LAOS: NEL CUORE DEL MEKONG ** TOUR COLLETTIVO **

After immigration formalities, passport control, baggage retrieval, and customs, you will be greeted by a local guide and transferred to the hotel. The room is available starting from 14.00. The rest of the day available. Accommodation Eastin Hotel Vientiane.

Breakfast. The day begins with the discovery of the Laotian capital, Vientiane, a city that bears the deep marks of French colonisation yet has proudly preserved its own cultural identity. Strolling through its streets and temples, you clearly sense the charm of a bygone era, where European influence is interwoven with — and at times dissolves into — typically oriental architectural elements. Among the most significant stops is Vat Sisaket, a temple which, although influenced by the Siamese style, stands out for its unique architecture. Its Thai origin was decisive in saving it from destruction, making it today the best preserved and largest temple in the capital. Next comes a visit to Vat Phra Keo, built in 1565 to house the famous Emerald Buddha. Faithfully rebuilt in 1942 in a peaceful garden, the temple is distinguished by its refined carved panels and elegant colonnades, sheltered by a sloping roof recalling the traditional style of northern Laos and Thailand. Another iconic site is the Pha That Louang, the cloister built around a great sacred stupa. Despite the devastation suffered over the centuries, including the assault by the Ho raiders in 1873, the stupa was restored in 1930 by the French. Today it is considered the national symbol of Laos, as well as a masterpiece of the country's religious and royal architecture. The visit continues with a stop at the striking Patuxay, the triumphal arch that dominates the city centre: from its top you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view over Vientiane. Finally, a walk among the stalls of the Talat Sao market offers the perfect opportunity to browse local produce and imported goods in a lively, authentic atmosphere. After lunch in a local restaurant, the journey continues overland to Vang Vieng. The route winds between spectacular karst formations and mountain landscapes reflected in the waters of the Nam Song river. On arrival, check-in at the hotel is arranged, along with a well-deserved moment of relaxation in one of the most fascinating natural settings in Laos. Accommodation Tmark Resort.

Breakfast. The morning begins with departure for Ban Phathao, a peaceful Hmong village north of Vang Vieng and the ideal starting point for an immersive experience in local nature and culture. The route winds through vibrant emerald-green rice paddies, framed by imposing limestone mountains that dominate the horizon with their silent, majestic presence. The walk continues along idyllic paths, shaded by tall tropical trees, where it is not unusual to meet inhabitants of the nearby villages going about their daily activities, offering authentic glimpses of Laotian rural life. The excursion leads to the first natural stop: Tham Loup, a deep and fascinating cave, followed shortly afterwards by the smaller but equally striking Tham Hoi nearby. Here you can take a short break to contemplate the beauty of the surrounding landscape before continuing on. Crossing a small village, you finally reach the river, where the sacred elephant cave and its adjoining temple are found, places steeped in spirituality and mystery. After the visit, you cross a bridge marking the end of the nature adventure and the start of the transfer back to town. Lunch at a restaurant. Return to the hotel. Sunset cocktail on a rooftop: meet your guide at 5:00 pm and transfer into town to enjoy a sunset cocktail. You will sip a cocktail on an elegant rooftop as the sun goes down, colouring the sky orange and pink. A perfect moment of taste, breathtaking views and pure magic. After this experience you are free for dinner. Accommodation Tmark Resort.

Breakfast. Transfer to the train station. Departure by train to Luang Prabang. Welcome upon arrival and transfer to the hotel. You will visit the Heuan Chan Heritage House, a traditional dwelling dating back more than 100 years. This charming building stands on the Luang Prabang peninsula, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Today the house has been turned into a museum and is a rare example of Laotian colonial architecture with French influences. During the visit you will have the chance to immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of times past and to discover the architectural and cultural details of this extraordinary historic residence. Lunch at a restaurant. Visit to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC), a cultural centre dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultures and traditions of the many ethnic groups of Laos. Here you can learn more about the history, customs and traditions of some of the more than 50 ethnic groups present in the country, through interactive displays, traditional objects and visual and audio accounts. Return to the hotel. At 5:00 pm, meet your Italian-speaking guide at the hotel and set off on a walking food tour through the lively night market of Luang Prabang. Your culinary experience will begin with a steaming bowl of Khao Soi or Pho, two of the most representative dishes of Laotian and South-East Asian cuisine. Next, you will taste Salapao, soft filled steamed buns, and Namvan, a sweet dessert-like drink that is particularly refreshing on warm evenings. The walk continues through the market's narrow lanes and the areas beside the temple, where you can enjoy Namejun (spring rolls) and Tam Makteng (cucumber salad), simple dishes full of flavour, often shared in company during the evening hours. The final stop of the tour takes you into the heart of the night market, where you will round off your gastronomic adventure by tasting Kaojee (grilled bread) and the traditional Khao Nom Kok, small coconut cakes cooked on an iron griddle. Dinner at a restaurant. Accommodation My Dream Boutique Resort.

Breakfast. The day begins with the discovery of the beautiful Luang Prabang, considered one of the most charming cities in South-East Asia. Set in a striking position at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers and surrounded by an ancient mountain range, Luang Prabang wins visitors over with its unique atmosphere, rich in history and spirituality. During the tour you will visit the city's main cultural and religious sites. An expert guide will accompany you, sharing insights and details about history, architecture and local traditions so that you can fully experience the authentic soul of this World Heritage city. The first stop will be the Royal Palace, today home to the National Museum. Inside is a vast collection of objects belonging to the royal family, along with numerous statuettes from various temples in the region. The highlight of the visit will be the encounter with the Phrabang Buddha, the sacred religious symbol that gave the city its name and one of the most venerated artefacts in Laos. You will then continue with a visit to Vat Xieng Thong, known as the Temple of the Royal City. This complex of shrines is one of the finest examples of Laotian religious art and is without doubt one of the most iconic and spectacular sites in Luang Prabang. Afterwards, transfer to the Kuang Sy waterfalls, with a stop for lunch in a restaurant near the falls, surrounded by nature. Lunch at a restaurant. In the afternoon you will visit these wonderful waterfalls, one of the most scenic and most photographed places in northern Laos. The Kuang Sy waterfalls are famous for their limestone formations and their many natural pools in shades of turquoise blue. The lower section has been turned into a pleasant public park, ideal for a refreshing break in the shade of the tropical trees. The real spectacle, however, is revealed along the path leading to a series of natural pools created by the erosion of the water on the limestone rock. Here you will have the chance to relax, take a swim or simply enjoy the peace and beauty of the landscape. In the late afternoon, return to Luang Prabang with a stop to visit the Ock Pop Tok craft centre and social project. This centre is a must for anyone wishing to discover local crafts. In a welcoming, authentic setting, you will watch the various stages of silk weaving, from spinning to natural dyeing, including the batik technique and bamboo weaving. A local guide will explain the traditional methods, allowing you to watch the artisans at work close up. To complete the experience, you can stroll through a well-tended tropical garden with a spectacular view over the Mekong river and the surrounding mountains, ideal for a moment of contemplation and relaxation. Accommodation My Dream Boutique Resort.

The day begins at dawn with an excursion outside the city centre. In the company of your guide, you will head to a peaceful village along the Mekong river to attend the sacred Tak Bat ceremony, one of the most deeply rooted rituals in the Laotian Buddhist tradition. During this spiritual moment, the villagers kneel silently at the roadside, offering food to the Buddhist monks who file past in procession, wrapped in their distinctive saffron-coloured robes. You will have the chance to take an active part in the ceremony by preparing an offering as a sign of respect, or you may choose to observe discreetly, leaving the sacredness of the event undisturbed. At the end of the ceremony, you will immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of the village with a short walk through its quiet lanes, where you can observe local daily life at close hand. You will visit the village market, lively and full of colour, where you will also have the opportunity to taste some Laotian specialities. Afterwards, you will buy food to offer to the monks of a nearby temple, receiving a symbolic blessing in return. The morning ends with a pleasant coffee break in a welcoming riverside café, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the tranquillity of the river landscape, surrounded by the quiet of the village on the edge of Luang Prabang. Return to the hotel. Breakfast. After breakfast, you will board a delightful cruise on the Mekong river, sailing towards one of the most sacred places in Laos: the famous Pak Ou caves. Set into the limestone cliffs above the river, these caves house thousands of Buddha statues of every shape and size, left there over the centuries by the faithful as a sign of devotion. After the visit, you will reach a nearby village where you will be welcomed by a local family. In a simple, genuine atmosphere, you will share with them a traditional Laotian lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients. This experience will give you an authentic glimpse of Laotian rural life and its traditions. In the early afternoon, you will continue with a guided walk through the village, visiting a small local temple and a few traditional houses, witnesses to the country's rich cultural heritage. Meeting the local people will make the experience even deeper and more meaningful. On the way back to Luang Prabang, you will stop at a village renowned for the handmade production of Sa paper, a traditional Laotian paper made by hand using the bark of the mulberry tree ("sa" in the local language). Here you will discover the stages of this centuries-old technique, a splendid example of sustainable craftsmanship closely linked to nature. The experience continues with a Laotian tea tasting ceremony held in a traditional garden. You will learn to distinguish the different varieties of local tea, their aromas and cultural meanings, while enjoying relaxing infusions in a serene and evocative setting. I will return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Accommodation My Dream Boutique Resort.

***OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES*** (see supplements).
Baci ceremony and dinner in a local home:
Laos is a country that still preserves a strong spirituality and a deep sense of hospitality. Experience this at first hand by taking part in a Baci ceremony (Soukhouan), one of the most popular traditions in Laos. During the ceremony – held in a local home – the officiant will perform a kind of 'calling and gathering' of your souls: Laotian belief holds that every human being has 32 souls, and each of these will be called upon to draw all beneficial influences towards you. Dinner in the home itself.
Notes: The evening Baci ceremony helps to preserve one of the most famous Buddhist-animist traditions of Laos; as well as providing financial support to the community, it encourages the community to preserve its own traditions.

Breakfast. At the locally indicated time, transfer to the airport only with a driver, without assistance. End of the tour.