Vietnam Sampler

Day 1 - Welcome to Hanoi!
Check in to the Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi. This stylish first class hotel features distinctive French Colonial-inspired architecture in the heart of the city’s bustling commercial district. The balance of your day is free to relax or explore as you wish.

Day 2 - Full day sightseeing
Explore across the centuries from the impressive Temple of Literature, built in 1076, to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – a grand monument of built of marble, granite and precious exotic woods. Enjoy a walking tour along the charming Colonial-era streets of Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter, where many artists now live – their homes open to the public as informal galleries. By special arrangement, meet with a local artist at a private gallery reception with wine. This is a great opportunity to get an intimate and highly personalized look into the city’s thriving arts scene. Meals B,L

Day 3 - Ha Long Bay #WHS# overnight cruise
After breakfast, journey to Ha Long Bay. The pleasant drive is just a few hours, but the breathtaking scenery that greets you will feel worlds away from the city. Ha Long bay is filled with thousands of limestone islands, forested peaks, hidden coves and emerald green waters that stretch forth as far as you can see. Traditional sailing junks and local fishing boats ply these scenic waters. Upon arrival at the waterfront, you’ll embark your waiting cruise vessel… Styled after an Emperor’s legendary junk, the intimate Bhaya features stylish outside staterooms - each with a picture window, private en suite bath, handcrafted hardwood furniture, colorful textiles, and gold and white fittings. Step aboard around Noon and settle in to your stateroom as your voyage gets underway. After lunch, the afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy as you cruise through the magnificent scenery – exploring tranquil coves and past limestone caves to visit a selection of islands. As weather and sea conditions permit, you might swim or kayak during the afternoon. Of course, there’s plenty of time to just relax onboard, enjoying the magnificent vistas and socializing with your fellow ship’s passengers. Dinner is served onboard. Meals B,L,D

Day 4 - Onward to Hoi An #WHS#
Arise early to watch the sun cast its first light across the peaks and waters of Ha Long Bay. After a leisurely breakfast onboard and time to take-in the mesmerizing scenery, step off ship in the late morning and return to Hanoi for your included flight to Central Vietnam. Upon arrival in Danang, continue overland to the Boutique Hoi An Resort, surrounded by tropical gardens overlooking the sea. Dine tonight at the celebrated Brother’s Café. Meals B,L,D

Day 5 - Out and about in Hoi An
Known as Faifo to early western traders, Hoi An was one of Asia’s major trading ports during the 17th to 19th centuries. This historic town is still graced by finely-preserved homes built by Japanese, Indian, Dutch and Portuguese merchants of old. As you explore with your guide through the charming cobblestone streets of this ancient seaport, it’s easy to imagine yourself a sailor of the 18th century when Hoi An was one of the busiest ports in Southeast Asia! Your guided exploration also showcases ancient Chinese temples, art galleries and colorful local markets. In addition to your city tour, we’ve arranged for a quiet boat trip down the Thu Bon River to visit a local school – a great opportunity to get an insider’s look at the daily rhythms of life in central Vietnam. Meals B

Day 6 - Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
This morning you’ll make the return journey to Danang to visit the highly regarded Cham Museum, an open-air collection of some of the finest sandstone carvings in the world – including temple decorations from a Hindu culture that flourished in the region from the 4th to 14th centuries. Then fly to Ho Chi Minh City where you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to the 5-star Majestic Hotel, an historic landmark in the heart of the city opposite the Saigon River. Dine tonight at the popular Hoa Tuc Restaurant. Meals B,D

Day 7 - The Cu Chi Tunnels and a Saigon city tour
This morning, you’ll journey outside of the city to visit the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels, the incredible underground network that once stretched for 210 miles. This tunnel complex was built by guerilla fighters beginning in 1940 and construction continued throughout the Vietnam War. Marvel at secret trapdoors, underground kitchens, living quarters, and even conference rooms. You’ll have ample opportunity to view the excavated areas from above. The more adventurous can explore the deeper second and even third-level tunnels. Return to Saigon for lunch at the charming Pergolar Café and an afternoon of sightseeing, including Reunification Hall - formerly known as the Presidential Palace. It was towards this modern building that Communist tanks rolled on the morning of April 30, 1975, as Saigon fell. Visit the History Museum and delight in a Water Puppet performance, a traditional Vietnamese art form. Your tour also features Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Hotel de Ville, and Dong Khoi Street, once the center of haute couture in Saigon when it was known as the famous Rue Catinat. Meals B,L

Day 8 - Farewell, Saigon
Your tour with us ends this morning. Meals B

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
2/27/2012 - 3/6/2012	$2,199
3/12/2012 - 3/20/2012	$2,199
4/2/2012 - 4/10/2012	$2,199
9/17/2012 - 9/25/2012	$2,199
10/8/2012 - 10/16/2012	$2,199
10/22/2012 - 10/30/2012	$2,199
11/19/2012 - 11/27/2012	$2,199
12/10/2012 - 12/18/2012	$2,199
1/7/2013 - 1/15/2013	$2,199
2/4/2013 - 2/12/2013	$2,199
2/18/2013 - 2/26/2013	$2,199
3/11/2013 - 3/19/2013	$2,199
3/18/2013 - 3/26/2013	$2,199
4/8/2013 - 4/16/2013	$2,199
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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