Hanoi (Ha Long Bay)

During your voyage, enjoy a rare opportunity to explore the world’s most fascinating destinations in small, private groups, with knowledgeable guides to help you discover off –the-beaten- path gems. On an Overland Program, you’ll disembark the ship for one-night or more to enjoy a more authentic insider’s view, experiencing firsthand the colorful cultures, dramatic landscapes and exquisite landmarks before rejoining your ship.

Hanoi, Vietnam's small elegant capital, lies on the banks of the Red River and offers a wealth of historical and spiritual sights to explore. Founded in 1010, modern-day Hanoi is a city of contrasts, with European-looking gardens, compact neighborhoods of narrow "tube- houses" and French-inspired architecture - all collaborating to give Hanoi a noticeable charm. On this overnight excursion enjoy ample time to discover this amazing city, and recognize its political and historical importance.

Day 1:

Departing the port at Halong Bay, drive through the peaceful countryside (approximately 2.5 hours + restroom stop), catching glimpses of everyday rural life: seemingly endless rice fields dotted with colorful billboard advertisements, small villages bustling with activity, and farmers in cone-shaped hats.

In Hanoi, transfer to the old quarters. Once known as the ancient merchants' quarter, you will have some time to explore the maze of narrow streets and back lanes, lined with colorful stalls and street vendors. Drive past the Hoan Kiem Lake where you will see a tiny island in the middle of the lake on which is perched the Ngoc Son temple dedicated to Tran Hung Dao, a hero who fought against the Mongolian troops in the 13th Century. The lake is also known as the Lake of the Restored Sword, and you will hear from your guide the legend that is the origin of this name.

Next transfer to a local restarurant for dinner. Your evening then continues at a local theater where you will be entertained by an engaging water puppet show accompanied by traditional string instruments. Created to amuse the kings of the Ly Dynasty in the 11th Century, water puppets are an art form unique to Vietnam.

Return to your hotel for check in and overnight.

Day 2:

Following breakfast at the hotel, begin your in-depth exploration of Hanoi with a drive to Ba Dinh Square and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Completed in 1975, the government positioned the massive, three-story structure with grey granite colonnades, on the historical site where President Ho Chi Minh declared independence for Vietnam in 1945. After a photo opportunity at the Soviet-style mausoleum, walk to the picturesque One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh Stilt House where Ho Chi Minh lived between 1958 and 1969.

Next, visit the graceful Temple of Literature, built in 1070 to honor the Chinese philosopher Confucius. Surrounded by serene gardens, the temple is an excellent and well-preserved example of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Continuing on from the Temple of Literature, it's an interesting journey through the city's colorful side streets, glimpsing everyday life in Hanoi.

Leaving the temple, a short stop will be made at the infamous Hanoi Hilton (Hoa Lo Prison) built by the French in 1896, and where many US POWs were held during the Vietnam War.

Next you will visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda which is located next to Wets Lake. This Pagoda is considered to be a cultural symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism partly because it is the oldest pagoda and is situated in the center of the capital of Vietnam but more importantly, unlike other ordinary pagodas, Tran Quoc Pagoda was built in a very intricate way. Behind the worshipping shrine is the Buddhist trinity followed by corridors, ten shrines and the belfry. Inside the pagoda, there are many valuable statues, such as the red lac statue which is trimmed with gold.

After stopping for lunch at a local restaurant you will visit the Museum of Minority Ethnics with its extensive displays dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic minority peoples.

Your trip concludes with the drive back to Halong Bay and the ship.

Please note: Clothing needs to cover knees and shoulders. There will be a few occasions when shoes will need to be removed. Photography and video is not allowed in certain areas of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. Note that it is not possible to enter the mausoleum on Monday’s and Friday’s. The order of sightseeing places may be reversed to avoid congestion and closing time.

Land Program Step by Step:

Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details and the timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments

DAY ONE

2:15pm Drive to Hanoi with comfort stop en route

6:00pm Visit Ha Noi old quarters

6:15pm Walk in the old quarter

7:00pm Dinner at local restaurant (includes on soft drink or local beer)

8:10pm Depart for Water Puppet Theatre

8:25pm Enjoy the water puppet show

9:25pm Drive back to hotel

9:45pm Check in with the remainder of the evening at your leisure

Overnight at the Daewoo Hotel in Hanoi or similar hotel

DAY TWO

AM Breakfast at the hotel and check out

7:30am Drive to Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum

8:00am Visit Ho Chi Minh Stilt House and One-Pillar Pagoda

9:00am Drive to the Temple of Literature

9:15am Visit the Temple of Literature

10:15am Drive to Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton)

10:30am Visit inside Hoa Lo

11:30am Drive to Tran Quoc Pagoda

11:45am Visit inside Tran Quoc Pagoda

12:30pm Drive to restaurant for lunch

12:45pm Lunch

1:45pm Depart for the museum of Ethnic minorities

2:15pm Visit inside the museum

3:15pm Drive back to the ship in Ha Long Bay with comfort stop en route

6:00pm Approximate arrival at the port and re-board the ship

Expected Weather: 25-30 C

What to Bring: Casual clothes, a hat, sunscreen, good walking shoes

Currency: USD or local Vietnam Dong

Electricity: 220 Volts. We suggest bringing a travel adaptor for electronic devices

Luggage: one overnight handbag per person

Documents and Visa Requirements: Passports are required

Accommodation:

Daewoo Hotel in Hanoi

360 Kim Mã, Ng?c Khánh, Ba Ðình, Hà N?i, Vietnam

Phone: +84 24 3831 5000

We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required they will be of equal ratings and standards and guests will be notified in advance.

Program Includes:

*One night at the Daewoo Hotel in Hanoi – standard double room

*One breakfast, one lunch & one dinner at local restaurants. Lunch and dinner include one local beer, or 1 soft drink, or 1 mineral water.

*Mineral water in all hotel rooms and on tour buses

*All transfers and sightseeing as indicated in program

*English-speaking guide

*Entrance fees

*Water puppet show

Not Included:

*Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service

*Gratuities to drivers and guides

*Any meals or beverages not listed above

*Personal Expenses

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.

Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.