China

From China to Vietnam, a journey into the heart of legends

Arrival at Beijing Airport. Transfer to the hotel.

Lunch and dinner are not included.

Overnight in Beijing.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Suggested sightseeing: Immerse yourself in the imperial grandeur of Beijing, a city where every street tells a chapter of Chinese history. Start your exploration at the Forbidden City, a sumptuous imperial palace with golden roofs, a true testament to the grandeur of the Chinese dynasties. Don't miss the chance to climb up to Jingshan Park for one of the finest views of the city. A short walk away is the gigantic Tiananmen Square, famous for the 1989 demonstrations that made such an impact around the world. You can also explore Beihai Park, a former imperial garden dotted with pavilions, bridges and the famous White Pagoda.

Lunch and dinner are not included.

Overnight in Beijing.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer by air-conditioned bus to the Mutianyu Great Wall.

Included in the programme: Discover the emblematic Great Wall, a thousand-year-old masterpiece of engineering. Stretching over 21,000 km across mountains and valleys, this impressive fortification was built to protect the empire from invasion. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and easily accessible from Beijing, it offers breathtaking views and an unforgettable walk in the footsteps of history (No guide included).

Lunch included.

Dinner not included. Overnight in Beijing.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Suggested sightseeing: Wander through the lesser-known hutongs, such as Dongsi and Baita, where daily life in Beijing is revealed. Visit Prince Gong's Palace, a sumptuous aristocratic residence from the Qing era, before enjoying a moment of relaxation in a traditional tea room or attending a Peking opera performance in an intimate hall, delving into the heart of local culture.

At lunchtime, enjoy an authentic Peking duck, the iconic specialty of China's capital, before continuing your exploration at the Lama Temple, renowned for its magnificent Buddhist treasures, including an impressive Buddha carved from a single sandalwood tree trunk.

End your day at the magnificent Summer Palace, the former imperial residence and a true haven of peace, where refined gardens, elegant pavilions, and Kunming Lake create a setting of exceptional beauty.

Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight in Beijing.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Beijing Airport for your flight from Beijing to Hanoi.

Transfer to the hotel. Lunch and dinner not included. Overnight in Hanoi.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Included in the programme: Set off on foot with your English-speaking guide to discover Hanoi's old quarter, the beating heart of the capital. Stroll through the lively alleyways with their evocative names, inherited from the artisan guilds: jewellers, scarf sellers, cake sellers and traditional remedies. Explore Hang Be market, Hang Buom street and the ancient Bach Ma temple, pass through the gates of the citadel, then let yourself be carried away to Dong Xuan market and Hang Duong street, famous for its dried sweets.

You will also pass by the Cau Dong temple, Cha Ca street and the street dedicated to traditional medicine, Hai Thuong Lan Ong, before reaching the toy, silk and famous paper decoration districts of Hang Ma street. The stroll continues on to St Joseph's Cathedral and Ly Quoc Su temple, before finishing around peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake. Along the way, try some of Hanoi's must-try dishes: crispy nems, delicate Banh Cuon and a tasty bowl of Bun Thang.

Afternoon at leisure.

Suggested sightseeing:

-Take a rickshaw ride to see the city from a different angle.

-Explore the majestic Temple of Literature, a symbol of Vietnamese knowledge and culture.

-Enjoy an authentic egg coffee in one of the city's historic cafés.

Dinner is not included. Overnight in Hanoi.

Breakfast at your hotel. Pick-up from your hotel and transfer by minibus to Halong International Port. Boarding for the cruise.

Sail into the heart of Bai Tu Long Bay, the unspoilt eastern part of Halong Bay. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this more secluded area offers the same spectacular scenery: karst islets, wild creeks and mysterious caves, but in a more peaceful atmosphere.
English-speaking guide.

Have lunch overlooking this dream setting, then set off to explore the surrounding area in a kayak or enjoy a swim in the emerald waters.

At the end of the day, watch the sun set over this picture-postcard landscape before enjoying a refined dinner on board.

To finish off the day in style, why not enjoy the selection of board games on offer, or try your hand at squid fishing under the floodlights? This fun and friendly activity amuses visitors of all ages.

Overnight aboard the junk.

Start the day gently with a Tai Chi session at sunrise, to awaken your body and fill up with positive energy. After breakfast, explore the Thien Canh Son cave, nestled in the heart of the karst formations. Back on board, enjoy a Vietnamese cooking demonstration. Fresh herbs, subtle spices, fragrant rice and the legendary nuoc mam all combine to introduce you to the secrets of a cuisine that is both refined and authentic.

Lunch on board. Disembarkation and transfer to Hanoi. Free time then transfer to Hanoi station to take the night train to Hué.

Dinner not included. Overnight in a sleeper on board the train.

Breakfast on board (not included). Disembarkation at Hué station. Transfer to your hotel.

Included in the programme: Spend the day exploring Hué at your own pace on a bus tour with an English-speaking audio-guide. Hop on and off freely to discover the fascinating sites of the former imperial capital. Start with the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a vast 520-hectare complex protected by ramparts and moats. Continue on to the Thien Mu Pagoda, nicknamed the Pagoda of the Celestial Lady, overlooking the peaceful Perfume River. Around ten kilometres from the centre, don't miss the tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, an architectural masterpiece combining Eastern and European influences. Finish your visit by strolling through the local markets and sampling the region's culinary specialities.

Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight in Hué.

Note: The bus tour is included. However, admission to the monuments and attractions must be paid on site.

Breakfast at the hotel followed by a transfer from Hue to Hoi An. Transfer to the hotel in Hoi An.

Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight stay in Hoi An.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Included in the programme: Enjoy a morning bike ride at the leisurely pace of life in the countryside surrounding Hoi An and take in the beautiful scenery. You will pass through villages that have retained their charm of yesteryear, discover traditional handicrafts and meet the locals. Spend an afternoon in touch with rural life and learn more about the making of traditional wooden boats and the straw mats used as mattresses. You can also try out the famous basket boats. Lunch will be with a Vietnamese family who will teach you about their customs and traditions. French- or English-speaking guide, depending on availability.

Dinner is not included. Overnight in Hoi An.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Included in the programme: Take part in a lantern-making workshop and leave with an original souvenir. Create your own lantern, a luminous reflection of the city of a thousand colours.

Suggested sightseeing:

• Take a stroll through Hoi An, a city of timeless charm. Its craft shops, Buddhist temples, historic pagodas, traditional and communal houses are all testament to its rich past.
• Embark on a peaceful boat trip on the Thu Bon River at sunset, and let yourself be captivated by the golden reflections on the water and the gentle atmosphere.
• As night falls, stroll through the lively alleyways, bathed in the warm light of colourful lanterns, symbols of prosperity and happiness in local culture.

Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight in Hoi An.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Danang Airport. Domestic flight from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City. Transfer to the hotel.

Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Included in the programme: Accompanied by your English-speaking guide, take a half-day tour of the city, formerly considered to be the ‘Pearl of the Orient’. You will see impressive monuments from the colonial era, such as the Town Hall, the Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral dating from the 19th century, the magnificent Central Post Office and the Reunification Palace, contrasted with modern skyscrapers. The tour ends at Ben Tranh market, which dates back to 1870 and whose main clock tower has become the symbol of the city. You will stop at the various market stalls to sample Vietnamese specialities and do some shopping.

Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Ho Chi Minh airport for your return flight.

TRAVEL FORMALITIES

CHINA: You must have a visa to visit mainland China. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china/entry-requirements

VIETNAM : For British nationals, a valid passport, valid for at least six months after the date of entry into Vietnam, is required. Since 15 August 2023, British nationals can stay in Vietnam without a visa for a maximum of 45 days. You are advised to check the entry conditions in force before your departure, as regulations may be changed without notice by the Vietnamese authorities. Please visit: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/vietnam/entry-requirements

ACCOMMODATION

For technical reasons, hotels may be replaced by accommodation of the same category.

The order of the itinerary and programme may be subject to change due to constraints at the destination.

Any specific request concerning the type of sleeping accommodation (double bed, separate beds) is subject to availability and may incur a supplement.

Note: in China, hotel rooms are often quite narrow and the beds small.

Check-in is usually in the early afternoon (2 p.m.). Check-out is usually in the morning (11 a.m.).

The accommodation included in this trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

This trip is not recommended for babies or young children.

Type of hotel accommodation: A double bed or 2 single beds are included, subject to availability. Any specific request concerning the type of sleeping accommodation is subject to availability and may incur a supplement.

Cabin type on the Bai Tu Long Bay cruise: Cabins are equipped with a double bed or 2 single beds, a private shower room and air conditioning.

Cabin type during the night on board the train: Each cabin has four berths with mattresses, pillows and blankets. Luggage can be placed under the lower berths. A bottle of water and a snack are provided. Depending on the number of passengers, you will share the cabin with other passengers. Private cabins are available at extra cost. Drinks and snacks for sale on the train. Washbasin and toilet in each carriage.

MEALS

Meals are as indicated in the programme, excluding drinks. If the first and last days are shortened due to late arrival or early departure times, no reimbursement for missed meals will be made.

INCLUDED OPTIONS

Excursions may be modified or cancelled depending on the situation on site (health reasons, lack of participants, weather, etc.). Excursion availability days are subject to change. Depending on the timetable of the optional excursions, meals that cannot be taken at the hotel are at the customer's expense.

TRANSPORT

AIR TRANSPORT: Full names, dates of birth and copies of passports must be provided at the time of booking.

Domestic flights are operated by Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, JetStar or similar.

One piece of cabin luggage and one piece of hold luggage weighing 20 kg per person are included.