Central Discovery
5 Days / 4 Nights
Highlights
- Explore the majestic citadels, palaces, and royal tombs of Vietnam's former feudal capital, Hue, renowned for its harmonious blend of architectural wonders set against the picturesque backdrop of the Perfume River.
- Wander through the charming streets of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where centuries-old wooden-fronted houses, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, and vibrant markets offer a glimpse into the town's rich history and cultural heritage.
- Embark on a serene boat ride along the Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue, a symbol of Buddhism in central Vietnam, and delve into the spiritual significance of ancient Hindu-like towers and temples at My Son Sanctuary, a testament to Vietnam's diverse religious heritage.
- Traverse the breathtaking Hai Van Pass from Hue to Hoi An, soaking in panoramic views of coastal landscapes, and discover the world's finest collection of Cham sculpture at the Cham Museum in Danang, offering insights into Vietnam's ancient civilization.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Hue, UNESCO World Heritage City
Upon landing at Hue airport, you'll be whisked away to your hotel for check-in (please note, early check-in is not included). Hue, once the feudal capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen dynasty from 1802 to 1945, boasts a rich tapestry of architectural marvels including citadels, palaces, royal tombs, pagodas, and temples. Set against the serene backdrop of the Perfume River, Hue's monuments are harmoniously integrated with nature, adhering to the principles of geomancy (Feng Shui). Declared Vietnam's first World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO in 1993, Hue is a treasure trove of history and culture. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at your leisure.
Day 2: Exploring Hue's Treasures
Begin your day with a tranquil 40-minute boat ride along the Perfume River to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, revered as the center of Buddhism in central Vietnam. Marvel at the seven-story octagonal Phuoc Duyen tower, a symbol of Hue's spiritual heritage. Continue to the imposing Citadel at the Imperial Palace, where emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty once held court. Delve into the palace's history as you explore its opulent halls and picturesque surroundings. Later, journey to the exquisite tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh, each a masterpiece of royal architecture nestled amidst lush landscapes. En route back to your hotel, visit a local village renowned for its incense stick and conical hat production.
Day 3: Journey to Hoi An via Danang
After breakfast, traverse the scenic Hai Van Pass on your way to Hoi An, making a stop at the Cham Museum in Danang. Housed in a beautiful French colonial building, the museum boasts the world's finest collection of Cham sculpture, offering insights into Vietnam's ancient civilization. Arrive in Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its well-preserved architecture and vibrant culture. Take a stroll through the town's enchanting streets, exploring its wooden-fronted houses, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, and bustling markets brimming with souvenirs and local delights.
Day 4: My Son Sanctuary
Embark on a half-day excursion to My Son, the former capital of the ancient Cham civilization. Marvel at the Hindu-like towers and temples dating back to the 2nd to 13th centuries, offering a glimpse into Vietnam's rich architectural and cultural heritage. My Son Sanctuary is a must-see for history enthusiasts and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 5: Departure from Hoi An
Embark on a half-day excursion to My Son, the former capital of the ancient Cham civilization. Marvel at the Hindu-like towers and temples dating back to the 2nd to 13th centuries, offering a glimpse into Vietnam's rich architectural and cultural heritage. My Son Sanctuary is a must-see for history enthusiasts and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Tour extensions: pre-tour or post-tour extensions are available, which would include accommodation and private transfers, please speak to Focus Asia travel consultant for further details.
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Algiers
Bright city by excellence, bettter known as “Algiers the white”. Algiers bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, and has one of the biggest ports in Africa. It can be visited in two distinct areas: the modern and the older part. Among its highlights, we can find: The Kasbah (classified in the World Heritage of UNESCO), the Palaces of Dar Aziza and Jenina, The Jardin d’Essai (the largest botanical garden in Africa), The Basilica of Algiers: Our Lady of Africa, The National Museum of Fine Arts. And many other picturesque monuments.
Tipaza
Tipaza is an open-air museum. A scenic coastal city located only 70km from Algiers. Its landscape with Hellenic charm is reminiscent of Greece and Sicily. Tipaza was a Roman city in the Roman province of Caesarian Mauritania. It has many remains of the ancient Punic and Roman city, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO. With its archaeological treasures and varied landscapes, it is a tourist city between the sea and the mountains.
Oran
Also known as “The Radiant” is the second largest city in Algeria, about 430 km from the capital Algiers. Oran is a cosmopolitan city with an Arab, Berber, Spanish and French influences, giving it a significant character and a natural charm.
Djemila
The site of Djemila is located 50 km northeast of the city of Setif. Djemila (from Arabic: جميلة, “The Beautiful”) is an ancient city that houses the remains of the ancient Cuicul, a Roman city, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Djémila provides an exceptional testimony of a disappeared civilization. It is one of the most beautiful sites of Roman ruins in the world. The archaeological remains, the well-integrated Roman urban planning and the environmental framework come harmoniously together.
Constantine
Known as the city of suspension bridges and taking its name from the Emperor Constantine I who had it built in the 4th century, Constantine is the capital of the eastern region of the country. The city is also the cradle of the Arab-Andalusian music called Malouf. Tourists can visit the Kasbah, the Emir Abd-El-Kader Mosque, the Monument of the Dead or the Natural Arch of Constantine. Other sites such as the Bridge of El-Kantara, the National Museum Cirta, the Palace of the Bey or the Gustave Mercier Museum will also attract visitors.
Ghardaia
Located in the northern part of the Algerian Sahara, 600 km south of Algiers, it is the capital of the Mzab valley, which is made up of a group of five ksours, known as “The Pentapolis”. The city counts with an ancestral system of irrigation on pivot, developed by the Mozabites to irrigate the long and narrow valley. It is considered as World Heritage of Site by the UNESCO. It is a tourist site of major importance in Algeria because of its architecture and history. The city includes an important Mozabite community.
Timgad
Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, the site of Timgad will delight all history lovers. Timgad, a city in the northeast of Algeria, is home to this ancient Roman city of great archaeological importance that was originally intended to serve as a post against the Berbers of the Aures. Built with its baths, its temples, its forum as well as its amphitheater, the city is considered as the last Roman colony in Africa.
Timimoun
Timimoun is the most representative oasis of Gourara, a region rich in colors and contrasts, located south of the Grand Erg Occidental. Timimoun was built above the palm grove, in the heart of the sunny dunes of the Algerian desert. In the heart of history, one can explore the ksours drowned in an ocean of dunes, after having strolled in the bewitching gardens of the oases of the great Sahara. Discover on foot the magnificent oases of Tilermine, Timzlene and Beni Aissi.
The Balconies of Ghoufi
The Balconies or Gorges of Ghoufi in the Aures are located in the region of M’chouneche and T’kout between Arris and Biskra. The Balconies of Ghoufi is a canyon which was dug by the river Abiod and extends four kilometers along the river. The site was classified as a National Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Tassili of the Hoggar
To the east of Tamanrasset rises at an altitude of more than 2,000 meters an eroded plateau of 250 kilometers in diameter composed of lava flows, the Atakor of Hoggar. According to specialists, the Hoggar mountains are more than 2 million years old. Its highest peak, Mount Tahat, reaches 3,003 meters. The most visited and best known place of the site is called Assekrem, residence of Father Charles de Foucauld during the summer of 1905.