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Vietnam

From North to South

From the northern mountains to Lan Ha Bay, from imperial cities to the Mekong Delta—all in one journey.

16 days · 15 nightsSmall group · 2 to 6 people
From €1,975 per person See the Itinerary
Aventure de Vie
16 days16 stages

Hanoi — Old QuarterTân Sơn Nhất Airport

Loading Google Maps16 mapped stagesAvailable road and walking transfers calculated.
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Route and walks calculated when available; boat and train routes are indicative.See the route in Google Maps ↗
From North to South — Stage 01 — Arrival in Hanoi
01

Hanoi — Old Quarter

Arrival in Hanoi

Meet & greet at the airport and check-in at your hotel in the Old Quarter. A self-guided walk lets you discover the old guild streets, Bach Ma temple, and Hoan Kiem lake.

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Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi), you’ll be welcomed by our driver as you exit the arrivals hall.
It takes around 45 minutes by road to reach the city center. Check in at the hotel and drop off your luggage (Rooms are available from early afternoon).
We offer you a foot or body massage session to help you relax after your long flight.
Lunch at your leisure.
Free afternoon to explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter and the area around the lake on foot.
Dinner at your leisure. Overnight in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Accommodation: Conifer Grand Hotel 3* — City View roomMeals: Free meals
From North to South — Stage 02 — Hanoi by Vespa
02

Hanoi — Historic districts

Hanoi by Vespa

Exploring Hanoi by Vespa gives you access to its monuments, bustling neighborhoods, and delicious foodie stops. The route combines cultural visits, vibrant street scenes, and tastings.

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Breakfast at the hotel. 8:30am – 12:30pm Vespa tour - Duration: 4 to 4.5 hours.

  • At 8:30am, your English-speaking guide will pick you up in your hotel lobby.
  • We begin our Hanoi city tour by heading to Long Bien Bridge—an emblem of Hanoians’ tenacity and resilience. This is also the city’s oldest bridge, built by the famous Eiffel company in 1902. Here, you’ll have the chance to admire panoramic views over the Red River below. Our Hanoi visit continues through the peaceful banana and corn fields on the Red River Island, far from the busy streets, where farmers grow vegetables and fruits. This agricultural island sits right in the heart of Hanoi, yet few travelers ever get the chance to see it.
  • Continuing along the banks of West Lake, we pause to soak up the breathtaking view along Thanh Nien road. It’s also the perfect spot to observe the contrast between old and new Hanoi: on one side, the charming, centuries-old Old Quarter, and on the other, the modern skyline.
  • We plunge into the sights, sounds, and scents of our vibrant city as we stroll through a bustling local market. We’ll then visit Huu Tiep Lake in the flower-filled village of Ngoc Ha, where an American B-52 bomber was shot down during the Christmas Bombing in 1972. We’ll visit a local family home for insights into daily life and Hanoi traditions, with our guide providing translation.
  • This route takes us past the city’s main highlights: Hanoi Flag Tower, nearly 200 years old and one of the city’s iconic landmarks, the Hanoi Opera House, the 1,000-year-old Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Ba Dinh Square, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and Truc Bach Lake.
  • Our journey leads us to the century-old Reunification railway that runs through Hanoi’s heart, where locals live just inches away. It’s a brilliant opportunity to immerse yourself in Hanoi’s local side—a vibrant and exciting city. Lunch is served at a local restaurant, where you’ll savor delicious Hanoi cuisine. Afterwards, enjoy an Egg Coffee or a Juice before returning to your hotel.

Afternoon at leisure.
Dinner at your leisure. Overnight at your hotel in the Old Quarter.

Accommodation: Conifer Grand Hotel 3* — City View roomMeals: Breakfast and lunch
From North to South — Stage 03 — The Tea Hills of Long Coc
03

Long Coc — Phu Tho Province

The Tea Hills of Long Coc

The road leaves Hanoi for the rolling tea hills of Long Coc, blanketed in lush green tea bushes. Walk through the plantations and meet the producers before a night at the heart of this rural landscape.

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After breakfast, 8:00am: Meet your guide and driver for the transfer to Long Coc (Phu Tho).
You’ll arrive at Long Coc after about 3 hours on the road. The tea hills of Long Coc, in Phu Tho province, are among the most stunning tea plantation landscapes in Vietnam. Hundreds of small, rounded hills covered with a bright green carpet of tea plants stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a spectacular panorama.

Lunch at your leisure.

Then, in the afternoon, spend about 2 to 3 hours immersed in daily life alongside local residents. Accompanied by a tea grower, you’ll head into the plantations to discover traditional picking techniques and harvest young tea leaves yourself. You’ll participate in the steps of handcrafted processing, including drying and roasting the leaves in a large wok using local know-how. This friendly immersion offers plenty of opportunities to chat with villagers, better understand Vietnamese tea culture, and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea from your own harvest.

Dinner and overnight at your accommodation.

Accommodation: Homestay in Long CocMeals: Breakfast and dinner
North to South — stage 04 — Mai Chau
04

Mai Hich — Mai Chau Valley

Mai Chau and the Village of Mai Hich

The road leads to Mai Chau valley and the villages of the White Thai ethnic group. A walk or bike ride through the rice fields is followed by dinner and an overnight stay with a local family.

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In the morning, as the mist gently envelops the hills, the landscape becomes especially enchanting—an ideal setting for photography enthusiasts. You can wander through the plantations, meet local growers, and savor freshly brewed green tea, renowned for its delicacy and subtle fragrance. With its tranquil environment, pure air, and unspoiled scenery, Long Coc is the perfect stop for travelers seeking an authentic immersion in the Vietnamese countryside, away from traditional tourist routes.
Afterwards, set off for Mai Chau via Thung Khe Pass, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views over the magnificent valley before reaching the town of Mai Chau.
Mai Chau is a stunning valley located 145 km from Hanoi. This region captivates with its breathtaking scenery—lush green mountains, terraced rice fields, and ethnic Thai white villages where women practice traditional weaving.
Arrive in Mai Chau and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, take a gentle walk or bike ride to explore the villages of the White Thai ethnic group and the rice fields.

Dinner and overnight with a local host.

Accommodation: Homestay — Private roomMeals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
North to South — stage 05 — Pu Luong
05

Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Pu Luong on foot and by water

A walk from Eo Ken leads through rice fields, a stream, and a Muong village. After settling in, a bamboo raft ride offers a unique perspective of the valley.

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After breakfast, depart Mai Hich for Eo Ken, 30km away. Arrive at Eo Ken, inhabited by the Muong people. Descend the slope and enjoy spectacular views over the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, where mountains blend with terraced rice fields. Visit a Muong family in Eo Ken village to discover their authentic way of life. Continue hiking through picturesque scenery and past a lovely stream to reach Hang village.

Lunch at your leisure.
Short transfer to Pu Luong and check in at your accommodation.

In the afternoon, enjoy a bamboo rafting trip on the river—a truly unforgettable local experience.
Return to your accommodation.

Dinner and overnight at your accommodation.

Accommodation: Pu Luong Boutique Garden 3* — Deluxe Garden View roomMeals: Breakfast and dinner
North to South — Stage 06 — Hoa Lu and the Land Halong Bay
06

Tam Coc — Ninh Binh

Hoa Lu and the Land Halong Bay

The temples of the ancient capital Hoa Lu are followed by a sampan boat trip on the Ngo Dong River. A bike ride through the rice fields leads to the Bich Dong pagodas.

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After breakfast, transfer to Ninh Binh. Visit Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam during the Dinh Dynasty (968-980) and the early Le Dynasty (980-1009), to see two ancient temples from the 10th century. They have retained all their beauty, showcasing the refinement of local artistry: you can admire intricate sculptures, wood and stone carvings crafted by Vietnamese artists in the 17th century.

Lunch with regional specialties at a local restaurant.

Arrival in Tam Coc (Ninh Binh), board a sampan at the terrestrial Halong Bay for a one-and-a-half hour cruise on the Ngo Dong River. Pass through three caves and enjoy magnificent views of small hamlets, rice fields, cemeteries, and temples.

Then enjoy a bike ride through nearby villages and in the heart of the rice fields. Along the way, you’ll discover local life and the region’s typical landscapes. Continue the ride to the Bich Dong Pagodas, set into the side of Ngu Nhac mountain. This complex of three pagodas, dating from the early Le Dynasty, offers stunning views over the surrounding region.

Dinner on your own and overnight at the hotel.

Accommodation: Lalita Tam Coc Resort 3* — Deluxe Garden roomMeals: Breakfast and lunch
North to South — Stage 07 — Lan Ha Bay Cruise
07

Halong Bay

Cruise on Halong Bay

Board at Tuan Chau and sail towards the karst landscapes. Kayaking or bamboo boat ride, swimming, onboard cooking, and sunset come before spending the night on the junk.

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After breakfast, at 7:30am, meet your driver and head to Quang Ninh province.
11:30am: Arrive at Tuan Chau port and check in at the waiting lounge.
12:15pm: Transfer to the Nostalgia Cruise by shuttle boat. Welcome aboard and attend a cruise briefing with some safety instructions. Settle into your cabin.
1:00pm: Lunch served as we cruise through Ha Long Bay—one of the seven new wonders of nature.
3:00pm: Explore the caves by kayak and enjoy swimming.
After breakfast, at 7:30am, meet your driver and head to Quang Ninh province.
11:30am: Arrive at Tuan Chau port and check in at the waiting lounge.
12:15pm: Transfer to the Nostalgia Cruise by shuttle boat. Welcome aboard and attend a cruise briefing with some safety instructions. Settle into your cabin.
13:00: Lunch while cruising and touring Ha Long Bay – one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
3:00pm: The boat heads towards the Dark and Bright caves, the perfect spot to get closer to Ha Long Bay by bamboo boat or kayak.
6:00pm: Cooking demonstration and enjoy Happy Hour at the bar while watching the sunset over the bay.
Optional: Massage service available (extra charge). Please book directly with our cruise manager.
7:15pm: Enjoy a luxurious dinner prepared with the freshest ingredients in a refined setting featuring elegant neo-classical French style and traditional oriental touches.
9:00pm: Try your luck at squid fishing if you wish.
Overnight on board

Note: The junk itinerary and activities may be slightly adjusted by the crew on site depending on weather, tide levels, and operational conditions.

Accommodation: Nostalgia Cruise 4* — Princess Suite cabinMeals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Junk boat among the rocky peaks of Lan Ha Bay
08

Tuan Chau — Hanoi — Hue

Final moments on the bay and flight to Hue

Morning Tai Chi and kayaking start your day, followed by brunch and disembarkation. Return to Hanoi, take a domestic flight to Hue, then transfer to your hotel.

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6:30 am: This is the perfect time to enjoy the peaceful beauty of the bay with a Tai Chi session on the boat deck.
7:00 am: Breakfast at the restaurant while the cruise continues.
7:30 am: Kayaking activities are organized in the Ao Ech area.
8:30 am: Return on board for a shower; at 10:00 am you must vacate your cabin.
10:00 am: Enjoy a delicious brunch in the restaurant.
11:30 am: Disembark at Tuan Chau port.
Return to the pier and our driver will transfer you to Hanoi. Arrival at the airport for the Hanoi – Hue flight.
Upon arrival in Hue, meet our driver for your transfer to the hotel.
Dinner on your own and overnight at the hotel.

Accommodation: Rosaleen Hotel 3* — Deluxe roomMeals: Breakfast and lunch
North to South — Stage 09 — Hue, Former Imperial Capital
09

Hue — Imperial City and the Tomb of Tu Duc

Hue, Former Imperial Capital

Visit the Imperial City, enjoy local specialty cuisine for lunch, then discover the Tomb of Tu Duc. The day devoted to Hue's heritage ends with a conical hat workshop.

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Hue is surrounded by mountains, lagoons, and beaches, with a river running through it. The former capital of Vietnam until 1945, Hue holds a very special place in the country. Known for its rich history and well-preserved heritage, Hue is an unmissable stop to discover the charms of Central Vietnam!

8:30 am: Meet your guide and driver for a city tour.
You’ll first visit the Imperial City of the Nguyen Dynasty (1804–1945). Explore the main monuments of this UNESCO World Heritage site: the Flag Tower, the Noon Gate, the Pavilion of Edicts, the Palace of Supreme Harmony, the Forbidden Purple City, and more.
At noon, we invite you to sample Hue’s specialties—banh it, banh bao, banh nam, chao tom, bot loc—at a family-run restaurant popular with locals.
After lunch, continue to the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc.
Next, you will join a short workshop on making conical hats in Hue.
Return to the hotel for a rest.
Dinner on your own and overnight at a hotel in Hue.

Accommodation: Rosaleen Hotel 3* — Deluxe roomMeals: Breakfast and lunch
North to South — Stage 10 — From An Bang to the Hai Van Pass
10

An Bang — Hai Van Pass — Hoi An

From An Bang to the Hai Van Pass

The unique An Bang cemetery tells the story of the village and its diaspora. The coastal road then crosses the Hai Van Pass before reaching Hoi An.

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Breakfast at the hotel.
8:30 am: Transfer by our driver to An Bang village, 33 km from the city of Hue.
Located near Thuan An beach in Phu Vang district, Thua Thien Hue province, An Bang cemetery is known as the 'City of Tombs' or 'City of Ghosts.' Lavish and elaborate tombs are built for ancestors and family members who are still living. This area consists of hundreds of grand tombs of all shapes. After the reunification of Vietnam in 1977, many Vietnamese left the country to escape poverty and discrimination. In the fishing village of An Bang, near the former imperial capital of Hue, the cemetery, nicknamed the 'City of Ghosts,' was built thanks to donations sent from abroad. The 'boat people' funded the construction of these immense, richly decorated sepulchres, valued between 300 million and three billion Vietnamese dong, to honor their ancestors.

Continue towards Phu Gia along the coastal road. About 20 km from Lang Co, you’ll join the national road. Transfer by car to Hoi An via the Mandarin Road and the Hai Van Pass (Cloud Pass). Stop at the top for breathtaking views of the ocean and the city of Da Nang.

Lunch at your leisure.

Arrival at the hotel, check-in. Free time to explore at your leisure.
Dinner on your own. Overnight at a hotel in downtown Hoi An.

Accommodation: Rose Hoi An Hotel 3* — Deluxe roomMeals: Breakfast
North to South — Stage 11 — Hoi An and the Water Coconut Forest
11

Hoi An — Cam Thanh

Hoi An and the Water Coconut Forest

After seeing the monuments of the old town, take a bike ride to Van Lang and the Bay Mau mangrove. A basket boat cruise, traditional fishing, a family-cooked meal and the Hoi An Memory Show all add rich highlights to your day.

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Breakfast at the hotel.
8:00 am: Meet your guide for a tour of the ancient town: the Fujian Assembly Hall dedicated to the protective goddess of fishermen and sailors; the Japanese Bridge built in 1593 linking the Chinese and Japanese quarters; Tan Ky House; and a visit to the Precious Heritage museum-gallery opened by photographer Réhahn, an impressive display presenting Vietnam’s various ethnic minorities through stunning photos, costumes, and rare objects.

Then explore the countryside: a bike ride to the fishing village of Van Lang, the local Ba Le market, rice fields, traditional cemeteries, and schools.

Continue to Van Lang village and the Bay Mau water coconut forest, which stretches over about 7 hectares and is surrounded by mangroves; here you can observe traditional houses with roofs of water coconut leaves. During the Vietnam War, Bay Mau served as a refuge for local people and soldiers, making it a place rich in history.

On arrival in the village, you'll receive a warm welcome from Mr. Han, a third-generation family member, who will invite you for a green tea tasting.
Next, set off on a cruise aboard the Thung Chai, a round bamboo basket boat—much more stable than it appears—where fishermen will teach you traditional fishing methods.

Back at Mr. Han’s house, enjoy a relaxing herbal foot massage—a traditional and very pleasant therapy. This massage includes a warm foot bath mainly made with lemongrass and lemon leaves, enchanting your senses. Then, join the Han family in preparing lunch. On the menu: crispy pancakes, Hoi An spring rolls, tam huu, grilled fish in banana leaf... A delight!

To end this wonderful day, you'll have the chance to relax in the shade of a coconut tree before heading back to your hotel.

At 5:00 pm, our electric car will pick you up at your hotel for the transfer to the 'Hoi An Memories' show at HIGH square. Enjoy the buffet dinner from 6:00 pm. The show takes place outdoors on a stage of 25,000 m², with 500 professional dancers.
The show vividly tells the story of Hoi An over the past 400 years. It takes place on Hen Island, Hoi An, from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm (every day except Tuesday).

Dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Accommodation: Rose Hoi An Hotel 3* — Deluxe roomMeals: Breakfast and lunch
12

Da Nang Airport — Ho Chi Minh City

Flight from Da Nang to Saigon

Transfer to Da Nang airport, then domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Welcome on arrival and settle in the center of Saigon.

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Breakfast at the hotel.
Meet and transfer to Danang airport by our driver for your Vietnam Airlines flight Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh.
Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, meet our driver at the airport for a short transfer to your accommodation.
Free time to explore the city on foot.
Dinner on your own and overnight in Saigon.

Accommodation: Sanouva Hotel 3* — Deluxe RoomMeals: Breakfast
North to South — stage 13 — The Faces of Saigon
13

Ho Chi Minh City — Cholon and Colonial Center

The Faces of Saigon

Cholon, Ben Thanh Market, the Central Post Office, Dong Khoi Street and the Reunification Palace chart the different eras of this southern metropolis.

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8:00 am: Meet your guide and driver for a city tour of Saigon. Discover Cholon, the Chinatown district. Visit Ben Thanh market, packed with hundreds of stalls—the city’s largest market, meeting Saigon’s huge demand for clothes, souvenirs, and food.
Visit the old colonial quarter around the Central Post Office designed by Gustave Eiffel, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the famous Catinat Street (now Dong Khoi Street), and the Reunification Palace, former residence of the president of South Vietnam—this iconic building stands as witness to the country’s contemporary history.

Dinner on your own and overnight at a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Accommodation: Sanouva Hotel 3* — Deluxe RoomMeals: Breakfast and lunch
North to South — stage 14 — Ben Tre and the Mekong Coconut Groves
14

Ben Tre — Can Tho

Ben Tre and the Mekong Coconut Groves

In Ben Tre, a private boat winds its way between the canals, stopping at local coconut artisans. A tuk-tuk ride, orchard stroll and tropical fruit tasting precede the journey on to Can Tho.

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After breakfast at the hotel, 8:00 am: depart by private car for Ben Tre, passing through the stunning landscapes of the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, board a private boat for a beautiful ride on the Ben Tre River, taking you through well-preserved and romantic scenery. Several stops let you interact with local people. Cross the canal and visit a traditional coconut-based handicraft workshop. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Next, hop on a tuk-tuk through the village, stroll through orchards, and taste tropical fruits in the heart of a typical Mekong Delta village. This excursion lets you discover charming landscapes and meet friendly locals.
Disembark at Ben Tre and drive to Cần Thơ.
Arrival in Can Tho, check in to your hotel.
Dinner on your own and overnight in Cần Thơ.

Accommodation: Bamboo Ecovillage — Private BungalowMeals: Breakfast and lunch
15

Can Tho — Cai Rang Floating Market

Cai Rang and Con Son Islet

Early morning departure to see the Cai Rang floating market, then cruise on to the fish farms at Con Son. Visit an orchard, make cakes with the locals and enjoy lunch on the island before returning to Saigon.

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After breakfast at the hotel, board a boat for a cruise on the Tien River to visit the Cai Rang floating market, the biggest and liveliest in the Mekong Delta. Continue your tour to Con Son island. Take a local boat to visit Can Tho’s floating fish farm on the Hau River. Residents have built floating houses on the river for living and fishing. You’ll see how daily life works here and how people care for their fish farms. Then, visit a garden and sample some fruit. Continue to a local house for the 'Flying Fish' show. On Son Island, the snakehead fish are fascinating; locals can train them to leap and grab bait.
Finally, join the locals in making and tasting local cakes.
Enjoy lunch on the island.
Then return to Saigon. Arrive in Saigon at the end of the day.
Dinner on your own and overnight at the hotel.

Accommodation: Sanouva Hotel 3* — Deluxe RoomMeals: Breakfast and lunch
North to South — stage 16 — Departure flight
16

Tân Sơn Nhất Airport

Departure from Saigon

Free morning to rest or do some last-minute shopping. Your driver will then arrange transfer to the airport according to your international flight schedule.

Free time & airport transferMeals: Breakfast

North to South offers a first comprehensive introduction to Vietnam: Hanoi, northern tea hills and rice paddies, Lan Ha Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Saigon and the Mekong Delta.

The experience

Vespa scooter rides, gentle hikes, bamboo rafting, sampans, kayaking, basket boats and a night aboard a junk add extra dimension to the region’s classic sites. Two domestic flights connect distant regions, sparing you a road marathon.

You will visit

  • Hanoi
  • Long Coc
  • Mai Chau
  • Pu Luong
  • Ninh Binh
  • Lan Ha Bay
  • Hue
  • Hoi An
  • Ho Chi Minh City
  • Can Tho

A Grand Private Journey

This program is designed for two to six people, with local guides and private vehicle arrangements tailored to each stage. Activities are suitable for any traveler in good health.

Price and booking

Price based on six travelers sharing a double room. The final total depends on group size and availability of flights and hotels.

Don’t miss

Journey highlights

  • Hanoi by Vespa
  • Long Coc tea hills
  • Mai Chau and Pu Luong Nature Reserve
  • Overnight on a junk boat in Lan Ha Bay
  • Hue and Hoi An
  • Saigon and the Mekong Delta

This trip is for you if...

Travelers discovering Vietnam for the first time and seeking a comprehensive overview, with a good balance of culture, landscapes, and local encounters.

Level and challenges

Full itinerary, frequent changes of accommodation, two internal flights, and several early departures. Walks and excursions remain accessible.

Included in the quote

What’s included

  • Listed accommodations or similar
  • Transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
  • French-speaking guides as per the program
  • English-speaking guide on board in Lan Ha Bay
  • Entrance fees as included in the program
  • Sampans and local boats as mentioned
  • Meals as specified at each stage
  • Shared overnight on a junk boat in Lan Ha Bay
  • Internal flights Hanoi – Hue and Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City
  • Activities and shows explicitly mentioned
  • Personalized local support during the trip
  • Two 500 ml bottles of water per person during road transfers

Not included

What’s not included

  • International flights and related taxes
  • Drinks and meals not mentioned
  • Personal insurance
  • Tips for guides, drivers, and boatmen
  • Personal expenses
  • Any service not explicitly mentioned

Upcoming departures

Dates & availability

From 1 March to 14 March 2027
Open for booking
6 spots left
6 place(s) left out of 6
From €1,975
per traveler, on request
Land tour, excludes international flights

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