Visiting 6 countries: France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium
Europe has so much to offer, so much to see and do and one of the best things about travelling Europe in winter is that there are far fewer crowds and you can fly through the queues! But that is not the only advantage; to travel Europe in winter also means to see this fascinating region in a whole new light as it wraps itself in season cheer to keep warm during the chilly months. And don’t forget the chance to see elegant old capitals under a blanket of snow!
Book and pay in full by 15 January 2014, we’ll give you an ‘Early Bird’ discount of 10% off!
Day 1: Paris
Our Topdeck trip begins early this morning in London. We depart and drive to Dover, where we cross the English Channel to France by ferry. Upon arrival in Calais we drive to Paris, capital of France and the world’s most popular city break destination. After checking in to our accommodation we have an included dinner at a local French restaurant. Later we head into the city for a spectacular ‘City Lights’ driving tour with our Topdeck Crew. We’ll get to marvel at the renowned beauty of Paris as we pass many famous sights along the River Seine, including the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde and much more!
Travelling Europe in winter means no long queues
Day 2: Paris
Our free day in Paris gives us a chance to explore the city at our own pace. Among the city’s most famous attractions are the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, Pompidou Centre, Napoleon’s Tomb and the impressive Musée d’Orsay. For a different perspective of Paris, an optional ‘Fat Tire’ bicycle tour could see us cycling the streets of the French capital. This evening we enjoy a delicious French dinner in a local restaurant. Afterwards, we can complete our Parisian experience with a choice of two great optional activities – a Seine River Cruise or a show at one of the oldest cabarets in Paris, the famous Paradis Latin.
Day 3: Swiss Alps
A long but scenic drive today as we make our way to the stunning country of Switzerland and the gorgeous Swiss Alps. We pass incredible landscapes and fairy-tale villages as we draw closer to our accommodation. Our base in the village of Lauterbrunnen is set in a deep valley, flanked by towering cliffs from which waterfalls tumble, framed by the snowy peaks of Europe’s great mountain range, the Alps – we’re confident you’ll fall in love with it! Tonight we enjoy a fantastic Swiss dinner.
An unforgettable winter travel adventure…..
Day 4: Swiss Alps
A free day in the snowy Swiss Alps! This morning there is an option to ride the historic Jungfraubahn railway to the highest station in Europe, which sits atop the Jungfrau Mountain. At over 12000ft high it deserves its nickname, the ‘Roof of Europe’. For those who think that being 12000ft high whilst having your feet on the ground is too boring – why not throw yourself out of a helicopter instead?! An optional (weather permitting) tandem skydive over the Swiss Alps is truly memorable. The rest of the day is free to explore the numerous mountain walks. Later we enjoy another delicious dinner.
Day 5: Venice
Benvenuti in Italia! Our Topdeck adventure continues as we enter Italy. Today we take a long but beautiful drive to Venice, the city of canals and gondolas. Our accommodation is located on the mainland across the lagoon from Venice’s main islands. After checking in, tonight we enjoy a tasty Italian dinner.
Day 6: Venice
A free day to explore extraordinary Venice – a maze of canals, bridges, squares and incredible artworks. An included walking tour with our Topdeck Trip Leader will unveil some of the city’s amazing architecture, including the striking St Mark’s Basilica in St Mark’s Square. We also enjoy a ’Totally Topdeck’ included vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal, and our optional gondola ride is the perfect way to see the city.
Day 7: Munich
Our Topdeck adventure moves on to Bavaria in southern Germany. We drive to the brilliant city of Munich, where a walking tour with our Topdeck Trip Leader will take in the main sights including Marienplatz (Mary’s Square), the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) and the huge Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Lady). We’ll also have time to uncover the pretzels, roasted pork knuckles and the famous beer halls of Munich. Don’t leave Bavaria without sampling a German beer or two whilst being entertained by a traditional ‘Oompah’ band!
Day 8: Rhine Valley
We depart and make for the delights of western Germany and the famous Rhine Valley region, where we discover medieval castles, vineyards and the mighty Rhine River. The Rhine Valley is an area of picture-book towns and majestic views, and we can even take an optional cruise along the Rhine to savour its natural beauty and character.
Day 9: Amsterdam
This morning we visit a Rhine Valley beer steins centre and a cuckoo clock shop to find out more about these typically German products, and possibly pick up some souvenirs. Our drive to the Netherlands then gives us chance to conserve our energy for Amsterdam! The ‘Dam is a city of contrasts where bicycles, clogs, tulips and the infamous Red Light District live side by side in harmony. Just outside the city we stop at a traditional farm to see how Dutch cheese and clogs (wooden shoes) are made. After checking in to our accommodation, this evening we head into the heart of Amsterdam to see Dam Square with our Topdeck Trip Leader, and we can even investigate the Red Light District itself!
Day 10: Amsterdam
A full free day to enjoy Amsterdam. Our included ‘Totally Topdeck’ bike ride is the perfect way to tour the city, just like the locals. We’ll also have time to wander the canals or visit attractions such as Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum and the Heineken Experience. This evening we can look forward to an included dinner in a local restaurant, followed by an optional canal cruise on a private boat along Amsterdam’s waterways.
Day 11: London
We make our way to the Belgian city of Brugge this morning, where a walking tour with our Topdeck Trip Leader takes in the city’s excellent Gothic architecture. We’ll have free time here to seek out some Belgian specialities – chocolate, waffles and beer! Afterwards we drive to Calais in France to catch our ferry across the English Channel. Our trip finishes upon arrival in London this evening, when it will be time to say fond farewells to our Crew and travelling companions.
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