About me:Hi, I'm Cass! I've been leading groups around Europe with Topdeck and absolutely LOVE what I do! I've travelled to more than 50 countries and have a special love for the Balkans. Whether it's history, an aperol or finding a cute spot away from the crowds - I'm your gal. Let's see the worlddddd!
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Share your thoughts on the itinerary, guide, and overall organization of the adventure.
M
I had such an amazing time on this trip. The itinerary was really well planned, and there was a good variety of destinations and activities. Everything was well organised, making the whole experience …I had such an amazing time on this trip. The itinerary was really well planned, and there was a good variety of destinations and activities. Everything was well organised, making the whole experience enjoyable and stress-free.
Our tour leader Cass was absolutely fantastic, she went above and beyond to make sure everyone had the best experience. Cass was always friendly, approachable, knowledgeable and genuinely cared about everyone. Cass involved herself in all activities bringing so much fun, enthusiasm and positive energy to every experience. Cass made everyone feel included and was always happy to help with anything.
Cass truly made the trip unforgettable, and I couldn’t have asked for a better tour leader. She’s a real credit to Topdeck, and I would absolutely love to do another tour with her!
S
This was my husband and I’s first overseas trip, and we went into the experience with very few expectations or an understanding of what to expect. Naturally, we were both quite nervous about what lay …This was my husband and I’s first overseas trip, and we went into the experience with very few expectations or an understanding of what to expect. Naturally, we were both quite nervous about what lay ahead.
From the very first evening, when Cass introduced herself, she immediately put us at ease. Her bubbly personality, exceptional organisation and genuinely caring nature played an enormous role in making our trip such an unforgettable experience.
Throughout the entire journey, Cass made us feel safe, welcomed, included and genuinely cared for. Her ability to organise every aspect of the trip seamlessly allowed us to sit back, relax and truly enjoy every moment without having to worry about the logistics.
What made Cass so special was that she was so much more than just a tour guide. She was a supportive shoulder to lean on when needed, a trusted sounding board, a sister figure to some of our younger travellers and a genuine friend to us all. She had an incredible ability to make everyone feel supported and valued, creating an environment where we could all feel comfortable and enjoy the experience together.
We are incredibly grateful to have had Cass as our guide. She went above and beyond to make our first overseas adventure memorable, and her warmth, professionalism and dedication made all the difference.
Another overseas trip was never really in our plans, but thanks to Cass, we would book another trip with Topdeck tomorrow without hesitation. She has set the bar exceptionally high, and we could not recommend her more highly to anyone considering travelling with her.
A
My trip leader, Cass, was incredible. She was very inclusive of all participants and ensured that everyone received a top-notch experience. During the trip, she was quick to navigate the inevitable bu…My trip leader, Cass, was incredible. She was very inclusive of all participants and ensured that everyone received a top-notch experience. During the trip, she was quick to navigate the inevitable bumps along the way. She took them in her stride and maintained an amazing outlook, helping her passengers grow. She brought 18 strangers together, and we became a family. I'll be forever grateful for the experience and the wealth of knowledge she shared. Her knowledge of the locations made for great storytelling and an overall enriching learning experience
S
Just finished the European Essential Cities tour with Cass as our amazing trip leader! From the get-go, Cass was super friendly and went out of her way to chat with everyone individually and get to kn…Just finished the European Essential Cities tour with Cass as our amazing trip leader! From the get-go, Cass was super friendly and went out of her way to chat with everyone individually and get to know us on a personal level.
We all appreciated her honesty when it came to the optional activities and what she would and wouldn’t recommend. Cass went above and beyond for our group, whether it was organising a group dinner on a free night or making sure we knew how to navigate the public transport systems in each country. She was always patient with us and happy to answer all of our silly questions!
I also loved the walking tours Cass took us on, which gave us great insight into each of the cities we visited. Special mention also goes to the Karaoke night in Florence where Cass showcased her amazing voice and performed a duet of Adele’s song Rolling in the deep, definitely a highlight of the trip!
Overall, the trip had such great vibes, and I would definitely recommend a Topdeck tour to others based on the amazing experience we had and the fantastic trip leader who made it even better!
D
Cass was an outstanding guide and the absolute highlight of my Topdeck European tour. From the moment we met, her energy, warmth, and genuine enthusiasm set the tone for the entire trip. She made ever…Cass was an outstanding guide and the absolute highlight of my Topdeck European tour. From the moment we met, her energy, warmth, and genuine enthusiasm set the tone for the entire trip. She made every city feel accessible and exciting, and she had this incredible ability to balance group needs while still making each of us feel looked after.
What stood out most was how knowledgeable and prepared she was. Whether it was history, local tips, or simply knowing the best spots to eat or take a photo, Cass always had the answers — and she shared them with humour and zero pretension. She handled the logistics so smoothly that the rest of us could just relax and enjoy the experience, which is no small feat with a big group moving across multiple countries.
More than anything, Cass made the tour feel personal. She went out of her way to check in with people, celebrate the good moments, and keep the atmosphere fun and positive even on the longer travel days. I left the trip feeling genuinely grateful we had her as our guide. If you’re lucky enough to get Cass on your Topdeck tour, you’re in excellent hands — she is phenomenal at what she does.
L
I had never travelled outside Australia, so I was understandably nervous about going abroad. However, those concerns quickly disappeared after meeting our tour guide, Cass.
From the outset, Cass de…I had never travelled outside Australia, so I was understandably nervous about going abroad. However, those concerns quickly disappeared after meeting our tour guide, Cass.
From the outset, Cass demonstrated a remarkable level of confidence, enthusiasm and professionalism. Her positive energy immediately put our group at ease while making us excited for the journey ahead.
Throughout the trip, Cass was an informative, inclusive and highly dedicated leader. She continually enriched our experience by teaching us about the places we visited and the history surrounding them. Although I believed I had a reasonable knowledge of history, Cass’s extensive understanding and ability to share detailed information made me realise how much more there was to learn. Her knowledge, preparation and passion clearly reflect her commitment to her role.
Beyond her expertise, Cass is a genuinely kind and caring person. She consistently looked out for those in need, supported her passengers and confidently advocated for our group whenever necessary. Her leadership created a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment for everyone.
As this was my first experience travelling abroad, I am especially grateful to have had Cass as our group leader. Her exceptional effort, professionalism and enthusiasm made the trip truly unforgettable. I would strongly recommend booking a trip with Topdeck, and if you have the opportunity to travel with Cass, you can be confident that you are in the very best hands.
P
Cass is honestly the best trip leader. She is very caring and actually takes the time to really get to know each of her passengers. This was my very first trip like this and because my experience with…Cass is honestly the best trip leader. She is very caring and actually takes the time to really get to know each of her passengers. This was my very first trip like this and because my experience with Cass I hope to do more.
C
Cass was an absolutely incredible trip leader from the very beginning, and I genuinely couldn’t speak more highly of her.
Cass has such a natural ability to connect with people and recognise exactl…Cass was an absolutely incredible trip leader from the very beginning, and I genuinely couldn’t speak more highly of her.
Cass has such a natural ability to connect with people and recognise exactly what someone needs in a particular moment. Whether it was a laugh, a recommendation, a listening ear or simply someone to sit and have a chat with, she had a way of making everyone feel seen, included and valued.
Her knowledge of every destination we visited was amazing, and she always seemed to know the best hidden gems and little local spots that made our experience even more special. She went above and beyond to make sure we got the most out of every place we visited.
One of the things that impressed me most was how she handled the unexpected. Whenever something happened that was outside of our control, Cass remained calm, composed and solution-focused. She would sort things out so seamlessly that you could easily forget there had ever been an issue in the first place. It was so reassuring knowing we had someone so capable looking after us.
Cass brought so much fun, personality and energy to the trip. She built genuine connections with everyone while always maintaining a high level of professionalism. We never had to question whether she had our backs because she made it so clear through her actions that our safety, comfort and experience genuinely mattered to her.
On a more personal note, there was a point during the trip when I needed to confide in Cass, and the way she handled that conversation meant more to me than she probably realises. She made me feel safe, heard and validated, without judgement. That level of trust is something really special, particularly when you’re travelling with a group of people you may have only just met.
Throughout the entire trip, I knew I could trust Cass with anything, whether it was asking for advice, getting recommendations, having a more serious conversation or simply hanging out, having a laugh and enjoying the experience together. She managed to strike that perfect balance between being an exceptional trip leader and someone you genuinely enjoy spending time with.
I went into this trip hoping to see incredible places and make amazing memories, but having Cass as our leader made the experience so much more than that. She helped create an environment where everyone could feel comfortable, supported and free to enjoy the adventure, knowing someone had their back.
Honestly, I don’t know how I’ll ever do another group trip without comparing the trip leader to Cass. She has set the bar unbelievably high, and any future group would be incredibly lucky to have her leading them.
I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better trip leader or a better overall travel experience! Cass was absolutely incredible from start to finish and made my 18-day Topdeck trip so memorable. As a yo…I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better trip leader or a better overall travel experience! Cass was absolutely incredible from start to finish and made my 18-day Topdeck trip so memorable. As a young solo traveller, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect going into the trip, but Cass made me feel safe, comfortable and welcomed from the very beginning. She genuinely cared about every single one of us, took the time to get to know us as individuals, and made an effort to build real friendships with everyone. She honestly felt like a mother away from home, always looking out for us and making sure we were okay, while still being someone we could laugh with and have fun around. It was clear that she truly loved what she did and wanted us to have the best possible experience.
The overall layout of the trip was also fantastic. Even though we only had 18 days and were moving to a new place every second day, the itinerary was so well organised that I felt like I got to experience all the main highlights of each country without feeling like I missed out. I loved the balance between the included group activities and the optional experiences, as there was always something exciting to look forward to while still having some flexibility in how we spent our time. The group activities were a great way to experience each destination together and create memories that I’ll never forget.
What made this trip so special was not just the incredible places we visited, but also the people I met and the friendships I made along the way. Travelling solo can feel intimidating, but thanks to Cass and the welcoming atmosphere she created, I felt like I was part of a little family rather than travelling alone. I came away with so many amazing memories, new friendships and experiences that I’ll cherish for a long time.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Topdeck to anyone considering a group trip, especially young solo travellers. The itinerary, activities and overall organisation were amazing, but having a trip leader like Cass genuinely made the experience unforgettable. She went above and beyond to make sure we felt safe, included and cared for, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have had her as our leader. An incredible trip with an even more incredible trip leader!*
L
This trip was unreal on so many levels. Everything was organized, the destinations were stunning and our trip leader, Cass Furst (Topdeck Travel) was incredible. I am a solo traveller with limited exp…This trip was unreal on so many levels. Everything was organized, the destinations were stunning and our trip leader, Cass Furst (Topdeck Travel) was incredible. I am a solo traveller with limited experience and am more introverted - Cass made this so comfortable, was beyond approachable, organized, professional, but still made sure we all had fun and felt included. What makes her stand out is her ability to be fun, create an environment that’s safe and make you feel like you belong and can be yourself, but still be insanely knowledgeable and lead with confidence and remain calm in all situations. I think it’s rare to find someone who balances professionalism with such a genuine, personal touch and the best sense of humour. An absolute gem and a huge part of what made the experience so special for me! I miss her so much already!
P
I had a wonderful time on a Central European Tour with the amazing trip leader of Cass. Cass was unbelievably helpful with endless recommendations for each stop and would always be on point to plan la…I had a wonderful time on a Central European Tour with the amazing trip leader of Cass. Cass was unbelievably helpful with endless recommendations for each stop and would always be on point to plan last minute things for us. She is beyond caring and supportive to every single one of her travellers and has so much wisdom and knowledge to teach along the trip. I am so grateful for the memories I got to make and the people I met along the way.
K
Cass was the best trip leader and she deserves a pay rise. She made everyone feel welcome and included. She went above and beyond the scope of her job especially when things went a bit skew from train…Cass was the best trip leader and she deserves a pay rise. She made everyone feel welcome and included. She went above and beyond the scope of her job especially when things went a bit skew from train delays. She managed everyone so well and ensure we all felt safe. Her ability to read people and interact with everyone made it so much more enjoyable.
R
Cass is awesome! She always made me feel safe, and had so much fun with her!
M
Cass was an absolutely fantastic tour guide throughout my 34-day Europe trip. From the very beginning, she was friendly, welcoming, organised, and incredibly knowledgeable, making such a long and busy…Cass was an absolutely fantastic tour guide throughout my 34-day Europe trip. From the very beginning, she was friendly, welcoming, organised, and incredibly knowledgeable, making such a long and busy trip feel easy and enjoyable. She went above and beyond to make sure everyone felt comfortable, included, and looked after, while sharing interesting stories, local knowledge, and helpful tips along the way. Her positive attitude, patience, and genuine passion for travel really stood out, and she handled every situation with professionalism and a great sense of humour. Having Cass as our guide made the entire experience even more memorable, and I’m incredibly grateful for everything she did throughout the 34 days. She was truly one of the highlights of an unforgettable European adventure.
S
My review is for Cass at Topdeck, we recently completed the big European tour together. Cass demonstrated professionalism, flexibility in plans and so much patience on our trip. She has a clear passio…My review is for Cass at Topdeck, we recently completed the big European tour together. Cass demonstrated professionalism, flexibility in plans and so much patience on our trip. She has a clear passion for her job and people too. Her knowledge and confidence bled into the group and made everyone feel so safe during the entire trip. Cass would tell us plans ahead of time, remind us of local currency and laws, message us her recommendations and genuinely listen and support us when we needed a comforting ear - even after a whole travel day. We loved you Cass!
S
Cass was an absolutely amazing trip leader. She’s so experienced and knowledgeable, and makes you feel so safe and comfortable travelling to new places with her.
F
Well what can I say about Cass? From start to end she was a consummate professional. But professionalism is one thing (and getting us from Slovenia all the way down to Athens is no mean feat), it’s th…Well what can I say about Cass? From start to end she was a consummate professional. But professionalism is one thing (and getting us from Slovenia all the way down to Athens is no mean feat), it’s the way she brought together a ragtag group of randoms and made us all feel like we’d known each other for years. With effortless ease. And I’ll tell ya what, in addition to the awe inspiring Balkan backdrop, Cass’s knowledge about the history of the place and the way she explained it all was top notch. I still remember the paint analogy to this day (and I was probably nursing a killer hangover when she explained it). I can’t commend her enough for the way she made this happen, and even after our trip I’m genuinely grateful to call her not just an amazing tour leader but also an incredible friend. Topdeck could do worse than to invest in cloning technology to pump out a few more Casses (especially after the shenanigans that unfolded in Albania (nothing bad I promise) but what happens in Dua Lipas homeland stays in Dua Lipas homeland). Go Cass, can’t wait to see you again!
B
Cass was the goat, knew her stuff and was an all round top notch person. Even spent her own money to buy us treats, which is unheard of these days. If I was to ever to a tour again I’d be highly disap…Cass was the goat, knew her stuff and was an all round top notch person. Even spent her own money to buy us treats, which is unheard of these days. If I was to ever to a tour again I’d be highly disappointed if she wasn’t the leader.!
J
Omg where do I start.
Cass is a gift from god, she is passionate about making sure that all her passengers have an enjoyable time and that everyone feels included.
Sharing travel experiences and…Omg where do I start.
Cass is a gift from god, she is passionate about making sure that all her passengers have an enjoyable time and that everyone feels included.
Sharing travel experiences and recommendations via her stories, sharing her awesome collection of pins to help navigate them free days
Really ensuing that her passengers have the best time and trip each and everytime, helping with laughs and tears and of course dancing.
Who can forget snack time, Cass treats us with a lil cheeky sweet treat that is based on the county that we have just arrived to (sorry Anthony Voulgaris) Cass’s sweet treats are better 🤭
She can make 100 decisions a second and can pivot and adapt to the situation.
She won’t take no for an answer, if something isn’t right for her passengers she makes it happen.
I have many personal moments to share from my trip with Cass. Not only a tour leaders but a genuine caring person and super human.
J
This was a trip I’ll never forget. The fast pace was exactly what I was looking for. The guide Cass was top notch, very professional while going about her job with a fun, exciting and encouraging atti…This was a trip I’ll never forget. The fast pace was exactly what I was looking for. The guide Cass was top notch, very professional while going about her job with a fun, exciting and encouraging attitude. She accommodated any needs my fellow travellers and I required. Never had an issue with her throughout my whole trip and would a thousand percent jump on another bus if she was leading the way. The itinerary was followed as explained on the website when I booked and there was nothing I missed out on that I wanted to experience. 10/10 would recommended to any young travellers nervous about getting out there.
N
The itinerary was very fast paced but our guide was very experienced and made sure everything flowed. She ensured we had enough time in every place and provided us with many amazing experiences we cou…The itinerary was very fast paced but our guide was very experienced and made sure everything flowed. She ensured we had enough time in every place and provided us with many amazing experiences we couldn’t have gotten on our own.
M
The trip was an amazing way to explore the Balkans! I absolutely loved our guide, the places we visited, the inclusions, and all the recommendations we received along the way. Having a private coach t…The trip was an amazing way to explore the Balkans! I absolutely loved our guide, the places we visited, the inclusions, and all the recommendations we received along the way. Having a private coach take us between countries was also a huge plus, as we didn't have to rely on public transportation. Most of the accommodations were also very good and made the trip even more enjoyable. This was my third trip with Topdeck, and I continue to recommend it every time. The people you meet are one of the best parts of the experience, and I've always had such a great time traveling with them!
E
Cass was a fantastic tour guide, she turned the trip from an 8/10 to a 10/10 for sure. When we encountered issues she was there with a solution within minutes, when we needed recommendations specific …Cass was a fantastic tour guide, she turned the trip from an 8/10 to a 10/10 for sure. When we encountered issues she was there with a solution within minutes, when we needed recommendations specific to our taste she had lists available within the hour.
The itinerary was also incredibly well organised, it was adjusted when needed to accomodate for bad weather or illness among the group. Our itinerary gave us time to recover after the more active days, and plenty of time to explore for ourselves without feeling abandoned.
S
I had the best experience of my life on Top Deck’s big European tour. We visited some amazing places and our tour leader Cass was far and away the highlight of the trip. She was knowledgeable, kind, w…I had the best experience of my life on Top Deck’s big European tour. We visited some amazing places and our tour leader Cass was far and away the highlight of the trip. She was knowledgeable, kind, well organised and highly professional, I can say confidently that my experience would not have been nearly as fun with someone else as my tour guide
M
The Balkans Tour with Topdeck was amazing, one of the best experiences. The itinerary was well planned out, seamless transit between destinations and fantastic activities in some underrated countries.…The Balkans Tour with Topdeck was amazing, one of the best experiences. The itinerary was well planned out, seamless transit between destinations and fantastic activities in some underrated countries. It was a good balance between planned activities and free time to explore. Cass our tour guide was exceptional. She was very organised everyday and valued our safety as a top priority. Also provided great insight into the history, culture and recommendations to visit. Cass went above and beyond to genuinely care for her passengers, tailored the experience to each individual and had some fun along the way. Cass made the tour so much better, was very lucky to have her as our guide
J
The Big European Topdeck tour was fantastic! We went to so many incredible places with heaps of included activities and meals. Our trip leader Cass was amazing! She was so knowledgeable and made the t…The Big European Topdeck tour was fantastic! We went to so many incredible places with heaps of included activities and meals. Our trip leader Cass was amazing! She was so knowledgeable and made the trip so much fun while making sure everyone was safe and felt looked after the entire time. It was such an amazing experience, and having Cass as our tour guide made the whole trip even better!
L
The trip was everything I wanted it to be! The perfect balance of excitement and relaxation and to learn about and experience the incredible locations. Great range of activities and freedom and Cass w…The trip was everything I wanted it to be! The perfect balance of excitement and relaxation and to learn about and experience the incredible locations. Great range of activities and freedom and Cass was absolutely instrumental and wonderful to the whole experience.
B
Cass was an amazing tour manager and truly helped make the trip such a great experience! She was professional, organized, fun, warm, and incredibly personable. The entire trip was very well organized,…Cass was an amazing tour manager and truly helped make the trip such a great experience! She was professional, organized, fun, warm, and incredibly personable. The entire trip was very well organized, and she handled everything with such ease and professionalism.
One of my favourite things about the tour itself was how much we were able to experience in such a short amount of time. Seeing seven countries on one trip was incredible, and the itinerary gave us the opportunity to experience so many different places, cultures, and highlights without feeling like we were missing out.
What stood out most was how friendly and welcoming Cass was to everyone. She made an effort to include the whole group and never made anyone feel left out. She was approachable, easy to talk to, and brought such a positive energy to the trip.
I really appreciated how she balanced being professional and on top of everything while still making the experience fun and relaxed. It was an amazing way to see so much of Europe in a short period of time, and having Cass as our tour manager made the experience even better. I would absolutely recommend this tour and would happily travel with Cass again!
A
Cass was an awesome tour leader for our huuuggeee 36 day trip and took care of each and everyone of us. The destinations were absolutely breathtaking and we saw so so much over the 5weeks travelling E…Cass was an awesome tour leader for our huuuggeee 36 day trip and took care of each and everyone of us. The destinations were absolutely breathtaking and we saw so so much over the 5weeks travelling Europe with her.
H
My trip leader Cass truly made the trip unforgettable, it ran so smoothly with her incredible organisational skills and professionalism, she definitely made it worth while and helped create so many me…My trip leader Cass truly made the trip unforgettable, it ran so smoothly with her incredible organisational skills and professionalism, she definitely made it worth while and helped create so many memories to cherish
Z
The trip was amazing and more than I couldve asked, for my first trip overseas. Cass was amazing with tips for everywhere that we visited, with inside knowledge of all the best spots. She also did a g…The trip was amazing and more than I couldve asked, for my first trip overseas. Cass was amazing with tips for everywhere that we visited, with inside knowledge of all the best spots. She also did a great job of making us all feel included and apart of a close group which made the overall trip incredibly enjoyable.
G
The trip was absolutely AMAZING! I’ve been to Europe a few times, but honestly, the Balkans blew everything else out of the water. A massive part of that was our trip leader, Cass!
Cass is one of thos…The trip was absolutely AMAZING! I’ve been to Europe a few times, but honestly, the Balkans blew everything else out of the water. A massive part of that was our trip leader, Cass!
Cass is one of those people who somehow manages to be your trip leader, travel expert, comedian, therapist, hype woman and unofficial mum all at the same time. She is insanely passionate, ridiculously knowledgeable, and genuinely cares about every single passenger.
From day one, Cass made everyone feel welcome. She’s so warm, outgoing and inclusive that by day two, you feel like you’ve known her for years. She also has a wicked sense of humour, which is exactly what you need when you’re sleep-deprived, sweaty, hungry and questioning your life choices somewhere in the middle of Europe.
If you’re a solo traveller or a first-time traveller to Europe, Cass is 100% the go to tour guide for an awesome experience. She’ll have you feeling so prepared and confident that you’ll be ready to conquer Europe from day one of the tour.
Her recommendations NEVER miss, and somehow she always knows exactly where you should eat, what you should see and any other tid bits along the way.
She has this incredible ability to turn a bunch of random strangers into a little travelling family.
Only being able to give Cass 5 stars is honestly outrageous. This woman deserves all the stars in the universe
Cass, you absolute legend, thank you for making an already incredible trip completely unforgettable
N
Cass was an amazing trip leader. She had everything well thought out and would give us ideas of what to do in each stop. She was always very friendly and you could go to her for anything. Because of m…Cass was an amazing trip leader. She had everything well thought out and would give us ideas of what to do in each stop. She was always very friendly and you could go to her for anything. Because of my experience with her, I have recommended Topdeck to multiple friends
S
This tour was absolutely incredible! We got to visit amazing places and have unforgettable experiences with the best group of people. Everything was so well organised and the trip was stress-free.
…This tour was absolutely incredible! We got to visit amazing places and have unforgettable experiences with the best group of people. Everything was so well organised and the trip was stress-free.
Cass was the best trip leader. She was knowledgeable, fun, and passionate and continuously went above and beyond to make sure the group had a great time. The effort Cass goes to to provide recommendations and curate pins is second to none.
I couldn't recommend this trip enough!
