(ZAR) Topdeck | Europe Winter 2018/19

EPIC TRIPS FOR 18 TO 30 SOMETHINGS

2018-19

EXPLORE REYKJAVÍK, SWISS ALPS, AMSTERDAM, PRAGUE, KRAKÓW, ROME, EDINBURGH, COPENHAGEN, MOSCOW, BERLIN, BUDAPEST AND MORE

WE ARE TOPDECK.

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 REALITY.

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

We refuse to sacrifice quality, independence and freedom, and believe solo adventures should go hand in hand with unforgettable moments with like-minded travellers.

We offer variety, comfort and value for money, and promise a hassle-free holiday, loaded with authentic local experiences.

We are lively, curious, knowledgeable and dedicated; driven by the desire to laugh and have fun. We build the trips. You build the memories.

ARE YOU READY TO DISCOVER WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A #TOPDECKER? LET’S GO.

51 AWESOME TRIPS IN Europe

14 DAY WINTER BRITAIN & IRELAND

Channel your inner explorer and discover ancient castles, walk cobblestoned streets and search for the Loch Ness Monster – all without the summer crowds. Be sure to warm up in cosy pubs in the evenings for a winter experience that’s truly British.

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Get your ski on! Check out our new 14 Day Balkans & Ski trip on PAGE 68

4 DAY ICELAND EXPLORER

From surreal natural wonders to trendy city life, Iceland’s pretty sweet. There’s the Blue Lagoon, Thingvellir National Park and the nightlife in Reykjavík to get stuck into. And that’s just the beginning. Did we mention you might get to see the Northern Lights? Eeek!

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11 DAY WINTER EXPRESS

It’s a winter wonderland out there! Get ready for festive cheer as you experience some of Europe’s best destinations on this 11 day adventure. Grab those winter woolies and get your Instagram ready.

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18 DAY WINTER GETAWAY

From the beautiful landscapes in Switzerland to the iconic architecture of Rome, the street art in Berlin to the romance of Florence, you’ll be spoilt for choice on this European getaway. There’ll also be Christmas markets on the cards. Get excited.

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Come meet Santa with our new 4 Day The Lapland Express trip on PAGE 64

24 DAY WESTERN COMPASS

Point your compass west on this unforgettable trip through some of Europe’s most exciting cities. From the boulevards of Paris to the canals of Venice, you’ve got yourself one pretty epic Topdeck adventure. Did someone say group selfie?

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Unique EXPERIENCES

Our one-of-a-kind included and optional activities in both iconic hotspots and off-the-beaten-track places mean there’s never a dull moment on your trip of a lifetime.

why

Passion & EXPERTISE

With over 40 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 our stuff.

Freedom TO EXPLORE

We realise that everyone’s different – which is why our trips offer loads of free time to play, discover and channel your inner explorer.

Delicious FOOD

With visits to local restaurants and delicious feasts, we’ll ensure your tummy is just as full as your passport.

Value FOR MONEY

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

Lasting FRIENDSHIPS

Memories fade but Facebook friends are forever. Hang out with other young explorers aged 18-39 and create bonds that last longer than your festival wristband.

how we

From ferries to big comfy coaches, we’ll make sure the journey is just as fun as the adventure. Ready to make a move? Let’s go.

TOPDECK COACH

Consider our Topdeck coach your home away from home. With all the comforts you’ll need, including free Wi-Fi, powerpoints and reclining seats, you’ll hit the road and see Europe from the best viewpoint ever.

METRO PASS

Get to the heart of a city as we take you underground with included Metro passes in some European cities. A super convenient and efficient way to get around, you’ll be rubbing shoulders with the locals on their daily commute while en route to your next bucket list stop (just don’t forget your Metro map!).

OVERNIGHT TRAIN

All aboard! We’ve got overnight trains on the itinerary. Travelling from St Petersburg to Moscow, you’ll have time to watch the world go by and catch some shut-eye before your next big adventure.

FERRY

Several of our trips include ferry journeys, so hold on to your hats as you take to the water with your new amigos. A fast and comfy way to get from A to B (with food and shopping options galore) you’ll have loads to keep you and your shipmates occupied until you reach your next grand destination.

OUR CREW

With a thirst for adventure, an endless stream of knowledge and let’s face it, a keen eye for a hearty local meal, our dedicated Topdeck Crew make the best travel pals, ever.

‘A fantastic way to spend Christmas and a really fun trip. Our guide and driver were truly professionals and brilliant fun.’

TRIP: Winter Spirit

‘The Trip Leader was such a laugh and was extremely knowledgeable. He was great at including everyone and was well organised. Our driver was ace at getting us from A to B and an incredible operator of the massive coach...reverse parallel park?! No problem! Legend.’

TRIP: Winter Expedition

‘Our tour leader was brilliant; fun and always enthusiastic, which in turn made us enthusiastic. I was travelling alone so for me another highlight was meeting different people.’

TRIP: Winter Rhapsody

‘The tour guide and coach driver were amazing. They were both very knowledgeable on the countries we visited. I could not have asked for a better crew.’

TRIP: Winter Express

delicious

Some may bring home a tacky souvenir, others a picture-perfect postcard. But that epic feast you ate while on the trip of a lifetime? That’s a memory that will stay with you forever. Dig in!

GLÜHWEIN AT TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS MARKETS ACROSS EUROPE

Cue all of the cosy vibes as you enjoy mugs of warm Glühwein (mulled wine) at one of the many Christmas markets across Europe. Infused with spices and fruits, Glühwein will be sure to get you in the festive spirit.

PORK KNUCKLE IN A GERMAN BEER HALL GERMANY

With more lederhosen and dirndl than you can shake a litre-sized beer at, think Oktoberfest but all year round. Sound like your kinda vibe? Expect a traditional band, pork knuckle with crackling and guaranteed good times. Prost!

FONDUE IN THE SWISS ALPS SWITZERLAND

If there’s one thing the Swiss do well, it’s cheese. Ready to get your fill? Dip and dunk your way through lots and lots of fondue, aka the best cheese-based creation ever, while you’re in Switzerland. Go on, you won’t regret it.

TRADITIONAL ROAST DINNER IN ENGLAND ENGLAND

You haven’t done England properly if you haven’t had a traditional roast dinner. Usually served on a Sunday, you can expect roasted meat, potatoes, veggies and the only ‘pudding’ you’ll want covered in gravy. You’ll soon see.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND

CHASE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN ICELAND

Ready to tick off a big one from your bucket list? That’s right, we're chasing the Northern Lights in Iceland. Up there with the most beautiful natural phenomena, catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights will give you all the feels. And will probably make you cry. Seriously.

ROME, ITALY

WALKING TOUR IN ROME

Rome: where history was born and made. Get amongst it on our epic walking tour. Tick off all the major sights and prepare to be amazed. Seeing the Colosseum for the first time will be a moment you won’t be forgetting in a hurry. Later, refuel on pizza and espresso shots. Obviously.

DINNER CRUISE IN BUDAPEST

Get down to the Danube river and hop on a cruise with your fellow Topdeckers. You’ll get a yummy dinner and the chance to cast your eyes over the sights of Budapest from the water. Pretty cool huh? Get your camera ready for a new foodie snap.

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

U nderground art in Moscow

Transport and art coexist in Russia. Go underground and step into a maze of metro lines for a taste of art history. Hidden below the streets you’ll find chandeliers, mosaics, statues and beautiful archways to admire. Get your Instagram ready.

OPTIONAL

SEE PLITVICE LAKES IN WINTER

Sure, Plitvice Lakes is jaw-dropping in summer. But in winter, the National Park becomes all sorts of amazing. In the right conditions, the cascading waterfalls freeze over and trees are covered in a blanket of snow, creating an otherworldly landscape. Chasing waterfalls has never been so awesome.

PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK, CROATIA

Visit Santa in Lapland

Off to the land that looks like a fairytale. Lapland’s got winter wonderland down to a T. But it’s not all about snow, the Northern Lights and reindeer. It’s also home to a pretty special guy. Yep, we’re talking about the one and only Santa. Get your wish list ready and let’s see if you’ve been good this year.

freedom to

Put down the itinerary, stray from the crowd and make good use of your free time with some of these not-to-be-missed experiences. Freedom never felt so good.

EXPLORE THE SWISS ALPS SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND

OMG scenery awaits in the land of cheese and chocolate. For some #epicviews, a revolving gondola at Mount Titlis or a cable car up the Schilthorn should do the trick. Wanna go higher? The Jungfrau Mountain summit isn’t called ‘The Top of Europe’ for nothing. And for the fearless, a skydive over this unbelievable landscape will take your breath away. Literally.

TAKE TO THE SLOPES AUSTRIAN ALPS, AUSTRIA & BULGARIA

Whether you’re into your skiing, snowboarding, or simply peoplewatching in the chalet with a mug of hot chocolate, the resorts in Austria and Bulgaria are your playground. Hit the powder with your fellow trip mates and get ready for some après-ski that you won’t be forgetting in a hurry. Did we mention it’s gorgeous here?

JOURNEY

THROUGH SCOTTISH COUNTRYSIDE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS, SCOTLAND

Feel like you’re en route to Hogwarts as you journey through the Scottish Highlands to Loch Ness. Sweeping landscapes, snow-capped mountains and impressive valleys await. Once at Loch Ness, keep your eyes peeled for the elusive monster.

VALUE FOR MONEY

Check out how you’ll get more bang for your buck with Topdeck.

NO HIDDEN COSTS

Thanks to our No Tipping policy you don’t need to worry about extra cash for hidden fees and payments. The result? You’ve got more left over to spend on the fun stuff!

LOGISTICS: SORTED

Our expert Drivers and comfy coaches will get you around. So, no researching routes, booking transport tickets or bus depot waiting rooms. We’ve also got your accommodation sorted. You’re welcome.

UNLOCK THE HIGHLIGHTS

Tick off those bucket list items. We’ve done the haggling for you, which means easier access to those holiday musts: landmarks, museums, food tours and loads more locally sourced experiences. Explorers assemble!

INCLUDED MEALS

We know food and we’re not afraid to shout about it. With plenty of included meals, you can look forward to lots of hearty European feasts throughout your trip.

EXPERT GUIDES ON-HAND

Our Trip Leaders and local guides will offer you all of the tips and tricks that can’t be found anywhere else so that you can focus on the memory making.

pick your

From hostels, hotels, motels and lodges, we've got your accommodation sorted.

Because all travellers are different

All travellers are different. Some like creature comforts and others like discovering up-andcoming destinations. As long as you have the urge to explore, experience new things and meet awesome people, you’ll find that our trip styles cater to (almost) everyone. BYO fondness for a really good time.

GENERATOR HOSTEL, PARIS

HOTEL TRIPS

Fit for couples and singles who love creature comforts, our Hotel trips offer private ensuite twin-share/ double rooms with all the amenities. With properties that are centrally located or close to transport links, you can expect more ‘me-time’.

ACCOMMODATION

3+ STAR HOTELS

TRIP LENGTH

4-28 DAYS

ROOM TYPES SINGLE/TWIN/DOUBLE

EXPLORER TRIPS

With all the benefits of a Hotel trip, but with extra time to explore a region more thoroughly, these focused itineraries let you travel in-depth. Fellow explorers, unite!

ACCOMMODATION

3+ STAR HOTELS

TRIP LENGTH 7-14 DAYS

ROOM TYPES SINGLE/TWIN/DOUBLE

HOSTEL PLUS TRIPS

Get the most out of your Topdeck trip without breaking the bank. Enjoy modern, multi-share hostel rooms and bungalows with likeminded explorers, plus plenty of hotel upgrades to boot. Our most social trip style, Hostel Plus is perfect for funseeking travellers who are looking for a taste of adventure.

ACCOMMODATION HOSTELS/BUNGALOWS/HOTELS

TRIP LENGTH 7-24 DAYS

ROOM TYPES MULTI-SHARE

LIMITED EDITION TRIPS

Europe is full of iconic cultural events, experiences and festivals. Tick some off that bucket list and get a unique feel for a country and its traditions with our Limited Edition trips. From ski trips to New Year’s Eve celebrations and Christmas parties, these once-in-a-lifetime experiences are like nothing else.

ACCOMMODATION HOTELS/HOSTELS

TRIP LENGTH 2-14 DAYS

ROOM TYPES TWIN/DOUBLE/MULTI-SHARE

HOTEL

Fit for couples and singles who are looking for creature comforts, our Hotel trips offer private ensuite twin-share/ double rooms with all the amenities you’ll need. With properties that are centrally located or close to transport links, you can expect a little more ‘me-time’ and space to spread out.

Sector trips offer you a great way to choose a departure city, set of experiences or journey length that best suits you. A Sector trip is part of a larger journey, meaning your new friends might continue on after you leave, or you might be joining a trip already in progress.

4 DAY | ICELAND EXPLORER

CLOCKWISE: REYKJAVÍK, HARDFISKUR (FINNISH DISH), GULLFOSS FALLS, BLUE LAGOON

DAY 1 REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND. With landscapes like this, Iceland might as well be its own solar system. Make your own way to your accommodation for a date with your Trip Leader and fellow #topdeckers. Make friends, swap travel stories and grab some drinks. We’ve got an introduction to Iceland’s nightlife on the cards tonight. Beer tasting – we’re ready for ya! (D)

DAY 2 REYKJAVÍK. Off to the Blue Lagoon today. Sounds like something out of Disney and looks like something from space. Lunar landscape. Natural geothermal pools. The chance to explore and swim. In winter. Outside. Iceland is awesome. As if life couldn’t get any better than that, wait ‘til tonight. We’re off chasing the Northern Lights. Visibility can’t be guaranteed but if you nail that shot you won’t need to take another photo again. Ever. (B)

DAY 3 REYKJAVÍK. Swap natural wonders for city life with a free day in über-cool Reykjavík. Check out the views from Hallgrímskirkja then hit up the half-submerged City Hall and grab a coffee with half your body under the waterline. Surreal. If you're a nature-lover, don't miss the optional Golden Circle tour for 300 kilometres of the very best Icelandic landscapes (see also: the UNESCO World Heritage Site Thingvellir National Park). Come nightfall, there are foodie haunts abound. Local delicacies like smoked sheep head or rotten shark = a little too much for most. But we’re up for a bite from the world's best hot dog stand. Bill Clinton allegedly rates it. For something even more local, head to the other end of the lake for great food and great views. Definitely worth the trip. But be warned, the best nightlife starts late. Like midnight. Dancing shoes at the ready! (B)

DAY 4 REYKJAVÍK. Farewells today. But don’t get too upset. You ticked off some epic bucket list activities. Keen for round two? (B)

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Visit the famous Blue Lagoon

+ Northern Lights tour

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 3 breakfasts (B), 1 dinner (D)

+ 3 nights in hotel accommodation (twin-share or double)

+ Awesome Trip Leader

TOP OPTIONALS

+ Excursion to the famous Golden Circle

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Driving tour of Paris

+ Walking tour of Florence with local guide

+ Stay in the picturesque Swiss Alps

START MEET AT 6AM IN LONDON (OR 5PM IN PARIS)

FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9AM IN ROME

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 7 breakfasts (B), 3 dinners (D)

+ 7 nights in hotel accommodation (twin-share or double)

+ English Channel ferry ticket

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

DAY 1 LONDON, ENGLAND TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). (D)

DAY 2 PARIS. (B)

DAY 3 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. (B,D)

DAY 4 SWISS ALPS. (B)

DAY 5 SWISS ALPS TO FLORENCE, ITALY. (B,D)

DAY 6 FLORENCE TO ROME. (B)

DAY 7 ROME INCLUDING VATICAN CITY VISIT. (B)

DAY 8 ROME. (B)

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Gondola ride in Venice

+ Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam

DAY 1 ROME, ITALY.

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 8 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D)

+ 8 nights in hotel accommodation (twin-share or double)

+ English Channel ferry ticket

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

DAY 2 ROME INCLUDING VATICAN CITY VISIT. (B)

DAY 3 ROME TO VENICE. (B,D)

DAY 4 VENICE. (B)

DAY 5 VENICE TO SALZBURG, AUSTRIA. (B)

DAY 6 SALZBURG TO HEIDELBERG, GERMANY. (B)

DAY 7 HEIDELBERG TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. (B)

DAY 8 AMSTERDAM. (B,D)

DAY 9 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. (B)

+ Gondola ride in Venice

+ Visit Lake Bled

START MEET AT 3PM IN ROME

DAY 1 ROME, ITALY.

DAY 2 ROME TO VENICE. (B,D)

DAY 3 VENICE. (B)

DAY 4 VENICE TO LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA. (B)

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 9 breakfasts (B), 4 dinners (D) + 9 nights in hotel accommodation (twin-share or double)

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

DAY 5 LJUBLJANA TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. (B,D)

DAY 6 BUDAPEST. (B,D)

DAY 7 BUDAPEST TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA. (B)

DAY 8 VIENNA TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. (B,D)

DAY 9 PRAGUE. (B)

DAY 10 PRAGUE. (B)

This is a section of the 20 Day Discover Winter trip. See p.29 or visit our website.

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Overnight stay in UNESCO World Heritage listed Český Krumlov

+ Guided tour of former concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau

START MEET AT 6PM IN BUDAPEST

DAY 1 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. (D)

DAY 2 BUDAPEST. (B,D)

DAY 3 BUDAPEST TO KRAKÓW, POLAND. (B)

DAY 4 KRAKÓW. (B)

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 9 breakfasts (B), 5 dinners (D)

+ 9 nights in hotel accommodation (twin-share or double)

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities + Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

DAY 5 KRAKÓW TO ČESKÝ KRUMLOV, CZECH REPUBLIC. (B,D)

DAY 6 ČESKÝ KRUMLOV TO PRAGUE. (B,D)

DAY 7 PRAGUE. (B)

DAY 8 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. (B,D)

DAY 9 BERLIN. (B)

DAY 10 BERLIN. (B)

This is a section of the 28 Day Winter Expedition trip. See p.32 or visit our website.

10 DAY | DEMOCRACY ROAD

DAY 1 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Welcome to Budapest! Get to know your fellow travellers over a Hungarian feast in a local restaurant. (D)

DAY 2 BUDAPEST. Free day! Indulge in a spa treatment at the world famous Gellért Baths and visit the Buda Castle or House of Terror Museum. Tonight, hang with the hipsters and drink local fruit brandy at one of the original ruin bars. (B,D)

DAY 3 BUDAPEST TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Roll into Vienna and get your bearings on a driving tour. Top off your day with a schnitzel and apple strudel at Café Central, the regular hangout of Freud, Trotsky and Lenin. Let the Vienna Chamber Orchestra serenade you later (optional). (B)

DAY 4 VIENNA TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. First, a sobering visit to Mauthausen concentration camp for a lesson in the resilience of humanity. Once we hit Prague, there’s a walking tour to get us started. Check out the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock. What a day! (B,D)

DAY 5 PRAGUE. Soak up some Czech history at the National or Communist Museum or get a taste of the quirky local culture at a marionette puppet opera. After, eat roast pork from one of the street vendors lining Old Town Square and try some beer. Really. Good. Beer. (B)

DAY 6 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. Get acquainted with 800-year-old Dresden – a city virtually destroyed in WWII and then rebuilt. Then: Berlin. We'll drive you around to see the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag building before knuckling down with some pork at Hofbräuhaus. (B,D)

DAY 7 BERLIN. Join the optional Third Reich walking tour for an insight into what the city was like under Nazi rule during WWII, go on a museum crawl or head to the zoo. More culture awaits on Museum Island, with creative types and memorable meals available in the Prenzlauer Berg and Kreuzberg neighbourhoods. (B)

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Visit Schönbrunn Palace

+ Visit former concentration camp Mauthausen

+ Dinner at Hofbräuhaus, Berlin

+ Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 9 breakfasts (B), 5 dinners (D)

+ 9 nights in hotel accommodation (twin-share or double)

+ English Channel ferry ticket

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

TOP OPTIONALS

+ Viennese Chamber Orchestra

+ Bike tour of Amsterdam

DAY 8 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Next stop: Amsterdam. Get acquainted with the infamous city on a walking tour. Take note of what you wanna do on your free day here tomorrow. Trust us, there’ll be plenty. (B)

DAY 9 AMSTERDAM. Soak up the city's 51 museums (Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House are amazing) or take an optional bike tour. There’s also the Heineken Experience for an interactive visit and tasting at the brewery. Top it off with a farewell dinner cruise on the canal. (B,D)

DAY 10 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. Today it's back on the ferry as we journey back to London. Start planning the next adventure. Facebook friends? (B)

TRIP PRICE OF R20900

TRIP PRICE OF R21600

TRIP PRICE OF R23300

TRIP PRICE OF R24000

G= Guaranteed departure price based on per person twin-share/double sinGle supplement from an extra r6300 10 DAYS FROM

ZAR PER PERSON

This is a section of the 20 Day Discover Winter trip. See p.29 or visit our website.

10 DAY | BIG RED TO RED STAR

DAY 1 HELSINKI, FINLAND. Stalk the major sites and embrace Finnish tradition with a hearty salmon soup (lohikeitto). Or, try ice skating or foodie-stall hopping at Old Market Square before meeting your soon-to-be besties for a group dinner. (D)

DAY 2 HELSINKI TO TALLINN, ESTONIA. Ferry it from Helsinki to the Silicon Valley on the Baltic Sea, where Skype was invented and kids start coding at six. Go exploring and check out the only surviving Gothic town hall in northern Europe. (B,D)

DAY 3 TALLINN. Go all knight in shining armour with a medieval tour of the city (horse not included), or go and see the super impressive Kadriorg Palace (optional). The palace is home to the Kadriorg Art Museum as well. Plenty to get your teeth into. (B)

DAY 4 TALLINN TO ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA. Russia is bigger than Pluto, so it’s understandable that today’s drive is pretty epic. Say Zdravstvujtye (zdrah-stvooy-tee = hello) as we arrive in St Petersburg in time to scope out the Venice of the North on a driving tour. The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is awesome in all its domed and glittery glory. (B,D)

DAY 5 ST PETERSBURG. With 3 million items in the archives, the Hermitage Museum is your morning sorted. It has the largest collection of paintings in the world and guard cats that protect them from rodents. (B)

DAY 6 ST PETERSBURG TO MOSCOW VIA OVERNIGHT TRAIN. Dress in your finery and take in the city at your own pace today. Why not dial up your inner hipster with a visit to the city’s Street Art Museum? Then all aboard the night train for Moscow. Get cosy! (B)

DAY 7 MOSCOW. Bounce to Moscow this morning to roll with the billionaires. The city is home to the largest number of high-rollers in the world. We’ve got a driving tour to give you a good overview of the city. (B,D)

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Entrance & guided tour to The State Hermitage Museum & Moscow Kremlin

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 9 breakfasts (B), 5 dinners (D)

+ 8 nights in hotel accommodation (twin-share or double) & 1 night on an overnight train

+ Baltic Sea ferry ticket

+ Overnight train ticket

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Awesome Trip Leader

TOP OPTIONALS

+ Visit Kadriorg Palace in Estonia

+ Guided tour of Moscow's metro art

DAY 8 MOSCOW. Check out the Red Square, then on to the Kremlin. Fact: The Kremlin was saved from WWII bombing by disguising it as a normal house. (B)

DAY 9 MOSCOW. St Basil’s Cathedral in winter blows all those Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales out of the water. Be amazed by the onion domes and pop back in on Putin at the Kremlin before going underground for the world's cheapest (art) ticket at one of the 196 beautifully elaborate metro stations (optional). Prep that Instagram of yours. (B,D)

DAY 10 MOSCOW. Time to say poka (bye) after breakfast. We won’t blame you if you wanna stick around some more. (B)

14 DAY | CAESAR'S PATHWAY

DAY 1 ROME, ITALY. Make like Caesar and work up a colossus hunger as you check out the Colosseum and Spanish Steps. There’s so much to see in Rome. Hop to it! Then, why not head to a local trattoria for dinner with your fellow Topdeckers? Yum!

DAY 2 ROME TO VENICE. Today, on to Venice where travelling by boat is totally the norm. But first, we’ll see Juliet’s balcony in Verona and join throngs of lovers leaving notes on the wall. (B,D)

DAY 3 VENICE. Let us hook you up with a gondola ride. It’s one not to miss. Then, a walking tour of Venice. Keep an eye out for St Mark’s Square (you can’t miss it). (B)

DAY 4 VENICE TO LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA. A fairytale castle + an Insta-worthy lake (Bled) = just your average day here. (B)

DAY 5 LJUBLJANA TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Paternal twins Buda and Pest sit pretty on the River Danube. Get familiar with a driving tour to see Buda Castle and Gellért Hill. Dinner tonight with the crew. (B,D)

DAY 6 BUDAPEST. Useless fact: both the noiseless match and Rubik’s cube were invented by Hungarians. You’ve got a free day to explore so make the most of it. (B,D)

DAY 7 BUDAPEST TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Today we enter The City of Dreams (kudos, Freud)! The Vienna Orchestra provides the soundtrack (optional) and you can check out Schönbrunn Palace. (B)

DAY 8 VIENNA TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. This morning, we visit Mauthausen and learn of the resilience of humanity. After: Prague. Check out the Astronomical Clock and devour a mouthwatering Trdelník. What a day! (B,D)

DAY 9 PRAGUE. Czech out this pretty city. Get #selfie happy at Prague Castle and the Old Town Square. (B)

DAY 10 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. A quick stop in historic Dresden. Then, pork knuckle and merry-making at Hofbräuhaus. (B,D)

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Gondola ride in Venice

+ Dinner at Hofbräuhaus, Berlin

+ Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 13 breakfasts (B), 6 dinners (D)

+ 13 nights in hotel accommodation (twin-share or double)

+ English Channel ferry ticket

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

TOP OPTIONALS

+ Viennese Chamber Orchestra

+ Berlin Alternative Tour & Nightlife tour

DAY 11 BERLIN. Get beneath the city’s gritty exterior at the Jewish Memorial and Brandenburg Gate. Tonight, why not hit up Berlin’s famous club scene? See you on the dance floor. (B)

DAY 12 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. This bike-loving city nails a good time, all the time. Get your bearings on a walking tour. (B)

DAY 13 AMSTERDAM. This morning’s optional bike ride = definitely one not to miss. Also check out: the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum and the Heineken Experience just in time for beer o’clock and our farewell dinner cruise. (B,D)

DAY 14 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. Today it's back on the ferry. Start planning the next adventure before we end in London town. (B) This is a section of the 20 Day Discover

ZAR PER PERSON

14 DAY | WINTER SPREE

CLOCKWISE: PRAGUE, BUDAPEST

TRIP PRICE OF R26900 TRIP PRICE OF R28300

PRICE OF R31200

PRICE OF R32200

DAY 1 MUNICH, GERMANY. Welcome to Munich. Enjoy a stroll through its enigmatic streets and get a feel for the place. Then be sure to get your hands on some beer this evening. Prost!

DAY 2 MUNICH TO LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA. Travel back to the Middle Ages – the Ljubljana Castle and Old Town have been waiting for you since Celtic times. (B)

DAY 3 LJUBLJANA TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Meet Buda and Pest: the twin cities sitting pretty on the River Danube. Get the goss on a driving tour then feast, Hungarian style! (B,D)

DAY 4 BUDAPEST. Take some time to relax while soaking in one of the city’s many thermal baths. (B,D)

DAY 5 BUDAPEST TO KRAKÓW, POLAND. Legend has it this medieval capital is protected by a dragon. Wawel Castle and Market Square, we’re coming for ya! Check it out on a walking tour. (B)

DAY 6 KRAKÓW. Check out the awe-inspiring St Mary’s Basilica or Oskar Schindler’s factory. Cameras at the ready! (B)

DAY 7 KRAKÓW TO ČESKÝ KRUMLOV, CZECH REPUBLIC. Learn about a poignant part of history on this morning’s visit to AuschwitzBirkenau. Then to Český Krumlov – aka what UNESCO dreams are made of. (B,D)

DAY 8 ČESKÝ KRUMLOV TO PRAGUE. Prague? Czech! Stroll across the Charles Bridge and suss out the castle deemed the largest ancient castle in the world. Wow. (B,D)

DAY 9 PRAGUE. Castle spires, hand-made puppets and street artists – talk about magic! Hit up the Jewish Quarter and medieval Town Hall. Also: beer has been brewed here since 993 AD. Eek! (B)

DAY 10 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. We’ll make a pit stop in Dresden before hitting up Berlin in all its hipster glory. Chow down on pork knuckle at Hofbräuhaus later. (B,D)

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Guided tour of former concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau

+ Overnight stay in UNESCO World Heritage listed Český Krumlov

+ Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 13 breakfasts (B), 6 dinners (D)

+ 13 nights in hotel accommodation (twin-share or double)

+ English Channel ferry ticket

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

TOP OPTIONALS

+ Third Reich walking tour in Berlin

+ Bike tour of Amsterdam

DAY 11 BERLIN. Take the optional Third Reich walking tour, stroll under the Brandenburg Gate and get a feel for the city. Hit the town tonight to see what all the fuss is about. (B)

DAY 12 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Off to the land where there are more bikes than people. Before hitting the town, take a peek in the Red Light District and get your bearings on a walking tour. (B)

DAY 13 AMSTERDAM. Make like a local and get on a 'Dam bike (optional). Why not check out the Van Gogh Museum too then top it off with a farewell dinner cruise on the canal with the crew. (B,D)

DAY 14 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. Today it’s back to London we go. It’s never too early to start planning the next adventure. (B)

14 DAY | WINTER WONDER

DAY 1 LONDON, ENGLAND TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). Say au revoir to England and introduce yourself to French food and killer sights with a night driving tour and included dinner. (D)

DAY 2 PARIS. Make like a local and head along the banks of the Canal St Martin for a café scene they don’t want you to know about. Or just tick off the must-dos. Finish with: cabaret or a river cruise (optional). (B)

DAY 3 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. Yodel out the window as we roll into the Alps today. Scenery like this needs to be seen to be believed. (B,D)

DAY 4 SWISS ALPS. Ride to the top of the world (well, nearly) or explore a village that will inspire you to buy (and eat) a Toblerone. (B)

DAY 5 SWISS ALPS TO FLORENCE, ITALY. Onwards to beautiful Firenze. Tip: Hot chocolate + Piazzale Michelangelo for great views over the city and secret bakeries (Google it). (B,D)

DAY 6 FLORENCE TO ROME. Take advantage of the local POV today as we check out the sights. Then it’s off to Rome for the Colosseum and the Pantheon. (B)

DAY 7 ROME INCLUDING VATICAN CITY VISIT. Visit the Vatican (optional) then #livelikealocal. See: tiny wine bars, street markets, thin pizza dough and awesome fashion. (B)

DAY 8 ROME TO VENICE. Ah, fair Verona. Channel Romeo and Juliet and re-enact the world’s most famous balcony scene. Then get ready for island hopping city style. (B,D)

DAY 9 VENICE. They say it’s all about the gondolas. You’ll know why today. More love at St Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace and Rialto Bridge. Then, hang out with the locals at Cannaregio. (B)

DAY 10 VENICE TO SALZBURG, AUSTRIA. Welcome to Salzburg. One city. One complex musical dynasty. Play spot the fan as you go. Hint: The Sound of Music guys quite often dress up, Mozart fans less so. (B)

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Driving tour of Paris

+ Gondola ride in Venice

+ Walking tour of Florence with local guide

+ Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 13 breakfasts (B), 5 dinners (D)

+ 13 nights in hotel accommodation (twin-share or double)

+ English Channel ferry tickets

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

TOP OPTIONALS

+ Scenic excursion to Mount Titlis

+ Guided tour of Vatican City

+ Bike tour of Amsterdam

DAY 11 SALZBURG TO HEIDELBERG, GERMANY. Dial up the Disney. A fairytale castle makes Heidelberg ideal to unleash your inner Princess/ Prince Charming. They do a good beer, too. (B)

DAY 12 HEIDELBERG TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. And you thought Italy was foodie heaven. Amsterdam has come into its own with pared back, clean flavours. Take off to find some scrumptious eats. (B)

DAY 13 AMSTERDAM. Final full day. Explore the city by bike (optional) then get your phone ready to immortalise everything at our farewell dinner cruise. (B,D)

DAY 14 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. Today it's back on the ferry to London. Start planning the next adventure before we get back on land. (B)

TRIP PRICE OF R35000

TRIP PRICE OF R36600 TRIP PRICE OF R38600

16 DAY | TRAIL TO THE ALPS

DAY 1 LONDON, ENGLAND TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). The French invented cinema to capture the world around them. Seeing the Notre-Dame, the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe you’ll know why. Take in the sights on a driving tour and feast at our included dinner. (D)

DAY 2 PARIS. Take the chance to bike around the city on an optional bike tour. Tonight you can choose between a Seine river cruise or a traditional cabaret show. Tricky stuff! (B)

DAY 3 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. The view out your window today is seriously amazing. If it could get any better, tonight, we’ve got fondue. (B,D)

DAY 4 SWISS ALPS. Wake up, eat hearty, then go exploring the Alps. Choose to glide, slide, hike and ski all over Mount Titlis. Or, just chill in the chalet. (B)

DAY 5 SWISS ALPS TO MILAN, ITALY. We make a pit stop in Liechtenstein before rolling on to the fashion capital: Milan. Go on the walking tour to get your bearings. (B)

DAY 6 MILAN TO FLORENCE. The Leaning Tower of Pisa puts a new slant on our trip before we arrive in the birthplace of the Renaissance. (B,D)

DAY 7 FLORENCE. Florence is pretty darn special. We have a local guide to get you in the know today. Gelato for breakfast, lunch and dinner? Oh, go on then. (B)

DAY 8 FLORENCE TO ROME. We’re visiting Orvieto for starters before we make like Caesar and head to Rome. Get ready for the best walking tour, ever! (B)

DAY 9 ROME INCLUDING VATICAN CITY VISIT. Take an optional tour of Vatican City. This is one you’re not gonna want to miss. Then, play I spy with two-and-a-half millennia worth of history. Wow! (B)

DAY 10 ROME TO VENICE. Take a peek at Juliet’s balcony in Verona as we continue north to Venice where travelling by boat is totally the norm. (B,D)

ON THE BUCKET LIST

(INCLUDED)

+ Driving tour of Paris

+ Walking tour of Florence with local guide

+ Gondola ride in Venice

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 15 breakfasts (B), 5 dinners (D)

+ 15 nights in hotel accommodation (twin-share or double)

+ English Channel ferry ticket

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

TOP OPTIONALS

+ Traditional cabaret show in Paris

+ Scenic excursion to Mount Titlis

DAY 11 VENICE. Kick off your day with a city tour, then get your swag on with an included gondola ride through the Grand Canal. This afternoon: lose yourself among 118 islands worth of OMG. (B)

DAY 12 VENICE TO AUSTRIAN ALPS, AUSTRIA. Mountains, skiing and all things après-ski = we’re on our way to Austria. Time to get your Schwarzenegger impression perfect. Tobogganing anyone? (B,D)

DAYS 13-14 AUSTRIAN ALPS. Red Bull was born here and once you ski, snowboard and paraglide all over the Austrian Alps, you’ll soon see why. (B) (B)

DAY 15 AUSTRIAN ALPS TO MUNICH, GERMANY. Hello Munich! The home of Oktoberfest, it’s time to get searching for the perfect beer. I mean, it’d be rude not to. Prost! (B)

DAY 16 MUNICH. European winters are long so the trip doesn’t need to end after breakfast. Group hug it out then start planning your next adventure. (B)

20 DAY | DISCOVER WINTER

CLOCKWISE:

DAYS 1-2 LONDON, ENGLAND TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). Meet the crew and see Paris by night on a driving tour. Day two? Bike or cruise along the Seine (optional) before a traditional cabaret show (optional). (D) (B)

DAYS 3-4 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. Enjoy the views today as we roll into the Swiss Alps. Tomorrow, jump on the revolving gondola to the top of Mount Titlis (optional). (B,D) (B)

DAY 5 SWISS ALPS TO FLORENCE, ITALY. We arrive in the land of Tuscan cuisine and the birthplace of gelato: Florence. (B,D)

DAY 6 FLORENCE TO ROME. Walking tours in both Florence and Rome today mean you’ll have learnt enough about history to smash all future pub quizzes. (B)

DAY 7 ROME INCLUDING VATICAN CITY VISIT. Visit the Vatican today (optional) with its museums and Sistine Chapel. Ah-mazing. (B)

DAYS 8-9 ROME TO VENICE. A Verona walking tour this morning before we say ciao to Venice. Get your bearings on day two’s walking tour and soak up St Mark's Square before a gondola ride. (B,D) (B)

DAY 10 VENICE TO LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA. We're off to Ljubljana via the Insta-worthy Lake Bled. Shoot back to the Middle Ages on a walking tour of Ljubljana Castle and Old Town. (B)

DAYS 11-12 LJUBLJANA TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Enjoy a walk this evening and soak up the view from the Citadella. Tomorrow, check off the Széchenyi Baths and visit the Buda Castle. Tonight, hang with the hipsters at a ruin bar. (B,D) (B,D)

DAY 13 BUDAPEST TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Amp up the classical music and get ready for the City Of Dreams. (B)

DAYS 14-15 VIENNA TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. First, a sobering visit to Mauthausen concentration camp. Then, fuel up on trdelník before a walking tour

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Driving tour of Paris

+ Walking tour of Florence with local guide

+ Visit former concentration camp Mauthausen

+ Dinner at Hofbräuhaus, Berlin

+ Gondola ride in Venice

+ Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 19 breakfasts (B), 9 dinners (D)

+ 19 nights in hotel accommodation (twin-share or double)

+ English

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

TOP OPTIONALS

+ Bike tour of Amsterdam

+ Scenic excursion to Mount Titlis

in Prague. See the John Lennon Wall and the Old Town Square on day two. (B,D) (B)

DAYS 16-17 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. We'll drive you around to see the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie and the Brandenburg Gate before a meal at a Hofbräuhaus. On day two, hang with the locals in Kreuzberg. Optional street art and nightlife tour tonight. (B,D) (B)

DAYS 18-19 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Take on the city's museums (mustdos: Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House). Top it off with a dinner cruise on the canal. (B) (B,D)

DAY 20 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. Today it's back on the ferry to London. *cries* (B)

TRIP PRICE OF R42800

TRIP PRICE OF R44300

TRIP PRICE OF R47700

TRIP PRICE OF R49600

G= Guaranteed departure price based on per person twin-share/double sinGle supplement from an extra r12900

20 DAYS FROM

ZAR PER PERSON

21 DAY | WINTER PATHWAY

DAYS 5-7 VENICE TO AUSTRIAN ALPS, AUSTRIA. Austria is bound to impress. Ski. Snowboard. Repeat. Or just sit and stare at the storybook landscape with a mug of hot chocolate. Either way, you’re winning at life. (B,D) (B) (B)

DAY 8 AUSTRIAN ALPS TO MUNICH, GERMANY. It's time to get to know the city where beer is king. Slide on your lederhosen and have a royal happy hour experience at the 426-yearold Hofbräuhaus. The day is yours. (B)

DAY 9 MUNICH TO LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA. Give one last prost to Munich before arriving in Ljubljana. Travel back to the Middle Ages with a visit to the Ljubljana Castle and Old Town. They’ve been waiting for you since Celtic times. Tonight, the evening is all yours. Hit up Metelkova Mesto for a tea or vino with a side of live music and underground art installations. (B)

DAY 10 LJUBLJANA TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Your house in Budapest awaits. A driving tour will get you acquainted with the area. Check out Hero's Square, Parliament House, the National Palace, Fisherman's Bastion and swanky Andrássy Avenue. What a welcome! (B,D)

DAY 11 BUDAPEST. There are 80+ thermal springs in Budapest. Tick some off your list then hang with the hipsters and drink local fruit brandy at one of the original ruin bars. (B,D)

a gazillion pretty Venetian masks and Bellini. Yes! (B,D)

DAY 4 VENICE. Get your bearings on a walking tour, hit St Mark’s Square then go for an included gondola ride. Cue serenading and ample #selfie time. (B) DAY 1 ROME, ITALY. Make like Caesar and work up a colossus hunger as you check out the Colosseum and Spanish Steps. Feast at a local trattoria to treat your belly.

DAY 2 ROME INCLUDING VATICAN CITY VISIT. The day is yours. Kick things off with a visit to the Vatican City (optional) or just kick back in Piazza

DAY 12 BUDAPEST TO KRAKÓW, POLAND. Meet Poland's beating heart – and the largest medieval town square in Europe – on foot. Buff up on history at Wawel Castle, feed the ducks on the bank of the Wisla and after dinner, slay a few glasses of mead. (B)

DAY 13 KRAKÓW. Get all up in the streets of Kraków today and let the statement, “Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire” really sink in at Oskar Schindler's factory. Your day, your choice. (B)

CLOCKWISE: BERLIN,

DAY 14 KRAKÓW TO ČESKÝ KRUMLOV, CZECH REPUBLIC. This morning, visit AuschwitzBirkenau. Take time to reflect before arriving into fairytale Český Krumlov. (B,D)

DAY 15 ČESKÝ KRUMLOV TO PRAGUE. Prague is all about the charm. Get a feel for it on a walking tour among Prague’s spires. Later, chill in Old Town Square. (B,D)

DAY 16 PRAGUE. Free day to explore, yay! There’s always optional beer tasting on the menu if you’re keen. (B)

DAY 17 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. Get acquainted with 800-year-old Dresden, a city virtually destroyed in WWII and then rebuilt, before making your way to Berlin. Prep yourself for currywurst and more hipsters per capita than anywhere else before knuckling down with some pork at Hofbräuhaus. (B,D)

DAY 18 BERLIN. Your choice: Third Reich tour, museum crawl or the zoo. Tonight, no curfew at clubs = all bets are off! Go have a peek at what all the fuss is about. The nightlife here is awesome, believe us. (B)

DAY 19 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Dream of cheese and clogs as we roll through windmill dotted fields. See what all that Red Light District fuss is about and get a feel for the city on a walking tour. (B)

DAY 20 AMSTERDAM. Do as the locals do and join an optional city bike tour to soak up the wintery canal vistas before retreating with hot chocolate, poffertjes and stroopwafels. Take on the city's 51 museums (must-dos: Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House) and then top it off with a farewell dinner cruise on the canal. (B,D)

DAY 21 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. Say your goodbyes; it’s back to London we go. It’s never too early to be planning that next adventure. (B)

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Gondola ride in Venice

+ Overnight stay in UNESCO World Heritage heritage listed Český Krumlov

+ Stay in the scenic Austrian Alps

+ Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 20 breakfasts (B), 8 dinners (D)

+ 20 nights in hotel accommodation (twin-share or double)

+ English Channel ferry ticket

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

TOP OPTIONALS

+ Guided tour of Vatican City

+ Skiing in the Austrian Alps

TRIP PRICE OF R39600

TRIP PRICE OF R41700

TRIP PRICE OF R45900

TRIP PRICE OF R47200

G= Guaranteed departure price based on per person twin-share/double sinGle supplement from an extra r11900

21 DAYS FROM

ZAR PER PERSON

28 DAY | WINTER EXPEDITION

DAY 7 FLORENCE. Your mission tonight: track down the best steak in Florence. But first, we explore the city on foot with a local Italian guide and check out Ponte Vecchio, Duomo Cathedral and the Uffizi Gallery. (B)

DAY 8 FLORENCE TO ROME. On your way out of Florence keep your eyes peeled for local artist Clet’s doctored street signs (Google it). Then arrive in Rome for an orientation tour. (B)

DAY 9 ROME INCLUDING VATICAN CITY VISIT. Go pizza-hunting in Caesar’s backyard and get #livinglikealocal. Check out Vatican City on an optional tour. (B)

DAY 10 ROME TO VENICE. Off to the home of more than 400 bridges and 118 islands via Verona. Fill up over dinner then slip into a food coma of epic proportions. (B,D)

DAY 11 VENICE. Chop off some of those calories exploring the city on foot this morning. Then cue singing men in water limos taking you down a labyrinth of canals. Viva Italia (B)

DAY 12 VENICE TO AUSTRIAN ALPS, AUSTRIA. Arrive at the home of carbs and adrenaline sports. Tonight we kick off in style with tobogganing (optional). (B,D)

DAY 13 AUSTRIAN ALPS. Sing “Let It Go”, eat snow, ski down white slopes (optional) and play king of the castle. (B)

DAY 1 LONDON, ENGLAND TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). Say bonjour to the city. Ease yourself in with a highlights tour and an included dinner. (D)

DAY 2 PARIS. Bike ride around the sights (optional), check out the cabaret at the Latin Quarter (optional) or channel your inner Amélie and go exploring. (B)

DAY 3 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. Prepare for Instagram paradise today as we head into the fairytale landscapes of the Swiss Alps. (B,D)

DAY 4 SWISS ALPS. Spend a day in the landscape that inspired Toblerone (the white chocolate version, naturally). (B)

DAY 5 SWISS ALPS TO MILAN, ITALY. Strike a pose today as we roll on to the fashion capital of Italy via Liechtenstein. (B)

DAY 6 MILAN TO FLORENCE. After THAT shot in Pisa we’re off to Florence. Huddle up, grab a double espresso and hit the streets. (B,D)

DAY 14 AUSTRIAN ALPS. Take two. Build a snowman then stuff yourself with meat and strudel. (B)

DAY 15 AUSTRIAN ALPS TO MUNICH, GERMANY. This is so boring. Said no one ever. An early start for extra snow time then Munich for a walking tour. (B)

DAY 16 MUNICH TO LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA. Chocolate box perfection as we roll into Ljubljana today. Kick things off with a guided tour then explore your way around Europe’s last undiscovered fairytale. (B)

DAY 17 LJUBLJANA TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Ruined buildings? If you haven’t heard of ruin bars, you should have. Get your glad rags on and prepare for some signature European nightlife with a hipster twist. (B,D)

DAY 18 BUDAPEST. Opt to soak your weary bones in the Széchenyi Baths (just the tonic after the night before). Relax, enjoy and then get right back out there. We told you Budapest was hardcore, right? (B,D)

DAY 19 BUDAPEST TO KRAKÓW, POLAND. Two countries in one day? Easy. Take the scenic route through Slovakia to Kraków and get your bearings on a walking tour. (B)

DAY 20 KRAKÓW. Start with Kazimierz, the Old Jewish quarter of the city. Labyrinth streets and markets, bars and cafés – this is where the cool kids hang out. (B)

DAY 21 KRAKÓW TO ČESKÝ KRUMLOV, CZECH REPUBLIC. Put things into perspective with a visit to Europe’s most notorious concentration camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau. Then continue on with a night in World Heritage City Český Krumlov. (B,D)

DAY 22 ČESKÝ KRUMLOV TO PRAGUE. A hop, skip and a jump (read: short drive) and we’re in Prague. Explore the city on foot, then find out why this city is known for its nightlife. (B,D)

DAY 23 PRAGUE. Check out the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square or the Astronomical Clock. (B)

DAY 24 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. A quick stop in Dresden as we journey onwards to Berlin today. We’ve got a driving tour of this famous city aka the home of rave and currywurst. (B,D)

DAY 25 BERLIN. Start off your day with a history lesson at the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie and the Reichstag building. (B)

DAY 26 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Eat fries with mayo, explore the city or wander the picturesque canals. (B)

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Driving tour of Paris

+ Gondola ride in Venice

+ Walking tour of Florence with local guide

+ Overnight stay in UNESCO World Heritage listed Český Krumlov

+ Guided tour of former concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau

+ Scenic stays in the Swiss & Austrian Alps

+ Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 27 breakfasts (B), 11 dinners (D)

+ 27 nights in hotel accommodation (twin-share or double)

+ English Channel ferry tickets

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

TOP OPTIONALS

+ Snowboarding/skiing in the Austrian Alps

+ Bike tour of Amsterdam

DAY 27 AMSTERDAM. Hit the streets like a local, exploring the city by bike (optional) then dance to the beat of your own drum for the rest of the day. For a dose of history, pay a visit to the Anne Frank House, and then reconvene for an evening canal dinner cruise to say your goodbyes to the group. (B,D)

DAY 28 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. The trip might be over but there’s always Facebook. (B)

TRIP CODE: EHWXLL

TRIP PRICE OF R58300

TRIP PRICE OF R59800

TRIP PRICE OF R64400

TRIP PRICE OF R66900

G= Guaranteed departure price based on per person twin-share/double sinGle supplement from an extra r17500

28 DAYS FROM

ZAR PER PERSON

EXPLORER

Channel your inner wanderer with our range of itineraries that are designed to explore a region in more depth. Think: chilling with the locals in cosy pubs in England, walking in the steps of a giant in Northern Ireland and loads of other off-the-beaten-track adventures.

Sector trips offer you a great way to choose a departure

A Sector trip is part of a larger

meaning your new friends might continue on after you leave, or you might be joining a trip already in progress.

7 DAY | BRITISH WINTER WARMER

DAY 1 LONDON TO LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND. Meet the crew and load your gear. We begin with Harry Potter-esque Oxford with its cobblestone streets and beautiful architecture. Soak up the medieval vibes before we head to Liverpool and have a traditional roast dinner. Get to know the Liverpudlians and their love of The Beatles, footy and nightlife. (D)

DAY 2 LIVERPOOL TO YORK. Arriving into York, we’ll check out York Minster. There’s also the ancient City Walls, York Castle Museum and a Cold War Bunker to go explore. Later, why not explore the town for a night to remember. (B)

DAY 3 YORK TO EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND. Soak up Edinburgh’s old-world charm as we take you around on a walking tour ticking off some of the top sights. Later, hit up the city for a local pub feast and take the chance to explore the buzzing nightlife with your crew. (B,D)

DAY 4 EDINBURGH. Get under the skin of Edinburgh today and find out why it's much more than its gothic architecture. Head underground with a spooky tour. Did you just tap my shoulder? If you’re up for it this evening there’s some traditional song and dance to go and enjoy (optional). (B)

DAY 5 EDINBURGH. We’re spoilt for choice today with a second day in the capital. Go Loch Ness Monster spotting up in the Scottish Highlands (did we mention the landscape here is unbelievably beautiful?) or check out the city vaults under South Bridge. Or just simply stroll through the Old Town for your dose of UNESCO World Heritage amazingness. (B)

DAY 6 EDINBURGH TO GLASGOW. You can’t do Scotland without whisky. There’s an optional whisky distillery tasting tour today if you’re up for trying the good stuff. We’ll also show you around the city to get your bearings. Then, Glasgow’s nightlife beckons. (B)

DAY 7 GLASGOW. Your trip may be coming to an end here in Glasgow but that doesn’t mean you have to leave just yet. We won’t judge if you wanna stick around a little bit longer. Anyone for the pub? (B)

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Traditional English Sunday roast in Liverpool

+ Walking tour of Edinburgh

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 6 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D)

+ 6 nights in hotel accommodation (twin-share or double)

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Walking tours in all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

TOP OPTIONALS

+ Nightlife tour of Edinburgh

+ Day trip to Loch Ness

+ Whisky distillery tour in Glasgow

8 DAY | WINTER CELTIC TRAIL

CLOCKWISE:

DAY 1 BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND. Before our trip begins this afternoon, check out the city which has a lot of (recent) history and now a buzzing, cosmopolitan feel. Yep, we’re talking about Belfast. Hit up the Titanic Museum, City Hall, or just go for a stroll. (D)

DAY 2 BELFAST TO GALWAY, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND. Big Question. How did 40,000 hexagonal rock columns end up in the same place? Doesn’t matter – the Giant’s Causeway rocks (pun intended). But in case you were interested, it’s actually the result of a volcanic eruption. Pretty cool, huh? We’ll arrive in Galway tonight, the city that inspired that ridiculously catchy song by Ed Sheeran. (B)

DAY 3 GALWAY. A free day to explore in Galway. Grab yourself some fish and chips in a cosy pub and team up with a beer. Don’t forget to explore the streets with their street performers and buskers. There’s also the optional activity to go and check out the the Cliffs of Moher. The definition of beautiful and rugged coastline, this place is like something out of a movie. (B)

DAY 4 GALWAY TO DUBLIN. Take in the scenery on our drive to Dublin, including a visit to the ancient site, Newgrange. This place is older than both Stonehenge and the Egyptian Pyramids. Wow! Tonight, an Irish show after dinner is your chance to sample a taste of tradition (optional). If that’s not your vibe, chill out in the Temple Bar district and soak up the atmosphere. (B)

DAY 5 DUBLIN. Get your bearings for this afternoon’s free time on a walking tour. Then, take in the view of the city from the Guinness Skybar after touring the Guinness Storehouse. When in Dublin! Want some ideas for your free day? How about checking out Dublin Castle, St Stephen’s Green and taking a walk along the river. (B)

DAY 6 DUBLIN TO CARDIFF, WALES. Enjoy the ferry and roll into Cardiff to find out how many Welsh words you can learn in one night. (B)

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

+ Visit the world-famous Guinness Storehouse in Dublin

+ See historic Stonehenge

+ Visit prehistoric Newgrange site

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 7 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D)

+ 7 nights in hotel accommodation (twin-share or double)

+ Irish Sea ferry ticket

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Walking tours in all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

TOP

OPTIONALS

+ Visit the Cliffs of Moher

DAY 7 CARDIFF. Your day, your way. Do culture at Cardiff Castle or watch a rugby match in The Home of Sport. There’s also Cardiff Market and Cardiff Bay to explore. Oh, and lots and lots of pubs. Tonight, it’s our farewell dinner. Time to get all the selfies in! (B,D)

DAY 8 CARDIFF TO LONDON, ENGLAND. All good things must come to an end. But not so fast. Embrace the mystery surrounding those iconic stones at Stonehenge. Then the final leg. We're off to London town for teary goodbyes. Who wants to go again? (B)

This is a section of the 14 Day Winter Britain & Ireland trip. See p.39 or visit our website.

TRIP PRICE OF R21900

TRIP PRICE OF R23200

TRIP PRICE OF R24600

G= Guaranteed departure

8 DAYS FROM R21900

ZAR PER PERSON

11 DAY | WINTER BRAVO ITALIA

DAY 1 ROME, ITALY. We’ve got a date (well, a walking tour). Meet your Trip Leader and check out the Pantheon, Spanish Steps and the Colosseum. Work up an appetite for dinner with the group tonight. (D)

DAY 2 ROME INCLUDING VATICAN CITY VISIT. Off to the smallest country in the world and St Peter’s Basilica (optional). If you’re a culture vulture, consider taking one of the optional tours at the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel or live la dolce vita exploring the streets. (B)

DAY 3 ROME TO SORRENTO. Ciao Roma, hello Amalfi Coast! Think: Pinterest board material and holiday hotspot for literary geniuses like Dickens, Nietzsche and Goethe. Get inspired and write some postcards after dinner. (B,D)

DAY 4 SORRENTO. Stay seaside or opt in to travel back to 79AD to the UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient city of Pompeii, which was abruptly buried when nearby Vesuvius erupted. Tonight, carb up at a local restaurant of your choice. Pro tip: follow the sound of live music. (B)

DAY 5 SORRENTO TO ASSISI. On to the hillside town of Assisi to meet our local guide and find out how the Basilica of St Francis was built without cranes and just how that roof was painted. It’s pretty epic. (B,D)

DAY 6 ASSISI TO VENICE. Nature + fast cars en route to Venice today. First: the views from San Marino castle. Then, for every car geek’s dream we’re hitting up the Ferrari museum! Later, in Venice, expect a labyrinth of canals and picture-perfect bridges. (B,D)

DAY 7 VENICE. Bridges and boats. A walking tour means our day starts with minus calories. Refuel at lunch and then jump on a gondola to see the Grand Canal. Perfecto (B)

DAY 8 VENICE TO MILAN. Dust off (and maybe iron) those glad rags today. Milan is Italy’s fashion capital and the residents know it. Expect €3,000 knee-high boots and tailored coats. Just saying. (B)

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Gondola ride in Venice

+ Tuscan wine tasting

+ Entry to the Ferrari Museum

+ Local Italian guides in Assisi & Florence

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 10 breakfasts (B), 5 dinners (D)

+ 10 nights in hotel accommodation (twin-share or double)

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

TOP OPTIONALS

+ Guided tour of historical Pompeii

+ Guided tour of Vatican City

DAY 9 MILAN TO FLORENCE. Capture the only shot you need in Pisa (we’re talking about that famous Leaning Tower) before we continue through Tuscany. We’ve got some wine tasting to get involved in before moving on to Florence. Tip: take a walk to Piazzale Michelangelo. Thank us later. (B)

DAY 10 FLORENCE. Get to know the city with a local this morning. See: the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. Clock the bell tower beside the main Duomo to avoid the queues and to get the same dramatic views. (B,D)

DAY 11 FLORENCE TO ROME. Full circle today as we head back to the capital to say goodbye. But first, we check out Orvieto for your first wild boar panini (if you’re game). (B)

14 DAY | WINTER BRITAIN & IRELAND

DAY 1 LONDON TO LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND. We begin with Harry Potter-esque Oxford. Soak up the medieval vibes before we head to Liverpool and have a traditional roast dinner. (D)

DAY 2 LIVERPOOL TO YORK. Arriving into York, we’ll check out York Minster. Later, why not explore the town for a night to remember. (B)

DAY 3 YORK TO EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND. Soak up Edinburgh’s old-world charm, hit up the city for a local pub feast and take the chance to explore the nightlife with your crew. (B,D)

DAY 4 EDINBURGH. Get under the skin of Edinburgh today and find out why it's much more than its gothic architecture. Head underground with a spooky tour. (B)

DAY 5 EDINBURGH. We’re spoilt today with a second day in the capital. Go Loch Ness Monster searching or check out the city vaults under South Bridge. (B)

DAY 6 EDINBURGH TO GLASGOW. You can’t do Scotland without whisky. Cue a whisky tasting tour (optional) then Glasgow’s nightlife beckons. (B)

DAY 7 GLASGOW TO BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND. Ferry over to a city with a lot of (recent) history and now a buzzing, cosmopolitan feel. Hit up the Titanic Museum or hop on an optional Black Cab tour for local tales and insider tips. (B,D)

DAY 8 BELFAST TO GALWAY, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND. Big Question. How did 40,000 hexagonal rock columns end up in the same place? Doesn’t matter – the Giant’s Causeway rocks (pun intended). We’ll arrive in Galway tonight. (B)

DAY 9 GALWAY. A free day in Galway, the land of ‘craic’. Grab yourself some fish and chips and a beer from the local pub before admiring the buskers on Shop Street. Don’t forget to check out the Cliffs of Moher (optional activity). (B)

DAY 10 GALWAY TO DUBLIN. Take in the scenery on our drive to Dublin, including a visit to the ancient site, Newgrange. Tonight, an Irish show after dinner is your chance to sample a taste of tradition. (B)

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Traditional English Sunday roast in Liverpool

+ Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

+ Visit the world-famous Guinness Storehouse in Dublin

+ See historic Stonehenge

+ Visit prehistoric Newgrange site

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 13 breakfasts (B), 4 dinners (D)

+ 13 nights in hotel accommodation (twin-share or double)

+ Irish Sea ferry tickets

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Walking tours in all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

TOP OPTIONALS

+ Nightlife tour of Edinburgh

+ Day trip to Loch Ness

DAY 11 DUBLIN. Get your bearings for this afternoon’s free time on a walking tour. Then, take in the view of the city from the Guinness Skybar after touring the Guinness Storehouse. (B)

DAY 12

DUBLIN TO CARDIFF, WALES. Enjoy the ferry and roll into Cardiff to find out how many Welsh words you can learn in one night. (B)

DAY 13 CARDIFF. Do culture at Cardiff Castle or watch a rugby match in The Home of Sport. Tonight, it’s our farewell dinner. (B,D)

DAY 14 CARDIFF TO LONDON, ENGLAND. Today we stop off in mystical Stonehenge before London calls us back. Who wants to go again? (B)

TRIP PRICE OF R35600

TRIP PRICE OF R37800

TRIP PRICE OF R40400 TRIP PRICE OF R41600 G= Guaranteed departure

HOSTEL PLUS

Get the most out of your Topdeck trip without breaking the bank. Enjoy modern, multi-share hostel rooms and bungalows with like-minded explorers, plus plenty of hotel upgrades to boot.

Our most social trip style, Hostel Plus is perfect for fun-seeking travellers who are looking for a taste of adventure.

Sector trips offer you a great way to choose a departure city, set of experiences or journey length that best suits you. A Sector trip is part of a larger journey, meaning your new friends might continue on after you leave, or you might be joining a trip already in progress.

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Driving tour of Paris

+ Bordeaux winery tour & tasting

START MEET AT 6AM IN LONDON (OR 5PM IN

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 6 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D)

+ 3 nights in hostels & 3 nights in hotel upgrades

+ English Channel ferry ticket

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

DAY 1 LONDON, ENGLAND TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). (D)

DAY 2 PARIS. (B)

DAY 3 PARIS TO BORDEAUX. (B)

DAY 4 BORDEAUX. (B)

DAY 5 BORDEAUX TO BILBAO, SPAIN. (B)

DAY 6 BILBAO TO MADRID. (B,D)

DAY 7 MADRID. (B)

This is a section of the 24 Day Western Compass trip. See p.56 or visit our website.

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Guided tour of former concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau

+ Walking tour of Prague

DAY 1 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. (D)

DAY 2 BUDAPEST. (B)

DAY 3 BUDAPEST TO KRAKÓW, POLAND. (B)

DAY 4 KRAKÓW. (B)

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 6 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D)

+ 6 nights in hostels

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

DAY 5 KRAKÓW TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. (B,D)

DAY 6 PRAGUE. (B)

DAY 7 PRAGUE. (B)

This is a section of the 24 Day Winter Spirit trip. See p.58 or visit our website.

8 DAY | WINTER SCANDI EXPRESS

CLOCKWISE: COPENHAGEN, SWEDISH SAFFRON BUNS & COFFEE, OSLO, STOCKHOLM

DAY 1 COPENHAGEN, DENMARK. Before meeting your fellow Topdeckers for dinner tonight, spend the day exploring Copenhagen to find out why the city keeps popping up among the top most liveable cities in the world. Take a stroll along the canal to see the brightly-coloured townhouses, get your thrills at the Tivoli Gardens amusement park and go say hi to The Little Mermaid statue. (D)

DAY 2 COPENHAGEN TO OSLO, NORWAY.

Today we’re heading north. Oslo, we’re coming for ya! Enjoy the views today as you travel to Norway’s capital. Once we get to Oslo, get your bearings on a driving tour and take notes of what you wanna come back and explore on your free days here. (B,D)

DAY 3 OSLO. The first of two whole days in Oslo. Want some inspiration of things to do? How about taking the optional visits to the seafaring-themed Viking Ship Museum, Kon-Tiki Museum and Fram Polar Ship. Or, get your ski on at a nearby resort and shred some powder. See you on the slopes. (B)

DAY 4 OSLO. More time to explore Oslo today! Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, make sure you get involved in skiing today. Not your thang? You can always cosy up at the chalets with a mug of hot chocolate and have an ultimate people watching day. (B)

DAY 5 OSLO TO STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN. You know it for the IKEA hotdogs and meatballs (plus ridiculously good-looking people), but Sweden’s capital also punches way above its weight in design, fashion and multicultural vibes. Get excited to explore tomorrow as you share a dinner with your travel pals on arrival into Stockholm this evening. (B,D)

DAY 6 STOCKHOLM. Get to know Stockholm today on a walking tour. Then, head on over to the maritime Vasa Museum or learn all about the Nobel Prize giving on a guided tour of Stockholm City Hall aka the venue of the Nobel Prize banquet (both optional). Pretty cool huh? (B)

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Driving tour of Oslo

+ Walking tour of Stockholm

+ Driving tour of Copenhagen

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 7 breakfasts (B), 4 dinners (D)

+ 7 nights in hostels

+ North Sea ferry ticket

+ Modern air conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

TOP OPTIONALS

+ Visit The Viking Ship Museum

+ Skiing in Norway

+ Guided tour of Stockholm City Hall

DAY 7 STOCKHOLM TO COPENHAGEN, DENMARK. Back down south today as we travel to Copenhagen. Get ready for more gorgeous views playing out of your window: we’re talking lakes and forests for days. Talk about postcardperfect. Cosy up with a group dinner this evening after a driving tour of Copenhagen. (B,D)

DAY 8 COPENHAGEN. We’re saying bye after breakfast, but why not stick around a little longer and see what else Copenhagen has to offer. You won’t be short of stuff to do, we can be sure of that much! (B)

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Local guide in Fes & Marrakech

+ Wander amongst the blue-washed buildings of Chefchaouen

+ Barter for trinkets in the Moroccan souks in Fes & Marrakech

DAY 1 MADRID, SPAIN. (D)

DAY 2 MADRID TO GRANADA. (B)

DAY 3 GRANADA. (B)

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 8 breakfasts (B), 3 dinners (D)

+ 3 nights in hostels & 5 nights in hotel upgrades

+ Strait of Gibraltar ferry ticket

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

DAY 4 GRANADA TO CHEFCHAOUEN, MOROCCO. (B,D)

DAY 5 CHEFCHAOUEN TO FES. (B)

DAY 6 FES. (B)

DAY 7 FES TO MARRAKECH. (B,D)

DAY 8 MARRAKECH. (B)

This is a section of the 15 Day Road to Marrakech trip. See p.52 or visit our website.

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Local guide in Marrakech

+ Driving tour in Madrid

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 8 breakfasts (B), 4 dinners (D)

+ 5 nights in hostels & 3 nights in hotel upgrades

+ Strait of Gibraltar ferry ticket

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

DAY 1 MARRAKECH, MOROCCO. (D)

DAY 2 MARRAKECH. (B)

DAY 3 MARRAKECH TO ASILAH. (B,D)

DAY 4 ASILAH TO SEVILLE, SPAIN. (B,D)

DAY 5 SEVILLE. (B)

DAY 6 SEVILLE TO LISBON, PORTUGAL. (B,D)

DAY 7 LISBON. (B)

DAY 8 LISBON TO MADRID, SPAIN. (B)

DAY 9 MADRID. (B)

This is a section of the 15 Day Road to Marrakech trip. See p.52 or visit our website.

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ A tasty sample of traditional Swiss fondue

+ Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam

DAY 1 ROME, ITALY.

DAY 2 ROME TO VENICE. (B,D)

DAY 3 VENICE. (B)

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 8 breakfasts (B), 3 dinners (D)

+ 5 nights in hostels, 2 nights hotel upgrades & 1 night in a bungalow

+ English Channel ferry ticket

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

DAY 4 VENICE TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. (B,D)

DAY 5 SWISS ALPS. (B)

DAY 6 SWISS ALPS TO LUXEMBOURG CITY, LUXEMBOURG. (B)

DAY 7 LUXEMBOURG CITY TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. (B)

DAY 8 AMSTERDAM. (B,D)

DAY 9 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. (B)

This is a section of the 24 Day Western Compass trip. See p.56 or visit our website.

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Driving tour of Paris

+ Walking tour of Florence with local guide

INCLUSIONS

+ 8 breakfasts (B), 3 dinners (D)

+ 4 nights in hostels & 4 nights in bungalows

+ English Channel ferry ticket

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

DAY 1 LONDON, ENGLAND TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). (D)

DAY 2 PARIS. (B)

DAY 3 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. (B,D)

DAY 4 SWISS ALPS. (B)

DAY 5 SWISS ALPS TO FLORENCE, ITALY. (B,D)

DAY 6 FLORENCE. (B)

DAY 7 FLORENCE TO ROME. (B)

DAY 8 ROME INCLUDING VATICAN CITY VISIT. (B)

DAY 9 ROME. (B)

This is a section of the 24 Day Winter Spirit trip. See p.58 or visit our website.

10 DAY | WINTER ESCAPE

DAY 1 VENICE, ITALY. Today’s the day! Your epic trip with Topdeck begins. Join the rest of the crew this evening and get to know your travel mates. Say cheers over dinner together and get ready for some exploring tomorrow. (D)

DAY 2 VENICE. With so much to see in Venice, let us help you tick off some of the best bits with a walking tour. We’ve also got a vaporetto ride on the cards. But, for the real experience (and some serious time for selfies) hop on the optional excursion along the water via gondola. You’ll never want to travel by car again! (B)

DAY 3 VENICE TO SALZBURG, AUSTRIA. The city of Mozart vs. The Sound of Music. Get your bearings on a walking tour and see what this fairytale-like city has to offer. With snowcapped mountains providing the backdrop, you’ll feel like you’re in a postcard. (B)

DAY 4 SALZBURG TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. It’s a sobering start to the day with a visit to the former concentration camp Mauthausen. Next up, Prague – where Gothic architecture reigns supreme. (B,D)

DAY 5 PRAGUE. An unexpected foodie paradise. Go beyond the beer and check out the foodie treats on offer in the ‘City of a Hundred Spires’. There’s also a lovely Christmas market here daily at the Old Town Square during the winter season. Get your hands around some mulled wine or hot chocolate and get those festive vibes flowing. (B)

DAY 6 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. Off to Berlin via Dresden. Berlin history awaits with a driving tour of all the favourites. Take notes for where to come back and explore tomorrow. (B,D)

DAY 7 BERLIN. Work your free day with a visit to hipster-chic Neukölln, Friedrichshain or Kreuzberg. There’s also a history walking tour today (optional) and some pretty famous nightlife on the cards tonight (optional). (B)

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Vaporetto ride in Venice

+ Visit former concentration camp Mauthausen

+ Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 9 breakfasts (B), 4 dinners (D)

+ 7 nights in hostels & 2 nights in hotel upgrades

+ English Channel ferry ticket

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

TOP OPTIONALS

+ Gondola ride in Venice

+ Third Reich Walking Tour in Berlin

START MEET AT 6PM IN VENICE FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9PM IN LONDON

DAY 8 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Yes, we’ll visit the Red Light District. But don’t let that fool you. Take a walk to experience the real Amsterdam. (B)

DAY 9 AMSTERDAM. Take to two wheels to explore the canal-lined city on an optional bike tour. Then smartphones at the ready for our farewell dinner cruise. Time to get allll the selfies in before it’s too late! (B,D)

DAY 10 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. Today the trip ends. But it’s never too soon to start looking forward to your next adventure. (B)

This is a section of the 18 Day Winter Getaway trip. See p.55 or visit our website.

TRIP CODE: EEWGVL

TRIP PRICE OF R14500

TRIP PRICE OF R15200

TRIP PRICE OF R15900

TRIP PRICE OF R16600

G= Guaranteed departure price based on per person multi-share: usually 2-6 per room 10 DAYS FROM

ZAR PER PERSON

10 DAY | WESTERN RUNNER

DAY 1 MADRID, SPAIN. Hola, Madrid! Before you meet up with the gang this afternoon, check out the Royal Palace, get cultured at the Prado Museum or just kick back in the botanical gardens. After the sun sets, delve into the buzzing nightlife of Malasaña and Chueca neighbourhoods.

DAY 2 MADRID TO VALENCIA. Onto Spain's third largest city, Valencia. A fab hybrid of past and present, this picturesque port town combines avant-garde buildings with all things modern. (B)

DAY 3 VALENCIA TO BARCELONA. Bienvenidos to the city of art nouveau, alluring accents and most importantly, tapas. Today we hit Barcelona. Get ready to leave a little bit of your heart behind. Stroll the bustling Las Ramblas and indulge in a satisfying feast at our included dinner. Flamenco, anyone? Get those feet a' tapping at the optional show tonight. (B,D)

DAY 4 BARCELONA. Tick off the greats today. The Sagrada Família is so beautiful you will probably cry. Seriously. There’s also the Gothic Quarter to check out and loads of tapas and sangria to hunt down. After a solid day of exploring, fire up for the notorious nightlife (note: people hit the clubs at midnight. Earliest. So, make sure you've had your beauty sleep). (B)

DAY 5 BARCELONA TO MARSEILLE, FRANCE. Today we cross the border into France. Marseille’s next on our list. With its boat-lined quayside, history and architecture, there's no wonder this is one of France's most visited cities. A melting pot of sceneries, get your bearings on a walking tour. (B)

DAY 6 MARSEILLE. Your second day in Marseille is yours to spend at your leisure. Explore bustling La Canebière or dig into bouillabaisse, the hearty fish stew invented in Marseille. You could also check out the colourful markets, the Calanques, the Panier area and the Corniche. Be sure to watch the sun set over the Vieux Port. (B)

DAY 7 MARSEILLE TO FLORENCE, ITALY. With over 1,800 restaurants and the world's best gelato (hands down), Florence is where all your

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Walking tour of Florence with local guide

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 9 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D)

+ 8 nights in hostels & 1 night in a bungalow

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

TOP OPTIONALS

+ Flamenco show in Barcelona

Italian dreams are made. After snapping the city's picturesque streets, dig into a hearty included dinner before rolling into bed with a full tummy. (B,D)

DAY 8 FLORENCE. Wakey wakey! Florence is ready and waiting. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city's greats this morning. Think: Ponte Vecchio, Florence Cathedral and that famous naked guy, David. Afterwards, try and track down that 'world's best' gelato we were talking about (depending on which web article you read). (B)

DAY 9 FLORENCE TO ROME. Today, we're Romeward bound. Prep Instagram for a walking tour of the must-sees in this sprawling, cosmopolitan city. After all, the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and Pantheon aren't going to selfie themselves. (B)

DAY 10 ROME INCLUDING VATICAN CITY VISIT. If you're up for one last outing after breakfast, visit the world's smallest country (hello, Vatican City) and gawk at the magnificent ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Judge it for yourself or simply mix with the locals. Espresso stops mandatory. (B)

11 DAY | WINTER EXPRESS

CLOCKWISE: PARIS, MUNICH, VENICE

DAY 1 LONDON, ENGLAND TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). What’s the first thing we want in France? French food, of course. Devour dinner before a tour of Paris to see the twinkly lights. Job done. (D)

DAY 2 PARIS. A free day in Paris = yay! Follow in your favourite literary figure’s footsteps (hello, Hemingway) or just hang with the locals. If you fancy a bike tour, cabaret show or river cruise, we’ll hook you up. (B)

DAY 3 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. We’ll be #nofilter-ed out by the end of today’s Instagram feed. With picturesque mountains and to-die-for scenery, this place has to be seen to believed. Not to mention the carb-tastic dinner. (B,D)

DAY 4 SWISS ALPS. Take the cruisey option and head up Jungfrau by train today. It’s the highest rail station in Europe. The views are unbelievable. (B)

DAY 5 SWISS ALPS TO VENICE, ITALY. Bella Italia today as we roll into Venice. Get ready to get lost in its maze-like alleyways as you ogle the romantic canals. Inside tip: the best local haunts will always be found off the beaten track. (B,D)

DAY 6 VENICE. We’ll take to land and ‘sea’ today. Enjoy a walking tour taking in the greats, then a classic vaporetto ride. This is what public transport should be like. And don’t miss the full gondola experience (optional). (B)

DAY 7 VENICE TO MUNICH, GERMANY. In a city so well known for beer (Oktoberfest rules here) it would be a shame not to drink it. Wirtshaus (pub restaurants) ensure plenty of beer and for non-veggies, plenty of meat. Prost! (B)

DAY 8 MUNICH TO RHINE VALLEY. Not too many grapes on the vine at this time of year but it doesn’t matter, this place is still stunning. (B,D)

DAY 9 RHINE VALLEY TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Europe’s most infamous city. Get the obvious out of the way (Red Light District, anyone?) then discover the Amsterdam that’s off the tourist trails. (B)

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Driving tour of Paris

+ Vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal, Venice

+ Stay in the scenic Rhine Valley castle region

+ Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 10 breakfasts (B), 5 dinners (D)

+ 8 nights in hostels & 2 nights in hotel upgrades

+ English Channel ferry tickets

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

TOP OPTIONALS

+ Traditional cabaret show in Paris

+ Skydiving in the Swiss Alps

START MEET AT 6AM

DAY 10 AMSTERDAM. The best city to explore by two wheels (optional). Not only for the coolfactor but because there are no hills. At all. We’ll continue our mission to live like a local this afternoon before our farewell dinner cruise. (B,D)

DAY 11 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. The final stretch. Wave goodbye to the ‘Dam before arriving back to London town. (B)

11 DAY | VENTURE TO VENICE

DAY 1 LONDON, ENGLAND TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). So long London, bonjour France! A first taste of French cuisine at our included dinner and a tour of the most iconic sights in Paris by night. Ooh la la! Welcome to the most romantic city in Europe. (D)

DAY 2 PARIS. A free day in Paris means living like a local. Browse bookshops in Le Marais, drink espresso in the 10th arrondissement or explore on an optional bike tour. Plus, don’t miss out on the chance to see a traditional cabaret show or to go on a Seine river cruise this evening (both optional). (B)

DAY 3 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. With sceneries like this, it’s all #NoFilter today. You’ll be glued to the windows of the coach as mountains and picture-perfect villages roll on by. Yes, places like this really do exist. (B,D)

DAY 4 SWISS ALPS. Take a ride up to Europe’s highest railway station, Jungfrau, for bragging rights. On a clear day, the views up here are absolutely unbelievable. Did someone say snow?! It won’t just be the altitude that’ll take your breath away. If that’s not enough, there’s always skydiving. Eeek. (B)

DAY 5 SWISS ALPS TO FLORENCE, ITALY. From nature-made to man-made as we stop in Pisa en route to Florence. Get snapping THAT pic with The Leaning Tower of Pisa before kicking it to Florence. (B,D)

DAY 6 FLORENCE. Explore the city with a local guide. Take notes. Then come back later to explore some more. Get ready for cobblestone streets, the Ponte Vecchio and the Cathedral. Prepare to be wowed. (B)

DAY 7 FLORENCE TO ROME. A stop in Orvieto to have a look around. Then, gear up for Rome. Could this place get any more beautiful? Well yes, actually. In winter. You’ve come to visit at the right time! Check off the greats: the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. (B)

DAY 8 ROME INCLUDING VATICAN CITY VISIT. Take the option to visit Vatican City today. It might

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Driving tour of Paris

+ A tasty sample of traditional Swiss fondue

+ Vaporetto ride in Venice

+ Walking tour of Florence with local guide

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 10 breakfasts (B), 4 dinners (D)

+ 4 nights in hostels, 4 nights in bungalows & 2 nights in hotel upgrades

+ English Channel ferry ticket

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

TOP OPTIONALS

+ Gondola ride in Venice

+ Guided tour of Vatican City

be the world’s smallest country, but it sure packs a punch of culture and beautiful architecture. Later, anyone up for red wine and pizza? (B)

DAY 9 ROME TO VENICE. Ah, fair Verona. Sigh over Juliet’s balcony before we roll on to Venice. Cameras at the ready! (B,D)

DAY 10 VENICE. With so much to see in Venice, let us help you tick off some of the best bits with a walking tour. We’ve also got a vaporetto ride on the cards. But, for the real experience (and some serious time for selfies) hop on the optional excursion along the water via gondola. You’ll never want to travel by car again! (B)

DAY 11 VENICE. Say bye after breakfast today, but keep exploring. There’s so much to see in Venice. (B)

13 DAY | FESTIVE ESCAPE

CLOCKWISE: PARIS, BERLIN, AMSTERDAM, COLOGNE CHRISTMAS MARKET

DAY 1 LONDON, ENGLAND TO COLOGNE, GERMANY. Cross the English Channel into Christmas market cheer. Fairy lights and glühwein – what’s not to love about this place?! (D)

DAY 2 COLOGNE. Take yourself to church: climb the 509 spiralling, stone steps for 360-degree #epic views at the UNESCO World Heritage listed Kölner Dom. There’s also 30+ museums to suss out. Free day for the win! (B)

DAY 3 COLOGNE TO PARIS, FRANCE. Big expectations? Paris won’t disappoint. So much more than baguettes and berets, tonight’s dinner will prep your tastebuds while a city lights driving tour will make your jaw drop. Yep, it’s really that beautiful here. (B,D)

DAY 4 PARIS. Free day your way. Jump on a bike tour, drop some dolla dolla bills on the Champs-Élysées or scale the Tour Eiffel. Tonight, there’s a cabaret or a Seine cruise on the menu (both optional). (B)

DAY 5 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. Tolkien hiked here in 1911 but you’ll get the scenic drive option today and see why Lauterbrunnen’s valley inspired the fictitious valley of Rivendell. (B,D)

DAY 6 SWISS ALPS. Hop on board the optional excursion to Jungfrau ('The Top of Europe') which takes you to the highest train station in Europe. The view is unbelievable. Want more adventure? Up the adrenaline by skydiving out of a helicopter. (B)

DAY 7 SWISS ALPS TO MUNICH, GERMANY. Get to know the city where Oktoberfest rules on a walking tour. The Hofbräuhaus doesn’t want you to go hungry, so (pork) knuckle down and get ready for an awesome meal. (B,D)

DAY 8 MUNICH. Pause and reflect at Dachau’s former concentration camp this morning. Later: climb the Frauenkirche tower or jump on an electric bike tour. Free day = your way. (B)

DAY 9 MUNICH TO BERLIN. Get set for a driving tour of the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie and loads more. (B)

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Driving tour of Paris

+ Visit former concentration camp Dachau

+ Experience the Christmas markets in Cologne

+ Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 12 breakfasts (B), 5 dinners (D)

+ 10 nights in hostels & 2 nights in bungalows

+ English Channel ferry tickets

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

TOP OPTIONALS

+ Skydiving in the Swiss Alps

+ Bike tour of Amsterdam

DAY 10 BERLIN. Join the Third Reich walking tour for a history lesson. Tonight, get down with the hipsters in the bars and clubs. This is the real city that never sleeps. (B)

DAY 11 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. When your day starts with cheese and clogs and ends with cones of fries with mayo in the Red Light District, you know you’re in for a good time. (B)

DAY 12 AMSTERDAM. Work off those stroopwafels and fries on an optional bike tour, take time to reflect in the Anne Frank House, then cruise the canals on a farewell dinner cruise. Awesome. (B,D)

DAY 13 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. Make #bestfriendsforever over coach games and road trip snacks as we say goodbye in London. (B)

ZAR PER PERSON

15 DAY | ROAD TO MARRAKECH

DAY 1 MADRID, SPAIN. Meet your crew and get fired up for the trip like a bull seeing red. Share travel stories and get to know everyone over dinner. (D)

DAY 2 MADRID TO GRANADA. Siesta as we make our way to the base of the Sierra Nevada, aka the land of free tapas (Google it). (B)

DAY 3 GRANADA. Go exploring and get ready to be amazed by this place’s beauty. (B)

DAY 4 GRANADA TO CHEFCHAOUEN, MOROCCO. Wave Andalusia goodbye and be awash in blue as we enter Chefchaouen, known for its blue pastel colours. (B,D)

DAY 5 CHEFCHAOUEN TO FES. Check out the rolling Rif Mountains and snow-strewn Middle Atlas Mountains playing out the coach window today. (B)

DAY 6 FES. Tick ‘em off with a local guide: Royal Palace, Jewish neighbourhood, UNESCO World Heritage listed medina and leather tannery. Then, there’s free time to explore. (B)

DAY 7 FES TO MARRAKECH. Bend it like the Berbers back ‘round the Middle Atlas towards Marrakech and soak up the colours, smells and vibes of the Red City. (B,D)

DAY 8 MARRAKECH. See the Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Minaret and mosaic amazingness that is the Saadian Tombs, then work your way past snake charmers in the Jemaa el Fna square. (B)

DAY 9 MARRAKECH TO ASILAH. Make your way to the whitewashed wonder and get snap happy in between Latin-influenced feasts. (B,D)

DAY 10 ASILAH TO SEVILLE, SPAIN. Leave the tajines for Seville. Opt in for a fierce flamenco performance this evening (optional) and channel your inner sass. (B,D)

DAY 11 SEVILLE. Random fact: Seville’s cathedral allegedly houses Christopher Columbus’s tomb, but the jury’s still out as to whether he’s really buried there... (B)

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Local guide in Fes & Marrakech

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 14 breakfasts (B), 6 dinners (D)

+ 8 nights in hostels & 6 nights in hotel upgrades

+ Strait of Gibraltar ferry tickets

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

TOP OPTIONALS

+ Flamenco show in Seville

+ Dinner & local show in Marrakech

DAY 12 SEVILLE TO LISBON, PORTUGAL.

Three words you need to know in Lisbon: Pastéis de Belém. Make a beeline for the famous egg tarts. (B,D)

DAY 13 LISBON. Catch a yellow tram, hit up a fado club, snap a #selfie in the pink street and save some energy for the buzzing Bairro Alto district for live music and cocktails this evening. (B)

DAY 14 LISBON TO MADRID, SPAIN. Cross the border back to the Spanish capital and learn about art history on a driving tour of the city. (B)

DAY 15 MADRID. Finish off your trip with some free time to explore Madrid. We reckon you'll be back. Madrid does that to people. (B)

16 DAY | WESTERN CORNERS

DAY 1 LONDON, ENGLAND TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). First, a city driving tour and included dinner. Keep your eyes peeled for the Arc de Triomphe and that really famous tower. (D)

DAY 2 PARIS. Explore the city either by foot or by optional bike tour. Tonight, join us at a cabaret or sail the Seine by night (both optional). (B)

DAY 3 PARIS TO BORDEAUX. Today roll in to Bordeaux where half the city is UNESCO World Heritage listed and world-class vineyards reign supreme. Visit the Château de Chambord (optional) for a dose of wow. (B)

DAY 4 BORDEAUX. Hit Bordeaux’s charming streets with special stops at Cathédrale St-André, Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Jardin Public. (B)

DAY 5 BORDEAUX TO BILBAO, SPAIN. Next stop: Bilbao. Famed for its titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum that boasts an incredible collection of contemporary art. (B)

DAY 6 BILBAO TO MADRID. You’re sure to find just what you’re looking for in Madrid. Get introduced to the city on a driving tour. (B,D)

DAY 7 MADRID. Check out the Royal Palace, stroll through the expansive Plaza Mayor and get cultured at the Prado Museum. Your day, your way. (B)

DAY 8 MADRID TO VALENCIA. Onto Spain’s third largest city, Valencia. Known for its mouthwatering food, be sure to dig in to a range of tasty local dishes. (B)

DAY 9 VALENCIA TO BARCELONA. Bienvenidos to the city of art nouveau, alluring accents and tapas. There’s also flamenco on the menu tonight (optional). (B,D)

DAY 10 BARCELONA. Free day to tick off the greats like the Sagrada Família. It’s so beautiful, you’ll probably cry. Seriously. Don’t miss the Gothic Quarter and the nightlife. (B)

DAY 11 BARCELONA TO MARSEILLE, FRANCE. Today we cross the border back into France with a trip to Marseille. (B)

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Driving tour of Paris

+ Visit the Loire Valley

+ Bordeaux winery tour & tasting

+ Walking tour of Florence with local guide

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 15 breakfasts (B), 4 dinners (D)

+ 11 nights in hostels, 3 nights in hotel upgrades & 1 night in a bungalow

+ English Channel ferry ticket

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

TOP OPTIONALS

+ Traditional cabaret show in Paris

+ Visit Château de Chambord

DAY 12 MARSEILLE. Explore bustling La Canebière or dig into bouillabaisse as you watch the sun set over the Vieux Port. (B)

DAY 13 MARSEILLE TO FLORENCE, ITALY. With over 1,800 restaurants and the world’s best gelato (hands down) Florence is where all your Italian dreams are made. (B,D)

DAY 14 FLORENCE. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city’s greats this morning. Think: Ponte Vecchio, Florence Cathedral and that famous naked guy, David. (B)

DAY 15 FLORENCE TO ROME. Today, we visit Orvieto en route to Rome. Cue epic walking tour. (B)

DAY 16 ROME INCLUDING VATICAN CITY VISIT. An optional visit to Vatican City before saying ciao to your new travel pals. (B)

18 DAY | WINTER RHAPSODY

DAY 1 ROME, ITALY. Conquer history’s heavyweights: the Spanish Steps, the Roman Forum and the Trevi Fountain.

DAY 2 ROME INCLUDING VATICAN CITY VISIT. Sign up for a Vatican City visit (optional). Gelato and espresso anyone? (B)

DAY 3 ROME TO VENICE. See Juliet’s balcony in Verona before dinner in Venice. (B,D)

DAY 4 VENICE. See St Mark’s Square, cross Rialto Bridge and shop for Carnivale masks. We’ve got a walking tour today and an optional gondola ride. Sweet! (B)

DAY 5 VENICE TO SALZBURG, AUSTRIA. Make a date with Mozart on a walking tour of his birthplace. (B)

DAY 6 SALZBURG. Shred in the Alps. Beginner or pro, you won’t wanna miss this. (B)

DAY 7 SALZBURG TO VIENNA. Eat strudel and enjoy a performance by the Viennese Chamber Orchestra (optional). (B)

DAY 8 VIENNA TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Bounce into Bratislava, then admire Hungary’s capital at Buda Castle and Gellért Hill. (B,D)

DAY 9 BUDAPEST. Dip into the Széchenyi Bath and shop your way along Andrássy Avenue. Your day, your way. (B)

DAY 10 BUDAPEST TO KRAKÓW, POLAND. Kraków today. Whip around Old Town and Wawel Castle for a real-life game of Dungeons & Dragons. (B)

DAY 11 KRAKÓW. Visit Schindler’s factory. Dig into a 13th century salt mine. Eat pierogi. The list could go on. (B)

DAY 12 KRAKÓW TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. Hurry, the Astronomical Clock’s chiming and the Charles Bridge ain’t gonna walk itself. But first, a tour at Auschwitz-Birkenau. (B,D)

DAY 13 PRAGUE. Czech this out: cobbled alleyways, 500 spires and trams galore. Get exploring! (B)

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Vaporetto ride in Venice

+ Guided tour of former concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau

+ Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 17 breakfasts (B), 5 dinners (D)

+ 13 nights in hostels, 2 nights in bungalows & 2 nights in hotel upgrades

+ English Channel ferry ticket

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

TOP OPTIONALS

+ Gondola ride in Venice

+ Viennese Chamber Orchestra

MEET AT 3PM IN ROME

DAY 14 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. Today: a walking tour of Dresden before a drive past the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin and other famous sites. (B,D)

DAY 15 BERLIN. The must-dos = Checkpoint Charlie, Holocaust Memorial and Third Reich walking tour. (B)

DAY 16 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. See past the Red Light District and explore Holland’s heartland with a walking tour. (B)

DAY 17 AMSTERDAM. Kick it like a local and explore the ‘Dam by bike (optional). Work up an appetite for a farewell dinner cruise. Time to take all the selfies. (B,D)

DAY 18 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. Ease the separation anxiety with coach games and Facebook friend requests. We’re off to London. (B)

18 DAY | WINTER GETAWAY

DAY 1 LONDON, ENGLAND TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). A first taste of French cuisine at our included dinner and a tour of the most iconic sights in Paris by night. (D)

DAY 2 PARIS. A free day in Paris means living like a local. Don’t miss out on the chance for a traditional cabaret show or a Seine river cruise this evening (both optional). (B)

DAY 3 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. With sceneries like this, it’s all #NoFilter today. (B,D)

DAY 4 SWISS ALPS. Take a ride up to Europe’s highest railway station, Jungfrau, for bragging rights. On a clear day, the views up here are unbelievable. (B)

DAY 5 SWISS ALPS TO FLORENCE, ITALY. We stop in Pisa en route to Florence. Get snapping THAT pic with The Leaning Tower of Pisa. (B,D)

DAY 6 FLORENCE. Explore the city with a local guide. Take notes. Then come back to explore. (B)

DAY 7 FLORENCE TO ROME. A stop in Orvieto and then Rome in winter = next level amazing. (B)

DAY 8 ROME INCLUDING VATICAN CITY VISIT. Take the option to visit Vatican City (aka the world’s smallest country), then Rome is yours. (B)

DAY 9 ROME TO VENICE. Ah, fair Verona. Sigh over Juliet’s balcony, then we’re going island hopping, Venice-style. (B,D)

DAY 10 VENICE. With so much to see in Venice, let us help you tick off some of the best bits with a walking tour and hop on the optional gondola ride. (B)

DAY 11 VENICE TO SALZBURG, AUSTRIA. The city of Mozart vs. The Sound of Music. Get your bearings on a walking tour. (B)

DAY 12 SALZBURG TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. It’s a sobering start to the day with a visit to Mauthausen. Next up, Prague. (B,D)

DAY 13 PRAGUE. Check out the lovely Christmas market here daily at the Old Town Square during the winter season. (B)

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Driving tour of Paris

+ A tasty sample of traditional Swiss fondue

+ Vaporetto ride in Venice

+ Walking tour of Florence with local guide

+ Visit former concentration camp Mauthausen

+ Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 17 breakfasts (B), 7 dinners (D)

+ 11 nights in hostels, 4 nights in bungalows & 2 nights in hotel upgrades

+ English Channel ferry tickets

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

TOP OPTIONALS

+ Gondola ride in Venice

+ Berlin Alternative Tour & Nightlife tour

START MEET AT 6AM IN LONDON (OR 5PM IN PARIS) FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9PM IN LONDON

DAY 14 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. Off to Berlin via Dresden. Berlin history awaits with a driving tour of all the favourites. (B,D)

DAY 15 BERLIN. Work your free day with a visit to hipster-chic Neukölln, Friedrichshain or Kreuzberg. (B)

DAY 16 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Yes, we’ll visit the Red Light District. But take the walking tour to experience the real Amsterdam. (B)

DAY 17 AMSTERDAM. Take to two wheels to explore the canal-lined city (optional). Then smartphones at the ready for our farewell dinner cruise. (B,D)

DAY 18 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. Say goodbye in London. (B)

TRIP PRICE OF R28500

TRIP PRICE OF R29900

TRIP PRICE OF R31600

TRIP PRICE OF R33500

G= Guaranteed departure price based on per person multi-share: usually 2-6 per room

18 DAYS FROM

ZAR PER PERSON

24 DAY | WESTERN COMPASS

DAY 5 BORDEAUX TO BILBAO, SPAIN. First stop: a visit to the family-run estate, Château du Taillan, for a delicious wine tasting. Next up is Bilbao – famed for its titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum that boasts an incredible collection of contemporary art. (B)

DAY 6 BILBAO TO MADRID. Take in the sights of Spain’s crowning capital on a driving tour through a city famed for its artistic pedigree, culinary wonders and buzzing nightlife. (B,D)

DAY 7 MADRID. Morning, Madrid! Check out the Royal Palace, get cultured at the Prado Museum or just kick back in the botanical gardens. After the sun sets, delve into the buzzing nightlife in the areas of Malasaña and Chueca. (B)

DAY 8 MADRID TO VALENCIA.

Onto Spain’s third largest city, Valencia. Soak it all in on a walking tour. (B)

DAY 9 VALENCIA TO BARCELONA. Get your bearings on a driving tour before an optional flamenco show tonight. (B,D)

DAY 10 BARCELONA. Tick off the likes of the Sagrada Família, Gothic Quarter and Mount Tibidabo. After a solid day of exploring, fire up for the notorious nightlife. (B)

DAY 11 BARCELONA TO MARSEILLE, FRANCE. With its boat-lined quayside, history and architecture, this place is one of France’s most visited cities. (B)

DAY 1 LONDON, ENGLAND TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). What better way to kick things off than with a jam-packed city driving tour of Paris? Be sure to have your phone ready for the Arc de Triomphe, the Palais Garnier and even that famous tower people keep talking about. (D)

DAY 2 PARIS. Explore the city’s hidden gems, either by foot or by optional bike tour. Tonight, join us at an optional cabaret or Seine cruise, or soak up some jazz at a café in the 10th arrondissement. (B)

DAY 3 PARIS TO BORDEAUX. Today we roll on to the port city of Bordeaux, where half the entire city is UNESCO World Heritage listed and vineyards reign supreme. (B)

DAY 4 BORDEAUX. Have yourself a wine-derful time in the world’s most renowned wine-growing region. Kick things off in the picturesque streets with special stops at Cathédrale St-André, Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Jardin Public. (B)

DAY 12 MARSEILLE. Your second day in Marseille is yours to spend at your leisure. Explore bustling La Canebière and be sure to watch the sun set over the Vieux Port. (B)

DAY 13 MARSEILLE TO FLORENCE, ITALY. With more culture than a British hipster, over 1,800 restaurants and the world’s best gelato (hands down), Florence is where your Italian dreams come true. (B,D)

DAY 14 FLORENCE. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city’s greats this morning. Think: Ponte Vecchio, Florence Cathedral and that famous naked guy, David. (B)

DAY 15 FLORENCE TO ROME. Prep Instagram for a walking tour of the must-sees. (B)

DAY 16 ROME INCLUDING VATICAN CITY VISIT. Visit the world’s smallest country (optional) or spend a day with the locals. (B)

DAY 17 ROME TO VENICE. After channeling your inner romantic at the love notes wall, we’re off to Venice where public transport by boat is totally the norm. (B,D)

DAY 18 VENICE. The best way to explore? Get lost. Get found. Repeat. Just make sure you do find St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. That, and get yourself on a gondola ride (optional). (B)

DAY 19 VENICE TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. Off to the Alps, where the views are like a fairytale. Did we mention fondue is acceptable at any time of day? (B,D)

DAY 20 SWISS ALPS. Ski, snowboard, snow angel, then grab a mug of glühwein. Craving more altitude? Head to the ‘Top of Europe’, Jungfrau, on an optional adventure. Get ready to say ‘wow’, like 100 times. (B)

DAY 21 SWISS ALPS TO LUXEMBOURG CITY, LUXEMBOURG. Delve into the restaurants, museums and galleries this city has to offer. (B)

DAY 22 LUXEMBOURG TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Europe’s most infamous city. Get the obvious out of the way (Red Light District, anyone?) then discover the ‘real’ Amsterdam locals want to keep quiet. (B)

DAY 23 AMSTERDAM. Embark on a two-wheeled adventure through the beautiful city (optional) before finishing up with a farewell dinner cruise. (B,D)

DAY 24 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. Off to London today. Too early to book the next trip? (B)

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Driving tour of Paris

+ A tasty sample of traditional Swiss fondue

+ Walking tour of Florence with local guide

+ Bordeaux winery tour & tasting

+ Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 23 breakfasts (B), 7 dinners (D)

+ 16 nights in hostels, 5 nights in hotel upgrades & 2 nights in bungalows

+ English Channel ferry tickets

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

TOP OPTIONALS

+ Flamenco show in Barcelona

+ Visit Château de Chambord

START MEET AT 6AM IN LONDON (OR 5PM IN PARIS) FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9PM IN LONDON

TRIP CODE: EEWMLL

TRIP PRICE OF R37300

TRIP PRICE OF R36900

TRIP PRICE OF R36500

TRIP PRICE OF R38300

G= Guaranteed departure price based on per person multi-share: usually 2-6 per room

24 DAYS FROM

ZAR PER PERSON

24 DAY | WINTER SPIRIT

CLOCKWISE: BUDAPEST, PARIS, AMSTERDAM, SWISS ALPS

DAY 5 SWISS ALPS TO FLORENCE, ITALY. Reacclimatise to city life today in marvellous Florence – stopping in Pisa for THAT shot first, of course. (B,D)

DAY 6 FLORENCE. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city’s greats this morning. Think: Ponte Vecchio, Florence Cathedral and that famous naked guy, David. (B)

DAY 7 FLORENCE TO ROME. A city under a city as we visit Orvieto en route to Rome. Then fire up Instagram for a walking tour of the must-sees in Rome. It’s as epic as you thought here. (B)

DAY 8 ROME INCLUDING VATICAN CITY VISIT. Rome is where the heart is. Visit the world’s smallest country aka Vatican City (optional) or just mix it with the locals. Espresso stops mandatory. (B)

DAY 9 ROME TO VENICE. Verona today = Romeo + Juliet 4EVA. After channeling your inner romantic, we’re off to Venice where public transport by boat is totally the norm. (B,D)

DAY 10 VENICE. The best way to explore? Hop on a gondola (optional) for the full experience. You can also enjoy a walking tour taking in the greats, then a classic vaporetto ride. (B)

DAY 11 VENICE TO SALZBURG, AUSTRIA. Introducing old-world charm at its best. If Salzburg’s not top of a Google Image search, it should be. (B)

DAY 1 LONDON, ENGLAND TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS). First day. First item off the list? A city driving tour and included dinner. Keep your eyes peeled for the Arc de Triomphe, the Palais Garnier and that really famous tower. (D)

DAY 2 PARIS. Explore the city’s hidden gems on your free day. Tonight, join us at a cabaret, sail the Seine by night or soak up some jazz at a café in the 10th arrondissement. (B)

DAY 3 PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND. Au revoir, Paris – it’s been a blast. Next up, Lauterbrunnen. If you haven’t seen this place in winter, you’re in for a real treat. #NoFilter needed. (B,D)

DAY 4 SWISS ALPS. We’re all about Jungfrau today aka ‘The Top of Europe’. Ride the rail (optional) or soak up the scenery at ground level. Whatever you choose, the mountains and crisp air here will make you feel alive. (B)

DAY 12 SALZBURG. Pass a day in strudel heaven or go high energy with an opportunity to ski or snowboard (optional). See you on the slopes. (B)

DAY 13 SALZBURG TO VIENNA. Welcome to Vienna – the home of Freud and free association. Go. (B)

DAY 14 VIENNA TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. When we’re in Bratislava, make sure you statue spot as we check out the city on foot. Then onto Budapest for nightlife that really is THAT good. (B,D)

DAY 15 BUDAPEST. Enjoy a free day today. Hang with the hipsters in a ruin bar and go for dinner on a river cruise tonight (optional). (B)

DAY 16 BUDAPEST TO KRAKÓW, POLAND. The best winter food in Europe. Fact. Get your bearings on a walking tour. (B)

DAY 17 KRAKÓW. Learn about Kraków’s WWII history at the museum in Schindler’s Factory, check out St Mary’s or just people watch with a hot chocolate. (B)

DAY 18 KRAKÓW TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. Auschwitz-Birkenau puts things in perspective today before we arrive into Prague for a walking tour. (B,D)

DAY 19 PRAGUE. Old school vs. new school on this free day. Think Charles Bridge vs. John Lennon Wall. Then, beer. Really. Good. Beer. (B)

DAY 20 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY. See the phoenix-like city of Dresden – rising from war ashes and now a must-see. Then find out why everyone wants to be in Berlin aka one of the coolest cities in Europe. (B,D)

DAY 21 BERLIN. Almost too many choices on this free day. Do culture, do food, do history. It’s all here. Also: nightlife. (B)

DAY 22 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. We’re rocking Amsterdam this evening with a visit to Dam Square and the area most well-known for its bright colour palette. Yep, welcome to the Red Light District. (B)

DAY 23 AMSTERDAM. Check out the sights and tone your legs this morning with an optional bike tour. Hit up your faves this afternoon before our farewell dinner cruise. (B,D)

DAY 24 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND. Make #bestfriendsforever over coach games and road trip snacks as we say goodbye in London. (B)

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Driving tour of Paris

+ Vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal, Venice

+ Guided tour of former concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau

+ Local guide in Florence

+ A tasty sample of traditional Swiss fondue

+ Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 23 breakfasts (B), 8 dinners (D)

+ 17 nights in hostels, 4 nights in bungalows & 2 nights in hotel upgrades

+ English Channel ferry tickets

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

TOP OPTIONALS

+ Skiing in Salzburg

+ Viennese Chamber Orchestra

START MEET AT 6AM IN LONDON (OR 5PM IN PARIS) FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9PM IN LONDON

TRIP CODE: EEWSLL

TRIP PRICE OF R33600

TRIP PRICE OF R35400

TRIP PRICE OF R37300

TRIP PRICE OF R38800

24 DAYS FROM

ZAR PER PERSON

LIMITED EDITION

Europe is full of iconic cultural events, experiences and festivals. Tick some off that bucket list and get a unique feel for a country and its traditions with our Limited Edition trips. From ski trips to New Year’s Eve celebrations and Christmas parties, these once-in-alifetime experiences are like nothing else.

Sector trips offer you a great way to choose a departure city, set of experiences or journey length that best suits you. A Sector trip is part of a larger journey, meaning your new friends might continue on after you leave, or you might be joining a trip already in progress.

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR

INCLUSIONS

+ Walking tour of Berlin with local guide

+ New Year's Eve dinner & celebrations

+ 3 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D)

+ 3 nights in a hostel

+ Awesome Trip Leader

2 DAY | BRUGES CHRISTMAS MARKETS

TRIP CODE: ELCMLL

INCLUSIONS

+ Walking tour of Bruges

+ Experience the Bruges Christmas markets

+ 1 breakfast (B), 1 dinner (D)

+ 1 night in a hostel

+ English Channel ferry tickets

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

INCLUSIONS

+ Walking tour of Bruges and Brussels

+ Christmas lunch

+ 3 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L)

+ 3 nights in a hostel

+ English Channel ferry tickets

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

INCLUSIONS

+ Walking tour of Prague

+ New Year's Eve dinner & celebrations

+ 3 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D)

+ 3 nights in a hostel

+ Awesome Trip Leader

INCLUSIONS

+ Walking tour of Amsterdam & canal cruise

+ New Year's Eve dinner & celebrations

+ 3 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D)

+ 3 nights in a hostel

+ English Channel ferry tickets

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

INCLUSIONS

+ Walking tour of Budapest

+ Entry to Széchenyi Baths

+ New Year's Eve dinner & celebrations

+ 3 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D)

+ 3 nights in a hostel

+ Awesome Trip Leader

INCLUSIONS

+ Hogmanay street party & torchlight

+ Walking tour of Edinburgh

+

+

+ Hogmanay

+ Walking tour of

+ Transport and ticket for the Loony Dook event

+ 4 breakfasts (B)

+ 4 nights in a hostel

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

DAY 1 DUBLIN, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND. Your trip begins this afternoon in the glorious Irish capital of Dublin. Meet the gang at our accommodation and get in the festive spirit. Cheers to your upcoming St Patrick’s Day adventure and get to know your fellow Topdeckers. This one’s gonna be pretty epic.

DAY 2 DUBLIN. Get your bearings with a walking tour around the sights of Dublin before finishing at the world famous Guinness Storehouse. We'll take a tour to see how the precious drop is created before sampling a free pint in the Guinness Skybar, offering incredible 360-degree views of the city. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Get a dose of culture at some of the museums and galleries, shop 'til your heart's content on Grafton Street or even visit Croke Park. It’s home to the Irish sports of hurling and Gaelic football. Warm up for tomorrow's celebrations with a visit to the bars, pubs and clubs of the buzzing Temple Bar district (just don't overdo it!). Get some beauty sleep to refuel and to get us ready for tomorrow. (B)

DAY 3 DUBLIN. Today’s the day we've all been waiting for! Get fuelled up with breakfast and then head into the heart of the celebrations to secure a spot for the St Patrick's Day Parade. Get ready for it – the atmosphere in the streets will have you singing and dancing with the locals in no time. Expect more green than you’ve ever seen, pots of gold, marching bands and ultimate good vibes. Tonight, keep going into the wee hours as we seek out a haunt to continue the celebrations. Who needs sleep anyway?! (B)

DAY 4 DUBLIN. The trip finishes this morning after breakfast, so bid a fond farewell to your brand new #Topdecker buddies. Ready to start planning round two? Or you know, just stick around in Dublin for a few extra nights. See you at the pub? (B)

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Walking tour of Dublin

+ Guinness Storehouse tour

+ St Patrick's Day parade & celebrations

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 3 breakfasts (B)

+ 3 nights in hostels

+ Commemorative t-shirt

+ Awesome Trip Leader

TRIP CODE: ELPDDD

TRIP PRICE OF R6300

4 DAYS FROM

ZAR PER PERSON

Rovaniemi

4 DAY | THE LAPLAND EXPRESS

CLOCKWISE: DEER, SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE, ROVANIEMI

TRIP PRICE OF R11900 TRIP PRICE OF R12700

PRICE OF R13600

DAY 1 ROVANIEMI, FINLAND. Welcome to Rovaniemi, you’ve arrived in the heart of Finnish Lapland. This place is probably the ultimate winter wonderland and is known around the world as the home of Santa Claus. Get ready because today’s what childhood dreams are made of. That’s right, we’re off to a legit Reindeer farm and the Santa Claus Village. Yep, you heard! Later, feast on a welcome dinner with your new Topdeck buds and swap travel stories (and childhood dreams come true). Try and contain yourself, k? (D)

START MEET BETWEEN 3-4PM IN ROVANIEMI FINISH APPROXIMATELY 9AM IN ROVANIEMI TRIP CODE: ELLERR

DAY 2 ROVANIEMI. SNOW DAY! Today, this winter wonderland is yours to explore. Get pumped for a meet and greet with the main man Santa himself, you VIP you. Bring your wishlist with you and let’s find out if you’ve been good this year. After, meet us for a snowball fight. It’s onnnn! (B)

DAY 3 ROVANIEMI. Feel the hype, today’s gonna be big. Grab your snowshoes for a hike, jump on a snowmobile or zoom across the snow on the back of a husky sled. Talk about bucket list items. Tonight, top off your last day in Lapland with the best light show on earth. If conditions are right, the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) will dance among the stars and you’ll get to see them in real life. This natural phenomena is so beautiful, you’ll probably cry. Seriously. Enjoy! (B)

DAY 4 ROVANIEMI. Sneak in a cheeky snow angel while you can because today we say heippa (goodbye) after breakfast. But this doesn’t have to be the end. We won’t blame you for sticking around a little longer because, well, this place is pretty epic. (B)

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Visit a local reindeer farm

+ Visit the Santa Claus Village

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 3 breakfasts (B), 1 dinner (D)

+ 3 nights in hotel accommodation (twin-share or double)

+ Awesome Trip Leader

8 DAY | TRAIL TO THE BALKAN SLOPES

DAY 1 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. You’re in Budapest baby! Meet your travel mates at dinner tonight and gear up for an epic adventure. (D)

DAY 2 BUDAPEST TO TIMISOARA, ROMANIA. Off to Timisoara today: Romania’s third-largest city. Some call it Little Vienna. Get oriented on a walking tour before getting lost in the Old Town neighbourhood. Don't miss the Romanian Orthodox Cathedral. It's more than just a photo op and especially beautiful at night. (B)

DAY 3 TIMISOARA TO BUCHAREST. We’re off to Bucharest today. To get your bearings, we’ve got a driving and walking tour on the cards today. Later tonight, enjoy a group dinner and share travel stories. Get stoked, you’ve got a free day in buzzing Bucharest tomorrow. (B,D)

DAY 4 BUCHAREST. Free day = yay! Wander the streets today and get a feel for the largest city in Romania. Why not tick off the Palace of Parliament (it’s pretty big, you can’t miss it), the fairytale-like Cismigiu Gardens (if the lake is frozen over, get your skates on!) and take a peek at the Bucharest Arc de Triomphe. (B)

DAY 5 BUCHAREST TO SOFIA, BULGARIA. The charming and historical Sofia is up next on our Balkan bucket list. But to break the day up, we’re stopping at Veliko Târnovo for some pics. It’s one of Bulgaria’s oldest towns and houses the impressive Tsarevets Fortress. Once in Sofia, become best friends with the city on a walking tour. Work up an appetite for dinner this evening. (B,D)

DAY 6 SOFIA. Free day to explore this gem of a capital city. Hot tip: get on down to the Aleksander Nevski Cathedral and make sure you go inside too. You can thank us later. But for the main event, let’s go skiing (optional). We’ll make our way to Borovets ski resort where you can hit the slopes whatever your ability. Ready to shred? (B)

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Bucharest driving and walking tour

+ Walking tour of Sofia

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 7 breakfasts (B), 3 dinners (D)

+ 7 nights in hotel accommodation (twin-share or double)

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

TOP OPTIONALS

+ Skiing in Bulgaria

+ Excursion to Rila Monastery

+ Open air lift ride and hike to the Seven Rila Lakes, Rila Mountain

DAY 7 SOFIA. Survived the après-ski and want a second day skiing? We’ve got you covered (optional). For non-skiers, take a scenic open air lift ride and hike to the Seven Rila Lakes in Rila Mountain (optional). It’ll be a view to remember. There’s also an excursion to the beautiful Rila Monastery as another option. Talk about spoilt for choice! (B)

DAY 8 SOFIA. Say goodbye over breakfast. We won’t blame you if you wanna stick around and explore some more though. (B)

This is a section of the 14 Day Balkans & Ski trip. See p.68 or visit our website.

TRIP PRICE OF R12600

TRIP PRICE OF R12900

TRIP PRICE OF R13700

G= Guaranteed departure price based on per person twin-share/double sinGle supplement from an extra r3800

8 DAYS FROM R12600

ZAR PER PERSON

All items listed within the ‘Bucket List’ and ‘More Inclusions’ are included within the price of your trip. Other activities mentioned are optional and may cost extra (but are too awesome to miss out!)

9 DAY | EASTERN LIGHTS

DAY 1 PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. A giant Christmas tree with more decorations than you can poke a candy cane at, chestnuts roasting on an open fire, the smell of mulled wine and stalls that put Santa’s workshop to shame –welcome to Prague’s Christmas markets. (D)

DAY 2 PRAGUE. Ho, ho, holy moly it’s Christmas Day! It’s time to prep the roast and peel those potatoes (don’t worry we’ll do that, you just go check out Charles Bridge and the Castle District). At dinner we’ll show you Santa Claus didn’t forget you, he just hit the kitchen instead of the workshop. (B,D)

DAY 3 PRAGUE TO KRAKÓW, POLAND. Wawel Castle could only be built after a cobbler’s apprentice did the impossible: he slayed a dragon with a sheep full of sulphur. A city with history like that needs to be explored, so we take you through the Old Town and the largest medieval market square in Europe. (B)

DAY 4 KRAKÓW. Look up! St Mary’s near the main square is beautiful. Just wait ‘til you get inside. Cruise around the hipster Jewish quarter, visit Schindler’s Factory and then dig into a plate of pierogi. These dumpling-esque morsels of deliciousness will have you applying for your Polish passport. Stat. (B,D)

DAY 5 KRAKÓW TO BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA. We tour through Auschwitz-Birkenau today. Take the time to reflect before we head to Slovakia. A guided tour through Bratislava will offer you loads of insight, just in time to make the most of a city that has a UFO for a restaurant (if you’ve got the funds). (B)

DAY 6 BRATISLAVA TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Mozart, Beethoven and Freud called Vienna home and they left a huge impression on the world. Visit a wiener kaffeehaus (coffee house) before getting Bach on track with an optional Viennese Concert. But first, a driving tour. (B)

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Christmas Day in Prague

+ New Year’s Eve in Budapest

+ Guided tour of former concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau

+ Entry to Széchenyi Baths

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 8 breakfasts (B), 4 dinners (D)

+ 7 nights in hostels & 1 night in a hotel upgrade

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

TOP OPTIONALS

+ Viennese Chamber Orchestra

DAY 7 VIENNA TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Swap the classical symphony for the chance to gorge on goulash and langos. New Year’s resolutions haven’t started yet so no diet excuses here. Get your bearings on a driving tour. You’re in Budapest baby! (B)

DAY 8 BUDAPEST. Széchenyi Baths in winter? Ah yeah! Later, grab your fellow Topdeckers, put on a wooly hat, grab your cameras. Tonight we’re watching the Danube explode with fireworks. Guaranteed feels. Happy New Year! (B,D)

DAY 9 BUDAPEST. Don’t be down about starting the New Year with goodbyes. Make your resolution to keep travelling. Did we mention it’s ski season and the Alps are right around the corner? (B)

14 DAY | BALKANS & SKI

DAY 5 BUCHAREST TO SOFIA, BULGARIA. The charming and historical Sofia is up next on our Balkan bucket list. But to break the day up, we’re stopping at Veliko Târnovo for some pics. It’s one of Bulgaria’s oldest towns and houses the impressive Tsarevets Fortress. Once in Sofia, become best friends with the city on a walking tour. Work up an appetite for dinner this evening. (B,D)

DAY 6 SOFIA. Free day to explore this gem of a capital city. Hot tip: get on down to the Aleksander Nevski Cathedral and make sure you go inside too. You can thank us later. But for the main event, let’s go skiing (optional). We’ll make our way to Borovets ski resort where you can hit the slopes whatever your ability. Ready to shred? (B)

DAY 7 SOFIA. Survived the après-ski and want a second day skiing? Sign up for it today. For non-skiers, take a scenic open air lift ride and hike to the Seven Rila Lakes in Rila Mountain (optional). It’ll be a view to remember. There’s also an excursion to the beautiful Rila Monastery as another option. Talk about spoilt for choice! (B)

DAY 8 SOFIA TO BELGRADE, SERBIA. Serbia here we come! Curl up on the coach as we cruise into Belgrade. Once we arrive, we’ll show you how to explore this city like a local. After dinner on us, why not hit the town? We've got a free day tomorrow. YOLO is the motto after all. (B,D)

DAY 1 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. You’re in Budapest baby! Meet your travel mates at dinner tonight and gear up for an epic adventure. (D)

DAY 2 BUDAPEST TO TIMISOARA, ROMANIA. Off to Timisoara today: Romania’s third-largest city. Some call it Little Vienna. Get oriented on a walking tour before getting lost in the Old Town neighbourhood. Don't miss the Romanian Orthodox Cathedral. It's more than just a photo op and especially beautiful at night. (B)

DAY 3 TIMISOARA TO BUCHAREST. We’re off to Bucharest today. To get your bearings, we’ve got a driving and walking tour on the cards today. Later tonight, enjoy a group dinner and share travel stories. Get stoked, you’ve got a free day in buzzing Bucharest tomorrow. (B,D)

DAY 4 BUCHAREST. Free day = yay! Wander the streets today and get a feel for the largest city in Romania. Why not tick off the Palace of Parliament (it’s pretty big, you can’t miss it), the fairytale-like Cismigiu Gardens (if the lake is frozen over, get your skates on!) and take a peek at the Bucharest Arc de Triomphe. (B)

DAY 9 BELGRADE. Sleep in or get up early. Today it’s all on you. Why not take a trip along the banks of the mighty Danube and into Belgrade's Old Town district to investigate the local hot spots down Prince Michael Street, the main pedestrian walk about town. Belgrade Fortress, the bohemian hub Skadarlija and Republic Square are also waiting to be explored. (B)

DAY 10 BELGRADE TO SARAJEVO, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA. Bye Belgrade! Today we go to Sarajevo. But first, a sobering visit to the Srebrenica Memorial before a guided tour of Sarajevo. Follow your local guide and learn all about this fascinating city’s war-torn past. Tonight, discuss everything you’ve learned over dinner. It’s on us. (B,D)

DAY 11 SARAJEVO TO PLITVICE LAKES, CROATIA. On our way to one of the most beautiful parts of Eastern Europe today. Yep, we’re talking about Plitvice Lakes National Park. Get ready for 300km squared of awesomeness. (B)

DAY 12 PLITVICE LAKES. In winter, Plitvice Lakes National Park becomes all sorts of amazing. In the right conditions, the waterfalls freeze over and trees are covered in a blanket of snow. Chasing waterfalls has never been so awesome. Get exploring around the 16 lakes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B)

DAY 13 PLITVICE LAKES TO BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Tear your heart away from the beautiful Plitvice Lakes as we make tracks to Budapest. See the sites on an included driving tour before tucking into one last dinner with your travel pals. Quick, let’s be Facebook friends! (B,D)

DAY 14 BUDAPEST. So long Budapest, it’s been real. (B)

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)

+ Visit UNESCO World Heritage-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park

+ Visit the Srebrenica Memorial

MORE INCLUSIONS

+ 13 breakfasts (B), 6 dinners (D)

+ 13 nights in hotel accommodation (twin-share or double)

+ Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

+ Guided tours of all major cities

+ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

TOP OPTIONALS

+ Skiing in Bulgaria

+ Excursion to Rila Monastery

+ Open air lift ride and hike to the Seven Rila Lakes, Rila Mountain

START MEET AT 4PM IN BUDAPEST

TRIP CODE: ELBSHH

ZAR

TRIP PRICE OF R20900

TRIP PRICE OF R21800

TRIP PRICE OF R22700

SINGAPORE SHORT BREAK

TRIP CODE: ABSSSS/ABSLSS

Have yourself a Singapore fling in the city where lush, manicured green spaces mix with skyscrapers and secret cocktail haunts. Experience the city in all its hot and sticky glory.

INCLUSIONS

+ 2 breakfasts (B), 1 dinner (D)

+ 2 nights in hotel accommodation

+ Return airport transfers

+ Taste of Chinatown street eats tour

INCLUSIONS

+ 3 breakfasts (B), 1 dinner (D)

+ 3 nights in hotel accommodation

+ Return airport transfers

+ Taste of

Learn your Leicester Square from your Picadilly Circus as you surf the famous underground and experience #Londonlife. Jump on a famed double decker on a sightseeing tour, wave hello to HRH at the palace and stop to pose in a red telephone box. This is London, baby!

INCLUSIONS

+ 3 breakfasts (B)

+ 3 nights hotel or hostel accommodation

+ 3 day London underground & bus pass (zones 1 & 2)

+ 24-hour Hop On Hop Off Bus Pass

BANGKOK SHORT BREAK

TRIP CODE: ABBSBB/ABBLBB

Steamy, chaotic and bursting at the seams with tasty street food and urban charm, Bangkok will slap you in the face with its intoxicating energy. Did we mention it’s a foodie’s paradise?

INCLUSIONS

+ 2 breakfasts (B), 1 dinner (D)

+ 2 nights in hotel accommodation

+ Return airport transfers

+ Bangkok street eats tour via tuk tuk (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sundays only)

INCLUSIONS

+ 3 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L), 1 dinner (D)

+ 3 nights in hotel accommodation

+ Return airport transfers

+ Bangkok street eats tour via tuk tuk (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sundays only)

+ Full day city highlights tour of Bangkok

If you need a bed before your trip or fancy sticking around London town once you’re back, we can hook you up. With hotel or hostel accommodation to match your budget, it’s your trip, your way.