Archives October 2016

PRAGUE, VIENNA & BUDAPEST
9 days – MUNICH to MUNICH

LENGTH 9 Days | BOARD BASIS As per the Itinerary | DEPARTURE CITY MUNICH
VALIDITY Various May 2017 Departure dates – enquire about alternative travel dates

INCLUSIONS

• As per the itinerary

EXCLUDED

• Travel Insurance
• Meals not specified
• Items of a personal nature
• Beverages not specified
• Visas

Terms & Conditions Apply: Subject to availability and G class seats on SAA. Standard Tour Operator terms & conditions apply.

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• DAY 1 – ARRIVE IN MUNICH, GERMANY.
  Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers.
• DAY 2 – MUNICH AREA-NUREMBERG-PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC.
  Drive this morning on the Autobahn directly to Nuremberg for a visit. Next, east across the border into the Czech Republic. Evening arrival in Prague. (B)
• DAY 3 – PRAGUE.
  The wealth of gothic and baroque architecture perhaps inspired Dvorak and Smetana, both Prague composers. The included guided sightseeing features landmarks such as the Jewish Quarter, Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Square with the Astronomical Clock. (B,D)
• DAY 4 – PRAGUE-VIENNA, AUSTRIA.
  This morning, motor from Bohemia into Moravia and continue southeast for a few more kilometres before crossing into Austria. Arrive in Vienna to enjoy an afternoon at leisure or an optional sightseeing tour. Start with a tour featuring the State Opera, Parliament, and the Town Hall. Stop for a stroll in Heroes’ Square to view the Hofburg. Reserve some energy for an exciting evening optional excursion. (B)
• DAY 5 – VIENNA-BUDAPEST, HUNGARY.
  A morning to see some unexplored corner of this intriguing capital or maybe just to do some shopping down the Karntnerstrasse. In the afternoon, head for the Hungarian border and, by way of Gyor, you’ll reach Budapest for two overnights. (B)
• DAY 6 – BUDAPEST.
  Buda Castle dominates the twin cities of Buda and Pest, separated by the broad ribbon of the Danube. Heroes’ Square typifies the modern capital, while along the riverbank you find the old inns. Included sightseeing takes in the Parliament building, Margaret Island, Fishermen’s Bastion and the Royal Castle. (B)
• DAY 7 – BUDAPEST-SALZBURG, AUSTRIA.
  Morning departure from Budapest. Travel westwards across the border into Austria to enjoy more Alpine scenery before heading towards the Danube and finally to Salzburg for an overnight. (B)
• DAY 8 – SALZBURG-MUNICH, GERMANY.
  Morning at leisure in Salzburg or maybe join the optional Sound of Music excursion. A comfortable and relatively short drive past Lake Chiemsee to Munich. Tonight, an included typical Bavarian dinner at a local restaurant is a must to celebrate a successful holiday. (B,D)
• DAY 9 – MUNICH.
  Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

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Includes

• Return economy class flights and All airport taxes
• Transfers throughout
• 9 day/ 8 Night tour
• Trip includes a half day tour of Hanoi, a cruise around Halong Bay, a visit to the 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge in Hoi An, a tour of Ho hi Minh City and much more.
• 8 nights in twin share accommodation, air conditioned transportation and regional English speaking guides
• 1 night on a local train
• Local English speaking guides
• Entrance fees for all sight-seeing tours as specified in the itinerary
• Meals indicated in program
• Domestic flight from Da Nang International to Ho Chi Minh City Airport (Economy)
• International air ticket reconfirmation

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TOUR DETAILS
Read more about this tour

Day 1 – Arrival in Hanoi.
Meet & Transfer to city. Check in hotel. The rest of the day is free. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2 – Hanoi half day sightseeing. (B)
In the morning, take a half-day city tour to Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature and a walking tour of the Old Quarter. The afternoon is free. (Optional tours are available at additional charge)

Day 3 – Hanoi – Halong (B/L/D)
After breakfast, drive to Halong. Embark for a cruise around Halong Bay. Overnight in Halong.

Day 4 – Halong Bay – Hanoi – Night train to Hue (Brunch)
Morning continue boat cruise around Halong Bay with brunch onboard. In the afternoon, drive back to Hanoi. That evening, transfer to Hanoi railway station for overnight train to Hue.

Day 5 – Hue arrival – half day sightseeing (L)
Arrive in Hue, meet at railway station & transfer to hotel. Lunch with Hue specialties at local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Hue Citadel and Royal Antique Museum

Day 6 – Hue – Hoi An (B)
In the morning, take a boat trip on Huong river to Thien Mu pagoda then drive to Hoi An Ancient town. In the afternoon, take a walking tour to explore this World Heritage Site. Highlights include an ancient merchant house, the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the vibrant riverside market.

Day 7 – Hoi An – Da Nang – Flight to Ho Chi Minh city (HCMC) (Breakfast)
The morning is free. (Optional tours are available at additional charge) In the afternoon, take a flight to HCMC. Transfer to hotel upon arrival.

Day 8 – HCM City half day sightseeing. (B)
Half day tour including Cathedral, GPO, the China town with visit to Binh Tay market and Thien Hau temple. Afternoon is free. (Optional tours are available at additional charge).

Day 9 – HCMC – Departure (B)
Free until transfer to airport for departure.

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Subject to availability at time of reservation and prices subject to change without notice

Visiting 5 countries: France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Netherlands

Topdecker, meet Europe. With so much to experience in this memorable introduction, we think you’re bound to hit it off. Take in all the major highlights of this fabulous continent (as well as some tucked-away gems), and discover why countries like France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Netherlands and Belgium are featured on everyone’s Pinterest boards. The perfect trip for those who are big on ambition but short on time, the Europe Express will have you ticking off bucket list items faster than you can say, “Group selfie!”. Let’s go!

Bucket List Inclusions

• Paris gourmet picnic beside the Eiffel Tower
• Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration
• Vaporetto ride on Grand Canal, Venice
• Visit former concentration camp Dachau
• Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam
• Stay in the Rhine Valley castle region
• Paris city driving tour

More Inclusions

• 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners
• 6 nights in hostels & 4 nights in bungalows at European campsites
• English Channel crossing
• Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
• Guided tours of all major cities
• Awesome Trip Leader + Driver + On-Site Chefs

Group Size
Maximum 48

Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi, including power points for charging electronics.

Start/Finish Times
Start time:
Meet at 6am in London (or 5pm in Paris)
Finish time:
Approximately 9pm in London

[learn_more caption=”Itinerary – Click here”]

Day 1: London, England to Paris, France
All good things start with Paris. Meet the crew, grab some supplies and hit the road early in the morning as we jump across the English Channel to Paris. Pinch yourself and Instagram your first selfie over dinner before we kick off the trip with a guided tour of the City of Lights with your Trip Leader. Home to Coco Chanel, the Eiffel Tower and the Mona Lisa, Paris has more than earned its reputation as the European capital for all things culture, fashion and food. Tonight, find out why.

Included today:
-Paris city driving tour

Meals:
-Dinner
Day 2: Paris
This morning: free time en Francais. From canaltaronja.cat the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay to the l’Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysées, you’ll be sure to make a solid dent in your bucket list. Hop on an optional bike tour of Paris or roam the streets on your own before our gourmet picnic at the Eiffel Tower. End your day with an optional Seine River cruise or a #throwback bohemian cabaret show.

Included today:
-Gourmet picnic by the Eiffel Tower

Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner

Optional activities:
-Paris bicycle tour
-Seine River cruise
-Traditional cabaret show

Day 3: Paris to Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Trade in Parisian streets for snowy peaks. Home to the highest point in Europe, 72 waterfalls and one of the largest nature conservations in Switzerland, Lauterbrunnen is obviously where we’re spending the night. Urban charm ain’t got nothing on Swiss scenery. Upon arrival, chow down on Swiss cuisine and hit the bar for a nightcap.

Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner

Day 4: Swiss Alps
Scenic hikes and jaw-dropping views are on today’s agenda. Go low key with a mountain walk or hop on board the Jungfraubahn railway for an optional visit to the Jungfrau Mountain summit. Expect fairytale villages en route and sky-diving out of a helicopter upon arrival (if heights don’t scare you). Another local feast awaits your return, regardless of how you make your way back down.

Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner

Optional activities:
-Jungfrau excursion
-Helicopter ride
-Skydiving

Day 5: Swiss Alps to Venice, Italy
Time to yodel your way down the mountains and into the land of the long boot to say ciao to Venice. Check out our accommodation, have an Eat Pray Love-worthy relationship with an irresistible Italian (meal) and get pumped for living out your own version of The Italian Job tomorrow.

Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner

Day 6: Venice
You know it as the floating city, but this place is actually sinking (slowly). Check out St. Mark’s Square, Accademia Bridge and a who’s who of the city’s usual suspects on a guided walking tour, then jump on a vaporetto and explore the Grand Canal. Also on the schedule: an optional gondola ride through the maze of marble bridges and gelato shops we call Venice. Throw away your map in the afternoon and try to find the world’s most epic little bookshop, Libreria Acqua Alta, or just go on a mission to find the perfect gelato.

Included today:
-Walking tour of Venice
-Vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal

Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner

Optional activities:
-Gondola ride on the Grand Canal

Day 7: Venice to Munich, Germany
It’s time to get to know the city where beer is officially considered a food. Your Trip Leader will clue you up on the Bavarian capital on a walking tour. Slide on your Lederhosen and have a royal Happy Hour experience (none of that craft beer nonsense here) at the 426-year- old Hofbräuhaus – the recipes here were passed down from Wilhelm V, the Duke of Bavaria.

Included today:
-Walking tour of Munich

Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch

Day 8: Munich to Rhine Valley
Medieval castles, vineyards and the mighty Rhine River are all up next today. Breathe in as we weave our way through narrow cobblestone streets and tunnels, then give Queen B a run for her money with your own 12th-century castle quarters. Besides its obvious appeal (fairytale views over the Rhine, anyone?) half of Germany’s wine comes from here. Shame not to try some.

Included today:
-Rhine Valley River Cruise

Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner

Optional activities:
-Rhine Valley River cruise

Day 9: Rhine Valley to Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amster-DAM it’s going to be a good day! Start dreaming of cheese, clogs and cheeky cafe stops as we roll through tulip and windmill dotted fields to Amsterdam. Learn how cheddar and the chunky wooden shoes are made, and then get your bearings on a walking tour of the vibrant capital. End the night with a cone of hot chips with mayo. Mmm.

Included today:
-Walking tour of Amsterdam
-Steins and Cuckoos demonstration
-Dutch cheese and clogs demonstration

Meals:
-Breakfast

Day 10: Amsterdam
Join the 881,000 bicycles and get local on a city bike tour of Amsterdam’s iconic canals, bridges and parks. Culture fiends, delve deeper with a visit to the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh or Rijksmuseum. Still thirsty for more? Check out the Heineken Experience for an interactive visit and tasting at the brewery. Top it off with a dinner cruise on the canal.

Included today:
-Canal dinner cruise

Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner

Optional activities:
-Bicycle tour of Amsterdam

Day 11: Amsterdam to London, England
After all the Amster-damage has been done and dusted, it’s time to hit the road and make tracks to ol’ Blighty. Soak up all the happy group vibes you can possibly handle – this is your last coach ride with the gang. #sadface.

Meals:
-Breakfast

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7 Days, Athens to Athens

Indulge in relentless relaxation sailing in Greece

Visiting 1 country: Greece
Welcome to your unforgettable sailing adventure in Greece, where bronzing under the eternal Mediterranean sun need only be interrupted by swim stops and cocktail hour. Starting and finishing in Athens, we’ll navigate the sparkling seas, tree-covered islands and rocky coastlines, and then head ashore to embrace the island life. Think: quaint towns, ancient ruins, buzzing nightlife and irresistible dishes. Did we mention gyros?

Bucket List Inclusions

• Learn to sail
• Stand up paddleboards on the yachts
• Daily swim stops
• Take part in a local yacht regatta

More Inclusions

• Topdeck Representative across each flotilla
• On-board qualified skipper
• 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches 6 nights in a cabin (twin or double) on luxury yachts
• BYO drinks at no charge

Group Size
Maximum 6-8 per boat (2-4 boats per trip)

Transport
Motorised sailing yacht

Start/Finish Times
Start time:
Meet at 1pm at Pier 9 Alimos Marina

Finish time:
Approximately 2pm in Athens

[learn_more caption=”Itinerary – Click here”]

Day 1: Athens to Agistri
Break out the anchor tattoos and hoist the sails. We’re pointing our compass to Agistri. Work up an appetite swimming the blue seas surrounding the uninhabited island of Aponisos, and then hunt down a well-earned Grecian feast in the harbour.

Day 2: Agistri to Epidaurus
Leave Agistri behind and set course for Epidaurus – a spot that has so much charm you’ll want to stay out late. Don’t miss the ancient amphitheatre and beachside bistros. Explore by day, dance by night.

Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch

Day 3: Epidaurus to Poros
Poros is about as Greek as you’re going to get as far as photo-ops go. Go old-school at the temple of Poseidon or go swimming before another epic sunset session. Yep, this is the life.

Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch

Day 4: Poros to Ermioni
Cast off and head for Ermioni. It’s ranked as Greece’s most historical village, so grab some gyros, pick a century and set your watch to island time. Also: an underwater archaeological site that’ll have you mesmerised for days.

Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch

Day 5: Ermioni to Hydra
Enjoy swim stops aplenty at the uninhabited island of Dokos, and then it’s off to Hydra – where wheeled vehicles are banned. Cue cobblestoned alleyways and romantic vibes. It’s not called the gem of the Aegean for nothing.

Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch

Day 6: Hydra to Aegina
Charts out and on to Aegina today, but not before a swim stop at the island of Moni. Your mission: hunt down the best fish in Perdika’s seaside tavernas, channel your inner goddess at Athena’s ancient temple and Instagram some more old-school ruins. Soak it all in – this is your last night onboard.

Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch

Day 7: Aegina to Athens
Have a swim, grab some sun and set sail to Athens. You might need to hang up your captain’s hat, but the title is earned for life. Polish your peg-leg and chat to us about your next expedition today.

Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch

Please note this itinerary is subject to change due to weather and mooring conditions

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