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Where will my trip depart from?
- Check in for most trips departing from London is at 6.30am and we usually return back to London between 6.30pm and 8.30pm. Please check your itinerary carefully for exact details.
- For EuroHotel trips ONLY - Umi Hotel: 16 Leinster Square, Bayswater, London, W2 4PR. The closest London Underground stops: Bayswater or Queensway
- For EuroClub, EuroCamping and selected Explorer trips - Clink Hostel: 78 King's Cross Road, London, WC1X 9QG. The closest London Underground stop: King's Cross St Pancras.
- If it is more convenient, you can join your trip in Paris. You must inform us or your agent at the time of booking so we know when you will be joining the trip.
How can I make a payment?
There are a few ways you can make a payment with Topdeck:
- Call your local Topdeck Office and make payment over the phone by credit or debit card.
- Transfer the money in to Topdeck’s bank account. Please email or call your Topdeck Travel Consultant for the bank details.
- Complete the payment form with your credit or debit card details and email or fax this to your Topdeck Travel Consultant.
What does my trip include?
Coach transport, ferry crossings, accommodation, meals as specified, and activities and extras such as local city guides as specified depending on your trip. Services of a Trip Leader and Driver on all trips. On our EuroClub trips we also include the services of an "On Site Chef" in Lauterbrunnen, Venice and Rome. On our Russian, Scandinavian and EuroCamping trips there is also an "On Road Chef".
What is NOT included?
Your spending money, visas, personal travel insurance, medical fees, cost of optional activities & excursions, entrance fees to the various museums and sites visited and (unless specified in the 'What's Included' section), flights, departure taxes, port taxes for flotilla sailing. Also any meals that are not specified on your itinerary.
How many other people will be on the trip?
Group sizes vary. As a guideline, an average trip will have about 35 passengers on board. However, the coaches are often full - especially in high season. Minimum numbers would not normally be below 20 passengers. On our Explorer series, the average is 16.
What sort of people will be on the trip?
Our travellers come from all over the world and are aged between 18 and 30 something. Like you, they will be up for a great travel experience and meeting like-minded travellers. Roughly half of our passengers travel on their own.
What visas will I need?
Obtaining correct visas is your own responsibility. Not having correct visas could mean you missing out on part or all of your trip. Please refer to the Visa section on our website (which should be used as a guide only) or ask your Travel Agent. Then, double check with the individual Embassies before you depart, remembering that visa requirements can change at short notice. For most of the countries where visas are required, it is NOT possible to obtain the visa whilst on the trip and some visas take 3-4 weeks to obtain. For trips going to Russia, Topdeck will provide invitation letters that you MUST have, to obtain your visa.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Comprehensive Travel insurance is compulsory on all Topdeck trips. This should be taken out at the time of booking. You can also purchase travel insurance with us through our partner World Nomads.
How do the EuroHotel trips work?
On our EuroHotel Trips you will be staying at a range of 2*& 3* hotels, on a twin share basis with a 5% reduction for triple share. We have tried to select hotels that display the local character of the countries we visit and have avoided multi-national chain hotels. We have also tried to select hotels as centrally located as possible. Please bear in mind also, that European hotel rooms may be smaller than you may be used to for similar standard hotels other countries.
How do EuroClub trips work?
On our EuroClub trips you will be sleeping in multi-share accommodation with 2 to 4 persons of the same sex sharing. The Rhine Valley castle however has a variety of room sizes accommodating from 4 to 10. In certain hostels during peak season, some rooms may be larger depending on availability. The accommodation ranges from hostels and gasthofs to bungalows in some of Europe's best campsites. There are also some hotel upgrades on a number of trips. You are required to bring a sleeping bag on your EuroClub trips if your trip does Flotilla Sailing in Greece, bedding will be provided in all other EuroClub accommodations. Please note if you are on the Red Star Special, Northern Exposure, Russia Scandi, Scandi Express, Scenic Scandi you will need a sleeping bag also.
How do EuroCamping trips work?
On our EuroCamping trips you will be sleeping in dome-style tents on a twin-share basis. In some parts of Europe you will receive a free hotel or hostel up-grade. Our tents are very roomy and easy to put up and your crew will demonstrate this at the start of your trip. Air mattresses are supplied but you will need to bring a sleeping bag. On all trips we carry our own spacious cook tent. All cutlery and eating utensils are supplied.
How do Explorer trips work?
Our Explorer Trips concentrate on Regional Europe rather than "Round Europe Trips" and are so designed to give you an in depth insight into the countries visited. The group size is smaller, (average is 16) but group sizes will vary between 10 and 25. A mixture of coach and public transport is used and accommodation is generally in hotels or premium standard hostels.
What will I need to bring with me?
This depends on the type of trip you choose. Sleeping bags are a necessity on ALL EuroCamping trips. Sleeping bags are required on EuroClub trips if your trip does Flotilla Sailing in Greece, bedding will be provided in all other EuroClub accommodations. A common problem is people bringing too many things! Please refer to our suggested clothing list in the pre-departure information which you can download from our website. Oh, and don't forget your camera, passport, visas and a positive attitude! If you suffer from any medical condition please bring extra supplies of medication as it could be difficult to find in Europe.
How much luggage am I allowed?
Each person is allowed 1 item of standard size luggage (backpacks only on a EuroCamping trip) plus a day pack (and sleeping bag if on EuroCamping trip or EuroClub trip that does Flotilla Sailing in Greece). The maximum weight of your main bag must not exceed 44lbs/20kgs. Size for all bags must not exceed 70cm x 45cm x 25cm. Due to strict weight regulations for coaches in Europe, passengers whose luggage exceeds 44lbs/20kgs will be asked to off load the excess on the departure morning.
What about spending money?
Naturally everybody's spending varies. There are many souvenirs to be bought and a great social scene should you wish to join in! Many of your meals (including lunches on EuroClub & EuroCamping trips) are included, so this really just leaves the occasional meal and your personal spending to budget for. Throughout the trip, your Trip Leader will also inform you of optional activities which you can participate in, such as a gondola ride in Venice or an excursion up the Jungfrau Mountain in Switzerland. For a more detailed list and price guideline please refer to your personal itinerary. Most people budget on approximately €70 per day including optional activities and some souvenirs.
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Do I need to change money before I leave?
We recommend that you change approximately €100 in cash before departure and approximately €30 into Swiss Francs (if your trip goes through Switzerland). This will cover you for spending money until you have the chance to change more or find an ATM.
What if I am a smoker?
Smoking is not permitted on our coaches; however, we stop regularly while travelling from place to place. Smoking is not permitted in any type of accommodation, including our tents.
How does the food fund work?
On all EuroClub and EuroCamping trips a compulsory Food Fund is shown separately on each trip page. This is paid at the time of booking. Unlike other companies, in addition to the listed breakfasts and dinners, Topdeck also includes many lunches on travelling days whilst on your trip (EuroClub & EuroCamping trips only. Not applicable for winter/spring trips. Please check the ’what’s included’ section of your itinerary). This means you don't have to buy lunch at expensive motorway service stations which means a massive saving and gives you more money to spend on other things. Your Food Fund includes many meals at local restaurants giving you the opportunity to sample the local cuisine as you explore Europe. Water is fine to drink in Europe, however bottled water should be purchased in Greece and Turkey.
What if I am on a special diet?
If you have special dietary requirements e.g. vegetarian or vegan, we will make every endeavour to cater for your specific needs as long as you tell us or your agent when you book. Unfortunately in some places in Europe it is not possible to obtain certain special foods, and we cannot guarantee the variety of foods available when eating out. Our "On Road / Site Chefs" will put every effort into catering for your specific needs. There are some diets we are unable to cater for such as religious diets, so if you are unsure please call us or ask your agent to check.
Will I be contactable on my trip?
As well as having regular access to internet cafés throughout Europe, if someone needs to contact you in the case of an emergency, the Topdeck Head Office in London will be able to get in touch with your Trip Leader.
When will I get more information about my trip?
Topdeck issues e-docs which will be sent to you six weeks prior to departure and when you have paid in full, which includes your detailed day-to-day itinerary. These also include any vouchers you need for pre and post trip accommodation. In addition to this, you MUST read the detailed pre-departure information relevant to your trip. This can be downloaded at any time from the trip page on our website. If you would like a copy posted to you, please contact your local Topdeck office. The pre-departure document contains a number of important points that you should be aware of. Please take the time to download and read it.
How much time will I spend on the coach?
We try to spend as little time on the coach as possible so that you have more time to enjoy the places you visit. Please remember though that Europe is a large place and it takes time to get around! On driving days between cities you will be on the coach during the day, stopping off to visit places of interest where possible. Strict driving rules apply in Europe that limits the maximum number of hours your Driver can drive each day. They also limit the maximum number of days that can be driven before a day off must be taken. We have worked hard to make sure this does not affect your trip, but in some cities it means we will use public transport. The cost for this is included in your trip price and your Trip Leader will show you how to get around.
Keep up to date
Please check the website before you travel for the most up to date information. If you haven't found what you were looking for? Contact our friendly Reservations Team who will be happy to help!
