Prices from £4,599 pp
Single Supplement £799
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"Embark on an unforgettable journey through Vietnam, where ancient traditions meet modern vibrancy and breathtaking landscapes captivate travelers from all around the globe. Discover why Vietnam is one of Asia's most sought-after destinations!" Image Credit - Temple of Literature Hanoi - Copyright Christian Berg
Meet your group leader and check-in for your flight from London to Hanoi. (overnight and indirect)
On arrival in Hanoi you will meet with your local guide and transfer to your hotel.
Your morning begins with a tour to the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum where you’ll hear all about the man whose name adorns the museum and his leadership of Vietnam’s campaign for independence from French colonial rule. Ho Chi Minh dedicated his life to the liberation of his country from foreign rule before passing away in 1969. His body has been preserved for later generations.
Next, visit the 11th century relic, the Temple of Literature, which was built in homage to the Chinese scholar Confucius.
You will then head over to the Old Quarter’s 36 streets, named for the products that were sold from their shops, where you’ll tour the streets on Cyclo - Vietnam’s famous Cyclo’s are three-wheeled cycle taxis and make for a great way to get around! Through the streets you’ll see the vendors on Tin and Bamboo Streets who still sell the same wares the street names suggest.
Finally, you’ll head over to St. Joseph's Cathedral, or known as “The Big Church” familiarly called by the locals. It is one of the first structures constructed by French colonists during their expansion in Indochina and is thankfully still intact in Hanoi after two fierce wars.
You will spend a whole day exploring Ninh Binh where history, natural wonders, and spiritual heritage converge.
You begin the journey in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu - the ancient capital of Vietnam.
Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Ninh Binh, Hoa Lu served as the political and cultural heartbeat of the nation during the Dinh and Early Lê dynasties in the 10th and 11th centuries. Here you can wander through the remnants of royal palaces, temples, and ancient gates, and immerse yourself in Vietnam's rich history and imperial past.
Following this historical odyssey, you will set sail on a boat trip along the enchanting Tam Coc, often referred to as the "Halong Bay on land." Marvel at Vietnam's natural beauty as limestone karsts and lush rice paddies unfold before you, creating a cinematic backdrop. Our day concludes with a visit to Phat Diem Church, a masterpiece of Vietnamese religious architecture. This unique cathedral, blending Vietnamese, European, and Chinese architectural elements, stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of diverse cultural influences.
Today you will dive into Nam Dinh's Catholic history, a place filled with old buildings and unique-designed churches. Start your day visiting a local family that's been working with brass instruments since the time of the French occupation.
Visit the ancient Tile-roof Bridge of Luong Pagoda, an old structure with stories about Vietnam's cultural legacy. Then, you will head to Kien Lao Church - a place for villagers to pay tribute to the merits of Saint Trieu Viet Vuong and his two brothers.
Our next stop is the Bishop's Palace of Bui Chu, an old house with a lot of religious history. It is one of the oldest churches in Vietnam with more than 100 years of history.
After lunch, you will visit the Church of Mary, a recently renovated church with a beautiful wooden structure, making it a great place for some quiet thinking. Finish the day at Hung Nghia Church, a unique spot that blends impressive architecture and spiritual ambiance.
After a day of learning about Vietnam's Christian history, you return to Ninh Binh.
This morning you will transfer to the UNESCO heritage Halong Bay. Which means 'where the dragon descends into the sea'.
After your transfer step into a world of maritime enchantment as you board the ship, you are welcomed with a refreshing drink which sets the tone for an unforgettable journey through Halong Bay.
Indulge in a delightful buffet lunch at the onboard restaurant. Ti Top Island beckons, offering the choice of a refreshing swim in the crystalline waters or a mountain climbing expedition for breathtaking panoramic views of Ha Long Bay.
As the sun begins its descent, savour French-style Crêpes on the Sundeck, adding a touch of culinary delight to your Halong Bay experience.
As the evening progresses, immerse yourself in the art of crafting spring rolls against the backdrop of the slowly setting sun over the Bay.
Indulge in Canapés on the Sundeck, a prelude to a sumptuous dinner served at the restaurant.
Indulge in a serene morning ritual as tea, coffee, and delectable cakes are elegantly served aboard. Immerse yourself in tranquillity with a rejuvenating yoga class held on the ship in the early morning.
Afterwards, you will begin exploring the Sung Sot Cave relic. You board a small boat and join a guided tour to delve into the mesmerizing expanse of this cave, nestled within the captivating Ha Long Bay cave complex.
You check out this morning and relish a delightful brunch at the ship's restaurant, a culinary experience that adds a touch of indulgence to your morning.
As the cruise navigates back to the port, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of iconic andmarks such as Hon Trong Mai, Dinh Huong, and the magnificent limestone mountains. This scenic return journey becomes a perfect conclusion to your Halong Bay exploration.
You will then transfer you back to Hanoi’s airport for your flight to Hue. On arrival into Hue, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. You then enjoy a delicious royal dining experience with traditional music at Hoang Phu Restaurant.
Today explore Hue’s dynastical past on a full-day tour. Begin with a visit to the former capital of the Nguyen Dynasty at the Imperial City, modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. The Imperial City is home to a number of palaces, temples which, although a number had been destroyed during war and conflict, have been restored to their former glory. You will then be invited to a delightful teahouse. Here, tea leaves undergo a unique process, resting overnight within pristine white lotus blossoms.
After your visit to the Citadel, take a short journey to the surrounding countryside where you will visit the Royal Tombs of two previous emperors before taking a short boat ride on the Perfume River to see the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda.
Then you will visit Minh Mang Tomb, you will find it exciting to know more about the kings of the Nguyen Dynasty. You then return to your hotel.
Transfer by road to Hoi An, south of Hue. Your journey will take you over the scenic Hai Van Pass, the most scenic stretch of coastal road in Vietnam.
Indulge in a truly exquisite dining experience with our Private BBQ dinner at the enchanting Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort and Spa. Set against the backdrop of the Ocean, this exclusive culinary journey promises an evening of culinary delight.
To kick off this gastronomic adventure, our starters showcase the vibrant and crisp essence of Vietnamese cuisine.
A delightful array awaits, featuring a refreshing fresh salad brimming with locally sourced ingredients and meticulously crafted spring rolls. The journey continues with a taste of tradition as we present an aromatic broth that captures the essence of Vietnam's culinary heritage.
Prepare for a seafood lover's paradise as the centrepiece of the evening unfolds – a succulent Seafood BBQ. Grilled to perfection, an array of fresh catches from local waters takes centre stage. As the night draws to a close, finish with some fresh tropical fruit.
Amidst the luxurious ambience of the Victoria Hoi An Resort and Spa, our Private BBQ dinner promises not only a feast for the senses but also an unforgettable evening of culinary excellence in a captivating setting.
Hoi An Ancient Town’s impeccable preservation has earned its recognition as a UNESCO heritage site. On today’s walking tour you will gain an insight into the kaleidoscope of cultures that have shaped this former port city and what keeps it thriving today.
Your guide will start by taking you to the iconic 16th Century Japanese covered bridge with pagoda (Chùa Cầu). If you are experiencing déjà vu, this bridge is an important symbol of Vietnam’s history and is featured on the 20,000VND note. You will then come to learn the history behind the bridge's origin and how it still functions as a place of worship today.
Meandering through the Ancient town towards our next stop your guide will help you to recognise all the cultures that have influenced the designs of the building, both indigenous and foreign.
You will then get the opportunity to go into one of Hoi An’s ancient homes where you will meet the 14th generation still living in this house.
From vibrant past to bright future, you will finish our tour by understanding the current state of Tailoring within the town and its importance for local businesses. For any guests wishing to have clothes tailored for themselves picking the right one can be quite a daunting task. Our guide will be able to show you a shop where the tailoring is high quality, and the owner has founded a guide school to help those without the financial means to begin a career within the industry.
You will have dinner at Rêu Restaurant. Dining at Rêu is a chance to immerse yourself in charming heritage and spirited artistry. They serve cuisines with ingredients picked from their own gardens. Prepared with attention to nature and by internationally trained local chefs. Visiting Rêu is a return to Hoi An’s peaceful soul.
You will be transferred by road to the airport for your onward flight to Ho Chi Minh.
Upon arrival into Ho Chi Minh, you will be transferred you to your hotel to check-in.
Depart from your hotel and travel about 90 kilometres to the town of Tay Ninh.
Here you will explore the home of the unique Cao Dai sect, a religion that scholars describe as a hybrid of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Christianity. Patron saints include Joan of Arc, Victor Hugo and Winston Churchill to name a few!
Built in 1941, the temple is a kaleidoscope of colour, with brightly painted walls, mosaic tiled pillars and religious icons throughout. Today about two million Vietnamese follow the religion, and smaller Cao Dai temples are scattered throughout the southern part of the country.
After a Vietnamese lunch, you’ll travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels, which formed an underground city for Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. The tunnels stretched more than 250km from Saigon to the Cambodian border and were in some places three stories deep. Today they still contain the remains of an American tank and some craters made by American B52 bombers - glimpses into a bloody war that killed an estimated 58,000 Americans and 3 million Vietnamese. In the late afternoon, head back to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Start your day trip with a visit to Tan Dinh church, The Tan Dinh Pink Church in Ho Chi Minh City was built in 1876 and is 60 meters high. This makes it the second largest church in Ho Chi Minh City, after Notre Dame Cathedral. The colour and location make this one of the most unique churches in Vietnam.
Next, visit Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, aka Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica or Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception, is a symbol and one of the most famous Saigon attractions in the financial hub of Vietnam.
As one of the most famous attractions in Ho Chi Minh City, this long-age cathedral attracts not only Catholics but also tourists and the locals of other religions because of its sacred atmosphere and magnificent structured beauty.
Continue our journey and visit the Reunification Palace, once a symbol of the South Vietnamese Government. It was here on 30 April 1975, that the war ended when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates. See the war room, the banquet hall and the presidential office with the unusual gifts which have been received.
Next you are driven to the city’s Central Post Office, which was designed by the renowned French architect Alfred Foulhoux.
In the afternoon continue on to the War Remnants Museum. Here, your guide will tell the story of the city’s darkest and most tragic hours during the Vietnam War. The museum contains displays of military aircraft, weaponry and many photographs - some that are quite graphic in nature.
Transfer from the hotel to the airport. Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to London (0vernight and indirect).
The cost of this pilgrimage is from £4,599 per person and includes most expenses.
Flights are currently out of date range and subject to availability. As soon as flights are released, we will contact you with the flight details.
Your pilgrimage includes two nights in Hanoi, two nights in Ninh Bình, one night cruising the Halong Bay, 2 nights in Hue, two nights in Hoi An and three nights in Ho Chi Minh City.
All transfers and tours stated within the itinerary are included. A national English-speaking tour guide will be with you throughout Vietnam. Meals are included as stated within the itinerary. Tips and donations are also included.
Please ensure that we have your full name (as per your passport) correct address, email address and contact telephone numbers as soon as your booking is confirmed. We will need your passport details no later than ten weeks before departure.
TRAVELLING ALONE
A limited number of single rooms are available for a supplement of £799 per person.
SPECIAL REQUESTS
Special diets, medical conditions and other requests should be noted at the time of booking.
SECURING YOUR PLACE
A £500 per person non-refundable deposit is payable now with the balance due twelve weeks prior to departure. Final details will be confirmed
in your final travel details two weeks prior to departure.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
This is essential. We require all travellers to have adequate cancellation and medical coverage for their journey. We recommend the policy with Holiday Extras who offer a comprehensive policy as well as yearly policies that also cover short UK overnight stays.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS / VISAS
You can visit Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days for tourism. If you transfer from an international flight to a domestic flight in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you must go through immigration and enter Vietnam. You must do this even if your final destination is outside Vietnam.
PASSPORTS
To enter Vietnam, your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months from the date you arrive in Vietnam. Your passport must have at least two blank pages. Make sure you get your passport stamped and check the visa expiry date written in your passport is correct before leaving border control. If it is wrong, you could be accused of overstaying.
VACCINATIONS
Travellers should be up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK. Please contact your GP for further medical advice and whether vaccinations are required for travel to Vietnam.
MCCABE PILGRIMAGES
McCabe Travel is a company well-known in church circles and recognised as Britain’s foremost religious tour operator. McCabe has been responsible for organising hundreds of pilgrimages to the Bible Lands with churches from all over Britain for 40 years. The company is a member of AITO and is fully bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority.
OUR TEAM IN VIETNAM
Each day will also be escorted by our knowledgeable local guides who will also offer local advice, hints and tips for you to get maximum enjoyment of your time with us. They will be with you daily. Your Tour Leader will be available to offer worship and reflection throughout the pilgrimage.
THE MCCABE EDUCATIONAL TRUST
The McCabe Educational Trust is an independent registered charity with the aim of helping inspiring people we meet on pilgrimage in the Holy Land. McCabe Pilgrimages invite all travellers to become partners in this work. A £20 voluntary donation to the Trust’s work is added to every pilgrim’s invoice and all money raised in this way is given in full to the projects the Trust supports. This scheme is voluntary and confidential with nobody put under any pressure to participate.
FINANCIAL SECURITY
All monies paid are fully protected through McCabe’s membership of the ABTOT bonding scheme. In addition, McCabe are also members of the Association of Independent Tour Operators and abide by the Association’s code of conduct. This pilgrimage is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. The McCabe ATOL number is 2920. McCabe is also a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators and abides by the Association’s code of conduct.
HOLIDAY INSURANCE
Ensuring that your holidays are appropriately protected is one of our main priories. That’s why we have partnered with Holiday Extras so you can get a travel insurance policy to protect you before and whilst you are travelling. Holiday Extras Cover Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and has been independently rated 5-stars by Defaqto.
For more information or to obtain a quote, please click here, www.holidayextras.com. Or call them on 0800 083 3551 to speak to a friendly advisor.
AITO QUALITY STATEMENT
McCabe Pilgrimages is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. The Association represents Britain's leading independent tour operators and encourages high standards of quality and service. McCabe abides by the Association's Code of Conduct and adheres to the AITO Quality Charter which can be viewed on www.aito.co.uk. Visit the website to find out more about the Association or call 020 8744 9280. This pilgrimage is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority.
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