++ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver MEET AT 6AM IN LONDON (OR 5PM IN PARIS) FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9AM IN MADRID
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED) ++ Exclusive Topdeck mountain tour with qualified instructors ++ Tobogganing or curling on the Wilder Kaiser ++ Schnitzel evening in St Johann ++ Karaoke evening
FEB
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 7 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D) including traditional Tyrolean ribs ++ 7 nights in a traditional Austrian Bed & Breakfast Chalet
*A special Christmas dinner will be provided during Christmas week.
START FINISH
MEET AT 2PM IN KIRCHDORF IN TYROL APPROXIMATELY 10AM IN KIRCHDORF IN TYROL
START
DAY 1 KIRCHDORF IN TYROL, AUSTRIA. DAY 2 KIRCHDORF IN TYROL, AUSTRIA. (B)
DAY 1 LONDON, ENGLAND TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). (D) DAY 2 PARIS. (B) DAY 3 PARIS TO BORDEAUX. (B) DAY 4 BORDEAUX. (B) DAY 5 BORDEAUX TO BILBAO, SPAIN. (B) DAY 6 BILBAO TO MADRID. (B,D) DAY 7 MADRID. (B) This is a part of the 24 Day Western Compass trip. See p.54 or visit our website.
DAY 3 KIRCHDORF IN TYROL, AUSTRIA. (B) DAY 4 KIRCHDORF IN TYROL, AUSTRIA. (B,D) DAY 5 KIRCHDORF IN TYROL, AUSTRIA. (B) DAY 6 KIRCHDORF IN TYROL, AUSTRIA. (B,D) DAY 7 KIRCHDORF IN TYROL, AUSTRIA. (B) DAY 8 KIRCHDORF IN TYROL, AUSTRIA. (B) No need to bring all your gear. You can book everything you need on arrival – skis, snowboards, helmets and boots. Then choose lessons (if you need them) and a lift pass (you'll probably need one of these). Easy.
MULTI-SHARE TRIP PRICE OF $919
TRIP PRICE OF $1070
TWIN/DOUBLE TRIP PRICE OF $999
TRIP PRICE OF $1095
G = Guaranteed Departure
TRIP PRICE OF $1130
G = Guaranteed Departure Price based on AUD Per Person multi-share: usually 2-6 per room
7 DAYS FROM
1070
$
AUD Per Person
STARTING FROM $153/DAY
8 DAYS FROM
919
$
AUD Per Person
STARTING FROM $115/DAY
HOSTEL PLUS
43
44
HOSTEL PLUS
9 DAY | N O R T H E R N D I R E C T I O N S ROME
LONDON
11
MEALS
4
9 DAY | M A R C H O N R O M E
COUNTRIES
LONDON
Amsterdam
ENGLAND
MEALS
4
COUNTRIES
London
2
London
11
START
NETHERLANDS
FINISH
ROME
ENGLAND
1 Luxembourg City LUXEMBOURG
2 Paris
FRANCE
Swiss Alps
2
Swiss Alps
2
SWITZERLAND
SWITZERLAND
Verona
2 Venice
Florence ITALY
Pisa
2 Orvieto
Rome ITALY
FINISH
1
1 STOP & STAY
START
Rome 2
DAY STOP
VATICAN CITY
TRIP CODE: EEWSLR 1 STOP & STAY
DAY STOP
S TA R T
TRIP CODE: EEWMRL S TA R T
FINISH
S TA R T
2017
FINISH
S TA R T
FINISH
2017
2018
6
NOV
14
NOV
20
NOV
28
4
DEC
12
18
DEC
26
G
1
JAN
9
NOV
14
JAN
22
DEC
29
JAN
6
DEC
12
FEB
20
26
FEB
6
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED) ++ A tasty sample of traditional Swiss fondue ++ Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration ++ Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam
TOP OPTIONALS ++ Gondola ride in Venice ++ Skydiving in the Swiss Alps
FINISH
S TA R T
2017
2
NOV
10
NOV
9
NOV
17
NOV
16
NOV
24
NOV
G G
FINISH 2018
9
DEC
17
DEC
11
DEC
19
DEC
14
DEC
22
DEC
G G
6
JAN
14
JAN
11
JAN
19
JAN
13
JAN
21
JAN
18
NOV
26
NOV
16
DEC
24
DEC
18
JAN
26
JAN
23
NOV
1
DEC
20
DEC
28
DEC
25
JAN
2
FEB
JAN
25
NOV
3
DEC
22
DEC
30
DEC
FEB
FEB
30
NOV
8
DEC
28
DEC
5
JAN
FEB
5
DEC
13
DEC
30
DEC
7
MAR
7
DEC
15
DEC
4
JAN
12
JAN
G
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 8 breakfasts (B), 3 dinners (D) ++ 5 nights in hostels, 2 nights hotel upgrade & 1 night in a bungalow ++ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi ++ Guided tours of all major cities ++ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver START MEET AT 3PM IN ROME FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9PM IN LONDON
G
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED) ++ Driving tour of Paris ++ Walking tour of Florence with local guide
TOP OPTIONALS ++ Traditional cabaret show in Paris ++ Skydiving in the Swiss Alps
1
FEB
9
15
FEB
23
FEB
JAN
1
MAR
9
MAR
JAN
15
MAR
23
MAR
G
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 8 breakfasts (B), 3 dinners (D) ++ 4 nights in hostels & 4 nights in bungalows ++ English Channel crossings ++ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi ++ Guided tours of all major cities ++ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver START MEET AT 6AM IN LONDON FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9AM IN ROME
DAY 1 ROME, ITALY.
DAY 1 LONDON, ENGLAND TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). (D)
DAY 2 ROME TO VENICE. (B,D)
DAY 2 PARIS. (B)
DAY 3 VENICE. (B)
DAY 3 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. (B,D)
DAY 4 VENICE TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. (B,D)
DAY 4 SWISS ALPS. (B)
DAY 5 SWISS ALPS. (B)
DAY 5 SWISS ALPS TO FLORENCE, ITALY. (B,D)
DAY 6 SWISS ALPS TO LUXEMBOURG CITY, LUXEMBOURG. (B)
DAY 6 FLORENCE. (B)
DAY 7 LUXEMBOURG TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. (B)
DAY 7 FLORENCE TO ROME. (B)
DAY 8 AMSTERDAM. (B,D)
DAY 8 ROME. (B)
DAY 9 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. (B)
DAY 9 ROME. (B)
This is a part of the 24 Day Western Compass trip. See p.54 or visit our website.
This is a part of the 24 Day Winter Spirit trip. See p.52 or visit our website.
TRIP PRICE OF $1395
TRIP PRICE OF $1395
TRIP PRICE OF $1440
TRIP PRICE OF $1440
TRIP PRICE OF $1495
TRIP PRICE OF $1495
G = Guaranteed Departure
G = Guaranteed Departure
Price based on AUD Per Person multi-share: usually 2-6 per room
Price based on AUD Per Person multi-share: usually 2-6 per room
9 DAYS FROM
1395
$
AUD Per Person
STARTING FROM $155/DAY
9 DAYS FROM
1395
$
AUD Per Person
STARTING FROM $155/DAY
G
45
ROME
11
MEALS
3
COUNTRIES
WI-FI
Marseille FRANCE
2 Florence
2
ITALY
1 Rome
2 Barcelona 1
FINISH
PHOTO: MARSEILLE, FRANCE
MADRID
HOSTEL PLUS
10 DAY | W E S T E R N R U N N E R
1 Valencia
Madrid SPAIN START
1 STOP & STAY
DAY STOP
DAY 1 MADRID, SPAIN. Hola, Madrid! Before you meet up with the gang this afternoon, check out the Royal Palace, get cultured at the Prado Museum or just kick back in the botanical gardens. After the sun sets, delve into the buzzing nightlife of Malasaña and Chueca neighbourhoods.
++ Walking tour of Florence with local guide
MORE INCLUSIONS
28
OCT
6
NOV
5
JAN
14
NOV
20
NOV
20
JAN
29
JAN
DAY 2 MADRID TO VALENCIA. Onto Spain's third largest city, Valencia. A fabulous hybrid of past and present, this picturesque port town combines avant-garde buildings with modern facilities and sparkling seaports. (B)
++ 9 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D) ++ 8 nights hostel accommodation & 1 night in a bungalow ++ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi ++ Guided tours of all major cities ++ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
11 25
NOV
4
DEC
3
FEB
12
FEB
9
DEC
18
DEC
17
FEB
26
FEB
23
DEC
1
JAN
DAY 4 BARCELONA. Tick off the likes of the Sagrada Familia, Gothic Quarter and Mount Tibidabo. After a solid day of exploring, fire up for the notorious nightlife (note: it's not unusual to hit the clubs after midnight, so ensure you've had your beauty sleep). (B) DAY 5 BARCELONA TO MARSEILLE, FRANCE. Today we cross the border into France (Marseille, to be exact). With its boat-lined quayside, history and architecture, there's no wonder this is one of France's most visited cities. A melting pot of sceneries, spend the day exploring the colourful markets, the Calanques, the Panier area and the Corniche. (B) DAY 6 MARSEILLE. Your second day in Marseille is yours to spend at your leisure. Explore bustling La Canebière or dig into bouillabaisse – the hearty fish stew invented in Marseille – as you watch the sun set over the Vieux Port. (B) DAY 7 MARSEILLE TO FLORENCE, ITALY. With over 1,800 restaurants and the world's best gelato (hands down), Florence is where all your Italian dreams are made. After snapping the city's picturesque streets, dig into a hearty included dinner before rolling into bed with a full tummy and even fuller memory card. (B,D)
TRIP CODE: EEWMMR S TA R T
FINISH
S TA R T
2017
FINISH 2018
G
JAN
G
TRIP PRICE OF $1360 TRIP PRICE OF $1395
TOP OPTIONALS TRIP PRICE OF $1450
++ Flamenco show in Barcelona START MEET AT 2PM IN MADRID FINISH APPROXIMATELY 12PM IN ROME
DAY 8 FLORENCE. Wakey wakey! Florence is ready and waiting. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city's greats this morning. Think: Ponte Vecchio, Florence Cathedral and that famous naked guy, David. Afterwards, try and track down that 'world's best' gelato we were talking about (depending on what web article you read). (B) DAY 9 FLORENCE TO ROME. Today, we're Romeward bound. Prep Instagram for a walking tour of the must-dos in this sprawling, cosmopolitan city. After all, the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and Pantheon aren't going to selfie themselves. (B) DAY 10 ROME. If you're up for one last outing after breakfast, visit the world's smallest country (hello, Vatican City) and gawk at the magnificent ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Judge it for yourself or simply mix with the locals. Espresso stops mandatory. (B)
G = Guaranteed Departure Price based on AUD Per Person multi-share: usually 2-6 per room TRAVELLED WITH US BEFORE? AW, SHUCKS! DON'T FORGET TO SCORE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TRIP!
10 DAYS FROM
1360
$
AUD PER PERSON
All items listed within the Bucket List and More Inclusions are included within the price of your trip. Other activities mentioned are optional (and so may cost extra) but too awesome to miss out.
STARTING FROM $ 136 / D AY
DAY 3 VALENCIA TO BARCELONA. Bienvenidos to the city of art nouveau, alluring accents and most importantly, tapas. Today we hit Barcelona and learn the meaning behind the passionate football cry, "Visca el Barça!" (Long live Barça!). Stroll the bustling Las Ramblas, and indulge in a satisfying feast at our included dinner. Flamenco, anyone? Channel your inner Spaniard post-dinner and get those feet a' tapping. (B,D)
ON THE BUCKET LIST ( I N C L U D E D )
46
HOSTEL PLUS
11 DAY | W I N T E R E X P R E S S
PHOTO: PARIS, FRANCE
LONDON
LONDON
15
MEALS
5
COUNTRIES
WI-FI
Amsterdam
NETHERLANDS START/FINISH
2
London
ENGLAND
1 Rhine Valley
2 Paris
FRANCE
1 Munich
GERMANY
Swiss Alps
SWITZERLAND
2 2
Venice ITALY
1 STOP & STAY
DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: EEWNLL S TA R T
FINISH
S TA R T
2017
FINISH 2018
26
OCT
5
NOV
2
NOV
12
NOV
9
NOV
19
NOV
16
NOV
26
NOV
23
NOV
3
DEC
30
NOV
10
7
DEC
10
G
4
JAN
14
JAN
11
JAN
21
JAN
18
JAN
28
JAN
25
JAN
4
FEB
1
FEB
11
FEB
DEC
15
FEB
25
FEB
17
DEC
8
MAR
18
MAR
DEC
20
DEC
22
MAR
1
APR
13
DEC
23
DEC
21
DEC
31
DEC
28
DEC
7
JAN
G
G
G
TRIP PRICE OF $1695 TRIP PRICE OF $1795 TRIP PRICE OF $1885 G = Guaranteed Departure Price based on AUD Per Person multi-share: usually 2-6 per room TRAVELLED WITH US BEFORE? AW, SHUCKS! DON'T FORGET TO SCORE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TRIP!
11 DAYS FROM
$
1695
STARTING FROM $ 155 / D AY
AUD PER PERSON
All items listed within the Bucket List and More Inclusions are included within the price of your trip. Other activities mentioned are optional (and so may cost extra) but too awesome to miss out.
DAY 1 LONDON, ENGLAND TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). What’s the first thing we want in France? French food, of course. Devour dinner before a tour of Paris to see the twinkly lights. Job done. (D) DAY 2 PARIS. A free day in Paris = go nuts. Follow in your favourite literary figure’s footsteps (hello, Hemingway) or just hang with the locals. If you fancy a bike tour, cabaret show or river cruise, we’ll hook you up. (B) DAY 3 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. We’ll be #nofilter-ed out by the end of today’s Instagram feed. With picturesque mountains and to-die-for scenery, this place has to be seen to believed. Not to mention the carb-tastic dinner. (B,D) DAY 4 SWISS ALPS. Burn off last night’s dinner with a hike or bike – or take the cruisey option and head up Jungfrau by train. It’s the highest rail station in Europe, as the views will attest. (B) DAY 5 SWISS ALPS TO VENICE, ITALY. Bella Italia today as we roll into Venice. Get ready to get lost in its maze-like alleyways as you ogle the romantic canals. Inside tip: the best local haunts will always be found off the beaten track. (B,D) DAY 6 VENICE. We’ll take to land and ‘sea’ today. Enjoy a walking tour taking in the greats, then a classic vaporetto ride. This is what public transport should be like. And don’t miss the full gondola experience. (B) DAY 7 VENICE TO MUNICH, GERMANY. In a city so well known for beer (Oktoberfest rules here) it would be a shame not to drink it. Wirtshaus (pub restaurants) ensure plenty of beer and for non-vegos, plenty of meat. Prost! (B) DAY 8 MUNICH TO RHINE VALLEY. Not too many grapes on the vine at this time of year but it doesn’t matter. Pinch yourself because tonight you live like a royal and sleep in a castle. (B,D) DAY 9 RHINE VALLEY TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Europe’s most infamous city. Get the obvious out of the way (Red Light District, anyone?) then discover the Amsterdam the locals want to keep quiet. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST ( I N C L U D E D ) ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
Driving tour of Paris Vaporetto ride in Venice Stay in the scenic Rhine Valley castle region Dutch cheese & clog demonstration Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 10 breakfasts (B), 5 dinners (D) ++ 8 nights hostel accommodation & 2 nights hotel upgrade ++ English Channel crossings ++ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi ++ Guided tours of all major cities ++ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
TOP OPTIONALS ++ Traditional cabaret show in Paris ++ Skydiving in the Swiss Alps START MEET AT 6AM IN LONDON FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9PM IN LONDON
DAY 10 AMSTERDAM. The best city to explore by two wheels. Not only for the cool-factor but because there are no hills. At all. We’ll continue our mission to live like a local this afternoon before our farewell dinner cruise. (B,D) DAY 11 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. The final stretch. Wave goodbye to the ‘Dam before arriving back to London town. (B)
47
LONDON
17
MEALS
4
COUNTRIES
WI-FI
Amsterdam
Berlin
NETHERLANDS
START/FINISH
2
2
London
ENGLAND
PHOTO: COLOGNE, GERMANY
LONDON
HOSTEL PLUS
13 DAY | F E S T I V E E S C A P E
2 Cologne
GERMANY
Dachau
2 Paris
2 Munich
FRANCE
2
Swiss Alps
SWITZERLAND
1 STOP & STAY
DAY 2 COLOGNE. Take yourself to church – climb the 509 spiralling, stone steps for 360-degree #epic views at the UNESCO World Heritage listed Kölner Dom. There are 30+ museums to suss out but the chocolate museum has obvious swag. (B) DAY 3 COLOGNE TO PARIS, FRANCE. Big expectations? Raise ‘em, tenfold. So much more than baguettes and berets, tonight’s dinner will prep your tastebuds while a city lights driving tour will slap you with pretty. (B,D) DAY 4 PARIS. French vocab 101: macaron, eclair, croissant…that should cover you on this free day. Jump on a bike tour, drop some dolla dolla bills on Champs-Élysées or scale Tour Eiffel. Tonight, cabaret or Seine cruise? Your choice. (B) DAY 5 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. Tolkien hiked here in 1911 but you’ll get the scenic drive option today and see why Lauterbrunnen Valley inspired the fictitious valley of Rivendell. (B,D) 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. (B) DAY 7 SWISS ALPS TO MUNICH, GERMANY. Get to know the city where beer is officially considered a food. The Hofbräuhaus doesn’t want you to go hungry, so (pork) knuckle in. (B,D) DAY 8 MUNICH. Pause and reflect at Dachau concentration camp this morning. Later: climb the Frauenkirche tower or jump on an electric bike tour. Free day = your way. (B) DAY 9 MUNICH TO BERLIN. Practice your "Ich bin ein Berliner" before a driving tour of the (remnants of) Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST ( I N C L U D E D ) ++ ++ ++ ++
TRIP CODE: EEFELL
Driving tour of Paris Visit former concentration camp Dachau Experience the Christmas markets in Cologne Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam
S TA R T
12 breakfasts (B), 5 dinners (D) 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
TOP OPTIONALS ++ Skydiving in the Swiss Alps ++ Bike tour of Amsterdam START MEET AT 6AM IN LONDON FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9PM IN LONDON
DAY 10 BERLIN. Join the Third Reich walking tour for a history lesson and tonight, get down with your badass self – this is the real city that never sleeps. (B)
FINISH 2017
14
DEC
26
DEC
22
DEC
3
JAN
G
TRIP PRICE OF $2095
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
DAY STOP
TRIP PRICE OF $2220 G = Guaranteed Departure Price based on AUD Per Person multi-share: usually 2-6 per room TRAVELLED WITH US BEFORE? AW, SHUCKS! DON'T FORGET TO SCORE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TRIP!
13 DAYS FROM
2095
$
AUD PER PERSON
All items listed within the Bucket List and More Inclusions are included within the price of your trip. Other activities mentioned are optional (and so may cost extra) but too awesome to miss out.
DAY 11 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. When your day starts with cheese and clogs and ends with cones of fries with mayo in the Red Light District, you know you’re in for a good time. (B) DAY 12 AMSTERDAM. Work off those stroopwafels and fries on an optional bike tour, take time to reflect in Anne Frank House, then cruise the canals on a private dinner boat. Life = made. (B,D) DAY 13 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. Make #bestfriendsforever over coach games and road trip snacks as we say goodbye in London. (B)
STARTING FROM $ 162 / D AY
DAY 1 LONDON, ENGLAND TO COLOGNE, GERMANY. 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?! (D)
48
HOSTEL PLUS
15 DAY | R O A D T O M A R R A K E C H
PHOTO: FES, MOROCCO
MADRID
MADRID
20
MEALS
3
COUNTRIES
WI-FI
START/FINISH
Madrid SPAIN
1 1 2 Lisbon
PORTUGAL
Seville
2
2 Granada
Asilah
1
1 Chefchaouen MOROCCO
2 Fes 2 Marrakech
1 STOP & STAY
DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: EEWPMM S TA R T
FINISH
S TA R T
2017
FINISH 2018
28
OCT
11
NOV
11
NOV
25
25
NOV
9
DEC
23
DEC
6
JAN
G
6
JAN
20
JAN
NOV
20
JAN
3
FEB
9
DEC
3
FEB
17
FEB
23
DEC G
TRIP PRICE OF $2495 TRIP PRICE OF $2695 TRIP PRICE OF $2795 G = Guaranteed Departure Price based on AUD Per Person multi-share: usually 2-6 per room TRAVELLED WITH US BEFORE? AW, SHUCKS! DON'T FORGET TO SCORE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TRIP!
15 DAYS FROM
$
2495
AUD PER PERSON
STARTING FROM $ 167 / D AY
All items listed within the Bucket List and More Inclusions are included within the price of your trip. Other activities mentioned are optional (and so may cost extra) but too awesome to miss out.
DAY 1 MADRID, SPAIN. Reset your body clock; you’re on Madrid time now. Meet your crew and get fired up for the trip like a bull seeing red. (D) DAY 2 MADRID TO GRANADA. Siesta as we make our way to the base of the Sierra Nevada, aka the land of free tapas (Google it). After dinner, seek out a tetería for delish pastries and sweet mint tea. (B) DAY 3 GRANADA. Winter = no crowds through the chiselled kaleidoscope that makes up the Alhambra and the Palacio de Generalife. Get schooled in Islamic architecture with a guided tour then tapas your heart out. (B) DAY 4 GRANADA TO CHEFCHAOUEN, MOROCCO. Wave Andalusia goodbye and be awash in blue as we enter Chefchaouen, known for its pastel colours. Give your Instagram feed a workout while you tour the medina and souk. (B,D) DAY 5 CHEFCHAOUEN TO FES. Hightail it to the Mecca of the West with a front-row pano of the rolling Rif Mountains and snow-strewn Middle Atlas Mountains playing out the coach window. Thanks, nature. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST ( I N C L U D E D ) ++ Guided tour of the Alhambra, Granada ++ Local guide in Fes & Marrakech
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 14 breakfasts (B), 6 dinners (D) ++ 10 nights in hostel accommodation & 4 nights hotel upgrade ++ Strait of Gibraltar ferry crossings ++ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi ++ Guided tours of all major cities ++ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
TOP OPTIONALS ++ Flamenco show in Seville ++ Dinner & local show in Marrakech START MEET AT 2PM IN MADRID FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9AM IN MADRID
DAY 6 FES. Tick ‘em off with a local guide: royal palace, Jewish neighbourhood, UNESCO World Heritage listed medina and leather tannery. Then hunt down a hammam and lose yourself in the labyrinth of souks and cobblestone streets. (B)
DAY 11 SEVILLE. Random fact: Seville’s cathedral allegedly houses Christopher Columbus’s tomb, but the jury’s still out as to whether he’s really buried there. Do your own investigating then opt in for a fierce flamenco performance. (B)
DAY 7 FES TO MARRAKECH. Bend it like the berbers back ‘round the Middle Atlas towards Marrakech and soak up the colours, smells and vibes of the Red City. (B,D)
DAY 12 SEVILLE TO LISBON, PORTUGAL. Three words you need to know in Lisbon: Pastéis de Belém. Make a beeline for the famous egg tarts before dinner. (B,D)
DAY 8 MARRAKECH. See the Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Minaret and mosaic madness that is the Saadian Tombs, then work your way past snake charmers and fall into the rhythm of Djemma el-fna square. (B) DAY 9 MARRAKECH TO ASILAH. Make your way to the whitewashed wonder that is this seaside town and get snap-happy in between Latin-influenced feasts. (B,D) DAY 10 ASILAH TO SEVILLE, SPAIN. Leave the tajines for Seville and the Moorish brilliance that is the Alcazar. (B,D)
DAY 13 LISBON. Catch a yellow tram, hit up a fado club, snap a #selfie in the pink street and save some energy for the buzzing Bairro Alto district for live music and cocktails. (B) DAY 14 LISBON TO MADRID, SPAIN. Cross the border back to the Spanish capital and gorge on a smorgasbord of art history on a driving tour of the city. (B) DAY 15 MADRID. Finish off your trip with some free time to explore Madrid. You'll be back. (B)
49
LONDON
ROME
19
MEALS
4
COUNTRIES
HOSTEL PLUS
16 DAY | W E S T E R N C O R N E R S WI-FI
START
PHOTO: ROME, ITALY
London
ENGLAND
2 Paris
FRANCE
Loire Valley
Florence
2 Bordeaux
SPAIN
2
DAY 3 PARIS TO BORDEAUX. Today we roll on to the port city of Bordeaux, where half the city is UNESCO World Heritage listed and world-class vineyards reign supreme. (B) DAY 4 BORDEAUX. Hit Bordeaux’s charming streets with special stops at Cathédrale St-André, Musée des BeauxArts and the Jardin Public. (B) DAY 5 BORDEAUX TO BILBAO. Next stop: Bilbao – famed for its titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum that boasts an incredible collection of contemporary art and more curves than Beyoncé. (B) DAY 6 BILBAO TO MADRID, SPAIN. As a city known for its artistic pedigree, culinary wonders and buzzing nightlife, you’re sure to find just what you’re looking for in Madrid. (B,D) DAY 7 MADRID. Check out the Royal Palace, then stroll through the expansive Plaza Mayor and get cultured at the Prado Museum. (B) DAY 8 MADRID TO VALENCIA. Onto Spain’s third largest city, Valencia. As a city known for its mouthwatering fare, be sure to dig into a range of tasty local dishes. (B) DAY 9 VALENCIA TO BARCELONA. Bienvenidos to the city of art nouveau, alluring accents and most importantly, tapas. Dive right in. (B,D) DAY 10 BARCELONA. Get your bearings on a guided tour of bustling Barca, ticking off the likes of Sagrada Familia, Columbus Monument and Las Ramblas. Then: fire up for the notorious nightlife. (B) DAY 11 BARCELONA TO MARSEILLE, FRANCE. Today we cross the border back into France (Marseille, to be
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 15 breakfasts (B), 4 dinners (D) ++ 12 nights hostel accommodation, 2 nights hotel upgrade & 1 night in a bungalow ++ English Channel crossings ++ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi ++ Guided tours of all major cities ++ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
TOP OPTIONALS ++ Traditional cabaret show in Paris ++ Visit Château de Chambord START MEET AT 6AM IN LONDON FINISH APPROXIMATELY 12PM IN ROME
exact). With its beaches, history and architecture, there’s no wonder this is one of France’s most visited cities. (B)
DAY 12 MARSEILLE. Explore bustling La Canebière or dig into bouillabaisse – the hearty fish stew invented in Marseille – as you watch the sun set over the Vieux Port. (B) DAY 13 MARSEILLE TO FLORENCE, ITALY. With more culture than a Shoreditch hipster, over 1,800 restaurants and the world’s best gelato (hands down), Florence is where all your Italian dreams are made. (B,D) DAY 14 FLORENCE. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city's greats this morning. Think: Ponte Vecchio, Florence Cathedral and that famous naked guy, David. (B) DAY 15 FLORENCE TO ROME. A city under a city as we visit Orvieto en route to Rome. (B) DAY 16 ROME. Visit the world’s smallest country (hello, Vatican City) before saying ciao to your new travel pals. (B)
VATICAN
1 CITY
DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: EEWMLR S TA R T
FINISH
S TA R T
2017
FINISH 2018
G
22
OCT
6
NOV
14
JAN
29
JAN
5
NOV
20
NOV
28
JAN
12
FEB
19
NOV
4
DEC
11
FEB
26
FEB
3
DEC
18
DEC
17
DEC
1
JAN
30
DEC
14
JAN
G
TRIP PRICE OF $2295 TRIP PRICE OF $2340 TRIP PRICE OF $2380 G = Guaranteed Departure Price based on AUD Per Person multi-share: usually 2-6 per room TRAVELLED WITH US BEFORE? AW, SHUCKS! DON'T FORGET TO SCORE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TRIP!
16 DAYS FROM
2295
$
AUD PER PERSON
All items listed within the Bucket List and More Inclusions are included within the price of your trip. Other activities mentioned are optional (and so may cost extra) but too awesome to miss out.
STARTING FROM $ 144 / D AY
DAY 2 PARIS. Explore the city’s hidden gems, either by foot or by optional bike tour. Tonight, join us at a cabaret, sail the Seine by night or soak up some jazz at a café in the 10ème. (B)
Driving tour of Paris Visit the Loire Valley Bordeaux winery tour & tasting Walking tour of Florence with local guide
FINISH
1 Valencia
1 STOP & STAY
++ ++ ++ ++
Rome
2 Barcelona
Madrid
ON THE BUCKET LIST ( I N C L U D E D )
2
Marseille
Bilbao
DAY 1 LONDON, ENGLAND TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). First item off the list? A jam-packed city driving tour and included dinner. Keep your eyes peeled for the Arc de Triomphe, the Palais Garnier and that really famous tower. (D)
ITALY
2
1
50
HOSTEL PLUS
18 DAY | W I N T E R G E T A W A Y LONDON
PHOTO: SALZBURG, AUSTRIA
GERMANY
2
2
London
ENGLAND
MEALS
8
COUNTRIES
WI-FI
Dresden
2 Prague
CZECH REPUBLIC
2
Mauthausen
Paris
1 Salzburg
FRANCE
AUSTRIA
Swiss Alps
2
SWITZERLAND
Verona
Pisa
2 Venice
2 Florence ITALY
Orvieto Rome
1 STOP & STAY
2
VATICAN CITY
DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: EEWGLL S TA R T
FINISH
S TA R T
2017
FINISH 2018
14
OCT
31
OCT
6
JAN
23
28
OCT
14
NOV
13
JAN
30
JAN
11
NOV
28
NOV
20
JAN
6
FEB FEB
18
NOV
5
DEC
25
NOV
12
DEC
2
DEC
19
DEC
9
DEC
26
DEC
16
DEC
2
JAN
23
DEC
9
JAN
30
DEC
16
JAN
G
JAN
27
JAN
13
3
FEB
20
FEB
G
17
FEB
6
MAR
3
MAR
20
MAR
G
17
MAR
3
APR
TRIP PRICE OF $2720
DAY 2 PARIS. Free day means living like a local. Browse bookshops in Le Marais, drink espresso in the 10th arrondissement or explore on an optional bike tour. Plus, the chance for cabaret or a Seine cruise this evening. (B) DAY 3 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. With sceneries like this, it’s all #NoFilter today. (B,D) DAY 4 SWISS ALPS. Take a ride to Europe’s highest railway station for bragging rights and great views. (B)
TRIP PRICE OF $2850 TRIP PRICE OF $2895
DAY 6 FLORENCE. Explore the city with a local guide. Take notes. Then come back to explore. (B)
Price based on AUD Per Person multi-share: usually 2-6 per room TRAVELLED WITH US BEFORE? AW, SHUCKS! DON'T FORGET TO SCORE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TRIP!
18 DAYS FROM
$
DAY 1 LONDON, ENGLAND TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). So long London, bonjour France! A first taste of French cuisine at our included dinner and a tour of the most iconic sights in Paris – by night. Ooh la la! (D)
DAY 5 SWISS ALPS TO FLORENCE, ITALY. From nature-made to man-made as we stop in Pisa en route to Florence. (B,D)
G = Guaranteed Departure
2720
AUD PER PERSON
STARTING FROM $ 152 / D AY
24
Berlin
Amsterdam
NETHERLANDS START/FINISH
LONDON
All items listed within the Bucket List and More Inclusions are included within the price of your trip. Other activities mentioned are optional (and so may cost extra) but too awesome to miss out.
DAY 7 FLORENCE TO ROME. A stop in Orvieto and then Rome in winter = #FOMO killer. (B) DAY 8 ROME. Take the option to visit the Vatican (aka the world’s smallest country), then Rome is yours. Red wine and pizza anyone? (B) DAY 9 ROME TO VENICE. Ah, fair Verona. Sigh over Juliet/Romeo then shake it off – we’re going island hopping, Venice-style. (B,D) DAY 10 VENICE. Take a map. Or don’t. Either way, find St Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. They’re epic. And free. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST ( I N C L U D E D ) ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
Driving tour of Paris A tasty sample of traditional Swiss fondue Vaporetto ride in Venice Walking tour of Florence with local guide Visit former concentration camp Mauthausen Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 17 breakfasts (B), 7 dinners (D) ++ 11 nights in hostels, 4 nights in bungalows & 2 nights hotel upgrade ++ English Channel crossings ++ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi ++ Guided tours of all major cities ++ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
TOP OPTIONALS ++ Gondola ride in Venice ++ Street art & nightlife tour of Berlin START MEET AT 6AM IN LONDON FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9PM IN LONDON
DAY 14 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. Off to Dresden. Look up the history – then look at the city centre. Berlin history awaits with a driving tour of all the favourites. (B,D) DAY 15 BERLIN. Work your free day with a visit to hipster-chic Neukölln, Friedrichshain or Kreuzberg. (B)
DAY 11 VENICE TO SALZBURG, AUSTRIA. The city of Mozart vs. the Sound of Music. Get ready for a dance-off. (B)
DAY 16 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Yes, we’ll visit the Red Light District. But don’t let that fool you. Take a walk to experience the real Amsterdam. (B)
DAY 12 SALZBURG TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. It’s a sobering start to the day with a visit to Mauthausen. Next up, Prague. (B,D)
DAY 17 AMSTERDAM. Take to two wheels to explore the canal-lined city on an optional bike tour. Then smartphones at the ready for our farewell dinner cruise. (B,D)
DAY 13 PRAGUE. An unexpected foodie paradise. Go beyond the beer and check out the fare on offer in the ‘City of a Hundred Spires’. (B)
DAY 18 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. Farewell your newfound travel buds when we hit the grand old city of London. (B)
51
LONDON
22
MEALS
9
COUNTRIES
WI-FI
Berlin
Amsterdam
GERMANY
NETHERLANDS
FINISH
2
2
London
ENGLAND
Dresden Prague
CZECH REPUBLIC
Auschwitz-Birkenau
2
2 Krakow
POLAND
Vienna Salzburg AUSTRIA
1
2
2 Budapest
Bratislava
SLOVAKIA
Verona
PHOTO: VIENNA, AUSTRIA
ROME
HOSTEL PLUS
18 DAY | W I N T E R R H A P S O D Y
HUNGARY
2
Venice
START
2
Rome ITALY
1 STOP & STAY
DAY 2 ROME. Sign up for a Vatican City rendezvous or tack back and forth across the Tiber, taste-testing gelato and mainlining espresso. (B) DAY 3 ROME TO VENICE. Wherefore art thou Verona? Kick it at Juliet’s balcony before dinner in the birthplace of prosecco. (B,D) DAY 4 VENICE. See St Mark’s Square, snoop the Doge’s Palace, cross Rialto Bridge and shop for Carnivale masks. (B) DAY 5 VENICE TO SALZBURG, AUSTRIA. Go for baroque and make a date with Mozart on a walking tour of his birthplace. (B) DAY 6 SALZBURG. Carve out your day shredding in the Alps or let Salzburg seep into your veins with coffee, cake and classical tunes. (B) DAY 7 SALZBURG TO VIENNA. You’ve arrived at Europe’s classiest capital! Celebrate with strudel + Schonbrunn Palace. (B) DAY 8 VIENNA TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Bounce into Bratislava, then admire Hungary’s capital at Buda Castle and Gellért Hill. Pre-dinner snack? Lay into a langos. (B,D) DAY 9 BUDAPEST. Dip into the Széchenyi Baths, visit the House of Terror and shop your way along Andrássy Ave. (B) DAY 10 BUDAPEST TO KRAKOW, POLAND. Leave the ruin bars behind and crack onto Krakow. Whip around Old Town and Wawel Castle for a real-life game of Dungeons & Dragons before dinner. (B) DAY 11 KRAKOW. Visit Schindler’s factory. Dig into a 13th century salt mine. Eat pierogi. Apply for your Polish passport. (B) DAY 12 KRAKOW TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. Hurry, the Astronomical Clock’s chiming and the Charles Bridge ain’t going to walk itself. First, a sombre tour at Auschwitz-Birkenau. (B,D) DAY 13 PRAGUE. Czech this out: cobbled alleyways, 500 spires and trams galore. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST ( I N C L U D E D ) ++ Vaporetto ride in Venice ++ Guided tour of former concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau ++ Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration ++ Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 17 breakfasts (B), 5 dinners (D) ++ 13 nights in hostels 2 nights in bungalows & 2 nights hotel upgrade ++ English Channel crossings ++ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi ++ Guided tours of all major cities ++ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
TRIP CODE: EEWSRL S TA R T 8
NOV
25
NOV
NOV
2
DEC
22
NOV
9
DEC
24
NOV
11
DEC
29
NOV
16
1
DEC
DAY 17 AMSTERDAM. The Netherlands + you = match made in heaven. Do the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House. Don't miss: the Heineken experience. (B,D) DAY 18 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. Ease the separation anxiety with coach games and Facebook Friend Requests, then back to Ol’ Blighty. (B)
FINISH
G
3
JAN
20
JAN
5
JAN
22
JAN
10
JAN
27
JAN
12
JAN
29
JAN
DEC
17
JAN
3
FEB
18
DEC
19
JAN
5
FEB
G
G
6
DEC
23
DEC
24
JAN
10
FEB
11
DEC
28
DEC
31
JAN
17
FEB
13
DEC
30
DEC
7
FEB
24
FEB
15
DEC
1
JAN
G
21
FEB
10
MAR
7
MAR
24
MAR
G
21
MAR
7
APR
17
DEC
3
JAN
20
DEC
6
JAN
22
DEC
8
JAN
26
DEC
12
JAN
28
DEC
14
JAN
G
G
TRIP PRICE OF $2495 TRIP PRICE OF $2595
START MEET AT 3PM IN ROME FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9PM IN LONDON
DAY 16 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. See past the Red Light District, buy fromage, don those clogs and explore Holland’s heartland. (B)
S TA R T
2018
15
TOP OPTIONALS
DAY 15 BERLIN. The must-dos = Checkpoint Charlie, Holocaust Memorial and Third Reich walking tour. After collecting yourself, up the mood with the best wurst of your life. (B)
FINISH 2017
++ Gondola ride in Venice ++ A night at the Viennese Chamber Orchestra (dinner optional at an additional expense)
DAY 14 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. Today: Dresden’s Frauenkirche and a walking tour of this Saxon city before a Napoleonic drive past the Brandenburg Gate. (B,D)
DAY STOP
TRIP PRICE OF $2695 G = Guaranteed Departure Price based on AUD Per Person multi-share: usually 2-6 per room TRAVELLED WITH US BEFORE? AW, SHUCKS! DON'T FORGET TO SCORE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TRIP!
18 DAYS FROM
2495
$
AUD PER PERSON
All items listed within the Bucket List and More Inclusions are included within the price of your trip. Other activities mentioned are optional (and so may cost extra) but too awesome to miss out.
STARTING FROM $ 139 / D AY
DAY 1 ROME, ITALY. Conquer history’s heavyweights: Spanish Steps, Roman Forum + punish (real) pasta.
VATICAN CITY
24 DAY | W I N T E R S P I R I T LONDON
LONDON
MEALS
31
11
COUNTRIES
WI-FI
DAY 5 SWISS ALPS TO FLORENCE, ITALY. Reacclimatise to city life today in marvellous Florence – stopping in Pisa for THAT shot first, of course. (B,D) Berlin
Amsterdam
START/FINISH
2
2
London
ENGLAND
DAY 6 FLORENCE. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city’s greats this morning. Think: Ponte Vecchio, Florence Cathedral and that famous naked guy, David. (B)
GERMANY
NETHERLANDS
Dresden
Auschwitz-Birkenau
Prague
CZECH REPUBLIC
2
2 Krakow
POLAND
2
Vienna
Paris
Salzburg
FRANCE
AUSTRIA
2
1 Bratislava
SLOVAKIA
Swiss Alps
2
SWITZERLAND
Verona
Pisa
HUNGARY
2 Venice
2 Florence ITALY
Orvieto Rome
1 STOP & STAY
2 Budapest
2
VATICAN CITY
DAY STOP
DAY 2 PARIS. Explore the city’s hidden gems on your free day. Tonight, join us at a cabaret, sail the Seine by night or soak up some jazz at a café in the 10th arrondissement. (B)
DAY 8 ROME. Rome is where the heart is. Visit the world’s smallest country (hello, Vatican City) or just mix it with the locals. Espresso stops mandatory. (B) DAY 9 ROME TO VENICE. Verona today = Romeo + Juliet 4EVA. After channeling your inner romantic, we’re off to Venice where public transport by boat is totally the norm. (B,D) DAY 10 VENICE. The best way to explore? Get lost. Get found. Repeat. Just make sure you do find St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. That, and get yourself on a gondola ride. (B) DAY 11 VENICE TO SALZBURG, AUSTRIA. Introducing old-world charm at its best. If Salzburg’s not top of a Google Image search, it should be. (B)
TRIP CODE: EEWSLL DAY 1 LONDON, ENGLAND TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). First day. First item off the list? A jam-packed city driving tour and included dinner. Keep your eyes peeled for the Arc de Triomphe, the Palais Garnier and that really famous tower. (D)
DAY 7 FLORENCE TO ROME. A city under a city as we visit Orvieto en route to Rome. Then fire up Instagram for a walking tour of the must-dos. (B)
DAY 3 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. Au revoir, Paris – it’s been a blast. Next up, Lauterbrunnen. If you haven’t seen this place in winter, you haven’t lived. #NoFilter needed. (B,D) DAY 4 SWISS ALPS. We’re all about Jungfrau today aka ‘The Top of Europe’. Ride the rail or soak up the scenery at ground level. Whatever you choose, mind your neck – you’ll be craning it to take in the sights. (B)
DAY 12 SALZBURG. Pass a day in strudel heaven or go high energy with an opportunity to ski (or snowboard). (B) DAY 13 SALZBURG TO VIENNA. Welcome to Vienna – the home of Freud and free association. Go. (B) DAY 14 VIENNA TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. In Bratislava, make sure to statue spot as we check out the city on foot. Then onto Budapest for nightlife that really is THAT good. (B,D)
PHOTO FROM LEFT (CLOCKWISE): FLORENCE | PISA | PRAGUE | PARIS | VENICE
HOSTEL PLUS
53
DAY 16 BUDAPEST TO KRAKOW, POLAND. The best winter food in Europe. Fact. If you have a meal without carbs, you’re doing it wrong. (B) DAY 17 KRAKOW. Make like a culture vulture with a museum visit (hint: Schindler’s Factory), check St Mary’s or just people watch with a hot chocolate. (B) DAY 18 KRAKOW TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. Auschwitz-Birkenau puts things in perspective today before we arrive into Prague. (B,D) DAY 19 PRAGUE. Old school vs. new school on this free day. Think Charles Bridge vs. John Lennon Wall. Then, beer. Really. Good. Beer. (B) DAY 20 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. See the phoenix-like city of Dresden – rising from war ashes and now a must-see. Then find out why everyone wants to be ein Berliner in one of the coolest cities in Europe. (B,D) DAY 21 BERLIN. Almost too many choices on this free day. Do culture, do food, do history. It’s all here. Also: nightlife. (B) DAY 22 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. We’re rocking Amsterdam this evening with a visit to Dam Square and the area most well-known for its bright colour palette. Yep, welcome to the Red Light District. (B) DAY 23 AMSTERDAM. Check out the sights and tone your legs this morning with an optional bike tour. Hit up your faves this afternoon before our farewell dinner cruise. (B,D)
ON THE BUCKET LIST ( I N C L U D E D ) ++ Driving tour of Paris ++ Vaporetto ride in Venice ++ Guided tour of former concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau ++ Local guide in Florence ++ A tasty sample of traditional Swiss fondue ++ Dutch cheese & clog demonstration ++ Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 23 breakfasts (B), 8 dinners (D) ++ 17 nights in hostels, 4 nights in bungalows & 2 nights hotel upgrade ++ English Channel crossings ++ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi ++ Guided tours of all major cities ++ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
TOP OPTIONALS ++ Skiing in Salzburg ++ A night at the Viennese Chamber Orchestra (dinner optional at an additional expense) START MEET AT 6AM IN LONDON FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9PM IN LONDON
DAY 24 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. Make #bestfriendsforever over coach games and road trip snacks as we say goodbye in London. (B)
S TA R T
FINISH
S TA R T
2017 2
NOV
25
NOV
9
NOV
2
DEC
G
FINISH
22
DEC
14
JAN
28
DEC
20
JAN
30
DEC
22
JAN
G
2018
16
NOV
9
DEC
18
NOV
11
DEC
4
JAN
27
23
NOV
16
DEC
6
JAN
29
JAN
25
NOV
18
DEC
11
JAN
3
FEB
30
NOV
23
DEC
13
JAN
5
FEB
5
DEC
28
DEC
18
JAN
10
FEB
7
DEC
30
DEC
25
JAN
17
FEB
9
DEC
1
JAN
1
FEB
24
FEB
11
DEC
3
JAN
15
FEB
10
MAR
14
DEC
6
JAN
1
MAR
24
MAR
16
DEC
8
JAN
15
MAR
7
APR
20
DEC
12
JAN
G
G G
G
JAN G
TRIP PRICE OF $3395 TRIP PRICE OF $3550 TRIP PRICE OF $3630 G = Guaranteed Departure Price based on AUD Per Person multi-share: usually 2-6 per room TRAVELLED WITH US BEFORE? AW, SHUCKS! DON'T FORGET TO SCORE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TRIP!
24 DAYS FROM
3395
$
AUD PER PERSON
All items listed within the Bucket List and More Inclusions are included within the price of your trip. Other activities mentioned are optional (and so may cost extra) but too awesome to miss out.
STARTING FROM $ 142 / D AY
DAY 15 BUDAPEST. Enjoy a free day today, but be sure you don’t leave without a thermal spa. Or a visit to a ruin bar, for that matter. (B)
24 DAY | W E S T E R N C O M P A S S LONDON
LONDON
30
MEALS
7
COUNTRIES
DAY 5 BORDEAUX TO BILBAO. Next stop: Bilbao – famed for its titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum that boasts an incredible collection of contemporary art and more curves than Beyoncé. Also: Basque Country fare. Delish. (B)
Amsterdam
START/FINISH
NETHERLANDS
2
London
ENGLAND
DAY 6 BILBAO TO MADRID, SPAIN. As a city known for its artistic pedigree, culinary wonders and buzzing nightlife, you’re sure to find just what you’re looking for in Madrid. (B,D)
1 Luxembourg City LUXEMBOURG
2 Paris
FRANCE
2 Swiss Alps
Loire Valley
2
SWITZERLAND
Verona
2 Bordeaux 2
1 SPAIN
2 Madrid
1 STOP & STAY
Florence ITALY
2 Venice 2
Marseille
Bilbao
2 Barcelona
Rome
2
VATICAN CITY
1 Valencia
TRIP CODE: EEWMLL
DAY 2 PARIS. Explore the city’s hidden gems, either by foot or by optional bike tour. Tonight, join us at a cabaret, sail the Seine by night or soak up some jazz at a café in the 10th arrondissement. (B)
DAY 7 MADRID. Check out the Royal Palace, get cultured at the Prado Museum or just kick back in the botanical gardens. Tonight, delve into the buzzing nightlife of the Malasaña and Chueca neighbourhoods. (B) DAY 8 MADRID TO VALENCIA. On to Spain’s third largest city, Valencia. Be sure to dig into a range of mouthwatering local dishes while you’re here. (B) DAY 9 VALENCIA TO BARCELONA. Bienvenidos to the city of art nouveau, alluring accents and most importantly, tapas. Flamenco, anyone? (B,D) DAY 10 BARCELONA. Get your bearings on a guided tour of bustling Barca, ticking off the likes of the Sagrada Familia, Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas. Then: fire up for the notorious nightlife. (B)
DAY STOP
DAY 1 LONDON, ENGLAND TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). First day. First item off the list? A jam-packed city driving tour and included dinner. Keep your eyes peeled for the Arc de Triomphe, the Palais Garnier and that really famous tower. (D)
WI-FI
DAY 3 PARIS TO BORDEAUX, FRANCE. Today we roll on to the port city of Bordeaux, where half the entire city is UNESCO World Heritage listed and vineyards reign supreme. (B)
DAY 11 BARCELONA TO MARSEILLE, FRANCE. Today we cross the border back into France (Marseille, to be exact). With its boat-lined quayside, history and architecture, there’s no wonder this is one of France’s most visited cities. (B)
DAY 4 BORDEAUX. Wander the picturesque streets, with special stops at Cathédrale St-André, Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Jardin Public. After, embrace France’s finest #cafelife and slurp down top-notch vino. Obvs. (B)
DAY 12 MARSEILLE. Explore bustling La Canebière or dig into bouillabaisse – the hearty fish stew invented in Marseille – as you watch the sun set over the Vieux Port. (B) DAY 13 MARSEILLE TO FLORENCE, ITALY. With more culture than a British hipster, over 1,800 restaurants
DAY 14 FLORENCE. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city’s greats this morning. Think: Ponte Vecchio, Florence Cathedral and that famous naked guy, David. (B) DAY 15 FLORENCE TO ROME. Today, we’re Romeward bound. Prep Instagram for a walking tour of the mustdos. (B) DAY 16 ROME. Rome is where the heart is. Visit the world’s smallest country (hello, Vatican City) or just mix it with the locals. Espresso stops mandatory. (B) DAY 17 ROME TO VENICE. Verona today = Romeo + Juliet 4EVA. After channeling your inner romantic at the love notes wall, we’re off to Venice where public transport by boat is totally the norm. (B,D) DAY 18 VENICE. The best way to explore? Get lost. Get found. Repeat. Just make sure you do find St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. That, and get yourself on a gondola ride. (B) DAY 19 VENICE TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. Off to the Alps, where the air is crisp, the views are storybook worthy and fondue is totally acceptable at any time of day. (B,D) DAY 20 SWISS ALPS. Ski, snowboard, snow angel, then park yourself fireside with a mug of glühwein. Craving more altitude? Head to the ‘Top of Europe’, aka Jungfrau, on an optional adventure and test your pano #photoskills. (B) DAY 21 SWISS ALPS TO LUXEMBOURG CITY, LUXEMBOURG. Welcome to Luxembourg, where the country’s wealth is strong and its wine consumption is stronger. (Read: the good life). Delve into the many restaurants, museums and galleries the capital city has to offer. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST ( I N C L U D E D ) ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
Driving tour of Paris A tasty sample of traditional Swiss fondue Walking tour of Florence with local guide Bordeaux winery tour & tasting Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam
S TA R T
TOP OPTIONALS ++ Flamenco show in Barcelona ++ Visit Château de Chambord START MEET AT 6AM IN LONDON FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9PM IN LONDON
S TA R T
FINISH 2018
G
22
OCT
14
NOV
14
JAN
6
5
NOV
28
NOV
28
JAN
20
FEB
19
NOV
12
DEC
11
FEB
6
MAR
3
DEC
26
DEC
17
DEC
9
JAN
30
DEC
22
JAN
FEB
G
TRIP PRICE OF $3295
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 23 breakfasts (B), 7 dinners (D) ++ 17 nights in hostels, 4 nights hotel upgrade & 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
FINISH 2017
TRIP PRICE OF $3440 TRIP PRICE OF $3585 G = Guaranteed Departure Price based on AUD Per Person multi-share: usually 2-6 per room TRAVELLED WITH US BEFORE? AW, SHUCKS! DON'T FORGET TO SCORE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TRIP!
24 DAYS FROM
3295
$
AUD PER PERSON DAY 22 LUXEMBOURG TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Europe’s most infamous city. Get the obvious out of the way (Red Light District, anyone?) then discover the ‘real’ Amsterdam locals want to keep quiet. (B) DAY 23 AMSTERDAM. The best city to explore by two wheels. Not only for the cool-factor but because there are no hills. At all. We’ll continue our mission to live like a local this afternoon before our farewell dinner cruise. (B,D) DAY 24 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. Make #bestfriendsforever as we say goodbye in London. (B)
All items listed within the Bucket List and More Inclusions are included within the price of your trip. Other activities mentioned are optional (and so may cost extra) but too awesome to miss out.
STARTING FROM $ 138 / D AY
and the world’s best gelato (hands down), Florence is where all your Italian dreams are made. (B,D)
PHOTO FROM LEFT (CLOCKWISE): MARSEILLE | MADRID | BARCELONA | BARCELONA
HOSTEL PLUS
55
s l a v i t s Fe s t n e v E &
From Christmas and New Year shindigs to cultural carnivals and a merry ol’ celebration of all things Irish (hello, St Patrick’s Day!), Europe is flush with festivals to get you in the spirit. Party pants, at the ready.
DAYS | TRIP NAME
9 DAY 4 DAY 4 DAY 4 DAY 4 DAY 4 DAY 4 DAY 4 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 4 DAY 4 DAY
| EASTERN LIGHTS | BRUGES XMAS MARKETS | BRUGES XMAS | AMSTERDAM NEW YEAR | BERLIN NEW YEAR | BUDAPEST NEW YEAR | MADRID NEW YEAR | PRAGUE NEW YEAR | HOGMANAY | HOGMANAY | ST PATRICK'S DAY | LONDON SHORT BREAK
PAGE 57 59 59 59 59 59 59 59 59 59 60 62
ACCOMMODATION HOTELS/HOSTELS TRIP LENGTH 4-9 DAYS ROOM T YPES T WIN/DOUBLE/MULTI-SHARE PARLIAMENT BUILDING, BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
57
BUDAPEST
12
MEALS
5
COUNTRIES
WI-FI
START
Prague
CZECH REPUBLIC
2
AuschwitzBirkenau
1
Vienna
AUSTRIA
1
2 Krakow
POLAND
Bratislava
SLOVAKIA
2
PHOTO: PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
PRAGUE
FESTIVAL & EVENTS
9 DAY | E A S T E R N L I G H T S
FINISH
Budapest
HUNGARY
1 STOP & STAY
DAY 2 PRAGUE (CHRISTMAS DAY). Ho, ho, holy moly it’s Christmas Day! It’s time to prep the roast and peel those potatoes (don’t worry we’ll do that, you just go check out Charles Bridge and the Castle District). At dinner we’ll show you Santa Claus didn’t forget you, he just hit the kitchen instead of the workshop. (B,D) DAY 3 PRAGUE TO KRAKOW, POLAND. Wawel Castle could only be built after a cobbler’s apprentice did the impossible: he slayed a dragon with a sheep full of sulphur. A city with history like that needs to be explored, so we take you through the Old Town and the largest medieval market square in Europe. (B) DAY 4 KRAKOW. Crane your neck while ogling the beauty of St Mary’s near the main square, cruise around the hipster Jewish quarter, visit Schindler’s factory and then dig into a plate of pierogi. These dumpling-esque morsels of deliciousness will have you applying for your Polish passport. Stat. (B,D) DAY 5 KRAKOW TO BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA. We tour through Auschwitz-Birkenau in remembrance of the atrocities played out. Then, we head to Slovakia. A guided tour through Bratislava will offer you loads of insight, just in time to make the most of a city that has a UFO for a restaurant (if you’ve got the funds). (B) DAY 6 BRATISLAVA TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Mozart, Beethoven and Freud called Vienna home and they left a huge impression on the world. The reason? Lots and lots of coffee. Visit a wiener kaffeehaus (coffee house) before getting Bach on track with an optional Viennese Concert. (B) DAY 7 VIENNA TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Swap the classical symphony for some serious soaking in one of Budapest’s 80+ thermal springs and gorge on goulash and langos. New Year’s resolutions haven’t started yet. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST ( I N C L U D E D )
TRIP CODE: EFELPB
++ Christmas Day in Prague ++ New Year’s Eve in Budapest ++ Guided tour of former concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau ++ Entry to Széchenyi Baths
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 8 breakfasts (B), 4 dinners (D) ++ 7 nights hostel accommodation (multi-share) & 1 night hotel upgrade ++ Awesome Trip Leader
TOP OPTIONALS ++ A night at the Viennese Chamber Orchestra (dinner optional at an additional expense) START MEET AT 1PM IN PRAGUE FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9AM IN BUDAPEST
DAY 8 BUDAPEST. Watch the Danube explode with fireworks while everyone yells “boldog új évet”. You can just say “Happy New Year” because pronouncing that looks harder than a cobblestone street. (B,D)
DAY STOP
S TA R T
FINISH 2017
24
DEC
1
JAN
TRIP PRICE OF $1499 G = Guaranteed Departure Multi-share: usually 2-6 per room TRAVELLED WITH US BEFORE? AW, SHUCKS! DON'T FORGET TO SCORE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TRIP!
9 DAYS FROM
1499
$
AUD PER PERSON
All items listed within the Bucket List and More Inclusions are included within the price of your trip. Other activities mentioned are optional (and so may cost extra) but too awesome to miss out.
DAY 9 BUDAPEST. Don’t be down about starting the New Year with goodbyes. Make your resolution to book another trip because it’s ski season and Austria is right around the corner. (B)
STARTING FROM $ 167 / D AY
DAY 1 PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. A giant Christmas tree with more decorations than you can poke a candy cane at, chestnuts roasting on an open fire, the smell of mulled wine and stalls that put Santa’s workshop to shame – welcome to Prague’s Christmas markets! (D)
s a m t s i r Ch
r a e Y w e N &
Forget spending another Christmas fake enjoying Nan’s fruit pudding (sorry, Nan). Our once-in-a-lifetime Christmas and New Year trips will ensure you experience the festive season in style. Party poppers, at the ready! EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
2 DAY
4 DAY
BRUGES CHRISTMAS
BRUGES CHRISTMAS MARKETS LONDON
4 DAY
LONDON
LONDON
AMSTERDAM NEW YEAR
LONDON
LONDON
LONDON
TRIP CODE: EFWBCM TRIP DATE: 2-3 DEC, 9-10 DEC, 16-17 DEC
TRIP CODE: EFCBLL TRIP DATE: 24-27 DEC
TRIP CODE: EFNAH4 TRIP DATE: 29-1 JAN
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
Walking tour of Bruges Experience the Bruges Christmas markets 1 breakfast (B), 1 dinner (D) 1 night hostel accommodation (multi-share) English Channel crossings Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
For a detailed itinerary visit our website.
419
$
Walking tour of Bruges and Brussels Christmas lunch Belgian chocolate demonstration 3 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L) 3 nights hostel accommodation (multi-share) English Channel crossings Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
For a detailed itinerary visit our website.
AUD PER PERSON
639
$
4 DAY
Walking tour of Amsterdam Canal cruise New Year’s Eve party in Amsterdam 3 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D) 3 nights hostel accommodation (multi-share) English Channel crossings Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
For a detailed itinerary visit our website.
AUD PER PERSON
699
$
4 DAY
BERLIN NEW YEAR
AUD PER PERSON
4 DAY
MADRID NEW YEAR
BUDAPEST NEW YEAR MAKE YOUR OWN WAY
MAKE YOUR OWN WAY
MAKE YOUR OWN WAY
TRIP CODE: EFNBH4 TRIP DATE: 29-1 JAN
TRIP CODE: EFBPH4 TRIP DATE: 29-1 JAN
TRIP CODE: EFNMH4 TRIP DATE: 29-1 JAN
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
++ Walking tour of Berlin with local guide ++ New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Brandenburg Gate ++ 3 breakfasts (B), 1 dinner (D) ++ 3 nights hostel accommodation (multi-share) ++ Awesome Trip Leader
++ ++ ++ ++ ++
++ Walking tour of Madrid ++ New Year’s Eve celebrations in downtown Madrid ++ 3 breakfasts (B), 1 dinner (D) ++ 3 nights hostel accommodation (multi-share) ++ Awesome Trip Leader
For a detailed itinerary visit our website.
For a detailed itinerary visit our website.
595
$
AUD PER PERSON
Walking tour of Budapest Entry to Széchenyi Baths 3 breakfasts (B), 1 dinner (D) 3 nights hostel accommodation (multi-share) Awesome Trip Leader
549
$
4 DAY
For a detailed itinerary visit our website.
AUD PER PERSON
599
$
4 DAY
5 DAY
HOGMANAY
PRAGUE NEW YEAR MAKE YOUR OWN WAY
AUD PER PERSON
HOGMANAY LONDON
MAKE YOUR OWN WAY
LONDON
TRIP CODE: EFNPH4 TRIP DATE: 29-1 JAN
TRIP CODE: EFNEH4 TRIP DATE: 30-2 JAN
TRIP CODE: EFNEH5 TRIP DATE: 29 DEC - 2 JAN
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
++ ++ ++ ++ ++
++ Hogmanay street party ticket + voucher for torchlight procession ++ Walking tour of Edinburgh ++ 3 breakfasts (B) ++ 3 nights hotel accommodation (multi-share) ++ Awesome Trip Leader
++ Hogmanay street party ticket + voucher for torchlight procession ++ Walking tour of Edinburgh + half day trip to Stirling Castle (entry not included) ++ Transport & ticket for the Loony Dook event ++ 4 breakfasts (B) ++ 4 nights hostel accommodation (multi-share) ++ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi ++ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
Walking tour of Prague New Year's Eve dinner & party 3 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D) 3 nights hostel accommodation (multi-share) Awesome Trip Leader
For a detailed itinerary visit our website.
449
$
For a detailed itinerary visit our website.
AUD PER PERSON
659
$
1095
For a detailed itinerary visit our website.
AUD PER PERSON
$
AUD PER PERSON
FESTIVAL & EVENTS
59
60
FESTIVAL & EVENTS
4 DAY | S T P A T R I C K ' S D A Y
PHOTO: DUBLIN, IRELAND
MAKE YOUR OWN WAY TO DUBLIN
3
MEALS
Dublin
IRELAND
1 STOP & STAY
DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: EFSPHS / EFSPHT S TA R T
FINISH 2017
15
MAR
18
MAR
TRIP PRICE OF $599 G = Guaranteed Departure Multi-share: usually 2-6 per room TRAVELLED WITH US BEFORE? AW, SHUCKS! DON'T FORGET TO SCORE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TRIP!
4 DAYS FROM
$
599
AUD PER PERSON
4 DAYS WITH ENSUITE FROM
$
669
AUD PER PERSON
STARTING FROM $ 150 / D AY
All items listed within the Bucket List and More Inclusions are included within the price of your trip. Other activities mentioned are optional (and so may cost extra) but too awesome to miss out.
DAY 1 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND. Your trip begins this afternoon in the glorious Irish capital of Dublin. Meet the gang at our accommodation and get in the festive spirit by cheers’ing to our upcoming St Patrick’s Day adventure. DAY 2 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND. Get your bearings with a walking tour around the sights of Dublin before finishing at the world famous Guinness Storehouse. We'll take a tour to see how the precious drop is created before sampling a free pint in the Guinness Skybar, offering incredible 360 degree views of the city. The rest of the day is yours to explore – take in some museums and galleries, shop 'til your heart's content on Grafton Street or even visit Croke Park, home of the Irish sports of hurling and Gaelic football. Warm up for tomorrow's celebrations with a visit to the bars, pubs and clubs of the buzzing Temple Bar district (just don't overdo it!). (B) DAY 3 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND. The day we've all been waiting for! Refuel with breakfast and then head into the heart of the celebrations to secure a spot for the St Patrick's Day Parade. Get ready for it – the atmosphere in the streets will have you singing and dancing with the locals in no time. Tonight, kick on into the wee hours at our St Patrick's Day afterparty. (B) DAY 4 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND. The trip finishes this morning after breakfast, so bid a fond farewell to your brand new #Topdecker buddies. Ready to start planning round two? (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST ( I N C L U D E D ) ++ Walking tour of Dublin ++ Guinness Storehouse tour & complimentary pint of Guinness ++ St Patrick's Day parade & celebrations ++ St Patrick’s Day parade afterparty
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ ++ ++ ++
3 breakfasts (B) 3 nights hostel accommodation (multi-share) Commemorative t-shirt Awesome Trip Leader
START MEET AT 2PM IN DUBLIN FINISH APPROXIMATELY 10AM IN DUBLIN
A C DAY Z N A
AN
13-26 Ap r il FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY VISIT OUR WEBSITE.
ZAC DAY
4-7 August
PR I DE
FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY VISIT OUR WEBSITE.
TERDA
M
A
MS
FESTI T E G
L
SZI
VA L
S ZI
VA
A
LA
T OMA T I N
O M A TIN
A
L
TOBERFE
ST
OK
What’s more fabulous than a getaway to Amsterdam? A getaway to Amsterdam during Gay Pride, of course darrrrling! Don your most elaborate get-up and come together with your fellow Topdeckers to celebrate equality at this rollicking, fun-filled event. Transforming the city into a vibrant wonderland of dance parties, film screenings, sporting events, debates and exhibitions, the celebration promises an experience you’ll never forget.
5-14 August
GE T F E S TI
AT
Join us in remembrance as we commemorate one of the most defining days in the history of Australia and New Zealand. The Anzac Day dawn service has become a day of national unity to remember fallen men and women who have helped define both nations’ legacy.
ST
OK
TOB FE ER
FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY VISIT OUR WEBSITE.
Born in the early 90s to celebrate the changing political landscape and replace socialist youth summer camps, Sziget has grown into an institution on the European festival scene. With 400,000+ crowds and previous headliners including Sia, Rihanna, Muse and M83, Budapest has never looked this hot.
28-31 August FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY VISIT OUR WEBSITE.
Everyone loves a good food fight. Join 20,000 people to dispose 40 metric tonnes of council funded tomatoes in the world’s biggest vegetable skirmish. You’ll not only get your daily dose of vitamins, you’ll also have a perfectly valid excuse to dance in the streets and drink sangria at 11am with partygoers from all over the world.
15 September - 2 October FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY VISIT OUR WEBSITE.
Officially the world’s biggest party, Oktoberfest draws a crowd of seven million people every year to celebrate the three best things to come out of Germany: beer, bratwurst and pretzels. The dress code is Bavarian classic, lederhosen are optional and singing, hugging and dancing on tables is encouraged. Prost!
& y Sta Play HOSTEL OR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
4 DAY | L O N D O N S H O R T B R E A K 3
MEALS
1
COUNTRY
LONDON PRE AND POST
ABOUT LONDON SHORT BREAK
ABOUT PRE AND POST
Learn your Leicester Square from your Piccadilly Circus as you surf the famous underground and experience London life on this whirlwind short break. Jump aboard a famed double decker on a sightseeing tour, wave hello to HRH at the palace, stop to pose in a red telephone box and play street sign bingo with as many Monopoly properties as you can find. This is London, baby! Enjoy every moment, one cheesy bucket list item at a time.
If you need a bed before your trip or fancy sticking around London town once you’re back, we can hook you up. With hotel or hostel accommodation to match your budget, it’s your trip, your way.
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ ++ ++ ++
3 breakfasts 3 nights accommodation at a hotel or hostel 3 day London underground & bus pass (Zones 1 & 2) 1 day hop-on-hop-off London sightseeing tour
HOSTEL PLUS
HOSTEL PLUS
TRIP CODE: ESLBCW
TRIP CODE: EEPREW
MULTI-SHARE (4 OR 6 BEDDED ROOM)
$
330
MULTI-SHARE (4 OR 6 BEDDED ROOM)
$
AUD Per Person
HOTEL
T WIN/DOUBLE FROM
495
AUD Per Person
HOTEL
TRIP CODE: ESLBUW
$
70
AUD Per Person
TRIP CODE: ESLBUWS SINGLE FROM
$
660
AUD Per Person
TRIP CODE: EHPREW T WIN/DOUBLE FROM
$
120
AUD Per Person
TRIP CODE: EHPREWS SINGLE FROM
$
177
AUD Per Person
ABOUT SINGAPORE STOPOVER Have yourself a Singapore fling in the city where hawker food reigns supreme and lush, manicured green spaces mix with skyscrapers and secret cocktail haunts. Experience the city in all its hot and sticky glory.
SINGAPORE STOPOVER
3 DAY STOPOVER
T WIN/DOUBLE FROM
490
$
AUD Per Person
SINGLE FROM
$
890
AUD Per Person
4 DAY STOPOVER T WIN/DOUBLE FROM
780
$
AUD Per Person
SINGLE FROM
$
1290
AUD Per Person
ABOUT BANGKOK STOPOVER Steamy, chaotic and bursting at the seams with tasty street food and urban charm, Bangkok will slap you in the face with its intoxicating energy. Did we mention it was a foodie’s paradise?
BANGKOK STOPOVER
3 DAY STOPOVER
T WIN/DOUBLE FROM
250
$
AUD Per Person
SINGLE FROM
$
490
AUD Per Person
4 DAY STOPOVER T WIN/DOUBLE FROM
290
$
AUD Per Person
SINGLE FROM
$
500
AUD Per Person
ABOUT DUBAI STOPOVER Get ready for glitz, glam and luxury at its absolute finest. From manmade islands and beaches to underwater hotels and shopping malls with over 1,200 stores, Dubai is flashier than a mob of paparazzi.
DUBAI STOPOVER
3 DAY STOPOVER
T WIN/DOUBLE FROM
330
$
AUD Per Person
SINGLE FROM
$
490
AUD Per Person
4 DAY STOPOVER T WIN/DOUBLE FROM
455
$
AUD Per Person
SINGLE FROM
$
700
AUD Per Person
STILL NEED TO BOOK FLIGHTS? FOR THE BEST DEAL ON FLIGHTS CONTACT US OR YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.TOPDECK.TRAVEL/FLIGHTS
OUR TOP 5 TRIPS IN
Europe Winter
24 DAY WINTER SPIRIT
18 DAY WINTER GETAWAY
Don your warmest woolies and embrace the winter spirit on this magical trip through the likes of Switzerland, Salzburg, Vienna, Prague and Berlin.
Soak up the wintry vibes (sans the summer crowds) as you venture through Paris, Rome, Venice, Prague and Amsterdam and more.
SEE HOSTEL PLUS TRIP ON P. 52
SEE HOSTEL PLUS TRIP ON P. 50
14 DAY WINTER BRITAIN AND IRELAND Visit ancient castles, ruined fortresses (and some legendary British pubs!) as you get to the heart of Britain and Ireland. SEE EXPLORER TRIP P. 39
4 DAY ICELAND EXPLORER
20 DAY DISCOVER WINTER
Chase the Northern Lights, chow down an iconic Icelandic hotdog and dip your toe in the famous Blue Lagoon. This is Iceland at its best.
Marvel at the history and jaw-dropping sights as you take on Switzerland, Venice, Ljubljana and Budapest (just to name a few).
SEE HOTEL TRIP ON P. 20
SEE HOTEL TRIP ON P. 30
TERMS & CONDITIONS It is our intention to set out clearly and simply the responsibilities which we at Top Deck Tours Pty Ltd, ABN 30 107 934 (“Topdeck, us or we”) have to You and any member of your party (“You”) and which You, in turn, have to us when a contract is made between us. You should therefore read and understand the contents. All trips in this brochure are operated by Topdeck, except the following trips which are operated by contracted local operators: Iceland Explorer, Iceland (page 20), Ski Austria (page 43) and ANZAC trips (page 61). These trips are run by: GJ Travel, Iceland, Alpen Adventures, Kirchdorf and New Faces Tourism and Travel, Istanbul, Turkey. Your contract will be with Topdeck as the operator, save for these excepted trips in which case your contract for tour services will be with those operators and will also be subject to their respective terms and conditions (in addition to the booking conditions set out below). For any excepted trip, the operator will be identified on your itinerary or travel documents and their respective terms and conditions will be available directly on their websites or by contacting them. Should we book a flight on your behalf it will be subject to the conditions of the respective airline, including but not limited to deposit/full payment and cancellation conditions.
The RDV will equate to the initial deposit amount paid. If redeeming against a trip with a lower deposit amount, the remainder of the voucher will be forfeited. If redeeming against a trip with a higher deposit amount the balance will be payable at time of booking. The RDV has no cash value and cannot be transferred to another customer. The RDV can only be combined with 1 other discount, either a standard Early Bird deal or standard brochure discount applicable at time of booking. Rolling deposit vouchers cannot be requested or redeemed against African Safari trips. CANCELLATION OR MODIFICATION BY US 8. Every effort will be made to operate all trips as advertised but it must be remembered that our trips are planned up to eighteen months in advance. We therefore reserve the sole right, at our discretion, to modify or cancel any trip, accommodation or arrangement at any time. We will notify You as soon as possible of any changes and they will form part of our contract with You. In the case of any material modification or cancellation, we will, if possible, provide You with three alternatives: (1) a trip of an equivalent or closely similar standard and price, if available;
All Topdeck trips are sold subject to the following conditions (“these Conditions”).
(2) a trip of a lower standard together with a refund of the difference in price; or
1. (a) Please note that our trips are designed for young people between the ages of 18 to 39 years. We may in special circumstances approve persons outside this range. If You are 17 years of age and wish to book on one of our trips, please contact us before making a booking as we will require the written consent of your parent or guardian. We reserve the sole right to decline a booking request from You should we think our trips are not suited to You.
(3) cancellation with a full refund of all monies paid.
(b) A contract between You and us will exist as soon as we issue an invoice in response to your request for a booking and the deposit has been paid to your travel agent or us. BOOKING YOUR TRIP 2. Bookings can be made either through your local travel agent or with us direct and must be secured with a deposit of $200 per person paid at the time of booking. This deposit is non-refundable unless we cancel your trip. If You are making a booking within 42 days of departure, then full payment is required PROVIDED HOWEVER that if the trip comprises a special offer we may require full payment including any pre and post accommodation and sundry service charges to be paid at the time specified in the offer. All Discounts apply to the Trip price only and do not apply to any included flights, pre & post accommodation or transfers. Only two discounts can be combined to a maximum of 15%. For Friends and Discounts, all passengers must be booked on the same trip at the same time. For multi trip discounts all trips must be booked at the same time. All discounts are subject to availability. Early Bird Deal is valid strictly for trips listed in the new Europe Winter 2017-18 brochure. For 10% Early Bird discount to apply all Topdeck services must be paid in full by 30 June 2017. Discount can be combined with one standard brochure discount up to the maximum discount of 15% if applicable (excluding Early Payment Discount). The discount does not apply to Festival trips, ANZAC trips, Short Breaks & Stopovers, Flights or pre/post accommodation. New bookings only. Subject to availability. Promo code EW17EB10% must be mentioned at time of booking. Normal cancellation conditions apply. Passengers must be aged 18-39 at time of travel. Topdeck reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. For full terms and conditions of all discounts please visit www.topdeck.travel. Open dated passes must be paid in full at the time of booking. Your booking is taken to be confirmed, and accepted when we issue an invoice. If your booking is made through a travel agent, we will address all correspondence to that travel agent. All monies paid by You to the travel agent will be held by them on behalf of Topdeck. If You arrange your trip direct with us, all correspondence and communications will be sent to your address in our booking file unless You specify otherwise. Balance of all payments is required at least 42 days prior to your trip departure date. If You do not pay within this period we may deem your booking cancelled and your deposit forfeited. 3. Alterations or cancellations by You after your booking has been accepted will be effected subject to the provisions of clauses 5, 6 and 7 of these Conditions. 4. Prices quoted in our brochures are calculated on costs and exchange rates at31 March 2017. These prices may increase or decrease and we reserve the sole right to alter prices and other particulars contained in our brochures and on our website. Price changes in trips featured in subsequent brochure versions will supersede the prices in this brochure. (The version date is indicated on the back cover of this brochure). Before You make a booking we will provide You with details of the current price of your chosen trip. This will also be displayed on the website. Once You have accepted this price and your booking has been confirmed in accordance with clause 2 that price will remain fixed and will not be subject to surcharges. 5. You must clearly state all your requirements at the time of booking. Please note that any dietary requirements will be a request only. We cannot guarantee special dietary requirements nor will we assume any responsibility or liability if your special requirements cannot be fulfilled. If You want to change any aspect of your booking including but not limited to a change to a trip of shorter duration or different departure date You must notify us as soon as possible in writing. We will do our best to accommodate your requested changes but You will be required to pay an amendment fee of $60 per person per change. If a request is made less than 42 days before departure, normal cancellation fees will apply in accordance with clause 7 unless the transfer or change is to an earlier departure of the same trip. In the event of a request for a change to be made a new invoice will be issued by Topdeck and cancellation charges/ amendment fees will be shown. All amendment fees are payable within 7 days of the issue of a new invoice or on the date of departure, whichever is the sooner. 6. If You are prevented from traveling as a result of illness, the death of an immediate family member, jury service, or other reason beyond your control which we consider significant, we will agree to your booking being transferred to another person who satisfies all the conditions applicable to the trip, subject to You and the other person accepting liability for full payment of the trip cost and any additional costs arising from the transfer PROVIDED THAT we must be given at least 21 days written notice of the proposed change. CANCELLATION BY YOU 7. Cancellation of a booking by You must be made in writing. We will not regard a booking as cancelled unless and until written notice is received by us. On cancellation the following charges will apply:
Days before Departure
% of trip cost forfeited
Pre/post accomm
London Transfers
Over 42 days
Deposit
Nil
Nil
42-29 days
40%
40%
Nil
28-14 days
60%
60%
Nil
13-7 days
80%
100%
Nil
6-3 days
90%
100%
100%
2-0 days
100%
100%
100%
Cancellation of Open Dated Passes before booking a departure date incur a $400 cancellation charge. Once your chosen departure date is booked all booking conditions apply including cancellation charges as listed above. FLIGHTS Cancellation charges for the flight segment of any flight included as part of your Topdeck Trip featured in this brochure: Up to 42 days before trip departure: Included in trip deposit loss Less than 42 days: $60 plus any airline charges, which could be up to the full value of the ticket. INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS Should we book any flights on your behalf, which are not included as part of the trip package, they will be subject to the conditions of the respective airline-this includes but is not limited to deposit/full payment and amendment/cancellation conditions. Topdeck will charge a $60 per person administration fee for any amendments, cancellations or reissue of tickets in addition to any airline fees. ROLLING DEPOSIT VOUCHER Any cancellation within 6 weeks which incurs more than deposit charge is not applicable to this offer. The Rolling Deposit Voucher (RDV) may only be used as a deposit on one future Topdeck trip 4 days of length or more. Only one Rolling Deposit may be applied per trip. The RDV has no expiry date, but the passenger must be aged between 18 to 39 years to travel as per these terms and conditions.
9. A material modification is one which has a serious effect on your trip and includes a change of departure date, departure point or airport, or change of departure time of more than twelve hours, which would cause substantial inconvenience to You. We do not consider a change of accommodation, or transport style a material change. 10. We will endeavor not to materially modify or cancel the trip within 42 days of the date of the scheduled departure unless compelled to do so because of circumstances beyond our reasonable control. If a material modification or cancellation is made by us within six weeks of the scheduled departure date for reasons other than Force Majeure in accordance with clause 21 You will receive compensation as stated in the scale below. Period before scheduled departure date that we notify You or your travel agent together with the compensation offered. Over 42 days nil 42-29 days
$50
28-14 days
$75
13-7 days
$100
6-0 days
$200
be found on our website. Topdeck accepts no liability for any act or omission of any operator or operator’s employees, agents or sub-contractors. EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY – FORCE MAJEURE 21. We do not accept liability for any loss, damage or expense resulting from war or terrorist activities threatened or actual, civil unrest, industrial action threatened or actual, weather conditions, fire, flood, drought, closures, unforeseen alterations to public transport schedules, rescheduling of aircraft or boats, epidemic or outbreaks of illness or any other event outside our control which either delays or extends or reduces the trip, or compels a change in the trip arrangements after departure (“Force Majeure”). CONTRAVENTION OF LAW 22. We will not be responsible for any loss or damage sustained by You as a result of a contravention of any law or regulation of any of the countries visited while on the trip. HEALTH AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS 23. If You have a medical condition or disability which may affect your trip, we ask that You inform us in writing at the time of booking the trip of any special arrangements required by You so that we are able to advise as to the suitability of those arrangements. If we reasonably feel we are unable to satisfactorily accommodate your particular needs, we reserve the right to decline the booking or ask for You to be accompanied by a person who is able to provide full assistance to You throughout your trip. YOUR LIABILITY TO US 24. You will not be permitted to embark or continue on the trip if your mental or physical condition is, in the reasonable opinion of any representative of Topdeck, such as to render You incapable of caring for yourself, or whereby You become objectionable to other passengers, or You become a hazard to yourself or other passengers. We will not be responsible for expenses resulting in You being precluded from completing the trip for any reason, nor will we refund You any part of your trip cost. In all cases we will notify You of the reasons why we have taken this action. We will have no obligation to arrange for your return to the point of the trip departure where your condition manifests itself after the trip departure. Further, if the trip involves travel by air, the captain of your aircraft can refuse to allow You to fly on the aircraft if he believes that You could be dangerous or disruptive to other passengers on the flight. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
12. We reserve the right to alter or substitute the type or size of vehicle, or style of transport mentioned in the brochure, depending on the number of passengers carried, which can vary from trip to trip. Normally the maximum group size is 48 passengers. Please also note there are strict laws in Europe governing Driver’s driving hours and this may necessitate utilizing public transport in some cities.
25. Please ensure You carefully read your invoice, tickets and all other documents we send to You as soon as You receive them, and contact your travel agent, or us immediately if any information appears to be incorrect. We will not accept any liability if You fail to notify us of any inaccuracy in any document within 14 days of us sending them to You or your agent. While we will do our best to rectify any changes made outside this time, it is your responsibility to meet any additional costs which may be involved, except in the case of an error made by Topdeck and where there is reasonable justification for You not contacting us within the specified time. You are responsible for ensuring that all necessary travel documents including, but not limited to, passports, visas and vaccination certificates are valid and subsisting. We strongly recommend that You verify current documentation requirements and all other relevant protocols and procedures associated with your trip with your travel agent or us. Please note requirements change and you must check with your Consulate for the most up to date information, including but not limited to Visa requirements for the countries visited on your Trip. Passports must have an expiry date of at least six months after completion of the trip.
OUR LIABILITY TO YOU
INSURANCE
13. Save where the provisions of Force Majeure apply, in the event that the trip does not reasonably comply with the description in the brochure, Topdeck may compensate You to a maximum value equal to twice the price of the trip but excluding insurance premiums and amendment fees AND Topdeck will only be liable to pay the maximum amount of compensation where there has been a total failure of consideration for your payment. Topdeck will not be liable where any failure in the performance or provision of Your trip is due to: (a) Your acts or omissions or the acts or omissions of another member in Your group (b) any third party not connected with the provision of Your trip and where the failure is unforeseeable or unavoidable (c) unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised or (d) an event which we or a travel service provider, even with all due care, could not foresee or forestall (including but not limited to Force Majeure and unavoidable technical problems with transport and similar events).
26. We recommend You take out comprehensive travel insurance before You travel on your trip. Your insurance protection should include cover for cancellation, medical and repatriation expenses, personal injury and accident, death and loss of personal baggage and money and personal liability insurance. Evidence of such insurances should be produced to Topdeck on request and normally on day one of your trip. Insurance cover offered by credit card companies or reciprocal medical cover agreements are often not comprehensive.
14. If You are killed, injured or become ill during or as a result of, carriage by ship, train or coach forming part of the trip in circumstances where such death, injury or illness is not caused by or contributed to by You our liability to pay damages and/or the amount of compensation we will be liable to pay is limited in accordance with the liability of a carrier under any international Convention applicable to such events, including, but not limited to:
29. In the event that You make a claim against us which is covered by your insurance policy, You agree to pursue the claim through your insurer either in addition to, or in substitution for, your claim against us (if any). We agree to indemnify You in respect of reasonable expenses incurred in successfully pursuing such a claim and acknowledge that any settlement made by the insurer shall not prejudice your rights against us.
• In respect of carriage by sea, the Athens Convention;
30. In the event of You not making a claim before 5 working days of the maximum length of time permitted by your policy, You must assign, by letter sent by courier delivery to Topdeck not less than 5 working days prior to the said specified time, the benefit of the policy and give immediate notice of such an assignment to your insurer.
11. Topdeck may require a minimum number of participants for certain trips and in the event that there are insufficient bookings recorded by not later than 42 days before the scheduled departure date we will be entitled to cancel the scheduled trip, whereupon all monies paid by You for your Topdeck trip shall be refunded but no further compensation will be paid and You and Topdeck hereby agree to mutually release each other from any further obligations which would have been enforceable had the trip not been cancelled.
• In respect of the provision of accommodation, the Paris Convention; • In respect of carriage by rail, the Berne Convention; and, * In respect of carriage by road, the Geneva Convention. 15. The terms of these Conventions are incorporated into and form part of our contract with You. You should know that the carrier will rely upon its ‘conditions of carriage’ which may limit or remove the carrier’s liability to You and limit compensation under any international Conventions. Our liability will also, in all cases, be limited in accordance with relevant carrier conditions of carriage. If Your trip is an ‘excepted trip’ as outlined above our obligation to You is to (and You expressly authorise us to) make trip bookings on Your behalf with reasonable skill and care and to arrange a contract between You and the relevant operator. We exercise care in the selection of reputable operators but we have no control over, or liability for, the services provided by third parties. All bookings are made on Your behalf subject to the terms and conditions, including conditions of carriage and limitations of liability, imposed by the relevant operator. Your legal rights in connection with such trips are against the specific operator and are not against us, except to the extent a problem is caused by fault on our part. 16. In the event that Topdeck (or its insurers) make any payment to You for death, personal injury or illness, You must give us or our insurers all and any rights You may have to take action against the party responsible for causing the death, personal injury or illness and You must co-operate fully with us in seeking recovery of any payment we may make from such party. 17. Your booking is accepted on the condition that You understand, and take responsibility for, the risks inherent in adventure travel. Every effort will be made to operate all trips featured in this brochure but because of the number of countries visited on trips there may be a necessity to vary the itinerary from that stated in the brochure, and delays may occur for a variety of reasons beyond our control. The need for a flexible attitude to this type of travel is stressed in our publication. The final decision on the itinerary and the content of the trip will be taken by the Trip Leader, as appointed by us in the interest of the group as a whole. Please note that due to Public holidays some sights or activities may not be available on a particular trip. 18. No refund will be made for services made available by Topdeck but which for whatever reason are not used by You once the trip has departed. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES AND EXCURSIONS 19. Topdeck and/or its associated staff partners and suppliers makes no warranties or representations in relation to implied or explicit suggestion and/or recommendation for services, activities and events not highlighted as included in the related trip(s). Information not explicitly noted as included is provided 'as is' and intended to be general in nature so may not be suitable for your particular needs. It is essential that you ensure that any/all risk associated with getting to/ from, the participation in or visitation of any area, activity, event or venue is in-line with your expectations and suitably covered under your travel insurance 20. During Your trip You will be offered the chance to purchase various optional excursions and activities. Topdeck does not own, operate or control any of the companies or individuals which provide the optional activities or excursions. Some of the optional activities and excursions, such as canyoning, are inherently risky. If You want to take part in such optional activities or excursions You must be fit enough to do so and must follow all reasonable instructions. The standards of health and safety which will be adopted by the company or the individual providing the optional activity or excursion will be those of the country where the optional activity or excursion takes place. Please note that these standards may not be the same as You would find in Your home country. If You wish to book any optional excursion or activity, You may do so subject to the operator’s terms and conditions. Your contract will be with the operator of the activity or excursion and will be governed by local law. Topdeck acts only as their agent. Topdeck’s Trip Leader will have further details and additional information can
27. You hereby indemnify us against all third-party actions taken against us for loss or damage caused by You or arising from your participation on the trip. 28. In the event of You making a claim against Topdeck arising out of the trip, You hereby assign to us, any rights to take action against any third party supplier or any other person or party that Topdeck reasonably considers to be a party to the action and to co-operate fully with Topdeck should Topdeck or its insurers wish to enforce those rights which have been assigned to Topdeck.
COMPLAINTS 31. In the event of any dissatisfaction with the accommodation or any other service provided by Topdeck, You must report it immediately to the Trip Leader so that action can be taken to remedy the problem. Failure to notify the Trip Leader of any problem immediately may prejudice Topdeck and may result in your ability to claim compensation from us being extinguished or reduced. Any complaint made to Topdeck following the conclusion of the trip should be made in writing within 28 days of completion of the trip. In the event that You do not notify us in writing within 28 days, Topdeck’s ability to investigate the complaint may be prejudiced and may extinguish your claim. DATA PROTECTION 32. We are committed to protecting your personal information and agree to process your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Notice, which is available online at www.topdeck.travel/privacy. In order to make your booking and ensure that your travel arrangements run smoothly, we need to use the information You provide and pass it on to other relevant suppliers who are responsible for parts of your travel arrangements. In many cases this will include transferring your data to overseas recipients. In making this booking, your consent to this information being passed on to the relevant persons is deemed to be given unless You object and advise Topdeck of your objection at the time of booking. The information may also be provided to public authorities such as Customs or Immigration if required by them, or as required by law. This consent applies to any sensitive information that You give to us such as details of any disabilities or dietary/religious requirements. SMOKING 33. Topdeck operates a non-smoking policy on our coaches (although we make frequent stops for breaks), and in most of our accommodation. LUGGAGE 34. There are strict weight limits for coaches when fully loaded. Therefore You are only entitled to have one piece of main luggage of standard size (see the pre-departure information or our website for size limits), and not weighing more than 20kg. In addition You may bring a sleeping bag, as required on specific trips, and a daypack. GENERAL 35. You understand that future Topdeck advertising and publicity material may include statements made by passengers, or their photographs, and You consent to such use of your comments or photographic/video likeness. 36. No servant, agent, employee or representative of the Company has any right to alter, vary or waive any of these Conditions, nor undertake any activity likely to lead to increased liability whatsoever on behalf of Topdeck unless such be in writing and signed by a duly authorised person. 37. Wi-Fi connectivity. Topdeck will endeavor to deliver Wi-Fi connection as stated on relevant trips to the best of our ability. This service is subject to availability and may not be available on some peak season departures or in the event of technical malfunction 38. All contracts for bookings made with Topdeck, for trips in this brochure, are governed by Australian law and are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Australian Courts, should any dispute between us not be otherwise amicably agreed
4 DAY I C E L A N D E X P L O R E R
10 DAY B I G R E D T O R E D S T A R
EHICJJ
8 DAY S K I A U S T R I A
EHWBHM
P.20
MAPS
1
2
St. Petersburg RUSSIA
2 1
Tallinn ESTONIA START/FINISH
Munich Airport
Overnight train
3
Blue Lagoon
FESTIVALS
START/FINISH
Kirchdorf AUSTRIA
þingvellir NP
ICELAND
HOSTEL PLUS
Salzburg Airport
7
Innsbruck Airport
Gulfoss Falls
Reykjavík
EXPLORER
P.43
START
Helsinki FINLAND
EUROPE WINTER
HOTEL
EFSKAO
P.25
FINISH
Moscow
14 DAY W I N T E R W O N D E R
20 DAY D I S C O V E R W I N T E R
EHWWLL
EHWDLL
P.28
P.30 Berlin
Amsterdam
START/FINISH
GERMANY
NETHERLANDS
2 Amsterdam
London
START/FINISH
NETHERLANDS
ENGLAND
2
2
London
ENGLAND
Dresden
1 Heidelburg 2
2
Paris
Salzburg
FRANCE
1
AUSTRIA
Swiss Alps
Vienna
HUNGARY
2
SWITZERLAND
Verona
Florence ITALY
Lake Bled
2 Verona
2
Florence ITALY
VATICAN CITY
2
DAYS TRIP NAME 9 Day Hadrian's Path
1 2
Ljubljana
SLOVENIA
Venice
1
Rome
P. 21
Budapest
1
AUSTRIA
Swiss Alps
Venice
DAYS TRIP NAME CODE FROM-TO 8 Day Parades to Piazzas EHWWLR London-Rome
CZECH REPUBLIC
Mauthausen
Paris
FRANCE
2
SWITZERLAND
Prague
2
GERMANY
1
Rome
CODE FROM-TO EHWDHL Rome-London
P. 22
DAYS TRIP NAME 10 Day Roman Trail
CODE FROM-TO EHWDRP Rome-Prague
P. 22
28 DAY W I N T E R E X P E D I T I O N
VATICAN CITY
2
DAYS TRIP NAME 10 Day Democracy Road
CODE FROM-TO P. EHWDHL Budapest-London 23
11 DAY W I N T E R B R A V O I T A L I A
EHWXLL
P.34
EXWIRR
P.38
1
Milan
Amsterdam
START/FINISH
ENGLAND
2 Pisa Florence
2
2
London
Maranello
Berlin
NETHERLANDS
2 Venice San Marino
1 Assisi
Orvieto
2 Munich
2
LIECHTENSTEIN
Swiss Alps
Milan
ITALY
1 Pisa
Verona
ITALY
2 Sorrento
2 Krakow
POLAND
2 Budapest Lake Bled
AUSTRIA
SWITZERLAND
Rome
CZECH REPUBLIC
Austrian Alps
2
Prague Krumlov
1
Paris
START/FINISH
AuschwitzBirkenau
1 Český
GERMANY
FRANCE
VATICAN CITY
2
Dresden
HUNGARY
14 DAY W I N T E R B R I T A I N & I R E L A N D
1 Ljubljana
EXWULL
SLOVENIA
2
P.39
Venice
2
Florence Orvieto Rome
Loch Ness
2
VATICAN CITY
Glasgow Giant’s Causeway
IRELAND
2
SCOTLAND
1 Belfast
Londonderry/Derry
Galway
Edinburgh
1
NORTHERN IRELAND
1 York 1 Liverpool
2 Dublin
Oxford Cardiff
WALES
DAYS TRIP NAME 10 Day Eastern Journey 14 Day Winter Spree
MAPS-EUROPE | 66
CODE FROM-TO EHWXHG Budapet-Berlin EHWXUL Munich-London
P. 24 26
DAYS TRIP NAME CODE FROM-TO 14 Day Caesar's Pathway EHWDRL Rome-London 16 Day Trail to the Alps EHWXLU London-Munich
P. 27 29
DAYS TRIP NAME 21 Day Winter Pathway
CODE EHWXRL
FROM-TO Rome-London
P. 32
START/FINISH
2
Bath
London
ENGLAND
Stonehenge
11 DAY W I N T E R E X P R E S S
13 DAY F E S T I V E E S C A P E
EEWNLL
P.46
EEFELL
P.47
Amsterdam
NETHERLANDS START/FINISH
Amsterdam
2
London
2
2
London
ENGLAND
1 Rhine Valley
Berlin
NETHERLANDS
START/FINISH
ENGLAND
2 Cologne
GERMANY
2 Paris
FRANCE
1
Swiss Alps
Munich
Dachau
2
GERMANY
SWITZERLAND
Paris
2 Munich
FRANCE
2 2
2
Venice
Swiss Alps
ITALY
SWITZERLAND
15 DAY R O A D T O M A R R A K E C H
18 DAY W I N T E R G E T A W A Y
EEWPMM
P.48
EEWGLL
P.50 Berlin
Amsterdam
START/FINISH
Madrid SPAIN
START/FINISH
1 1
ENGLAND
NETHERLANDS
GERMANY
2
2
London
Dresden
2 Prague
2 Lisbon
PORTUGAL
Seville
CZECH REPUBLIC
2
Mauthausen
Paris
2
1 Salzburg
FRANCE
2 Granada
AUSTRIA
Swiss Alps
2
SWITZERLAND
Asilah
Verona
1 Chefchaouen
1
2 Venice
MOROCCO
2 Florence
Pisa
2 Fes
ITALY
Orvieto Rome
2 Marrakech
DAYS TRIP NAME 7 Day Winter Waltz
24 DAY W I N T E R S P I R I T
CODE EEWSPL
FROM-TO London-Prague
2
VATICAN CITY
DAYS TRIP NAME CODE 7 Day Spires in the Snow EEWSHP
P. 42
FROM-TO P. Budapest-Prague 42
24 DAY W E S T E R N C O M P A S S
EEWSLL
P.52
START/FINISH
2
2
ENGLAND
Amsterdam
GERMANY
NETHERLANDS
London
2
1 Luxembourg City
2 Krakow
Paris
Vienna Salzburg AUSTRIA
2
SLOVAKIA
Swiss Alps
2
SWITZERLAND
Verona
Pisa
2
SWITZERLAND
HUNGARY
Verona
2 Venice
2 Bordeaux 2
1
2 Florence ITALY 2
2 Swiss Alps
Loire Valley
2 Budapest
2 Venice
Orvieto Rome
FROM-TO P. Prague-London 42 Budapest-Prague 42
FRANCE
1 Bratislava
LUXEMBOURG
2
POLAND
2 Paris
2
Auschwitz-Birkenau
Prague
CZECH REPUBLIC
FRANCE
NETHERLANDS
London
ENGLAND
Dresden
DAYS TRIP NAME CODE 7 Day Winter Waltz EEWSPL 7 Day Spires In The Snow EEWSHP
P.54
Berlin
Amsterdam
START/FINISH
EEWMLL
SPAIN
2 Barcelona
2
CODE EEWSLR EEWSRL
FROM-TO London-Rome Rome-London
P. 44 51
9 DAY E A S T E R N L I G H T S
DAYS TRIP NAME 7 Day Southern Runner 10 Day Western Runner
Rome
2
VATICAN CITY
1 Valencia
Madrid
DAYS TRIP NAME 9 Day March on Rome 18 Day Winter Rhapsody
ITALY
2
Marseille
Bilbao
VATICAN CITY
Florence
CODE FROM-TO EEWMLM London-Madrid EEWMMR Madrid-Rome
P. 43 45
DAYS TRIP NAME CODE FROM-TO 9 Day Northern Directions EEWMRL Rome-London 16 Day Western Corners EEWMLR London-Rome
P.58-59
2-5 DAY C H R I S T M A S & N Y E
EFELPB
P. 44 49
P.57 Edinburgh SCOTLAND
START
Prague
Berlin
CZECH REPUBLIC
2
Vienna
AuschwitzBirkenau
AUSTRIA
1
GERMANY
London
1
ENGLAND
2 Krakow
POLAND
Amsterdam
NETHERLANDS
Bruges
BELGIUM
Prague
CZECH REPUBLIC
Bratislava
SLOVAKIA
Budapest HUNGARY
2 FINISH
Budapest
HUNGARY
Madrid SPAIN
MAPS-EUROPE | 67
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