(USD) Topdeck | Asia, Middle East & Africa 2020-21

2020-21 2020-21

ASIA, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA NEW ZEALAND & AUSTRALIA

Prices and itineraries valid from 25 September 2019 until 31 March 2021

Small groups, knowledgeable local Trip Leaders and authentic experiences

PATRI K A GATE

SAUL_SPACE

WE ARE TOPDECK

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WE ARE A COLLECTIVE OF EXPLORERS WHO ARE DEVOTED TO TRAVEL, WE STRIVE TO OPEN MINDS, SHIFT PERSPECTIVES, LEARN NEW THINGS AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE. OUR PASSION IS TO INSPIRE YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH LIFE-CHANGING TRAVEL EXPERIENCES. OUR BUSINESS IS TO MAKE TRAVEL DREAMS A REALIT Y.

OUR

Explorer

Get off the beaten track and take on an in-depth regional adventure with our range of small group Explorer trips. With group sizes ranging from a maximum of 16 to 30, these epic itineraries allow you to maximise your time in each destination, get to the heart of the local culture and enjoy even more authentic travel experiences.

TRIP ST YLE

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

CONTENTS

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MAASAI VILLAGE, TANZANIA - @JULIA__MARR

WHERE YOU CAN GO PAGE

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WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU? PAGE

KOH TAO, THAILAND - @MARIANA.RVALENTE

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THE TOPDECK SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCE PAGE

KYOTO, JAPAN - @MARIAABORJA

LET’S GET SOCIAL PAGE

We know what works. And we’re not afraid to shout about it.

We refuse to sacrifice quality, independence and freedom,

LUXOR, EGYPT - @SHMERSIN

and believe solo adventures should go hand in hand with unforgettable moments with

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knowledgeable and dedicated; driven by the desire to laugh and have fun.

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LET’S GO.

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ASIA PAGE

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THE MIDDLE EAST PAGE

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AFRICA

We build the trips.

ARE YOU READY TO DISCOVER WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A #TOPDECKER?

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FAQS

PAGE

You build the memories.

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OUR CREW

hassle-free holiday loaded with

We are lively, curious,

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#TOPDECKEATS

value for money, and promise a authentic local experiences.

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UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES

like-minded travellers.

We offer variety, comfort and

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SHORT BREAKS AND STOPOVERS PAGE

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TERMS AND CONDITIONS PAGE

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WHERE YOU CAN GO

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AWESOME TRIPS IN

Asia, the Middle East & Afr ica Sail THE NILE

At Topdeck we’re all about the options!

Want to sail the Nile like the ancient Egyptians? Jump on board a traditional felucca boat on our Egypt Express trip (p.40). Fancy yourself a bit of a high-roller?

Our 5-star cruise ship on the Nile Discovery is perfect for you (p.48).

CASABLANCA MARRAKECH TAGHAZOUT

@ERIC.HLEE

ISRAEL AND THE JORDAN PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES

MOROCCO CAIRO

AMMAN

EGYPT

NEW TRIP

JERUSALEM DAHAB

UAE

ABU SIMBEL

Surf,Sand & Souks This is the Morocco trip that gives you more. MORE surf. MORE sand.

MORE souks! From Casablanca to Essaouira, get ready for an epic adventure through buzzing bazaars, ancient ruins and historic medinas.

Ready? Let’s go!

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MAASAI MARA SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

KENYA NAIROBI

TANZANIA @THEPAIROFPASSPORTS

EXPERIENCE AFRICA

Sun & Safari TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

ZANZIBAR DAR ES SALAAM

VICTORIA FALLS

ZIMBABWE

PAGE 58

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK JOHANNESBURG

++ Soak up the sun on the sandy beaches of Zanzibar ++ Spot the Big Five on 4x4 game drives in three amazing national parks ++ Watch an epic sunrise over the rolling plains of the Serengeti

SOUTH AFRICA

CAPE TOWN

SWAZILAND

ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK

DUBAI

NEW DESTINATION 20 DAY EXPERIENCE INDIA

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AGRA, INDIA - @SAUL_SPACE

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18 DAY

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PAGE

JAPAN TOKYO

CHENGDU AGRA

HANOI

INDIA THAILAND

GOA CHENNAI PONDICHERRY

BANGKOK

LAOS PHNOM PENH HO CHI MINH CITY

PHUKET

SINGAPORE

Let’s Celebrate!

So you’re wanting to party ‘til dawn at Thailand’s infamous Full Moon celebrations? Or ready to throw some shade (in the best way) at India’s Holi Festival of Colours? We’ve got you covered. Check out our Thai Islands Samui Sunsets (p.36) or Namaste India (p.33) departure dates and get planning!

VIETNAM & CAMBODIA

Explorer

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

CAMBODIA

BALI

++ Swim, sunbathe and party amongst the islands of Halong Bay ++ Taste your way through the delicious local cuisines ++ Watch the sunset at the incredible Angkor Wat temple complex

STAY & PLAY:

INDONESIA GILI

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7 DAY BIG FIVE ‘N’ FALLS

BEIJING

HONG KONG

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13 DAY SUN & SAFARI

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KYOTO OSAKA

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SOUTH AFRICAN ADVENTURE

10 DAY SURF, SAND & SOUKS

VIETNAM

KOCHI

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10 DAY NAMASTE INDIA

CHINA DELHI JAIPUR

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11 DAY TEMPLE RUN PAGE

That’s right! We’ve got not one, not two, but THREE awesome new trips to choose from in one of the most fascinating countries in the world. Whether you’re after a whirlwind bucket-list adventure through Northern India or a nature-filled spiritual journey through Southern India (or the whole shebang with our epic 20 Day Experience India trip on p.22) – you can expect amazing temples, flashy palaces, houseboats, spice tours, Bollywood films and more. And we haven’t even mentioned the food yet! Could India be any more epic?

6 DAY DAHAB BEACH BREAK

Short Breaks

Here for a good time not a long time? Take a look at our short break options in Singapore, Dubai, Goa and Bangkok – the perfect pre or post adventure addition!

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WHERE YOU CAN GO

India

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WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

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WHAT’S IN IT

for you?

Unique

Freedom

EXPERIENCES

TO EXPLORE

From standing before the Great Pyramid of Giza to swooning over pandas at a conservation centre in China, our included and optional activities will give your Asia, Middle East or Africa trip allll of the once-in-a-lifetime feels.

PETRA, JORDAN - @TIM_HEP

No one wants to feel like a sheep.

That’s why our Asia, Middle East and Africa trips offer loads of free time to uncover hidden gems, channel your inner explorer and create your own travel story.

Passion

AND EXPERTISE

With over 45 years in the travel industry, a team of passionate crew and a collection of award-winning trips under our belt, you can be sure we know Asia, the Middle East and Africa inside out.

AGRA, INDIA - @CHOTOWER

CHEFCHAOUEN, MOROCCO - @BECJOHNSON__

Lasting FRIENDSHIPS

Memories fade but friends are forever. On our trips you’ll hang out with amazing people from all around the world. Ready to make friendships that last a lifetime?

BALI, INDONESIA - @BEZ260

Delicious

Value

FOOD

FOR MONEY

Nobody does amazing cuisine quite like Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

From pho to falafel, these awesome regions pack tasty treats for days. Rest assured we’ll ensure your tummy is just as full as your passport.

BANGKOK, THAILAND - @SAVMATTUSHEK

KYOTO, JAPAN - @TOBINHARTLEY

With no hidden costs and our No Tipping policy, we’ve got all the important stuff covered – meaning you score a great value trip, completely hassle free.

MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK

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HOW YOU’LL GET

For your buck!

RURAL THAILAND - @TRAVELLINGZIMBO

HIROSHIMA, JAPAN - @TOBINHARTLEY

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA - @STACE_45

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2

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LOGISTICS: SORTED

UNLOCK THE HIGHLIGHTS

NO HIDDEN COSTS

Forget the faff. We’ll get you from A to B in style and organise your accommodation. Sorted!

Travel safe in the knowledge that we’ve arranged your entry fees for landmarks, museums, food tours and more.

Our Topdeck No Tipping policy means no hidden payments. The result? More money for fun stuff.

AGRA, INDIA

VANG VIENG, LAOS - @FORTUNECOOK

MERZOUGA DESERT, MOROCCO - @CAITSCHULZ

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EXPERT GUIDES ON HAND

With plenty of included meals, you can look forward to lots of local food throughout your trip.

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SAVE UP TO

PAST PASSENGER

Difference

MORE WAYS TO SAVE

Want all the insider info? You’re in good hands. Our Trip Leaders and local guides are the best in the business.

OR

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SAVE UP TO

FRIENDS DISCOUNT

INCLUDED MEALS

OR

Snag an awesome holiday and save yourself some cash with our exclusive discounts. Happy wallet = happy travels.

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SAVE UP TO

MULTI-TRIP DISCOUNT

FREE CHANGES

ROLLING DEPOSIT

BOOK NOW PAY LATER

PAY IN INSTALMENTS

Make changes to your booking at no extra cost

Enjoy a flexible rolling deposit, should you change your mind

Secure your booking with a low $200 deposit

Pay the balance via instalments that best suit you

For terms and conditions visit www.topdeck.travel or see page 64

THE TOPDECK

Small Group Experience

WANT PLENTY OF TIME TO GET TO THE HEART OF EACH AWESOME DESTINATION WE VISIT – AND A SMALL, CLOSE-KNIT GROUP OF LIKE-MINDED TRAVEL BUDDIES TO DO IT WITH? THEN ALLOW US TO INTRODUCE YOU TO OUR EXPLORER TRIPS. WE THINK YOU T WO WILL GET ON JUST GREAT!

THE NILE, EGYPT - @JENFORRET

MAASAI MARA, KENYA - @FRED.BEWANDERER

SPEND MORE TIME IN EACH REGION

STAY IN AWESOME ACCOMMODATION

SEE MORE THAN JUST CAPITAL CITIES

With group sizes ranging from a maximum of 16 to 30 (and an average group size of 12-22), our Explorer trips are perfect for travellers looking for an intimate holiday experience. You know what they say – good things come in small packages!

Our Explorer trips give you plenty of time to explore each awesome destination at your own pace. The result? You’ll have loads of chances to head off the tourist trail and uncover a bunch of lesserknown gems. You’ll be living like a local in no time.

From Bedouin desert camps to Indian guesthouses, felucca boats and a great range of 3-4 star hotels, our range of sweet as accommodation makes the perfect base for in-depth explorations. Every explorer needs their creature comforts sometimes, right?

With stays in some amazing off-the-beaten track places that you may have never even considered before, Explorer trips go beyond the typical tourist hotspots – so you can be sure you’ll come home extra cultured (and extra smug).

TRAVEL IN A SMALLER GROUP

THE TOPDECK SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCE

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TOKYO, JAPAN - @CARRIEHAUVILLE

ANUMANA HOTEL UBUD, BALI FES, MOROCCO - @CAITSCHULZ

UBUD, BALI - @THEPAIROFPASSPORTS

AGRA, INDIA - @JEMMALEE13

KYOTO, JAPAN - @TOBINHARTLEY

ABU SIMBEL, EGYPT - @JARAMEYB

WADI RUM, JORDAN - @ZACHTOPDECK

ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA - @A.ARON89

MAASAI MARA, KENYA - @MINNIEMEMOIRS

PETRA, JORDAN - @COURTNEYSKYE94

/TOPDECKTRAVEL

OUR

TOPDECKTRAVEL

THEKKADY, INDIA - @CLOTOWER

/TOPDECKTRAVEL

TOPDECKTRAVEL

Sustainability PROMISE

WILDLIFE

ENVIRONMENT

ECONOMIC

SOCIAL

We will take steps to understand and prevent animal cruelty from being a part of tourism that we are involved in.

We will support tourism activities that promote environmental awareness, conserve and protect the environment and respect wildlife.

We will make a positive contribution to the economies of the destinations where we work, live and travel.

We will build a brighter future in the communities where we work, live and travel, always promoting respect among people and cultures.

LET’S GET SOCIAL | SUSTAINABILIT Y PROMISE

SHARE YOUR TRAVEL MOMENTS WITH US!

#TOPDECKER

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UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES

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UNFORGETTABLE

Experiences

WITH LOADS OF AWESOME OPTIONAL AND INCLUDED ACTIVITIES PACKED INTO OUR ASIA, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA TRIPS, AMAZING MEMORIES ARE YOURS FOR THE TAKING.

- OPTIONAL -

ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES FOR A RAMEN MAKING CLASS You can’t do Japan without ramen. Fact!

And if you wanna become a bona fide ramen master, this optional cooking class is for you. Watch and learn as a local foodie expert teaches you the tricks of the trade, then have a crack at whipping up your very own noodle creation. Itadakimasu (let’s eat)!

WHERE: KYOTO, JAPAN

@HDAWESY

- INCLUDED -

Watch

THE SUNRISE AT THE TAJ MAHAL

Looking for a little magic in your life? Well, there’s no more spinetingling experience than seeing the legendary Taj Mahal at sunrise.

Watch as the dawn light illuminates the famous palace with a golden glow, fire up your Insta and brace yourself for goosebumps aplenty.

Life goal status: achieved!

WHERE: AGRA, INDIA @JEMMALEE13

- INCLUDED -

SAFARI YOUR WAY AROUND THE SERENGETI Don your khaki greens and engage safari mode: Serengeti National Park is calling. And you know what that means? Game drives, and lots of them! Keep your eyes peeled for zebras, elephants, giraffes and more as you 4x4 it from the savanna to our camp on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Just... wow!

WHERE: SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK, TANZANIA @FCTG_TEAGANS_TRAVELS

UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES

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STAY WITH A LOCAL FAMILY IN THE MEKONG DELTA

- INCLUDED -

Want to experience an authentic slice of Vietnamese life? We got you. On our Vietnam Uncovered trip, you’ll stay with a local family in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Not only that, but you’ll also be treated to a market cruise AND lunch with a real-life bonsai gardener. Talk about unforgettable!

WHERE: MEKONG DELTA, VIETNAM

Discover

THE ‘LOST CITY’ OF PETRA

Chiselled from sheer cliffs of rose-red stone, the ‘Lost City’ of Petra is guaranteed to take your breath away. Step back in time as you wander through the famous Siq – and don’t forget to pinch yourself when you catch your first glimpse of the Treasury. Indiana Jones?

He’s got nothing on you.

WHERE: PETRA, JORDAN

- INCLUDED -

@JAMIEBRADBURY_

@DANNIALLPORT

- OPTIONAL -

Feed

YOUR ADVENTUROUS SIDE AT VICTORIA FALLS

Victoria Falls isn’t just a majestic waterfall with spray that can be seen for miles around. With bungy jumping, gorge swinging and whitewater rafting to choose from, it’s also an adrenalin junkie’s dream!

Buckle up, embrace your adventurous side and get stuck in – you won’t regret it.

WHERE: VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE

KOCHI, INDIA

@CLOTOWER

@NIKKKKI_D

#TOPDECKEATS

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#TOPDECKEATS SHARE YOUR FAVE FOODIE MOMENTS WITH US!

PEKING DUCK WHERE: China

BEIJING, CHINA - @ZACHTOPDECK

TAGINE

@K113___

PICTURE THIS: DELICIOUS, CRISPY DUCK; NEAT LITTLE PANCAKES; SPRING ONION, CUCUMBER AND BEAN SAUCE GALORE.

WHERE: Morocco

HIROSHIMA, JAPAN - @TOBINHARTLEY

Hungry yet? We thought so! In Beijing, you’ll have the chance to chow down on an authentic Peking duck dinner with allllll the traditional trimmings. Sit down, imitators – this is the real deal. @THISISLYNDSEY

SLOW-COOKED TO PERFECTION AND SERVED ON A HEAP OF COUSCOUS, TAGINE SITS RIGHT AT THE TOP OF OUR MOROCCAN MUST-EAT LIST. HANOI, VIETNAM - @KA_SPALTT

THALI WHERE: India

Whether you go for a meat or veggie option, this spicy little number comes complete with a side order of refreshing mint tea – not to mention oodles of Berber hospitality!

CHETTINAD, INDIA - @CLOTOWER

@CLOTOWER

LIKE YOUR FOOD SERVED UP ON A SHINY PLATTER? YOU’RE GONNA LOVE THALI!

BANGKOK, THAILAND - @COPPERTOPKIWI

According to Indian tradition, this smorgasbord of deliciousness has all the flavours you need to make your meal complete. So what are you waiting for? Make like a local and dig into this epic selection of dal, roti, rice and more. Yum!

TOKYO, JAPAN - @KAITLYNJENSENNN

#TOPDECKEATS

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SOUTH AFRICAN WINE WHERE: South Africa

CHETTINAD, INDIA - @CLOTOWER

Know your ‘buttery’ wines from your ‘earthy’ wines? No? Well, good news. You don’t need to be a connoisseur to join us at our wine tasting extravaganza in South Africa!

After taking a look around a local winery, we’ll have the chance to sample some of the region’s worldrenowned tipples. Cheers!

SEMINYAK, BALI - @TAYLHA__ROESLER

MATCHA ICE CREAM WHERE: Japan

@TAIMIM

IT’S FROSTY. IT’S GREEN. IT’S ALLROUND SCRUMPTIOUS. TOKYO, JAPAN - @HDAWESY

FALAFEL PITTA WHERE: Israel

HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM - @KA_SPLATT

It could only be one thing: matcha ice cream! Tea lovers, rejoice – this Japanese dessert craze is here to stay. Top tip: head over to the Suzuki-en tea shop in Tokyo for the ultimate green tea cone. See also: matcha Kit-Kats. *Heart eyes emoji*

@JEMMALEE

CHICKPEAS ARE KIND OF A BIG DEAL IN THE MIDDLE EAST. Not only are they ground up and made into hummus, but they’re also the main ingredient in another delicious treat: falafel. Try these deep-fried balls of goodness the way they’re supposed to taste – all wrapped up in a pitta and topped with tahini.

KYOTO, JAPAN - @ROAMINGERIN

OSAKA, JAPAN - @ROAMINGERIN

CHECK OUT #TOPDECKEATS FOR MORE AMMAN, JORDAN - @ZACHTOPDECK

AWESOME MEALS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

Crew

ENTHUSIASM IS INFECTIOUS – AND OUR ON-ROAD CREW HAVE IT BY THE BUCKETLOAD. PASSIONATE, KNOWLEDGEABLE AND BRIMMING WITH INSIDER TIPS, OUR TRIP LEADERS AND DRIVERS MAKE THE BEST TRAVEL PALS EVER. WADI RUM, JORDAN - @JROWDEN

OUR CREW

OUR

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Trip Leader THANH TIENH

My favorite Topdeck experience is the street eats tour in Bangkok.

We discover the busy city by local tuk-tuk, experience local life and local markets and try foods such as pad thai, tropical fruits, barbecued meats and the amazing grilled spider!

WHERE: ASIA

“

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

TRIP: JORDAN & ISRAEL

I FELT SO SAFE EVERYWHERE WE WENT AND WOULD GO BACK IN A HEARTBEAT IF I COULD! I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS TO EVERYONE, ANY DOUBT YOU HAVE ABOUT EGYPT OR ANY OF THE MIDDLE EASTERN COUNTRIES WILL BE WASHED AWAY AS SOON AS YOU STEP OFF THAT PLANE!

- EMILY

”

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - @JROWDEN

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

ASIAN FUSION

BEST TOUR GUIDE A TRAVELLER COULD ASK FOR, EXCELLENT AND ORGANISED SERVICE, VERY INFORMATIVE AS WELL AS FUN.

- ANONYMOUS

“

OUR CREW

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Trip Leader WAWAN

”

I love to share the stories and culture of Balinese people. I want to ensure that our Topdeckers have a unique experience of Indonesian culture, traditions and social life. We also encourage them to ‘go green’ and to care about the environment and sustainability.

WHERE: ASIA

Driver

MOHAMAD I feel really lucky being a Driver for Topdeck because it gives me the chance to learn about the different cultures of my passengers. This job always keeps me smiling.

WHERE: THE MIDDLE EAST

AQABA, JORDAN CAIRO, EGYPT

Chef

ELIAS

ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA - @WANDERS_OF_G

I have been cooking ever since I can remember. I love cooking for passengers and can’t wait to see their smiles when they eat my food. I have taught so many customers how to cook African dishes, as well as my own recipes – so I guess my menus must be trending overseas!

WHERE: AFRICA

FAQS

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FAQS

HOW DO SECTOR TRIPS WORK?

How much LUGGAGE CAN I BRING?

An example is the Jordan & Israel trip, which starts in Amman and ends in Tel Aviv. This trip has one sector: Jordan Adventure.

If you book onto the Jordan Adventure trip, you’ll kick off your adventure in Amman with passengers starting their Jordan & Israel trip. While your trip will end back in Amman on day eight, the Jordan & Israel passengers will continue their trip for another two days, ending their journey in Tel Aviv.

Each person is allowed one item of standard size luggage, plus a day pack.

For Africa and Japan trips we recommend bringing a backpack rather than a hard suitcase.

The maximum weight of your main bag must not exceed 44lb/20kg – and the size for all bags must not exceed 70cm x 45cm x 25cm. Due to weight regulations, passengers with overweight luggage may be asked to offload the excess on the morning the trip departs (eek).

Look out for these SECTOR

This is a sector of the XX Day TRIP NAME trip.

See p.xx or visit our website.

Please note that small, hard suitcases can’t be taken on board the coach – both for safety and comfort!

WHAT SHOULD I PACK?

WHERE WILL MY TRANSFER MEET ME? If you have an included transfer (or have one added to your booking), they’ll meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation.

Winner!

How much

FREE TIME WILL I GET? All of our trips include both scheduled activities and free time. So, whether you want to chill at the beach or head out on a hike, you’ll have plenty of time to do your own thing.

BASED ON OUR EXPERIENCE, THESE ITEMS ARE KEY. EVERYONE’S DIFFERENT THOUGH ... ☐ Comfortable walking shoes comfortable ☐ pair of smart casual walking shoes shoes ☐ 1 Smart casual shoes ☐ Thongs/jandals/flip-flops ☐ Jeans/trousers ☐ Shorts/skirts

CAN I START LATE OR FINISH THE TRIP EARLY? ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA - @MINNIEMEMOIRS

No worries. We don’t offer any compensation for hours/days missed, though. And bear in mind that you might miss out on some awesome activities!

☐ Shirts/T-shirts ☐ Sweaters/jumpers ☐ Smart casual evening wear ☐ Warm jacket ☐ Underwear and socks ☐ Swimwear ☐ Towel ☐ Toiletries ☐ Hat and sunscreen

HOW DO I GET TO THE STARTING LOCATION?

IN INSTALMENTS? Outside of 42 days before your trip departs, you can pay in as many instalments as you like – just log in to your My Topdeck area online or reach out to your travel agent.

(including plasters, aspirin etc) ☐ Conversion plug ☐ 1 sleeping bag (required for trips in Africa and Egypt Express)

WORTH MENTIONING:

You can find your starting location in your My Topdeck area online or the Topdeck app. Google Maps and public transport are your best friends!

Can I pay

☐ Basic medical kit

When packing for your adventure, please be mindful of local customs and ensure you have appropriate clothing for religious sites.

DO PEOPLE DRINK A LOT ON TOPDECK TRIPS?

MY BODYGUARD IS OVER 40. IS HE ABLE TO COME WITH ME ON THE TRIP?

It depends! While some passengers like to go out for a social drink, it’s completely up to you.

All Topdeck trips are designed for 18-39 year old travellers, and the average age on most of our trips is around 23-30.

Oh – and when having a tipple in the Middle East, be sure to respect the local laws and cultures.

Long story short? We cannot take your bodyguard. Apologies.

How much money SHOULD I BRING WITH ME? It varies! Obvs, there are loads of great souvenirs to be bought and an awesome social scene to get involved in (if that’s your thing). Heaps of your meals are also included, so this really just leaves a few meals and your personal spending to budget for.

Throughout the trip, your Trip Leader will also let you know about optional activities that you can do, such as scenic flights over Halong Bay or visits to the Robot Restaurant in Tokyo – so keep this in mind when budgeting too!

WHAT’S MY TOPDECK? GOOD QUESTION! It’s an online hub for your trip admin including personalised trip notes, itineraries and payments.

What Visas DO I NEED? The best place to find visa information is www.projectvisa.com. Or, you can contact your local embassy.

CAIRO, EGYPT - @JENAMARINO

HOW MANY PAIRS OF UNDIES DO I NEED TO BRING?

ARE FLIGHTS TO/FROM THE STARTING LOCATION INCLUDED?

Soz, but our prices don’t include flights (unless otherwise stated in the itinerary).

Fan of hygiene? Bring a pair per day! Prefer the ‘lived in’ feel? Erm, you do you. If you’re going on a super long trip, bear in mind that you’ll have the opportunity to wash your unmentionables (and other clothes) throughout the journey.

Now, enough underwear chat – you’re making us blush.

DO YOU BOOK FLIGHTS?

TRAVELLING DURING RAMADAN

Flights can currently only be booked for Aussie and Kiwi passengers.

As many Middle Eastern countries are of Islamic faith, it is important to remember that lots of restaurants and shops will either be closed or operating on reduced hours during Ramadan. As a result, some optional and included activities on your trip may be affected.

Ramadan, which takes place in either April, May or June, is an incredibly important and sacred month for Muslims. When equipped with some basic knowledge, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in this special tradition.

What will the

WEATHER BE LIKE ON MY TRIP? While we like to think of ourselves as travel experts, we are currently unable to predict weather patterns. We’re working on it though.

Is there a way

TO MEET THE GROUP BEFORE THE TRIP STARTS? There sure is! Simply download the Topdeck app and check out the group chat feature. With this baby, you can connect with your fellow travel pals before you depart and begin your magical friendship in the flash of a winking face emoji.

Bonus: you can also use the app to view your itinerary, trip maps, budget tracker and more. Handy, huh?

DO I NEED A SLEEPING BAG?

Yes! A personal sleeping bag is required for all Overland camping trips in Africa and our Egypt Express felucca stay.

FAQS

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ASIA

18

13 Asia

AWESOME TRIPS IN VISITJapan

Ready to explore without losing your creature comforts? Our Japan Highlights tour is just the ticket! Rather a more traditional backpacking experience (comfy bunks included)? Our Japan Express trip is for you!

China Live

Great Wall? Check. Rice terraces?

Check. Pandas? Check. All the Peking duck you can eat? Heck, yes! Check out our China Live trip for more info.

BEIJING

JAPAN

KOCHI

TOKYO

LONGSHENG HANOI

LAOS

CHIANG MAI CHENNAI PONDICHERRY

OSAKA

CHINA

CHENGDU

DELHI AGRA JAIPUR

GOA

KYOTO

XIAN

PAGE 30

INDIA

PAGES 31, 34

THAILAND BANGKOK

HALONG BAY

HONG KONG

VIETNAM

Visit crazy cities, get cruise-y in Halong Bay, tuck into pho-real meals and lap up some fascinating history on our Vietnam Uncovered trip – trust us, epic is an understatement.

HOI AN

CAMBODIA

PHNOM PENH HO CHI MINH CITY

MADURAI

VIETNAM Uncovered

PHUKET

PAGE 28

SINGAPORE

EXPERIENCE

India

INDONESIA BALI

GILI

ISLAND NORTH INDIA

10 DAY NAMASTE INDIA ++ Watch the sunrise at the Taj Mahal ++ Visit the epic Chand Baori Stepwell ++ Explore Delhi’s spice markets PAGE 33 SOUTH INDIA

11 DAY TEMPLE RUN ++ Cruise the Kerala backwaters on a traditional house boat ++ Search for resident elephants in Periyar National Park ++ Experience an evening ceremony at Meenakshi temple PAGE 32

life

Palm trees, white-washed beaches, aquamarine waters, fresh coconuts and all the spring rolls you could ever want. Make it your reality on our awesome island hopper trips through Indonesia and Thailand!

PAGES 35-37

KOH TAO, THAILAND - @LYTJIE

What are Sectors?

019 19 CONTENTS ASIA

Sector trips offer you a great way to choose the 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.

Look out for these SECTOR

This is a sector of the XX Day TRIP NAME trip.

See p.xx or visit our website.

DAYS | TRIP NAME

ASIA

MEKONG DELTA, VIETNAM

Immerse yourself in the rich culture of India, island hop from one beach to the next in Thailand, explore historic temples in Cambodia, sample out-of-this-world street food in Vietnam, travel through rice fields in Bali, walk the Great Wall of China and wander futuristic metropolises in Japan. Asia, let’s do this!

2 0 D AY

| EXPERIENCE INDIA

1 6 D AY

| ROAD TO PHNOM PENH

24

1 3 D AY

| VIETNAM & CAMBODIA EXPLORER

26

1 3 D AY

| VIETNAM UNCOVERED

28

1 2 D AY

| CHINA LIVE

30

1 2 D AY

| JAPAN HIGHLIGHTS

31

1 1 D AY

| TEMPLE RUN

32

•

1 0 D AY

| NAMASTE INDIA

33

•

7 D AY

| JAPAN EXPRESS

7 D AY

| B A L I ISL A ND HOPPER

35

7 D AY

| T H A I ISL A NDS KO-CONU T HOPPER

36

7 D AY

| T H A I ISL A NDS S A MUI SUNSE T S

37

ASIA WAS MADE FOR ADVENTURING!

THAT’S WHY WE OFFER ONE TYPE OF TRIP STYLE IN THIS REGION: EXPLORER.

Want plenty of time to get to the heart of each awesome destination we visit – and a small, close-knit group of like-minded travel buddies to do it with? Then allow us to introduce you to our Explorer trips. We think you two will get on just great!

ACCOMMODATION 3-4 STAR HOTELS/GUESTHOUSES/HOSTELS HOMESTAYS/OVERNIGHT TRAINS/BOATS TRIP LENGTH 7-28 DAYS

ROOM T YPES SINGLE/TWIN DOUBLE/MULTI-SHARE

Laluna Hotel & Resort Chiang Rai - Thailand

SECTOR

| ASIAN FUSION

Discover MORE EXPLORER

PAGE

2 8 D AY

20 NEW!

NEW! NEW!

22

34

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28 D A Y | A S I A N F U S I O N

EXPLORER - ASIA

20

BANGKOK

“

40

HANOI

4

MEALS

COUNTRIES

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

ANONYMOUS:

INCREDIBLE PEOPLE, LOCATIONS AND GUIDE.

”

On this month-long adventure, you’ll take in the very best of Asia with a bunch of awesome Topdeckers. Ticking off Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, this is a journey you won’t be forgetting any time soon. Let’s go!

DAY 1 BANGKOK. Arrive in Bangkok and get ready to zip through the streets on an included street eats tour. Mode of transport? Tuk-tuk. Eeek! (D) DAY 2 BANGKOK TO CHIANG MAI VIA OVERNIGHT TRAIN. Tick off your Bangkok bucket list with a half-day city tour: Grand Palace and Wat Pho temple, we’re looking at you. Tonight, catch some zzz’s on an overnight train. (B)

HALONG BAY, VIETNAM - @TAZLANCASTER_

YOUR ROUTE

1 STOP & STAY

DAY STOP

FINISH

Luang Prabang

Pakbeng Chiang Rai Wat Rong Khun Chiang Mai

LAOS

1

Hanoi

1

TOPDECKER

Halong Bay overnight cruise

2 Vang Vieng

2

2

1

Vientiane

1

overnight train

1 Hoi An

1 START

Bangkok

Siem Reap CAMBODIA

Nha Trang

Phnom Penh

2

2

Ho Chi Minh City VIETNAM

2 1

DAY 5 CHIANG MAI TO CHIANG RAI. Be inspired by the amazing Wat Rong Khun ‘White Temple’ en route to Chiang Rai today. Get ready to say ‘‘wow” 100 times over. (B,L)

DAY 7 PAKBENG TO LUANG PRABANG. This morning, continue cruising the Mekong with a visit to the local markets. Later, pop into the whiskey village, because, well, why not? Your final stop will be the Pak Ou Caves before pulling in to Luang Prabang. (B,L)

DAY 6 CHIANG RAI TO PAKBENG. Cross the Friendship Bridge, then climb on board and get cruise-y along the Mekong River. We’ll visit a riverside village along the way to get a feel for local life. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 LUANG PRABANG. Rise and shine! Why not check out the area by bike or head out to see the Kuang Si Falls? This multi-tiered waterfall is pretty beautiful if we do say so ourselves. (B)

Hue

2

2

THAILAND

DAY 3 CHIANG MAI. Jump in a trishaw for an included city tour and cruise through the incredible old town in style. The afternoon is all yours. (B) DAY 4 CHIANG MAI. Free day! How about an optional cooking class? Tonight, go on the hunt for the best pad thai you’ve ever had. Yum! (B)

1 1

1

1

overnight train

Vinh Long, Mekong River

DAY 9 LUANG PRABANG TO VANG VIENG. Wake up to the sound of the temple gong, take part in the daily almsgiving of the monks then head south to the stunning Vang Vieng. (B) DAY 10 VANG VIENG. Why not opt in for a kayaking trip on the Nam Song River today? If you’re here in the wet season: rapids. Rock climbing, cave exploring and swimming are also yours for the taking. (B)

EXPLORER - ASIA

21

TRIP CODE: AXAFBH

ORGANISED FOR YOU: INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

VANG VIENG, LAOS - @NICOLEJUNEEE

++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

Street eats tuk-tuk tour in Bangkok Guided trishaw tour in Chiang Mai Visit Wat Rong Khun Street eats tour in Ho Chi Minh City Cu Chi Tunnels tour Visit the Cai Be floating markets Drive along the Hai Van Pass Party cruise in Halong Bay

- INCLUDED INCLUDED ESSENTIALS @FORTUNECOOKI

STREET EATS

HOI AN, VIETNAM - @KA_SPLATT

DAY 11 VANG VIENG TO VIENTIANE. We’re off to Vientiane, where you’ll get your bearings on a city tour. Tick off Wat Si Sisaket, Patuxai and Pha That Luang. (B) DAY 12 VIENTIANE TO SIEM REAP. Passports at the ready! It’s on to Siem Reap. (B) DAY 13 SIEM REAP. Wake up early and shorten your bucket list with a stunning sunrise at Angkor Wat, followed by a guided tour of the Bayon temple and Ta Prohm. Want some entertainment this evening? A visit to the circus or a sunset quad bike ride await if you’re keen. (B)

DAY 22 NHA TRANG TO HOI AN. We’re flying to Hoi An today. Look out for French colonial buildings and the Japanese Covered Bridge. (B) DAY 23 HOI AN. Free day! Why not hop on a bike tour to explore the countryside outside of Hoi An or enrol in a cooking class conducted by a local chef? (B) DAY 24 HOI AN TO HUE. We’ll drive you along the Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful mountain passes, towards Hue. Set off on a guided tour of the Citadel and the Tu Duc Royal Tomb. What an introduction! (B)

DAY 14 SIEM REAP TO PHNOM PENH. Today we’ll kick it to Phnom Penh. (B)

DAY 25 HUE TO HANOI. Fly up the coast and get ready to take on the big capital city of Hanoi. Ask your Trip Leader for hot tips of where to visit. (B)

DAY 15 PHNOM PENH. Take an optional visit to the Khmer Rouge Killing Fields to reflect and pay your respects. Tonight, feast on a Khmer BBQ with your travel mates. Cheers! (B,D)

DAY 26 HANOI TO HALONG BAY. Cruise time! A day of paddling, swimming, partying and lazing on the sundeck? Yes please. Tonight, enjoy the sunset from the boat and tuck in to a fresh dinner. (B,L,D)

DAY 16 PHNOM PENH TO HO CHI MINH CITY. Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City! Tonight, get ready for foodie heaven with a street eats tour. We’ll take you to where the locals eat, so you know it’s the real deal. (B,D)

DAY 27 HALONG BAY TO HANOI. Take one last dip in the turquoise water before heading back to Hanoi – but not before an optional scenic flight over Halong Bay. (B,D)

DAY 17 HO CHI MINH CITY. Start off with a half-day tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels. Then, swing by the Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral on a city tour. You’ll also see the Saigon Opera House, the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. (B,L)

DAY 28 HANOI. Today, we’re outta here after brekkie.

Okay, maybe one last bowl of pho first. (B)

OPTIONAL EXTRAS ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

Cooking class in Chiang Mai Kayaking in Vang Vieng Sunset quad biking in Siem Reap Street eats tour in Hoi An Half day countryside cycling tour in Hoi An Boat trip from Nha Trang Scenic flight over Halong Bay

149

$

ALL THIS, FROM JUST:

USD PER PERSON PER DAY

All items listed in ‘Included Experiences’ and ‘Included Essentials’ are included in the price of your trip. ‘Optional Extras’ may cost extra, but are too awesome to miss out!

START MEET AT 3PM IN BANGKOK FINISH DEPART HANOI AT ANY TIME ON FINAL DAY S TA R T

FINISH

S TA R T

2020 19

APR

16

MAY

14

JUN

11

JUL

G

FINISH

29

NOV

26

DEC

13

DEC

9

JAN

G

12

JUL

8

AUG

16

AUG

12

SEP

13

SEP

10

OCT

G

11

OCT

7

NOV

G

8

NOV

5

DEC

3

JAN

30

JAN

24

JAN

20

FEB

21

FEB

20

MAR

21

MAR

17

APR

G

G= Guaranteed Departure

DAY 18 HO CHI MINH CITY TO VINH LONG. Hop on a boat and get amongst Cai Be’s floating markets that teem with fruit, vegetables and goodies. (B,L,D) DAY 19 VINH LONG TO NHA TRANG VIA OVERNIGHT TRAIN. A pit stop at the Vinh Trang pagoda today before heading to the train station. (B)

28 DAYS FROM

4149

$

DAY 20 NHA TRANG. Rest up at the beach if you’re keen for a chill. Or, jump on board with some optional activities – you could go on a full day boat trip or head to the hot springs for a mud spa. (B) DAY 21 NHA TRANG. Spend your free day lazing in Nha Trang, a windsurfing and scuba diving mecca.

Woo! (B)

G

2021

TOPDECKER

TOUR IN HO CHI MINH CITY

++ 27 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D) ++ 23 nights in hotels, 2 nights on overnight trains, 1 night in a guesthouse, 1 night on a party junk boat ++ Average group size of 15 ++ Internal flights ++ Overnight train tickets ++ Modern air-conditioned vehicle ++ Guided tours of all major cities ++ Awesome Trip Leader and local guides

USD PER PERSON

price based on per person twin-share/double single supplement from an extra

BANGKOK, THAILAND - @TRAVELLINGZIMBO

$939

for up-to-date availability and pricing for each departure, please visit our website.

NEW TRIP

20 D A Y | E X P E R I E N C E I N D I A

EXPLORER - ASIA

22

DELHI

KOCHI

30

MEALS

1

COUNTRY

TAJ MAHAL, INDIA

Ready for sensory overload? From the chaos of Delhi to the tranquility of Udaipur, the French sophistication of Pondicherry to the untouched wilderness of Thekkady – this trip across India will fulfill all your loud, spicy, colourful desires (and then some).

YOUR ROUTE

START

1 STOP & STAY

2 1 Delhi

DAY STOP

INDIA

Jaipur Agra 1 2 Jodhpur 1 Ranakpur

Chand Baori

2 Udaipur

DAY 1 DELHI. Welcome to Delhi! Be greeted by your airport transfer and get ready to weave your way through the chaos of cars, rickshaws, scooters and people. Eeek! Get to know your trip mates over a welcome dinner and prepare yourself for a trip to remember. (D) DAY 2 DELHI. Tick off the likes of Jama Masjid mosque and bustling Chandni Chowk market with a walking tour of Old Delhi before we check out the mesmerising Qutab Minar – the tallest brick minaret in the world. Just, wow! Tonight, give your taste buds a work out with some delicious street food. (B)

TOPDECKER

DAY 3 DELHI TO AGRA. Leave the hectic streets of Delhi behind as we make tracks to magical Agra.

We’ll have a chance to channel our inner royalty as we explore Agra Fort then it’s time to satisfy your inner foodie with an optional chaat crawl. Think of all the spicy deliciousness! (B) DAY 4 AGRA TO JAIPUR. Get ready for the best sunrise of your life... at the mesmerising Taj Mahal.

Yes, you’re actually here. Once you’ve filled your instagram story with #wanderlust pics we’ll move on to Jaipur, but not before a visit to Chand Baori Stepwell: a massive 13-storey structure with 3,500 steps arranged in perfect symmetry. (B,L) DAY 5 JAIPUR. Another day, another amazing fortress to explore. We’ll take a Jeep up to Amber Fort before wandering the extensive complex of colourful rooms and lush courtyards. Then it’s movie time – Bollywood-style! Tonight, why not learn some new skills at an optional cooking class? All that spice! (B)

1 Chennai 2 Pondicherry 1 Chettinad FINISH

Kochi 2 Allepey (house boat) 1

DAY 6 JAIPUR TO JODPHUR. Today we’re off to the Blue City of Jodphur and the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort. Towering over the old city, Mehrangarh was chiseled from the rocky cliff face where it stands. Cool right? Later we’ll have a chance to explore the tangle of blue cube houses in Old Town, winding medieval streets and buzzing bazaars before tucking into dinner together. (B,L,D)

Thanjavur Tiruchirappalli 2 Madurai Thekkady 1

DAY 7 JODPHUR TO UDAIPUR. Hope you have your cameras charged because today we’re stopping in at Ranakpur – home to one of the most significant Jain temples in India. Once you’re done ooh-ing and ahhing at the intricate geometric patterns of the temple pillars we’ll make tracks to romantic Udaipur. (B,L)

EXPLORER - ASIA

23

TRIP CODE: AXEIDK

ORGANISED FOR YOU: INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK, INDIA

- INCLUDED -

++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

Walking tour of Old Delhi Visit Qutab Minar Sunrise at the Taj Mahal Visit Chand Baori Stepwell See a Bollywood movie in Jaipur Sunset cruise on Lake Pichola Cooking class in Chettinad Evening worship ceremony at Meenakshi temple ++ Spice plantation tour in Thekkady ++ Traditional Kalaripayattul performance ++ House boat stay in Allepey

INCLUDED ESSENTIALS

VISIT THE

CHAND BAORI

STEPWELL

@SAUL_SPACE

DAY 8 UDAIPUR. Rise and shine! We’ll start the day with a walking tour of Udaipur’s quaint crooked streets and colourful bazaars. Then: why not relax and unwind with an optional yoga class? Tonight, we’re setting sail on the beautiful Lake Pichola for a sunset cruise. Bliss. (B) DAY 9 UDAIPUR TO DELHI. Soak up more tranquil old world vibes on an optional cycling tour before we fly back to the chaos of Delhi. Tonight, we’ll say goodbye to some of our trip mates over a group dinner. Quick, swap those socials! (B,D) DAY 10 DELHI TO CHENNAI. Today we’ll fly south to Chennai where we’ll say namaste to our new trip mates over a welcome dinner. Get ready for an epic second half of the trip – we know you’re going to love it! (B,D) DAY 11 CHENNAI TO PONDICHERRY. UNESCO World Heritage site alert! Today we’re stopping in at Mahabalipuram to breathe in the salty beachside air and check out the town’s mesmerising temples.

Then: it’s off to French-colonial Pondicherry for a change in pace and culture. (B) DAY 12 PONDICHERRY. We’ll get a feel for the ‘French Capital of India’ on a walking tour. Then, it’s time to get in touch with your spiritual side with a visit to Aurobindo Ashram. Later you can choose to visit the experimental township of Auroville (The City of Dawn) – or why not kick back and relax at the beach? Tonight, get stuck into some authentic French food. (B) DAY 13 PONDICHERRY TO CHETTINAD. Down that cup of kaapi, we’re off to Chettinad! Kick things off with a village tour: passing the town’s grand mansions and buzzing local markets. Hungry? We thought so!

Tonight, learn how to make (and eat) the perfect curry on an included cooking class. Yum! (B,L,D) DAY 14 CHETTINAD TO MADURAI VIA THANJAVUR AND TIRUCHIRAPPALLI. Ready for a temple run?

First up it’s Brihadishvara Temple – a spectacular Hindu structure with one of the tallest temple towers on earth. Next we’re off to Tiruchirappalli to marvel at the spectacular Srirangam Temple and snap some #epic pics from the temple rooftop.

Tonight, it’s off to Meenakshi temple for an evening worship ceremony. Trust us, this is an experience you’ll never forget. (B)

DAY 15 MADURAI TO THEKKADY. Give your senses a workout today on a spice plantation tour in Thekkady. Later, we’ll channel our inner karate kid at a traditional Kalaripayattu performance. Literally meaning ‘training for the battlefield’ this high energy performance is bound to get your heart pumping! (B) DAY 16 THEKKADY. Today you’ve got the option to explore India’s best wildlife reserve: Periyar National Park *heart face emoji*. Get a dose of Mother Nature’s finest with a hike through the park and bamboo raft ride, or head out on a safari cruise. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled (and your cameras ready) for the resident deer and elephants! (B) DAY 17 THEKKADY TO ALLEPEY. All aboard! Tonight we’ll be spending the night on a traditional house boat drifting down the Kerala backwaters. Name a more authentic experience. We’ll wait... (B,L,D) DAY 18 ALLEPEY TO KOCHI. Time to make tracks to our final destination for the trip: the eclectic city of Kochi. A coastal city that’s been drawing in traders, explorers and travellers for over 600 years, this place is a mixing pot of culture and history. Tonight, why not jump on board an optional sunset cruise and watch the sky turn 50 shades of orange over the Arabian Sea? (B) DAY 19 KOCHI. Kick off the day with a walking tour exploring the magnificent synagogue, Dutch-era houses and giant Chinese fishing nets. The afternoon is yours to soak up the relaxed seaside vibes, laze in artsy cafes or grab a delicious kati roll. Want more? A traditional Kathakali dance show is on the cards for tonight. (B) DAY 20 KOCHI. Swap those numbers and get one last group photo together, we’re out of here after breakfast. Who’s up for the next adventure? (B)

++ 19 breakfasts (B), 5 lunches (L), 6 dinners (D) ++ 14 nights in hotels, 1 night on a houseboat, 4 nights in Indian guesthouses ++ Average group size of 15 ++ Internal flights ++ Local train ticket ++ Arrival and departure transfers ++ Modern air-conditioned vehicle ++ Awesome Trip Leader and local guides

OPTIONAL EXTRAS ++ Chaat crawl in Agra ++ Yoga class in Udaipur ++ Bamboo rafting and hiking experience in Periyar National Park ++ Safari cruise in Periyar National Park ++ Sunset cruise in Kochi ++ Kathakali dance show in Kochi

$

ALL THIS, FROM JUST:

138

USD PER PERSON PER DAY

All items listed in ‘Included Experiences’ and ‘Included Essentials’ are included in the price of your trip. ‘Optional Extras’ may cost extra, but are too awesome to miss out!

START MEET AT 6PM IN DELHI FINISH DEPART KOCHI AT ANY TIME ON FINAL DAY S TA R T

FINISH

S TA R T

2020 3

APR

22

APR

G

1

MAY

20

MAY

G

7

AUG

26

AUG

11

SEP

30

SEP

G

FINISH

9

OCT

28

OCT

13

NOV

2

DEC

G

2021 8

JAN

27

JAN

12

FEB

3

MAR

G= Guaranteed Departure

TOPDECKER

JAIPUR, INDIA - @SAUL_SPACE

20 DAYS FROM

2749

$

USD PER PERSON

price based on per person twin-share/double single supplement from an extra

$999

for up-to-date availability and pricing for each departure, please visit our website.

16 D A Y | R O A D T O P H N O M P E N H

EXPLORER - ASIA

24

BANGKOK

“

PHNOM PENH

21

3

MEALS

COUNTRIES

SECTOR

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ TONI:

ABSOLUTELY GREAT TRIP. TOUR GUIDE WAS EXCELLENT – HAD SOME GOOD RECOMMENDATIONS OF PLACES TO SEE AND GO TO.

”

Travelling from Bangkok to Phnom Penh, this trip takes in some of the best that Thailand, Laos and Cambodia have to offer. From epic street food to incredible temples, an almsgiving ceremony and the mighty Angkor Wat, there’s almost TOO much to see. Ready for the experience of a lifetime?

VANG VIENG, LAOS

YOUR ROUTE

1 STOP & STAY

DAY STOP

Pakbeng LAOS

Chiang Rai

1

Luang Prabang

1

2

Wat Rong Khun Chiang Mai

2

1

2

Vang Vieng

1

Vientiane

overnight train

1 START

Bangkok

Siem Reap CAMBODIA

2

THAILAND

2

Phnom Penh FINISH

DAY 3 CHIANG MAI. Jump in a trishaw for an included city tour and cruise through the incredible old town in style. This place is stunning, and you won’t be short of ‘wow’ moments. Trust us! The afternoon is all yours. Head back to your favourite spots you just passed on your city tour, or seek out more hidden gems and local haunts. (B)

DAY 6 CHIANG RAI TO PAKBENG. Cross the Friendship Bridge, then climb on board and get cruise-y along the Mekong River. We’ll visit a riverside village along the way to get a feel for local life.

Exploring can be hungry work – but no worries, ‘cos breakfast, lunch and dinner are on us today. You’re welcome. (B,L,D)

DAY 2 BANGKOK TO CHIANG MAI VIA OVERNIGHT TRAIN. Tick off the Bangkok bucket list with a halfday city tour. Highlights? Grand Palace and Wat Pho temple, we’re looking at you. You’ll be sure to snap enough pics to fill up that camera roll of yours.

Tonight, stock up on snacks, get cosy and catch some zzz’s on an overnight train. We’re headed to Chiang Mai. (B)

DAY 4 CHIANG MAI. Free day! How about an optional cooking class? Whether you fancy yourself as the next Masterchef champion or are a cooking newbie, this foodie experience is a load of fun. Rally your fellow Topdeckers together and ready, set, cook! (B)

DAY 7 PAKBENG TO LUANG PRABANG. This morning, continue cruising the Mekong with a visit to the local markets. Stock up on local products and souvenirs, and get to know the locals. Later, pop in to the whiskey village, because, well, why not? Your final stop will be the Pak Ou Caves before we pull into Luang Prabang. (B,L)

TOPDECKER

DAY 1 BANGKOK. Arrive in Bangkok and get ready to zip through the streets on an included street eats tour. Mode of transport? Tuk-tuk. Eeek! We’ll take you to where the locals eat, so you know it’s the real deal. Be on the lookout for fried noodles, pad thai, curry, papaya salad and loads more. They do it best here. Here’s to an epic trip! (D)

DAY 5 CHIANG MAI TO CHIANG RAI. Be inspired by the amazing Wat Rong Khun ‘White Temple’ en route to Chiang Rai today. Get ready to say ‘wow’ 100 times over as you discover why this is one of Chiang Rai’s most visited sites. (B,L)

DAY 8 LUANG PRABANG. Rise and shine! Today, why not do the optional and check out the area by bike?

You’ll also get the chance to see the Kuang Si Falls.

EXPLORER - ASIA

25

TRIP CODE: AXRPBP

ORGANISED FOR YOU: INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

LUANG PRABANG, LAOS - @IRON_BACK

++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

Tuk-tuk street food tour in Bangkok Guided trishaw tour in Chiang Mai Visit Wat Rong Khun Cruise the Mekong River Join an almsgiving ceremony in Luang Prabang Visit Angkor Wat at sunrise

@LACHLANSEPNCER - ROME

INCLUDED ESSENTIALS

- INCLUDED -

++ 15 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 3 dinners (D) ++ 14 nights in hotels, 1 night on an overnight train ++ Average group size of 15 ++ Internal flights ++ Overnight train ticket ++ Guided tours of all major cities ++ Modern air-conditioned vehicle ++ Awesome Trip Leader and local guides

TUK-TUK

STREET FOOD TOUR IN BANGKOK

CHIANG MAI, THAILAND -@RAVELLINGZIMBO

This multi-tiered waterfall is pretty beautiful if we do say so ourselves, and is the perfect place for a photo op. Did someone say new profile pic? (B)

DAY 9 LUANG PRABANG TO VANG VIENG. Wake up to the sound of the temple gong, take part in the daily almsgiving of the monks, then head south to stunning Vang Vieng. (B) DAY 10 VANG VIENG. Free day! Why not opt in for a kayaking trip on the Nam Song River? If you’re here in the wet season, you’re in luck as you’ll be able to take on the rapids. Not your kinda thing? No worries!

Rock climbing, cave exploring and swimming are also yours for the taking. Sounds pretty cool, huh? (B) DAY 11 VANG VIENG TO VIENTIANE. Off to Vientiane, where we’ll get our bearings on a city tour. There’s loads of stunning French-colonial architecture and Buddhist temples here just waiting to be explored – and we’ll tick off the likes of Wat Si Sisaket, Patuxai and Pha That Luang. (B) DAY 12 VIENTIANE TO SIEM REAP. We’re flying to Siem Reap today. Passports at the ready! Try and nab a window seat for over-the-wing views. (B)

DAY 13 SIEM REAP. Wake up early and shorten your bucket list with the main event: a stunning sunrise at Angkor Wat. Cameras at the ready, ‘cos this is one experience you won’t wanna be forgetting in a hurry.

After, we’ve got a guided tour of the Bayon temple and Ta Prohm. Like something out of Tomb Raider, Ta Prohm is an epic Buddhist temple now held together by huge root systems. Talk about awesome! Want some entertainment this evening? A visit to the circus or sunset quad bike ride await if you’re keen. (B) DAY 14 SIEM REAP TO PHNOM PENH. Pack your bags and get ready for the next stop on our itinerary.

We’re kicking it to Phnom Penh today. (B) DAY 15 PHNOM PENH. Take an optional visit to the Khmer Rouge Killing Fields to reflect and pay your respects. Tonight, it’s the last evening with the crew *cry*. Feast on a Khmer BBQ with your travel mates and swap memories and numbers. Cheers! (B,D) DAY 16 PHNOM PENH. We’re outta here after brekkie. Quick! Grab one last selfie with your new BFFs. Time for the next adventure? (B) SECTOR

This is a sector of the 28 Day Asian Fusion trip. See p.20 or visit our website.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS ++ Cooking class in Chiang Mai ++ Kayaking in Vang Vieng ++ Sunset quad biking in Siem Reap

155

$

ALL THIS, FROM JUST:

USD PER PERSON PER DAY

All items listed in ‘Included Experiences’ and ‘Included Essentials’ are included in the price of your trip. ‘Optional Extras’ may cost extra, but are too awesome to miss out!

START MEET AT 3PM IN BANGKOK FINISH DEPART PHNOM PENH AT ANY TIME ON FINAL DAY S TA R T

FINISH

S TA R T

2020 G

19

APR

4

MAY

14

JUN

29

JUN

12

JUL

27

JUL

16

AUG

31

AUG

13

SEP

28

SEP

G

11

OCT

26

OCT

G

8

NOV

23

NOV

FINISH

29

NOV

14

DEC

13

DEC

28

DEC

G

2021 G

3

JAN

18

JAN

24

JAN

8

FEB

21

FEB

8

MAR

21

MAR

5

APR

G

G= Guaranteed Departure

TOPDECKER

@THE_ADVENTURES_OF_DAN

16 DAYS FROM

$

2469

USD PER PERSON

price based on per person twin-share/double single supplement from an extra

SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA - @THE_ADVENTURES_OF_DAN

CHAING MAI, THAILAND - @EMCOCKS

$569

for up-to-date availability and pricing for each departure, please visit our website.

13 D A Y | V I E T N A M A N D C A M B O D I A E X P L O R E R

EXPLORER - ASIA

26

HANOI

SIEM REAP

17

MEALS

2

COUNTRIES

!

HANOI, VIETNAM

With something for well-seasoned travellers as well as first-timers, this trip to Vietnam and Cambodia is all sorts of epic. From buzzing cities to paradise islands, see it all with your fellow Topdeckers on this adventure of a lifetime. Two weeks of fun? Heck yes!

YOUR ROUTE

1 STOP & STAY

DAY STOP

START

Hanoi

VIETNAM

1

2

DAY 1 HANOI. Welcome to Hanoi! Tonight, get ready for foodie heaven with a street eats tour through the Old Quarter. We’ll take you to where the locals eat and drink, so you know it’s the real deal. Expect bánh mì, noodles, spring rolls and loads more. (D) DAY 2 HANOI. Start off the day with a tour of Hanoi.

There’ll be stops at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (the resting place of President Ho Chi Minh), the One Pillar Pagoda, the Presidential Palace and the Temple of Literature. Fancy yourself as the next Masterchef?

We’ve got a cooking demonstration at lunch to round off the tour. Tonight is yours to explore! (B,L)

TOPDECKER

DAY 3 HANOI TO HALONG BAY. Cruise time! Halong Bay is famous for its limestone islands, rainforests and turquoise water – and you’ll get to see it all for real. Eeek! Ready for a day of paddling, swimming, partying and lazing on the sundeck? It’d be rude not to, you are in paradise after all. Tonight, enjoy the sunset from the boat and tuck in to a fresh dinner (and a cocktail or two). (B,L,D) DAY 4 HALONG BAY TO HOI AN. How’s your head this morning? Shake it off with one last dip in the water before flying with the group to Hoi An. Try to nab a window seat! (B) DAY 5 HOI AN. Free day in Hoi An! Look out for French colonial buildings and the Japanese Covered Bridge to get you started. Want to experience the local life? There’s an optional cycle tour or cooking class on offer. Tonight, seek out a hidden gem for dinner and eat allll of the Vietnamese food. Pho, anyone? (B)

Halong Bay overnight cruise

Hoi An

2

FINISH

Siem Reap

2

1

2

Phnom Penh CAMBODIA

2

Ho Chi Minh City

Koh Rong

DAY 6 HOI AN TO HO CHI MINH CITY. Second flight of the trip coming up. Look at you exploring like a pro! Tonight, head out on the optional street eats tour. Stroll the alleys and watch the city come alive at night. Try a Vietnamese pancake, or bánh xèo. You won’t regret it. (B)

DAY 8 HO CHI MINH CITY TO PHNOM PENH. Once in Phnom Penh, there’s a half-day tour lined up for you.

First up: a sobering visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum to learn about the atrocities conducted by the Khmer Rouge. Later, we’ll enjoy a sunset boat trip down the Mekong. (B)

DAY 7 HO CHI MINH CITY. Hop on a boat on the Mekong Delta and get amongst Cai Be’s floating markets that teem with fruit, vegetables and goodies.

Once you’ve stocked up, continue along the canals to Vinh Long, stopping at villages en route to see local artisans at work. It’s your last night in Ho Chi Minh City tonight, so make it count! (B,L)

DAY 9 PHNOM PENH TO KOH RONG. Hop on a local boat, we’re headed to Koh Rong. This place will probs be your next phone wallpaper – it’s stunning. (B) DAY 10 KOH RONG. Day ten, and it’s all about chilling on the beach. It’s a hard life… (B)

EXPLORER - ASIA

27

TRIP CODE: AXVCHS

ORGANISED FOR YOU: INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

MEKONG DELTA, VIETNAM

++ ++ ++ ++ ++

Street eats tour in Hanoi Visit the Cai Be floating markets Party cruise in Halong Bay Watch the sunset at Angkor Wat Island stay on Koh Rong

INCLUDED ESSENTIALS ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

- INCLUDED -

12 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 2 dinners (D) 11 nights in hotels, 1 night on a party junk boat Average group size of 15 Internal flights Guided tours of all major cities Modern air-conditioned vehicle Awesome Trip Leader and local guides

@EMMA.W321

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

ANGKOR WAT

HOI AN, VIETNAM - @LUVINLAR

DAY 11 KOH RONG TO SIEM REAP. Tear yourself away from Koh Rong because we’re flying to Siem Reap. Passports at the ready! (B) DAY 12 SIEM REAP. Today’s gonna be awesome.

Start off with a visit to Angkor Thom and its statuelined South Gate. Then, it’s on to the intricately decorated Bayon temple, and the Hindu temple Phimeanakas. Want more? Ta Prohm’s where it’s at. Held together by tree roots, this place looks like something out of Tomb Raider and will give you all of the adventure feels. We’ve left the main event until the afternoon. That’s right, you’re hitting up the mighty Angkor Wat! Round off the day and toast the end of an epic trip with sunset views over the jungle from the top of Pre Rup temple. (B)

Street eats tour in Hoi An Half-day countryside cycling tour in Hoi An Street eats tour in Ho Chi Minh City Scenic flight over Halong Bay

150

$

ALL THIS, FROM JUST:

USD PER PERSON PER DAY

All items listed in ‘Included Experiences’ and ‘Included Essentials’ are included in the price of your trip. ‘Optional Extras’ may cost extra, but are too awesome to miss out!

START MEET AT 5PM IN HANOI FINISH DEPART SIEM REAP AT ANY TIME ON FINAL DAY S TA R T

FINISH

S TA R T

2020

HALONG BAY, VIETNAM - @ASHCOWPER

DAY 13 SIEM REAP. Quick! Squeeze in everything else you wanted to do before heading off on your next adventure. (B)

FINISH

11

OCT

23

OCT

5

APR

17

APR

G

8

NOV

20

NOV

10

MAY

22

MAY

G

6

DEC

18

DEC

G

3

JAN

15

JAN

7

FEB

19

FEB

7

MAR

19

MAR

7

JUN

19

JUN

12

JUL

24

JUL

9

AUG

21

AUG

13

SEP

25

SEP

G

2021

G

G G

G= Guaranteed Departure

TOPDECKER

WATCH THE SUNSET AT

++ ++ ++ ++

13 DAYS FROM

1939

$

USD PER PERSON

price based on per person twin-share/double single supplement from an extra

SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA - @ EMMA.W321

KOH RONG, CAMBODIA

$509

for up-to-date availability and pricing for each departure, please visit our website.

13 D A Y | V I E T N A M U N C O V E R E D

EXPLORER - ASIA

28

HO CHI MINH CITY

“

19

MEALS

1

COUNTRY

SECTOR

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ KELLY:

LOVED THE WHOLE TRIP. OUR GUIDE WAS AWESOME AND WAS ALWAYS WILLING TO SHARE HIS KNOWLEDGE OF VIETNAM.

”

This Vietnamese adventure is one for the books.

From crazy cities and motorbikes galore to foodie treats and pho-real meals, this trip has got it all.

And did we mention you’ll spend a couple of days getting cruise-y in Halong Bay while you’re here?

Sounds good, huh? Pack your bags – we’ll see you in Ho Chi Minh City!

DAY 1 HO CHI MINH CITY. Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City! Tonight, get ready for foodie heaven with a street eats tour. We’ll take you to where the locals eat, so you know it’s the real deal. Be on the lookout for pho, spring rolls, sizzling pancakes and noodle soups. They do it best here. (D)

TOPDECKER

HANOI

DAY 2 HO CHI MINH CITY. Start off the day with a half-day tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels. These interesting tunnels were a strategic operation base during the Vietnam War. Later this afternoon, swing by the Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Cathedral on a city tour. You’ll also get the chance to see the Saigon Opera House, the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. What. A. Day! After all that exploring, seek out your own hidden gem for dinner tonight. Craving more street food after last night?

Sure, why not! (B,L)

HALONG BAY, VIETNAM- @DOMS_DISCOVERIES DAY 3 HO CHI MINH CITY TO VINH LONG. Hop on a boat to get amongst Cai Be’s floating markets that teem with fruit, vegetables and goodies. We’re staying in a guesthouse tonight. Get cosy and tuck into a dinner with the crew. (B,L,D) DAY 4 VINH LONG TO NHA TRANG VIA OVERNIGHT TRAIN. There’ll be a pit stop at the Vinh Trang pagoda before we head to the train station. Onwards to Nha Trang! This coastal city is famous for being the gateway to epic scuba diving, beaches and yummy seafood. Ready to get amongst it? Yeah, thought so! (B)

YOUR ROUTE

FINISH

Hanoi

1 1

1 STOP & STAY

1

DAY 5 NHA TRANG. Rest up at the beach or get involved in an optional activity today. You could try out a full-day boat trip or head to the hot springs for a mud spa. Seek out local restaurants for lunch and dinner today. Ask your Trip Leader for insider tips of where to go. (B)

DAY 7 NHA TRANG TO HOI AN. We’re flying to Hoi An today. Look out for French colonial buildings and the Japanese Covered Bridge once you arrive. This city’s Ancient Town is awesome, so make sure you explore around here during your time in Hoi An too. (B) DAY 8 HOI AN. Free day! Why not hop on a bike and explore the countryside outside Hoi An? Or, you could enrol in a cooking class conducted by a local chef. Whether you fancy yourself as the next Masterchef champion or are a cooking newbie, this foodie experience is a load of fun. Rally your fellow Topdeckers together and ready, set, cook! (B) DAY 9 HOI AN TO HUE. We’ll drive you along the Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful mountain passes, towards Hue. Once there, set off on a guided tour of the Citadel and the Tu Duc Royal Tomb. What an introduction! (B)

Halong Bay overnight cruise

1 Hoi An

DAY 6 NHA TRANG. Spend your free day lazing in Nha Trang. Did we mention this is a windsurfing and scuba diving mecca? Don’t miss the chance to get involved with all the water activities today before we head off to our next destination tomorrow. (B)

DAY STOP

Hue

2

Nha Trang

1

2

overnight train START

Ho Chi Minh City VIETNAM

2 1

Vinh Long, Mekong River

DAY 10 HUE TO HANOI. Fly up the coast and get ready to take on the big capital city of Hanoi. This place is famous for its ancient architecture and awesome culture which takes from French, Chinese and Southeast Asian influences. Keep your eyes peeled for the many temples and markets as you explore the city and ask your Trip Leader for hot tips and local faves. (B)

EXPLORER - ASIA

29

TRIP CODE: AXVUOH

ORGANISED FOR YOU: INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM - @WILLSAHN

@LACHLANSEPNCER - ROME

@SHEPHERDM92

TUNNELS TOUR IN HO CHI MINH CITY

NHA TRANG, VIETNAM - @THE_ADVENTURES_OF_DAN

DAY 11 HANOI TO HALONG BAY. Cruise time! You’ve seen the Instagram posts and you’ve seen the documentaries – now it’s time to take on Halong Bay for yourself. Famous for its limestone islands, rainforests and turquoise water, this place really is stunning. We’ve got a day of paddling, swimming, partying and lazing on the sundeck lined up. Um, yes please! Tonight, enjoy the sunset from the boat and tuck in to a fresh dinner. Cheers! (B,L,D)

INCLUDED ESSENTIALS

OPTIONAL EXTRAS ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

Scenic flight over Halong Bay Cooking class in Hoi An Street eats tour in Hoi An Half day countryside cycling tour in Hoi An Day cruise from Nha Trang

130

$

ALL THIS, FROM JUST:

USD PER PERSON PER DAY

All items listed in ‘Included Experiences’ and ‘Included Essentials’ are included in the price of your trip. ‘Optional Extras’ may cost extra, but are too awesome to miss out!

DAY 12 HALONG BAY TO HANOI. How’s your head this morning? Shake it off with one last dip in the turquoise water before heading back to Hanoi – but not before an optional scenic flight over Halong Bay. This is one not to miss – the views from above are incredible. (B,D)

START MEET AT 5PM IN HO CHI MINH CITY FINISH DEPART HANOI AT ANY TIME ON FINAL DAY S TA R T

FINISH

S TA R T

2020

DAY 13 HANOI. Today, we’re outta here after brekkie.

Okay, maybe one last bowl of pho first. Or two. (B)

SECTOR

Street eats tour in Ho Chi Minh City Cu Chi Tunnels tour Visit the Cai Be floating markets Drive along the Hai Van Pass Party cruise in Halong Bay

++ 12 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 4 dinners (D) ++ 9 nights in hotels, 1 night in a guesthouse, 1 night on a party junk boat, 1 night on an overnight train ++ Average group size of 15 ++ Internal flights ++ Overnight train ticket ++ Guided tours of all major cities ++ Awesome Trip Leader and local guides

- INCLUDED -

CU CHI

++ ++ ++ ++ ++

This is a sector of the 28 Day Asian Fusion trip. See p.20 or visit our website.

HANOI, VIETNAM - @__SHANNON.LEE__

G

FINISH

9

NOV

21

NOV

23

NOV

5

DEC

4

MAY

16

MAY

1

JUN

13

JUN

14

DEC

26

DEC

29

JUN

11

JUL

28

DEC

9

JAN

27

JUL

8

AUG

G G

10

AUG

22

AUG

31

AUG

12

SEP

14

SEP

26

SEP

28

SEP

10

OCT

12

OCT

24

OCT

26

OCT

7

NOV

G

G

2021 18

JAN

30

JAN

8

FEB

20

FEB

22

FEB

6

MAR

8

MAR

20

MAR

5

APR

17

APR

G G

G

TOPDECKER

G= Guaranteed Departure

13 DAYS FROM

1689

$

USD PER PERSON

price based on per person twin-share/double single supplement from an extra

HOI AN, VIETNAM - @BECKWITH11

$419

for up-to-date availability and pricing for each departure, please visit our website.

12 D A Y | C H I N A L I V E

EXPLORER - ASIA

30

BEIJING

HONG KONG

21

1

MEALS

COUNTRY

TRIP CODE: AXCLGK

ORGANISED FOR YOU: INCLUDED EXPERIENCES ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

Street food tour in Beijing Visit the Great Wall of China Visit the Sacred Way Visit Tiananmen Square Visit the Forbidden City Visit the Terracotta Warriors Xian city wall bike ride Visit a panda conservation centre Visit the world famous teahouses in People’s Park ++ Explore the Dragon’s Backbone rice terraces

LONGSHENG, CHINA - @ZACHTOPDECK

YOUR ROUTE

1 STOP & STAY

2 overnight train

1

INCLUDED ESSENTIALS ++ 11 breakfasts (B), 5 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D) ++ 10 nights in hotels, 1 night on an overnight train ++ Average group size of 15 ++ Internal flight ++ Overnight train tickets ++ Modern air-conditioned vehicle ++ Guided tours of all major cities ++ Awesome Trip Leader and local guides

DAY STOP

Chengdu

START

Beijing CHINA

CHENGDU, CHINA

1 Xian

2 1

Longsheng

2

Yangshuo

2

FINISH

Hong Kong

HONG KONG, CHINA - @_SPIN_THE_BLACK_CIRCLE

OPTIONAL EXTRAS ++ Peking duck dinner in Beijing ++ Cooking class in Yangshuo ++ Rafting on the Yulong River

238

$

ALL THIS, FROM JUST:

USD PER PERSON PER DAY

All items listed in ‘Included Experiences’ and ‘Included Essentials’ are included in the price of your trip. ‘Optional Extras’ may cost extra, but are too awesome to miss out!

START MEET AT 2PM IN BEIJING FINISH DEPART HONG KONG AT ANY TIME ON FINAL DAY S TA R T

FINISH

S TA R T

2020

11

OCT

FINISH 22

APR

30

APR

2021

10

MAY

21

MAY

G

21

FEB

4

MAR

6

SEP

17

SEP

G

21

MAR

1

APR

G= Guaranteed Departure

TOPDECKER

OCT

19

GREAT WALL OF CHINA

Oh my China! Prepare yourself for a whirlwind adventure and get ready to take on this incredible country in style. We’re talking all the bucket list sights: The Great Wall of China (obvs), the Terracotta Warriors and Tiananmen Square. But that’s just for starters! Did we mention that you’ll also have the chance to see some real-life PANDAS? Plus, it wouldn’t be China without baskets of yummy local food.

If you’re looking for authentic, this is the trip for you.

DAY 1-2 BEIJING. Ni hao! Welcome to China. After checking in, head into town and try some of the best street eats around for dinner. On day two, there’s a trip to the Great Wall of China. The best part? The toboggan (or the cable car if that’s more your thing).

Before the day is up, visit the Sacred Way and tuck in to an optional Peking duck dinner on Ghost Street.

Yum! (D) (B,L) DAY 3 BEIJING TO XIAN VIA OVERNIGHT TRAIN. Today, it’s all about Tiananmen Square (one of the most famous historical sites in China), the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. Tonight we’ll be travelling to Xian on an overnight train. (B,L,D) DAY 4 XIAN. Jump off in Xian. You’re in the land of the Terracotta Warriors, and you’ll see them today!

Then: hop on a bike ride along the old city wall. (B,L)

12 DAYS FROM

2849

$

USD PER PERSON

price based on per person twin-share/double single supplement from an extra

$709

for up-to-date availability and pricing for each departure, please visit our website.

XIAN, CHINA

DAYS 5-6 XIAN TO CHENGDU. We’re taking the bullet train to Chengdu! Feast on a traditional hot pot dinner on night one here. On day six, we’ll visit a panda conservation centre before taking a trip to Jinli Street to see the remains of the old Chengdu city. Later, there’s a teahouse visit in People’s Park.

(B,D) (B,L)

DAY 7-8 CHENGDU TO YANGSHUO VIA LONGSHENG. Next up, we’re flying to Yangshuo. On day eight we’ve got a full-day tour and hike of the famed ‘Dragon’s Backbone’ rice terraces. Don’t miss the views from the summit. A-maze-ing! (B,D) (B,L) DAY 9 YANGSHUO. Free days are the best days!

There’s lots of optional activities to choose from here: a cooking class, rafting on the Yulong River, or the Liu San Jie show – with the river as the stage.

Decisions, decisions… (B) DAY 10 YANGSHUO TO HONG KONG. It’s off to Hong Kong we go. Get those walking shoes on for an orientation tour as you hit up the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and Clock Tower, as well as Victoria Peak and lookout. Tonight, we’ll check out the Mong Kok and Temple Street night market for all the yummy goodness! (B) DAYS 11-12 HONG KONG. You’ve got a free day to explore Hong Kong your way. Why not give your calves a work out on the climb to the Big Buddha?

Or, chow down on some incredible dim sum. We’ll have one last group dinner together before we say goodbye over breakfast on day twelve. Quick! Swap those socials! Who’s ready for the next adventure?

(B,D) (B)

IMPROVED ITINERARY

12 D A Y | J A PA N H I G H L I G H T S KYOTO

14

1

MEALS

EXPLORER - ASIA

TOKYO

31

COUNTRY

TRIP CODE: AXJJTR

ORGANISED FOR YOU: INCLUDED EXPERIENCES ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

Visit the Sensō-ji Temple Walk the Shibuya crossing Visit Tokyo’s Akihabara and Harajuku districts Visit the Itsukushima Shrine Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum ++ Visit a sake brewery ++ Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine

MIYAJIMA, JAPAN - @TOBINHARTLEY

YOUR ROUTE

1 STOP & STAY

DAY STOP

INCLUDED ESSENTIALS KYOTO, JAPAN - @KAITLYNJENSENNN

START

Takayama

2 Hiroshima 1 Miyajima

Tokyo JAPAN

Kyoto

2 Osaka

FINISH

++ 11 breakfasts (B), 3 dinners (D) ++ 9 nights in hotels and 2 nights in a temple lodge ++ Average group size of 15 ++ Train tickets ++ Guided tours of all major cities ++ Awesome Trip Leader and local guides

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Japan is an epic mix of the traditional and the ultra-modern. Robot bars, too-big-for-the-bowl udon, a Buddhist prayer service and the Hiroshima Peace Museum are just some of the awesome activities we’ve got lined up on this sweet 12-day adventure.

DAY 1 TOKYO. You’re in Tokyo, baby! Get ready to dive into a full-day city tour. Spot the Sensō-ji temple, then wander along the nearby Nakamise shopping street – which sells mochi (sticky rice cakes) and geta (wooden shoes). Don’t forget to walk the famous Shibuya crossing or see the Meiji Shrine while you’re here! Tonight: bond with your trip mates over an included dinner. (D) DAY 2 TOKYO. Today is a free day in Tokyo. Hop across the unique patchwork of districts that make up the cityscape, then visit the Imperial Palace and its surrounding gardens for a taste of tradition. In the evening, you can opt to wander the futuristic neon-lit streets on a walking tour or spend your night in Shinjuku. Wanna go out with the group? Take the option to visit the Robot Restaurant. Yep, it’s a thing! (B) DAY 3 TOKYO. Ready to revisit your childhood? Today, an optional visit to the happiest place on earth, Tokyo Disneyland, is on the cards. Mickey not your thing?

There’s an optional day trip to Mt Fuji to jump on board with! (B) DAY 4 TOKYO TO TAKAYAMA. Say goodbye to bustling Tokyo as we travel on the bullet train to the beautiful Japanese Alps. You’ll pay a visit the Hida folk village when you arrive. Later on, why not finish off the day with an optional foodie activity? There’s Hida beef on the menu if you want it. (B) DAY 5 TAKAYAMA. Strap on your Nikes, ‘cos today we’ll be ticking off Takayama Jin’ya (a former government outpost) and visiting a sake brewery.

Tonight, enjoy some downtime with an optional onsen experience (think: hot springs). Bliss. (B) DAY 6 TAKAYAMA TO HIROSHIMA VIA MIYAJIMA. Jump on a ferry to Miyajima to see the island’s wild deer – cute! You can also check out the Itsukushima Shrine. A sunset at this spot is just the ticket to round off the day, so keep your phone charged for some #instagrammable snaps. (B)

DAY 7 HIROSHIMA TO OSAKA. Before leaving Hiroshima, we’ll visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum – where you can learn about the atomic bombing during World War II. Later, we’ll rest our heads in traditional Buddhist temple accommodation in Osaka. (B,D) DAY 8 OSAKA. There’s a chance to participate in a Buddhist prayer service this morning, then the afternoon is yours to explore. Why not check out one of the numerous museums, hit the streets for some epic shopping or try the local food? With one of the biggest food scenes in Japan, you’ll be spoilt for choice! (B) DAY 9 OSAKA TO KYOTO. We’re making tracks to Japan’s traditional capital, Kyoto. Kyoto is home to over 2,000 temples and shrines – and today you’ll pay a visit to the beautiful Fushimi Inari Shrine. (B) DAY 10 KYOTO. Tick off the Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion before moving on to the sprawling Arashiyama bamboo forest and the Togetsu-kyō bridge to find your zen place. Fancy yourself a foodie? We’ll pop by the Nishiki Market next. In the afternoon, it’s off to Nijo Castle and the Heian Shrine before finishing up with a quick visit to the Gion district. What a day! (B) DAY 11 KYOTO. A free day to explore. You could always go on a day trip to Nara for more cute deer, beautiful nature and majestic temples. Later, you can dress up as a samurai or opt in for a ramen making class. Tonight, there’s a group dinner to round off the trip. We won’t blame you for getting emotional… (B,D) DAY 12 KYOTO. After breakfast, it’s sayonara to the Land of the Rising Sun. Time to swap numbers and plan that next adventure together. (B) HEADS UP! On this trip you’ll be travelling like a local… by train! This means a bit of walking between stations and hotels so we recommend packing light with a backpack or small case.

Sushi making experience in Tokyo Day trip to Mt Fuji Visit Tokyo Disneyland Visit the Robot Restaurant in Tokyo Take a dip in a traditional onsen Dress as a maiko or samurai Ramen making class in Kyoto

319

$

ALL THIS, FROM JUST:

USD PER PERSON PER DAY

All items listed in ‘Included Experiences’ and ‘Included Essentials’ are included in the price of your trip. ‘Optional Extras’ may cost extra, but are too awesome to miss out!

START MEET AT 8AM IN TOKYO FINISH DEPART KYOTO AT ANY TIME ON FINAL DAY S TA R T

FINISH

S TA R T

2020

FINISH

18

OCT

29

OCT

5

APR

16

APR

G

25

OCT

5

NOV

G

12

APR

23

APR

G

1

NOV

12

NOV

G

19

APR

30

APR

8

NOV

19

NOV

3

MAY

14

MAY

G

22

NOV

3

DEC

10

MAY

21

MAY

G

29

NOV

10

DEC

17

MAY

28

MAY

6

DEC

17

DEC

24

MAY

4

JUN

7

JUN

18

JUN

3

JAN

14

JAN

21

JUN

2

JUL

17

JAN

28

JAN

28

JUN

9

JUL

G

24

JAN

4

FEB

5

JUL

16

JUL

G

31

JAN

11

FEB

16

AUG

27

AUG

14

FEB

25

FEB

23

AUG

3

SEP

28

FEB

11

MAR

G

G

2021 G

G

6

SEP

17

SEP

G

7

MAR

18

MAR

27

SEP

8

OCT

G

14

MAR

25

MAR

G

11

OCT

22

OCT

28

MAR

8

APR

G

G= Guaranteed Departure

TOPDECKER

KYOTO, JAPAN - @DANITAKEHISSA

++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

12 DAYS FROM

3819

$

USD PER PERSON

price based on per person twin-share/double single supplement from an extra

$939

for up-to-date availability and pricing for each departure, please visit our website.

NEW TRIP

11 D A Y | T E M P L E R U N

EXPLORER - ASIA

32

CHENNAI

15

KOCHI

MEALS

1

COUNTRY

SECTOR

TRIP CODE: AXTRCK

ORGANISED FOR YOU: INCLUDED EXPERIENCES ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

Visit Mahabalipuram Visit Aurobindo Ashram Walking tours of Pondicherry and Kochi Chettinad cooking class Visit Brihadishvara and Srirangam temples Evening worship ceremony at Meenakshi temple ++ Spice plantation tour in Thekkady ++ Traditional Kalaripayattu performance ++ House boat stay in Allepey

KOCHI, INDIA

YOUR ROUTE

1 STOP & STAY

INCLUDED ESSENTIALS

START

Chennai

++ 10 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 3 dinners (D) ++ 8 nights in hotels, 1 night on a houseboat, 1 night in an Indian guesthouse ++ Average group size of 15 ++ Arrival and departure transfers ++ Modern air-conditioned vehicle ++ Awesome Trip Leader and local guides

INDIA

FINISH

Kochi

2 Alleppey 1 (house boat)

++ Visit Auroville ++ Bamboo rafting and hiking experience in Periyar National Park ++ Safari cruise in Periyar National Park ++ Sunset cruise in Kochi ++ Kathakali dance show in Kochi

131

$

USD PER PERSON PER DAY

START MEET AT 6PM IN CHENNAI FINISH DEPART KOCHI AT ANY TIME ON FINAL DAY FINISH

S TA R T

2020 12

APR

22

APR

G

10

MAY

20

MAY

G

16

AUG

26

AUG

20

SEP

30

SEP

G

18

OCT

22

NOV

FINISH 28

OCT

2

DEC

2021 17

JAN

27

JAN

21

FEB

3

MAR

TOPDECKER

G= Guaranteed Departure

2

Thanjavur Tiruchirappalli 1 Madurai

Thekkady

G

Just like the video game, this trip through Southern India is all about awesome temples and epic fun!

Prepared to be wowed again and again on this incredible adventure.

DAY 1 CHENNAI. Say namaste to India! Tonight, get to know your awesome trip mates over a welcome dinner and say cheers to the adventure ahead. This is going to be good. (D) DAY 2 CHENNAI TO PONDICHERRY. UNESCO World Heritage site alert! Today we’re stopping in at Mahabalipuram to breathe in the salty beachside air and check out the town’s mesmerising rock carvings.

Then: it’s off to French-colonial Pondicherry for a change in pace and culture. (B) DAY 3 PONDICHERRY. We’ll get a feel for the ‘French Capital of India’ on a walking tour. Then, it’s time to get in touch with your spiritual side with a visit to Aurobindo Ashram. Later you can choose to visit the experimental township of Auroville (The City of Dawn) – or why not kick back and relax at the beach? (B) DAY 4 PONDICHERRY TO CHETTINAD. Down that cup of kaapi, we’re off to Chettinad! Kick things off with a village tour: passing the town’s grand mansions and buzzing local markets. Hungry? Perfect the art of masala on an included cooking class then tuck into your creations at our heritage mansion accommodation. Yum! (B,L,D) DAY 5 CHETTINAD TO MADURAI VIA THANJAVUR AND TIRUCHIRAPPALLI. Temple run time! First up it’s Brihadishvara Temple – a spectacular Hindu structure with one of the tallest temple towers on earth. Next is the spectacular Srirangam Temple, where you can snap some #epic pics from the temple rooftop. Tonight, it’s off to Meenakshi temple for an evening worship ceremony. (B)

11 DAYS FROM

1439

$

USD PER PERSON

price based on per person twin-share/double single supplement from an extra

$649

for up-to-date availability and pricing for each departure, please visit our website.

TIRUCHIRAPPALLI, INDIA

MADURAI, INDIA - @CLOTOWER

All items listed in ‘Included Experiences’ and ‘Included Essentials’ are included in the price of your trip. ‘Optional Extras’ may cost extra, but are too awesome to miss out!

S TA R T

1 2 Pondicherry

1 Chettinad

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

ALL THIS, FROM JUST:

DAY STOP

DAY 6 MADURAI TO THEKKADY. Give your senses a workout today on a spice plantation tour in Thekkady. Later, we’ll channel our inner karate kid at a traditional Kalaripayattu performance. (B)

DAY 7 THEKKADY. Today you’ve got the option to explore India’s best wildlife reserve: Periyar National Park *heart eyes emoji*. Choose to hike, cruise or bamboo raft as you search for the resident deer and elephants. (B) DAY 8 THEKKADY TO ALLEPEY. All aboard! Tonight we’ll be spending the night on a traditional house boat drifting down the Kerala backwaters. Name a more authentic experience. We’ll wait... (B,L,D) DAY 9 ALLEPEY TO KOCHI. Time to make tracks to our final destination for the trip: the eclectic city of Kochi. Tonight, why not jump on board an optional sunset cruise and watch the sky turn 50 shades of orange over the Arabian Sea? (B) DAY 10 KOCHI. Kick off the day with a walking tour exploring the magnificent synagogue, Dutch-era houses and giant Chinese fishing nets. The afternoon is yours to soak up the relaxed seaside vibes. Want more? A traditional Kathakali dance show is on the cards for tonight. (B) DAY 11 KOCHI. Swap those numbers and get one last group photo together – we’re out of here after breakfast. Who’s up for the next adventure? (B) SECTOR

This is a sector of the 20 Day Experience India trip. See p.22 or visit our website.

WANNA KEEP EXPLORING? Then we suggest rounding off your adventure with the awesome 4-day Goa Beach Break. The dates line up perfectly so you can have yourself a supersized holiday! Check out p.63 or visit our website for more info.

NEW TRIP

10 D A Y | N A M A S T E I N D I A 15

DELHI

MEALS

1

COUNTRY

EXPLORER - ASIA

DELHI

33

SECTOR

TRIP CODE: AXNIDD

ORGANISED FOR YOU: INCLUDED EXPERIENCES ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

JAIPUR, INDIA - @SAUL_SPACE

YOUR ROUTE

1 STOP & STAY

DAY STOP START/FINISH

Delhi

TAJ MAHAL, INDIA - @JEMMALEE13

INDIA

2 1 Jaipur Agra 1 2 Jodhpur 1 Ranakpur

Chand Baori

2 Udaipur

DELHI, INDIA

DAY 3 DELHI TO AGRA. Leave the hectic streets of Delhi behind as we make tracks to magical Agra.

We’ll have a chance to channel our inner royalty as we explore Agra Fort, then it’s time to satisfy your inner foodie with an optional chaat crawl. Think of all the spicy deliciousness! (B) DAY 4 AGRA TO JAIPUR. Get ready for the best sunrise of your life... at the mesmerising Taj Mahal.

Yes, you’re actually here. Once you’ve filled your instagram story with #wanderlust pics we’ll move on to Jaipur, but not before a visit to Chand Baori Stepwell: a massive 13-storey structure with 3,500 steps arranged in perfect symmetry. (B,L)

Old Town, winding medieval streets and buzzing bazaars before tucking into dinner together. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 JODPHUR TO UDAIPUR. Hope you have your cameras charged because today we’re stopping in at Ranakpur – home to one of the most significant Jain temples in India. Once you’re done ooh-ing and ahhing at the intricate geometric patterns of the temple pillars, we’ll make tracks to romantic Udaipur. (B,L) DAY 8 UDAIPUR. Rise and shine! We’ll start the day with a walking tour of Udaipur’s quaint crooked streets and colourful bazaars. Then: why not relax and unwind with an optional yoga class? Tonight, we’re setting sail on the beautiful Lake Pichola for a sunset cruise. Bliss. (B) DAY 9 UDAIPUR TO DELHI. Soak up more tranquil old world vibes on an optional cycling tour before we fly back to the chaos of Delhi. Tonight, we’ll say goodbye over a group dinner. Quick! Swap those socials! (B,D) DAY 10 DELHI. We’re out of here after breakfast, so get one last group photo. Who’s up for the next adventure? (B)

DAY 5 JAIPUR. Another day, another amazing fortress to explore. We’ll take a Jeep up to Amber Fort before wondering the extensive complex of colourful rooms and lush courtyards. Then it’s movie time – Bollywood-style! Tonight, why not learn some new skills at an optional cooking class? All that spice! (B) DAY 6 JAIPUR TO JODPHUR. Today we’re off to the Blue City of Jodphur and the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort. Towering over the old city, Mehrangarh was chiselled from the rocky cliff face where it stands. Cool, right? Later we’ll have a chance to explore the tangle of blue cube houses in

++ ++ ++ ++

Chaat crawl in Agra Cooking class in Jaipur Yoga class in Udaipur Cycling tour in Udaipur

131

$

ALL THIS, FROM JUST:

USD PER PERSON PER DAY

All items listed in ‘Included Experiences’ and ‘Included Essentials’ are included in the price of your trip. ‘Optional Extras’ may cost extra, but are too awesome to miss out!

START MEET AT 6PM IN DELHI FINISH DEPART DELHI AT ANY TIME ON FINAL DAY S TA R T

FINISH

S TA R T

2020 3

APR

G

10

MAY

G

16

AUG

SEP

20

SEP

OCT

18

OCT

APR

12

1

MAY

7

AUG

11 9

G

G= Guaranteed Departure

SECTOR

FINISH

13

NOV

22

NOV

11

DEC

20

DEC

8

JAN

17

JAN

12

FEB

21

FEB

25

MAR

3

APR

G

2021

G, HF

HF= Holi Festival Departure

This is a sector of the 20 Day Experience India trip. See p.22 or visit our website.

TOPDECKER

DAY 2 DELHI. Tick off the likes of Jama Masjid mosque and bustling Chandni Chowk market with a walking tour of Old Delhi before we check out the mesmerising Qutab Minar – the tallest brick minaret in the world. Just, wow! Tonight, why not give your taste buds a workout with some delicious street food? (B)

INCLUDED ESSENTIALS ++ 6 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 3 dinners (D) ++ 6 nights in hotels, 3 nights in Indian guesthouses ++ Average group size of 15 ++ Internal flight ++ Local train ticket ++ Modern air-conditioned vehicle ++ Arrival and departure transfers ++ Awesome Trip Leader and local guides

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Beep, beep! Join us on a whirlwind trip through Northern India where we’ll dive into the rich culture, amazing architecture and (of course) mouth-watering food of this incredible country. Are you ready?

DAY 1 DELHI. Welcome to Delhi! Be greeted by your airport transfer and get ready to weave your way through the chaos of cars, rickshaws, scooters and people. Eeek! Get to know your trip mates over a welcome dinner and prepare yourself for a trip to remember. (D)

Walking tour of Old Delhi Visit Qutab Minar Sunrise at the Taj Mahal Visit Chand Baori Stepwell See a Bollywood movie in Jaipur Jeep ride to Amber Fort Visit Mehrangarh Fort Sunset cruise on Lake Pichola Walking tour of Udaipur

11 DAYS FROM HOLI FESTIVAL OF COLOURS Ready to throw some shade (in the best way) at India’s Holi Festival of Colours? Book our exclusive Holi Festival departure and spend the day celebrating like a local in Jaipur!

1309

$

USD PER PERSON

price based on per person twin-share/double single supplement from an extra

$359

for up-to-date availability and pricing for each departure, please visit our website.

7 D A Y | J A PA N E X P R E S S

EXPLORER - ASIA

34

TOKYO

OSAKA

8

MEALS

1

COUNTRY

TRIP CODE: AXJETR

ORGANISED FOR YOU: INCLUDED EXPERIENCES ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

Visit the Sensō-ji Temple Walk the Shibuya crossing Visit Tokyo’s Akihabara and Harajuku districts Day trip to Hakone Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine Kyoto city tour Visit Osaka Castle Visit the Umeda Sky Building

MT FUJI, JAPAN

YOUR ROUTE

1 STOP & STAY

KYOTO, JAPAN - @KAITLYNJENSENNN

INCLUDED ESSENTIALS ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

START

6 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D) 6 nights in hostels Average group size of 15 Train tickets Guided tours of all major cities Awesome Trip Leader and local guides

Tokyo JAPAN Kyoto 2 Hakone/Mt Fuji

1 Osaka

OPTIONAL EXTRAS ++ Visit Tokyo’s Robot Restaurant ++ Sushi making experience in Tokyo ++ Dress as a maiko or samurai

FINISH

OSAKA, JAPAN - @CARRIEHAUVILLE

240

$

ALL THIS, FROM JUST:

USD PER PERSON PER DAY

All items listed in ‘Included Experiences’ and ‘Included Essentials’ are included in the price of your trip. ‘Optional Extras’ may cost extra, but are too awesome to miss out!

START MEET AT 8AM IN TOKYO FINISH DEPART OSAKA AT ANY TIME ON FINAL DAY S TA R T

FINISH

S TA R T

2020 5

APR

FINISH

8

NOV

14

NOV

G

22

NOV

28

NOV

6

DEC

12

DEC

13

DEC

19

DEC

11

19

APR

25

APR

3

MAY

9

MAY

G

17

MAY

23

MAY

G

7

JUN

13

JUN

G

3

JAN

9

JAN

5

JUL

11

JUL

G

7

FEB

13

FEB

16

AUG

22

AUG

21

FEB

27

FEB

7

MAR

13

MAR

G

21

MAR

27

MAR

G

6

SEP

12

SEP

SEP

26

SEP

4

OCT

10

OCT

G

G

2021

G

G= Guaranteed Departure

TOPDECKER

G

APR

20

DAY STOP

7 DAYS FROM

1679

$

USD PER PERSON

price based on per person twin-share/double

for up-to-date availability and pricing for each departure, please visit our website.

G

Gear up to come face-to-face with the ultra-modern in Tokyo, temples and geishas in Kyoto, and culinary delights in Osaka. City tours, amazing shrines and a visit to Hakone (with a view of Mt Fuji) await. Tempted? Why wouldn’t you be?

DAY 1 TOKYO. You’re in Tokyo, baby! Meet your awesome group and dive into a full day city tour. Spot the Sensō-ji Temple, then wander along the nearby Nakamise shopping street, which sells mochi (sticky rice cakes) and geta (wooden shoes). There’s also Akihabara (for the anime fans) AND the fashionable Shinjuku and Harajuku districts to explore – and don’t forget to walk the famous Shibuya crossing or see the Meiji Shrine while you’re at it. What. A. Day. Hungry?

Thought so! Tonight, bond with your trip mates over an included dinner. (D) DAY 2 TOKYO INCLUDING HAKONE VISIT. Swap the hustle and bustle of Tokyo for the natural beauty of Hakone. This place has beautiful views across Lake Ashinoko and amazing backdrops of the sacred Mt Fuji. It’s not hard to see why this beautiful mountain is loved by the Japanese and all who visit it, inspiring countless poets and artists. Before the day is up, visit the Hakone Shrine and the famous red torii (gate) overlooking Lake Ashi. Wow. (B) DAY 3 TOKYO. Free day in Tokyo! Start ticking off the hotspots in this epic place. Hop across the unique patchwork of districts that make up the cityscape and visit the Imperial Palace and its surrounding gardens for a taste of tradition. In the evening, wander the futuristic neon-lit streets or spend your night in Shinjuku (there are endless restaurants, bars, clubs and karaoke joints here). Wanna go out with the group? Take the option to visit the Robot Restaurant. Yep, it’s a thing! (B) DAY 4 TOKYO TO KYOTO. This morning, pack your bags and get ready to travel at 300 km/h on the bullet train before arriving in the futuristic station of Kyoto. Japan’s traditional capital, Kyoto is home to over 2,000 temples and shrines –and today we’ll be paying a visit to the beautiful Fushimi Inari Shrine.

Later, dress up as a maiko or a samurai (optional). (B)

DAY 5 KYOTO. We’re off on a guided tour. Start off at the Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion and Ryōan-ji Temple.

After lunch, travel to the Heian Shrine before ending with a quick visit to the Gion district. If you find you have spare time today, be sure to get out of town and visit the pretty Arashiyama bamboo forest to find your zen place (and your next Instagram post). (B) DAY 6 KYOTO TO OSAKA. Hop on the train to Osaka, where we’ve got an intro tour to the city lined up (starting with the majestic Osaka Castle). Later, why not make your way to the top of the Umeda Sky Building to feel the wind in your hair and to get epic #views over the city? When the sun goes down, Osaka comes alive. We’ll visit the famous Dotonbori foodie district before a farewell dinner. Then: the city is all yours! (B,D) DAY 7 OSAKA. After breakfast it’s sayonara to the Land of the Rising Sun. Swap numbers and plan that next adventure together. (B) HEADS UP! On this trip you’ll be travelling like a local… by train! This means a bit of walking between stations and hotels so we recommend packing light with a backpack or small case.

KYOTO, JAPAN - @CHIPTRAVELSTHEWORLD

7 DAY | BALI ISLAND HOPPER SEMINYAK

10

MEALS

1

EXPLORER - ASIA

SEMINYAK

35

COUNTRY

TRIP CODE: AXIBSS

ORGANISED FOR YOU: INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

NUSA LEMBONGAN, BALI - @KASSANDRA_VIVIENNE

++ Choice of water activities on Nusa Lembongan including marine walk, banana boat and snorkelling ++ Island stays in Nusa Lembongan and Gili Trawangan ++ Visit Tirta Empul holy springs and temple ++ See Lake Batur ++ Visit Kopi Luwak plantation

INCLUDED ESSENTIALS YOUR ROUTE

1 STOP & STAY

Gili Trawangan

Ubud START/FINISH

Seminyak BALI

2

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

1 Nusa Lembongan

Skip from Seminyak to Nusa Lembongan and back again, ticking off the likes of Gili and Ubud along the way. Plenty of optionals of the aquatic kind should keep you busy – and when you’re on dry land, you’ll have your hands full with coconuts, monkeys and delish Indonesian food galore.

DAY 2 NUSA LEMBONGAN TO GILI TRAWANGAN. Get excited for Gili! Today, we’re heading north to the biggest of the Gili archipelago trio: Gili Trawangan.

Think: bleached sandy beaches, shady coconut palm trees and shimmering turquoise water. Talk about ultimate #islandvibes. (B) DAY 3 GILI TRAWANGAN. It’s your day your way. Feel like checking out the other islands in the Gili family?

There’s an optional island hopping experience to jump on board with. Or, channel your inner Little Mermaid and head under the sea for a snorkel. Need a break from island life? Why not indulge in a spa day? Tonight, compare pics with your trip mates over an included dinner. (B,D) DAY 4 GILI TRAWANGAN. Another free day for the taking! Want to meet the locals? Join the optional scuba diving and snorkelling tour and get the chance to bump into turtles, rays and reef sharks. Whether you decide to dive or snorkel, you’re in for a real treat! Tonight: why not take a stroll through the food markets and feast your way through local favourites?

Nasi goreng, anyone? (B)

++ ++ ++ ++ ++

Scuba diving or snorkelling in Gili Trawangan Indonesian cooking class at Kayun Whitewater rafting in Ubud Kintamani mountain biking Surf lesson in Kuta

103

$

ALL THIS, FROM JUST:

GILI TRAWANGAN, BALI - @TAYLHA__ROESLER

DAY 1 SEMINYAK TO NUSA LEMBONGAN. Rise and shine! Time to meet your awesome trip mates in Seminyak before we head over to Nusa Lembongan.

Who’s ready to island hop their way around paradise? Bond with your new BFFs over an included welcome lunch before getting the rest of the afternoon to explore this gorgeous island. Known for its epic surf break, Nusa is the perfect spot to carve up a set. Alternatively, pull up a deck chair and sip on a sunset cocktail. Whatever you choose, get ready for an epic first day. (L)

6 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 2 dinners (D) 6 nights in hotels Average group size of 15 Modern air-conditioned vehicle and local speedboats between islands ++ Awesome Trip Leader and local guides ++ ++ ++ ++

DAY STOP

DAY 5 GILI TRAWANGAN TO UBUD. There’s time for one last swim before we set our sights on tropical Ubud. If you’re a culture, yoga or nature buff, you’ve come to the right place. Once you’ve checked in, the rest of the day is all yours. Visit Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) or why not indulge in a local massage – you’ll feel relaxed and recharged in no time. There’s even an optional cooking class to sink your teeth into. (B) DAY 6 UBUD. Ready for a jam-packed day? First up, there’s a visit to the Tirta Empul holy springs and temple. Then, we’re off to Kintamani where we’ll have lunch with views over the stunning Lake Batur. Tear yourself away (it won’t be easy!) and visit the Kopi Luwak plantation before travelling through the lush rice fields and swaying coconut trees of Tegalalang.

In the afternoon, take it easy by the pool or test out your haggling skills at Ubud’s local markets. Tonight, grab one last group photo over a farewell dinner.

Cheers to an epic trip! (B,L,D) DAY 7 UBUD TO SEMINYAK. Before you go, a day of optional adrenalin-fuelled activities awaits: you could hop on a downhill mountain biking tour or do some whitewater rafting. There’s also an optional tour to Tanah Lot, where you can check out the beautiful temple and sunset. Then: see ya later alligator!

Where to next? (B)

USD PER PERSON PER DAY

All items listed in ‘Included Experiences’ and ‘Included Essentials’ are included in the price of your trip. ‘Optional Extras’ may cost extra, but are too awesome to miss out!

START MEET AT 7AM IN SEMINYAK FINISH APPROXIMATELY 3PM IN SEMINYAK S TA R T

FINISH

S TA R T

2020 G

FINISH

18

OCT

24

OCT

1

NOV

7

NOV

15

NOV

21

NOV

G

5

APR

11

APR

19

APR

25

APR

10

MAY

16

MAY

G

22

NOV

28

NOV

7

JUN

13

JUN

G

6

DEC

12

DEC

21

JUN

27

JUN

13

DEC

19

DEC

G

5

JUL

11

JUL

G

30

DEC

5

JAN

G

19

JUL

25

JUL

9

AUG

15

AUG

23

AUG

29

AUG

6

SEP

12

SEP

20

SEP

26

SEP

4

OCT

10

OCT

G

2021 G G G

3

JAN

9

17

JAN

23

JAN JAN

G

7

FEB

13

FEB

G

7

MAR

13

MAR

14

MAR

20

MAR

G

G= Guaranteed Departure

TOPDECKER

UBUD, BALI - @CE.JORDAN

7 DAYS FROM

719

$

USD PER PERSON

price based on per person twin-share/double single supplement from an extra

$389

for up-to-date availability and pricing for each departure, please visit our website.

7 DAY | THAI ISLANDS KO-CONUT HOPPER

EXPLORER - ASIA

36

PHUKET

PHUKET

8

MEALS

1

COUNTRY

TRIP CODE: AXIWUU

ORGANISED FOR YOU: INCLUDED EXPERIENCES ++ Island stays on Phuket and Koh Phi Phi ++ Welcome and farewell dinners

INCLUDED ESSENTIALS ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

6 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D) 6 nights in hotels Average group size of 15 Ferry transfers between islands Awesome Trip Leader and local guides

KOH PHI PHI, THAILAND - @GABRIELLACICERO

OPTIONAL EXTRAS ++ ++ ++ ++

YOUR ROUTE

1 STOP & STAY

DAY STOP

Trip to Coral and Racha Island in Phuket Phuket Old Town and Big Buddha tour Kayaking at Ao Thalane Full day 4 Islands tour by speedboat in Krabi

KOH PHI PHI, THAILAND - @HIPPITYHOPPITYBOO

2

113

$

ALL THIS, FROM JUST:

USD PER PERSON PER DAY

All items listed in ‘Included Experiences’ and ‘Included Essentials’ are included in the price of your trip. ‘Optional Extras’ may cost extra, but are too awesome to miss out!

Krabi

2 START/FINISH

Phuket THAILAND

2 Koh Phi Phi

KRABI, THAILAND - @JAKESVENSSON

START MEET AT 6PM IN PHUKET FINISH APPROXIMATELY 6PM IN PHUKET S TA R T

FINISH

S TA R T

2020

FINISH 2021

8

NOV

14

NOV

22

NOV

28

NOV

6

DEC

12

DEC

G G

10

JAN

16

24

JAN

30

JAN JAN

14

FEB

20

FEB

7

MAR

13

MAR

G G

G= Guaranteed Departure

KOH PHI PHI, THAILAND - @KASSANDRA_VIVIENNE

TOPDECKER

Phuket, Krabi and Koh Phi Phi are the ultimate island retreats – with beaches, rivers, and countless snorkelling and swimming opportunities. Sounds like paradise? Yep, pretty much!

7 DAYS FROM

789

$

USD PER PERSON

price based on per person twin-share/double single supplement from an extra

$459

for up-to-date availability and pricing for each departure, please visit our website.

DAY 1 PHUKET. Say sawatdee ka to Thailand’s largest and most infamous island! Get to know your soonto-be-BFFs over a welcome dinner and start planning tomorrow’s adventures. Are you ready for an epic week? (D)

Or, after a morning spent exploring Krabi Town, why not indulge in a traditional Thai massage? Later, head to one of Krabi’s reggae bars for a sunset cocktail and no-worries vibes. What a perfect end to the day. (B)

DAY 2 PHUKET. Today, why not choose to speed boat your way around the crystal blue waters of Coral and Racha Island? Think: white sandy beaches, tropical fish and relaxing under the shade of palm trees. Absolute bliss! Prefer to stay on the mainland?

There’s an optional tour of Phuket Old Town on the cards– or why not grab a cold beer and soak up the atmosphere on Bangla Road? Tonight, go on the hunt for Phuket’s best pad thai. (B)

DAY 5 KRABI TO KOH PHI PHI. Thank you, next... tropical island! We’re off to Koh Phi Phi, where lush green jungle meets bleached white beaches. Today is yours to spend lapping up those relaxed beach vibes or working on your tan pool-side at our resort. And in case you weren’t relaxed enough, tonight why not grab a beachside bevvie and watch the sunset over Phi Phi Lay – the island where Leonardo DiCaprio’s The Beach was filmed? (B)

DAY 3 PHUKET TO KRABI. Today we’re headed to tropical paradise, otherwise known as Krabi. Grab a fresh coconut, jump into 50 shades of sparkling blue waters, then lay back and work on your tan. Want more? Take an optional kayaking adventure around the mangroves and limestone formations in Ao Thalane. Look at you being such an explorer! (B)

DAY 6 KOH PHI PHI. Soak it all up on your last day here – trust us, you’ll miss it when it’s gone. Explore Phi Phi’s secluded caves and beaches by kayak, strap on your snorkel and check out the tropical fish or head to the spa for a pamper and massage. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a final dinner together and say cheers to an epic trip! (B,D)

DAY 4 KRABI. Today is all about living your best life. Spend the day exploring Krabi’s tropical island hotspots on an optional speed boat tour. So many postcard-perfect beaches, so little time!

DAY 7 KOH PHI PHI TO PHUKET. After breakfast we’re outta here. We won’t blame you if you end up sticking around to work on that tan, though. And to have one last coconut. Obvs. (B)

7 DAY | THAI ISLANDS SAMUI SUNSETS KOH SAMUI

8

MEALS

1

EXPLORER - ASIA

KOH SAMUI

37

COUNTRY

TRIP CODE: AXIEII

ORGANISED FOR YOU: INCLUDED EXPERIENCES ++ Island stays on Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao ++ Welcome and farewell dinners

KOH SAMUI, THAILAND

INCLUDED ESSENTIALS YOUR ROUTE

1 STOP & STAY

DAY STOP

KOH PHA NGAN, THAILAND - @ERIKAMBELL

2

Koh Tao

++ ++ ++ ++ ++

6 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D) 6 nights in hotels Average group size of 15 Ferry transfers between islands Awesome Trip Leader and local guides

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Koh Pha Ngan

2

++ Angthong Marine Park day trip ++ Scuba diving or snorkelling in Koh Tao ++ Organic farm visit and cooking class in Koh Samui ++ Canopy ziplining adventure in Koh Pha Ngan ++ Half day Coral Island tour

103

$

ALL THIS, FROM JUST:

2 START/FINISH

Koh Samui THAILAND

DAY 3 KOH SAMUI TO KOH PHA NGAN. Wave goodbye to Koh Samui: - today you’re off to an island that’s no stranger to a good time (Full Moon party, anyone?). Spend the afternoon exploring the local beaches or head out into the jungle for an optional canopy zipline adventure! Later, tuck into some epic Thai food before checking out all this island has to offer. Its party scene is infamous for a reason. (B) DAY 4 KOH PHA NGAN. Your day, your way.

If hanging out in a hammock sipping on fresh coconut water all day isn’t your thing, why not head north on a long tail boat or make tracks to explore the quieter beaches?

FINISH

S TA R T

FINISH G, FM

4

JUL

10

JUL

AUG G, FM

5

APR

11

APR G, FM

1

AUG

7

5

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11

MAY G, FM

30

AUG

5

SEP G, FM

3

JUN

9

JUN G, FM

29

SEP

5

OCT G, FM

G= Guaranteed Departure

FM= Full Moon, Koh Pha Ngan

Both Bottle Beach and Haad Salad Beach are pretty special. Or, channel your inner Little Mermaid on an optional snorkel tour at Koh Ma. Who’s up for round two tonight? (B)

DAY 5 KOH PHA NGAN TO KOH TAO. Today we’re headed for Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan’s baby: Koh Tao. Koh Tao means ‘Turtle Island’ – and this tropical cutie is also an important breeding ground for endangered turtle species. Keep an eye out for turtles and other sea life as you soak up some rays on yet another picture-perfect beach. All beached out? Why not re-enact an episode of Lost and head into the jungle for a hike? Tonight, toast to an epic day with a sunset cocktail. (B) DAY 6 KOH TAO. Scuba diving and snorkelling here is like ticking off Mt Everest for climbers, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled for colourful coral, rays, reef sharks and so much more. Looking for something else? This small island sure punches above its weight for things to do – from oceanview yoga classes, rock climbing, kayaking and epic viewpoints, you won’t be bored. Be sure to head back to the resort for tonight’s farewell dinner. We won’t blame you for getting emotional… *cry face emoji* (B,D) DAY 7 KOH TAO TO KOH SAMUI. After breakfast, we’ll say our goodbyes back in Koh Samui. Who’s keen to keep exploring? The possibilities are endless! (B)

@IRON_BACK FULL MOON PARTY? Grab your glow sticks and neon body paint and click ‘attending’ to the biggest and longest beach party in the world. All our Guaranteed Departure dates have been lined up perfectly to attend the monthly Full Moon party on Koh Pha Ngan.

TOPDECKER

DAY 2 KOH SAMUI. Rise and shine, you’ve got a day packed full of options ahead! Keen to explore?

Zoom out on a full day tour around Angthong Marine Park. Made up of 42 islands, you can expect jungles, white sand beaches, beautiful waterfalls, limestone formations and secret coves. Rather relax all day on bleached white beaches? Opt in for a tour to-postcard-perfect Coral Island. Or, if local cuisine is more your thing, there’s a visit to an organic farm and cooking class on the table. Yum! (B)

START MEET AT 6PM IN KOH SAMUI FINISH APPROXIMATELY 1PM IN KOH SAMUI

2020

From epic beaches to yummy street food, cocktails and coconuts for days, Thailand is where it’s at.

Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao will bring the sunrise/sunset action. Plus: the best pad thai and 1,000 chances to work on that tan. Not bad, hey?

DAY 1 KOH SAMUI. Welcome to tropical paradise.

After checking in to our beach-side resort, we’ll kick off the trip with a cocktail (or two) by the pool.

Later, get to know your island hopper mates with a delicious included meal and start planning the week’s adventures. This is gonna be a trip to remember! (D)

All items listed in ‘Included Experiences’ and ‘Included Essentials’ are included in the price of your trip. ‘Optional Extras’ may cost extra, but are too awesome to miss out!

S TA R T

KOH TAO, THAILAND

USD PER PERSON PER DAY

7 DAYS FROM

$

719

USD PER PERSON

price based on per person twin-share/double single supplement from an extra

$389

for up-to-date availability and pricing for each departure, please visit our website.

THE MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA

38

9

AWESOME TRIPS IN the Middle East & North Afr ica 10 DAY

Jordan & Israel

9 DAY

Essential Egypt

From Amman to Tel Aviv, this unforgettable trip through Jordan and Israel will have you soaking up the sandy sights of Wadi Rum, floating on top of the Dead Sea, getting snap-happy at the ancient city of Petra and tucking into all the falafel your food baby can handle!

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

++ Egyptology tour through the Valley of the Kings ++ See the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza Plateau ++ Experience a dinner cruise along the Nile ++ Visit the Khan el-Khalili market in Aswan PAGE 50

PAGE 46

ISRAEL TEL AVIV EGYPT JERUSALEM CAIRO

JORDAN

AMMAN PETRA WADI RUM DAHAB

LUXOR

UAE

ASWAN RABAT CASABLANCA TODRA GORGE MARRAKECH TAGHAZOUT

DUBAI

ABU SIMBEL

CHEFCHAOUEN FES

TAKE A BREAK

ERFOUD MERZOUGA DESERT CAMP

MOROCCO

Rockin’ Moroccan

in Dubai

DIVE INTO Dahab

Supersize your holiday with a Dahab Beach Break! The perfect beachside escape after a epic Egyptian adventure.

Combine with our Egypt Express (p.40) or Nile Discovery (p.48) trips and prepare for all the sun soaked vibes.

PAGE 53

@CLOTOWER

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

PAGE 52

++ Tour the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca ++ Explore the ‘blue pearl of Morocco’ in Chefchaouen ++ Learn to make tagine like a local ++ Immerse yourself in Marrakech’s famous markets

BUCKET LIST

Alert

PAGE 62

Dubai boasts endless sand dunes, the world’s highest view and a luxury man-made island – and that’s just the beginning. Make your stopover one to remember with our four-day or threeday Dubai short break trips. We’ll take care of the logistics so you have more time to explore. Ready? Let’s go!

Ever wanted to jump on a camel and ride out into the red sand of the Sahara?

Well your wish is our command! On our Moroccan Explorer trip you’ll spend a night under the stars at Merzouga Desert Camp right in the heart of the Sahara’s rolling red sand dunes. Just, wow!

@ZACHTOPDECK

PAGE 42

What are Sectors?

039 39

Sector trips offer you a great way to choose the 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.

Look out for these SECTOR

This is a sector of the XX Day TRIP NAME trip.

See p.xx or visit our website.

DAYS | TRIP NAME

THE MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA

1 0 D AY

| EGYPT EXPRESS

1 0 D AY

| MOROCCAN EXPLORER

1 0 D AY

| SURF, SAND & SOUKS

1 0 D AY

44 46

| NILE DISCOVERY

48

8 D AY

| JORDAN ADVENTURE

59

7 D AY

| ESSENTIAL EGYPT

50

7 D AY

| ROCKIN’ MOROCCAN

52

6 D AY

| DAHAB BEACH BREAK

THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA WERE MADE FOR ADVENTURING! THAT’S WHY WE OFFER ONE TYPE OF TRIP STYLE IN THIS REGION: EXPLORER.

EXPLORER Want plenty of time to get to the heart of each awesome destination we visit – and a small, close-knit group of like-minded travel buddies to do it with? Then allow us to introduce you to our Explorer trips. We think you two will get on just great!

ACCOMMODATION 3-4 STAR HOTELS/GUESTHOUSES DESERT CAMPS/BOATS ROOM T YPES SINGLE/TWIN DOUBLE/MULTI-SHARE

42 NEW!

| JORDAN & ISRAEL

Discover MORE

Mohammed Mutlak Desert Camp - Wadi Rum, Jordan

SECTOR

40

9 D AY

From seeing the pyramids in Egypt to exploring the markets of Morocco; discovering the ruins of Petra to floating in the Dead Sea; and from lazing on the beaches of Dahab to camping in the Sahara Desert, the ancient-modern cities, beautiful natural landscapes and unique history of the Middle East and North Africa are nothing short of epic.

TRIP LENGTH 6-10 DAYS

PAGE

NEW!

53

•

•

THE MIDDLE EAST & NORTH CONTENTS AFRICA

WADI RUM, JORDAN - @LAURA_JAYNE_86

IMPROVED ITINERARY

10 D A Y | E G Y P T E X P R E S S

EXPLORER - THE MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA

40

CAIRO

CAIRO

14

MEALS

1

COUNTRY

ABU SIMBEL, EGYPT - @CLAUDIA2ROSE

“

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ NICOLE:

FANTASTIC, GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY. ONE OF THE BEST TRIPS I HAVE EVER DONE.

”

TOPDECKER

All aboard the Egypt Express! If you’re looking for an awesome, affordable trip through Egypt that starts and ends in Cairo, you’ve come to the right place. See the pyramids and Sphinx in Giza, sail on the Nile in a traditional felucca boat, shop in Luxor’s gold markets and tour the Valley of the Kings with a qualified Egyptologist. This is an experience you’ll never forget!

DAY 1 CAIRO. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Umm al-Dunya (that’s ‘the Mother of the World’ to you and me). Drop those bags and get excited for a jam-packed Egyptian adventure! Tonight, meet your fellow Topdeckers and get settled in. You’ll all be mates in no time.

DAY 2 CAIRO. Time to take on Cairo! Not sure where to start? We’ve got two optional extras for you to choose from: take a tour of the Islamic Quarter and check out Red Road, or head out on a day trip to Alexandria. What’s it gonna be? (B)

YOUR ROUTE

1 STOP & STAY

DAY STOP

Cairo

START/FINISH

EGYPT

2 1

overnight coach

1

1

Luxor Felucca Sailing

1 Hurghada

2

Kom Ombo

1 Aswan

Abu Simbel

DAY 3 CAIRO TO ASWAN VIA OVERNIGHT COACH. First up today: a visit to the Egyptian Museum, where a qualified Egyptologist will give us the lowdown on King Tutankhamun’s treasures. Then: prepare to feel small and insignificant (in the best possible way) as you stand before the Great Pyramid of Giza and the legendary Sphinx. After a day of exploring, we’ll get cosy on an overnight coach to Aswan. (B) DAY 4 ASWAN. After this morning’s visit to a traditional ahwa (an Egyptian coffee shop), you’ll be free to take your pick from optional activities a-gogo.

Choose from a camel ride, a trip to the Philae Temple or a visit to a Nubian village (complete with delicious dinner). Decisions, decisions! (B,L)

LUXOR, EGYPT - @SHMERSIN DAY 5 ASWAN TO FELUCCA SAILING. After a temple-filled day at Abu Simbel, we’ll climb aboard a traditional felucca sailboat and hit the Nile. Pull up a cushion – the adventure’s just beginning! (B,L,D) DAY 6 FELUCCA SAILING. Imagine: the sun on your back, the wind in your cotton sails and the best people you could ever hope to meet sharing stories, food and music in one cushion-strewn love-in. This is the life! (B,L,D) DAY 7 FELUCCA SAILING TO LUXOR. Today it’s bye-bye to the boat as we step off in Luxor (aka the world’s largest open-air museum). But first: a pit stop at Kom Ombo and an optional look at the Karnak and Luxor Temples. (B)

EXPLORER - THE MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA

41

TRIP CODE: MXEECC

ORGANISED FOR YOU: INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

ABU SIMBEL, EGYPT - @_SAMARAJANE_

- INCLUDED @FLICK7789

++ Felucca sailing on the Nile (sleeping bag required) ++ Egyptology tours at major sites (entrance fees not included) ++ See the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza Plateau ++ Visit the Egyptian Museum ++ Visit the Temples of Abu Simbel and Kom Ombo ++ Visit the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon

INCLUDED ESSENTIALS

SAIL THE NILE

ON A TRADITIONAL FELUCCA BOAT

CAIRO, EGYPT - @TAYLAPIUBELLO

DAY 8 LUXOR TO HURGHADA. Lose yourself in the Valley of the Kings, give a silent high five to Queen Hatshepsut (who ruled ancient Egypt for 20 years) and snap a selfie at the Colossi of Memnon before we hit the road to Hurghada. (B) DAY 9 HURGHADA TO CAIRO. Did someone say beach? That’s right! This morning is all yours to stretch out on the sand and soak up the sun. Pro tip: there are some incredible coral reefs to look at here if you’re keen. Whatever you choose to do, make the most of it – we’ll be heading back to Cairo this afternoon! (B)

++ 9 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 2 dinners (D) ++ 6 nights in hotels, 2 nights aboard a felucca sailboat, 1 night aboard an overnight coach ++ Average group size of 15 ++ Arrival and departure transfers ++ Modern air-conditioned vehicle ++ Awesome Trip Leader and local guides

OPTIONAL EXTRAS WANT TO KEEP EXPLORING? Then we suggest rounding off your adventure with the awesome Jordan & Israel trip (p.44) or Dahab Beach Break (p.53) after this trip wraps up in Cairo.

++ ++ ++ ++

Day trip to Alexandria Visit Karnak and Luxor Temples Camel ride in Aswan Giftun Island trip

90

$

ALL THIS, FROM JUST:

USD PER PERSON PER DAY

All items listed in ‘Included Experiences’ and ‘Included Essentials’ are included in the price of your trip. ‘Optional Extras’ may cost extra, but are too awesome to miss out!

DAY 10 CAIRO. The adventure may be over after breakfast, but feel free to stick around. After all, Cairo’s got plenty to keep you occupied! (B)

START MEET AT 6PM IN CAIRO FINISH DEPART CAIRO AT ANY TIME ON FINAL DAY S TA R T

FINISH

S TA R T

2020

LUXOR, EGYPT - @CAITSCHULZ

18

APR

FINISH

31

OCT

9

NOV

30

NOV

27

APR

G

21

NOV

G

G

2

MAY

11

MAY

28

NOV

7

DEC

16

MAY

25

MAY

12

DEC

21

DEC

G

13

JUN

22

JUN

26

DEC

4

JAN

G

27

JUN

6

JUL

1

AUG

10

AUG

12

SEP

21

SEP

19

SEP

28

SEP

26

SEP

5

OCT

17

OCT

26

OCT

2021 G G

9

JAN

18

JAN

23 13 6

JAN FEB MAR

1 22 15

FEB FEB MAR

G

20

MAR

29

MAR

G

ASWAN, EGYPT - @MIKAELA_RICE

10 DAYS FROM

899

$

SAIL THE NILE Capture the feeling of sweet freedom as you make like an ancient Egyptian and head out on an unforgettable sailing trip down the Nile on a traditional felucca boat. Please note: A sleeping bag is required for the felucca sailing portion of this trip.

TOPDECKER

G= Guaranteed Departure

USD PER PERSON

price based on per person twin-share/double single supplement from an extra

THE NILE, EGYPT - @ADELEJAYDE

$289

for up-to-date availability and pricing for each departure, please visit our website.

IMPROVED ITINERARY

10 D A Y | M O R O C C A N E X P L O R E R

EXPLORER - THE MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA

42

MARRAKECH

“

12

1

MEALS

COUNTRY

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ASHLEY:

I AM VERY HAPPY WITH THE TOUR OVERALL AND LIKED THAT I COULD SEE A LITTLE BIT OF EACH CITY. I FEEL LIKE I GOT A WELLROUNDED VIEW OF MOROCCO.

”

Ready to feel the magic of the Middle East? With an overnight stay in the Sahara Desert and a guided tour of the medina in Fes on the cards, this adventure is one for the books! On this exploration of one of the most diverse countries in North Africa, you’ll travel from Marrakech to Casablanca, the Atlas Mountains and more.

TOPDECKER

MARRAKECH

DAY 1 MARRAKECH. Make your way to the hotel, ditch the map, turn off your phone and prepare to lose/find yourself in a maze of mosaics and souks.

Welcome to Marrakech! Join the gang at tonight’s welcome meeting and get pumped – it’s gonna be an amazing ten days.

MERZOUGA DESERT, MOROCCO - @EM_ROSSER

YOUR ROUTE

1 STOP & STAY

DAY STOP

Volubilis Rabat

1

Casablanca

Fes

2

Meknes

Ifrane

Midelt

Marrakech START/FINISH

MOROCCO

1 Erfoud

2 1

Aït Benhaddou

Todra Gorge

1

Ouarzazate

DAY 2 MARRAKECH. Today is all about the city tour.

As we make our way around we’ll check out the narrow streets of the medina and wriggle past the snake charmers in bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square.

This place has got it all – street entertainers, henna tattoo artists, musicians and more. (B) DAY 3 MARRAKECH TO RABAT VIA CASABLANCA. First today, we’ll pay a visit to the Hassan II Mosque – which has the world’s largest minaret (with an actual laser beam on top). Then: it’s on to the UNESCO World Heritage capital of Rabat for a city tour. Don’t forget to paint the town blue in the Kasbah of the Udayas! (B)

1 Merzouga

Desert Camp

DAY 4 RABAT TO FES VIA MEKNES AND VOLUBILIS. Today we’ll take a walk through enchanting Meknes (which was once home to the Moroccan sultanate) before moving on to Volubilis for a wander around some amazingly well preserved ruins. We’re talking historic public buildings and intricate mosaics that have well and truly stood the test of time. Later on, brace yourselves for all things patterned in Fes. (B) DAY 5 FES. Mausoleums, mosques and medinas are on the cards today as we hit the streets with a local guide. The 9,000 narrow cobbled streets in Fes el-Bali are lined with spices, food stalls and tanneries, so don’t just stand there – get exploring! Spot minarets crowning the rooftops, see how many fountains you can count or hunt down a hammam for a body shine and polish. It’s a tough life. (B)

EXPLORER - THE MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA

43

TRIP CODE: MXMEMM

ORGANISED FOR YOU: INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

MARRAKECH, MOROCCO - @CLOTOWER

++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

Guided tours of Marrakech, Rabat and Fes Visit Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca Visit the Medina of Fes Visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis Stay at a desert camp in the Sahara Entrance fees to all sights in the itinerary

@LACHLANSEPNCER - ROME

INCLUDED ESSENTIALS - INCLUDED -

++ ++ ++ ++ ++

@EM_ROSSER

STAY AT A

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

DESERT CAMP IN THE SAHARA

9 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L), 2 dinners (D) 8 nights in hotels, 1 night in a desert camp Average group size of 15 Modern air-conditioned minibus Awesome Trip Leader and local guides

TODRA GORGE, MOROCCO - @NJSEALEY

DAY 6 FES TO ERFOUD VIA MIDELT. Today we’ll wind our way through acres of cedar forests before stopping in Midelt for an optional lunch (not to mention some breathtaking views of the eastern High Atlas). Afterwards, it’s time to adjust to the altitude in Alpine-fresh Erfoud: the ‘Door to the Desert’. (B) DAY 7 ERFOUD TO MERZOUGA DESERT CAMP. Merzouga looks as if it might be engulfed by the red dunes of the Sahara Desert at any moment. Pull up a pool lounger and savour the view before hopping on a camel (if you want to!) and heading out to our desert camp. Have you ever seen so many stars?

(B,L,D)

DAY 9 OUARZAZATE TO MARRAKECH VIA AÏT BENHADDOU. Aït Benhaddou is UNESCO World Heritage and ‘Desert Hollywood’ beauty combined on an old caravan route between Sudan and Marrakech.

Otherworldly charm level? 100/10! (B) DAY 10 MARRAKECH. The trip might be over after breakfast, but your adventure doesn’t have to be!

We’ll be seeing you around... (B)

++ ++ ++ ++

Camel ride in the Sahara Desert Hammam and massage in a local spa Tagine cooking class in Marrakech Quad biking in the rock desert

99

$

ALL THIS, FROM JUST:

USD PER PERSON PER DAY

All items listed in ‘Included Experiences’ and ‘Included Essentials’ are included in the price of your trip. ‘Optional Extras’ may cost extra, but are too awesome to miss out!

START MEET AT 6PM IN MARRAKECH FINISH DEPART MARRAKECH AT ANY TIME ON FINAL DAY S TA R T

FINISH

S TA R T

2020

OCT

11

OCT

16

OCT

25

OCT

G

APR

G

26

APR

G

6

NOV

15

NOV

17

MAY

G

13

NOV

22

NOV

MAY

31

MAY

4

DEC

13

DEC

JUN

14

JUN

G

18

DEC

27

DEC

G

19

JUN

28

JUN

3

JUL

12

JUL

G

17

JUL

26

JUL

3

DAY 8 MERZOUGA TO OUARZAZATE VIA TODRA GORGE. Step into your own Roadrunner cartoon today in rock climber’s heaven: Todra Gorge. With a 3D landscape of imposing orange sandstone peaks, streams and the odd camel playing outside your window today, the trip to Ouarzazate will seem quicker than a coyote. (B,D)

FINISH

2

APR

12

17

APR

8

MAY

22 5

31

JUL

9

AUG

14

AUG

23

AUG

4

SEP

13

SEP

18

SEP

27

SEP

G

2021 G G G

8

JAN

17

JAN

22

JAN

31

JAN

5

FEB

14

FEB

19

FEB

28

FEB

5

MAR

14

MAR

19

MAR

28

MAR

G G

G= Guaranteed Departure

TOPDECKER

CASABLANCA, MOROCCO - @NICKSMISTYPHOTOSOFEUROPE

10 DAYS FROM

989

$

USD PER PERSON

price based on per person twin-share/double single supplement from an extra

OUARZAZATE, MOROCCO - @OLIVEALEXTRAVEL

SAHARA DESERT, MOROCCO - @NJSEALEY

$289

for up-to-date availability and pricing for each departure, please visit our website.

10 D A Y | J O R D A N & I S R A E L

EXPLORER - THE MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA

44

AMMAN

TEL AVIV

10

2

MEALS

COUNTRIES

PETRA, JORDAN

On this trip through Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Territories, you’ll soak up the sandy sights of Jordan’s Wadi Rum, get snap-happy at the Greco-Roman ruins of Jerash, float in the Dead Sea, then feast your eyes on the ancient city of Petra. But that’s not all! There’s also Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Bethlehem to get stuck into.

Awesome, huh?

DAY 1 AMMAN. Touch down in one of the oldest cities in existence and drop off your gear before trading bios with your new travel buddies tonight.

For dinner, why not track down some falafel? We’re not just talking any old falafel, though. Trust us, the stuff you get here is like nothing you’ll find at home.

Top tip: shimmy over to Hashem Restaurant (it’s a favourite of locals and travellers alike).

DAY 2 AMMAN TO PETRA. Time to kick it old school in Madaba, the site of an ancient holy map that’s so detailed it’s like Google Maps for theologists. Then: soak up views of the Promised Land from the top of Mt Nebo, storm a giant Crusader castle in Karak... and we haven’t even got to the Lost City yet! (B)

TOPDECKER

DAY 3 PETRA. ‘Historic’ is a word that doesn’t even come close to describing a city that was founded around 312 BC. With 80 m high red sandstone tunnels and a façade made famous by Indiana Jones, Petra stands as testament to man’s ability to create beauty from absolutely nothing. Wander through the Siq and remember to pinch yourself when you catch your first glimpse of the Treasury. (B)

YOUR ROUTE

1 STOP & STAY

Tel Aviv FINISH

ISRAEL

1

DAY STOP

Jerash Amman START

Jerusalem

2

Bethlehem Dead Sea

1 1 JORDAN Madaba Mt Nebo Karak

2 Petra

Aqaba

1

1 Wadi Rum WADI RUM, JORDAN - @M0RGANFARRELL

DAY 4 PETRA TO WADI RUM. Back in the day, camels were the go-to way to cross the desert.

Nowadays, we do it in a 4x4 (though the camel ride is still an option if you fancy it). At Wadi Rum, we’ll stay overnight with one of the world’s most ancient nomadic tribes in a Bedouin camp. When night comes, get set for an epic show: we’re talking more twinkling stars than you’ve ever seen before. The Milky Way is your canopy tonight! (B,D) DAY 5 WADI RUM TO AQABA. Founded in around 4,000 BC, Aqaba is Jordan’s only coastal city – and it sits smack bang in the middle of everything that is the Red Sea. Take the option to wetsuit up and see what all those ‘top dives in the world’ lists are on about. Also on the optional extras menu: snorkelling and a glass bottom boat tour. Who knew the marine life here was so colourful? (B)

DAY 6 AQABA TO AMMAN. Time to enjoy one of the world’s oldest health resorts! At 427 m below sea level (the lowest point on Earth), the Dead Sea is so salty you can float around in it like a cork. After taking some photographic proof, we’ll hit the road to Amman. Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad empires have all had their two cents when it comes to this place, creating a melting pot of ancient historical sites. You’ll see the Roman Amphitheatre, Citadel and more on this afternoon’s city tour. (B) DAY 7 AMMAN TO JERUSALEM VIA JERASH. Today we’ll crank the history knob up to 11 and take you through Jerash – home to a bunch of Greco-Roman highlights, including a hippodrome which was used for chariot racing (and has nothing to do with hippos). (B)

EXPLORER - THE MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA

45

TRIP CODE: MXJIAT

ORGANISED FOR YOU: INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

AMMAN, JORDAN- @EYEOFWANDERLUST

@LACHLANSEPNCER - ROME

- INCLUDED -

++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

Discover the ‘Lost City’ of Petra Float in the Dead Sea Guided tours of Amman and ancient Jerash Wadi Rum 4x4 excursion Stay in a Bedouin desert camp Relax on the Red Sea in Aqaba Guided tours of Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Tel Aviv ++ Entrance fees to all sights in the itinerary

INCLUDED ESSENTIALS

WADI RUM, JORDAN - @KALEMRB

++ 9 breakfasts (B), 1 dinner (D) ++ 8 nights in hotels, 1 night in a Bedouin desert camp ++ Average group size of 15 ++ Arrival transfer from the airport to the hotel ++ Modern air-conditioned minibus or coach ++ Awesome Trip Leader and local guides

FLOAT IN THE

DEAD SEA

@AIDANBERG21

OPTIONAL EXTRAS ++ Petra by Night tour ++ Camel ride at Wadi Rum ++ Red Sea glass bottom boat trip and snorkelling

DAY 8 JERUSALEM. Christianity, Islam and Judaism all consider Jerusalem a holy place, so it’s kind of a big deal. Today we’ll check out sights like the Mount of Olives, Gethsemane, King David’s Tomb, the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Golgotha (where Jesus was crucified), just to name a few. (B) DAY 9 JERUSALEM TO TEL AVIV VIA BETHLEHEM. Step into a real-life nativity scene in Bethlehem before swapping religious sites for Tel Aviv. Wanna top up your tan? You’ve got 16 beaches to choose from! If you’re keen for a wander, head to the chilledout seaport of Old Jaffa. Tonight we’ll find out why Lonely Planet ranked this place one of the top ten party cities in the world. But before you hit the bars, why not head out for a final dinner with your travel mates? Saluf & Sons does some tasty, traditional Yemeni food that’s well worth a try! (B) DAY 10 TEL AVIV. The trip might be over after breakfast, but don’t leave until you track down Abu Hassan for hummus that will haunt your dreams (it’s that good). Don’t miss the boho neighbourhood of Florentin either – there are plenty of cafés here where you can sample local coffees and treats. Just the ticket after the night before! (B)

173

$

ALL THIS, FROM JUST:

USD PER PERSON PER DAY

All items listed in ‘Included Experiences’ and ‘Included Essentials’ are included in the price of your trip. ‘Optional Extras’ may cost extra, but are too awesome to miss out!

START MEET AT 6PM IN AMMAN FINISH DEPART TEL AVIV AT ANY TIME ON FINAL DAY S TA R T

FINISH

S TA R T

2020 6

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - @_SPIN_THE_BLACK_CIRCLE

APR

15

APR

27

APR

6

MAY

11

MAY

20

MAY

25

MAY

3

JUN

8

JUN

17

JUN

22

JUN

1

JUL

FINISH G

5

OCT

14

OCT

G

26

OCT

4

NOV

9

NOV

18

NOV

G

16

NOV

25

NOV

30

NOV

9

DEC

7

DEC

16

DEC

G G

G

G

2021

6

JUL

15

JUL

G

4

JAN

13

JAN

10

AUG

19

AUG

G

18

JAN

27

JAN

31

AUG

9

SEP

1

FEB

10

FEB

7

SEP

16

SEP

G

22

FEB

3

MAR

21

SEP

30

SEP

15

MAR

24

MAR

28

SEP

7

OCT

G G

TOPDECKER

G= Guaranteed Departure

10 DAYS FROM

1729

$

USD PER PERSON price based on per person twin-share/double single supplement from an extra

AMMAN, JORDAN - @ZACHTOPDECK

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - @MARIECLARETRINDER

$459

for up-to-date availability and pricing for each departure, please visit our website.

NEW TRIP

10 D A Y | S U R F, S A N D & S O U K S

EXPLORER - MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA

46

CASABLANCA

ESSAOUIRA

14

1

MEALS

COUNTRY

TAGHAZOUT, MOROCCO

This is the Morocco trip that gives you more.

MORE surf. MORE sand. MORE souks! From Casablanca to Essaouira (and all the coolest places in between), you’ll discover historic medinas, ancient ruins, buzzing bazaars – and some of the best surfing beaches around. Sound good? We thought so!

YOUR ROUTE

1 STOP & STAY

DAY STOP

Chefchaouen

1 2 Fes

Volubilis

Casablanca START

MOROCCO

DAY 1 CASABLANCA TO CHEFCHAOUEN. Morocco, let’s do this! Brace yourself for Casablanca’s mix of sparkling waters, palm-fringed avenues, street art and colonial buildings. Ahhh – doesn’t it feel great to be here? After this morning’s welcome meeting, we’ll check out the seriously impressive Hassan II Mosque – a religious and cultural complex topped off with the tallest minaret in the world. And then? Off to Chefchaouen we go! You’ll soon see why this place is known as the ‘blue city’... (L,D)

TOPDECKER

DAY 2 CHEFCHAOUEN TO FES VIA VOLUBILIS. First up today: a guided walking tour of the medina will make your Insta story pop with brilliant blue-andwhite buildings and terracotta tiles. Then: put on your archaeology hat, ‘cos we’re off to Volubilis to check out the Roman ruins. Want more history?

Good! Tonight we’ll be heading deep into the heart of old Morocco on our journey to Fes. (B,L) DAY 3 FES. Hellooo, city tour! You’ve got a whole day to get all up in the winding alleyways and buzzing souks of Fes el-Bali. Yes! As we make our way around we’ll tick off the likes of the Jewish Quarter, the Royal Palace and a traditional ceramics factory for a true insight into the local culture. Later on, why not head over to The Ruined Garden (Google it) for a spot of Moroccan tapas? (B)

1

Essaouira FINISH

Marrakech

2 Taghazout

FES, MOROCCO - @CAITSCHULZ

DAY 4 FES TO MARRAKECH. Next stop, Marrakech!

When we get there, the evening will be yours to spend exploring the old medina as you please. Think: henna artists, street performers, storytellers and stall after stall crammed full of tantalising local delicacies.

It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it’s like nowhere else on earth. Enjoy! (B,L) DAY 5 MARRAKECH. You haven’t done Marrakech until a local guide has shown you the sights. Fact!

That’s why we’ll be hitting the streets today for a walking tour featuring busy souks, Koutoubia Mosque and the famous Jemaa el-Fna square. Ready to take on those bazaars? Yeah, you are! (B)

DAY 6 MARRAKECH. What’s it gonna be today? The choice is yours! That’s right, you’ve got a free day to take on the city your way. Get the full Moroccan spa treatment at a hammam, go souvenir shopping or simply let your tummy lead the way. Tagine, anyone? (B) DAY 7 MARRAKECH TO TAGHAZOUT. We’ve done the souks. Now it’s time for sand and surf! Get pumped – today we’re off to the laid-back surfer’s paradise that is Taghazout. Welcome to some of the most famous breaks in Morocco! Tonight, laze by the pool and plan all the things you wanna do tomorrow. Exciting times! (B)

EXPLORER - THE MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA

47

TRIP CODE: MXSSCE

ORGANISED FOR YOU: INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

TAGHAZOUT, MOROCCO - @SHOTSOFLOUIS

@LACHLANSEPNCER - ROME

++ ++ ++ ++ ++

@CLOTOWER

OF CHEFCHAOUEN

Visit Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca Walking tour of Chefchaouen Visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis Walking tour of Fes Half-day city tour of Marrakech Walking tour of Essaouira Entrance fees to all sights in the itinerary

INCLUDED ESSENTIALS

- INCLUDED -

WALKING TOUR

++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

9 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 2 dinners (D) 9 nights in hotels Average group size of 15 Modern air-conditioned minibus Awesome Trip Leader and local guides

OPTIONAL EXTRAS FES, MOROCCO - @LEAAHBURTON

DAY 8 TAGHAZOUT. Awww, yeah! You’ve got a free day to spend chilling at the beach, taking epic photos, surfing, splashing, sunbathing and sipping mint tea. This is what it’s all about! Taghazout, you’re our kinda place. (B)

++ ++ ++ ++

Tagine cooking class in Marrakech Desert quad biking near Marrakech Paddle boarding or surf lesson in Taghazout Day trip to Paradise Valley

114

$

ALL THIS, FROM JUST:

USD PER PERSON PER DAY

All items listed in ‘Included Experiences’ and ‘Included Essentials’ are included in the price of your trip. ‘Optional Extras’ may cost extra, but are too awesome to miss out!

DAY 9 TAGHAZOUT TO ESSAOUIRA. Give one last shaka to Taghazout – today we’ll be kicking it up the Atlantic Coast to the fishing town of Essaouira (it’s pronounced ‘Essa-weera’, if you’re wondering). A walking tour through the medina, the port and along the Scala (sea wall) will help you get your bearings before we come together for a super emotional farewell dinner in a local restaurant. No, you’re crying. (B,D)

START MEET AT 9AM IN CASABLANCA FINISH DEPART ESSAOUIRA AT ANY TIME ON FINAL DAY S TA R T

FINISH

S TA R T

2020

DAY 10 ESSAOUIRA. We hate to say it, but it’s time to go home! One last breakfast, then the party’s over.

Same time next year? (B)

G

4

APR

13

APR

25

APR

4

MAY

16

MAY

25

MAY

6

JUN

15

JUN

20

JUN

29

JUN

G G

25

JUL

3

AUG

15

AUG

24

AUG

5

SEP

14

SEP

G

G

FINISH

19

SEP

28

SEP

3

OCT

12

OCT

17

OCT

26

OCT

7

NOV

16

NOV

5

DEC

14

DEC

G

G

2021 16

JAN

25

JAN

13

FEB

22

FEB

13

MAR

22

MAR

G

G= Guaranteed Departure

TOPDECKER

MARRAKECH, MOROCCO - @MEGANIRENE

10 DAYS FROM

$

1139

USD PER PERSON

price based on per person twin-share/double single supplement from an extra

VOLUBILIS, MOROCCO -@LEAAHBURTON

FES, MOROCCO - @EM_ROSSER

$389

for up-to-date availability and pricing for each departure, please visit our website.

IMPROVED ITINERARY

9 DAY | NILE DISCOVERY

EXPLORER - THE MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA

48

CAIRO

CAIRO

14

MEALS

1

COUNTRY

BOARD A 5-STAR CRUISE SHIP

TRIP CODE: MXEVCC

ORGANISED FOR YOU: INCLUDED EXPERIENCES ++ 5-star cruise on the Nile ++ Egyptology tours at major sites (entrance fees not included) ++ See the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza Plateau ++ Visit the Egyptian Museum ++ Visit the Temples of Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo and Edfu ++ Visit the Temples of Luxor and Karnak ++ Visit the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut ++ Visit a Nubian village

and take on the Nile in style. Expect golden sunsets, comfy cabins and a swimming pool fit for a pharaoh.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

THE NILE, EGYPT

YOUR ROUTE

1 STOP & STAY

DAY STOP

Cairo

1 1

START/FINISH

EGYPT

INCLUDED ESSENTIALS ++ 8 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 3 dinners (D) ++ 4 nights in hotels, 3 nights in cabin accommodation on a 5-star cruise ship, 1 night aboard an overnight coach ++ Average group size of 15 ++ Arrival and departure transfers ++ Modern air-conditioned vehicle ++ Awesome Trip Leader and local guides

136

$

ALL THIS, FROM JUST:

USD PER PERSON PER DAY

All items listed in ‘Included Experiences’ and ‘Included Essentials’ are included in the price of your trip. ‘Optional Extras’ may cost extra, but are too awesome to miss out!

START MEET AT 6PM IN CAIRO FINISH DEPART CAIRO AT ANY TIME ON FINAL DAY FINISH

S TA R T

2020 APR

FINISH

1

NOV

9

NOV

30

NOV

APR

G

22

NOV

G

29

NOV

7

DEC

13

DEC

21

DEC

G

27

DEC

4

JAN

G

3

MAY

11

MAY

MAY

25

MAY

14

JUN

22

JUN

G

28

JUN

6

JUL

G

2

AUG

10

AUG

G

10

JAN

18

JAN

13

SEP

21

SEP

G

24

JAN

1

FEB

20

SEP

28

SEP

14

FEB

22

FEB

27

SEP

5

OCT

7

MAR

15

MAR

18

OCT

26

OCT

21

MAR

29

MAR

2021

G

G= Guaranteed Departure

TOPDECKER

G

27

17

HURGHADA, EGYPT

1

Nile Cruise Ship

Abu Simbel

1219

$

USD PER PERSON

price based on per person twin-share/double

$379

for up-to-date availability and pricing for each departure, please visit our website.

CAIRO, EGYPT - @CHLOEMCINTOSH

On our Nile Discovery trip, you’ll swing by Egypt’s most important historic sites – with a 5-star Nile cruise thrown in for good measure! Ready to soak up some history? Yeah, you are...

DAY 1 CAIRO. Hello, city of a thousand minarets!

Go for a solo explore, settle into your hotel room or simply sit back and watch the madness of Cairo’s traffic jams from a coffee shop before shimmying over to tonight’s welcome meeting. Time to meet your new friends!

DAY 6 NILE CRUISE SHIP TO LUXOR. Today our cruise ship journey will take us to Luxor, which was once the capital of ancient Egypt. We’ll show you around Karnak Temple (the largest religious building ever made) and Luxor Temple, one of the best preserved of all of Egypt’s ancient monuments. (B)

DAY 2 CAIRO TO ASWAN VIA OVERNIGHT COACH. Today we’ll check off King Tutankhamun’s treasure chest at the Egyptian Museum and see the legendary Great Pyramid of Giza (and the Sphinx to boot). (B)

DAY 7 LUXOR TO HURGHADA. First up: prepare to take a walk through the shadow of the Valley of Kings (the second most famous spot in Egypt after the Pyramids of Giza). Then: we’ll pay a visit to the Temple of Hatshepsut and the incredible Colossi of Memnon before we move on to Hurghada. (B)

DAY 3 ASWAN TO NILE CRUISE SHIP. First up: a felucca sailboat ride and a culture lesson in a brightly coloured traditional village. Then: it’s all aboard our five-star cruise ship for a taste of life finer than the pharaohs could have ever imagined. This baby comes kitted out with a rooftop pool, a bar and plenty of sun loungers for you to rest up on. Oh – and did we mention there’s an optional camel ride on the cards today, too? (B,L,D) DAY 4 NILE CRUISE SHIP. Come face to face with awe-inspiring Abu Simbel, two rock temples that are presided over by four gigantic statues of Rameses II. After that, we’ve got a quick question for you: what’s cooler than Kom Ombo Temple? Answer: the fact 300 mummified crocodiles were found nearby. Creepy!

(B,L,D)

9 DAYS FROM

single supplement from an extra

1 Hurghada

Aswan

++ Camel ride in Aswan ++ Giftun Island trip

19

Luxor Edfu

1

Kom Ombo

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

S TA R T

overnight coach

DAY 5 NILE CRUISE SHIP. Heads up: the eye of Ra is watching you today as we pay a visit to the Temple of Edfu. Get acquainted with the falcon-headed sky god Horus, then kick back on deck and drink in the beauty of the Nile. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 HURGHADA TO CAIRO. Wake up and roll out of bed – you’ve got a lazy morning to spend chilling on Hurghada’s beautiful beaches, so make the most of it! With some of the most colourful coral reefs around, it’s easy to see why this place is a diver’s paradise. And then? After all that sea, sand and sun, we’ll head back to Cairo. (B) DAY 9 CAIRO. Wahhhh – time’s up! We’re offski, but you could always stick around if you fancy it! (B)

WANT TO KEEP EXPLORING? Then we suggest rounding off your adventure with the awesome Jordan & Israel trip (p.44) after this trip wraps up in Cairo. The dates line up perfectly so you can have yourself a supersized holiday. Just book your own flight from Cairo to Amman!

8 DAY | JORDAN ADVENTURE AMMAN

8

MEALS

1

COUNTRY

EXPLORER - THE MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA

AMMAN

49

SECTOR

TRIP CODE: MXJIAA

ORGANISED FOR YOU: ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

WADI RUM, JORDAN

YOUR ROUTE

1 STOP & STAY

Discover the ‘Lost City’ of Petra Float in the Dead Sea Guided tours of Amman and ancient Jerash Wadi Rum 4x4 excursion Stay in a Bedouin desert camp Relax on the Red Sea in Aqaba Entrance fees to all sights in the itinerary

DAY STOP

INCLUDED ESSENTIALS AQABA, JORDAN - @ZACHTOPDECK

Jerash Amman

START/FINISH

2 1 JORDAN Madaba Mt Nebo Dead Sea

Karak

2 Petra

Aqaba 1

1 Wadi Rum

++ 7 breakfasts (B), 1 dinner (D) ++ 6 nights in hotels, 1 night in a Bedouin desert camp ++ Average group size of 15 ++ Arrival and departure airport transfers ++ Modern air-conditioned minibus or coach ++ Awesome Trip Leader and local guides

OPTIONAL EXTRAS ++ Petra by Night tour ++ Camel ride at Wadi Rum ++ Red Sea glass bottom boat trip and snorkelling

All items listed in ‘Included Experiences’ and ‘Included Essentials’ are included in the price of your trip. ‘Optional Extras’ may cost extra, but are too awesome to miss out!

S TA R T

DAY 3 PETRA. ‘Historic’ is a word that doesn’t even come close to describing a city that was founded around 312 BC. With 80 m high red sandstone tunnels and a façade made famous by Indiana Jones, Petra stands as testament to man’s ability to create beauty from absolutely nothing. Wander through the Siq and remember to pinch yourself when you catch your first glimpse of the Treasury. (B) DAY 4 PETRA TO WADI RUM. Back in the day, camels were the go-to way to cross the desert.

Nowadays, we do it in a 4x4 (though the camel ride is still an option if you fancy it). At Wadi Rum, we’ll stay overnight with one of the world’s most ancient nomadic tribes in a Bedouin camp. When night comes, get set for an epic show: we’re talking more twinkling stars than you’ve ever seen before. The Milky Way is your canopy tonight! (B,D)

DAY 5 WADI RUM TO AQABA. Founded in around 4,000 BC, Aqaba is Jordan’s only coastal city – and it sits smack bang in the middle of everything that is the Red Sea. Take the option to wetsuit up and see what all those ‘top dives in the world’ lists are on about. Also on the optional extras menu: snorkelling and a glass bottom boat tour. Who knew the marine life here was so colourful? (B) DAY 6 AQABA TO AMMAN. Time to enjoy one of the world’s oldest health resorts! At 427 m below sea level (the lowest point on Earth), the Dead Sea is so salty you can float around in it like a cork. After taking some photographic proof, we’ll hit the road to Amman. Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad empires have all had their two cents when it comes to this place, creating a melting pot of ancient historical sites. You’ll see the Roman Amphitheatre, Citadel and more on this afternoon’s city tour. (B) DAY 7 AMMAN INCLUDING JERASH. Today we’ll crank the history knob up to 11 and take you through Jerash – home to a bunch of Greco-Roman highlights, including a hippodrome which was used for chariot racing (and has nothing to do with hippos). (B) DAY 8 AMMAN. Fill up on falafel – this trip’s over after breakfast. Where to next? (B) SECTOR

This is a sector of the 10 Day Jordan & Israel trip. See p.44 or visit our website.

FINISH

S TA R T

2020 6

APR

13

APR

27

APR

4

MAY

11

MAY

18

MAY

25

MAY

1

JUN

8

JUN

15

JUN

22

JUN

29

JUN

FINISH G

5

OCT

12

OCT

G

26

OCT

2

NOV

9

NOV

16

NOV

G

16

NOV

23

NOV

30

NOV

7

DEC

7

DEC

14

DEC

G G

G

G

2021

6

JUL

13

JUL

G

4

JAN

11

JAN

10

AUG

17

AUG

G

18

JAN

25

JAN

31

AUG

7

SEP

1

FEB

8

FEB

7

SEP

14

SEP

G

22

FEB

1

MAR

21

SEP

28

SEP

15

MAR

22

MAR

28

SEP

5

OCT

G G

G= Guaranteed Departure

TOPDECKER

Check out all the awesomeness Jordan has to offer on this ah-mazing Topdeck trip – ticking off the likes of the fabled ‘Rose City’ of Petra, an authentic Bedouin desert camp and the famous Dead Sea.

DAY 2 AMMAN TO PETRA. Time to kick it old school in Madaba, the site of an ancient holy map that’s so detailed it’s like Google Maps for theologists. Then: soak up views of the Promised Land from the top of Mt Nebo, storm a giant Crusader castle in Karak... and we haven’t even got to the Lost City yet! (B)

USD PER PERSON PER DAY

START MEET IN AMMAN AT 6PM FINISH DEPART AMMAN AT ANY TIME ON FINAL DAY

PETRA, JORDAN - @EMMAELIZABETH_90

DAY 1 AMMAN. Head to a shawarma stand or grab a plate of mansaf, ‘cos the food here is off the hookah.

Just be back in time for tonight’s welcome meeting!

133

$

ALL THIS, FROM JUST:

8 DAYS FROM

1059

$

USD PER PERSON

price based on per person twin-share/double single supplement from an extra

$389

for up-to-date availability and pricing for each departure, please visit our website.

IMPROVED ITINERARY

7 DAY | ESSENTIAL EGYPT

EXPLORER - THE MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA

50

CAIRO

7

CAIRO

1

MEALS

COUNTRY

CAIRO, EGYPT - @CLAUDIA2ROSE

Wanna discover the highlights of Egypt in style?

Topdeck’s Essential Egypt trip is the one for you!

Starting and ending in Cairo, this awesome 7-day adventure includes guided tours of the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, the Valley of the Kings, Luxor, the temples of Abu Simbel and more. Trust us – this one is made of 100% bucket list material!

DAY 1 CAIRO TO ASWAN. Get pumped – you’re in Cairo! Touch down and meet us at the airport for your transfer to Aswan. En route, you’ll have plenty of time to get to know your new trip mates. Kick back and get comfy, ‘cos tomorrow the adventure begins!

TOPDECKER

DAY 2 ASWAN. Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Lord Byron… they’ve all done it. Now it’s your turn! Go low tech with a ride on a felucca sailboat down the Nile and sprawl out on the cushion-strewn deck. Try not to doze off, though – we’ve got a traditional Nubian village to get to! Here you can pick up handmade souvenirs, stroll past pretty multicoloured houses and get up close and personal with Aswan’s unique culture. If you fancy it, you can even opt in to take a camel ride (talk about life goals) or chow down on an authentic Nubian dinner. Top tip: try the ful. (B) DAY 3 ASWAN. Roll out of bed and prepare to feel like a small fry as you gaze up at the four colossal statues of Ramses II at Abu Simbel (you’ll want to make sure there’s space in your camera roll for this one). The afternoon will be yours to spend sipping on a cool beverage by the pool or exploring the city’s colourful bazaars before we get back together for a visit to a local ahwa (that’s ‘coffee shop’ to you and me). (B,D)

YOUR ROUTE

1 STOP & STAY

DAY STOP

Cairo

START/FINISH

EGYPT

1

overnight coach

1 1 Luxor

overnight coach

1

2 Aswan

Abu Simbel

DAY 4 ASWAN TO LUXOR. Today it’s time for a wellearned touch of Luxor – also known as ‘the world’s greatest open-air museum’. Once the capital of ancient Egypt, it’s now a history-laden landscape of souks and temples. Your challenge today is to see as much of it as possible. And… go! We’ll kick things off with tours of Karnak Temple (the largest religious building ever made) and Luxor Temple, one of the best preserved of all of Egypt’s ancient monuments.

All together now: wowwww. (B)

ABU SIMBEL, EGYPT - @JARAMEYB DAY 5 LUXOR TO CAIRO. Next up: the Valley of the Kings (aka the place everyone in ancient Egypt was ‘dying’ to get into). Expect tombs, and lots of them – plus a whole bunch of amazingly vibrant wall art that’s been waiting for you to come visit it for thousands of years. And did we mention that you’ll have a super knowledgeable Egyptologist as your guide? Listen up and learn the stories of the pharaohs as you pass from tomb to tomb. Tonight, it’s back on the road again as we journey back to Cairo. (B)

EXPLORER - THE MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA

51

TRIP CODE: MXETCC

ORGANISED FOR YOU: INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

CAIRO, EGYPT

++ Egyptology tours at major sites (entrance fees not included) ++ See the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza Plateau ++ Visit the Egyptian Museum ++ Visit the Temples of Abu Simbel, Luxor and Karnak ++ Visit the Valley of the Kings ++ Visit a Nubian village

INCLUDED ESSENTIALS ++ 6 breakfasts (B), 1 dinner (D) ++ 4 nights in hotels, 2 nights aboard an overnight coach ++ Average group size of 15 ++ Arrival and departure transfers ++ Modern air-conditioned vehicle ++ Awesome Trip Leader and local guides

- INCLUDED @WONDERERS_FOOTPRINT

VISIT THE

VALLEY OF THE KINGS

OPTIONAL EXTRAS ++ Nile dinner cruise ++ Visit the Philae Temple ++ Camel ride in Aswan

LUXOR, EGYPT - @JENFORRET

116

$

ALL THIS, FROM JUST:

USD PER PERSON PER DAY

All items listed in ‘Included Experiences’ and ‘Included Essentials’ are included in the price of your trip. ‘Optional Extras’ may cost extra, but are too awesome to miss out!

DAY 6 CAIRO. Back in Cairo, we’ll hit up the Egyptian Museum – where we’ll check out King Tutankhamun’s treasure chest. Then: get some perspective at the base of the 138 m Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx. Trust us, even your goosebumps will get goosebumps! To toast your final night with your fellow Topdeckers, why not take an optional Nile dinner cruise? Fancy. (B)

START MEET AT 2PM IN CAIRO FINISH DEPART CAIRO AT ANY TIME ON FINAL DAY S TA R T

FINISH

S TA R T

2020

DAY 7 CAIRO. The trip ends here (well, breakfast first), but you can stick around if you want to.

Pop on that fedora and keep on exploring, Indy! (B)

FINISH

13

JUL

19

JUL

4

MAY

10

MAY

G

27

JUL

2

AUG

G

25

MAY

31

MAY

G

10

AUG

16

AUG

G

1

JUN

7

JUN

G

24

AUG

30

AUG

G

15

JUN

21

JUN

7

SEP

13

SEP

G

22

JUN

28

JUN

21

SEP

27

SEP

G

29

JUN

5

JUL

28

SEP

4

OCT

G

G

G= Guaranteed Departure

5-STAR CRUISE ON THE NILE

LUXOR, EGYPT - @SHMERSIN

TOPDECKER

To experience this trip with an upgrade to 3 nights on a 5-star Nile River cruise, check out the 9 Day Nile Discovery trip on p.48.

7 DAYS FROM

809

$

USD PER PERSON

price based on per person twin-share/double single supplement from an extra

ASWAN, EGYPT - @SHMERSIN

$319

for up-to-date availability and pricing for each departure, please visit our website.

IMPROVED ITINERARY

7 DAY | ROCKIN’ MOROCCAN

EXPLORER - THE MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA

52

CASABLANCA

MARRAKECH

10

MEALS

1

COUNTRY

SECTOR

TRIP CODE: MXRMCM

ORGANISED FOR YOU: INCLUDED EXPERIENCES ++ Tour of Hassan Mosque ++ Guided tours of Chefchaouen, Fes and Marrakech ++ Visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis

INCLUDED ESSENTIALS ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

6 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 1 dinner (D) 6 nights in hotels Average group size of 15 Modern air-conditioned minibus Awesome Trip Leader and local guides

VOLUBILIS, MOROCCO - @NJSEALEY

OPTIONAL EXTRAS ++ ++ ++ ++

YOUR ROUTE

Palmery cycling tour Tagine cooking class in Marrakech Cycling day trip to the Atlas Mountains Day trip to Ourika Valley

DAY STOP

Chefchaouen

100

$

ALL THIS, FROM JUST:

1

USD PER PERSON PER DAY

All items listed in ‘Included Experiences’ and ‘Included Essentials’ are included in the price of your trip. ‘Optional Extras’ may cost extra, but are too awesome to miss out!

FINISH

S TA R T

2020 APR

10

APR

25

APR

1

MAY

16

MAY

22

MAY

6

JUN

12

JUN

20

JUN

26

JUN

G

25

JUL

31

JUL

G

15

AUG

21

AUG

5

SEP

11

SEP

G

Volubilis

FINISH

SEP

25

SEP

3

OCT

9

OCT

17

OCT

23

OCT

7

NOV

13

NOV

5

DEC

11

DEC

G

Casablanca

MOROCCO

19 G

4

2 Fes

START

START MEET AT 9AM IN CASABLANCA FINISH DEPART MARRAKECH AT ANY TIME ON FINAL DAY S TA R T

1 STOP & STAY

CHEFCHAOUEN, MOROCCO - @CLOTOWER

G

Marrakech G

FINISH

2021 16

JAN

22

JAN

13

FEB

19

FEB

13

MAR

19

MAR

G= Guaranteed Departure

FES, MOROCCO - @MIKAELE_RICE G

Ticking off Casablanca, Fes and Marrakech in just seven days, this Moroccan adventure totally rocks the kasbah. Prepare for opulence overload at the Hassan II Mosque, photo ops aplenty in the blue city of Chefchaouen and as many walking tours as your feet can keep up with. Ready to rock and roll?

TOPDECKER

DAY 1 CASABLANCA TO CHEFCHAOUEN. What’s uppppp Casablanca! Welcome to Morocco’s most populated city. Dump those bags and join the group, ‘cos this trip kicks off with a bang! We’re off to one of the largest mosques in the world – the Hassan II. And later on? We’ll hit the road to the most Instagrammable location ever: Chefchaouen. Talk about an amazing first day! (L,D) DAY 2 CHEFCHAOUEN TO FES VIA VOLUBILIS. Brace yourself for medinas, mazes and mausoleums – today we’re missioning it inland to Fes. But first, enjoy a tour of Chefchaouen courtesy of yours truly.

Get your Insta game on as we stop for snaps of some vibrant white and blue cobbled streets that give Mykonos a run for its euros. Also on today’s agenda: a guided tour of the amazing Roman ruins of Volubilis. (B,L)

7 DAYS FROM

699

$

USD PER PERSON

price based on per person twin-share/double single supplement from an extra

$229

for up-to-date availability and pricing for each departure, please visit our website.

DAY 3 FES. This morning there’s a city tour with your name on it. Did you know Fes is one of ten cities in the world that’s officially classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site? You do now! Spend your free afternoon exploring like a pro. (B)

DAY 4 FES TO MARRAKECH. Say hello to your drive day – today we’re hitting the road to Marrakech. Get excited, ‘cos when we get there we’ll unleash you on the medina. Expect henna artists, street performers, storytellers, food stalls and more! (B,L) DAY 5 MARRAKECH. Who’s a Marrakech master? You are! Well, you will be after our awesome city tour.

Check out the Koutoubia Mosque, then find things you never thought you needed in Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Once a trading post for slaves, ivory and gold, now it’s home to colourful characters selling everything from spices and leather to medicines and food. (B) DAY 6 MARRAKECH. You’ve got another day to spend soaking up all the awesome Moroccan vibes you can handle. Let’s play a game – what’s the craziest thing you can find for sale in the souks? (B) DAY 7 MARRAKECH. Wahhhhh! It’s time to wave goodbye to your Moroccan mates. Swap Insta handles – you officially sign off from Topdecker duty after breakfast. (B) SECTOR

This is a sector of the 10 Day Surf, Sand & Souks trip. See p.46 or visit our website.

NEW TRIP

6 DAY | DAHAB BEACH BREAK CAIRO

5

MEALS

1

EXPLORER - THE MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA

CAIRO

53

COUNTRY

TRIP CODE: MXDBCC

ORGANISED FOR YOU: INCLUDED EXPERIENCES ++ Chill out in the snorkelling paradise of Dahab

INCLUDED ESSENTIALS ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

5 breakfasts (B) 5 nights in hotels Average group size of 15 Modern air-conditioned vehicle Awesome Trip Leader

OPTIONAL EXTRAS ++ Diving course in Dahab ++ Camel ride in Dahab ++ Climb Mt Sinai and visit the Monastery of St Catherine ++ Snorkelling at the Blue Hole

DAHAB, EGYPT

YOUR ROUTE

1 STOP & STAY

DAY STOP

95

$

ALL THIS, FROM JUST:

Cairo

USD PER PERSON PER DAY

All items listed in ‘Included Experiences’ and ‘Included Essentials’ are included in the price of your trip. ‘Optional Extras’ may cost extra, but are too awesome to miss out!

START/FINISH

EGYPT

1 START MEET AT 9AM IN CAIRO FINISH DEPART CAIRO AT ANY TIME ON FINAL DAY

4

DAHAB, EGYPT

Hear that? It’s the tropical palms, sparkling waters and sandy beaches of Dahab calling your name!

Channel your inner sun worshipper and come join us for six days of Egyptian seaside heaven on the Sinai Peninsula. With snorkelling, diving and quad biking opportunities galore, this one’s so much more than your average beach holiday!

DAY 1 CAIRO TO DAHAB. The Sinai Peninsula is like the Koh Samui of the Middle East – where pyramids and deserts give way to coral reefs and insanely turquoise water. Long story short? Prepare for more laidback awesomeness than you can shake a palm tree at! To make your first day complete, why not top it off with an optional diving course or camel ride?

Let the fun begin...

DAY 4 DAHAB. Tuckered out from all that swimming, kite surfing and optional quad biking? Pro tip: grab yourself some chill time (and plenty of mint tea) at one of the Bedouin cafés lining the sand. You’ll be raring to go again in no time! Also on today’s agenda: opt in to go snorkelling at the Blue Hole (Egypt’s most famous diving site) and keep an eye out for a mindboggling 1,200 species of fish. Wow! (B)

DAY 2 DAHAB. The Red Sea is not just bucket list material – it’s more lusted after than a new iPhone release! We’ll totally get it if you want to spend the whole day swimming, sun worshipping and generally splashing around at the beach. Wanna head inland?

No worries. Today’s optional extra has you covered!

Visit the atmospheric Monastery of St Catherine, then climb Mt Sinai and witness a sunrise of biblical proportions. Epic! (B)

DAY 5 DAHAB TO CAIRO. Take one last salty plunge into the ocean before we head back to the chaos of Cairo. Hungry? Try the stuffed pigeon (it’s allegedly an aphrodisiac). Who knew... (B)

DAY 3 DAHAB. Fancy a feast fit for a sheikh? Yeah, you do! Take advantage of another free day in paradise and tuck into some of Dahab’s signature drool-worthy seafood. When you’re full to the brim, you’ll be faced with a tough decision: doze or dip? It’s a hard life. (B)

S TA R T

FINISH

S TA R T

2020 27

APR

2

MAY

G G

11

MAY

16

MAY

25

MAY

30

MAY

22

JUN

27

JUN

FINISH

NOV

14

NOV

30

NOV

5

DEC

7

DEC

12

DEC

21

DEC

26

DEC

G G

2021

6

JUL

11

JUL

4

JAN

9

JAN

10

AUG

15

AUG

18

JAN

23

JAN FEB

21

SEP

26

SEP

28

SEP

3

OCT

5

OCT

10

OCT

26

OCT

31

OCT

G G

1

FEB

6

22

FEB

27

FEB

15

MAR

20

MAR

29

MAR

3

APR

Then we suggest kicking off your adventure with the Egypt Express or Nile Discovery (p.40 or p.48) before starting your Dahab Beach Break trip! The dates line up perfectly so you can have yourself a supersized holiday.

G G

G= Guaranteed Departure

DAY 6 CAIRO. Like sand slipping through an hourglass, our time together will come to an end after breakfast. Who’s up for round two? (B) WANT TO SEE MORE OF EGYPT?

G

9

TOPDECKER

Dahab

6 DAYS FROM

$

569

USD PER PERSON

price based on per person twin-share/double single supplement from an extra

$179

for up-to-date availability and pricing for each departure, please visit our website.

AFRICA

54

3

AWESOME TRIPS IN

Afr ica

MORE SUN AND

More Safari

Make like Dora and get ready to explore the vast wilderness of Kenya and Tanzania on the oncein-a-lifetime Sun and Safari trip.

NEW TRIP

Big Five ‘n’ Falls

PAGE 58

MAASAI MARA

NAIROBI

SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

PAGE 60

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

KENYA

++ Experience Kruger National Park on a full day 4x4 game drive ++ See the spectacular Victoria Falls ++ Play ‘I spy’ with the wildlife in Matobo National Park

TANZANIA

ZANZIBAR DAR ES SALAAM

EAT, SLEEP, BEACH,

THRILLS AND

Spills

Repeat!

VICTORIA FALLS

Can you hear that? Yep, the thundering waters of Victoria Falls are calling your name!

And with all the optional adrenalin activities offered here on our Big Five ‘n’ Falls trip, you’re sure to get the heart pumping.

Let’s do this!

PAGE 60

ZIMBABWE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK JOHANNESBURG

SOUTH AFRICA

PAGE 58

SWAZILAND

ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK

CAPE TOWN

If it’s white sand, sparkling sea and hot sun you’re after, Zanzibar is the place to be! On our Sun and Safari trip you’ve got three days to get stuck into all the underwater activities, beach lazing and sunset cruising. Bliss.

SOUTH AFRICAN

Adventure

SEE DUMBO IN

Addo Elephant National Park

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS PAGE 56

PAGE 56

++ 4x4 game drives in major wildlife national parks ++ Soak up the spectacular scenery in Drakensberg ++ Experience a local wine tasting in Hermanus

55 AFRICA

AFRICA

Our Trips

SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK, TANZANIA

DAYS | TRIP NAME

Hear the call of the wild? An African adventure is beckoning! Pass by mountains, rivers and lakes, laze about on idyllic palm-fringed beaches and roam some of the world’s best National Parks in search of wild animals. Sound tempting? We thought so.

1 8 D AY

| SOUTH AFRICAN ADVENTURE

1 3 D AY

| SUN & SAFARI

7 D AY

PAGE NEW!

NEW!

| BIG FIVE ‘N’ FALLS

NEW!

56 58 60

Discover MORE

DO YOU LIKE YOUR CREATURE COMFORTS? OR IS CAMPING MORE YOUR THING? OUR AFRICA TRIP STYLES CATER TO PRETTY MUCH EVERYONE.

OVERLAND CAMPING On our unique African camping trips, you’ll stay in two-person dome tents (complete with comfy mattresses) at a range of awesome campsites.

A true safari experience? Sign us up!

+

ACCOMMODATION CAMPSITES/GAME RESERVES (SLEEPING BAG REQUIRED)

TRIP LENGTH 7-18 DAYS

ROOM T YPES TWIN-SHARE

Campsite - Maasai Mara, Kenya

OVERLAND ACCOMMODATED Our accommodated trips offer the same excitement and adventure as our camping trips – except while your camping buddies head to their tents for the night, you’ll have a comfortable bed in a safari cabin, tented camp or hostel to rest up in.

ACCOMMODATION HOTELS/CAMPSITES/LODGES/GAME RESERVES

Sunset Bungalows - Zanzibar, Tanzania

TRIP LENGTH 7-18 DAYS

ROOM T YPES TWIN/DOUBLE

NEW TRIP

18 D A Y | S O U T H A F R I C A N A D V E N T U R E

OVERL AND - AFRICA

56

JOHANNESBURG

CAPE TOWN

41

3

MEALS

COUNTRIES

ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA

Go wild on this unforgettable trip through South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. You’ll roam across breathtakingly scenic landscapes, majestic mountain ranges and vast plains, then hit pause to take in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

One thing’s for sure: you’ll leave Africa with a thirst to discover more. Ready to create some memories? Let’s go!

DAY 1 JOHANNESBURG TO KRUGER NATIONAL PARK. Touch down in Johannesburg, meet your fellow Topdeckers and get excited for the incredible adventure ahead. We’ll kick the trip off in true African style with an included 4X4 game drive this afternoon.

Oh hey, Simba! Tonight, we’ll gather around the campfire after dinner and soak up all those nature vibes. Phew! What an epic start to the trip. (L,D)

TOPDECKER

DAYS 2-3 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK. Rise and shine adventurers! We’ve got two full days of 4X4 safariing to get on board with. This place is home to 500 species of birds, 148 species of mammals, a variety of reptiles and the Big Five (of course) so we hope you packed your camera! With our eagle-eyed guide at the wheel, you’re sure to spot more than a few animals doing their thing. Sing the ‘Circle of Life’ all the way back to camp before we swap safari stories over the campfire. This is livin’, Barry. (B,D) (B,D) DAYS 4-5 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK TO MLILWANE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY. We’ll get one last chance to lap up all the Lion King vibes on an included bush walk through Kruger before rolling into the kingdom of Swaziland. Taking the scenic route doesn’t get much better than our drive today (cue epic panoramic views). We’ll stop in at Blyde River Canyon for a jawdropping photo op. Then: it’s onto Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary we go. On day five, get a taste of traditional Swazi culture with an included Esitjeni village walk.

Then: jump on board an optional sunset game drive for some epic views over the mountain ranges or play ‘I, spy’ on a sunset guided walk. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)

YOUR ROUTE

1 STOP & STAY

DAY STOP Kruger National Park START

Johannesburg

SOUTH AFRICA

2

Drakensberg

Mountain Zebra National Park FINISH

Cape Town

1

1 Hermanus

1

1

St Lucia

2

2

Durban

1 1

Oudtshoorn

SWAZILAND

2

Malealea

LESOTHO

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Addo Elephant National Park

Storms River

DAY 6 MLILWANE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY TO ST LUCIA. The adventuring continues as we make tracks toward the coastal town of St Lucia. Get excited, ‘cos this afternoon we’re going to hop on a boat cruise and get floaty on the river – cue frolicking hippos and lazy crocodiles hanging out on the sandy river banks. Filled your SD card again? Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time to filter out the good ones at an included dinner tonight. (B,L,D) DAYS 7-8 ST LUCIA TO DURBAN. Next up: Durban.

Located on the KwaZulu-Natal coast, South Africa’s third largest city is buzzing with optional activities to sink your teeth into. Why not get on board an optional tour to the Valley of 1000 Hills for some epic views and an insight into the lives of the Zulu people?

Or you could hire a surfboard and practise your best shaka along the coast. Does a cruise around the bay

or visit to the local art gallery sound more like your jam? Let us know, we’ll sort it. Then: hit the beaches along the Golden Mile. With over 300 days of sunshine every year it’s the perfect place to work on your tan, go for a swim or hit the surf. And, go! (B) (B)

DAYS 9-10 DURBAN TO DRAKENSBERG. Sling your stuff in the truck, we’re off to Drakensberg after breakfast. A mountain range that extends over 600 miles across South Africa, Drakensberg is a truly awe-inspiring sight. A mixing bowl filled with wildlife, flora and stunning scenery this place deserves all the heart eye emojis. Then: say hi to the Amphitheatre at the centre of the Royal Natal National Park. There’s an optional hike to Tugela Falls (the second-highest waterfall in the world) on day ten if you’re up for it.

(B,L,D) (B,L,D)

OVERL AND - AFRICA

57

TRIP CODE: ZOAAJC

ORGANISED FOR YOU: INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA - @RHI_FIN

- INCLUDED -

++ Afternoon and full day 4X4 game drive in Kruger National Park ++ Esitjeni village walk ++ See Blyde River Canyon ++ Estuary Cruise in St Lucia ++ Sunset 4X4 game drive in Addo Elephant National Park ++ Guided tour of Cango Caves ++ Visit Cape Agulhas ++ Wine tasting in Hermanus ++ Royal Natal National Park hike

@ROAMINGRHI

4X4 GAME DRIVE IN

INCLUDED ESSENTIALS

KRUGER

NATIONAL PARK

DRAKENSBERG, LESOTHO

DAYS 11-12 DRAKENSBERG TO MALEALEA. See ya later, Drakensberg – we’re off to Malealea, where we’ll camp out for the next two nights. Optionals?

Soak up all the nature vibes on a guided hike, pony trekking or mountain biking experience. For a truly unique cultural experience why not have all your questions answered at a Sangoma appointment? Or discover the local way of life on a local village tour.

Whatever you choose, we have a feeling you’re going to love it here. (B,L,D) (B,L,D) DAY 13 MALEALEA TO MOUNTAIN ZEBRA NATIONAL PARK. South Africa, we meet again. What do you think you’ll see at the Mountain Zebra National Park? We’ll give you one guess! Later, why not earn your stripes (LOL) on an optional 4x4 game drive? (B,L,D) DAY 14 MOUNTAIN ZEBRA NATIONAL PARK TO ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK. From one African location to another – don’t say we don’t spoil you! Home to over 350 elephants brought back from the brink of extinction, today we’ll have the chance to meet Dumbo and his friends on an included 4x4 sunset game drive through the park. Want more?

There’s a nighttime experience on offer too. (B,L,D) DAY 15 ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK TO STORMS RIVER. Ready to get your adrenalin pumping? Good! Not only does Storms River have an awesome name, but it’s also got a bunch of awesome optionals to choose from, too.

Check out the suspension bridge hanging just seven metres from the churning waters below or paddle your way down the river in a kayak. Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There’s plenty of hiking trails to explore as well. (B,D)

DAY 16 STORMS RIVER TO OUDTSHOORN. Wakey wakey! Time to kick it to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world (for real). Today we’ll hit up the Cango Caves, Africa’s largest show cave system. Ooh, mysterious! You can even opt in to visit the cute lil’ critters at Cango Wildlife Ranch afterwards. Tonight, we’ll tuck into one last group dinner – Quick! Snap a pic of your new Topdeck fam. (B,D) DAY 17 OUDTSHOORN TO HERMANUS. Relaxed and revitalized, we’ll head to Hermanus, a town that’s famous for its whale and dolphin sightings. But first, we’ll make a pitstop at Cape Agulhas – Africa’s southernmost tip. Later, put your palettes to the test with an included wine tasting. Hope you left room in your suitcase for a commemorative bottle (or two). (B) DAY 18 HERMANUS TO CAPE TOWN. It’s our last day but there’s still plenty of time to spot the Marine Big Five on an optional cruise to Dyer Island. Want something a little more thrilling? A great white shark cage dive should do the trick! Our trip will wrap up in Cape Town *sad face*. Swap those socials, we know you’ll be back. (B)

++ 17 breakfasts (B), 10 lunches (L), 14 dinners (D) ++ 17 nights in 2-person dome tents or twin-share accommodation ++ Average group size of 15 ++ Fully equipped safari vehicle ++ Camping and cooking equipment ++ Awesome Trip Leader, Chef and Driver

OPTIONAL EXTRAS ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

Amphitheatre day hike in Drakensberg Pony trekking in Malealea Mountain biking in Malealea Village tour in Malealea 4X4 game drive in Mountain Zebra National Park Kayaking on Storms River Storms River hiking trails Dyer Island marine safari cruise Shark cage diving in Cape Town

135

$

ALL THIS, FROM JUST:

USD PER PERSON PER DAY

All items listed in ‘Included Experiences’ and ‘Included Essentials’ are included in the price of your trip. ‘Optional Extras’ may cost extra, but are too awesome to miss out!

START MEET AT 6AM IN JOHANNESBURG FINISH APPROXIMATELY 3PM IN CAPE TOWN S TA R T

FINISH

S TA R T

2020 25

APR

12

MAY

6

JUN

23

JUN

25

JUL

11

AUG

5

SEP

22

SEP

G

FINISH

10

OCT

27

OCT

7

NOV

24

NOV

G

2021 G

11

JAN

28

JAN

15

FEB

3

MAR

G= Guaranteed Departure 18 DAYS CAMPING FROM $2429 USD PER PERSON

18 DAYS ACCOMMODATED FROM $3019 USD PER PERSON

TOPDECKER

(Sleeping bag required)

18 DAYS FROM

2429

$

USD PER PERSON

price based on per person twin-share tents single supplement from an extra

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA - @ELLECHILDS85

MLIWANE NATIONAL PARK, SWAZILAND

$339

for up-to-date availability and pricing for each departure, please visit our website.

NEW TRIP

13 D A Y | S U N & S A FA R I

OVERL AND - AFRICA

58

NAIROBI

DAR ES SALAAM

27

2

MEALS

COUNTRIES

ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA - @HP_TRAVELS

Make like Dora and get ready to explore the vast wildernesses of Tanzania and Kenya on this once-in-a-lifetime safari. Starting in Nairobi, you’ll check off the likes of Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Maasai Mara before finishing up on paradise island Zanzibar. Now that’s what we call an adventure!

DAY 1 NAIROBI TO MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE. Hellooooo, Africa! Touch down in Nairobi, meet the group and don’t forget to pinch yourself.

You’re really here! After a round of introductions, we’ll kick-start our adventure by travelling across the mesmerising Great Rift Valley to the Maasai Mara National Reserve – Kenya’s best-known game park.

Looking for the real Africa? This is it! This afternoon, we’ll get our first taste of the great Kenyan outdoors on a game drive. Hold up – is that an elephant? (L,D)

TOPDECKER

DAY 2 MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE. Yes! You’ve got a full day safari included to soak up the Mara’s rolling grasslands and broad horizons. Heart eyes emojis at the ready! Also today: an optional visit to a Maasai village. Prep your peepers for an explosion of colour, ‘cos the shukas (blankets) and jewellery that the locals wear are seriously bright and beautiful! While you’re here, you may even get the chance to watch a traditional dance performance – and if you’re really lucky, you might be invited to join in... (B,L,D) DAY 3 MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE TO NAIROBI. Today we’ll leave the incredible natural wonderland of the Maasai Mara behind us and hit the road back to the chaotic city of Nairobi. Tonight, you’re free to explore your way. Pro tip: head to Carnivore for the chance to try ostrich roasted on a traditional Maasai sword. Cool, huh? (B,L)

YOUR ROUTE

1 STOP & STAY

DAY STOP

START

Nairobi

KENYA

2

1

Ngorongoro Crater

1 1

Maasai Mara

2

Serengeti National Park

TANZANIA

Arusha

Bagamoyo

1

4

Zanzibar FINISH

Dar es Salaam

DAY 4 NAIROBI TO ARUSHA. Next stop, Tanzania.

Did you know? This unforgettable country is home to over 120 tribes – who speak over 120 languages! Try and wrap your vocal cords around a new phrase or two as we make our way to Arusha (Tanzania’s ‘safari capital’). This bustling city is filled with colourful markets and sits pretty at the foot of Mt Meru.

Wanna take a look around? Good news – there’s an optional town visit on the table today. (B,L,D) DAY 5 ARUSHA TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK. Wave bye-bye to the truck – today we’ll switch to smaller 4x4 vehicles as we head west to the epic Serengeti National Park (‘the place where the land moves on forever’). Don your khaki greens, ‘cos we’re going all-out safari mode! Exciting. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for lions and hyenas... (B,L,D)

DAY 6 SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK. Rise and shine!

This morning we’re heading out on a game drive over the seemingly endless Serengeti plains. Safari fact: the animals here are usually more active during the cooler hours of the day, so we’ll make an early start and head back to camp for lunch. If you’re feeling sleepy, take forty winks – we’ll be back on the wildlife trail this afternoon! (B,L,D) DAY 7 SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK TO ARUSHA. Get excited, ‘cos today we’re headed inside the Ngorongoro Crater for a morning of game driving and wildlife spotting. Trust us – this place is like nowhere else on Earth! We’ll weave past forests, plains and lakes as we search for the Big Five (who tend to be less shy here than in other wildlife reserves, FYI). You’ll be dreaming of zebras, cheetahs and rhinos after hitting the hay back in Arusha tonight… (B,L,D)

OVERL AND - AFRICA

59

TRIP CODE: ZOSSND

ORGANISED FOR YOU: INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK, TANZANIA - @RHI-FIN

- INCLUDED -

MAASAI MARA

NATIONAL PARK

INCLUDED ESSENTIALS ++ 12 breakfasts (B), 8 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D) ++ 12 nights in 2-person dome tents or twin-share accommodation ++ Average group size of 15 ++ Return ferry tickets to Zanzibar ++ Fully equipped safari vehicle ++ Camping and cooking equipment ++ Awesome Trip Leader, Chef and Driver

ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA - @A.ARON89

VISIT THE

++ 4x4 game drive in Maasai Mara National Reserve ++ Maasai village walk ++ 4x4 game drives in the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater

OPTIONAL EXTRAS MAASAI MARA, KENYA - @WANDERS_OF_G

DAY 8 ARUSHA TO BAGAMOYO. Off we go to Bagamoyo! If we’re lucky with the weather, we might even get to see an ah-mazing snow-capped Mt Kilimanjaro (Africa’s highest peak) on the way.

Sweet! Here’s a bit of trivia for you – Bagamoyo was founded at the end of the 18th century and was once the capital of German East Africa. One for the pub quiz file! (B,L,D) DAY 9 BAGAMOYO TO ZANZIBAR. Hop on the ferry – we’ve got a beautiful palm-fringed island to get to!

Get out there and begin your stay on Zanzibar with a walk around the mosques, palaces, courtyards and alleyways of Stone Town. You’re sure to find a whole bunch of souvenirs in the markets – from jazzy fabrics to unusual wooden carvings. Noticed that intoxicating aroma in the air? That’ll be the spices.

Head out on an optional spice tour to learn more about the fragrant vanilla, cinnamon, pepper, ginger and nutmeg that are grown here. (B)

DAY 13 ZANZIBAR TO DAR ES SALAAM. Nooooooo – after one last breakfast as a group, it’s time to jump on the ferry back to Dar es Salaam. Swap those socials and hug it out, ‘cos this Sun & Safari adventure ends here. (B)

++ ++ ++ ++

Visit a Maasai village Spice tour of Zanzibar Snorkelling in Zanzibar Dhow boat trip in Zanzibar

211

$

ALL THIS, FROM JUST:

USD PER PERSON PER DAY

All items listed in ‘Included Experiences’ and ‘Included Essentials’ are included in the price of your trip. ‘Optional Extras’ may cost extra, but are too awesome to miss out!

START MEET AT 8AM IN NAIROBI FINISH APPROXIMATELY 4PM IN DAR ES SALA AM S TA R T

FINISH

S TA R T

2020

ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA - @FRED.BEWANDERER

DAYS 10-12 ZANZIBAR. If it’s white sand, sparkling sea and hot sun you’re after, you’ve come to the right place! You’ve got three days to get stuck into some optional snorkelling and scuba diving in the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean. If all else fails, indulge in some de-LISH seafood – or simply relax beneath a coconut palm with a cocktail and a good book. #Bliss (B) (B) (B)

23

MAY

4

JUN

20

JUN

2

JUL

1

AUG

13

AUG

5

SEP

17

SEP

G

FINISH

10

OCT

22

OCT

14

NOV

26

NOV

G

2021 G

2

JAN

14

JAN

20

FEB

4

MAR

G= Guaranteed Departure

WORTH NOTING: All passengers will stay in 2-person dome tents whilst in the Serengeti National Park due to the remote location.

13 DAYS CAMPING FROM $2739 USD PER PERSON

13 DAYS ACCOMMODATED FROM $3459 USD PER PERSON

TOPDECKER

(Sleeping bag required)

13 DAYS FROM

2739

$

USD PER PERSON

price based on per person twin-share tents single supplement from an extra

SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK, TANZANIA - @MARIANNELAMPON

ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA - @FRED.BEWANDERER

$279

for up-to-date availability and pricing for each departure, please visit our website.

NEW TRIP

7 D A Y | B I G F I V E ‘ N ’ FA L L S

OVERL AND - AFRICA

60

JOHANNESBURG

VICTORIA FALLS

15

MEALS

2

COUNTRIES

2

Bulawayo

VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE - @NIKKKKI_D

Ready for a taste of Africa’s best? This week-long safari will test your wildlife knowledge in South Africa’s famous Kruger National Park, allow you to be at one with nature in Zimbabwe’s Matobo National Park and ignite your inner daredevil with a few thrill-seeking activities at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Your bucket list will certainly get a work out. Let’s do this!

DAY 1 JOHANNESBURG TO KRUGER NATIONAL PARK. Welcome to Africa! Meet your fellow Topdeckers in Joburg and start practising your best rendition of ‘Hakuna Mata’ as we make our way to the world-famous Kruger National Park. Get excited – we’ve got an incredible seven days ahead! We’ll kick the trip off in true safari-style with an included 4X4 game drive this afternoon. Oh hey, Simba! Tonight, toast to an amazing sunset before we gather around the campfire and soak up all those nature vibes.

Phew! What an epic start to the trip. (L,D)

TOPDECKER

DAY 2 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK. Rise and shine adventurers! Dig into breakfast and make sure your camera is charged – we’ve got a full day of 4X4 driving to get on board with. This place is home to 500 species of birds, 148 species of mammals, a variety of reptiles and (of course) the ‘Big Five’.

Excitement levels: 11/10! With our eagle-eyed guide at the wheel, you’re sure to spot more than a few animals doing their thing. We’re talking buffalo grazing on the savanna, rhinos frolicking in the mud, lions on their afternoon hunt and elephants getting their bubble-bath on. GoPros at the ready! Tick off as many of the ‘Big Five’ as you can before tucking in to a delicious feast back at the camp. You can thank us later. (B,D)

YOUR ROUTE

1 STOP & STAY

FINISH

Victoria Falls

DAY STOP

1

ZIMBABWE

1 2

Tshipise

Kruger National Park

START

Johannesburg

SOUTH AFRICA

DAY 3 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK TO TSHIPISE. Leave the lie-ins for another day – there’s a morning bush walk through Kruger with your name on it. Learn all about nature’s finer deets with an expert guide before hitting the road. Next stop: Tshipise. Nestled amongst the beautiful baobabdotted countryside near the Limpopo River, our accommodation is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a busy few days of exploring. The afternoon is yours to soak in the resort’s warm mineral pool, verse your Topdeck BFFs at a game of putt-putt or simply soak up all the relaxed African vibes. Tonight, we’ll spend an evening under the stars. Bliss. (B,L,D)

DAY 4 TSHIPISE TO BULAWAYO. Catcha’ Tshipise – we’re headed for Zimbabwe! A country once known for its political violence and economic instability, this nation has rebuilt itself into a buzzing tourist destination filled with natural wonders and fascinating landscapes. When we’ve got all the formalities over with at the border post, we’ll make a beeline for Matobo National Park – known for its unique UNESCO World Heritage listed giant whalebacks and castellated kopjes (that’s giant, granite landforms to you and me). Tonight, we’ll crack open a cold one as the sun sets over the rolling savannas. This is livin’, Barry! (B,L,D)

OVERL AND - AFRICA

61

TRIP CODE: ZOBFJV

ORGANISED FOR YOU: INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

TSHIPISE, SOUTH AFRICA - @ELLECHILDS85

INCLUDED ESSENTIALS

- INCLUDED -

++ 6 breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D) ++ 6 nights in 2-person dome tents or twin-share accommodation ++ Average group size of 15 ++ Fully equipped safari vehicle ++ Camping and cooking equipment ++ Awesome Trip Leader, Chef and Driver

@ASHFERG22

CHECK

++ Afternoon and full day 4X4 game drive in Kruger National Park ++ Bush walk in Kruger National Park ++ Game drive and wilderness walk in Matobo National Park ++ Tour of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park ++ See Victoria Falls

VICTORIA FALLS OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST

OPTIONAL EXTRAS KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA - @RHI_FIN

DAY 5 BULAWAYO. Down your coffee and get ready for another epic game drive through Matobo National Park. This park is home to a large variety of animals, including black and white rhinos, zebras, wildebeest and giraffes. Play ‘I spy’ with the wildlife before checking out the unique rock formations of the Matobo Hills. These massive rock formations have been associated with human dwelling since the Stone Ages – and they loved a spot of rock painting in their spare time. This afternoon we’ll have the chance to explore further with a guided trail walk before we swap pics from the day around the campfire. Hear that? The sounds of the wild will lull you to sleep tonight. (B,L,D) DAY 6 BULAWAYO TO VICTORIA FALLS. Ever seen one of the Seven Wonders of the World? Well today, you can check one off your bucket list! That’s right folks, we’re headed to the magnificent Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (home to Victoria Falls). A place where wilderness, adventure and culture unite around one stunning spectacle – this place is pretty ‘dam’ impressive (pun intended). After we make camp, we’ll head out on an included tour of the national park and see why the falls are often referred to as ‘Mosioa-Tunya’ or ‘the smoke that thunders’.

Later, you’ll have the option of cruising the Zambezi River for all those sunset views – or why not get your culture fix at a Boma dinner and drumming experience? Either way: we know you’re going to be blown away by this place. (B)

DAY 7 VICTORIA FALLS. Quick! Swap those socials – we’re out of here after breakfast. It may be our last day but there’s still plenty of time to get your adrenalin pumping with some epic optionals. We’re talking whitewater rafting, gorge swinging, canoeing, a ‘Flying Fox’ experience or a helicopter flight over the falls. Oh yeah! Make sure you pick up a souvenir or two at the village before you go. Who’s up for round two? (B)

++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

Sunset Zambezi River cruise Boma dinner and drumming experience Helicopter flight over Victoria Falls Whitewater rafting at Victoria Falls ‘Flying Fox’ experience at Victoria Falls Village township tour in Victoria Falls

165

$

ALL THIS, FROM JUST:

USD PER PERSON PER DAY

All items listed in ‘Included Experiences’ and ‘Included Essentials’ are included in the price of your trip. ‘Optional Extras’ may cost extra, but are too awesome to miss out!

START DEPART AT 6AM FROM JOHANNESBURG FINISH DEPART VICTORIA FALLS AT ANY TIME ON FINAL DAY S TA R T

FINISH

S TA R T

2020 2

MAY

8

MAY

6

JUN

12

JUN

4

JUL

10

JUL

1

AUG

7

AUG

5

SEP

11

SEP

G

FINISH

3

OCT

9

OCT

7

NOV

13

NOV

G

2021 G G

2

JAN

8

JAN

6

FEB

12

FEB

6

MAR

12

MAR

G= Guaranteed Departure

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK , SOUTH AFRICA - @MARIANNELAMPON 7 DAYS CAMPING FROM $1149 USD PER PERSON 7 DAYS ACCOMMODATED FROM $1799 USD PER PERSON

TOPDECKER

(Sleeping bag required)

7 DAYS FROM

1149

$

USD PER PERSON

price based on per person twin-share tents single supplement from an extra

MATOBO NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE - @CLOTOWER

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA

$249

for up-to-date availability and pricing for each departure, please visit our website.

SHORT BREAKS

62

SHORT BREAKS 3 OR 4 DAY | DUBAI TRIP CODE: MBDSDD/ MBDZDD/MBDLDD/MBDADD

From man-made islands to underwater hotels and enormous shopping malls, Dubai is flashier than a mob of paparazzi.

3 D AY SH O R T B R E A K

4 D AY SH O R T B R E A K

INCLUSIONS

INCLUSIONS

++ 2 breakfasts ++ 2 nights in hotel accommodation ++ Meet and greet service ++ Return airport transfers ++ Dubai city tour

++ 3 breakfasts, 1 dinner ++ 3 nights in hotel accommodation ++ Meet and greet service and return airport transfers ++ BBQ dinner in the desert ++ 4x4 desert safari ++ Dubai city tour

3* HOTEL T WIN FROM

$

SINGLE FROM

$

3* HOTEL T WIN FROM

$

$

USD per person

USD per person

USD per person

USD per person

4* HOTEL T WIN FROM

$

SINGLE FROM

$

4* HOTEL T WIN FROM

$

$

USD per person

USD per person

USD per person

USD per person

239 289

339 399

399 449

SINGLE FROM

539

SINGLE FROM

599

3 OR 4 DAY | SINGAPORE

3 OR 4 DAY | BANGKOK

TRIP CODE: ABSSSS/ABSLSS

TRIP CODE: ABBSBB/ABBLBB

Have yourself a Singapore fling in the city where hawker food reigns supreme and green spaces mix with towering skyscrapers.

Steamy, chaotic and bursting at the seams with tasty street food and urban charm, Bangkok’s energy is nothing short of intoxicating.

3 D AY SH O R T B R E A K

4 D AY SH O R T B R E A K

3 D AY SH O R T B R E A K

4 D AY SH O R T B R E A K

INCLUSIONS

INCLUSIONS

INCLUSIONS

INCLUSIONS

++ 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner ++ 2 nights in hotel accommodation ++ Return airport transfers ++ Taste of Chinatown street eats tour

++ 3 breakfasts, 1 dinner ++ 3 nights in hotel accommodation ++ Return airport transfers ++ Taste of Chinatown street eats tour ++ Half-day city highlights tour of Singapore

++ 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner ++ 2 nights in hotel accommodation ++ Return airport transfers ++ Bangkok street eats tour via tuk-tuk (except Mondays)

++ 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner ++ 3 nights in hotel accommodation ++ Return airport transfers ++ Bangkok street eats tour via tuk-tuk (except Mondays) ++ Full day city highlights tour of Bangkok

HOTEL T WIN FROM

HOTEL T WIN FROM

HOTEL T WIN FROM

HOTEL T WIN FROM

$

$

$

$

359

USD per person

HOTEL SINGLE FROM

649

$

USD per person

549

USD per person

HOTEL SINGLE FROM

989

$

USD per person

189

USD per person

HOTEL SINGLE FROM

349

$

USD per person

399

USD per person

HOTEL SINGLE FROM

629

$

USD per person

F O R A L L S H O R T B R E A K S , H I G H E R R AT E S M AY A P P LY T H R O U G H O U T T H E Y E A R . P L E A S E C H E C K R AT E S B A S E D O N Y O U R A R R I VA L D AT E .

NEW SHORT BREAK

4 DAY | GOA TRIP CODE: ABGLGG

SUN, SAND AND SPICES: EXPERIENCE GOA This Goa mini-break is everything you need in a whistle-stop adventure. With all the beach-side resort vibes, colourful hippie markets and old-school Portuguese architecture, you'll be thankful you stopped in!

4 D AY SH O R T B R E A K INCLUSIONS ++ 3 breakfasts ++ 3 nights in hotel accommodation ++ Meet and greet service and return airport transfers

Stay 35

SINGLE FROM

$

45

USD PER PERSON

T WIN FROM

40

$

T WIN FROM

55

SINGLE FROM

$

95

USD PER PERSON

T WIN FROM

35

USD PER PERSON

SINGLE FROM

$

70

HOTEL SINGLE FROM

519

$

USD per person

65

TEL AVIV T WIN FROM

145

$

T WIN FROM

75

$

SINGLE FROM

120

$

T WIN FROM

60

$

USD PER PERSON

DELHI

TOKYO

T WIN FROM

70

USD PER PERSON

255

VICTORIA FALLS

USD PER PERSON

$

SINGLE FROM

$

USD PER PERSON

NAIROBI

BANGKOK $

SINGLE FROM

$

USD PER PERSON

CAPE TOWN $

USD per person

PRE & POST ACCOMMODATION.

MARRAKECH

T WIN FROM

469

$

ARRIVE EARLY. STAY LATE.

CAIRO

$

HOTEL T WIN FROM

SINGLE FROM

135

$

T WIN FROM

155

$

SINGLE FROM

50

$

SINGLE FROM

190

$

USD PER PERSON

WORTH NOTING:THESE PACKAGES ARE UNGUIDED MEANING YOU WILL NOT BE ACCOMPANIED BY A TRIP LEADER.

STAY & PLAY

63

BOOKING CONDITIONS

BOOKING CONDITIONS

64

Topdeck's Details

Top Deck Tours Ltd, company number 04905253, 109 Power Road, London, W4 5PY, UK

Locally Operated Trips

The following trips are operated by the corresponding local operator as principal: Jordan Adventure, Jordan & Israel: Green Arrow Tours, Amman, Jordan. Essential Egypt, Egypt Express, Nile Discovery, Dahab Beach Break: Topdeck Egypt, Cairo, Egypt. Dubai Short Breaks: Arabian Adventures, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. All Africa, Morocco and India Trips: Peak DMC, Melbourne, Australia. All Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore Trips: Buffalo Tours, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Deposit

$100 per person, payable at the time of booking, for all Short Breaks & Stopover packages. $200 per person, payable at the time of booking, for all other trips.

Rolling Deposit

If you cancel your trip more than six weeks before the departure date you may request in writing at the time of cancellation that we provide you with a rolling deposit voucher for use against a future trip. The value and currency of the rolling deposit will be the value and currency of the original deposit paid. The rolling deposit cannot be redeemed by re-booking the same trip for the same departure date originally booked. The voucher must be redeemed within two years from the date of first cancellation. The rolling deposit can be transferred to a friend but cannot be transferred a second time. The passenger must be between 18 to 39 years old to travel. Only one voucher per person per trip is permitted. If redeeming against a trip with a higher deposit the balance will be payable at the time of booking. Rolling deposits cannot be redeemed or refunded for cash.

If you cancel your trip within six weeks or less of the departure date you will forfeit your deposit and you will need to pay our applicable cancellation fee. Rolling deposit vouchers are not available for cancellations within six weeks of the departure date.

Days before departure Over 42

Change and Cancellation Fees

Change and Cancellation Fee (% of trip price) Nil (changes)

Pre/post accommodation

Pick ups/transfers

Nil

Nil

42-29

40%

40%

Nil

28-14

60%

60%

Nil

13-7

80%

100%

100%

6-3

90%

100%

100%

2-0

100%

100%

100%

Deposit (cancellations)

Flight Change and Cancellation Fee

Any airline charges + fare & tax difference (which could be up to the full value of the ticket)

Governing law and jurisdiction

These booking conditions are governed by the laws of England. Any dispute in relation to these booking conditions shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England.

Brochure Validity Date

Prices quoted in our brochures are calculated on costs and exchange rates at 1 August 2019.

Your contract will be with us as tour operator, unless you have booked a Locally Operated Trip, in which case your contract for tour services will be with the relevant Local Operator specified in the reference table above and will be subject to that Local Operator's terms and conditions, in addition to the booking conditions set out below. For any Locally Operated Trip, the Local Operator will also 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 terms.

Please read all booking conditions carefully. You must not make any booking unless you understand and agree with these booking conditions and any additional terms and conditions as indicated above and/or at the time of booking.

Our trips are designed strictly for young people between the ages of 18 to 39 years (with the exception of Gap Year trips, which are restricted to people between the ages of 17 to 20 years).

Bookings can be made through your local travel agent or directly with us and must be secured with a deposit of the amount shown above. A contract between you and us (or between you and the relevant Local Operator) will exist as soon as: (i) we issue an invoice in response to your request for a booking; and (ii) your deposit is paid to us or your travel agent. If your booking is made through a travel agent, we will address all correspondence to that agent.

PRICE & PAYMENT The deposit is non-refundable unless we cancel your trip. The balance of your trip must be paid no later than 42 days prior to your trip departure date. If you do not pay within this period we may cancel your booking and your deposit will be forfeited. Full payment is required if you make a booking within 42 days of the departure date. If your booking is a special offer we may require full payment (including any pre and post accommodation and sundry service charges) by such earlier time as specified in the offer.

Prices quoted in our brochures are calculated on costs and exchange rates as at the Brochure Validity Date. These prices may increase or decrease.

We may alter prices and other particulars contained in our brochures and on our website at any time. Before you make a booking we will provide you with details of the current price of your chosen trip. Offered discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. All discounts apply to the trip price only and do not apply to any flights, visitor taxes, adventure passes, gorilla permit, short breaks, stopovers, day trips, ski trips, gap year trips, pre & post accommodation or transfers. Only two applicable and valid discounts can be combined to a maximum discount of 15% off the trip price (note: for Asia trips, only two applicable and valid discounts can be combined to a maximum discount of 10% off the trip price).

After you have booked, changes to (i) the price of fuel; (ii) the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports; and (iii) exchange rates, mean that the price of your trip may change. There will be no change within 20 days of your departure. We will absorb any increase equivalent to 2% of the price of your trip. However, we may charge you for the amount over and above that. If this results in an increase equivalent to more than 8% of the price of your trip, you will have the option of accepting a change to another trip (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value), or cancelling and receiving a full refund of all monies paid. Should the price of your trip go down due to the cost changes mentioned above, then any refund due will be paid to you. We will deduct from this refund our administrative expenses incurred. Please note that trips arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your trip due to contractual and other protection in place.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS Please ensure you carefully read your invoice, tickets and all other documents we send to you as soon as you receive them and contact us or your travel agent 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 the travel agent. You are responsible for ensuring that you have the correct and valid travel documents including passports, visas and vaccination certificates. We strongly recommend that you verify current documentation requirements 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.

IF YOU CHANGE OR CANCEL YOUR BOOKING If you want to change or cancel 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 in writing. We will do our best to accommodate your requested change, but it may not always be possible. We will not charge a fee for changes requested more than 42 days before departure except where we incur a cost from a supplier, in which case we will advise you of the relevant fee. All change/cancellation fees must be paid within seven days of the invoice date or on the date of departure, whichever is the sooner.

You may make a request to transfer your booking to another person who satisfies all the conditions applicable to the trip. A transfer request must be made in writing not less than 7 days prior to departure and must include proof of acceptance of the transfer by the new traveller. Both you and the new traveller will remain jointly liable and responsible for any applicable travel service provider’s charges (such as booked airfares, train tickets, specifically allocated accommodation and non-refundable Local Operator charges). Please note that some third party travel service providers may refuse such requests and treat the transfer as a cancellation and rebooking.

CANCELLATION OR MODIFICATION BY US

DIETARY, HEALTH AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

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.

In the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances we may be required to cancel or materially modify your trip. In these booking conditions "unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances" means a situation beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken (including, but not limited to, war, threat of war, riot, civil disturbances, industrial dispute, terrorist activity and its consequences, natural or other disaster (such as volcanic ash or hurricanes), nuclear incident, fire, adverse weather conditions (actual or threatened, including snow and fog), closed or congested airports or ports, unavoidable technical problems with transport, unforeseen alterations to public transport schedules, changes to immigration, labour and free-movement laws resulting from BREXIT, rescheduling of aircraft or boats and similar events).

If this happens we will offer you a refund of all money paid or, if available, alternative travel arrangements of comparable standard (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). A material modification is one that has a serious impact 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.

You must clearly state all your dietary requirements at the time of booking.

We cannot guarantee that special dietary requirements can be met and we cannot take responsibility for any such requirements not being fulfilled.

A change of accommodation, or transport method/style is not a material modification. We may alter or substitute the type or size of vehicle, or method/style of transport mentioned in the brochure, depending on the number of passengers carried, which can vary from trip to trip.

In certain countries there are strict laws governing drivers' hours and this may necessitate utilising public transport in some cities.

We may display on our website the minimum number of participants required for each trip is displayed on our website. If insufficient bookings have been made as at 42 days prior to departure, we may cancel the scheduled trip, whereupon all money paid by you for your trip will be refunded and no further compensation will be paid.

OUR LIABILITY TO YOU FOR TOPDECK OPERATED TRIPS If the trip does not materially comply with the description in the brochure, we may compensate you to a maximum value equal to the price of the trip. We will only be liable to pay the maximum amount of compensation where there has been a total failure of consideration for your payment.

We will not be liable where any failure in the performance or provision of your trip is due to: (i) your acts or omissions or the acts or omissions of another member in your group; (ii) any third party not connected with the provision of your travel arrangements; or (iii) unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances.

Our liability will in all cases be limited in accordance with and/or in an identical manner to relevant international conventions, including the Carriage by Air Conventions (within the meaning given in section 1(5) of the Carriage by Air Act 1961), the Athens Convention of 1974 on the Carriage of Passengers and their Luggage by Sea and the Convention of 1980 concerning International Carriage by Rail.

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.

OUR LIABILITY TO YOU FOR LOCALLY OPERATED TRIPS If your trip is a Locally Operated Trip 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 Local Operator. We exercise care in the selection of reputable Local 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 these and all other terms and conditions, including any conditions of carriage and limitations of liability imposed by the Local Operator. Your legal rights in connection with such trips are solely against the Local Operator and are not against us, except to the extent a problem is caused by fault on our part.

SEATBELTS You must wear a seatbelt at all times whilst you are in any vehicle. Neither we nor any Local Operator will be liable for any injury, death or claim howsoever arising from any accident if you have failed to comply with this requirement.

FLEXIBILITY DURING TRIP 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 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 important. All decisions relating to a trip itinerary 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. No refund will be made for services which for whatever reason are not used by you once the trip has departed.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES AND EXCURSIONS Neither we nor our employees, agents and contractors make any representation or warranty in relation to implied or explicit suggestions or recommendations of services, activities and events not highlighted as included in a trip. You are responsible for all risks associated with the transportation to/from, and your participation in, or visitation to, any place, activity or excursion not listed as an inclusion.

During your trip you may be offered the chance to purchase various optional excursions and activities. We do 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 dangerous and 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. We act only as their agent. We accept no liability for any act or omission of any operator or operator’s employees, agents or sub-contractors or any losses (whether direct or indirect and howsoever caused) arising therefrom.

Walking is a fundamental part of our trips. Our trips are not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

If you have a medical condition (including any mental health disorder) that may reasonably affect your trip or require special arrangements to be put in place, you must inform us in writing at the time of booking. We may ask you to provide further details relating to your condition. If we cannot reasonably accommodate your particular needs, or the overall experience and needs of others on the trip we may 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 You will not be permitted to embark or continue on the trip if, in the reasonable opinion of our representative, your mental or physical condition renders you incapable of caring for yourself, you become objectionable to other passengers, or you become a hazard to yourself, other passengers, our personnel or any third party. Immediate termination of your trip will occur if you possess or transport illegal substances (including drugs) or where you have engaged in any illegal activity during a trip.

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 if 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.

You agree to indemnify us in full against all losses (direct and indirect and howsoever caused) arising from any third-party actions taken against us for loss or damage caused by you or arising from your participation on the trip.

INSURANCE & CLAIMS You must take out comprehensive travel insurance before you travel on your trip. Your insurance protection must 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 must be produced to us 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.

If you make a claim against us you agree to assign to us or our insurers any rights to take action against any third party supplier/tour operator or any other person or party that may have been wholly or partly responsible for the claim or who we reasonably consider should be a party to the action. You must co-operate fully with us should we or our insurers wish to enforce those rights which have been assigned to us. If 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.

TRAVEL ADVICE We recommend that you visit your government's travel advice website prior to the commencement of travel. In the UK, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office issues travel advice and warnings at fco.gov.uk. The Australian government provides an equivalent service at smartraveller.gov.au.

COMPLAINTS In the event of any dissatisfaction with the accommodation or any other service provided by us, you must report it immediately to the Trip Leader so that action can be taken to remedy the problem. Failure to immediately notify the Trip Leader of any problem may result in your claim for compensation from us being denied or reduced. Any complaint made to us following the conclusion of the trip should be made in writing within 28 days of completion of the trip. If you do not notify us in writing within 28 days, our ability to investigate the complaint may be prejudiced. In the UK, we can also offer you ABTA’s scheme for the resolution of disputes which is approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. If we can’t resolve your complaint, go to www. abta.com to use ABTA’s simple procedure. Further information on the Code and ABTA’s assistance in resolving disputes can be found on www.abta.com.

DATA PROTECTION 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 (including to recipients outside of the European Union).

Personal information may also be provided to public authorities such as customs or immigration if required by them, or as required by law.

SMOKING We enforce a non-smoking policy on our coaches (although we make frequent stops for breaks) and in most of our accommodation.

LUGGAGE There are strict weight limits for coaches when fully loaded. 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 (or 15kg for Outback trips). In addition you may bring a sleeping bag, as required on specific trips, and a daypack.

PUBLISHING CONSENT You acknowledge and agree that our future 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.

WI-FI We 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 issues.

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65

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20 DAY EXPERIENCE INDIA

66 ASIA MAPS

DELHI

ASIA

P.22

START

2 1 Delhi

INDIA

Jaipur Agra 1 2 Jodhpur 1 Ranakpur

EXPLORER 28 DAY ASIAN FUSION BANGKOK

AXEIDK

KOCHI

Chand Baori

2 Udaipur

AXAFBH

HANOI

P.20

FINISH

Pakbeng

1

Wat Rong Khun

Halong Bay overnight cruise

Vang Vieng

2

2

Chiang Mai

1

1 1

2

1

LAOS

Chiang Rai

Hanoi

Luang Prabang

1

Vientiane

1

overnight train

1 Hoi An

Hue

2

1 Chennai 2 Pondicherry 1 START

Bangkok

Siem Reap CAMBODIA

1 Chettinad

2 Nha Trang

THAILAND

Phnom Penh

VIETNAM

ENDS P. PHNOM PENH 24

1

2 1

STARTS BANGKOK

overnight train

DAYS TRIP NAME 13 VIETNAM UNCOVERED

12 DAY CHINA LIVE

HANOI

BEIJING

START

Hanoi

VIETNAM

P.26 1

2

Allepey (house boat) 1

Thanjavur Tiruchirappalli 2 Madurai Thekkady 1

Vinh Long, Mekong River

13 DAY VIETNAM & CAMBODIA EXPLORER A XVCHS SIEM REAP

Kochi 2

2

2

Ho Chi Minh City

DAYS TRIP NAME 16 ROAD TO PHNOM PENH

FINISH

STARTS HO CHI MINH

ENDS P. HANOI 28

DAYS TRIP NAME 11 TEMPLE RUN

AXCLGK

12 DAY JAPAN HIGHLIGHTS

HONG KONG

P.30

TOKYO

STARTS CHENNAI

ENDS P. KOCHI 32

DAYS TRIP NAME 10 NAMASTE INDIA

overnight train

AXJJTR

KYOTO

P.33

START

Beijing CHINA

1

START

Takayama 1 Hoi An

2

Xian

2 Chengdu

2

Siem Reap

2

1

Longsheng

2 Phnom Penh CAMBODIA

2

2 Osaka

FINISH

Yangshuo

2

Ho Chi Minh City

Tokyo JAPAN

Kyoto

Hiroshima 1 Miyajima

FINISH

2

ENDS P. DELHI 34

Halong Bay overnight cruise

2

1

STARTS DELHI

FINISH

Hong Kong

Koh Rong

7 DAY JAPAN EXPRESS TOKYO

AXJETR

OSAKA

P.34

7 DAY BALI ISLAND HOPPER SEMINYAK

SEMINYAK

AXIBSS P.35

7 DAY THAI ISLANDS SAMUI SUNSETS KOH SAMUI

KOH SAMUI

2

Kyoto 2

1 Osaka FINISH

PHUKET

PHUKET

P.36

Koh Tao

2 Ubud START/FINISH

Seminyak BALI

Hakone/Mt Fuji

P.37

7 DAY THAI ISLANDS KO-CONUT HOPPER AXIWUU

Gili Trawangan

START

Tokyo JAPAN

AXIEII

2

Koh Pha Ngan 1

2

2 START/FINISH

Nusa Lembongan

Phuket THAILAND

2 Koh Phi Phi

2 START/FINISH

Koh Samui THAILAND

Krabi

CAIRO

MXEECC

CAIRO

P.40

10 DAY MOROCCAN EXPLORER MARRAKECH

MXMEMM

MARRAKECH

P.42

Cairo

START/FINISH

MIDDLE EAST

EGYPT

& AFRICA EXPLORER

1

Felucca Sailing

Meknes

Ifrane

Midelt

1 Hurghada Marrakech

1

Luxor

OVERLAND

2

1

Rabat Casablanca

overnight coach

Fes

Volubilis

2 1

START/FINISH

MOROCCO

2

1 Erfoud

2 1

Todra Gorge

Aït Benhaddou

Kom Ombo

1 Aswan

1 Merzouga

1

Desert Camp

Ouarzazate

Abu Simbel

10 DAY JORDAN & ISR AEL AMMAN

MXJIAT

TEL AVIV

10 DAY SURF, SAND & SOUKS

P.44

CASABLANCA

P.46 Chefchaouen

Tel Aviv

ISRAEL

CAIRO

P.48

2 Fes

START

1 1 JORDAN

2

Madaba Mt Nebo

Bethlehem Dead Sea

Cairo

Volubilis

Casablanca START

Karak

1

Essaouira FINISH

overnight coach

2 Taghazout DAYS TRIP NAME 8 JORDAN ADVENTURE

STARTS AMMAN

ENDS P. AMMAN 49

7 DAY ESSENTIAL EGYPT

DAYS TRIP NAME 7 ROCKIN' MOROCCAN

MXETCC

CAIRO

STARTS CASABLANCA

CAIRO

1

1 Hurghada

ENDS P. MARRAKECH 52

6 DAY DAHAB BEACH BRE AK

P.50

EGYPT

Marrakech

1 Wadi Rum

1

START/FINISH

1 1

MOROCCO

2 Petra

CAIRO

MXEVCC

CAIRO

1

Amman

1 Jerusalem

9 DAY NILE DISCOVERY

Jerash

FINISH

Aqaba

MXSSCE

ESSAOUIRA

CAIRO

P.53

1

Luxor Edfu

MXDBCC

Nile Cruise Ship

Cairo

Kom Ombo

START/FINISH

EGYPT

1

Aswan

Cairo

START/FINISH

EGYPT

1 overnight coach

Abu Simbel

1 1

overnight coach

Dahab

4

1

Luxor

7 DAY BIG FIVE 'N' FALLS JOHANNESBURG

2 Aswan

ZOBFJV

VICTORIA FALLS

P.60

Abu Simbel

18 DAY SOUTH AFRICAN ADVENTURE JOHANNESBURG

ZOAAJC

CAPE TOWN

P.56

13 DAY SUN & SAFARI NAIROBI

ZOSSND

DAR ES SALAAM

FINISH

Victoria Falls

1

P.58

2 Kruger National Park START

Johannesburg

Nairobi

2

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

SWAZILAND

1

KENYA

2

1

Ngorongoro Crater

1 1

Maasai Mara

2

Drakensberg

FINISH

Cape Town

1

1 Hermanus

1

2

1

2

St Lucia

2

Serengeti National Park

Storms River

Kruger National Park

Durban

TANZANIA

Bagamoyo

1

4

Zanzibar FINISH

Addo Elephant National Park

Tshipise

Arusha

Dar es Salaam

1

Oudtshoorn

1

2

Malealea

Mountain Zebra National Park

ZIMBABWE

START

SOUTH AFRICA

LESOTHO

Bulawayo

START

Johannesburg

SOUTH AFRICA

67 THE MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA MAPS

10 DAY EGYPT EXPRESS

U SD

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