Beijing

Welcome to China! After completing border and customs formalities, an assistant will be waiting for you to provide essential information and accompany you on the transfer from the airport to the hotel. Enjoy some free time upon arrival.

06:30 p.m. - We’ll meet our guide and fellow travelers in the hotel reception area. Then, we’ll set out to explore the city. We’ll take a transfer to Wangfujing Street, a lively pedestrian and commercial area filled with shops and restaurants. Dinner will be included, followed by a return to the hotel.

Beijing

07:30 a.m. - An exciting day awaits us as we explore the highlights of China’s capital. We’ll enjoy a full-day guided tour, starting with a walk through the immense Tiananmen Square, one of the largest squares in the world. From here, we’ll admire the Great National Theater, also known as the Beijing Opera House.

Next, we’ll visit the majestic Forbidden City, the most impressive architectural complex in China, where 24 emperors ruled for nearly 500 years. We’ll also visit Jingshan Park, home to Coal Hill, one of Beijing’s best-preserved imperial gardens. Climbing to the top of the hill, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Forbidden City—weather permitting.

Lunch will be included.

In the afternoon, we’ll experience local life with a tricycle ride through the traditional Hutong neighborhoods, where we can observe daily life, visit charming shops, and step inside a Siheyuan, a traditional courtyard house.

We’ll then conclude our tour with a visit to the stunning Summer Palace, the former imperial retreat of the Qing Dynasty, renowned for its exquisite gardens and tranquil lakes.

06:30 p.m. - Tour ends. You may return to the hotel by bus or choose to stay in the city center (in which case, the return to the hotel will be at your own expense. We recommend carrying the hotel’s address written in Chinese to show the taxi driver).

Note: Due to heritage conservation measures and enhanced visitor safety, the governing body of the Forbidden City has temporarily reduced daily visitor capacity. As a result, we cannot guarantee access to this site. If the visit is not possible, it will be replaced with a tour of the Confucius Temple and the Lama Temple, both iconic landmarks in Chinese history and culture.

Beijing - Shanghai

We’ll take an excursion to the Great Wall at the Mutianyu section, a spectacular architectural masterpiece whose history spans more than 2,000 years. We’ll ride the cable car up and down to access the Wall (tickets included). We’ll bid farewell to Beijing with a delicious lunch included, featuring the famous Peking duck. Afterward, we’ll transfer to the train station to board a high-speed train bound for Shanghai. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to the hotel for check-in and overnight stay.

Shanghai

08:30 a.m. - This morning, we’ll explore the highlights of this fascinating city.

Our tour will begin in Pudong, Shanghai’s striking financial district, located across the Huangpu River. We’ll admire its futuristic skyline, including the iconic Pearl Tower, and take a stroll along the elevated walkways, offering breathtaking views of the modern skyscrapers.

Next, we’ll board a local ferry to cross the river, allowing us to take in Shanghai’s impressive cityscape from the water while observing daily life along the bustling waterfront.

Upon arrival, we’ll explore the Bund, home to a collection of grand 19th-century European-style buildings, a striking contrast to the modern skyline of Pudong.

Our tour will continue in Shanghai’s Old City, where we’ll visit the Yuyuan Garden, a beautiful private garden built during the Ming Dynasty. Here, we’ll also experience a traditional tea ceremony, an integral part of Chinese culture.

We’ll then pass through Xintiandi, one of the city’s most fashionable districts, known for its blend of historical charm and modern elegance.

Lunch will be included.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit Tianzifang, a former residential area famous for its narrow, labyrinth-like streets, lined with artisanal shops, trendy boutiques, and art galleries.

We’ll conclude our tour with a final stroll along the Bund, appreciating its historical architecture and the European influence on the city’s past.

06:30 p.m. - Our tour will come to an end. You may return to the hotel by bus or choose to stay in the city center (if so, return to the hotel will be at your own expense. We recommend carrying the hotel’s address written in Chinese to show the taxi driver).

Shanghai - Kunming

Transfer to the airport to board a flight (included) to Kunming, the capital of the Yunnan region. After completing immigration and customs formalities, meet our assistant in the airport arrivals area. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Kunming – Stone Forest – Kunming

Total distance covered: 192 km
Scenery: It changes very gradually until we reach a unique geological area with spectacular karst scenery. Along the way, there are many crops, greenhouses, orchards, and small villages with low houses and light-colored roofs.
Important Note: Wear comfortable shoes and keep your passport handy, as it is required for entry to the Stone Forest.

8:15 a.m. – Kunming – Departure.
9:30 a.m. – Stone Forest (admission included) – Arrival at this UNESCO Natural Heritage Site to admire one of China’s most impressive natural sceneries, formed by spectacular karst formations rising like stone needles and towers among pathways, lakes, and vegetation. Lunch included during the visit.

2:00 p.m. – Stone Forest – Departure.
3:30 p.m. – Kunming – Arrival and city tour. We will visit Yuantong Temple (admission included), Kunming’s most important Buddhist temple, featuring ponds, ancient halls, and a serene atmosphere. We continue to Green Lake Park, a lively park filled with water lilies, bridges, music, and plenty of local life. At the Zhuanxin Farmers’ Market—an old and traditional market—we will experience a truly authentic atmosphere. We finish in the lively Kunming Laojie Old District, the historical and cultural heart of the city. This vibrant pedestrian area blends traditional architecture with modern commerce. Return to the hotel and accommodation.

Kunming - Luang Prabang.-

Total distance covered: 1,000 km
Scenery: Mountains, tropical valleys, and rural scenery of extraordinary beauty, with long tunnels and elevated sections.
Important Note: Please make sure you have all documents required to exit China and enter Laos: passport, visa, and Yellow Fever certificate (required by authorities depending on your country of origin). The train journey is done without an accompanying guide. We will have to get off the train twice for border controls. It is always the same train, and we keep the same seat from Kunming all the way to Luang Prabang.

9:45 a.m. – Kunming – Departure from the hotel.
10:15 a.m. – Kunming Railway Station – Arrival.
10:55 a.m. – Departure on the high-speed train (included) connecting Kunming with the Laotian city of Luang Prabang. We will travel more than 1,000 kilometers in approximately eight hours (not counting immigration control stops). This is one of the most modern international railway routes in Asia.

3:20 p.m. – Mohan (China) – Arrival at the first border control. We must get off the train with all our belongings for China’s exit passport control. Reboard the train afterward. We must set our clocks back one hour before entering Laos.

2:40 p.m. – Mohan – Departure.
3:00 p.m. – Boten (Laos) – Arrival at the second border control. Welcome to Laos! We again get off the train with all our belongings for Laos entry passport control. Reboard the train afterward.

3:50 p.m. – Boten – Departure.
7:10 p.m. – Luang Prabang – Arrival, meet our guide, and transfer to the hotel. Nestled between green mountains and along the majestic Mekong River, this city is a jewel of Southeast Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Luang Prabang.-

Total distance covered: 60 km

8:00 a.m. – City tour of the former royal capital, a place that captivates with its golden temples, colonial streets, and the living spirituality of monks at dawn. We begin the visit at the Royal Palace, now the National Museum, where the treasures of the ancient Kingdom of Laos are preserved. Just a short walk away, we admire the elegance of Wat Mai Temple, with its five-tiered roof and delicate golden decorations. Afterwards, we visit Wat Xieng Thong (Temple of the Golden City), the most important Buddhist monument in Laos and a jewel of Laotian architecture, featuring roofs that slope almost to the ground and dazzling mosaics.

12:40 p.m. – Luang Prabang – Departure from the pier for a boat trip along the Mekong River, observing local life flowing along its banks. Lunch included on board.
2:40 p.m. – Pak Ou Caves – Arrival and admission included to these sacred caves, home to thousands of Buddha statues hidden within the rock.

3:40 p.m. – Pak Ou Caves – Departure. Return by road to Luang Prabang. Stop in the village of Ban Xang Khong, well known for cotton and silk weaving.
5:45 p.m. – Luang Prabang – Arrival at the hotel.

Note: The ascent of Mount Phousi has become extremely popular. We recommend visiting on your own during the day (not at sunset, as it is often too crowded to enjoy the views).

Luang Prabang – Living Land Farm – Laos Buffalo Dairy – Kuang Si Waterfalls – Luang Prabang

Total distance covered: 90 km

Scenery: Traditional wooden houses with thatched roofs surrounded by rice paddies. Lush vegetation that becomes even more impressive as we approach the Kuang Si Waterfalls.

Important note: We recommend bringing a swimsuit and towel if you wish to swim at the waterfalls.

5:30 AM – Early morning departure from the hotel to attend the Tak Bat ceremony, a deeply spiritual ritual. At dawn, barefoot Buddhist monks dressed in saffron-colored robes walk in single file through the city streets, carrying wicker baskets to receive food offerings from local residents. Visit to a local market, followed by a return to the hotel.

7:00 AM – Arrival at the hotel. Breakfast and a short rest.

8:30 AM – Departure from the hotel. The experience continues through green fields and authentic local flavors.

9:15 AM – Living Land Farm (entrance included). Arrival at the farm, where we will take part in traditional rural life and discover the entire rice cultivation process.

9:45 AM – Living Land Farm. Departure.

10:15 AM – Laos Buffalo Dairy (entrance included). Arrival at this sustainable project, where we will interact with the animals and sample handcrafted cheeses made from locally sourced buffalo milk.

12:00 PM – Laos Buffalo Dairy. Departure.

12:15 PM – Kuang Si Waterfalls (entrance included). Nature amazes us with this spectacular multi-tiered waterfall system that flows into turquoise pools, perfect for swimming. Surrounded by tropical jungle and natural trails, it offers an idyllic and refreshing setting to enjoy nature and tranquility.
Lunch included at a local restaurant.

3:00 PM – Kuang Si Waterfalls. Departure.

3:40 PM – Luang Prabang. Arrival at the hotel and short free time.

5:30 PM – Transfer to a local ceremony. Arrival at a local home to participate in the traditional Baci ceremony, during which the officiant calls back the spirits to attract positive influences. A white cotton string is then tied around participants’ wrists as a symbol of prosperity and good luck. You will have the privilege of taking part in this sacred experience.
Dinner included. Return to the hotel at the end of the day.

Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng – Phoxay- Vang Vieng.-

Total distance covered: 235 km

Scenery: Some of the most beautiful landscapes in Laos, featuring spectacular rock formations and abundant vegetation. Lush nature and traditional rural life.

Important note: Please keep your passport handy, as it will be required for train access.

9:00 AM – Luang Prabang. Departure from the hotel and transfer to the train station located outside the city.

9:30 AM – Train station. Arrival and check-in procedures.

10:30 AM – Luang Prabang. Departure by train (included) to Vang Vieng, a town surrounded by impressive karst formations and rice fields. In just one hour, we will travel the nearly 200 km that separate the two cities.

11:35 AM – Vang Vieng. Arrival and lunch included at a local restaurant. This destination is a small paradise in the heart of Laos, offering untamed nature, postcard-perfect scenery, hidden caves, and unforgettable sunsets over the Nam Song River.

1:30 PM – Vang Vieng. Departure.

2:00 PM – Phoxay. Arrival at this point, where we leave the vehicle to begin an approximately 1.5-hour hike. The walk starts in the small Hmong village of Ban Phathao. Along the way, we cross lush green rice paddies and follow shaded paths beneath towering trees, encountering local villagers as we go. We reach the Elephant Cave Temple and sacred cave on foot.

Note: During the rainy season, the walking portion will be replaced by a vehicle transfer from Ban Phathao village to the Elephant Cave.

3:50 PM – Phoxay. Departure by road to Vang Vieng.

4:20 PM – Vang Vieng. Arrival at the hotel and free time to rest.

6:30 PM – Transfer to a viewpoint to enjoy the sunset from an elevated terrace. One drink is included while you take in the sunset. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

Note: Departure times may vary depending on sunset times throughout the year.

Vang Vieng – Angel Cave – Vientiane

Total distance covered: 140 km

Scenery: Karst mountains and green hills alternate with stretches of open plains, creating a striking contrast. Farmland and rural villages dot the landscape.

Important note: We recommend an early-morning hot air balloon ride in Vang Vieng to admire the spectacular scenery from above. Comfortable footwear is recommended for walking along the trails inside Angel Cave.

8:00 am – Vang Vieng. Departure.

8:20 am – Angel Cave (entrance included), also locally known as Tham Nang Faa. Surrounded by karst mountains and tropical vegetation, this cave complex features impressive caverns with stalactites, stalagmites, and a surprising open-air hidden chamber.

9:45 am – Angel Cave. Departure via the new highway toward the south of the country and the capital.

11:45 am – Vientiane. Arrival in a city that offers a charming blend of history, spirituality, and a relaxed lifestyle. City tour begins with a visit to That Luang Temple (entrance included), an imposing golden stupa built in the 16th century and the most sacred site in Vientiane, often frequented by local pilgrims.

We then explore the city center to see the Patuxay Monument, built in memory of those who died during Laos’ war of independence from France.
Lunch is included at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we continue to Wat Sisaket (entrance included), home to thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Just across the street, we visit the neighboring Wat Phra Keo (entrance included), which houses an impressive collection of Lao and Khmer religious art.

We conclude the day with a visit to COPE (entrance included), offering a powerful and deeply human experience. Through interactive exhibits, videos, and firsthand testimonies, this center reveals the consequences of the tragic legacy of Laos as one of the most heavily bombed countries in the world during the Vietnam War.

5:00 pm – Arrival at the hotel and overnight stay.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.