Spread the love

Youth travel experts, Topdeck, have revealed three new epically intimate routes to Sri Lanka, Georgia (EU), and Ecuador & the Galapagos as part of its new ‘Feel Real’ brand proposition launched globally today.

Available for travel in 2020 and 2021, the itineraries have been carefully curated in response to a multi-market research report across Australia, New Zealand, United States and United Kingdom into its target audience of 18 – 39-year-olds, highlighting a pull by Millennials and Gen Z for more unfiltered travel experiences.

The trips will be the first of many under the brand’s new Feel Real umbrella to strip back the artificial attributes of travel and amplify more socially rewarding, culturally different and personally liberating tours.

Topdeck Global General Manager Charles Knowlton says this is an exciting time for Topdeck with the launch of its new ‘Feel Real’ proposition and the announcement of three new trips and destinations.

“We’ve extended our range of products to include more immersive, raw and off-the-grid destinations and experiences,” Mr Knowlton said.

“For example, some of our customers won’t be able to point to Georgia on a map, but we are going back to our pioneering and adventurous routes by tackling destinations like this – and we know our customers will love it.

“Group touring is the perfect way for travellers to take on these more exotic destinations; its hassle free, safe and each itinerary has been developed to allow travellers to get under the skin of each destination, as well as meet other curious and open-minded people and make lifelong memories along the way.”

The three new itineraries pivot away from copy and paste experiences and reaffirm Topdeck’s mission and commitment to inspire young travellers through life-changing travel experiences.

Sri Lanka – Departing between July 2020 and March 2021

From Negombo to Galle and back, Topdeck is encouraging travellers to be insiders rather than bystanders with the curation of an enriching 11-day Sri Lankan itinerary. The culture-filled excursion begins seaside amongst the locals aboard their fishing oruvas (canoes), offering travellers the chance to see the sun rise and set over the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress, hidden within the Matale District; discover a World-Heritage-Listed monastery, Dambulla Cave Temple; and see the 100-year-old Nine Arch Bridge. The adventure continues with a jeep safari intertwining through Minneriya National Park, before immersing travellers in the sweet aromas of Sri Lankan tea culture, and a curries and desserts cooking class in the home of a local.

Departing between July 2020 and March 2021, the new Sri Lanka itinerary will be bookable from today, Tuesday 21st January, with prices starting from $1,799.

Georgia (EU) – Departing 27 July 2020 and 31 August 2020

Encouraging travellers to ditch the standard sightseeing check list and instead discover authentic travel experiences, Topdeck has unveiled the first 9-day group trip to Georgia. The new summer trip is a kaleidoscope of architecture and colour, offering explorers a cobblestone tour through the country’s history from Tbilisi. Starting with panoramic vistas from the 4th century Narikala Fortress, stepping foot in the 3,000-year-old city of Mtsckheta, and taking in the serenity with a winding drive through the incredible Caucasus Mountains to the town of Stepantsminda. The trip includes a hike to the peaks to gaze in awe of the Mt Kazbegi glacier, a traditional dumpling-themed cookery class, as well as Churchkela sweet-making and bread-baking demonstrations; plus, an intimate taste of local wines made in large earthenware jugs called Kvevri.

The new Georgia itinerary will be bookable from today, Tuesday 21st January, for trips taking place between 27 July 2020 – 31 August 2020. Prices start from $1,479.

Ecuador & the Galápagos – Limited edition departure 29 August 2020

Set high in the Andes at the foot of a volcano, travellers will begin this limited-edition two-week tour of Ecuador and the Galápagos surrounded by the hills and snow-capped mountains of Quito. The South American adventure is a chance to live life immersed in the vibrant locales, engage in ancient colonial history, and indulge in a handmade delicacies, including Pana Chocolate. This new trip includes a conservation tour through Yunguilla Cloud Forest and the jam factory, enjoying a meal with a local family and hiking the El Chocal to gaze over the Ecuadorian Cloud Forest. From Papallacta to Guayaquil, travellers will experience the famous hot springs and thermal waters of the city, descend the high altitudes of the Andes into the lush Amazon rainforest, and embark on a canoe ride to the Tiya Yaku community in Misahualli, plus much more.

Travellers can book on to the limited-edition Ecuador & the Galápagos itinerary from today, Tuesday 21st January, for departure on 29 August 2020. Prices start from $4,349.