09:00 Meet your guide and driver at your hotel and begin the day with a peaceful boat cruise along the Perfume River. Disembark to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s most recognisable landmarks, beautifully overlooking the river, before continuing to the elaborate Tomb of Tu Duc, a serene complex of temples, pavilions, gardens and lakes reflecting the emperor’s life and aesthetic. Continue to a nearby traditional village to discover how colourful incense and iconic Vietnamese conical hats are made, with an opportunity to meet local artisans and learn about these long-standing crafts. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, with an optional experience of a vegetarian meal prepared by Buddhist nuns at Thien Mu Pagoda. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Tomb of Khai Dinh, renowned for its ornate architecture and intricate interior decoration, before exploring the Imperial Citadel, once the political and ceremonial heart of the Nguyen Dynasty. Discover significant landmarks including the Flag Tower, Noon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons and Thai Hoa Palace, the former imperial coronation hall, before continuing into the remains of the Forbidden Purple City. Return to your hotel at approximately 17:30, marking the end of your Hue heritage experience.

Service includes: Private air-conditioned vehicle, English-speaking guide, Perfume River boat cruise, Vietnamese lunch, sightseeing entrance fees and bottled mineral water.