Topdeck Tours

Topdeck issues e-docs which will be sent to you five to 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 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.

Topdeck passengers come from all over the world and are aged between 18 and 39. Like you, they will be up for a great travel experience and meeting like-minded travellers.

Not at all! Many of our passengers travel alone – often over 50% of our passengers start the trip solo and it's a great way to meet people. What's more, we don't charge compulsory single supplements – instead we'll match you up with a roommate(s) of the same sex.

Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory on all Topdeck trips. This should be taken out at the time of booking. We recommend getting a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for all medical expenses (including repatriation) and any expensive items you bring away with you such as laptops, tablets, smart phones and cameras. Check the policy wording and excess limits before you book and make sure they are to your satisfaction. Travel insurance should be taken out at the time of booking in case of unforeseen events which may lead you to cancel your 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.

Group sizes vary from trip to trip. As a guideline, an average Hotel or Hostel Plus trip could have around 35 passengers on board, with a maximum group size of 48. Minimum numbers would not normally be below 20 passengers. Our Explorer groups average around 16-20 passengers, with a maximum of 30.

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 our Visa Information section (which should be used as a guide only). You should also 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.

Topdeck's Hotel trips stay in a range of quality, character-filled hotels, predominantly 3-star standard. Rooms are twin or double share, with a 5% triple share reduction if you're travelling with two other friends and wish to share together. If you're travelling solo, then you'll be sharing with someone of the same gender. We've tried to avoid bland, multi-national chain hotels where possible and select smaller hotels which are more reflective of the character and vibe of the countries we visit. Our hotels are close to public transport (allowing you to get to wherever you want to go during your free time) and are as centrally located as possible. And while we can't always manage to get you right into the beating heart of a city, we can guarantee that no-one else will get you closer! Please bear in mind that European hotel rooms may be smaller than you are used to for similar standard hotels in Australia, New Zealand, North America or Asia.

Hostel Plus trips stay in varied, multi-share accommodation. Rooms are single-sex, usually 4 people to a room. There are occasions where we stay in twin share bungalows or hotels, and other occasions where we stay in hostels with rooms which are 5 or 6 share. On very limited occasions rooms of up to 10 people may be used. Your Trip Leader will coordinate room lists during the course of the trip. Hostel Plus trips boast accommodation ranging from modern hostels to guesthouses, bungalows, yachts and even a 12th Century Castle! In Italy, we often stay in bungalows at campsites, although calling them 'campsites' is doing them a serious disservice – it's just that 'self-contained mini resorts with unique nightlife' is a bit of a mouthful! In Paris and other selected special stopovers we use hotel upgrades for a bit of extra comfort. We always try to stay as centrally as possible and we know that no other operator can match our locations.

Rooms on Hostel Plus trips are booked on a single-sex basis, so couples should not expect to share. However your Trip Leader will try to room your together where possible, if the room configurations and gender breakdown of the group allows. On most trips it is possible that you will be able to share together on certain occasions.

Explorer trips are designed for travellers who want to immerse themselves in one country or region in Europe rather than take a multi-destination trip. Our preferred accommodation style for Explorer trips is hotel (twin share / double), although our Croatia sailing boats - being traditional coastal cruisers - do not all have en-suite facilities. Explorer group sizes tend to be smaller, averaging between 16 and 20 people (with a maximum of 30). All groups are accompanied by a Topdeck Trip Leader, while our Greece and Turkey programmes have specially selected local guides to escort these trips and provide added insight to the region.

Sleeping bags are required on Hostel Plus trips that visit Scandinavia (Red Star Special, Northern Exposure, Russia Scandi, Scandi Express or Scenic Scandi), and are recommended for any Hostel Plus trip that features Flotilla Sailing in Greece. Sleeping bags are not required on Hotel, Explorer and all other Hostel Plus trips.

Each person is allowed 1 item of standard size luggage plus a day pack (and sleeping bag if required – see above). 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 may be asked to offload the excess on the departure morning. In this scenario, Topdeck will not cover any storage costs which are incurred.

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 are included, so this really just leaves a few meals 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. Most people budget approximately €70 per day including optional activities and some souvenirs.

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 your travel advisor 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.

There's really no way to know exactly how many people will be on your trip as late bookings and cancellations do occur. Popular itineraries during peak summer season can expect to have 25-45 passengers. In the event of smaller groups, a modified passenger van may be used to improve logistics and create a more intimate group dynamic. There are some fantastic advantages to both larger and smaller group sizes.

On each of our North American trips we've tried to find the ideal combination of good quality accommodation which won't force you to break the bank. The hotels and motels we use are generally 2/3 star American standard hotels. Rooms in North American hotels are often larger than in similarly rated hotels in Europe, and are clean and comfortable. Rooms usually have 2 double beds, a TV and en-suite bathroom facilities. Some hotels have been selected based on their superior location, while others have been chosen for their higher quality. In Yosemite National Park, California, many of our itineraries will stay in tent cabins in the heart of the park. These cabins, chosen for their amazing location, may offer triple share rooms with a very short walk to the shower block.

Depending on your nationality you may require a visa to enter the United States. Currently most western visitors are included as part of the Visa Waiver Program. All Visa Waiver Program travellers are required to obtain an electronic travel authorisation prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the US. Travellers will need to log onto the ESTA website and complete an on-line application in English. Please refer to our Visa Information section (which should be used as a guide only).

We do try to limit the time spent on the coach so you will have more time to enjoy the places you visit. We have adapted our itineraries to suit the distances travelled, however the USA and Canada are big countries and it takes time to get around. On some travel days we may spend several hours On The Road, but we will always break up the journeys with interesting stops where possible. Stops vary from trip to trip and range from standard commercial service areas to interesting locations such as scenic parks, viewpoints and small cowboy towns!

Breakfasts will range from basic continental breakfast options of cereal, toast and muffins, to full cooked hot breakfasts, all with tea and/or coffee. We have tried to use hotels which offer breakfasts in the lobby to give you that little bit of extra time in the morning.

Throughout the trip, your Trip Leader will also inform you of optional activities which you can participate in. Should you choose to do so, you will need to budget extra for these activities. These activities are entirely optional and you should never feel compelled to join in any of them if you don't wish to. You will be able to find a more detailed list and price guidelines in your pre-departure information.

Tipping is a way of life in America, but in true Topdeck style your Crew will not be asking for any tips themselves at the end of your trip! However when dining out or visiting bars, it is courteous to tip the serving staff, who rely on tips to supplement their wages, which are legally below the minimum wage and often only a couple of dollars an hour.

The drinking age in the USA is 21 years. All bars and drinking spots check ID as a matter of routine, either on entry or via the serving staff (when you order an alcoholic drink in restaurants, etc.). For this reason you should always carry some form of photographic ID (typically your passport) on you if you wish to buy alcohol. In Canada, the drinking age is 18 in Alberta & Quebec, and 19 in British Columbia & Ontario. Our Canadian Rockies trip visits both Alberta & British Columbia. Our USA & Canada Adventure trip visits both Quebec & Ontario. You should always carry photographic ID (typically your passport) with you if you wish to purchase alcohol.

Each person is allowed 1 item of standard size luggage plus a day pack. 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 the USA, passengers whose luggage exceeds 44lbs/20kgs may be asked to offload the excess on the departure morning. In this scenario, Topdeck will not cover any storage costs which are incurred.

Naturally everybody's spending varies. Many of your meals are included in the trip price so this really just leaves a few meals and your personal spending to budget for. As a general guide we suggest budgeting around US$50-60 per day.

At Topdeck we believe the best way to see Australia and New Zealand is in smaller groups because this means more flexibility, less time wasting and a more social travel experience. Our groups range in size from 8 to 36, with an average of around 22. You will find this varies from trip to trip and typically our Outback trips are smaller.

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 our Visa Information section (which should be used as a guide only). You should also 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.

Please note due to limited space and weight restrictions on our coaches, luggage is limited to one backpack or suitcase per passenger weighing 20kg or less. In addition you will be able to bring a small daypack on board the coach.

Passengers with too much luggage on the morning of departure may be told that they cannot take it all with them. In this scenario you will be responsible for making your own arrangements to store or relocate your luggage, and Topdeck will not incur any storage costs. Topdeck reserves the right to check your luggage at departure.

If you have an existing medical condition or disability which may affect your trip, we ask that you inform your Global Journeys travel advisor in writing at the time of booking. We may ask you to obtain a medical certificate. If we reasonably feel we are unable to satisfactorily accommodate your particular needs, we reserve the right to decline the booking or to require that you be accompanied by a person who is able to provide full assistance to you.

If you have special dietary requirements e.g. vegetarian or vegan, we will make every effort to ensure your specific needs are catered for as long as you tell your travel advisor at the time of booking. Unfortunately in some locations the variety of food is limited so we cannot guarantee availability when eating out. There are some diets we are unable to cater for such as religious diets, so if you are unsure please contact your Global Journeys travel advisor to check.

Please re-confirm any dietary requirements with your Topdeck Trip Leader at the start of your trip.

Naturally everybody's spending varies. Many of your meals are included in the trip price so this really just leaves the occasional meal and your personal spending to budget for. As a general guide we suggest budgeting around AUD/NZD$50-$60 per day.

Throughout the trip your Trip Leader will also inform you of any optional activities which you may wish to participate in, for which you will need to budget extra. You will be able to find a more detailed list and price guidelines in your pre-departure information.

We do try to limit the time spent on the coach so you will have more time to enjoy the places you visit. We have adapted our itineraries to suit the distances travelled, however Australia and New Zealand are big places and there are a few longer travel days when you will spend more time on the coach than usual.

Group sizes can vary, but tend to average around 15 people in Egypt and Morocco and 10 people in Jordan and Israel.

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 our Visa Information section (which should be used as a guide only). You should also 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.

In Egypt we stay in well-equipped, air-conditioned 4-star hotels, apart from a select few chosen for their superior location or service. If your trip includes a Nile Cruise, then you'll stay on a 5-star cruise boat while on the Nile. Certain trips also offer unique overnight stays in a White Desert camp and on board a traditional Felucca. Our two Budget trips in Egypt (Egypt Express and Pyramids & Beaches) stay in well-equipped, air-conditioned hotels, predominantly 3-star standard.

In Jordan and Israel we stay in quality 3-star hotels, except in Wadi Rum in Jordan where we stay in a traditional Desert Camp for a unique and memorable overnight experience.

In Morocco we stay in quality 3-star hotels, except in Merzouga where we stay in traditional Berber tents in the desert.

Whichever trip you choose, you can rest assured that every hotel has been thoroughly inspected by Topdeck to ensure they meet our very specific requirements and high standards.

As well as being able to arrange pre and post trip accommodation for you, Topdeck also offer some fantastic bolt on packages which you can add to your holiday. Fancy spending some more time in Cairo or taking an excursion to historic Alexandria in Egypt? Want to visit the 'Rose City' of Petra and Wadi Rum in Jordan? Or how about adding on a trek in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco? To discuss your options you can contact your friendly Global Journeys travel advisor.

Breakfasts will range from basic continental breakfast options of cereal, toast and muffins, to full cooked hot breakfasts, all with tea and/or coffee. We have tried to use hotels which offer breakfasts in the lobby to give you that little bit of extra time in the morning.

In Egypt we own all of our vehicles (unlike many other operators), meaning that we can guarantee an excellent standard of transport. We use coaches and mini-buses which are modern, air-conditioned and comfortable. Sometimes we take 1st class overnight train services to cover the longer journeys from Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo (recliner seats). Occasionally they can be delayed or experience reliability problems, and with larger groups it can sometimes prove difficult to obtain tickets seating the whole group together. Fortunately we have our fleet of modern air-conditioned coaches on hand, which we often use as an alternative to the trains. The method of transport being used on your trip (train or coach) is normally advised at the briefing meeting on Day 1. Certain trips also feature transport on 5-star luxury cruise boats or traditional felucca boats on the Nile.

In Jordan, Israel and Morocco we use comfy, air-conditioned mini coaches with experienced local drivers.

Local currency is easily available from the numerous cash machines in all of our starting cities in the region, plus all of the cities and major towns which we visit. This is the easiest and most convenient way to access local cash – just make sure you notify your bank of your travel plans Before You Depart.

However, it is useful to have a small amount of cash (US$, GBP or local currency) with you on arrival in case of emergencies.

Tipping is expected for quite a few things (carrying luggage etc.) but you only need to give a small amount and your Trip Leader will advise you what is appropriate to give.

Our groups have a maximum size of 24 and usually average around 16 people.

Depending on your nationality you may require a visa to enter the United States. Currently most western visitors are included as part of the Visa Waiver Program. All Visa Waiver Program travellers are required to obtain an electronic travel authorisation prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the US. Travellers will need to log onto the ESTA website and complete an on-line application in English. Please refer to our Visa Information section (which should be used as a guide only).

You'll be travelling in one of our state of the art overland safari vehicles. The word safari means 'journey' in Swahili and with Topdeck you'll be sure to journey in style! Our fleet of overland safari vehicles is quite simply the finest in Africa. Your truck is a rolling home for the duration of your trip.

It will also keep your food and drinks fresh (in the on-board drinks cooler), your belongings safely stowed (in secure lockers big enough for your entire luggage) and your body well-cushioned (thanks to the comfy seats). On top of that, it comes equipped with power points to charge up laptops, cameras and mp3 players so you can plug in and chill out when you need to.

Experiencing all the delights that Africa has to offer can work up a serious appetite. But never fear – all of our trips include loads of appetising meals so you'll enjoy yourself on a full stomach! We reckon that you'll be pleasantly surprised with the great quality of our tasty and healthy included meals. On occasion you may be asked to lend a hand with the meals, under the keen eye of our Crew. They'll give you all the guidance you need to play your part in the creation of some culinary masterpieces!

The climate in Africa varies from country to country. Most countries range between hot days and mild nights in the summer months to warm days and cool nights in the winter.

Some African countries can get very hot in summer, so lightweight cottons and linens are recommended along with clothing to cover your head and neck and high factor sunblock. If visiting in winter you will need to bring some warmer clothing for the cool evenings.

You will be able to withdraw local currency from ATMs in all major cities. Your Trip Leader can advise you when you might need some local currency. You should also bring some cash with you on arrival (US$ or GBP), in addition to your local payment amount.

Tipping is expected for quite a few things (carrying your luggage etc.) but you only need to give a small amount and your Trip Leader will advise you what is appropriate.

Group sizes vary from trip to trip and are indicated in the overview information on each trip.

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 our Visa Information section (which should be used as a guide only). You should also 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.

Our trips stay in a range of quality, character-filled hotels, predominantly 3-4 star standard. Rooms are twin or double share with a minimal amount of triple rooms available on request. If you're travelling solo, then you'll be sharing with someone of the same gender.

We've tried to avoid bland, multi-national chain hotels where possible and select smaller hotels which are more reflective of the character and vibe of the countries and regions we visit. Our hotels are close to public transport (allowing you to get to wherever you want to go during your free time) and are as centrally located as possible. While we can't always manage to get you right into the beating heart of a city, we can guarantee that no-one else will get you closer!

We also use traditional homestays and guest houses in some locations, giving you the most authentic experience possible.

Each person is allowed 1 item of standard size luggage plus a day pack. 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, passengers whose luggage exceeds 44lbs/20kgs may be asked to offload the excess on the departure morning. In this scenario, Topdeck will not cover any storage costs which are incurred.

In some destinations and sights of Asia it is customary to cover your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect. Your Trip Leader will advise you when this is the case.

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 your travel advisor when you book. Unfortunately, in some places in Asia it is not possible to obtain certain special foods, and we cannot guarantee the variety of foods available when eating out. Our Trip Leaders 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 ask your travel advisor to check.

Please re-confirm any dietary requirements with your Topdeck Trip Leader at the start of your trip.

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 are included, so this really just leaves a few meals 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. For a more detailed list and price guideline please refer to the individual trip page or your personal itinerary.

We recommend that you change a small amount of money to cover you for spending money until you have the chance to change more or visit an ATM. ATMs are common throughout all Asian countries that Topdeck visits and you will be able to withdraw local currency from an ATM after arriving in the country. This is the most convenient way to access local currency, just make sure to notify your bank of your travel plans before you depart. During your trip the Trip Leader can advise you on locations to exchange local currencies.

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 are included, so this really just leaves a few meals and your personal spending to budget for.

Full arrival and departure inforation is provided in your trip itinerary, provided to you by your Global Journeys Travel Advisor which will be sent to you eight weeks prior to departure and when you have paid in full.