Topdeck Travel Blog

by Kara Segedin

One of the largest and best known festivals in the world, Oktoberfest, is nearly upon us.

Topdeck designer Brett shared some of his tips, insights and memories (well, what he could remember) of Munich’s Beerfest.

“I first went in 2006 and then again in 2009,” says Brett.

“The experience was amazing - it was a real party atmosphere.”

The beer tents close around 10-11pm and he says everyone goes back to their campsites or hostels and keeps on partying.

The 16–18 day festival runs from late September with more than 5 million people attending every year and almost 7 million litres of beer is served.

Known as the largest Volksfest (People’s Fair) in the world, Oktoberfest has been held in Munich since 1810.

The festival is right in the heart of the city on a huge ground with rides, food stands and of course, beer.

“The majority of the time is spent in the beer halls because that’s where you get the unique experience,” says Brett.

The Beer Halls at Oktoberfest

There are about a dozen beer tents ranging in size some holding thousands of people.

Only locally brewed, Bavarian beers are allowed to be served at Oktoberfest. Each tent serves one brand of beer, sometimes with variations such as a lager or weissbier.

Brett first visited the Löwenbräu and then the Hofbräu. Hofbräu is possibly the most famous beer hall and is open all year round.

Brett says the best beer he sampled at Oktoberfest was made by a small brewery called Spaten.

“It was just so crisp, it was a really good beer, and it was a much smaller tent and the majority of the patrons were locals and I think that’s where you get the better experience from”

Inside the halls are lined with picnic-type tables with a stage in the centre where bands play music all day long.

“On the hour they’ll play a song to cheers everyone called Prost,” he says.

Brett recommends dressing for all sorts of weather. It can get ridiculous cold outside the tent, but once inside the temperature rises.

The local residents really get behind the event and many Germans (and tourists) get dressed up in traditional outfits.

Brett & a friendly local Bavarian

“The Bavarian women! The outfits! The Dirndl is absolutely incredible. It is one of the sexiest traditional outfits in Europe.”

Like a restaurant, each girl has her own serving section and they come around taking drinks orders.

“You don’t get served unless you are sitting at a table - they are quite strict with that, the beer wenches”

Besides the beer, food is a big thing at Oktoberfest.

A mix of hot meals and snacks, a number of traditional German and Bavarian delicacies are on offer including Würstl (sausages), Brezn (Pretzel), Knödel (potato or bread dumplings), Kasspatzn (cheese noodles), Reiberdatschi (potato pancakes) and, of course, Sauerkraut or Blaukraut (red cabbage).

“The chickens are absolutely sensational, it’s a bit expensive, but it’s some of the best chicken I’ve ever had,” says Brett.

Towards the afternoon and early evening local Germans start arriving at the festival from work.

“That’s one of the best things about Oktoberfest,” says Brett. “ It’s not just drinking the beer, but because you’re on communal tables your sitting with, Americans, Germans, French, anyone and everyone, and it’s such a friendly atmosphere, you end up talking to the rest of the table and cheering and dancing around with them.”

“I’ve done a few festivals before and this is the one I’d keep going back to.”

TIPS

• The tents open between 9-10am so get there early to get a seat.
• Try smaller tents and go in the evening to mix with locals.
• Eat a lot of local food.
• Wear layers – outside it can get very cold while the tents get warm.
• Have fun!

Don’t miss out on Oktoberfest 2011! We have a few spaces left so book now http://www.topdeck.travel/festivals/oktoberfest-tours

by Kara Segedin

Which festival combines a grand military showcase with music, theatre, fireworks, comedy and the bizarre? None other than the Edinburgh Festival!

Made up of 12 different festivals including the Military Tattoo, International Festival and Fringe, Edinburgh is world’s largest cultural event.

During festivities the city’s main street, the Royal Mile, becomes a Mecca for performers as every bar, restaurant and available space is transformed into a venue for arts of all kinds.

On the back of a 4 star review at last year’s Fringe, British (and one time Kiwi) comedian Diane Spencer will be entertaining the crowds with her latest hilarious (and sometimes shocking) offering - All-pervading Madness.

Topdeck sat down with Di to chat about her experiences in Edinburgh…

How many times have you performed at Fringe?

This is my third annual visit in a row - third time’s a charm they say too. This year better pull something special out!

What makes the Edinburgh Festival so unique?

It’s the largest arts festival in the world, in the hilliest place in the world, which means that you get a fair amount of walking in. Though I wonder how disabled access friendly it is. There are lots of steps and I’ve seen some muscular dudes in wheelchairs pushing the “long way” round up slopes.

Anyway (totally distracted) - the city of Edinburgh is also beautiful, historic - there’s the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and because this festival operates at many tiers, you can usually find something to meet your budget. You can splash out and go see loads of famous comedians in big beautiful venues or you can plunder through the free Fringe programme. It’s really unique because it’s so large, there’s something for everyone.

Best Edinburgh Fest experience?

That day I got my first four star review. My Mum sent me the text all in capitals with the word “FANTASTIC!” She was really proud, I was so chuffed. It was lovely - because that’s like an end of year exam, or a job appraisal. You’ve been working so hard all year and then you get examined!

Worst Edinburgh Fest experience?

A couple of boys stole my phone and purse from my bag when I was onstage. It was such a violating feeling. Then to have to go to the police station, cancel all my cards, and it was raining of course. You just have to keep an eye on things.

What have been some of your festival highlights?

I’ve seen so many brilliant performances from a variety of sources - some in the theatre, but once, I was walking up the Royal Mile, it was oddly a quiet time of night, and suddenly the sky exploded in fireworks and I sort of just fell in love with the feeling and stood there on the street just being the happiest person on the planet.

Who are you most looking forward to seeing perform?

I enjoy Asher Treleaven, an Aussie Comic. Also like vintage diva Lili La Scala. The Boy with Tape on his Face has a new show too, and he’s a Kiwi. I’ll definitely catch Carey Marx’s new show - I’ve sort of made it a tradition to see his show each year. Oo, and Nick Helm, he’s always good fun.

Where do you go to get a bite to eat?

For the ultimate steak, but obviously at a price, you have to go to the Scotsman Hotel brasserie. Proper HUGE bit of

cow. In terms of amazing coffee - the Wellington Coffee house on George Street. They also do really nice warm scones with jam and clotted cream.

What are your must-see sights in Edinburgh?

Just by walking around this beautiful city you come across really interesting and wonderful items. I did take a trip into the Edinburgh Dungeons one year - that was gruesome but fun.

Why should people come and see you?

Because I am hilariously funny, silly, rude, naughty and funny AGAIN. Also this year I won an award, the Chortle Best Newcomer 2011, and then this show, which I’m performing at Edinburgh now, was nominated for “Best Comedy (Emerging)” at the Adelaide Fringe Awards. So I’m funny now!

Tell us a joke….

I’ll have to invoice you for that if I do.

If you’d like to get in on the Edinburgh action join us on our Tattoo & Festival trip departing 26 August and get 20% off!

Diane Spencer: All-pervading Madness

Venue: Gilded Balloon

Dates: 3-28 Aug (no show on the 16th)

Time: 5.45pm

by Kara Segedin

“Four days in Venice, isn’t that a little long?”

“Well, it’s more like three days, four nights…”

“You know it’s full of tourists, locals who will scam you and it smells, right?!”

And that is how one conversation went when I told an acquaintance we were off on a summer holiday to the famous Floating City. Had we overestimated the time we’d need? Was it going to be one big stinking hot mess? What had we gotten ourselves into?!

Luckily for us, said acquaintance couldn’t have been more wrong.

From the moment I first stepped foot in Cannaregio, the northernmost of Venice’s six historic districts, I was in love.

Ahhh, Venice

It was well after 11pm when we dropped out luggage at the hotel and despite the fun of budget airline travel we were ready to hit Venice’s cobbled streets!

But before we could go anywhere I was in desperate need of a gelato and thankfully (dangerously) there was an amazing gelato shop right at the door of our hotel *bliss*.

We had arrived in town on the eve of Festa del Redentore (more about that later) so the streets were fairly deserted as we strolled over the famous canals for the first time.

However, come the morning the city was buzzing.

Traffic Jam: Venice Style

Travellers of all ages and all nationalities wandered up at down the streets while men opened their stalls selling souvenirs and replicas of traditional Venetian masks and Murano glass.

It’s fairly easy to spot the authentic stuff – they are usually found in dedicated stores and have price tags that reflect the quality.

With nowhere in particular in mind we made our way slowly into the middle of the island.

I would recommend spending at least one day getting totally lost, wandering up and down the thousands of small alley ways that sprawl across the city.

They are also a great escape from the crowds and the hot summer sun.

Making our way into the heart of Venice, we followed the official (and handmade) signs showing the way to Piazza San Marco and Rialto Bridge and were joined by an ever increasing number of fellow travellers.

The square is massive and in the blazing midday sun we were grateful for the shade from the shop front canopies.

Chilling in Piazza San Marco

If you’re tired of walking, or fancy doing some sightseeing from the water, the best way to get around is by waterbuses (vaporetti).

That night after take a rather long detour on a vaporetti we found ourselves on the island of Dorsoduro right in the middle of Festa del Redentore celebrations.

Hundreds of tables filled with big Italian families ran the length of the canal looking out across to the city centre. They feasted on giant plates of local food (it smelt so good!) and glasses of wine. Grandparents, parents, aunties, uncles and cousins singing, dancing and gossiping the evening away, waiting for the main event – the fireworks!

And what a display!

For at least 45 minutes pyrotechnics took over the city. Colours lit up the night sky and booming explosions echoed around the ancient street – if you didn’t know better you’d swear it was a war zone!

Festa del Redentore = Fireworks!

The following day we tried a bit of island hopping, Venice style. First stop, Murano.

Famous for its glasswork, the island was largely empty on the Sunday we stopped by.

Still, there were plenty of opportunities to pick up pieces of jewellery and take in the sights.

It was a recommendation from a colleague that proved to be one of my trip highlights - the island of Burano

Every Venetian lagoon seems to be famous for something, and in Burano’s case it is lacework and rainbow coloured buildings – my kind of place!

The first thing you see when getting off the boat is a rather frightful looking wailing woman – no idea what she represents, but it can’t be nice.

Why is she so upset?

Thankfully your eye is quickly caught by the brilliant red building to your left and from there you can’t help but smile at the array of pinks, blues, yellows and oranges of the town.

The Rainbow Island or Burano

Oh, and I also ate the best pizza I have had in my whole life! Cheese, mushroom, artichoke and prosciutto – delish!

Simply the Best Pizza Ever!

Venetians are a lovely people – very friendly and helpful.

Despite the extraordinary lack of Italian language skills in our group we managed to get by.

As long as you can point and say hello, please and thank you you’ll be fine in this largely English speaking (or at least understanding) place.

Our final day was spent catching up on all the little things we had missed – a last stop here, a last stop there.

St Mark’s Basilica was one such destination and there in the July sun we joined a surprisingly fast moving queue to enter the 11^th century church.

St Mark's Basilica

Many European churches still enforce a traditional dress code meaning men and women must cover their shoulders & knees.

I specially brought a church-suitable dress with me, but if you forget to wear appropriate attire it isn’t such a big deal as the staff will provide you with lovely papery shawls to wrap around you.

Be careful of the men on the door though – they are more like nightclub bouncers than church ushers grabbing visitors showing too much skin as they walk passed.

While it lacks the grandeur and quiet spiritual aura of St Peter’s in Rome, the interior and exterior are stunning nonetheless.

So how do you put the perfect finishing touch on a perfect holiday in Venice? With a gondola ride of course!

That's Amore - Gondola Time

Lying back in our luxury boat it was hard not to feel like royalty gliding through the narrow canals the vaporetti can’t reach, our gondolier filling us in with bits and pieces of local history.

And that was it - what more can I say? We ate, drank and sweated our way through this magnificent island, cameras always at the ready.

Bellini, gelato, pizza and spaghetti. Fireworks, bridges, canals and history. The list goes on!

Venice, you surprised me. I didn’t expect to love you this much!

Arrivederci Venezia!

Want to see Venice for yourself? Here are a few of the Topdeck trips that take in this amazing city!

Venice Carnival

Pronto Italia 2011

Gondolas Go North 2011

Eastern Express 2011

Topdeck’s travel blogger, Liana Szwajlyk, relives her first-ever (and only!) Pamplona experience.

Singing erupts from a sea of white and red. Viva San Fermin!! It’s 8.00am. The first rocket focuses my attention, a second signals the bulls are on their way. The sea is now moving. Slow at first but running, turning, now faster as the hooves descend.

“Why am I here?” This was the thought going through my mind as I prepared for the enierro, the famous Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain. The night before, I’d been cruising Pamplona’s bars, fuelled with Sangria induced bravado. “I’m a pretty fast runner” I thought. I could outrun a bull or two. “What the hell, I’ll give it a go.”

A few sleepless hours later, there I was standing – knees shaking – on Santo Domingo Road for what could have very well been the last day of my life. Waiting impatiently with a few hundred adrenaline seekers, my stomach churns and I now realise what actual fear feels like.

8.00 am: The sharp shot of the first cannon sounds. Some run already. Having absorbed the advice of every ‘expert’ I’ve talked to, I hold firm - until the second cannon. The crowd’s nervous tension is released as they take off.

People are yelling and hollering; it seems I’m one of them. As I start into a full-out sprint, I have a horrifying realisation: I can run only as fast as the people in front of me. At this moment, self-preservation takes over, and I switch from a running-in-sheer-terror tactic to a run-push, run-push strategy – focussing on nothing but the next step in front of me.

The roar of the crowd grows louder and the ground shakes as the bulls hurtle along the course. They’re coming. People manically scramble to save their skins. As I look to my left I realise I’m now running with the bulls, rather than away from them…

The next five minutes are a blur until the third rocket sounds.

The enceirro is over!

Happy to be alive and happy to be alive…did I say that twice?

As the bulls continued course (and are way out of sight), I decide that I’ve had enough adventure for one day and leave to share my war stories over many more glasses….well perhaps jugs, of Sangria!

Relief and celebration!!

Check out Topdeck’s 4 Day Pamplona Hotel trip and 7 Day Picador package.

Topdeck’s latest Aussie arrival, Liana Szwajlyk, shares her Christmas experience in the City of Lights

Paris. Je t’aime. One of the most famous and romantic cities in the world, it’s easy to fall in love with Paris. With an overwhelming number of beautiful landmarks, sights and attractions, Paris has its own very particular charm and a history beyond compare! The allure of the city’s grand avenues and twinkling lights have bought millions of travellers to Paris, all looking to share in the city’s “joie de vivre”.

During the Christmas Season the French capital becomes even more alluring - no words can describe this Parisian experience! In December the metropolis sparkles - figuratively and literally, making this month an ideal time to visit. Trees up and down the boulevards are strung with garlands of shimmering lights and many other places around town are decorated in the same festive spirit. Christmas markets spring up all around the city, selling enchanting decorations and gifts and who can forget the gourmet treats? It’s something a traveller, especially anyone who appreciates true art and beauty, should definitely experience.

I began my French escapade on Christmas Eve. It was cool and cloudy and the sun never showed which for an Aussie girl like me, the idea of having winter at Christmas (instead of one with scorching heat) was quite odd! The city was cheerful and bright though, everywhere people seemed to be having fun and enjoying themselves. Parisians are so exuberant, romantic, and full of life that you can’t help but feel the same way!

Paris features attractions for all, so in an attempt to tick off a number of touristy things, I started my adventure with a grand walk along the Seine River. Passing a myriad of amazing bridges, I followed my way down the city’s most famous promenade -the Champs Elysees - exploring the multitude Christmas stalls along the way! I quickly learned the operative word here was vin chaud, vin chaud, vin chaud! Red or white, hot French wine, sold everywhere in large two-euro plastic cups, or as I saw it: the perfect excuse to keep warm! Continuing on my journey, I came to the Place Charles de Gaulle where lays the beautiful Arc de Triomphe, a classic symbol of the French nation. Paris is an old city filled with culture, and there are so many museums to visit. Among the most notable of these museums is the Louvre - home of the famous Mona Lisa, my next stop, followed by a visit to the breathtaking grandeur of Notre Dame (highly recommended). And of course my visit to Paris would not be complete without taking a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower!

In just a few short days I found it difficult to soak in all that Paris can offer - but no matter what you choose to do there, you can’t go wrong! Paris simply has a certain “je ne sais quoi” - that special something that you can’t quite put your finger on, but whatever it is, it makes you want to linger in Paris for as long as possible. And so, I spent the festive break strolling along the glittering boulevards, feasting on local delicacies (Be warned: Foie Gras is only for the adventurous!) and gazing out at the City of Lights. This is definitely not the sunny Christmas I was accustomed to, but it certainly made for an exciting and memorable way to spend the holidays.

Experience Paris on Topdeck’s 4 Day Christmas in Paris, currently £279
www.topdeck.travel

Oktoberfest fun

Topdeck Travel’s Festival Manager Amelia Lawrence talks Oktoberfest

It seems the world today is all about opening ceremonies. Whether it’s fighting tooth and nail to get tickets for the Olympics opening ceremonies, spraying sangria everywhere at the San Fermin opening ceremony in Pamplona, or even just trying to get the best bargains when a new Primark store has an opening sale – everyone loves an opening ceremony.

But what about for Oktoberfest?

Enjoy the middle or closing weekend at Munich Beerfest

Every year more Australian travellers flock to Munich to experience Oktoberfest’s opening weekend. So much so that it has become commonplace to hear an antipodean accent before a local one. The beers don’t start flowing on the first day of Oktoberfest until after the Mayor of Munich has tapped the first keg at the Schottenhamel beer tent. And considering that to get a seat most people get to the tents between 9 and 10am, this means several hours sitting, watching and waiting for the first taste of a delicious Bavarian beer.

So what about the other weekends? Traditionally, the middle weekend of Oktoberfest see lots of Europeans head to Munich from all over the continent to experience this amazing festival. The halls are full of a mix of Germans, Italians, Dutchies, as well as a smattering of Aussies in the mix. It’s the perfect time to meet people from all over Europe – and perhaps make new friends to doss with on future European adventures!

The closing weekend of Oktoberfest has a distinct local feel, as the halls start heaving with people from all over Southern Germany. The mood is relaxed, as everyone knows Oktoberfest is drawing to a close for another year. Locals are aware the busiest times are over, and are quick to share a joke and a beer with international visitors who have made it this far! Not to mention that stalls start discounting their Oktoberfest souvenirs, so you can try and grab a bargain!

The largest upside of the middle and closing weekends is the atmosphere. With less Australian travellers around, you’re more likely to meet some real Germans – and who better to learn the German version of “99 Luftballons” from than a local!

For more information about Topdeck’s range of trips to Munich for Oktoberfest Tours.

By Brett Edmonds

Each year for 3 jam-packed weeks in August the city of Edinburgh resigns itself to theatrical hijack. Thousands descend on Scotland’s capital to amaze, tempt and entice the spectator into parting with their time: in exchange for laughter, tears, ridicule, and amusement.

From its humble beginnings in August 1947 when a handful of companies that hadn’t been invited to appear in the inaugural Edinburgh International Festival decided to perform anyway, the Fringe has grown into the largest arts festival in the world.

With every corner turned drama lurks, enticing bystanders with Asian acrobatics displaying extraordinary feats of balance and agility; Spanish entertainers performing breathtaking fire juggling and fire eating acts; modern Houdinis miraculously escaping elaborate chains and super-safe contraptions. If you’re lucky, you may even get to see a walking, talking, dancing Hoover or two.

Edinburgh Houdini

A handy tip is to get yourself an Edinburgh Fringe guide. This comes complete with map and handy venue guide. With over two hundred venues and over 30,000 performances running throughout the festival, it will you help navigate the city and get you to your favourite performances on time.

The Fringe takes place all over the city. Shows play not only in established year-round venues such as the Traverse Theatre, Cabaret Voltaire and The Stand comedy club, but also in ad-hoc spaces in rooms above pubs, public parks and even moving vehicles.

Fringe Actors may appear as strange, complex characters, but they are quite possibly some of the most entertaining, bewildering and loveable characters you will ever come across, who adore a sympathetic spectator. So while you meander down the Royal Mile, smile kindly on those poor, struggling actors clap and cheer their efforts, maybe even give them your small change. You never know, you may come face to face with tomorrow’s next “big thing”.

In the evening, crowds that flood the city ascend the Royal Mile towards enchanting Edinburgh Castle to watch the spectacle that is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. On the last Saturday in August during the Bank holiday weekend, the most dramatic and awe inspiring of these evenings occur.

Over 30 countries have been represented at the Tattoo over the years, from military regiments to African tribes. With performances from pipers, gymnasts, singers and dancers, the Royal Edinburgh Tattoo is an amazing display of music and theatre. Each performance is as varied as the next and with this diverse collaboration of musicians it is sure to entertain the many thousands that brave the Scottish weather each night.

Fireworks at Edinburgh Castle

The climax of this eventful evening is undoubtedly the thrilling fireworks display.  Set high above Edinburgh Castle, this awesome display lights up the night sky for many miles. These seemingly endless bursts of red, orange, green and purple hues bathe this beautiful city and make for spectacular photo keepsakes (a must for those budding photographers out there).

BOOK YOUR EDINBURGH FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE TODAY!

Topdeck is offering an awesome prize:

Just become a Topdeck Facebook fan for the chance to win an Oktoberfest trip for two!
“ Competition EXTENDED! Now ends 5 May 2010! ”

What’s included?

• 3 nights accommodation in twin-share pre-erected tents with air matresses
• 3 fully cooked breakfasts
• Frequent free shuttles to the beer halls
• Oktoberfest information guide
• Topdeck crew

How do I enter the competition?

Simple! Just follow these 3 easy steps…

Enter our prize draw! To be in with the choice of winning 2 free places to Pamplona, just sign up to the Topdeck newsletter!

Win! Two places at Pamplona with Topdeck

Want to know what it’s all about first? Read on as Topdeck Festival Manager Amelia Lawrence discovers there’s more to San Fermin than just running with the bulls.

As it nears noon on July 7th we are in the middle of Pamplona’s main town square – along with several thousand of our new closest friends.

Our group of a few Australians, South Africans and a Canadian has spent the morning celebrating with not only Spaniards but also people from all over Europe, as well as a couple of girls from South America.

As the clock strikes 12, the mayor appears on the balcony of the city hall to much fanfare, and sets off the chupinazo, a rocket which announces the start of this huge festival.

There are streamers, balloons, confetti, and not a small share of fire crackers bursting around us as everyone celebrates the start of another San Fermin.

Of course, for those who don’t want to be in the middle of a huge crowd, the opening ceremony is celebrated all over Pamplona’s beautiful city centre, including more spacious streets and squares around the town square. Here revellers have a bit more room to enjoy the festive atmosphere which pervades the whole of Pamplona, the music that fills the air and the excitement for the upcoming festival itself!

These squares are also a great place to meet some of the locals, who consider the day a family event. To see small children dressed in the traditional white outfits with just a splash of red is common place, and several generations can be seen enjoying the day as one large group.

As we make our way back to our accommodation, hot and sweaty from our morning of partying, the locals try to keep us cool, and clean us off a little, by throwing buckets of water from their balconies into the street.

Those who don’t are hounded by revellers shouting “Agua! Agua!” Under their windows until they relent.

By the end of the day we all feel as if we’ve run with the bulls already, even though the first encierro (bull run) doesn’t start until tomorrow. But it doesn’t matter.

Everyone is ready to party Spanish style, whether running with the bulls or just watching others try to. After the thrilling opening ceremony of San Fermin, how could we not be?

Check out Topdeck’s Pamplona packages for 2010.. still selling at 2009 prices!

Topdeck are now offering 10% off ALL trips to Oktoberfest Beer Festival in Munich!

Check out these great Oktoberfest packages for 2009.
For 10% discount, make sure you use promo code TD1WEEKONLY at checkout! - Offer ends August 31st 2009.