27 DAY Summer Fun & Sailing EESSLL-8

Transcription

1 27 DAY Summer Fun & Sailing EESSLL-8 This tour visits: France, Switzerland, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City, Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Germany, Czech Republic, Netherlands Fancy spending a day lounging under the Mediterranean sun on a yacht coursing through the turquoise waters of the Adriatic? How about three days? You got it. Not only will you have the chance to channel your inner shipmate with a jaunt on the high seas, but you ll also crisscross epic mountain ranges, explore the continent s great capitals and discover some of Europe s hottest new destinations in the Balkans. Talk about a trip of a lifetime.

2 The Bucket List More Inclusions Walking tour of Munich Walking tour of Amsterdam Driving tour of Berlin 3 nights sailing in Greece Visit former concentration camp Dachau Walking tour of Venice Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam Walking tour of Rome Visit Pisa & the famous Leaning Tower Walking tour of the restored city of Dresden Walking tour of Zadar Walking tour of Prague Walking tour of Florence with local guide Visit Budva Driving tour of Tirana with a local guide Visit a traditional French perfumery Vaporetto ride in Venice Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration Walking tour of Monaco Walking tour of Dubrovnik with local guide Driving tour of Paris & gourmet picnic by the Eiffel Tower 26 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 13 dinners 15 nights in hostel accommodation, 6 nights in bungalows at European campsites, 3 nights sailing in Greece, 1 night in a hotel upgrade & 1 night in a cabin on overnight ferry English Channel crossings Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi Guided tours of all major cities Trip Itinerary Day 1 - London, England to Paris, France All good things start with Paris. Meet the crew, grab some supplies and hit the road early in the morning as we jump across the English Channel to Paris. Pinch yourself and Instagram your first selfie over dinner before we kick off the trip with a guided tour of the City of Lights with your Trip Leader. Home to Coco Chanel, the Eiffel Tower and the Mona Lisa, Paris has more than earned its reputation as the European capital for all things culture, fashion and food. Tonight, find out why. -Driving tour of Paris & gourmet picnic by the Eiffel Tower Day 2 - Paris This morning: free time en Francais. From the Louvre and Musée d'orsay to the l'arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysées, you'll be sure to make a solid dent in your bucket list. Then: hop on an optional bike tour of Paris or roam the streets on your own. End your day with an optional Seine River cruise or a #throwback bohemian cabaret show.

3 -Traditional cabaret show in Paris -Scenic river cruise on the Seine -Bike tour of Paris Day 3 - Paris to Swiss Alps, Switzerland Trade in Parisian streets for snowy peaks. Home to the highest point in Europe, 72 waterfalls and one of the largest nature conservations in Switzerland, Lauterbrunnen is obviously where we're spending the night. Urban charm ain't got nothing on Swiss scenery. Upon arrival, chow down on Swiss cuisine and hit the bar for a nightcap. Day 4 - Swiss Alps Scenic hikes and jaw-dropping views are on today's agenda. Go low key with a mountain walk or hop on board the Jungfraubahn railway for an optional visit to the Jungfrau Mountain summit. Expect fairytale villages en route and skydiving out of a helicopter upon arrival (if heights don't scare you). And if one hulking mountain isn't enough? Nearby Schilthorn is waiting. Another local feast awaits your return, regardless of how you make your way back down. -Scenic excursion to Jungfrau ('The Top of Europe') -Scenic helicopter ride in the Swiss Alps -Skydiving in the Swiss Alps -Schilthorn cable car experience Day 5 - Swiss Alps to French Riviera, France Don your fanciest attire and follow in Napoleon's footsteps downwards to the glamorous French Riviera. Try your hand at celeb spotting as you explore the world's most lavish waterfront property and take in some of the most Pinterest-worthy views in the world. Day 6 - French Riviera including Monaco visit Bring your paparazzi posse to the beach or let loose among the designer boutiques in Nice's Old Town. This afternoon, we'll hit up Eze for a

4 first-hand look into the world of French scent making on a guided tour of a 16th century factory. Later: Roll with the jet set as we hit up the Monaco for a guided tour and the chance to see how the 1% live (hint: it involves lots of Ferraris and bathing in caviar). Feeling lucky? Hit the tables at the Monte Carlo Casino and make it rain (or not). -Walking tour of Monaco Day 7 - French Riviera to Florence, Italy You'll only have a few minutes to swap your 'bonjour' to a 'buongiorno' this morning and it's on to the renaissance romance of Florence. Take THAT shot at the Leaning Tower of Pisa before trucking on to the Tuscan hills outside Florence to eat, sleep, repeat in the foodie capital of the world. -Visit a traditional French perfumery -Visit Pisa & the famous Leaning Tower Day 8 - Florence to Rome Today we roll into 753 BC and into one of the world's oldest open-air museums on an in-depth walking tour and give that bucket list a workout. Make like Caesar (the emperor, not the salad) and work up a colossal hunger as you pass by the Pantheon, throw your two cents in the Trevi Fountain, sit on the Spanish Steps and visit ancient history's version of the Hunger Games set at the Colosseum. Tonight, you're in Disneyland for foodies. Have fun. -Walking tour of Florence with local guide -Walking tour of Rome Day 9 - Rome including Vatican City visit Create the ultimate Roman Holiday in one day with a whirlwind of Vespas, espresso, two-cheek kisses and pizza the way it's supposed to taste. Count your blessings on an optional tour of the Vatican City to see how Michelangelo messed around and created the High Renaissance, then play eye spy with two-and-a-half millennia worth of history. Shop 'til you drop on Via Condotti, head to Capitoline Hill for awesome views of the Roman Forum and Colosseum or just kick back in Piazza Navona for some dolce far niente (delicious idleness).

5 -Guided tour of Vatican City Day 10 - Rome to Sailing in Greece via Overnight Ferry Play connect-the-dots with the stars or let the swell rock you to sleep as we ferry from Bella Italia to Greece. Restaurants, bars, and cosy cabin rooms will keep you comfortable. Day 11 - Sailing in Greece A short drive along the Greek coastline, then onto our flotilla of yachts for three days of sun, sand and sailing on the Ionian Sea. By night, flaunt those European tan lines as we drop anchor and hop between authentic Greek tavernas for a night of feasting, table dancing and a splash of ouzo. You know the saying 'too much of a good thing'? Neither do we. Day 12 - Sailing in Greece A free day to sail, swim, eat, sleep, repeat. Day 13 - Sailing in Greece More turquoise water. More swimming. More diving off boats. More epic Instagram shots. You could probably get used to this. Day 14 - Sailing in Greece to Tirana, Albania

6 What happens when you paint a former communist capital in vivid colours? According to Tirana's artist-turned-mayor-turned-ted speaker Edi Rama, people start paying taxes and crime rates plummet. True story. Kick off with a driving tour and a group dinner before we let you loose in the night. -Driving tour of Tirana with local guide Day 15 - Tirana to Dubrovnik, Croatia via Budva, Montenegro Gawk at all the stunning views that race past the coach window as we head up the gorgeous coast of Montenegro and make for the most famous walled city in Europe. Wander Dubrovnik's tiny cobblestoned streets and explore hidden cafés and shops before grabbing some dinner and checking out the glitzy nightlife. -Visit to Budva -Walking tour of Dubrovnik with a local guide Day 16 - Dubrovnik Make the most of your free day in Dubrovnik. Check out the residential homes further up in the old town for awesome views and a local perspective, and then relish a cold beer on the wall as the sun sets over the Adriatic. Alternatively, catch the views from the turquoise water with a spot of optional sea kayaking. This is the good life. -Sea kayaking around the Dubrovnik walls -Game of Thrones tour Day 17 - Dubrovnik to Zadar

7 Hear the sounds of the sea? The Sea Organ is a quirky art installation that sits amongst Zadar's eclectic mix of Roman ruins and public art, which plays music by way of sea waves and tubes located underneath a set of large marble steps. This, and more cool sights await you on a guided city tour. -Walking tour of Zadar Day 18 - Zadar to Venice, Italy via Postjana Caves, Slovenia First up for those that dare there's the surreal Postojna Caves - cast your eye out for stalagmites. Then say ciao to Venice from across the lagoon as we check into our accommodation, have an Eat Pray Love-worthy relationship with an irresistible Italian (meal) and get pumped for living out your own version of The Italian Job tomorrow. -Entry to the world-famous Postojna Cave Day 19 - Venice You know it as the floating city, but this place is actually sinking (slowly). Check out St. Mark's Square, Accademia Bridge and a who's who of Venice's usual suspects on a guided walking tour then jump on a vaporetto and explore the Grand Canal. Also on the schedule: an optional gondola ride through the maze of marble bridges and gelato shops we call Venice. Throw away your map in the afternoon and try to find the world's most epic little bookshop, Libreria Acqua Alta, or just go on a mission to find the perfect gelato. -Walking tour of Venice -Vaporetto ride in Venice -Gondola ride on the Grand Canal Day 20 - Venice to Munich, Germany It's time to get to know the city where beer is officially considered a food. Your Trip Leader will clue you up on the Bavarian capital on a walking tour. Slide on your Lederhosen and have a royal Happy Hour experience at the 429-year-old Hofbräuhaus - the recipes here were passed down from Wilhelm V, the Duke of Bavaria. "Oans, zwoa, g'suffa" (one, two, down the hatch)! -Walking tour of Munich

8 Day 21 - Munich to Prague, Czech Republic Give one last prost to Munich before we press on to Prague. First up, a visit to Dachau concentration camp for a lesson in the resilience of humanity. Then, channel your inner bohemian and seek out the John Lennon wall to start your free day. Soak up some more Czech history at the National or Communist Museum or get a taste of the quirky local culture at a marionette puppet opera (you gotta see it to believe it). -Visit former concentration camp Dachau -Walking tour of Prague Day 22 - Prague Another free day for the win. Snap a selfie at Prague's own Eiffel Tower, visit a miniatures museum, eat roast pork from one of the street vendors lining Old Town Square and drink beer. Really. Good. Beer. Day 23 - Prague to Berlin, Germany Get acquainted with 800 year-old Dresden - a city virtually destroyed in WWII and then rebuilt - and ogle the Frauenkirche before making your beard all the more ironic in Berlin. Prep yourself for currywurst and more hipsters per capita than anywhere else. We'll drive you around to see (what's left of) the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag building before making your food baby sing with a hearty German meal. -Walking tour of the restored city of Dresden -Driving tour of Berlin Day 24 - Berlin Shake off last night with a wander around the German capital. Optional: Third Reich walking tour and local insight into what the city was like under Nazi rule during World War II. Kreuzberg is a hit for lunch. Afternoon suggestion? Have a picnic at the historic Tempelhof airport turned public park #picniconthetarmac. Tonight: hit the hotspots on an optional street art and nightlife tour of Berlin.

9 -Third Reich walking tour -Street art & nightlife tour of Berlin Day 25 - Berlin to Amsterdam, Netherlands Cheese lovers, rejoice. Your next stop is a local Dutch farm to see how cheddar (and clogs) gets made. Next: Amsterdam, mayo-dipped fries and red lights. Get your bearings on a walking tour of the vibrant capital and see the Dam Square, Royal Palace and National Monument. Then: explore all that this notoriously liberal city has to offer. -Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration -Walking tour of Amsterdam Day 26 - Amsterdam Culture fiends, delve deeper with a visit to Anne Frank House, Van Gogh or Rijksmuseum. Still thirsty for more? Check out the Heineken Experience for an interactive visit and tasting at the brewery. Top it off with a dinner cruise on the canal. -Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam -Bike tour of Amsterdam Day 27 - Amsterdam to London, England After all the Amster-damage has been done and dusted, it's time to hit the road and make tracks to ol' Blighty. Soak up all the happy group vibes you can possibly handle - this is your last coach ride with the gang. #sadface. Accommodation Hostel Plus trips host our most eclectic types of accommodation. While modern hostels make up the majority of your overnighters you could also stay in hotels (free upgrade - yeah!) or bungalows. The 'More Inclusions' section details what type of accommodation will be used for overnight stops on your trip. The number of people to a room on Hostel Plus trips will vary. For hostels you will have multi-share rooms and usually share with between 3

10 and 5 others (although in some circumstances you will share with more than 5) while in hotels there will be twin or triple-shares (and the odd quad-room). Bungalows can be up to 4 people to a room. Please note: When staying on a Hostel Plus trip, multi-share accommodation is single-sex. Meals Your included meals are detailed in the 'More Inclusions' section of this document. Breakfasts are included every day (except on the first morning). Included meals will be a combination of those prepared by Topdeck On-Site Chefs, local restaurants and places in which we stay. If you have any dietary requirements we will make every effort to cater to your specific needs as long as you advise your travel agent or Customer Service Consultant when you book, or make note of this in the Topdeck app when you check in (refer below). However, please be aware that although we will do everything in our power to arrange it, we cannot guarantee that every restaurant we use will be able to cater to all dietary needs, particularly in Eastern Europe. We also cannot cater for tastes or dislikes, as most of our included evening meals feature a set menu. No Tip Necessary Your Topdeck crew never expect tips themselves and will not ask for any; that s not what friends do! We also know how much tipping can cost you. So go ahead, spoil yourself with the money you will save by travelling with Topdeck (just don t forget Mum s souvenir). Topdeck Travel App Our travel app has landed! With a range of awesome features including a Currency Converter, Budget Tracker, Check-In tool and Social Timeline you can plan your trip like a pro. Think of it like your very own Topdeck Trip Leader, always on call with the latest info, weather, maps and city guides to give you the trip of a lifetime, all in the palm of your hand. Please note: The Topdeck Travel App should only be downloaded once you have booked onto your trip. You will not be able to log in unless you have a Topdeck Booking Reference Number. Get it for iphone Get it for Android Passenger safety One of the best parts of travelling is experiencing the nightlife and entertainment each city has to offer. However, amidst the fun and excitement, it s important to be aware of your surroundings and personal safety as well. Before you hit the road with us, it s important to be aware of the following: When you re on a night out, remember to avoid walking alone, particularly through deserted areas like beaches and back streets. Always stick together, take a taxi where possible, and keep a note of your accommodation details so you can find your way back to your fellow

11 Topdeckers if you become separated. In some countries, alcoholic measures can be considerably larger than what you may be used to. Try to keep track of what you re drinking, and if you see one of your trip mates looking a little worse for wear, take them back to your accommodation. Be cautious when accepting drinks from strangers and never leave your drink unattended. It s also important to be aware that what you might consider harmless flirting may be interpreted differently in some countries. Be yourself and have fun, but don t be naïve, and be mindful of the signals you are sending out so that you don t find yourself in an uncomfortable situation.