Your Mekong adventure begins with a visit in bustling Saigon, where you spend time exploring the city and visiting the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network of tunnels.
From here, board your charming boat for your cruise along the Mekong where you get insight into the lives of the people who live along the banks and on the river. Throughout your eight-day cruise, you will visit many different villages along the way. Highlights include shopping at floating markets and meeting local children at a primary school. You’ll visit architectural treasures such as the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. And you’ll pass through gorgeous emerald rice paddies as you leave the river behind you.
If you are traveling in the right season, you’ll also visit Chnok Tru, a self-sufficient remote village that rarely sees tourists. The village includes a floating school, church, pagoda, gas station, bar, police station, and even ice factories.
Once off the boat, you’ll spend two days in Siem Reap, exploring Angkor Temples and ruins.
Read More
Our guide in Siem Reap was excellent. He navigated the crowds at the temples very well, managing to keep us out of them. He was also educational, giving us the right amount of information at the right times.
Zona S.
On arrival at the airport in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll meet your local guide who will assist with your transfer to your centrally-located hotel. The rest of the day is yours free to relax and begin your adjustment to the local time zone.
Meals
None
Lodging
Grand Hotel or similar
BDay 2Cu Chi Tunnels & Historical Sites
Head out of town with your guide to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels. Cu Chi is actually the name of the district that covers an extensive underground network of tunnels (approx. 200 km / 125 mi) dug initially by the Viet Minh, and later expanded by the Viet Cong. The tunnels contained hospitals, accommodations, and schools. They were used extensively for refuge and storage, and also as a military base for the Viet Cong close to Saigon. The 1968 Tet Offensive was launched from Cu Chi with surprising effect. A section of the tunnels has been widened to allow tourists to get a feel for what life underground must have been like.
After, return to Ho Chi Minh City where you spend the afternoon exploring Saigon’s historic landmarks, including the Reunification Palace and its striking modern architecture, the War Remnants Museum, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. This visit allows you to admire many French colonial buildings such as the main post office and the former Hotel de Ville (city hall). Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Grand Hotel or similar
CDay 3Mekong River Cruise
You’ll have some free time in the morning before your transfer to the pier where you board the Toum Tiou boat and embark on a cruise through the Mekong Delta and along the Mekong River to Cambodia. Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink and a briefing on the cruise. This will be followed by a delicious welcome dinner.
The Toum Tiou is a mid-range passenger boat with a low draft giving it the ability to access the more remote villages that see very few travelers and without western influences. The boat was designed with passenger privacy, comfort, and safety in mind. Each of the 10 double cozy cabins are about 130 square feet with a large panoramic window for clear views of the river and include a private bathroom, a/c, mini-safe, spacious closet, and hair-dryer.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging
Toum Tiou Boat or similar
DDay 4Mekong Delta
While enjoying a hearty breakfast, the boat will navigate the canal of Cho Gao to My Tho. Here, the boat drops anchor in the proximity of Thoi Son Island. Local boats will pull up alongside the main boat to pick you up and transfer you to the mainland. Spend some time exploring Vinh Trang Pagoda by vehicle and enjoy a short panoramic tour of My Tho and a local market.
Return to the main boat and continue cruising to Cai Be while having lunch. On arrival in Cai Be, you’ll take another local boat to the floating market and surrounding areas. Next, stop in Vinh Long (Majestic Dragon), located right in the heart of the Delta, between two arms of the Mekong. Here, you’ll visit a brick and pottery factory, the Binh Hoa Phuoc Islet fruit tree nursery, and a typical home with traditional farm tools on display. Return to the boat for dinner and overnight. The boat sets sail for Sa Dec.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Toum Tiou Boat or similar
EDay 5Chau Doc
After breakfast, visit the Trung Vuong primary school before continuing on to Kien An Cung Pagoda. You’ll take a stroll around the Sa Dec Market along the riverbank. This small city is home to 30,000 people and is quite fascinating. It receives few tourists and therefore is a great place to get insight into the daily lives of those who make the Mekong Delta their home.
You’ll then return to the boat and head for Chau Doc while enjoying lunch on board. On arrival in Chau Doc, you’ll board a local boat and visit the fish farms and a minority village. Time permitting, watch the sunset on the Sam Mountain (777 ft) and visit the Lady Chua Xu Temple and Tay An Pagoda.
Return to the boat for dinner and overnight.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Toum Tiou Boat or similar
FDay 6Cross into Cambodia
The boat departs early in the morning for Vinh Xuong at the Vietnamese border while you have breakfast. On arrival at Vinh Xuong check-point, you’ll clear formalities and cross into Cambodia. After lunch on board, you’ll arrive in Phnom Penh, which translates to “Penh’s Hill”, and enjoy some time in the capital. Dinner and overnight will be on board the boat.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Toum Tiou Boat or similar
GDay 7Phnom Penh
Today’s land excursion in Phnom Penh takes you on a visit to the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the Russian Market. Return to the boat for lunch and then you’ll have the remainder of the day for free exploration on own.
While not the most uplifting destination, we suggest visiting Toul Sleng, the old detention center where torture and executions took place between 1975 and 1979. A visit to this place is essential to understanding what could be the sheer madness perpetrated by the Khmer Rouge.
Return to the boat around 7:00 pm where you have the treat of watching a traditional “Apsara” performance. Dinner and overnight onboard the boat.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Toum Tiou Boat or similar
HDay 8Koh Chen & Kampong Tralach Villages
Today the boat navigates its way to Koh Chen, where you take a land excursion to a village of craftsmen that specialize in silver-making. Around 11:30am, return to the boat for lunch and continue on to Kampong Tralach. Here, you’ll visit the village’s wonderful Vihara belonging to Wat Kampong Tralach Leu Pagoda. To get there, you’ll cross Kampong Tralach Krom village along a small road perpendicular to the river, passing some gorgeous stretches of emerald rice paddy as you leave the river behind. The Vihara dates back to early 20th century but was probably built on an older site, as indicated by the latérite foundations. The Pagoda is home to some outstanding mural paintings, though they are starting to suffer from weathering. You return to the boat around 6:00pm for dinner while the boat drops anchor a few miles away.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Toum Tiou Boat or similar
IDay 9Kampong Chnang & Chnok Tru
The boat sets sail early this morning to Kampong Chnang while you have breakfast. Located some 56 miles from Phnom Penh, this town is one of the largest fishing ports on the Tonle Sap Lake and is famous for its pottery. The pottery methods they use have been unchanged for many centuries, and this area supplies the entire country with pottery. In addition, the area is known for producing products of the Thnot tree (sugar palm), a mellow tasting caramel-colored sugar sold in large cakes and palm wine.
Return to the boat for lunch while the boat sails to Chnok Tru. Here, you’ll take a local boat to visit this remote village, which is overlooked by most tourists due to its inaccessibility. The village is completely self-sufficient with its own floating school, church, pagoda, gas stations, stores, bar, police station, and even factories to make ice and keep the fresh fish cold. You’ll return to the boat, which drops anchor nearby, while you enjoy a farewell cocktail with the Captain followed by dinner.
NOTE: The visit to Chnok Tru is only available during the high water season, which runs from July to December. Cruises operating between January and June will not visit Chnok Tru and just spend more time relaxing aboard the boat.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Toum Tiou Boat or similar
JDay 10Arrive Siem Reap
HIGH WATER SEASON SCHEDULE: After breakfast, you’ll have some time to pack your bags and relax while crossing the Tonle Sap Lake to the Phnom Krom Pier. You’ll say good-bye to the boat crew and meet up with your local guide who will assist with the transfer to your centrally located hotel in Siem Reap.
LOW WATER SEASON SCHEDULE: After breakfast, a chartered speedboat will meet the boat passengers and take you across the lake to the Chnok Tru floating village. You’ll continue on to the Phnom Krom Pier and meet your local guide who will assist with the transfer to your centrally located hotel in Siem Reap.
In the evening, you’ll enjoy an Apsara Dance performance.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Navutu Dreams Resort & Spa or similar
KDay 11Angkor Temples
In the morning, your guide will meet you at the hotel and take you on a tour to discover the famous temple of Angkor Wat. This temple was dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu by King Suryavarman II in the 12th century. It illustrates some of the most beautiful examples of Khmer and Hindu art and features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls narrating stories from Hindu mythology.
In the afternoon, you’ll visit 10th-century temple, Banteay Srei “the jewel of Khmer art.” This small pink sandstone temple, also known as “the Citadel of Women,” contains some remarkable carved lintels in very good condition. On the way back to the hotel, visit the ancient Ta Prohm Monastery “Jungle Temple” where immense roots have taken hold of the stones. Here you’ll find some beautifully sculpted Devatas. Lunch and dinner will be on your own.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Navutu Dreams Resort & Spa or similar
LDay 12Ancient Ruins of the Angkor Era
In the morning, leave by tuk-tuk for the northern end of Angkor to visit Preah Khan Temple, built by Jayavarman VII in 1191 in honor of his father. Of the same era is Neak Pean, an artificial island known as the “entwined serpents.” The large central basin is linked with four smaller ones representing the four great rivers emerging from the earth’s four cardinal points. Of particular interest is the superb statue of Balaha, which represents the legendary savior of shipwrecked boats.
Continuing your exploration of Angkor, you’ll visit the 12th-century temples – Thommanon Temple and Chau Say Tevoda. Both were constructed under the reign of Suryavarman II and feature beautifully sculpted images honoring Shiva and Vishnu. In the afternoon, visit the great city of Angkor Thom, beginning at the southern gate’s famous Bayon temple, which was built in the 12th century and dedicated to Buddhism. Bayon consists of 54 gigantic towers featuring 216 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara.
Next, visit the 1150 foot long Elephant Terrace, used as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and a base for the King’s grand audience hall, followed by the 12th century Terrace of the Leper King. This structure represents many of the city’s most admired Apsara sculptures.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Navutu Dreams Resort & Spa or similar
MDay 13Depart Siem Reap
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Or, perhaps add on a few days relaxing on the beach at Sihanoukville or one of Thailand’s many beautiful beaches. Check-out time from the hotel is 12:00 pm.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
None
Anticipated plan; actual route and program may vary.
Your Mekong adventure begins with a visit in bustling Saigon, where you spend time exploring the city and visiting the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network of tunnels.
From here, board your charming boat for your cruise along the Mekong where you get insight into the lives of the people who live along the banks and on the river. Throughout your eight-day cruise, you will visit many different villages along the way. Highlights include shopping at floating markets and meeting local children at a primary school. You’ll visit architectural treasures such as the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. And you’ll pass through gorgeous emerald rice paddies as you leave the river behind you.
If you are traveling in the right season, you’ll also visit Chnok Tru, a self-sufficient remote village that rarely sees tourists. The village includes a floating school, church, pagoda, gas station, bar, police station, and even ice factories.
Once off the boat, you’ll spend two days in Siem Reap, exploring Angkor Temples and ruins.
On arrival at the airport in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll meet your local guide who will assist with your transfer to your centrally-located hotel. The rest of the day is yours free to relax and begin your adjustment to the local time zone.
Meals
None
Lodging
Grand Hotel or similar
BDay 2Cu Chi Tunnels & Historical Sites
Head out of town with your guide to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels. Cu Chi is actually the name of the district that covers an extensive underground network of tunnels (approx. 200 km / 125 mi) dug initially by the Viet Minh, and later expanded by the Viet Cong. The tunnels contained hospitals, accommodations, and schools. They were used extensively for refuge and storage, and also as a military base for the Viet Cong close to Saigon. The 1968 Tet Offensive was launched from Cu Chi with surprising effect. A section of the tunnels has been widened to allow tourists to get a feel for what life underground must have been like.
After, return to Ho Chi Minh City where you spend the afternoon exploring Saigon’s historic landmarks, including the Reunification Palace and its striking modern architecture, the War Remnants Museum, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. This visit allows you to admire many French colonial buildings such as the main post office and the former Hotel de Ville (city hall). Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Grand Hotel or similar
CDay 3Mekong River Cruise
You’ll have some free time in the morning before your transfer to the pier where you board the Toum Tiou boat and embark on a cruise through the Mekong Delta and along the Mekong River to Cambodia. Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink and a briefing on the cruise. This will be followed by a delicious welcome dinner.
The Toum Tiou is a mid-range passenger boat with a low draft giving it the ability to access the more remote villages that see very few travelers and without western influences. The boat was designed with passenger privacy, comfort, and safety in mind. Each of the 10 double cozy cabins are about 130 square feet with a large panoramic window for clear views of the river and include a private bathroom, a/c, mini-safe, spacious closet, and hair-dryer.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging
Toum Tiou Boat or similar
DDay 4Mekong Delta
While enjoying a hearty breakfast, the boat will navigate the canal of Cho Gao to My Tho. Here, the boat drops anchor in the proximity of Thoi Son Island. Local boats will pull up alongside the main boat to pick you up and transfer you to the mainland. Spend some time exploring Vinh Trang Pagoda by vehicle and enjoy a short panoramic tour of My Tho and a local market.
Return to the main boat and continue cruising to Cai Be while having lunch. On arrival in Cai Be, you’ll take another local boat to the floating market and surrounding areas. Next, stop in Vinh Long (Majestic Dragon), located right in the heart of the Delta, between two arms of the Mekong. Here, you’ll visit a brick and pottery factory, the Binh Hoa Phuoc Islet fruit tree nursery, and a typical home with traditional farm tools on display. Return to the boat for dinner and overnight. The boat sets sail for Sa Dec.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Toum Tiou Boat or similar
EDay 5Chau Doc
After breakfast, visit the Trung Vuong primary school before continuing on to Kien An Cung Pagoda. You’ll take a stroll around the Sa Dec Market along the riverbank. This small city is home to 30,000 people and is quite fascinating. It receives few tourists and therefore is a great place to get insight into the daily lives of those who make the Mekong Delta their home.
You’ll then return to the boat and head for Chau Doc while enjoying lunch on board. On arrival in Chau Doc, you’ll board a local boat and visit the fish farms and a minority village. Time permitting, watch the sunset on the Sam Mountain (777 ft) and visit the Lady Chua Xu Temple and Tay An Pagoda.
Return to the boat for dinner and overnight.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Toum Tiou Boat or similar
FDay 6Cross into Cambodia
The boat departs early in the morning for Vinh Xuong at the Vietnamese border while you have breakfast. On arrival at Vinh Xuong check-point, you’ll clear formalities and cross into Cambodia. After lunch on board, you’ll arrive in Phnom Penh, which translates to “Penh’s Hill”, and enjoy some time in the capital. Dinner and overnight will be on board the boat.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Toum Tiou Boat or similar
GDay 7Phnom Penh
Today’s land excursion in Phnom Penh takes you on a visit to the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the Russian Market. Return to the boat for lunch and then you’ll have the remainder of the day for free exploration on own.
While not the most uplifting destination, we suggest visiting Toul Sleng, the old detention center where torture and executions took place between 1975 and 1979. A visit to this place is essential to understanding what could be the sheer madness perpetrated by the Khmer Rouge.
Return to the boat around 7:00 pm where you have the treat of watching a traditional “Apsara” performance. Dinner and overnight onboard the boat.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Toum Tiou Boat or similar
HDay 8Koh Chen & Kampong Tralach Villages
Today the boat navigates its way to Koh Chen, where you take a land excursion to a village of craftsmen that specialize in silver-making. Around 11:30am, return to the boat for lunch and continue on to Kampong Tralach. Here, you’ll visit the village’s wonderful Vihara belonging to Wat Kampong Tralach Leu Pagoda. To get there, you’ll cross Kampong Tralach Krom village along a small road perpendicular to the river, passing some gorgeous stretches of emerald rice paddy as you leave the river behind. The Vihara dates back to early 20th century but was probably built on an older site, as indicated by the latérite foundations. The Pagoda is home to some outstanding mural paintings, though they are starting to suffer from weathering. You return to the boat around 6:00pm for dinner while the boat drops anchor a few miles away.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Toum Tiou Boat or similar
IDay 9Kampong Chnang & Chnok Tru
The boat sets sail early this morning to Kampong Chnang while you have breakfast. Located some 56 miles from Phnom Penh, this town is one of the largest fishing ports on the Tonle Sap Lake and is famous for its pottery. The pottery methods they use have been unchanged for many centuries, and this area supplies the entire country with pottery. In addition, the area is known for producing products of the Thnot tree (sugar palm), a mellow tasting caramel-colored sugar sold in large cakes and palm wine.
Return to the boat for lunch while the boat sails to Chnok Tru. Here, you’ll take a local boat to visit this remote village, which is overlooked by most tourists due to its inaccessibility. The village is completely self-sufficient with its own floating school, church, pagoda, gas stations, stores, bar, police station, and even factories to make ice and keep the fresh fish cold. You’ll return to the boat, which drops anchor nearby, while you enjoy a farewell cocktail with the Captain followed by dinner.
NOTE: The visit to Chnok Tru is only available during the high water season, which runs from July to December. Cruises operating between January and June will not visit Chnok Tru and just spend more time relaxing aboard the boat.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Toum Tiou Boat or similar
JDay 10Arrive Siem Reap
HIGH WATER SEASON SCHEDULE: After breakfast, you’ll have some time to pack your bags and relax while crossing the Tonle Sap Lake to the Phnom Krom Pier. You’ll say good-bye to the boat crew and meet up with your local guide who will assist with the transfer to your centrally located hotel in Siem Reap.
LOW WATER SEASON SCHEDULE: After breakfast, a chartered speedboat will meet the boat passengers and take you across the lake to the Chnok Tru floating village. You’ll continue on to the Phnom Krom Pier and meet your local guide who will assist with the transfer to your centrally located hotel in Siem Reap.
In the evening, you’ll enjoy an Apsara Dance performance.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Navutu Dreams Resort & Spa or similar
KDay 11Angkor Temples
In the morning, your guide will meet you at the hotel and take you on a tour to discover the famous temple of Angkor Wat. This temple was dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu by King Suryavarman II in the 12th century. It illustrates some of the most beautiful examples of Khmer and Hindu art and features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls narrating stories from Hindu mythology.
In the afternoon, you’ll visit 10th-century temple, Banteay Srei “the jewel of Khmer art.” This small pink sandstone temple, also known as “the Citadel of Women,” contains some remarkable carved lintels in very good condition. On the way back to the hotel, visit the ancient Ta Prohm Monastery “Jungle Temple” where immense roots have taken hold of the stones. Here you’ll find some beautifully sculpted Devatas. Lunch and dinner will be on your own.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Navutu Dreams Resort & Spa or similar
LDay 12Ancient Ruins of the Angkor Era
In the morning, leave by tuk-tuk for the northern end of Angkor to visit Preah Khan Temple, built by Jayavarman VII in 1191 in honor of his father. Of the same era is Neak Pean, an artificial island known as the “entwined serpents.” The large central basin is linked with four smaller ones representing the four great rivers emerging from the earth’s four cardinal points. Of particular interest is the superb statue of Balaha, which represents the legendary savior of shipwrecked boats.
Continuing your exploration of Angkor, you’ll visit the 12th-century temples – Thommanon Temple and Chau Say Tevoda. Both were constructed under the reign of Suryavarman II and feature beautifully sculpted images honoring Shiva and Vishnu. In the afternoon, visit the great city of Angkor Thom, beginning at the southern gate’s famous Bayon temple, which was built in the 12th century and dedicated to Buddhism. Bayon consists of 54 gigantic towers featuring 216 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara.
Next, visit the 1150 foot long Elephant Terrace, used as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and a base for the King’s grand audience hall, followed by the 12th century Terrace of the Leper King. This structure represents many of the city’s most admired Apsara sculptures.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Navutu Dreams Resort & Spa or similar
MDay 13Depart Siem Reap
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Or, perhaps add on a few days relaxing on the beach at Sihanoukville or one of Thailand’s many beautiful beaches. Check-out time from the hotel is 12:00 pm.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
None
Anticipated plan; actual route and program may vary.
This trip operates as a custom adventure around frequently scheduled cruise departures. Your activities before and after the cruise can be fully customized, but on the actual cruise you will be joining other people and following a set itinerary. The boat is not available May through mid-July for annual maintenance.
Please note that this trip operates under different payment and cancellation policies than those described in our complete Terms & Conditions as noted on our website and elsewhere. Please review the complete Terms & Conditions prior to submitting a deposit.
Expenses covered
Normally, our stated land costs include the cost of all guides, leaders, permits obtained after arrival, lodging accommodations, food and entry fees as specified, and all surface transportation associated with the planned itinerary. We do our best to avoid increasing prices after receipt of your deposit, but, rarely, factors beyond our control might require us to change our prices without prior notice, even after you have signed up.
Expenses not covered
Costs not included in the price may include: meals not indicated as included in itineraries; meals prior to arrival in starting cities; transfers, if not arriving or departing on the scheduled group flights; soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages; medical expenses, costs of hospitalization, or evacuation from remote areas; laundry; airport departure taxes not included on your airline ticket; accommodations en route to starting cities; visas; airfares; gratuities; and insurance.
Deposit* and payment schedule: 25% of the land cost per person or the applicable amount based on the trip and the proximity of the departure date. A second deposit of $1000 per person is due four months prior to departure, and final payment for land arrangements is due 75 days prior to departure. Any applicable permit fees required in advance are non-refundable as well. All payments are subject to cancellation if payments are not received by the due dates. All payments may be made by Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover or check, and the Reservation Form may be submitted via our website. Full payment schedule and cancellation penalties are described in our Terms and Conditions as noted on our website, and elsewhere. Please request these if you do not have them before advancing a deposit.
*HOLIDAY departures may require an additional deposit.
Additional cancellation fees
Cancellations that occur between 61-90 days prior to departure will be subject to a cancellation fee that is 50% of the land cost, and cancellations 31-60 days prior will be subject to a 75% cancellation fee. Cancellations between 0-30 days are 100% NON-REFUNDABLE. All payments are subject to cancellation if payments are not received by the due dates.
Airfare
We can help you secure air travel arrangements to correspond with land travel booked through Journeys International. We work with an airfare consolidator to assist in booking the flights that suit your needs. If you decide to make your own flight arrangements, you must provide Journeys International with a complete copy of your itinerary showing departure and arrival flights and times. You should plan to arrange your own air travel if you are using mileage credit or originating outside North America, but please be in touch with our office before you finalize ticketing so that we can help you to coordinate the correct arrival and departure dates and times.
Insurance
When you make your reservation, we strongly recommend the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance in case of emergency situations. Please contact us for a recommended policy.
Itinerary Change Fee
There will be a $40 fee for changes once an itinerary has been confirmed and approved. Additional cancellation penalties or change fees may apply as per our terms and conditions. The passenger is responsible for such fees.
Duration 13 Days
The number of days, or duration, in a destination corresponds with the itinerary as published. This is the time period covered by the land cost. The total number of days includes the time required to travel between the USA and the destination country.
Group Size 2 - 12
Journeys groups include 2 to 12 people. The boat sleeps up to 20, and guests from other groups may be on the boat while our group is sailing.
Comfort Level
Superior
From superior passenger boat to charming 4-star boutique hotels
Activity Level
Gentle
Easy walking
Why Journeys International
Our purpose is to understand the journey you are on – not just the vacation you want to take – and to help you on your way.
We are here to help you plan the trip that will move you closer to your goals and help you fulfill your dreams.
We are here to help you plan a more inspiring, more provocative, more breathtaking, more transformational adventure.
We say “adventure” and not “trip” because, for us, a trip is just going someplace else, but an adventure is an experience that takes you someplace beyond your comfort zone – and therefore maximizes the potential for wonder, discovery, and potentially transformation.
Why trust Journeys to plan that kind of experience with you?
Journeys is an award-winning industry-leader with more than 40 years in business planning creative and thoughtful adventures in interesting places around the world
Our staff is professional and devoted, with adventure specialists in Ann Arbor and guides in the field who take pride in traveler satisfaction; many stay with us for decades
Our Ecological Code of Ethics has long stood as a model for others, and our Earth Preservation Fund puts our money where our mouth is
We go to the farthest corners of the earth – you’ll see some pretty remote destinations on our list, and if you want to challenge us with something new, we’ll likely be willing (though we’ll make sure you know if we’ve never experienced it firsthand)
We’re real people like you, starting with the real person who will answer the phone, right through the owner, Robin Pollak, who you can talk to any time you want (or even her parents, Joan & Will Weber, who started the company!)
We ask lots of questions and get to know you as well as possible to we can design the best experience for YOU
Your unique itinerary includes sites, accommodations, activities, and meetings with people hand selected for personal goals, passions, interests and abilities
Your personal adventure specialist stays with you from trip planning through departure to answer all your questions – promptly – and make sure every detail is handled so you are well prepared for your trip
Our partners on the ground in your destination will welcome you as a friend of a friend; we’ve been working with many of them for ages
We’re open and clear, and offer a complete picture of what you can expect while traveling. We don’t want to make an easy sale; we want to make an honest one.
24-hour emergency phone support while traveling
We’ll be excited to hear about the trip when you get back, and take all feedback seriously
Our travelers come back again and again, for five, ten, or more adventures — and they trust us enough to send their friends to us, too
We love what we do, and we love sharing our common passion with you.
Match the trip’s intensity to your ability and motivation.
Gentle
Easy walking, with opportunities for low-key physical activity.
Active
Energetic exploration with optional day hikes, leisurely cycling, or light canoeing.
Vigorous
Day-long active excursions and options for demanding activity in varied environments.
Challenging
Strenuous hiking or other intense activity that may be at high altitude or over rough terrain.
Demanding
Multi-day trekking and other activities requiring endurance or strength. Steep trails. No technical expertise necessary.
Comfort Level
Choose accommodations and amenities that fit your personal style
Simple
Our most natural accommodations. Bath facilities often shared, sometimes rustic.
Delightful
Comfortable and especially personal. Small to mid-sized lodges, typically with private bath.
Superior
Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined artistry, or extra-special settings.
Deluxe
Exclusive or luxury lodges, hotels, or safari camps with fine dining options.
Uncommon
The most indulgent accommodations arranged specially for private trips.
Single Supplement
The single supplement is applicable if a roommate is not available or if single accommodation is specifically requested. While single accommodation is not available on all trips, we will try and honor this request whenever possible.