5 Days in Vietnam: The Ultimate Hanoi to Hoi An Itinerary (2026)

Only have 5 days in Vietnam and want to make every single one count? This Hanoi to Hoi An itinerary takes you through the cultural heart of the country — from the buzzing streets of the capital to the imperial grandeur of Hue and the magical lantern-lit lanes of Hoi An.

This is the classic Vietnam first time itinerary for a reason. In less than a week, you'll explore thousand-year-old temples, eat your body weight in street food, ride the famous Reunification Express railway, cruise over one of the world's most stunning coastal passes, and wander through one of Southeast Asia's best-preserved ancient towns.

TL;DR — The Route: Hanoi (2 days) → overnight train → Hue (1 day) → Hai Van Pass → Hoi An (1.5 days)

Table of Contents

• Quick Overview
• Total Budget Breakdown
• Day 1: Hanoi Old Quarter
• Day 2: Hanoi Culture & Food
• Day 3: The Reunification Express & Hue
• Day 4: Hue to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass
• Day 5: Hoi An & Departure
• Practical Travel Info
• Final Tips

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Quick Overview

Detail	Info
Route	Hanoi → Hue → Hoi An (→ Da Nang for departure)
Duration	5 days / 4 nights
Budget range	$30–$80/day depending on travel style
Best time to go	October–December (cool & dry) or March–April
Difficulty	Easy — well-connected tourist route
Transport	Overnight train, private bus/car
Total distance	~780 km

Best Time for This Route

• October–December: The sweet spot. Cool, dry weather across all three cities. Hoi An's full moon lantern festival falls during this period.
• March–April: Also excellent — warm but not scorching, and you'll catch the Hue Festival if it's on (typically April).
• Avoid: June–August (hot, humid, typhoon season on the central coast) and January–February (cold and damp in Hanoi).

Total Budget Breakdown

Travel Style	Per Day	5-Day Total	What You Get
Budget	$30–$40	$150–$200	Hostels, street food, public buses, free walking
Mid-range	$50–$70	$250–$350	3★ hotels, local restaurants, private transport, paid attractions
Luxury	$100–$150+	$500–$750+	4–5★ hotels, fine dining, private cars, guided tours

Prices in USD. 1 USD ≈ 25,500 VND (as of April 2026).

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Day 1: Hanoi Old Quarter

Start strong in Vietnam's captivating capital — a city that's chaotic, charming, and endlessly delicious.

Morning: Iconic First Impressions

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple (Free)

• Start your day at Hanoi's spiritual heart. The lake is stunning in the early morning light, when locals practice tai chi along the water's edge.
• Cross the red-painted Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple (Jade Mountain Temple) — open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, entry 30,000 VND (~$1.20).
• If you're visiting between October and December, look for the rare Hoan Kiem turtle surfacing in the lake.

St. Joseph's Cathedral (Free)

• A 5-minute walk from the lake, this neo-Gothic cathedral (built 1886) is one of Hanoi's most Instagram-worthy spots.
• Address: 40 Nha Chung Street, Hoan Kiem District.
• The area around the cathedral is packed with cute cafés — grab an iced Vietnamese coffee and watch the city wake up.

Afternoon: History & Culture Deep Dive

Temple of Literature (Van Mieu)

• Vietnam's first university, founded in 1070. Beautiful courtyards, stone stele of doctoral graduates, and the Well of Heavenly Clarity.
• Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed Mondays)
• Entry: 30,000 VND (~$1.20)
• Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District

Hoa Lo Prison (The "Hanoi Hilton")

• A sobering but essential stop. Originally built by the French colonial government, it later housed American POWs (including John McCain).
• Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, last entry 4:30 PM
• Entry: 30,000 VND (~$1.20)
• Address: 1 Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Allow 1–1.5 hours. Most signage is in Vietnamese and English.

Walk Through the Old Quarter's 36 Streets

• Each of the Old Quarter's streets was traditionally dedicated to a specific craft — Silk Street, Silver Street, etc. Many still are.
• Wander Hang Bac (Silver Street), Hang Gai (Silk Street), and the atmospheric lanes around Ta Hien Beer Street.

Evening: Street Food Safari

This is where Hanoi truly shines. Head to these spots:

• Bun Cha Huong Lien — 24 Le Van Huu Street. Yes, it's "Obama bun cha" (Anthony Bourdain ate here with Obama in 2016), and yes, it's genuinely excellent. A set of grilled pork patties with rice noodles and dipping sauce costs 50,000 VND ($2).
• Egg Coffee at Giang Café — 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street. A Hanoi original since 1946. The egg coffee (cà phê trứng) is a must-try — creamy, sweet, and utterly unique. 30,000 VND ($1.20).
• Bun Dau Mam Tom — Try it at 31 Hang Đạt Street. Pork belly with tofu and fermented shrimp paste — a local favorite that adventurous eaters will love. 40,000 VND ($1.60).

Where to Stay in Hanoi (Old Quarter)

Style	Hotel	Price/Night	Book
Budget	Hanoi Wow Hostel	$8–$12	Booking.com
Budget	Little Hanoi Hostel	$10–$15	Agoda
Mid-range	Hanoi La Siesta Premium	$45–$70	Booking.com
Mid-range	Essence Hotel & Spa	$35–$55	Booking.com
Luxury	Sofitel Legend Metropole	$200–$350+	Agoda

Day 1 Costs

Item	Cost
Attractions	~$3.60
Street food (3 meals)	$8–$15
Coffee/drinks	$3–$5
Transportation (Grab rides)	$3–$5
Daily total (budget)	~$20–$30

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Day 2: Hanoi Culture & Food

Go deeper into Hanoi's rich tapestry — solemn monuments, French colonial elegance, and the legendary Train Street.

Morning: The Ba Dinh Square District

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

• The final resting place of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam's founding father. An imposing Soviet-style building set in expansive gardens.
• Hours: 8:00 AM–11:00 AM (closed Mondays and Fridays, and Oct–Nov for maintenance)
• Entry: Free, but bags and cameras must be left at the reception. Dress modestly (long pants, covered shoulders).
• Address: Ba Dinh Square, Hung Vuong

One Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot)

• Right next to the mausoleum. A iconic Buddhist temple built on a single stone pillar in 1049. One of Vietnam's most recognized symbols.
• Entry: Free

Tran Quoc Pagoda

• Hanoi's oldest pagoda (6th century), set on a small island in West Lake. The setting is serene and photogenic.
• Hours: 7:30 AM–11:30 AM, 1:30 PM–6:00 PM
• Entry: Free (donation appreciated)
• Address: 46 Thanh Nien Street

Afternoon: French Quarter & West Lake

French Quarter Architecture Walk

• Stroll along tree-lined Phan Chu Trinh and Trang Tien streets to admire the yellow French colonial buildings. Key stops:
  • Hanoi Opera House (1 Trang Tien) — stunning exterior, occasional performances inside
  • National Museum of History (1 Trang Tien) — if you have time
• Grab lunch at one of the many French-inspired cafés in the area.

Bun Cha Huong Lien (if you missed it on Day 1!)

• Still on Le Van Huu Street. The second time is just as good. Order the full set: bun cha, nem (spring rolls), and a Hanoi beer.

West Lake (Ho Tay)

• Hanoi's largest lake, ringed by upscale restaurants and cafés. Great for a late afternoon walk.
• Stop at a lakeside café for a sunset drink.

Evening: Train Street & Bia Hoi

Hanoi Train Street

• Yes, the famous train that passes inches from people's homes. It's real, and it's wild.
• Location: The most accessible section is on Kham Thien Street (near the intersection with Nguyen Khuyen).
• Best time: 3:00 PM–4:30 PM or 7:00 PM–8:00 PM (check local schedules — trains typically pass around 3:40 PM and 7:20 PM).
• Note: Access restrictions have been introduced at some sections. Go with a local guide or café owner who can help you access safely.

Bia Hoi Corner (Luu Van Lang & Ta Hien)

• Join the locals on tiny plastic stools for bia hoi (fresh draft beer) at 10,000 VND ($0.40) per glass. It's the cheapest beer in the world, and the atmosphere is unbeatable.
• Food stalls nearby serve grilled meats, peanuts, and snails.

Night Market (Weekends only)

• If it's Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, don't miss the Hang Dao–Hang Duong night market (6:00 PM–midnight). Great for souvenirs, clothes, and more street food.

Transport Tip: Booking the Overnight Train to Hue

You'll need to book this before Day 2 evening. Here's what you need to know:

• Route: Hanoi (Hanoi Station / Ga Ha Noi) → Hue (Hue Station)
• Duration: 12–14 hours
• Departure: ~8:00 PM–9:00 PM
• Arrival: ~8:00 AM–9:00 AM next morning
• Classes:
  • Hard seat: ~$15 — doable but uncomfortable for most
  • Soft seat: ~$20 — better but no bed
  • Soft sleeper (4-bed): ~$25–$35 — recommended. Clean, air-conditioned, a proper bed
  • Soft sleeper (2-bed "VIP"): ~$40–$50 — private cabin, worth it for couples
• How to book: Use 12Go.asia or Baolau — both accept international cards. Book at least 3–5 days ahead during peak season.
• Bring: Earplugs, eye mask, snacks, toilet paper, and a power bank. The train provides a blanket and pillow.

Day 2 Costs

Item	Cost
Attractions	Free
Meals & drinks	$12–$20
Transportation	$3–$5
Daily total (budget)	~$20–$30

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Day 3: The Reunification Express & Hue

Wake up in imperial Vietnam. Hue was the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945, and its grandeur is still breathtaking.

Morning: Arrival in Hue

• The train arrives at Hue Railway Station (Ga Hue) around 8:00–9:00 AM. From here, it's a 10-minute Grab ride to the city center (30,000–50,000 VND / ~$1.20–$2).
• Drop your bags at your hotel and grab breakfast — try a bowl of bún bò Huế (spicy beef noodle soup, Hue's signature dish) at Bun Bo Ba Doi, 7 Ly Thuong Kiet Street. 40,000 VND ($1.60).

Afternoon: The Imperial City

The Citadel & Imperial City (Đại Nội)

• This is Hue's crown jewel — a vast walled enclosure containing the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City, temples, gates, and moats.
• Hours: 7:00 AM–5:30 PM
• Entry: 200,000 VND (~$8) — includes the Citadel, Imperial City, and museums inside
• Address: 23 Thang 5 Street
• Allow 2.5–3 hours. It's huge. Wear comfortable shoes.
• Don't miss: the Ngo Mon Gate (main south entrance), Thai Hoa Palace (Hall of Supreme Harmony), and the Forbidden Purple City (largely destroyed during the Vietnam War, but atmospheric ruins remain).
• Pro tip: Hire a guide at the entrance (~200,000 VND / ~$8) — the history comes alive with context.

Evening: Perfume River & Dinner

• Take a sunset walk along the Perfume River (Sông Hương). The banks are lined with cafés and restaurants.
• For dinner, head to Madam Thu Restaurant (11 Pho Duc Chinh Street) for excellent and affordable Hue specialties — banh khoai (Hue pancake), nem lui (lemongrass skewers), and com hen (baby basket clams on rice). A full meal runs ~$3–$6.
• Alternatively, the Vedana Lagoon Lounge & Restaurant (outside the city) offers fine dining with lagoon views for a splurge (~$15–$25/person).

Where to Stay in Hue

Style	Hotel	Price/Night	Book
Budget	Nadaam Hotel	$10–$15	Booking.com
Budget	Rustic Charm Boutique	$12–$18	Agoda
Mid-range	Hue Nino Hotel	$25–$45	Booking.com
Mid-range	Eldora Hotel	$35–$55	Booking.com
Luxury	Pilgrimage Village	$120–$180	Agoda

Day 3 Costs

Item	Cost
Train ticket (soft sleeper)	$25–$35
Imperial City entry	$8
Guide (optional)	$8
Meals	$8–$15
Transportation	$3–$5
Daily total (budget)	~$55–$70

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Day 4: Hue to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass

The most scenic travel day of your trip — from royal tombs to coastal mountains to magical Hoi An.

Morning: Hue's Imperial Tombs

Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh (Lăng Khải Định)

• The most visually striking of Hue's tombs — a fusion of Vietnamese and European architecture with an incredible mosaic interior.
• Hours: 7:00 AM–5:30 PM
• Entry: 150,000 VND (~$6)
• Address: Thuy Bang Commune, Huong Thuy Town (~10 km / 20 min from city center)
• The climb up 127 steps is worth every step.

Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc (Lăng Tự Đức) — optional if time permits

• Set in a beautiful pine forest with a lake and pavilions. More atmospheric and romantic than Khai Dinh's.
• Hours: 7:00 AM–5:30 PM
• Entry: 100,000 VND (~$4)
• Address: Duong Xuan Thuy Street, Thuy Xuan Commune (~7 km from center)

Midday: The Hai Van Pass to Hoi An

The Hai Van Pass (Đèo Hải Vân) is the highlight of the journey — a 21 km mountain road winding between the Truong Son Mountains and the South China Sea. It was featured on Top Gear and is genuinely one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world.

Transport options from Hue to Hoi An:

Option	Duration	Price	Best For
Private car + driver	3–3.5 hours	$30–$45 (can split)	Comfort, stops at will
Shared shuttle bus	4–4.5 hours	$5–$8	Budget travelers
Motorbike rental + driver	3 hours	$15–$20	Adventure seekers
Open bus (Hue–Hoi An direct)	4–5 hours	$6–$10	Convenient, no transfers

• Book via: 12Go.asia or through your hotel. Many hotels can arrange a private car with stops at the tombs and pass.
• Recommended stops along the way: Lang Co Beach (beautiful fishing village), the summit of the Hai Van Pass (stop for photos at the old French fort ruins), and Marble Mountain (optional, at the Da Nang end).

Afternoon: Arrive in Hoi An

• Arrive in Hoi An by early-to-mid afternoon. Check into your hotel and get oriented.
• Hoi An Ancient Town — This UNESCO World Heritage Site is like stepping back in time. Yellow-walled buildings, hundreds of colorful silk lanterns, and no motorized traffic in the core area.
• Entry: 150,000 VND (~$6) — valid for 24 hours, covers 5 main sites including the Japanese Covered Bridge and assembly halls.
• Wander the streets at your own pace. The best light for photos is from 4:00 PM onwards as the lanterns start to glow.

Evening: Hoi An by Lantern Light

• The Hoi An Night Market runs daily along the Thu Bon River waterfront from 5:00 PM. Great for souvenirs, lanterns, and street food.
• Release a lantern on the river — small paper boats with candles. 20,000 VND ($0.80). Magical.
• Dinner recommendation: Morning Glory Restaurant (106 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street) — arguably Hoi An's most famous restaurant. Try the cao lao (Hoi An's signature noodles), white rose dumplings, and banana flower salad. Mains $4–$8. Book ahead in peak season.
• Alternatively, Mango Rooms (45 Bach Dang Street) for creative fusion dishes with a riverside setting.

Where to Stay in Hoi An

Style	Hotel	Price/Night	Book
Budget	Vinh Hung Riverside Resort	$12–$18	Booking.com
Budget	Lantana Hoi An Riverside	$10–$15	Agoda
Mid-range	Anantara Hoi An Resort	$80–$130	Booking.com
Mid-range	Ha An Hotel	$30–$50	Booking.com
Luxury	Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai	$350–$600+	Agoda

Day 4 Costs

Item	Cost
Tomb(s) entry	$6–$10
Transport to Hoi An	$5–$45
Ancient Town ticket	$6
Dinner	$5–$15
Daily total (budget)	~$25–$45

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Day 5: Hoi An & Departure

Soak up the last of Hoi An's magic before heading to the airport.

Morning: Landmarks & Tailors

Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu)

• Hoi An's most iconic landmark. Built in the 1590s by the Japanese community. The bridge is small but beautiful, especially in morning light before the crowds arrive.
• Included in the Ancient Town ticket.

Assembly Halls

• Hoi An's Chinese community built several ornate assembly halls — the Fukien Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien) and Cantonese Assembly Hall (Quang Trieu) are the most impressive. Both included in the ticket.

Get Clothes Made!

• Hoi An is famous for its tailors — you can get a custom suit, dress, or shirt made in 24 hours for a fraction of Western prices.
• Recommended tailors: BeBe Tailor (48 Le Loi Street) for quality, Yaly Couture (36 Tran Phu Street) for speed and variety, Bao Khanh Tailor (33 Tran Hung Dao Street) for value.
• Prices: Custom suit $60–$120, dress $30–$70, shirt $15–$30. Always negotiate, and go for a fitting the next day if possible.

Afternoon: Beach or Cooking Class

Option A: An Bang Beach (recommended)

• A 15-minute bicycle ride from the Old Quarter (rent a bike for ~30,000 VND / ~$1.20/day).
• Wide sandy beach with laid-back beach bars and restaurants.
• Grab lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants — fresh seafood for $5–$10.
• Best for: Relaxing, swimming, and a cold beer.

Option B: Hoi An Cooking Class

• Learn to cook Vietnamese classics like cao lao, spring rolls, and banh xeo.
• Recommended: Klook offers several highly-rated classes starting at ~$25–$35/person, including a market tour.
• Best for: Food lovers who want to take a piece of Vietnam home with them.

Evening: Farewell & Departure

• Enjoy a final dinner — try Banana Leaf Restaurant (31 Thai Phien Street) for authentic local flavors, or return to Morning Glory if you can't get enough.
• If it's the 14th day of the lunar month, you're in luck — it's the Full Moon Lantern Festival. The Old Town switches off electric lights and goes all-in on lanterns and candles. Absolutely magical.

Departure Tips

• Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is the nearest airport, about 45 minutes from Hoi An.
• Getting to the airport: Private car ($15–$20), Grab ($12–$15), or shuttle bus (~$4–$6). Arrange through your hotel.
• Domestic flights: Da Nang connects to Hanoi (1.5 hours, $40–$80) and Ho Chi Minh City (1.5 hours, $35–$70). Book via Klook for tour add-ons.
• International flights: Da Nang has direct flights to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Tokyo, and more.
• Aim to arrive at the airport 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours for international.

Day 5 Costs

Item	Cost
Bicycle rental	$1.20
Beach lunch	$5–$10
Cooking class (optional)	$25–$35
Farewell dinner	$5–$12
Transport to airport	$12–$20
Daily total (budget)	~$25–$45

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Practical Travel Info

Getting Between Cities: All Options

Route	Train	Bus	Flight	Private Car
Hanoi → Hue	12–14 hrs, $15–$40 (overnight)	13–15 hrs, $12–$20	1.5 hrs, $40–$80	N/A
Hue → Hoi An	N/A	4–5 hrs, $5–$10	N/A	3 hrs, $30–$45
Hoi An → Da Nang Airport	N/A	1 hr, $3–$5	N/A	45 min, $15–$20

Book transport on: 12Go.asia — compares trains, buses, and flights across Vietnam. Accepts international cards.

Vietnam Visa Requirements (2026)

• E-visa: Available for citizens of most countries. Apply online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. Costs $25 for single entry (valid up to 90 days) or $50 for multiple entry.
• Processing time: Usually 3–5 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip.
• Visa on arrival (VOA): Available at major airports but requires a pre-approved letter ($20–$30 letter + $25 stamping fee). E-visa is easier.
• Visa-free: Citizens of select countries (including many EU nations, UK, and some Asian countries) can enter visa-free for 15–45 days. Check the latest requirements before you go.

SIM Card & WiFi

• Buy a local SIM at the airport on arrival. The main providers are Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone.
• Tourist SIM packs: 4G data with unlimited or large data allowance. Expect to pay 150,000–250,000 VND (~$6–$10) for 30 days of data.
• Viettel generally has the best coverage in rural areas.
• Free WiFi is available at most hotels, cafés, and restaurants.

Currency & Money

• Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). 1 USD ≈ 25,500 VND (April 2026).
• ATMs: Widely available in all three cities. Most accept international cards (Visa/Mastercard).
• Withdrawal limits: Typically 2,000,000–6,000,000 VND (~$80–$240) per withdrawal, with a 30,000–60,000 VND fee.
• Cash is king in Vietnam — street food stalls, small shops, and taxis all prefer cash. Carry some at all times.
• Credit cards: Accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants, and large shops.
• Tipping: Not expected but appreciated. 5–10% at sit-down restaurants.

Useful Apps

App	Purpose
Grab	Southeast Asia's Uber — ride-hailing and food delivery
12Go.asia	Book trains, buses, and ferries
Google Maps	Navigation (works well in cities)
Google Translate	Download Vietnamese for offline use
XE Currency	Quick VND conversions
Klook	Book tours, activities, and attraction tickets

What to Pack

• Lightweight, breathable clothing (it's hot year-round in Hue and Hoi An; Hanoi can be cool Dec–Feb)
• Modest clothing for temples (cover shoulders and knees)
• Comfortable walking shoes (you'll walk a lot)
• Rain jacket or compact umbrella (sudden downpours are common)
• Power adapter — Vietnam uses Type A, C, and D plugs (220V)
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Reusable water bottle (most hotels have filtered water)

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Final Tips for Your 5-Day Vietnam Itinerary

1. Don't overpack your schedule. This itinerary is already packed — if you're running behind, skip a tomb or museum. The joy of Vietnam is as much in wandering and eating as in ticking off sights.

2. Learn a few Vietnamese phrases. "Xin chào" (hello), "Cảm ơn" (thank you), and "Bao nhiêu?" (how much?) go a long way. Locals genuinely appreciate the effort.

3. Stay hydrated. Vietnam's heat is no joke, especially in Hue and Hoi An. Buy bottled water or use a filtered bottle.

4. Use Grab for transport. It's cheaper than taxis, you don't need to negotiate, and the fare is calculated upfront. Available in all three cities on this route.

5. Cross the street like a local. Vietnamese traffic looks terrifying, but the key is to walk at a steady, predictable pace. Don't stop, don't run. Vehicles will flow around you.

6. Try everything. The street food is the highlight of this trip. Bun cha, pho, banh mi, egg coffee, cao lao, bun bo Hue — every meal is an adventure. If a stall has a line of locals, it's good.

7. Book the overnight train early. Soft sleeper berths sell out during peak season (October–December, Tet holiday in late Jan/early Feb).

8. Bring cash for Hoi An tailors. Many offer discounts for cash payment, and it simplifies the transaction.

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Ready to book your Vietnam adventure? Compare hotels on Booking.com and Agoda, book transport on 12Go.asia, and find tours and activities on Klook.

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More Waddat guides for your Vietnam trip:

• Hanoi Travel Guide — A deeper dive into the capital
• Best Street Food in Hanoi — The essential food guide
• Vietnam Visa on Arrival Guide 2026 — E-visa, VOA, and requirements
• Ha Long Bay Cruise Guide — Vietnam's most famous bay
• Da Nang Travel Guide — Vietnam's most livable city
• Southeast Asia 1-Month Itinerary — The ultimate regional adventure

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Last updated: April 2026