Results for "itinéraire+|+123+>+204"
88323 results found.
18-Day Itinerary for Japan
Hi everyone,
I’ve been planning several itineraries for a trip to Japan with my wife but would love your insights before we start booking!
In short, we want to go during Golden Week, see late-blooming cherry trees, and have the freedom to get around with a rental car.
Here’s the plan:
18-day itinerary in Japan (April 25 → May 12)
Goal: freedom, late cherry blossoms, culture & nature
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Days 1–3: Tokyo (April 25–27) Arrival and adjustment (no car needed yet). Neighborhoods to visit: Shinjuku, Asakusa, Meiji Jingu, Shibuya, Odaiba. Suggested activities: Ghibli Museum, Sumida River cruise, izakaya meals. Late cherry blossoms (yaezakura) possible at Shinjuku Gyoen. Pick up the rental car on the morning of April 27.
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Days 4–5: Mount Fuji & Hakone (April 27–28) Route: Tokyo → Kawaguchiko/Hakone (~2 h).
Activities: Lake Kawaguchi, Chureito Pagoda (Fuji views + late cherry blossoms) Onsen baths, Hakone Open-Air Museum. Stay: ryokan with onsen and views of Mount Fuji.
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Days 6–7: Takayama & Shirakawa-go (April 29–30) Route: Hakone → Takayama (~4 h).
Activities: Preserved old town, sake breweries, UNESCO village of Shirakawa-go. Stay: traditional minshuku (thatched-roof house). Cherry blossoms are finishing at this altitude — beautiful mountain/nature contrasts. ---
Days 8–10: Kyoto & Nara (May 1–3) Route: Takayama → Kyoto (~4 h 30).
Activities in Kyoto: Fushimi Inari (red torii gates), Golden Pavilion, Arashiyama, Gion (geisha district).
Day trip to Nara: Free-roaming deer in Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Stay: Kyoto (3 nights).
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Day 11: Osaka or Himeji (May 4) Route: Kyoto → Osaka (~1 h) or Himeji (~1 h 30).
Option 1: Osaka → modern vibe, street food, castle. Option 2: Himeji → stunning UNESCO-listed castle. Stay: Osaka.
---
Days 12–13: Kanazawa (May 5–6) Route: Osaka → Kanazawa (~4 h 30).
Activities: Kenroku-en Garden (gorgeous in spring), Omicho Market, samurai district. Stay: Kanazawa.
---
Days 14–15: Northern Japan – Aomori / Hirosaki (May 7–8) Route: Kanazawa → Aomori (~7 h, possible to break via Sendai).
Activities: Hirosaki Castle Park (peak bloom early May). Northern onsen (e.g., Sukayu). Stay: Hirosaki or Aomori.
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Days 16–17: Nikko (May 9–10) Route: Aomori → Nikko (~6 h).
Activities: Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji. Stay: Nikko.
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Day 18: Return to Tokyo & Relax in Kamakura (May 11–12) Route: Nikko → Kamakura (~3 h) → Tokyo (~1 h).
Activities: Great Buddha, Zen temples, seaside at Enoshima. Final night: Tokyo before the return flight.
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
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Days 1–3: Tokyo (April 25–27) Arrival and adjustment (no car needed yet). Neighborhoods to visit: Shinjuku, Asakusa, Meiji Jingu, Shibuya, Odaiba. Suggested activities: Ghibli Museum, Sumida River cruise, izakaya meals. Late cherry blossoms (yaezakura) possible at Shinjuku Gyoen. Pick up the rental car on the morning of April 27.
---
Days 4–5: Mount Fuji & Hakone (April 27–28) Route: Tokyo → Kawaguchiko/Hakone (~2 h).
Activities: Lake Kawaguchi, Chureito Pagoda (Fuji views + late cherry blossoms) Onsen baths, Hakone Open-Air Museum. Stay: ryokan with onsen and views of Mount Fuji.
---
Days 6–7: Takayama & Shirakawa-go (April 29–30) Route: Hakone → Takayama (~4 h).
Activities: Preserved old town, sake breweries, UNESCO village of Shirakawa-go. Stay: traditional minshuku (thatched-roof house). Cherry blossoms are finishing at this altitude — beautiful mountain/nature contrasts. ---
Days 8–10: Kyoto & Nara (May 1–3) Route: Takayama → Kyoto (~4 h 30).
Activities in Kyoto: Fushimi Inari (red torii gates), Golden Pavilion, Arashiyama, Gion (geisha district).
Day trip to Nara: Free-roaming deer in Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Stay: Kyoto (3 nights).
---
Day 11: Osaka or Himeji (May 4) Route: Kyoto → Osaka (~1 h) or Himeji (~1 h 30).
Option 1: Osaka → modern vibe, street food, castle. Option 2: Himeji → stunning UNESCO-listed castle. Stay: Osaka.
---
Days 12–13: Kanazawa (May 5–6) Route: Osaka → Kanazawa (~4 h 30).
Activities: Kenroku-en Garden (gorgeous in spring), Omicho Market, samurai district. Stay: Kanazawa.
---
Days 14–15: Northern Japan – Aomori / Hirosaki (May 7–8) Route: Kanazawa → Aomori (~7 h, possible to break via Sendai).
Activities: Hirosaki Castle Park (peak bloom early May). Northern onsen (e.g., Sukayu). Stay: Hirosaki or Aomori.
---
Days 16–17: Nikko (May 9–10) Route: Aomori → Nikko (~6 h).
Activities: Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji. Stay: Nikko.
---
Day 18: Return to Tokyo & Relax in Kamakura (May 11–12) Route: Nikko → Kamakura (~3 h) → Tokyo (~1 h).
Activities: Great Buddha, Zen temples, seaside at Enoshima. Final night: Tokyo before the return flight.
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Kyoto-Tokyo-Five Lakes-Kyushu Itinerary
Hi there,
My partner is running the Tokyo Marathon on March 1st, 2026. So we’re planning a 3-week trip to Japan to include this event! We’ll likely be traveling from February 21st to March 14th.
Our current idea is to visit: 1) Kyoto 2) Tokyo 3) The Five Lakes region (e.g., Mt. Odake, Mitsutogeyama, Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Sai, Mt. Ryugatake, Myōjinyama...) 4) Kyushu (for example: Mt. Kujū, Mt. Aso, Eboshi-dake, Mt. Karakuni, Kirishima Mountains, Takachihonomine....)
We found a flight that would let us arrive in Osaka and depart from Kutakyushu. We really want to soak up Japanese culture but don’t want to spend all our time just in cities. Museums, exhibits, etc., aren’t really our thing, and we’d like to include some hikes.
1) Do you think this itinerary is realistic for 3 weeks? 2) In Kyushu, we’d like to rent a car—do you think it’d also be a good idea to rent one for the Five Lakes region? 3) I’d love to stay in a temple to take part in monks’ rituals. Any tips on that?
Anyway, this is just a very rough first draft, and before diving in completely, I’d love to get some initial feedback, your thoughts, and your critiques ;) Thanks in advance! :)
My partner is running the Tokyo Marathon on March 1st, 2026. So we’re planning a 3-week trip to Japan to include this event! We’ll likely be traveling from February 21st to March 14th.
Our current idea is to visit: 1) Kyoto 2) Tokyo 3) The Five Lakes region (e.g., Mt. Odake, Mitsutogeyama, Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Sai, Mt. Ryugatake, Myōjinyama...) 4) Kyushu (for example: Mt. Kujū, Mt. Aso, Eboshi-dake, Mt. Karakuni, Kirishima Mountains, Takachihonomine....)
We found a flight that would let us arrive in Osaka and depart from Kutakyushu. We really want to soak up Japanese culture but don’t want to spend all our time just in cities. Museums, exhibits, etc., aren’t really our thing, and we’d like to include some hikes.
1) Do you think this itinerary is realistic for 3 weeks? 2) In Kyushu, we’d like to rent a car—do you think it’d also be a good idea to rent one for the Five Lakes region? 3) I’d love to stay in a temple to take part in monks’ rituals. Any tips on that?
Anyway, this is just a very rough first draft, and before diving in completely, I’d love to get some initial feedback, your thoughts, and your critiques ;) Thanks in advance! :)
2-Week Itinerary in Senegal with 3 Kids
Hi there!
After our Central Asia trip this summer, we’ll be setting foot in Africa for the first time next February with our three kids (ages 5, 13, and 17).
I’ve fine-tuned a little itinerary with ChatGPT based on our interests and expectations, and here’s what came out:
Tuesday, February 24 — Dakar
Landing at 1:00 AM
Early afternoon: visit Gorée Island
Back to Dakar, light dinner
7:00 PM: boarding the ferry “Aline Sitoé Diatta”
Overnight on board (cabin)
Wednesday, February 25 — Ziguinchor
Arrival between 9:00–11:00 AM
Staying with a local host
Stroll: Saint-Maur market, river port
Overnight in Ziguinchor
Thursday, February 26 – Saturday, February 28 — Casamance (Cap Skirring & Oussouye)
February 26: Ziguinchor → Carabane road trip, explore the island, overnight on the island
February 27: Cap Skirring, beach time
February 28: Cap Skirring, relaxation, stroll, beach
Sunday, March 1 – Tuesday, March 3 — Oussouye
Head to Oussouye (~1 hour)
Discover Diola villages, rice fields, market, handicrafts
Overnights: Oussouye (3 nights)
Wednesday, March 4 – Friday, March 6 — Sine-Saloum
Drive to Toubacouta via the Trans-Gambian Highway (Gambia)
Stay with a local host / camp on the bolongs
Activities: pirogue ride in the delta, Serer villages, biking, handicraft discovery
Overnights: Sine-Saloum (3 nights)
Saturday, March 7 – Sunday, March 8 — Petite Côte
Drive to Somone / Ngaparou (~3 hours)
Stay with a local host
Activities: beach, safari at Bandia Reserve, kayaking on the lagoon, craft market
Overnights: Petite Côte (2 nights, including Sunday, March 8, to enjoy the full day before the nighttime departure)
Monday, March 9 — Departure
Transfer to Blaise Diagne International Airport (~45 minutes)
Flight leaves at 2:00 AM
I’ve got a few questions:
- Is an afternoon on Gorée Island worth it? I really want to go, but the ferry departure days are a bit limiting. - How easy is it to get around between these different stops? Can we find a taxi that fits all five of us? - Do you have any accommodation recommendations? I’d love to stay with locals as much as possible—we’re not looking for luxury, just a bed and a shower. - February 28 is my birthday, and I’d love to do something “special”: any ideas for a nice place to stay, a great restaurant, or an out-of-the-ordinary activity? We’ll be around Cap Skirring. - Does this itinerary seem coherent? I really want to visit Casamance, and we’d prefer to stay no more than 3 nights in the same place.
Don’t hesitate to share your tips! Thanks so much!
After our Central Asia trip this summer, we’ll be setting foot in Africa for the first time next February with our three kids (ages 5, 13, and 17).
I’ve fine-tuned a little itinerary with ChatGPT based on our interests and expectations, and here’s what came out:
Tuesday, February 24 — Dakar
Landing at 1:00 AM
Early afternoon: visit Gorée Island
Back to Dakar, light dinner
7:00 PM: boarding the ferry “Aline Sitoé Diatta”
Overnight on board (cabin)
Wednesday, February 25 — Ziguinchor
Arrival between 9:00–11:00 AM
Staying with a local host
Stroll: Saint-Maur market, river port
Overnight in Ziguinchor
Thursday, February 26 – Saturday, February 28 — Casamance (Cap Skirring & Oussouye)
February 26: Ziguinchor → Carabane road trip, explore the island, overnight on the island
February 27: Cap Skirring, beach time
February 28: Cap Skirring, relaxation, stroll, beach
Sunday, March 1 – Tuesday, March 3 — Oussouye
Head to Oussouye (~1 hour)
Discover Diola villages, rice fields, market, handicrafts
Overnights: Oussouye (3 nights)
Wednesday, March 4 – Friday, March 6 — Sine-Saloum
Drive to Toubacouta via the Trans-Gambian Highway (Gambia)
Stay with a local host / camp on the bolongs
Activities: pirogue ride in the delta, Serer villages, biking, handicraft discovery
Overnights: Sine-Saloum (3 nights)
Saturday, March 7 – Sunday, March 8 — Petite Côte
Drive to Somone / Ngaparou (~3 hours)
Stay with a local host
Activities: beach, safari at Bandia Reserve, kayaking on the lagoon, craft market
Overnights: Petite Côte (2 nights, including Sunday, March 8, to enjoy the full day before the nighttime departure)
Monday, March 9 — Departure
Transfer to Blaise Diagne International Airport (~45 minutes)
Flight leaves at 2:00 AM
I’ve got a few questions:
- Is an afternoon on Gorée Island worth it? I really want to go, but the ferry departure days are a bit limiting. - How easy is it to get around between these different stops? Can we find a taxi that fits all five of us? - Do you have any accommodation recommendations? I’d love to stay with locals as much as possible—we’re not looking for luxury, just a bed and a shower. - February 28 is my birthday, and I’d love to do something “special”: any ideas for a nice place to stay, a great restaurant, or an out-of-the-ordinary activity? We’ll be around Cap Skirring. - Does this itinerary seem coherent? I really want to visit Casamance, and we’d prefer to stay no more than 3 nights in the same place.
Don’t hesitate to share your tips! Thanks so much!
Off-the-beaten-path itinerary for our second trip to Japan
Hi there! After a wonderful trip in 2024, we’ll be heading back to Japan at the end of July 2026 to reunite with our daughter, who will have been there for a few months.
Last time, we did a route: Tokyo – Japanese Alps – Kyoto – Osaka – Hiroshima. This time, we’ll have 10 days to ourselves before our daughter joins us for a full week. We’re thinking of spending 2 days in Tokyo and 1 day at the end of the trip for shopping.
We’re looking for ideas for a route (by train and bus) that’s a little off the beaten path, especially avoiding the most touristy spots like the best-known temples in Kyoto. Our favorite spots in 2024: Kanazawa, Takayama, and Miyajima Island. We love temples, gardens, and would love to explore the nature, which looks incredible.
Thanks in advance for your tips and suggestions!
Last time, we did a route: Tokyo – Japanese Alps – Kyoto – Osaka – Hiroshima. This time, we’ll have 10 days to ourselves before our daughter joins us for a full week. We’re thinking of spending 2 days in Tokyo and 1 day at the end of the trip for shopping.
We’re looking for ideas for a route (by train and bus) that’s a little off the beaten path, especially avoiding the most touristy spots like the best-known temples in Kyoto. Our favorite spots in 2024: Kanazawa, Takayama, and Miyajima Island. We love temples, gardens, and would love to explore the nature, which looks incredible.
Thanks in advance for your tips and suggestions!
Backpacking itinerary in Tunisia
Hi there,
I'm urgently planning a trip to Tunisia in November, backpacker-style (no agency, no guide or taxi, public transport, youth hostels or small hotels, local restaurants). I'm not interested in the beach, and I like to take my time at archaeological sites and museums (twice as long as the average visitor). I'm aiming for about two weeks, give or take.
First, I'm trying to roughly outline a route/schedule so I can book my flight as soon as possible (no desert in the south this time—I went there years ago and want to stay independent). I’ve sketched out the following itinerary, knowing that apparently, there are quite a few towns without budget-friendly hotels (even on Airbnb), which means I’ll be staying longer where they’re available. Three questions: 1. Does this seem reasonable overall (time spent in each city)? 2. Should I add other cities, maybe in the northwest? 3. For hotels, in November, is it better to scout options on booking sites first, then book on the spot for cheaper rates (no site commission + possible negotiation)? Also, are hotels not listed online and found randomly on-site much cheaper?
ROUGH ITINERARY (order to be confirmed)
TUNIS 5 days (cheap accommodations: 13 or 19 €) 2 days: Medina, souks, Bardo Museum, Royal Mausoleum of Tourbet El Bey, Zitouna Mosque (exterior) 1 day: Sidi Bou Said 1 day: Carthage 1 day: A-R Dougga (bus to Tebersouk 2h + taxi) – pack a picnic + option: hike to Zaghouan (750m+, 10km round trip) – worth it? Doable alone?
KAIROUAN 2 days (very expensive room: 40-50 €!) Great Mosque, Medina, Three Doors Mosque, medieval cemetery, Sidi Sahbi Mosque...
SOUSSE 3 days (room 15 €) 2 days: Medina, archaeological museum, Port El Kantaoui, the Ribat (fortress), Contemporary Art Museum Dar Am Taïeb, Dar Essid (17th-century traditional house) 1 day: A-R El Jem (60km away) + option: 1 day A-R Monastir? Worth it? + option: 1 day A-R Mahdia (or 2 days sleeping there)?
OPTIONS -> Gabes to mix things up? But is it easy to find cheap lodging and get around/visit alone? -> Other sights or stops to sleep: Sfax, El Kef, others? -> Kerkenna Islands (easy accommodation?)
Thanks for your thoughts and opinions on these options. Once I’ve adjusted the duration, I’ll book my tickets for early November! (By the way, do you think I should arrive and depart from two different airports?)
I'm urgently planning a trip to Tunisia in November, backpacker-style (no agency, no guide or taxi, public transport, youth hostels or small hotels, local restaurants). I'm not interested in the beach, and I like to take my time at archaeological sites and museums (twice as long as the average visitor). I'm aiming for about two weeks, give or take.
First, I'm trying to roughly outline a route/schedule so I can book my flight as soon as possible (no desert in the south this time—I went there years ago and want to stay independent). I’ve sketched out the following itinerary, knowing that apparently, there are quite a few towns without budget-friendly hotels (even on Airbnb), which means I’ll be staying longer where they’re available. Three questions: 1. Does this seem reasonable overall (time spent in each city)? 2. Should I add other cities, maybe in the northwest? 3. For hotels, in November, is it better to scout options on booking sites first, then book on the spot for cheaper rates (no site commission + possible negotiation)? Also, are hotels not listed online and found randomly on-site much cheaper?
ROUGH ITINERARY (order to be confirmed)
TUNIS 5 days (cheap accommodations: 13 or 19 €) 2 days: Medina, souks, Bardo Museum, Royal Mausoleum of Tourbet El Bey, Zitouna Mosque (exterior) 1 day: Sidi Bou Said 1 day: Carthage 1 day: A-R Dougga (bus to Tebersouk 2h + taxi) – pack a picnic + option: hike to Zaghouan (750m+, 10km round trip) – worth it? Doable alone?
KAIROUAN 2 days (very expensive room: 40-50 €!) Great Mosque, Medina, Three Doors Mosque, medieval cemetery, Sidi Sahbi Mosque...
SOUSSE 3 days (room 15 €) 2 days: Medina, archaeological museum, Port El Kantaoui, the Ribat (fortress), Contemporary Art Museum Dar Am Taïeb, Dar Essid (17th-century traditional house) 1 day: A-R El Jem (60km away) + option: 1 day A-R Monastir? Worth it? + option: 1 day A-R Mahdia (or 2 days sleeping there)?
OPTIONS -> Gabes to mix things up? But is it easy to find cheap lodging and get around/visit alone? -> Other sights or stops to sleep: Sfax, El Kef, others? -> Kerkenna Islands (easy accommodation?)
Thanks for your thoughts and opinions on these options. Once I’ve adjusted the duration, I’ll book my tickets for early November! (By the way, do you think I should arrive and depart from two different airports?)
1-Month Backpacking Itinerary in Cambodia
Hi there!
We’re leaving in early November for a month.
Here’s our itinerary:
Arrival in Takhmau, then heading to:
Kampong Cham
Kratie – 2 days
Mondolkiri – 3 days
Ratanakiri – 3 days
Stung Treng – 1 day
Siem Reap – 4 days
Battambang – 1 day
Kampong Chhnang – 3 days
Kampot – 2 days
Islands (WE’RE HESITATING WHICH ONE?) – 4 DAYS
Phnom Penh – 2 days
That’s it! 😊
We’re backpacking… and we love spots that aren’t too touristy. If you’ve got any tips, we’re all ears!
Thanks
4-Week Itinerary in South Africa
Hello,
We’re a group of four seventy-something retirees and we’re planning a 4-week trip to South Africa. We’re seasoned "adventurers" used to multi-week stays (we’ve been to India seven times, Mexico, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Australia, etc.).
For South Africa, we’re thinking of covering most of the trip in a private vehicle and taking flights for inter-state transfers. We’re interested in meeting people, learning about the country’s evolution, exploring major cities, visiting traditional villages, and seeing wildlife.
Here’s the itinerary we’re considering: Johannesburg – 2 days (we’ll pass through again later) Pretoria – 2 days Blyde River Canyon and Graskop – 1 day Acornhoek – 1 day Letaba – 2 days Lobamba – 2 days Johannesburg – 1 day
Flight to Cape Town
Cape Town – 3 days Cape of Good Hope – 1 day Stellenbosch – 1 day Hermanus – 1 day Mossel Bay – 2 days Oudtshoorn Wilderness – 2 days Knysna Port Elizabeth – 2 days Addo Elephant Park
Flight back to Johannesburg
Johannesburg – 1 day
Return to Paris
Could you share your thoughts on this itinerary? We’ll be renting a vehicle to explore both regions. We can easily add 4–5 more days to the trip if needed.
We’re looking at traveling either between April and May 2026 or in October/November 2026.
I’ll follow up later to discuss the best safari options and get a rough budget estimate.
Thanks to everyone who takes the time to read this and share their thoughts!
For South Africa, we’re thinking of covering most of the trip in a private vehicle and taking flights for inter-state transfers. We’re interested in meeting people, learning about the country’s evolution, exploring major cities, visiting traditional villages, and seeing wildlife.
Here’s the itinerary we’re considering: Johannesburg – 2 days (we’ll pass through again later) Pretoria – 2 days Blyde River Canyon and Graskop – 1 day Acornhoek – 1 day Letaba – 2 days Lobamba – 2 days Johannesburg – 1 day
Flight to Cape Town
Cape Town – 3 days Cape of Good Hope – 1 day Stellenbosch – 1 day Hermanus – 1 day Mossel Bay – 2 days Oudtshoorn Wilderness – 2 days Knysna Port Elizabeth – 2 days Addo Elephant Park
Flight back to Johannesburg
Johannesburg – 1 day
Return to Paris
Could you share your thoughts on this itinerary? We’ll be renting a vehicle to explore both regions. We can easily add 4–5 more days to the trip if needed.
We’re looking at traveling either between April and May 2026 or in October/November 2026.
I’ll follow up later to discuss the best safari options and get a rough budget estimate.
Thanks to everyone who takes the time to read this and share their thoughts!
Mexico itinerary in February
Hi everyone, absolute travel lovers after our 20 trips to the USA, we’ve decided to head to Mexico in February (flight already booked: Nice to Cancun on February 20th, returning on the evening of March 1st).
I’m mainly hesitating about trying to do too much, as usual when discovering a new country. Here’s my itinerary—I’m unsure about a few things: - **Day 1**: Should we stay relaxed at the resort we booked, or should we do Isla Mujeres instead? If we stay, when’s the best time to visit the island? - **Day 3**: If we visit Chichén Itzá right at opening, will the Ik-Kil cenote be quieter in terms of tourists? If not, which cenote nearby would you recommend? - **Big decision**: Should we go all the way down to Bacalar or not? After that, it feels a bit rushed. **Day 6** is mandatory, or are there other options? Honestly, I’m counting on your advice!
For context, we’re a family of four (with very grown-up kids who are used to traveling), and we’ve already rented an SUV for this period. Thanks in advance for your help—it’ll be invaluable!
**Departure – February 20th**: Arrival in Cancún
Arrival at 8:20 PM, pick up rental car. Overnight in Cancún.
**Day 1 – February 21st**: Isla Mujeres
Ferry from Cancún to Isla Mujeres. Playa Norte, snorkeling, golf cart tour. Return to Cancún. Overnight in Cancún.
**Day 2 – February 22nd**: Ek’ Balam + Cenote X’Canché → Valladolid
Drive from Cancún to Ek’ Balam (~2h). Visit the archaeological site. Swim at Cenote X’Canché. Drive to Valladolid (~30 min). Overnight in Valladolid.
**Day 3 – February 23rd**: Chichén Itzá → Bacalar
Early departure to Chichén Itzá (~45 min). Guided tour + optional visit to Ik-Kil cenote. Drive to Bacalar (~4h). Overnight in Bacalar.
**Day 4 – February 24th**: Bacalar
Boat excursion to the "Laguna of Seven Colors." Cenote Azul + Fuerte San Felipe. Overnight in Bacalar.
**Day 5 – February 25th**: Bacalar → Tulum + Ruins, Cenote & Beach
Drive (~3.5h). Settle in Tulum. Visit the Mayan ruins of Tulum (stunning ocean view). Swim in Gran Cenote or Cenote Calavera. End the day at Playa Paraíso. Overnight in Tulum.
**Day 6 – February 26th**: Sian Ka’an Reserve
Guided excursion:
Option Muyil (half-day): boat tour + swim in the Mayan canal. Option Punta Allen (full-day): dolphins, turtles, snorkeling on the reef.
Overnight in Tulum.
**Day 7 – February 27th**: Tulum → Akumal → Playa del Carmen
Morning: snorkeling with turtles in Akumal. Lunch, then drive to Playa del Carmen. Evening on 5th Avenue. Overnight in Playa del Carmen.
**Day 8 – February 28th**: Playa del Carmen → Puerto Morelos
Free morning in Playa del Carmen (beach or Cenotes Azul & Cristalino). Afternoon: drive to Puerto Morelos (~30 min). Overnight in Puerto Morelos.
**Day 9 – March 1st**: Puerto Morelos → Cancún → Return flight
Relaxing morning in Puerto Morelos. Drive (~30 min) to Cancún Airport. Return rental car. Return flight.
I’m mainly hesitating about trying to do too much, as usual when discovering a new country. Here’s my itinerary—I’m unsure about a few things: - **Day 1**: Should we stay relaxed at the resort we booked, or should we do Isla Mujeres instead? If we stay, when’s the best time to visit the island? - **Day 3**: If we visit Chichén Itzá right at opening, will the Ik-Kil cenote be quieter in terms of tourists? If not, which cenote nearby would you recommend? - **Big decision**: Should we go all the way down to Bacalar or not? After that, it feels a bit rushed. **Day 6** is mandatory, or are there other options? Honestly, I’m counting on your advice!
For context, we’re a family of four (with very grown-up kids who are used to traveling), and we’ve already rented an SUV for this period. Thanks in advance for your help—it’ll be invaluable!
**Departure – February 20th**: Arrival in Cancún
Arrival at 8:20 PM, pick up rental car. Overnight in Cancún.
**Day 1 – February 21st**: Isla Mujeres
Ferry from Cancún to Isla Mujeres. Playa Norte, snorkeling, golf cart tour. Return to Cancún. Overnight in Cancún.
**Day 2 – February 22nd**: Ek’ Balam + Cenote X’Canché → Valladolid
Drive from Cancún to Ek’ Balam (~2h). Visit the archaeological site. Swim at Cenote X’Canché. Drive to Valladolid (~30 min). Overnight in Valladolid.
**Day 3 – February 23rd**: Chichén Itzá → Bacalar
Early departure to Chichén Itzá (~45 min). Guided tour + optional visit to Ik-Kil cenote. Drive to Bacalar (~4h). Overnight in Bacalar.
**Day 4 – February 24th**: Bacalar
Boat excursion to the "Laguna of Seven Colors." Cenote Azul + Fuerte San Felipe. Overnight in Bacalar.
**Day 5 – February 25th**: Bacalar → Tulum + Ruins, Cenote & Beach
Drive (~3.5h). Settle in Tulum. Visit the Mayan ruins of Tulum (stunning ocean view). Swim in Gran Cenote or Cenote Calavera. End the day at Playa Paraíso. Overnight in Tulum.
**Day 6 – February 26th**: Sian Ka’an Reserve
Guided excursion:
Option Muyil (half-day): boat tour + swim in the Mayan canal. Option Punta Allen (full-day): dolphins, turtles, snorkeling on the reef.
Overnight in Tulum.
**Day 7 – February 27th**: Tulum → Akumal → Playa del Carmen
Morning: snorkeling with turtles in Akumal. Lunch, then drive to Playa del Carmen. Evening on 5th Avenue. Overnight in Playa del Carmen.
**Day 8 – February 28th**: Playa del Carmen → Puerto Morelos
Free morning in Playa del Carmen (beach or Cenotes Azul & Cristalino). Afternoon: drive to Puerto Morelos (~30 min). Overnight in Puerto Morelos.
**Day 9 – March 1st**: Puerto Morelos → Cancún → Return flight
Relaxing morning in Puerto Morelos. Drive (~30 min) to Cancún Airport. Return rental car. Return flight.
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi Itinerary
Hi everyone!
I’m reaching out because we’re planning a trip to Thailand next year (around March/April), and we’d like to visit Chiang Mai and then Krabi, plus a few islands near Krabi.
We’ve been to Thailand before, 10 years ago, and this time, we’d just like to focus on 5 days in Chiang Mai and 10–12 days in the Krabi area.
I’ll admit, I’m really struggling to pick an island near Krabi.
We hated Phi Phi: dirty, noisy, and the food was gross… such a letdown!
Which island would you recommend for snorkeling, nature walks, and beautiful beaches?
Maybe we could also make a stop between Chiang Mai and Krabi—perhaps Sukhothai?
Is it easy to travel between these three cities?
Thanks so much for your help! 🙂
Desert itinerary: Uzbekistan & Mangystau
Hi there,
After a long absence, I’m back on this forum where I used to post under the username NealMorse (mostly about off-the-beaten-path spots in the American West...).
I’m planning a trip to Uzbekistan—details still up in the air (8–10 days)—but I’d love to combine it with a stop in Kazakhstan at Mangystau (5–7 days).
One of my main reasons for traveling is to seek out and photograph deserts, especially dramatic landscapes. Mangystau fits the bill perfectly!
Has anyone here got any tips for this trip, especially how to connect the two countries? Thanks in advance
I’m planning a trip to Uzbekistan—details still up in the air (8–10 days)—but I’d love to combine it with a stop in Kazakhstan at Mangystau (5–7 days).
One of my main reasons for traveling is to seek out and photograph deserts, especially dramatic landscapes. Mangystau fits the bill perfectly!
Has anyone here got any tips for this trip, especially how to connect the two countries? Thanks in advance
16-Day Itinerary to Discover Bali, Nusa Penida, and Nusa Lembongan
Hi there,
Bali was a huge crush for me: the kindness of the local people, the culture, the rice terraces, the volcanoes, the beaches... Everything comes together for a dream trip. Even the crowded sites and the crowds don’t take away from its charm.
A few tips:
- visit the very famous sites as early as possible
- don’t book everything in advance so you can adapt your itinerary based on your mood
- enjoy Bali and the islands south of Bali—don’t waste one or two travel days heading to the Gili Islands, there’s already so much to discover
I wrote a post with my 16-day itinerary, detailing visits and activities day by day: https://worldseenbymathilde.blogspot.com/2023/05/itineraire-de-16-jours-pour-decouvrir.html
And if you have any other questions, don’t hesitate! :)
I wrote a post with my 16-day itinerary, detailing visits and activities day by day: https://worldseenbymathilde.blogspot.com/2023/05/itineraire-de-16-jours-pour-decouvrir.html
And if you have any other questions, don’t hesitate! :)
One-week itinerary for Luxor and Aswan
Hello,
We’d like to spend a week in Luxor and Aswan in February.
I’d asked a tour operator to organize the trip for us, but I think it’s way too expensive for what’s included.
So I’m going to try to plan it myself, and with your help if you don’t mind.
We’re 76 and 77 years old and in good shape, but I doubt we’ll be getting up at 6 a.m. every day. I bought a paper guidebook, but I haven’t read it all yet.
We arrive on a Saturday at 5 p.m. and leave the following Saturday at 6 p.m.
Here’s what I’d like to do:
The first three days in Luxor:
- Valley of the Kings: 3 tombs + Seti I and Ramses VI, and Hatshepsut; see the Colossi of Memnon along the way. Ramesseum???
First question: How much time do we need for this? I can’t figure it out. Can we see anything else the same day without feeling overwhelmed or too tired?
- Karnak Temple: Should we start with it or with Luxor Temple? How much time for both? Sound and light show in the evening? Or just Luxor Temple illuminated? Can the Avenue of Sphinxes be seen separately?
- Valley of the Nobles (2 combined tickets), Artisans’ Village, and Medinet Habu: Same question—how much time? Can we see anything else?
No one ever talks about lunch or going back to visit in the afternoon. Is it too hot? I saw there are one or two small restaurants near the temples—do you know any? Or is it better to go back to Luxor?
What’s a fair price for a taxi for a day like this? We’ll probably stay on the East Bank.
- Day 4: Then we’d like to go to Aswan, stopping at Edfu and Kom Ombo along the way. I’ve seen prices around 140 € for a private car with a driver.
- Day 5: Unfortunately, no matter how I rearrange the days, we’ll only have one day for Abu Simbel. I’ve seen prices around 140–150 €. I don’t plan on getting up at 3 a.m.—what time should we leave so it’s not too bad? We won’t have much time to explore Aswan after two days on the road plus a third to return to Luxor.
- Day 6: Philae Temple—I’ve read a lot of comments saying it’s a madhouse to get the boat. How much should we pay to avoid haggling for hours??? How much time for the visit? Return to Luxor—I was tempted to take the train, but so far I’ve only seen options very early in the morning. The price is also around 150 €. - Day 7: In Luxor, since our flight leaves at 6 p.m., I thought we’d visit the Luxor Museum. Does this itinerary seem reasonable? Is there another way to organize it? Of course, if you know drivers who offer good rates, I’m interested—but I want a good driver who doesn’t drive too fast, a car with AC and in good condition for the long trips (we’re not 20 anymore). Thanks for reading this far, and all your advice is welcome! Annaïck
- Karnak Temple: Should we start with it or with Luxor Temple? How much time for both? Sound and light show in the evening? Or just Luxor Temple illuminated? Can the Avenue of Sphinxes be seen separately?
- Valley of the Nobles (2 combined tickets), Artisans’ Village, and Medinet Habu: Same question—how much time? Can we see anything else?
No one ever talks about lunch or going back to visit in the afternoon. Is it too hot? I saw there are one or two small restaurants near the temples—do you know any? Or is it better to go back to Luxor?
What’s a fair price for a taxi for a day like this? We’ll probably stay on the East Bank.
- Day 4: Then we’d like to go to Aswan, stopping at Edfu and Kom Ombo along the way. I’ve seen prices around 140 € for a private car with a driver.
- Day 5: Unfortunately, no matter how I rearrange the days, we’ll only have one day for Abu Simbel. I’ve seen prices around 140–150 €. I don’t plan on getting up at 3 a.m.—what time should we leave so it’s not too bad? We won’t have much time to explore Aswan after two days on the road plus a third to return to Luxor.
- Day 6: Philae Temple—I’ve read a lot of comments saying it’s a madhouse to get the boat. How much should we pay to avoid haggling for hours??? How much time for the visit? Return to Luxor—I was tempted to take the train, but so far I’ve only seen options very early in the morning. The price is also around 150 €. - Day 7: In Luxor, since our flight leaves at 6 p.m., I thought we’d visit the Luxor Museum. Does this itinerary seem reasonable? Is there another way to organize it? Of course, if you know drivers who offer good rates, I’m interested—but I want a good driver who doesn’t drive too fast, a car with AC and in good condition for the long trips (we’re not 20 anymore). Thanks for reading this far, and all your advice is welcome! Annaïck
A few-day itinerary in Kyoto
Hi there,
I’ve got a few questions about Kyoto for our trip in early November (we’re staying 5 days):
1) Is it worth spending a day in Kurama/Kibune from Kyoto? Has anyone tried the onsen in Kurama?
2) Visiting Fushimi Inari for sunset and wandering around in the evening—good idea?
3) Going to the Gion Corner show in Kyoto?
4) Skipping the more touristy temples in Kyoto (Golden Temple, Silver Temple) to see less crowded ones like Shinshogokuraku-ji and Tofuku-ji?
5) Any recommendations for a kaiseki dinner (under 10,000 yen)?
Thanks!
One-month itinerary for northeastern Brazil
Hi everyone,
We’re a group of 3 friends traveling from Salvador de Bahia to Belém in November for a month. To plan our route, I’d love some tips on the must-see spots. We’ll be traveling by bus and are mostly looking for nature, as well as pretty towns and villages.
Your advice will help us avoid missing too many great places. Thanks in advance to all of you!
Thierry
Family Trip Itinerary for the Yucatán
Hi there,
Back in 2002, we spent two weeks in Playa del Carmen. We did day trips to Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Chichén Itzá, Tulum, and Xcaret.
We’re heading back at Christmas with our two daughters, aged 15 and 19. I’m sure it’s changed a lot with the booming tourism.
Flights are booked: Paris-Cancún on 19/12 (arriving at 8:20 PM) and Cancún-Paris on 01/01 at 1:30 PM. We’re still finalizing the itinerary because we want to explore but don’t want to switch hotels too often. We’ll be there for 13 nights and 12 days, so we’re choosing among: - Playa del Carmen - Cozumel - Holbox - Valladolid - Tulum - Mahahual
We won’t do everything, so any tips would be great! I’m also unsure if renting a car is the best option.
Thanks in advance!
Stéphane
Back in 2002, we spent two weeks in Playa del Carmen. We did day trips to Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Chichén Itzá, Tulum, and Xcaret.
We’re heading back at Christmas with our two daughters, aged 15 and 19. I’m sure it’s changed a lot with the booming tourism.
Flights are booked: Paris-Cancún on 19/12 (arriving at 8:20 PM) and Cancún-Paris on 01/01 at 1:30 PM. We’re still finalizing the itinerary because we want to explore but don’t want to switch hotels too often. We’ll be there for 13 nights and 12 days, so we’re choosing among: - Playa del Carmen - Cozumel - Holbox - Valladolid - Tulum - Mahahual
We won’t do everything, so any tips would be great! I’m also unsure if renting a car is the best option.
Thanks in advance!
Stéphane
Route from Windhoek to Namaqualand (Africa)
Hi there,
From Windhoek to Namaqualand, is it possible to take a route further east than the B1 national road, and are there any points of interest along that way?
Thanks in advance.
17-Day Namibia Itinerary with 4x4 and Rooftop Tent
Hi there,
A group of friends (4 of us) and I set off on a 17-day road trip across Namibia in a 4x4 with a rooftop tent. I’ve put together a full recap of the trip, including our stops, activities, budget, and the campsites where we stayed—wild camping isn’t allowed in Namibia, so booking campsites is a must. If you need any details, feel free to check out the post here: https://worldseenbymathilde.blogspot.com/2024/11/itineraire-2-semaines-en-namibie-avec.html
Helpful tip: The water at all campsites in Namibia is safe to drink, so no need to buy bottled water—just fill up your 4x4’s tank.
A group of friends (4 of us) and I set off on a 17-day road trip across Namibia in a 4x4 with a rooftop tent. I’ve put together a full recap of the trip, including our stops, activities, budget, and the campsites where we stayed—wild camping isn’t allowed in Namibia, so booking campsites is a must. If you need any details, feel free to check out the post here: https://worldseenbymathilde.blogspot.com/2024/11/itineraire-2-semaines-en-namibie-avec.html
Helpful tip: The water at all campsites in Namibia is safe to drink, so no need to buy bottled water—just fill up your 4x4’s tank.
3-week summer itinerary Yunnan - Guizhou-Guangxi-HK
Hi everyone,
We're currently planning our itinerary for this summer (late July - August) in China. Our travel style is more backpacker-oriented—we're used to traveling in Latin America, booking things just 3 days in advance. Could you share your thoughts on this route?
We’re particularly wondering about: - Yangshuo (which seems very touristy) → Xingping instead? The park Bajiaozhai? - How to get around and find accommodation in the small Miao and Dong villages? - Should we book trains and hotels in advance for late July and early August?
Thanks so much!
28-Jul Monday Kunming: Bamboo Temple Dian Chi Lake Kunming 29-Jul Tuesday Visit the city center Lake bike tour Dali Dali 30-Jul Wednesday Three Pagodas / Cangshan Mountain Dali Dali 31-Jul Thursday Transport to Shaxi - visit 1 - Dali Old Town Coach Station (大理古城客运站) 2 - Arrive Jianchuan Coach Station 3 - Local green or yellow minibuses to Shaxi Dali → Jianchuan → Shaxi Shaxi 01-Aug Friday Quick visit Shaxi → Lijiang Shaxi Shaxi 02-Aug Saturday Quick visit Shaxi → Lijiang Shaxi Lijiang 03-Aug Sunday Tiger Leaping Gorge trek 04-Aug Monday Tiger Leaping Gorge Qiatou Lijiang / Dali 05-Aug Tuesday Dali → Kunming → Kaili Full-day transport Kaili 06-Aug Wednesday Langde Miao Village - Xijiang Miao Village Kaili 07-Aug Thursday Visit village Kaili 08-Aug Friday Visit village Zhaoxing 09-Aug Saturday AM: Train to Guilin - PM: Elephant Trunk Hill / night barbecue Zhaoxing → Guilin (1h) Guilin 10-Aug Sunday Bajiaozhai (Park / hike) Ziyuan 11-Aug Monday Bajiaozhai (Park / hike) Ziyuan 12-Aug Tuesday Yangshuo Yangshuo 13-Aug Wednesday Yangshuo Yangshuo 14-Aug Thursday Yangshuo Yangshuo 15-Aug Friday Guilin → HK (3.5h) Guilin → HK (3.5h) 16-Aug Saturday Hong Kong
We're currently planning our itinerary for this summer (late July - August) in China. Our travel style is more backpacker-oriented—we're used to traveling in Latin America, booking things just 3 days in advance. Could you share your thoughts on this route?
We’re particularly wondering about: - Yangshuo (which seems very touristy) → Xingping instead? The park Bajiaozhai? - How to get around and find accommodation in the small Miao and Dong villages? - Should we book trains and hotels in advance for late July and early August?
Thanks so much!
28-Jul Monday Kunming: Bamboo Temple Dian Chi Lake Kunming 29-Jul Tuesday Visit the city center Lake bike tour Dali Dali 30-Jul Wednesday Three Pagodas / Cangshan Mountain Dali Dali 31-Jul Thursday Transport to Shaxi - visit 1 - Dali Old Town Coach Station (大理古城客运站) 2 - Arrive Jianchuan Coach Station 3 - Local green or yellow minibuses to Shaxi Dali → Jianchuan → Shaxi Shaxi 01-Aug Friday Quick visit Shaxi → Lijiang Shaxi Shaxi 02-Aug Saturday Quick visit Shaxi → Lijiang Shaxi Lijiang 03-Aug Sunday Tiger Leaping Gorge trek 04-Aug Monday Tiger Leaping Gorge Qiatou Lijiang / Dali 05-Aug Tuesday Dali → Kunming → Kaili Full-day transport Kaili 06-Aug Wednesday Langde Miao Village - Xijiang Miao Village Kaili 07-Aug Thursday Visit village Kaili 08-Aug Friday Visit village Zhaoxing 09-Aug Saturday AM: Train to Guilin - PM: Elephant Trunk Hill / night barbecue Zhaoxing → Guilin (1h) Guilin 10-Aug Sunday Bajiaozhai (Park / hike) Ziyuan 11-Aug Monday Bajiaozhai (Park / hike) Ziyuan 12-Aug Tuesday Yangshuo Yangshuo 13-Aug Wednesday Yangshuo Yangshuo 14-Aug Thursday Yangshuo Yangshuo 15-Aug Friday Guilin → HK (3.5h) Guilin → HK (3.5h) 16-Aug Saturday Hong Kong
Venice Walking Itinerary
Hi everyone,
I’ve planned a little day trip with my kids (12 and 16 years old) to Venice. The goal is to go for a walk through the city’s streets rather than visiting museums, which would take way too much time. We’d like to pass by the main landmarks, so I’ve put together a small 15 km hike... (thanks to Komoot and visioRando). Could you take a quick look and let me know if I’ve missed anything or made any mistakes?
1. Start at Santa Lucia Train Station 2. Ponte Degli Scalzi 3. Ponte dei Pugni 4. squero de San Trovaso 5 Le rio della Salute 6. Accademia Bridge 7. St. Mark’s Square 8. St. Mark’s Basilica 9. Ponte de la Canonica 10. Ponte de la Pietà 11. Ponte de la Tana 12. The Arsenale 13. Bridge of Sighs 14. Doge’s Palace Then return to the Rialto Bridge via Marzaria dell’Orologio
Also, could you tell me if the Doge’s Palace courtyard is paid entry? Thanks for your help and feedback!
Stéphane.
I’ve planned a little day trip with my kids (12 and 16 years old) to Venice. The goal is to go for a walk through the city’s streets rather than visiting museums, which would take way too much time. We’d like to pass by the main landmarks, so I’ve put together a small 15 km hike... (thanks to Komoot and visioRando). Could you take a quick look and let me know if I’ve missed anything or made any mistakes?
1. Start at Santa Lucia Train Station 2. Ponte Degli Scalzi 3. Ponte dei Pugni 4. squero de San Trovaso 5 Le rio della Salute 6. Accademia Bridge 7. St. Mark’s Square 8. St. Mark’s Basilica 9. Ponte de la Canonica 10. Ponte de la Pietà 11. Ponte de la Tana 12. The Arsenale 13. Bridge of Sighs 14. Doge’s Palace Then return to the Rialto Bridge via Marzaria dell’Orologio
Also, could you tell me if the Doge’s Palace courtyard is paid entry? Thanks for your help and feedback!
Stéphane.
1-Month Itinerary in Vietnam
Hello,
I’m planning and organizing a wonderful trip to Vietnam from mid-March to mid-April 2026, traveling independently for a month with my wife to enjoy her new retirement. Here’s a summary of our itinerary: We arrive in Ho Chi Minh City on the morning of Wednesday, March 18, and depart from Hanoi on the evening of Thursday, April 16. First, I’d like to head to Ho Chi Minh City because the temperatures are high in that region in mid-March. After that, we’ll visit Phu Quoc Island and then the Mekong Delta. We’ll return to Ho Chi Minh City and take a flight to Hue for 2 days, then Tam Coc / Ninh Binh (2-3 days), and Cat Ba Island with a visit to Lan Ha Bay (4 days). We’ll spend a few days in Hanoi, followed by 3-4 days in Sapa with some hikes, and then the Ha Giang loop (4 days). (I’m a motorcyclist—I ride a BMW trail bike and have taken care of renewing my international license.) We’re considering renting a motorcycle or bicycles when needed, except in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The weather in northern Vietnam in early April should theoretically be decent. Finally, we’ll return to Hanoi before heading back to Paris and the Pays de la Loire. Unfortunately, I’m skipping Angkor in Cambodia. I’d like to have a guide for 1 or 2 days in Sapa (which typical agency would you recommend?), and I’m wondering if I should book an agency for the 4 days in Ha Giang. I prefer my independence and don’t really like the "group" aspect of agencies. I’ll rent a 150cc motorcycle, and my wife will ride with me. Other questions: What are some good, typical accommodations to book in the places we’ve identified? Thanks for any info. Did I forget anything, or should we adjust our itinerary? Thanks for your help and advice. Pimarguibou
I’m planning and organizing a wonderful trip to Vietnam from mid-March to mid-April 2026, traveling independently for a month with my wife to enjoy her new retirement. Here’s a summary of our itinerary: We arrive in Ho Chi Minh City on the morning of Wednesday, March 18, and depart from Hanoi on the evening of Thursday, April 16. First, I’d like to head to Ho Chi Minh City because the temperatures are high in that region in mid-March. After that, we’ll visit Phu Quoc Island and then the Mekong Delta. We’ll return to Ho Chi Minh City and take a flight to Hue for 2 days, then Tam Coc / Ninh Binh (2-3 days), and Cat Ba Island with a visit to Lan Ha Bay (4 days). We’ll spend a few days in Hanoi, followed by 3-4 days in Sapa with some hikes, and then the Ha Giang loop (4 days). (I’m a motorcyclist—I ride a BMW trail bike and have taken care of renewing my international license.) We’re considering renting a motorcycle or bicycles when needed, except in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The weather in northern Vietnam in early April should theoretically be decent. Finally, we’ll return to Hanoi before heading back to Paris and the Pays de la Loire. Unfortunately, I’m skipping Angkor in Cambodia. I’d like to have a guide for 1 or 2 days in Sapa (which typical agency would you recommend?), and I’m wondering if I should book an agency for the 4 days in Ha Giang. I prefer my independence and don’t really like the "group" aspect of agencies. I’ll rent a 150cc motorcycle, and my wife will ride with me. Other questions: What are some good, typical accommodations to book in the places we’ve identified? Thanks for any info. Did I forget anything, or should we adjust our itinerary? Thanks for your help and advice. Pimarguibou
Safari itinerary in Kruger Park and surrounding areas
Hi everyone,
I’m sharing the following itinerary for your experienced eyes 😏—I’m finalizing it for Kruger Park and two camps outside the park. We’re starting in the north, entering through Phalabowa Gate to head to Shingwedzi:
Shingwedzi Camp: 2 nights, sunrise drive Mopani Camp: 2 nights, morning walk and night drive Olifants Camp: 2 nights, morning walk Satara: 1 night, sunset drive Manyeleti Game Reserve: 1 night at Buffelshoek Lions Rock Luxury Tented Camp: 2 nights
Did I pick the right sunrise and sunset drives? Thanks in advance for your feedback and experiences! 😎
Shingwedzi Camp: 2 nights, sunrise drive Mopani Camp: 2 nights, morning walk and night drive Olifants Camp: 2 nights, morning walk Satara: 1 night, sunset drive Manyeleti Game Reserve: 1 night at Buffelshoek Lions Rock Luxury Tented Camp: 2 nights
Did I pick the right sunrise and sunset drives? Thanks in advance for your feedback and experiences! 😎
15-Day Itinerary in Sicily Including the Aeolian Islands
Hi there! In this post, you’ll find our 15-day itinerary in Sicily, including 2 days spent on the Aeolian Islands. It’s packed with info: our visits, favorite spots, hikes, volcanoes, and more!
https://worldseenbymathilde.blogspot.com/2023/10/notre-itineraire-de-15-jours-en-sicile.html
Feel free to ask if you have any questions! :)
16-Day Off-the-Beaten-Path Japan Itinerary
Hello,
We’re two active and fit retired couples.
We’re planning a trip for the second half of March 2026.
We prefer traveling by train but wouldn’t mind renting a car if necessary.
We don’t want to change accommodations every night (we’d rather see less but enjoy it more).
If possible, we’d love to stay in guesthouses or similar—impersonal hotels aren’t really our thing.
Questions: What do you think are the best airlines? We don’t have to fly back from Tokyo.
We’re also big fans of getting off the beaten path—any original ideas are welcome!
Many thanks in advance,
Gorgui
9-Day Motorcycle Itinerary in Morocco
Hi there!
I’m currently planning a 9-day route starting from Marrakech with my husband. We land on the morning of June 13th—so soon! 😊
And we’re flying back to France on June 21st at 9 PM!
We’ve rented two Royal Enfield 450s.
This is our first motorcycle trip in Morocco. I got my license two years ago with the dream of taking this kind of trip, and here we are! ✌️😍
In France, we usually ride between 300 to 400 km per day on roadsters. We’re not used to off-road tracks, so we’re looking for easy ones 😅—especially for me 😅.
For Morocco, I’ve planned stages of 200 to 300 km per day. Here’s the idea: Day 1 (departure at noon): Marrakech - Tizi n Test - Tafingoult (165 km - 4h15) Day 2: Tafingoult - Amzarkou - Telouet (200 km - 4h34) Day 3: Telouet - Ait Benhaddou - Ouarzazate - Boumalne (200 km - 3h30) (+ Vallée des Roses maybe) Day 4: Boumalne - Dades Gorges - Agoudal - Todra Gorges - Tinghir - Goulmima (291 km - 6h) Day 5: Goulmima - Midelt - Cirque Jaffar - Agoudim (280 km - 4h45) Day 6: Agoudim - Imilchil - Aghbala - El Ksiba (280 km - 4h45) Day 7: El Ksiba - La Cathédrale - Zaouiat Ahansal (212 km - 4h20) Day 8: Ahansal - Ouzoud Waterfalls via R 302 (188 km - 4h22) Day 9: Ouzoud - Marrakech (160 km - 2h43) End of the trip 😮.
What do you think?
We haven’t booked any hotels—is that a problem? We were thinking of deciding day by day based on our progress.
Can we take our helmets with us in the cabin, or should we pack them in the checked luggage surrounded by clothes to avoid damage?
I’d love any tips! 😊 Thanks!
In France, we usually ride between 300 to 400 km per day on roadsters. We’re not used to off-road tracks, so we’re looking for easy ones 😅—especially for me 😅.
For Morocco, I’ve planned stages of 200 to 300 km per day. Here’s the idea: Day 1 (departure at noon): Marrakech - Tizi n Test - Tafingoult (165 km - 4h15) Day 2: Tafingoult - Amzarkou - Telouet (200 km - 4h34) Day 3: Telouet - Ait Benhaddou - Ouarzazate - Boumalne (200 km - 3h30) (+ Vallée des Roses maybe) Day 4: Boumalne - Dades Gorges - Agoudal - Todra Gorges - Tinghir - Goulmima (291 km - 6h) Day 5: Goulmima - Midelt - Cirque Jaffar - Agoudim (280 km - 4h45) Day 6: Agoudim - Imilchil - Aghbala - El Ksiba (280 km - 4h45) Day 7: El Ksiba - La Cathédrale - Zaouiat Ahansal (212 km - 4h20) Day 8: Ahansal - Ouzoud Waterfalls via R 302 (188 km - 4h22) Day 9: Ouzoud - Marrakech (160 km - 2h43) End of the trip 😮.
What do you think?
We haven’t booked any hotels—is that a problem? We were thinking of deciding day by day based on our progress.
Can we take our helmets with us in the cabin, or should we pack them in the checked luggage surrounded by clothes to avoid damage?
I’d love any tips! 😊 Thanks!
One-week itinerary in Croatia (Split)
Hi there,
I’m in the middle of planning our trip to Croatia. We’re arriving in early September for a week in Split and leaving from Split as well. We’re a couple with a 20-month-old little girl. We’re renting a car directly at the airport, which I still need to book (I have a GOLD debit card). I hope that won’t be an issue because, logically, with this card, I shouldn’t need to take out extra insurance from the rental company. If you have any recommendations on that, I’d love to hear them.
As for the itinerary I’m planning, I’ve already ruled out Plitvice and Zadar because we don’t want to spend too much time on the road—this is a vacation, after all—and some travelers told me Zadar can be seen quickly and isn’t worth the long drive. For the nights, someone already suggested we spend the last two in Trogir to consolidate.
I particularly love beautiful towns, historic centers, ports, taking photos, shopping, beaches, and seeing stunning places. We’re not big on museums, and hiking with a little one makes long or steep hikes tricky, especially with the heat we might encounter.
Here’s the initial plan I’ve come up with:
Day 1:
Activities: Arrive in Split in the morning, pick up the car, explore the historic center, Marjan Hill... Klis Fortress, and see what else we can add before evening. Night: Initially planned near Plitvice (2 min away).
Day 2:
Activities: Day at Plitvice—check out Entrance 1 or 2 with the baby. Night: Lozovac (2 min from Krka, 16 min from Šibenik, and 1 hour from Zadar).
Day 3: Activities: Zadar and Šibenik. Night: Lozovac (2 min from Krka, 16 min from Šibenik, and 1 hour from Zadar).
Day 4: Activities: Krka National Park (someone recommended going after 4 PM and seeing the "circular" waterfalls) + Primošten. Night: Lozovac (2 min from Krka, 16 min from Šibenik, and 1 hour from Zadar).
Day 5: Activities: Hvar (exploring the island). Night: Jelsa.
Day 6: Activities: Omiš + Starigrad Fortress. Night: Omiš.
Day 7: Activities: Trogir city center, Čiovo Island. Night: Trogir.
I haven’t updated the plan yet because I’m still looking for the best way to optimize it. Someone suggested Makarska and Brač as alternatives to Plitvice.
Given that I’m already planning to visit Hvar with an overnight stay, is it worth adding Brač? If so, maybe taking the ferry without the car—would we still be able to enjoy the day without being too limited? Did I forget anything essential? Thanks in advance—I know answering all these questions can be repetitive, but it’ll save me so much time and help optimize our vacation. I also like to take my time and enjoy being there rather than stressing over preparations, which is why I’m planning just enough. What’s most important to me is optimizing the route and staying in places that let us explore easily. I think we’ll come back another time to enjoy Dubrovnik, which we didn’t include in this itinerary because it’s over two hours away with a border crossing.
What I really want to see: Trogir, Split, Krka, Hvar…
I’m in the middle of planning our trip to Croatia. We’re arriving in early September for a week in Split and leaving from Split as well. We’re a couple with a 20-month-old little girl. We’re renting a car directly at the airport, which I still need to book (I have a GOLD debit card). I hope that won’t be an issue because, logically, with this card, I shouldn’t need to take out extra insurance from the rental company. If you have any recommendations on that, I’d love to hear them.
As for the itinerary I’m planning, I’ve already ruled out Plitvice and Zadar because we don’t want to spend too much time on the road—this is a vacation, after all—and some travelers told me Zadar can be seen quickly and isn’t worth the long drive. For the nights, someone already suggested we spend the last two in Trogir to consolidate.
I particularly love beautiful towns, historic centers, ports, taking photos, shopping, beaches, and seeing stunning places. We’re not big on museums, and hiking with a little one makes long or steep hikes tricky, especially with the heat we might encounter.
Here’s the initial plan I’ve come up with:
Day 1:
Activities: Arrive in Split in the morning, pick up the car, explore the historic center, Marjan Hill... Klis Fortress, and see what else we can add before evening. Night: Initially planned near Plitvice (2 min away).
Day 2:
Activities: Day at Plitvice—check out Entrance 1 or 2 with the baby. Night: Lozovac (2 min from Krka, 16 min from Šibenik, and 1 hour from Zadar).
Day 3: Activities: Zadar and Šibenik. Night: Lozovac (2 min from Krka, 16 min from Šibenik, and 1 hour from Zadar).
Day 4: Activities: Krka National Park (someone recommended going after 4 PM and seeing the "circular" waterfalls) + Primošten. Night: Lozovac (2 min from Krka, 16 min from Šibenik, and 1 hour from Zadar).
Day 5: Activities: Hvar (exploring the island). Night: Jelsa.
Day 6: Activities: Omiš + Starigrad Fortress. Night: Omiš.
Day 7: Activities: Trogir city center, Čiovo Island. Night: Trogir.
I haven’t updated the plan yet because I’m still looking for the best way to optimize it. Someone suggested Makarska and Brač as alternatives to Plitvice.
Given that I’m already planning to visit Hvar with an overnight stay, is it worth adding Brač? If so, maybe taking the ferry without the car—would we still be able to enjoy the day without being too limited? Did I forget anything essential? Thanks in advance—I know answering all these questions can be repetitive, but it’ll save me so much time and help optimize our vacation. I also like to take my time and enjoy being there rather than stressing over preparations, which is why I’m planning just enough. What’s most important to me is optimizing the route and staying in places that let us explore easily. I think we’ll come back another time to enjoy Dubrovnik, which we didn’t include in this itinerary because it’s over two hours away with a border crossing.
What I really want to see: Trogir, Split, Krka, Hvar…
3-Week Itinerary in Colombia This Summer
Hi there,
We’re heading to Colombia for 3 weeks from the 9th to the 29th. Here’s the itinerary we’ve planned:
Week 1 – Bogotá, mountains, hike in Páramo de Ocetá (8 nights)
August 9: Arrival in Bogotá (1 night)
August 10–12: Villa de Leyva (2 nights)
August 12–14: Monguí + Páramo de Ocetá (2 nights)
August 14–17: Barichara (3 nights)
Week 2 – Authentic coffee region: Jericó, Pijao, Buenavista (6 or 7 nights)
August 18–20: Jericó (2 nights)
August 20–21: Salento
Hike in La Carbonera
August 21–24: Pijao (3 nights)
For the last week, we’re torn between: -The Pacific Coast – Nuquí/Jurubidá (5 or 6 nights) -The Caribbean Coast – Cartagena + Rincón del Mar / Bahía de Cispatá or Tayrona
We’re traveling with our 20-month-old baby, who’s used to traveling and handles transportation and hikes really well. We plan to rent a car and take domestic flights to get around easily.
We’re looking for a trip a bit off the beaten tourist path and would love your thoughts and recommendations on the itinerary and the final options. Caribbean or Pacific? Is Tayrona crowded? Is the park really worth the detour, or is the Pacific coast just as beautiful and wild?
For the last week, we’re torn between: -The Pacific Coast – Nuquí/Jurubidá (5 or 6 nights) -The Caribbean Coast – Cartagena + Rincón del Mar / Bahía de Cispatá or Tayrona
We’re traveling with our 20-month-old baby, who’s used to traveling and handles transportation and hikes really well. We plan to rent a car and take domestic flights to get around easily.
We’re looking for a trip a bit off the beaten tourist path and would love your thoughts and recommendations on the itinerary and the final options. Caribbean or Pacific? Is Tayrona crowded? Is the park really worth the detour, or is the Pacific coast just as beautiful and wild?
15-Day Namibia Itinerary
Hi there,
I’m finalizing the itinerary for my trip to Namibia in October and would love to get it validated by you, the experts.
I’ll be traveling by 4x4 with a rooftop tent.
Here’s the itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Windhoek Night in REHOBOTH or nearby
Day 2: Rehoboth to Stampriet
Day 3: Road to Sesriem
Day 4: Head to Sossusvlei/Sesriem Canyon
Day 5: Road to Walvis Bay
Day 6: Day in Walvis Bay
Day 7: Head to Spitzkoppe
Day 8: Direction Cape Cross then Brandberg
Day 9: Brandberg, Twyfelfontein, Palmwag
Day 10: Palmwag
Day 11: Head to Etosha Day 12: Etosha
Day 13: Head to Waterberg after morning safari
Day 14: Full day at Waterberg
Day 15: Return to Windhoek for flight at 8:30 PM
What do you think? I’m open to all suggestions!
Thanks
Here’s the itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Windhoek Night in REHOBOTH or nearby
Day 2: Rehoboth to Stampriet
Day 3: Road to Sesriem
Day 4: Head to Sossusvlei/Sesriem Canyon
Day 5: Road to Walvis Bay
Day 6: Day in Walvis Bay
Day 7: Head to Spitzkoppe
Day 8: Direction Cape Cross then Brandberg
Day 9: Brandberg, Twyfelfontein, Palmwag
Day 10: Palmwag
Day 11: Head to Etosha Day 12: Etosha
Day 13: Head to Waterberg after morning safari
Day 14: Full day at Waterberg
Day 15: Return to Windhoek for flight at 8:30 PM
What do you think? I’m open to all suggestions!
Thanks
Bike route for a group of teens from Nemours to Thiers
Hi everyone,
We’re organizing a week-long bike trip for a group of scouts.
I’ve already mapped out a route using Géovélo (travel option).
The teens will take the train to Nemours (or a bit beyond) and then follow the Loire à Vélo route for a good stretch (until Nevers, which they’ll bypass to the west).
After Nevers, things get a bit trickier.
I also wanted to avoid Moulins, so I planned for them to follow the Allier’s west bank and cross near Châtel-de-Neuvre.
I’m having some doubts about the route and really want to steer clear of busy main roads as much as possible.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the route I’ve chosen, plus any tips you might have.
I saw there’s the V70 veloroute, but I decided against it after hearing it has some *very* road-heavy sections.
Family itinerary in Quebec in July: tips for finalizing the last leg after Parc du Bic
Hi there,
We’re heading to Quebec from July 7 to 21 with our two kids (ages 5 and 7) and my wife, and we’re putting together an itinerary while keeping some flexibility (though much less than we’d hoped, since we’re realizing accommodations are already filling up fast!).
Below is our draft plan—pretty far along since we’ve booked 9 out of 14 nights—but it’s definitely not perfect.
We’d love some advice on what to do after Parc du Bic (3 nights to improvise) before heading back to Parc Omega, where we’ve booked a tipi :-)
It seems clear that a 3-day Gaspésie loop isn’t doable (too bad about Percé and Parc Forillon, but I think we’re already covering a lot of ground with this route!). But what about the option of driving up to Sainte-Anne-des-Monts to spend a day in Parc de la Gaspésie before the (long) drive back, and still enjoying part of the coastal road, which looks stunning? Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
3 nights in Montreal (booked) Day 1 to 3 – July 7 to 9: Montreal
2 nights near Lac Saint-Charles, 20 min from Quebec City (booked) Day 4 – July 10: Montreal → Montmorency Falls → Quebec City (~3h drive) Day 5 – July 11: Quebec City
2 nights in the Saguenay region (booked) Day 6 – July 12: Quebec City → Baie-Saint-Paul → Canopée Lit (Saguenay), 20 min from Tadoussac Day 7 – July 13: Day in Tadoussac/Les Bergeronnes for a whale-watching excursion, then back toward the Saguenay Fjord for the evening and overnight stay
1 night in Parc du Bic (booked)
Day 8 – July 14: Ferry from Les Escoumins (2 PM) → Trois-Pistoles → Parc du Bic
3 nights to improvise—is it even feasible to go without reservations in July for a family of 4? Day 9 – July 15: Hikes/activities in Parc du Bic – overnight near Cap-Chat/Sainte-Anne-des-Monts??? Other ideas? Day 10 – July 16: Parc de la Gaspésie? Day 11 – July 17: More hikes? Then drive back toward the Mont-Joli area?
1 night at Parc Omega (booked)
Day 12 – July 18: Long drive back from Mont-Joli? Maybe via Kamouraska for a meal break, then overnight at Parc Omega
2 nights near Montreal or surrounding area
Day 13 – July 19: Visit Parc Omega, then a relaxed drive back via scenic routes to Montreal or nearby
Day 14 – July 20: Last day and night in Montreal or the suburbs, fun activities with the kids
Day 15 – July 21: Flight home in the evening
3 nights in Montreal (booked) Day 1 to 3 – July 7 to 9: Montreal
2 nights near Lac Saint-Charles, 20 min from Quebec City (booked) Day 4 – July 10: Montreal → Montmorency Falls → Quebec City (~3h drive) Day 5 – July 11: Quebec City
2 nights in the Saguenay region (booked) Day 6 – July 12: Quebec City → Baie-Saint-Paul → Canopée Lit (Saguenay), 20 min from Tadoussac Day 7 – July 13: Day in Tadoussac/Les Bergeronnes for a whale-watching excursion, then back toward the Saguenay Fjord for the evening and overnight stay
1 night in Parc du Bic (booked)
Day 8 – July 14: Ferry from Les Escoumins (2 PM) → Trois-Pistoles → Parc du Bic
3 nights to improvise—is it even feasible to go without reservations in July for a family of 4? Day 9 – July 15: Hikes/activities in Parc du Bic – overnight near Cap-Chat/Sainte-Anne-des-Monts??? Other ideas? Day 10 – July 16: Parc de la Gaspésie? Day 11 – July 17: More hikes? Then drive back toward the Mont-Joli area?
1 night at Parc Omega (booked)
Day 12 – July 18: Long drive back from Mont-Joli? Maybe via Kamouraska for a meal break, then overnight at Parc Omega
2 nights near Montreal or surrounding area
Day 13 – July 19: Visit Parc Omega, then a relaxed drive back via scenic routes to Montreal or nearby
Day 14 – July 20: Last day and night in Montreal or the suburbs, fun activities with the kids
Day 15 – July 21: Flight home in the evening
Itinerary and tips after our 2-week family trip to Uzbekistan
Hi everyone,
We’re back from our vacation in Uzbekistan with our kids—a wonderful trip with amazing memories! I’m sharing our itinerary and a few tips.
**Khiva + Aral Sea (3 days)**
- Arrived in Urgench at 5 AM on Saturday - Transferred to Khiva and spent the day exploring the city (that’s enough time). Among other sights, we struggled to find the Tash Khauli harem—it’s totally worth it! - Sunday: headed to Moynaq (the ship graveyard of the Aral Sea). On the way, we stopped to visit two fortresses in the desert—there are about fifty in varying states of repair. Really beautiful, especially Ayaz-Kala. We continued to Moynaq on a rough road (4-hour drive). - Monday: visited the ship graveyard and the small museum. There isn’t much to see, but we thought it was worth it to understand the consequences of human activity—a real eye-opener. It’s true that it’s a long drive, so you’ll have to decide for yourselves. On the way back to Nukus, we stopped to visit the Mizdakhan necropolis (worth it, even if it doesn’t compare to Bukhara or Samarkand’s buildings—it’s no match for them ;-)) - Evening: flight to Tashkent (saved us a day of travel to get to Bukhara from Khiva)
**Ferghana Valley (3 days)**
- Tuesday morning: left Tashkent by train to reach Margilan by noon. - Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday: visited Margilan’s market, silk/ceramic workshops, and dutar-making (a traditional two-stringed, bulging violin). Arrived in Kokand in the evening. - Thursday: explored Kokand (the palace is worth it) - Summary: Margilan and Fergana aren’t very pretty—only the workshops are interesting. Don’t miss Kokand. This leg could’ve been done in 2 days. - Left Kokand by overnight train to Bukhara (note on overnight trains: *very* small cabins—but for us, overnight train rides are a must ;-)!)
**Bukhara (3 days)**
- Arrived Friday morning: 3 days there—perfect for seeing (and revisiting) everything at our own pace. - Hired a French-speaking guide for one day—really helpful for understanding the history and politics, and getting a better grasp of Uzbekistan.
**Toward Lake Aydar Kul (2 days)**
- Left Monday morning by car for the lake. On the way, stopped at a renowned ceramicist’s workshop and to see Neolithic petroglyphs. Note on the petroglyphs: there’s apparently a 3 km walk to see quite a few, but we skipped it due to time—we regret it! For the kids, it was like a treasure hunt, searching for the petroglyphs among the rocks—they loved it. - Arrived in the evening at a yurt camp with traditional music. The yurts were fun, but we ate in a very Westernized restaurant with way too many tourist groups for our taste. - The next day: a 2-hour camel ride in the desert to see plants and animals. We saw a few things, but it wasn’t very interesting unless you’re going from point A to point B. Then left the camp for Lake Aydar Kul—we ate at a lakeside restaurant, but it was pointless. There must be nice spots, but this one was a bust. - Drove to Samarkand (4 hours)
**Samarkand (2 days)**
- Wednesday–Thursday: explored this stunning city. Two days are enough to see everything, but three would’ve been better to take more time to wander and revisit certain spots. - Another day with a French-speaking guide—we confirm it’s worth it!
**Urgut (1 day)**
- Friday: 1.5 hours from Samarkand, in the mountains. AMAZING! A 3-hour hike in the mountains with a guide (you can do longer). We stayed in a guesthouse—so peaceful, with the sound of the stream and mountain views. It deserves 2 days. - Left by train that evening for Tashkent
**Tashkent (2 days)**
- Saturday: visited Chorsu Market (incredible—even though we’d been to several markets, Tashkent’s is wild), the TV Tower (for the view, but not much else), and lunch at The Plov Center (at the base of the tower)—a plov factory, so cool! You can see the kitchens, it’s insane! Spent a relaxed afternoon on Broadway: a park with ping-pong tables, archery, ice cream stands—great with the kids. - Sunday: Chimgan—took the cable car at a ski resort (no snow this time of year), had a picnic at the top of the mountain—nice. - Evening: off to Tashkent Airport and goodbye, Uzbekistan!
**A few tips:**
- In cities, *must* download Yandex Go—super practical, fast, and cheap for getting around. - We bought a Ucell SIM card: 80 GB of data for 50,000 sums (around 3 €). We put it in an old phone and connected our two phones to it—so handy! - Uzbeks are *so* nice, welcoming, and helpful. - Thank you, Google Translate—few people speak English. - The beds are hard… I think it’s an Uzbek thing!! - Guesthouses: between 50 and 70 € per night for the four of us. Comfortable enough, private bathroom, but not luxury. - Meals: we mostly looked for Uzbek restaurants without tourists. Around 200,000 sums per meal (about 15 €). If you add wine, it adds up fast—one glass of wine = the price of a dish. - Don’t hesitate to buy from markets for picnics (samsa, dried cheese balls, fruits and veggies, bread). You can even taste before buying. Some good (and not-so-good) discoveries ;) - Everything is very clean: the streets, the cities, the accommodations.
**Special thanks to our organizer, Sardor (fluent in French):**
I contacted him by email before we left; he optimized the program we’d planned. He set us up with French-speaking guides and handled all the transport and activities outside the four main cities. Super available via WhatsApp and phone while we were there. All the drivers/guides were *very* punctual. DM me if you need his info.
There you go. Sorry for the long post, but I looked for some of this info before we left—I figured it might help someone.
Happy travels in Uzbekistan! We’ll remember this trip for a long time!
We’re back from our vacation in Uzbekistan with our kids—a wonderful trip with amazing memories! I’m sharing our itinerary and a few tips.
**Khiva + Aral Sea (3 days)**
- Arrived in Urgench at 5 AM on Saturday - Transferred to Khiva and spent the day exploring the city (that’s enough time). Among other sights, we struggled to find the Tash Khauli harem—it’s totally worth it! - Sunday: headed to Moynaq (the ship graveyard of the Aral Sea). On the way, we stopped to visit two fortresses in the desert—there are about fifty in varying states of repair. Really beautiful, especially Ayaz-Kala. We continued to Moynaq on a rough road (4-hour drive). - Monday: visited the ship graveyard and the small museum. There isn’t much to see, but we thought it was worth it to understand the consequences of human activity—a real eye-opener. It’s true that it’s a long drive, so you’ll have to decide for yourselves. On the way back to Nukus, we stopped to visit the Mizdakhan necropolis (worth it, even if it doesn’t compare to Bukhara or Samarkand’s buildings—it’s no match for them ;-)) - Evening: flight to Tashkent (saved us a day of travel to get to Bukhara from Khiva)
**Ferghana Valley (3 days)**
- Tuesday morning: left Tashkent by train to reach Margilan by noon. - Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday: visited Margilan’s market, silk/ceramic workshops, and dutar-making (a traditional two-stringed, bulging violin). Arrived in Kokand in the evening. - Thursday: explored Kokand (the palace is worth it) - Summary: Margilan and Fergana aren’t very pretty—only the workshops are interesting. Don’t miss Kokand. This leg could’ve been done in 2 days. - Left Kokand by overnight train to Bukhara (note on overnight trains: *very* small cabins—but for us, overnight train rides are a must ;-)!)
**Bukhara (3 days)**
- Arrived Friday morning: 3 days there—perfect for seeing (and revisiting) everything at our own pace. - Hired a French-speaking guide for one day—really helpful for understanding the history and politics, and getting a better grasp of Uzbekistan.
**Toward Lake Aydar Kul (2 days)**
- Left Monday morning by car for the lake. On the way, stopped at a renowned ceramicist’s workshop and to see Neolithic petroglyphs. Note on the petroglyphs: there’s apparently a 3 km walk to see quite a few, but we skipped it due to time—we regret it! For the kids, it was like a treasure hunt, searching for the petroglyphs among the rocks—they loved it. - Arrived in the evening at a yurt camp with traditional music. The yurts were fun, but we ate in a very Westernized restaurant with way too many tourist groups for our taste. - The next day: a 2-hour camel ride in the desert to see plants and animals. We saw a few things, but it wasn’t very interesting unless you’re going from point A to point B. Then left the camp for Lake Aydar Kul—we ate at a lakeside restaurant, but it was pointless. There must be nice spots, but this one was a bust. - Drove to Samarkand (4 hours)
**Samarkand (2 days)**
- Wednesday–Thursday: explored this stunning city. Two days are enough to see everything, but three would’ve been better to take more time to wander and revisit certain spots. - Another day with a French-speaking guide—we confirm it’s worth it!
**Urgut (1 day)**
- Friday: 1.5 hours from Samarkand, in the mountains. AMAZING! A 3-hour hike in the mountains with a guide (you can do longer). We stayed in a guesthouse—so peaceful, with the sound of the stream and mountain views. It deserves 2 days. - Left by train that evening for Tashkent
**Tashkent (2 days)**
- Saturday: visited Chorsu Market (incredible—even though we’d been to several markets, Tashkent’s is wild), the TV Tower (for the view, but not much else), and lunch at The Plov Center (at the base of the tower)—a plov factory, so cool! You can see the kitchens, it’s insane! Spent a relaxed afternoon on Broadway: a park with ping-pong tables, archery, ice cream stands—great with the kids. - Sunday: Chimgan—took the cable car at a ski resort (no snow this time of year), had a picnic at the top of the mountain—nice. - Evening: off to Tashkent Airport and goodbye, Uzbekistan!
**A few tips:**
- In cities, *must* download Yandex Go—super practical, fast, and cheap for getting around. - We bought a Ucell SIM card: 80 GB of data for 50,000 sums (around 3 €). We put it in an old phone and connected our two phones to it—so handy! - Uzbeks are *so* nice, welcoming, and helpful. - Thank you, Google Translate—few people speak English. - The beds are hard… I think it’s an Uzbek thing!! - Guesthouses: between 50 and 70 € per night for the four of us. Comfortable enough, private bathroom, but not luxury. - Meals: we mostly looked for Uzbek restaurants without tourists. Around 200,000 sums per meal (about 15 €). If you add wine, it adds up fast—one glass of wine = the price of a dish. - Don’t hesitate to buy from markets for picnics (samsa, dried cheese balls, fruits and veggies, bread). You can even taste before buying. Some good (and not-so-good) discoveries ;) - Everything is very clean: the streets, the cities, the accommodations.
**Special thanks to our organizer, Sardor (fluent in French):**
I contacted him by email before we left; he optimized the program we’d planned. He set us up with French-speaking guides and handled all the transport and activities outside the four main cities. Super available via WhatsApp and phone while we were there. All the drivers/guides were *very* punctual. DM me if you need his info.
There you go. Sorry for the long post, but I looked for some of this info before we left—I figured it might help someone.
Happy travels in Uzbekistan! We’ll remember this trip for a long time!