Topdeck Travel Blog

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

by Jennifer Palframan

I had always wanted to go to Berlin. As a history nut in high school and avid film student in university, I was always fascinated by this city so steeped in history.  So I was understandably thrilled to be finally stopping off here on my Topdeck Europe trip.

First off, Berlin is clean, the architecture is imposing and there is such an air of uniformity about it. It is a big city but you don’t feel overcrowded and granted, I might be a mildly bitter Londoner, but Berlin definitely seemed to lack that rat race pace.

First on my list was the famous walking tour of Berlin, a must-do according to all of my friends who have visted the city. By the end of it, I was left weeping like a small child and showering our lovely guide gratitude. Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall, that hotel where Michael Jackson dangled his baby. It is the ultimate history fix in just a few short hours. And how many people can say they have stood on Hitler’s Bunker?

History aside, this place is cool without batting an eyelid. Berlin is known for its alternative underbelly, with its famed club scene, multitude of artist’s squats and scrawlings of graffiti citywide.

With a number of touristy things knocked off my list, I was determined to make like a local for my free afternoon and see what Berlin was really about. It was a sunny day and our Topdeck trip leader recommended a local market. With not a tourist in sight I wandered the market that was filled with typical Berliners as well as antiques, old war memorabilia, jewellery, clothes, buskers and more. I only bought a €1 Berlin badge but the experience was completely worthwhile.

To help get a taste of Berlin’s legendary bar scene we went on a fantastic nightlife tour to see what all the fuss is about. Underground bars, clubs and fun ensued and the most memorable place was on the well-known Oranienburger Strasse. This bar was within a building several stories high, the interior crammed full of graffiti and actual artists at work. The massive outside bar area was covered in sand (a popular trend in Berlin) and to my delight we arrived to a crowd of people watching a man wearing a helmet with a rubber duck on top, flailing fire around in a rather maniacal fashion. It was, needless to say, a great night out.

To soak in all that Berlin can offer in a few short days was an impossible task, I can’t wait to go back. From the walking tour, local market, nightlife tour and exploring everything from the westernised West to the ever-cool East and a getting a bit lost on the way (always recommended), I can say that Berlin has become my favourite European city.

Experience Berlin on Topdeck’s 18 Day Winter Getaway, currently on sale from £985
www.topdeck.travel

Topdeck Travel’s Amelia Lawrence experiences her first white Christmas in the Baltics

Christmas, to most of us Australians, means a few things. Hot weather. Cold swimming pools. Delicious seafood lunches. And yet we still listen to Bing Crosby dreaming of a white Christmas, which Santa dashes through the snow and Frosty the snowman comes to life one day. So what is a white Christmas really all about?

We started our white Christmas adventure in Riga, a city famous for its UNESCO World Heritage listing and with an architectural style unrivalled in Europe. Our local guide showed us the Art Nouveau architecture the city is famous for, as well as where to sample some local dishes. We eventually settled on a tiny hidden gem of a restaurant, tucked away in the narrow, winding cobblestone streets in the Old Town, where we indulged in cold beetroot borscht, delicious local sausages and some pickled mushrooms – apparently a Latvian delicacy!

Hot chocolate break!

One of the great joys of Christmas in Europe is the chance to visit the Christmas markets, and during the Christmas season Riga hosts a small Christmas market, where we warmed ourselves with mulled wine whilst deciding which festive Latvian decorations we couldn’t live without!

Church of the Saviour of Spilt Blood, St. Petersburg

From Riga it was on to Russia’s St Petersburg! This amazing city becomes a winter wonderland during December, which was great news for us as it meant very few tourists and almost no lines at the major attractions! It wasn’t until we embarked on a guided tour of the city that we understood what white Christmases are all about – the city’s sites are even more picturesque when covered with layers of fluffy white snow! Sure, it’s cold, but considering that at The Hermitage Museum we seemed to be the only tourists, what’s not to love? After a day of snow and ice we indulge in a sumptuous hot Christmas dinner, and we’re finally starting to get the white Christmas spirit!

After our first white Christmas, we journeyed across the plains to Tallinn, Estonia’s gothic capital. This spectacular city is a panorama of medieval history, culture and charm. We spend our time exploring within the ancient city walls, where the local sites are held within a maze of narrow cobbled streets and looming spires. It’s then finally time to try some delicious Estonian meals, warming ourselves up on hearty soups, delicious meat dishes and even some delicious Estonian rhubarb pastries!

After eight days in the Baltics, we’ve come to realise that while a white Christmas may not be what we’re used to – but it certainly makes for a new and exciting way to spend our holidays!

Interested? Check out this year’s Baltic Explorer

For more information about Topdeck’s range of Christmas and New Year trips, including the 8 day Baltic Explorer Christmas trip, visit http://www.topdeck.travel/christmas-and-new-year.

CANTERBURY (CHRISTCHURCH) EARTHQUAKE UPDATE

9 September 2010 

Topdeck New Zealand Trips are still ALL operating in the Canterbury region. 

Christchurch city is recovering well after the earthquake.  For safety reasons, Civil Defence still has a cordon in place around a few blocks of the central city but the remainder of the city is accessible. The cordon is being reviewed daily.

Purely for precautionary measures we have made the following itinerary changes on our existing trip/s.

JNZ15           3 September 2010 (and associated combinations)

We will relocate from Cathedral Camelot Hotel in Christchurch (City Centre) on 10 September 2010 to Redwood Hotel, 340 Main North Road, Christchurch Tel:64 33529165.

JNZ7 Tour pickup will now be at Redwood Hotel at 8.00am (11 September 2010)

JNZ15R         5 September 2010 (and associated combinations)

We will relocate from Cathedral Camelot Hotel in Christchurch (City Centre) on 11 September 2010 to YHA Kakapo Lodge, 14 Amuri Avenue, Hanmer Springs Tel: 64 33157472.

We will continue to access the situation and provide regular updates.

For the latest Tourism New Zealand update click HERE 

by Jennifer Palframan

As the days start to shorten, winter coats begin to flock into the shops and umbrellas begin to make their unwelcome comeback, the dream of a summer holiday frolicking in the sunshine of Europe’s favourite cities may be slowly starting to disappear…

But instead of embracing the seasonal sadness that overwhelms so many or kicking yourself for not booking your summer getaway sooner - look at winter as a frosted window of opportunity to see Europe as you have never seen it before!

Here are some city highlights to help inspire you on an ever-so-cool expedition abroad this winter!

Why not get swept up in the charm of Paris, enjoy a café au lait in a typical French café or mosey through Montmartre up to the snowy Sacré Cœur. The cool winter setting is ideal for checking out the world’s most famous museums. Wander around Le Louvre, Musée d‘Orsay or le Pompidou Centre and get your ultimate culture fix without the massive queues!

The festive season in Paris is not to be missed. Check out the window displays at the famed Les Galeries Lafayette, explore the Christmas markets on the Champs-Élysées or be amazed by the glow of the glistening Eiffel Tower. 

Prague in winter is a pure fairytale and even more magical than usual. Take a stroll across famous Charles Bridge and wander through the snow-covered Hradcany (castle district) toward the imposing St Vitus Cathedral. Stop in at local bar and indulge in the some traditional Absinthe or nestle into a wool covered chair (under a heater!) and relax in a restaurant along the Vltava River. Of course a trip to Prague is not complete without a visit to the Astronomical Clock located in the Old Town Square.

Salzburg is your ultimate winter destination as well as being home to Mozart and the setting of the Sound of Music.  Check out the interesting Baroque architecture of the Old Town or the magical Mirabell Gardens that are most beautiful when sprinkled in snow. And for all the adrenaline junkies, there is the opportunity to hit the slopes on an Alpine adventure!

Berlin is the capital of cool and even more so during winter. Visit the city’s most amazing monuments and sights before warming yourself up with a classic pub crawl through this ultra-alternative city.

Or if you feel like getting in the festive spirit, head to Berlin’s Alexanderplatz and soak up the atmosphere of the Christmas markets. Enjoy a warm glass of spicy mulled wine, tuck into a traditional weisswurst or head to the centre of the decorated square for a spin around the ice skating rink.

Snow fights, mulled wine, cosy cafés, villages carpeted in snow, festive markets, minimal crowds, picturesque cityscapes. What is not to love! Be inspired to see Europe this winter!

For full details about Topdeck winter trips click HERE.

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!

Take in all that Italy has to offer! Venture through the quaint hillside villages along the coastline, absorb the art, culture and history of Italy’s favourite cities and head into the hills for some wine-tasting and breathtaking views. With such beautiful scenery, incomparable sights and PIZZA galore - this is the place to be this SUMMER! Go on - indulge Italian style and SAVE 10% on these TRIPS:

13 Day Bravo Italia

Wander the sights of Rome, relax in beautiful Capri, journey through the Tuscan hills to Florence before discovering the unspolit coastline of Cinque Terre!

8 Day Pronto Italia

Take in the splendour of Rome & Florence, be enchanted by Cinque Terre, cruise the pristine waters of Lake Garda before heading to the canals of Venice!

8 Day Espresso Italia

Soak up the history and culture of Rome and Florence, explore the ancient city of Pompeii and journey through the mountain scenery to Assisi!

SAVE 10% on selected departures! Check out ITALY for full details about these and other explorer trips!

Croatia Sailing Offer! 10% off June departures aboard the Vrgada or Senia!!! Use promo code TD10SPRING when booking. Hurry - limited places available.

Chill out or explore with Topdeck!

Hop on board a traditional Croatian motor sailing boat for an all-out 8 day adventure around the gorgeous islands of the Adriatic! The local captain and crew will do the work: you just relax, swim and soak up the sun during the day and party away at night. Easy!

Highlights include Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo and home to Massimos cocktail bar; the awesome medieval walled city of Dubrovnik,  the very special Captain’s Dinner on board, the UNESCO site at Split and much much more!

What’s included

• 7 breakfasts & 7 lunches prepared by your onboard cook
• 7 nights twin share cabin
• Local Captain & Crew
• Topdeck Representative
• Boat exclusive to Topdeck

Choice of 3 boats:

Croatia Sailing 2010 - Vrgada Category B Boat. Twin Cabins with share facilities on deck and under deck! Holds 30 people. This is the largest of the boats - recommended if you like the party crowd!

Croatia Sailing 2010 - Senia Category B Boat . Twin Cabins with share facilities on deck and under deck! Fits 22 people. - and the most fun captain

Croatia Sailing 2010 - Stoncica Category A/B+ Boat. Larger Cabins and en-suite facilities! Fits approx. 20 people. This is the smallest of the boats. Recommended for couples or for those who’d prefer less company and more comfort.

Croatia Sailing Offer! 10% off June departures aboard the Vrgada or Senia!!! Use promo code TD10SPRING when booking. Hurry - limited places.

Enjoy your Croatia Sailing holiday to the max!