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Historical Cities & Fairytale Castles

France & Portugal in 16 Days, 14 Nights in Destination

Up to $500 reward

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-35%

From

$4,769

$3,099

/person

Isabel, Travel Expert

Isabel
Travel crafter

This trip is the ideal combination of two enchanting countries! Begin with a complete historical journey through fascinating France followed by a tour of Portugal to discover stunning architecture, delicious food and rich culture

Trip Highlights

  1. map-pin-check-icon
    Caen
  2. map-pin-check-icon
    Loire Valley
  3. map-pin-check-icon
    Mont Saint Michel
  4. map-pin-check-icon
    Normandy
  5. map-pin-check-icon
    Paris
  6. map-pin-check-icon
    Tours
  7. map-pin-check-icon
    Fátima
  8. map-pin-check-icon
    Lisbon
  9. map-pin-check-icon
    Nazare
  10. map-pin-check-icon
    Porto

Included

  1. All flights

  2. Accommodation

  3. Some transfers

  4. Activities

  5. Breakfast only

Availability

  1. Departures available until May 2025

  2. Available Group tours

  3. Solo travelers from + $940

  4. Add up to 3 nights to your stay

  5. WHAT'S THIS?

Categories available

  1. charm included

  2. superior from + $1,000

  3. WHAT'S THIS?

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1-888-488-0592

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April 2024
May 2024
June 2024
July 2024

Categories Available:

charm

From $3,099

Selected

  • 14 nights accommodation in Charm category hotels
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superior

From $4,099

  • 14 nights accommodation in Charm & Superior category hotels
  • Hotels included are close to the city centres in France

Accommodation: 14 Nights

Itinerary

Begin in Paris, then head to the castles of the Loire Valley, next visit Mont St Michel, then to the WW-II landing beaches in Normandy, rounding off your epic French adventure with a cheese-tasting. Next, explore the lively neighborhoods of Lisbon and the fairytale castles of Sintra before traveling to the holy city of Fatima. Finally, discover Porto, from its delicious wine to colorful buildings.

1st Day: US - Night on board
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Ready to discover the spectacular cities and landscapes of France? Arrive at your departure airport to catch a flight to Paris*. Night on board.

 

* If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

2nd Day: Paris
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Arrive at the Paris airport and self-transfer* to your hotel. Paris is the capital of France and a great place to discover the city’s most famous tourist sights, the local culture and cuisine. Overnight stay in Paris.

 

*Airport transfers in Paris are not included. You will have the option to add a private transfer to your package for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process.

 

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Ibis Paris Brancion or similar
tripadvisor rating

617 Reviews

See our full selection
3rd Day: Paris
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Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the city’s most famous tourist sights and monuments on a Half Day City Tour with a professional English-speaking guide. Marvel at Paris's best-known sights: Place Vendôme Square, the Opera House, the Pantheon, the Luxembourg Palace and Gardens, the Orsay Museum, Place de la Concorde Square, the Champs-Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Invalides. End your tour in the city center. Why not grab a bite to eat in one of the many cafés or do a spot of shopping in this shoppers haven. The rest of the day is free to explore Paris at your leisure. Overnight stay in Paris.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Ibis Paris Brancion or similar
tripadvisor rating

617 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Paris Sightseeing Tour

Moderate

See more
4th Day: Paris - Chambord - Tours
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After breakfast, meet your English-speaking tour leader and depart Paris by coach towards the Loire Valley and its wonders of the Renaissance period. First stop is a visit to The Chambord Estate, one of the most emblematic examples of Renaissance castle architecture in France. Enjoy some free time to stroll at your own pace through the heart of the castle and its gardens. Take a break for lunch before continung to an included wine tasting in the beautiful limestone Caves de Vouvray, where you'll discover local sparking wines. Following this visit, transfer to the historic city of Tours and check-in at the hotel before a free evening. Overnight stay in Tours.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Ibis Styles Tours Centre or similar
tripadvisor rating

764 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Visit to the Chambord Chateaux & Estate

Moderate

See more
included
Wine tasting and guided tour of Cave de Vouvray

Light

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5th Day: Tours - Chenonceau - Tours
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After Breakfast at the hotel, explore the magnificent Castle of Chenonceau*. The two-story gallery stands upon a graceful arched bridge that crosses the Cher River which gives the impression that the castle is floating on water. Also known as "The Ladies’ Castle", it was initially constructed in 1513. Equalling the beauty of the interior, the Château's Renaissance French Gardens are perfectly landscaped with decorative pools and flower beds and are an important destination for garden lovers from all over the world. In the afternoon, visit the Royal Château of Amboise, an emblematic monument of the Loire Valley. The palace was built above the river, with landscaped gardens stretching from the earth to the sky, offering one of the most remarkable panoramas of the Loire. Overnight stay in Tours.

 

* Only entrance included with the possibility to book an audio-guide on the spot.  

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Ibis Styles Tours Centre or similar
tripadvisor rating

764 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Visit to the Castle of Chenonceau

Light

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included
Castle of Amboise

Moderate

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6th Day: Tours - Mont Saint Michel - Caen
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Breakfast at the hotel. Depart from Tours heading towards the world-renowned Mont Saint Michel*, a Unesco World Heritage site. The car park stands approximately 1.5 miles away from the island. On leaving the coach, head for the Place des Navettes, where shuttle buses called Passeurs transfer to the mount itself. The Mount was consecrated to St-Michel from the year 708. The Benedictine Abbey** presents a grand panorama of medieval architecture from the XI-XVI centuries. Spend some time exploring the village built on the slopes in the shadow of the fortifications. Head towards the Normandy Beach area, checking in at the hotel in Caen. Overnight in Caen.

 

*Please bear in mind that the transfer from Tours to Mont St Michel will be around 280km, approximately 3 hours of driving. 

 

**Entry to the abbey included. Guests will have the option to pay for an audio-guide separately.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
ACE HOTEL or similar
tripadvisor rating

223 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Mont Saint-Michel & Benedictine Abbey

Moderate

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7th Day: Caen - Day Beaches Tour - Caen
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After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of WW-II’s major sights. Visit, learn about and pay homage to Pointe du HocOmaha Beach and the Colleville-Sur-Mer Cemetery of the Allied Forces. After this solemn educational tour, spend a tranquil afternoon on your own exploring Caen. Located near the English Channel, Caen is a historic city replete with mediaeval architecture and the tomb of William the Conqueror. Overnight stay in Caen.

 

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
ACE HOTEL or similar
tripadvisor rating

223 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Normandy WW-II Landing Beaches

Moderate

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8th Day: Caen - Honfleur - Paris
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After breakfast, learn more about the best food and drink that this rich region of France has to offer, starting with a visit to the Village du Fromager. See all stages of cheese production and enjoy tasting the different types of cheese on offer. After the visit, head to Honfleur in time for a lunch break. This small city and harbour dates back to the Vikings invasion in the 11th century. After a couple of hours exploring the city, continue eastwards until reaching Paris. Overnight stay in Paris.

 

Please bear in mind that the transfer from Caen to Paris will be around 240km, approximately 3 hours of driving.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Ibis Paris Brancion or similar
tripadvisor rating

617 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Village Fromager and Cheese Tasting

Light

See more
9th Day: Paris - Lisbon
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Breakfast* at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lisbon. Ready to discover the spectacular cities and landscapes of Portugal? Touch down in the capital city of Lisbon, known for its dramatic coastline and pastel-colored buildings. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Why not explore the oldest parts of the city to admire the ornate architecture or simply enjoy the views of the River Tagus from one of the many riverside cafes and bars. Overnight stay in Lisbon.

 

* Depending on the flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Ikonik Lisboa or similar
tripadvisor rating

95 Reviews

See our full selection
10th Day: Lisbon
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Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a tour of Lisbon for an eye-opening overview of this incredible city. Begin your day contemplating the incredible Belem Tower and the “Padrão dos Descobrimentos” before heading to the church of the Jerónimos Monastery, home to the tomb of Vasco de Gama and the famous poet Camões. Next, try the Pasteis de Belem during a mouth-watering pastry tasting, this typical, delicious Portuguese Tart is perhaps the most famous pastry in the country. Your tour will end with a fascinating stroll around Alfama quarter, one of the oldest areas in the city, perched upon the hillside with spectacular views across the sprawling cityscape. The rest of the day is free to continue discovering the city at your own pace. Why not explore the Praça do Comercio and Rossio Square area, always a hive of activity perfect for sightseeing or grabbing a bite in a local café! This evening we recommend a fun optional Dinner with Fado Show* to fully immerse yourself in Portuguese culture. Overnight stay in Lisbon.

 

*Optional Dinner & Fado Show: Head to the historic neighbourhood of Alfama to indulge in an evening of traditional Portuguese cuisine accompanied by the melancholic sounds of Fado music. Soak up the warm atmosphere and listen to the soft melodies of the Portuguese guitar as you experience the authentic musical heritage of Lisbon for yourself!

 

Why not upgrade your trip with our Portugal Highlights package of 2 excursions, available in the next step of the booking process!

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Ikonik Lisboa or similar
tripadvisor rating

95 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Tour of Lisbon

Moderate

See more
Optional
Dinner with Fado Show

Light

See more
Optional
2 Excursions package - Highlights of Portugal: Dinner with Fado show in Lisbon & River Douro Boat Tour in Porto

Moderate

See more
11th Day: Lisbon - Sintra - Lisbon
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Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on an excursion to Sintra, an unforgettable town and UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with 19th-century Romanticist architecture, fairytale castles and exquisite gardens. Here you'll visit the Quinta da Regaleira Gardens and Palace considered the most enigmatic of all the estates in Sintra. The palace is a fusion of ornate and colorful architectural styles but the main attraction is the extensive gardens, filled with symbolism and intriguing constructions. After the tour, enjoy free time in Sintra to explore at your own pace. In the afternoon head to Cape Roca, the most westerly point of the European continent. Here you can soak up the views of the Atlantic Ocean and explore the village of Cascais, once the chosen beach destination of the aristocracy. Return to Lisbon and enjoy the remainder of the day exploring the delights of this cosmopolitan city at your leisure. Overnight stay in Lisbon.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Ikonik Lisboa or similar
tripadvisor rating

95 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Excursion to Sintra

Active

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12th Day: Lisbon - Óbidos - Nazaré - Fátima
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Breakfast at the hotel. Head to Obidos today, one of the best-known villages in Portugal thanks to its magical cobblestone streets and charming architecture, enclosed within medieval city walls. Next, visit Nazare, a surfers paradise, home to some of the largest waves in the world and the most popular beach destination on the Silver Coast. Finish the day in the historic and fascinating city of Fatima, one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Catholics. Sacred sights here include the Capelinha das Aparições, where the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared to local children in 1917, the Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário, with its golden angels, and the modern church of Igreja da Santíssima Trindade. Spend the evening at your leisure, discovering the sights and sounds of this beautiful city at your own pace. Overnight stay in Fatima.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Aleluia or similar
tripadvisor rating

204 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Obidos, Nazare & Fatima Excursion

Light

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13th Day: Fatima - Coimbra - Porto
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Breakfast at the hotel. Bid farewell to Fatima today as you set for Tomar to visit the famous Convent of Christ complex, once a stronghold of the Templars in the 12th-century. Uncover the history of the Templars in Portugal, including the beautiful medieval chapel and the ornate cloister, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Explore this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site before continuing to the city of Coimbra, once the capital of Portugal and today a student city, home to the oldest university in the country. As the day draws to a close, travel to Porto, in northern Portugal on the banks of the Douro River. With its stunning Old Town, Porto is one of the highlights of any trip to Portugal. Spend the evening at your leisure, exploring the city's atmospheric streets or enjoy an optional dinner with live music*. Overnight stay in Porto.

 

 *Optional Dinner with Live Music: A fantastic gastronomic show that will highlight the remarkable traditions of the Douro and northern Portuguese culture. This lively evening will combine Folklore songs, traditional dances and an all-inclusive dinner paired with some of the best wines in Portugal. Sing and dance the night away, a true authentic experience to remember.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Ibis Porto Center Mercado... or similar
tripadvisor rating

130 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Christ Convent in Tomar & Coimbra Tour

Active

See more
Optional
Dinner with Live Music in Porto

Light

See more
14th Day: Porto
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Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day with a panoramic tour of Porto to see the main attractions of the city such as the exterior of Clérigos Tower, Aliados Avenue, the impressive Sao Bento train station and the iconic bridge of Luis I. In the afternoon, soak up the delights of Porto at your own pace, admiring the famous tiled facades or sampling the authentic local port in a cosy cafe. Alternatively, we recommend an unforgettable boat tour on the River Douro*. Overnight stay in Porto.

 

*Optional River Douro Boat Tour: set off on an unforgettable boat tour on the Douro River to enjoy spectacular views of the city. After cruising on the river, visit a local port wine cellar and enjoy a tasting session of this typical Portuguese drink. 

 

Please note: Entrance to the Bolsa Palace (10 euros per person) and Church of Saint Francis (8 euros per person) is optional and is not included. 

 

Why not upgrade your trip with our Portugal Highlights package of 2 excursions, available in the next step of the booking process!

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Ibis Porto Center Mercado... or similar
tripadvisor rating

130 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Panoramic Tour of Porto

Active

See more
Optional
River Douro Boat Tour

Moderate

See more
15th Day: Porto - Aveiro - Lisbon
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Breakfast at the hotel. Leave Porto this morning, headed for the charming coastal city of Aveiro where you can enjoy some free time to explore its picturesque canals and colorful architecture. In the afternoon, return to the capital of Lisbon and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to soak up the ambience of this lively city or do some last-minute shopping. Overnight stay in Lisbon.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Ikonik Lisboa or similar
tripadvisor rating

95 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Visit to Aveiro

Light

See more
16th Day: Lisbon - US
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Breakfast* at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your return flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end of your trip.

 

* Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

 

** Depending on the return flight schedule, you may arrive in the US on the next day.

Included activities

Included

Paris Sightseeing Tour

Included activity for day 3 in Paris

Discover some of the most iconic and memorable places of Paris and admire the beauty of this incredible and romantic city. See Place Vendôme Square, marvel at the Paris Opera House and head to the Latin Quarter to see the impressive Pantheon.

Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information
Included

Wine tasting and guided tour of Cave de Vouvray

Included activity for day 4 in Tours

Follow our guide through the 3 km of tunnels dug into the local limestone beneath a vineyard, discovering 4 types of the Vouvray sparking wine made here.

Duration 01:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Light

more information
Included

Visit to the Chambord Chateaux & Estate

Included activity for day 4

Visit the incredible Chambord Castle & Estate, one of the most emblematic chateaux in France and the finest example of French-Renaissance architecture!

Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information
Included

Castle of Amboise

Included activity for day 5 in Tours

This historic Castle, built in the late 15th century, became the favored royal residence under Charles VIII. Thereafter a place of residence for French kings from the 15th to the 19th century.

Duration 01:30h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information

Show more

Available Activities

Activities are subject to availability. The price for each optional activity will be shown in the next step of the booking process.
Optional
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Important: Please avoid booking the activities included in this package separately.

2 Excursions package - Highlights of Portugal: Dinner with Fado show in Lisbon & River Douro Boat Tour in Porto

Suggested activity for day 10 in Lisbon

Make the most of your time in Portugal with this pack of two unmissable experiences: a Dinner & Fado Show in Lisbon and a River Douro boat tour including a visit to a local port wine cellar with a tasting session in Porto

Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information
Optional
info-icon

You can book this activity individually or through the 2 Excursions package.

Dinner with Fado Show

Suggested activity for day 10 in Lisbon

Head to the historic neighbourhood of Alfama to indulge in an evening of traditional Portuguese cuisine accompanied by the melancholic sounds of Fado music. Soak up the warm atmosphere and listen to the soft melodies of the Portuguese guitar.

Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Light

more information
Optional

Dinner with Live Music in Porto

Suggested activity for day 13 in Porto

This evening you will enjoy a fantastic gastronomic show that will highlight the remarkable traditions of the Douro and northern Portuguese culture. This lively evening will combine Folklore songs, traditional dances and an all-inclusive dinner.

Duration 02:30h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Light

more information
Optional
info-icon

You can book this activity individually or through the 2 Excursions package.

River Douro Boat Tour

Suggested activity for day 14 in Porto

Set off on an unforgettable boat tour on the Douro River to enjoy spectacular views of the city. After cruising on the river, visit a local port wine cellar and enjoy a tasting session of this typical Portuguese drink.

Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information

The price includes

  • Included in all our trips. more information
  • Departures from main US airports.
  • International flights: US - Paris, Lisbon - US.
  • Internal flights: Paris - Lisbon.
  • 14 nights accommodation in Charm category hotels. *
    more information
    See hotels included
  • 14 Breakfasts.
  • Entrance to the most famous Loire valley castles: Chambord, Chenonceau & Amboise and to Mont-St-Michel Abbey. Entrance to Quinta da Regaleira Gardens and Palace
    See itinerary
  • Air taxes and fuel surcharge.
  • Sightseeing tour of Paris, guided tours of Normandy WW II landing beaches, Lisbon & Porto, excursion to Sintra and visit to Aveiro, Tomar & Fatima.***
    more information
  • English speaking tour leader from day 4 to day 8 and from day 10 to 15.**
    more information
  • Cheese factory experience with tasting & Wine tasting in the Caves de Vouvray.
*The cancellation policy applicable is according to the Terms and Conditions available and agreed at the time of your purchase

Not included

Tax*, meals, drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.

* Approximately €2 per person, per night in Lisboa and Porto. Approximately €1,5 / €1,8 per person per night in France.

Important: Airport transfers in Paris are not included. You can book the optional transfer in the next step of the booking process.

About France:

* Important: accommodation tax is not included and must be paid directly to the hotel (Approx. 1,50€ per person per night).

**A professional English-speaking tour manager will be travelling with the group from day 4 to day 8.

About Portugal:

* Please note: Travelers are required to pay a municipal tax (approximately €2 per person, per night) directly to the hotels in Lisbon and Porto upon departure. A credit card must be presented as a guarantee to the hotels upon arrival.

* Hotel rooms in Portugal are usually equipped with one double bed. If you require twin beds, please let us know at the time of booking and we will try our best to accommodate your request, although it cannot always be guaranteed.

Check-in and check-out times are set as a matter of internal policy at each hotel. As a general rule, check-in begins at 3PM and the check-out time is at noon. Please note that these hours may vary per the rules of an individual hotel.

** A professional English-speaking tour manager will be travelling with the group from Day 10 to 15.

*** In the event of closures or special events, the order of the itinerary may change. In this case, all tours and excursions mentioned in the itinerary will go ahead, but possibly in a different order.

  • France
  • Portugal
    • Entry requirements

      Valid passport with a minimum of six months validity.

    • Visa

      No visa is required for tourist stays of up to 90 days.

    • Currency

      Euro.

    • Language

      French.

    • Electricity

      230 V. Adapter required.

    • Health

      There are no mandatory vaccinations required.

    • Time zone

      UTC + 01:00.

    • Other useful information

      Taxis do not have a particular colour, however you can spot them at the station or in the street by their luminous lettering on the roof of the car.

    • Tourist Office website

      http://ee.france.fr/

    Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline's website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

    Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

    In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or canceled without prior notice.

    If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +1 888-488-0592 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.

    While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.

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