Topdeck issues e-docs which will be sent to you eight 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 viewed at any time below. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 only 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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

Yes. Comprehensive Travel insurance is compulsory on all Topdeck trips. Global Journeys works with SureSave - a travel insurance that covers more than 300,000 travellers each year and is 100% Australian owned. As an agent for Suresave, Global Journeys are able to offer you a 20% premium discount for all policies booked online! Read more >

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.

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.

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.

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 email Global Journeys to check.

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.

We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on Topdeck including FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well as information on their 'Touring Styles', and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their tours. Read more> (NB: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).