18 Days Cultural Odyssey through China, Tibet, and Vietnam

Flight: International flight on your own arrangement or on request.

Meals: /

Upon your arrival in Beijing, you'll be met by your guide and driver, who will transfer you to your hotel in the city. After checking in and freshening up, you'll have the remainder of the day to explore the city at your leisure.

Depending on your arrival time, you may want to visit one of the city's famous night markets or sample some of the local cuisines.

Overnight in Beijing.

Meals: B/L

After breakfast, you'll head out to explore some of Beijing's most iconic landmarks. You'll start with Tian’anmen Square, the world's largest public square, and the site of many important political events in China's history. From there, you'll enter the Forbidden City, a vast palaces and gardens home to China's emperors for nearly 500 years. After lunch, you'll head to Beihai Royal Garden, a beautiful park and temple complex that dates back to the 11th century.

Overnight in Beijing.

Meals: B/L

Today, you'll visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, one of the best-preserved and most scenic parts of the wall. You'll have the option to hike or take a cable car to the top of the wall, where you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. You'll also have the opportunity to learn about the wall's history and significance from your guide.

Overnight in Beijing.

Meals: B

After breakfast, you'll board the train to Lhasa, one of the world's most scenic train journeys. You'll travel through the heart of China, passing through rugged mountains and sprawling grasslands, and experience the unique culture and landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau.

Overnight on the train.

Meals: /

Today will be spent on the train as you continue your journey to Lhasa. You'll have plenty of time to relax, read, and take in the stunning views from the train window.

Overnight on the train.

Meals: /

Upon your arrival in Lhasa, you'll be met by your guide and driver, who will transfer you to your hotel. After checking in and resting for a bit, you'll have the rest of the day to explore Lhasa and acclimatize to the high altitude.

Overnight in Lhasa.

Meals: B/L

Today, you'll explore some of Lhasa's most important cultural and religious sites. You'll start with the Potala Palace, a vast and stunning palace complex that was the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas for centuries. From there, you'll visit the Jokhang Temple, the most sacred temple in Tibet, and Barkor Street, a bustling market street that surrounds the temple.

Overnight in Lhasa.

Meals: B/L

Today, you'll venture outside of Lhasa to visit the charming village of Dadong, where you'll have the opportunity to meet and interact with local residents and learn about their way of life. You'll also visit the Sera Monastery, one of the most important monasteries in Tibet, and witness the famous debates between the monks.

Overnight in Lhasa.

Meals: B/L/D

Today, you'll embark on a scenic drive to Shigatse, stopping along the way to visit Yamdrok Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in Tibet. You'll also pass through stunning mountain landscapes and traditional Tibetan villages.

Overnight in Shigatse.

Meals: B/L/D

Today, you'll visit two of Shigatse's most important cultural and religious sites. First, you'll visit the Tashilunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama and one of Tibet's largest and most important monasteries.

After exploring the monastery and its impressive collection of religious art, you'll continue on to Everest Base Camp, where you'll get your first glimpse of the world's tallest mountain. You'll spend the night at a guesthouse near the base camp, enjoying the stunning views of the mountain and the surrounding landscape.

Overnight in EBC.

Meals: B/L/D

This morning, you'll wake up early to catch the sunrise over Everest before heading back to Shigatse. On the way, you'll stop at Rongbu Monastery, one of the highest monasteries in the world, to explore its impressive collection of Buddhist art and enjoy the stunning views of the mountain.

Overnight in Shigatse.

Meals: B/L

Today, you'll make the scenic drive back to Lhasa, stopping along the way to visit the Yalong Valley, known for its stunning natural beauty and traditional Tibetan villages. You'll have the opportunity to learn about the local culture and way of life before returning to Lhasa in the evening.

Overnight in Lhasa.

Meals: B

After breakfast, you'll take a flight from Lhasa to Guangzhou, where you'll catch a connecting flight to Hanoi, Vietnam. You'll arrive in Hanoi in the evening, with plenty of time to explore the city's famous Old Quarter and sample some of its delicious street food.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: B/L

Today, you'll explore Hanoi's rich history and culture, visiting landmarks such as Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and the Hoan Kiem Lake. In the evening, you'll take a short flight to Da Nang, where you'll catch a transfer to the charming town of Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: B/L

Today, you'll have a full day to explore the beautiful town of Hoi An, with its well-preserved ancient architecture and rich cultural heritage. You'll have the opportunity to visit local markets, take a bike ride through the countryside, and learn about the town's history and culture.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: B

Today will be a day of rest and relaxation, with the option to take a cooking class, visit a local spa, or simply enjoy the beautiful beaches and scenery. In the evening, you'll catch a flight to Saigon, Vietnam's bustling commercial center.

Overnight in Saigon.

Meals: B/L

Today, you'll explore the vibrant city of Saigon, visiting landmarks such as the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. You'll also have the opportunity to sample some of the city's delicious street food and learn about its history and culture. In the afternoon, you will join in a cooking class about how to make Vietnamese food.

Overnight in Saigon.

Meals: B

Today marks the end of your journey. After breakfast, you'll transfer to the airport for your departure flight home, with memories of a wonderful trip filled with culture, history, food, and experiential activities in China and Vietnam.