Day 1: Arrival Hoi An
On arrival Danang airport, meet your guide and transfer to do a highlight tour of Danang.
One of the most ancient cities in Vietnam, Danang was the centre of the Cham Dynasty from the 2nd century and today boasts the largest and most impressive collection of Cham artefacts anywhere in the world. Danang's rich cultural history, it's proximity to the extraordinary ruins of My Son, it's atmospheric riverfront promenade, it's world-famous Cham Museum all continue to draw visitors. Unwelcome visitors have made their mark here too, Danang was the first landing point for the invading French troops and again decades later for the US Marines.
Visit the Cham Museum in Danang, once centre of the ancient Cham civilisation. Hindu in origin, the Cham people left a legacy of excellent sculptures, now housed in the only museum if its kind in Danang, as they were pushed south by the advancing Vietnamese invaders. Continue to the Marble Mountains for a photo stop en-route to Hoi An. These five rocky outcrops are said to represent five natural elements, and are the source of many intriguing legends, as well as housing temples and once even an army hospital! You will see skilled artisans carving all manner of statues from marble sourced locally at the mountains' base.
Just a short drive from Danang, the unique trading town of Hoi An was a civilisation cut off by destroyed rail lines and a silted river, leaving it untouched by war and frozen in time. See architecture reminiscent of traders of a bygone era - Japanese, French, Chinese, and Indian, as well as beautifully preserved ancient houses. No cars are allowed to pass through Hoi An, rendering it an excellent walking village.
Lunch at local restaurant before continuing to visit the unique Japanese covered bridge and a Chinese communal house. Shop for art at one of the numerous galleries and enjoy the riverside ambience.
Overnight Hoi An
(Lunch)

Day 2: Hoi An &ndash Hue
This morning overland transfer to Hue (approximate 3 hours) via Cloudy Pass.
Lunch at local restaurant
This afternoon, you commence your introduction to this history-filled city with visits to the Imperial Citadel. In the very early 19th Century, when the Nguyen Dynasty administered Vietnam from Hue, the Emperor Gia Long commenced construction of a mighty citadel from where he could both live and rule. The resulting Imperial Citadel was modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing, however unfortunately suffered much damage during years of war. Many of the pavilions, bridges, libraries and great halls are now being carefully restored with help from UNESCO. Marvel at the legends of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors who built the fortress and lived within its moated walls for nearly 150 years.
Overnight Hue
(Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 3: Hue
Today you have full day touring including boat trip on Perfume River and Royal Tombs with
lunch.
Thien Mu Temple is an octagonal tower of seven tiers rises majestically over the tranquil Perfume (Huong) River. Beyond you may see robed monks chanting their mantra, or novices carefully tending the bonsai garden. One unusual feature of this temple is the blue Ford Austin motor car in the grounds - the same car that appeared on television screens around the world when a revered monk self-immolated in central Saigon, in protest of a repressive Diem regime in the 60's.
Visit Thien Mu Pagoda by boat then continue by boat to the less visited and perhaps most majestic of all of Hue's tombs - the tomb of Minh Mang. Built between 1841 and 1843, this tomb is well known for its harmonious blend of architecture and natural landscape, and is the ideal location for a picnic lunch.
Continue in the afternoon with Emperors of Contrasts combining visits to the tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. The hills surrounding Hue are dotted with the tombs of the Nguyen dynasty emperors. Built not only as an eternal resting place, the tombs were designed for recreation somewhere the Emperor could fish, hunt and enjoy the company of concubines in his twilight years. Visit first the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, resplendent in traditional architecture, paved walkways, resting pavilions overlooking tranquil lotus ponds, and a small forest for hunting. In stark contrast, continue to Khai Dinh's Tomb. Remembered as the 'Puppet Emperor' because of his affiliation with the French, this tomb was designed with colonial flair, and a glass mosaic frieze dominates the interior.
Overnight Hue
(Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 4: Hue departure
At leisure until your airport departure transfer.
(Breakfast)

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