“Where the hell am I?!” is basically the phrase you’ll use to describe everything we’re about to explore in this crazy country. Just one warning: it’ll have you sobbing at the check-in desk, making a full-on scene because you won’t want to get on your flight home. Hell yeah, this is Epic Vietnam!
If you’ve never traveled in Asia before, this is the perfect country to start with, because it’s got everything. On this epic 14-day group adventure trip, we dive into the culture, traditions, and nature of Vietnam until we connect with the authenticity of a faraway rural Vietnamese world. Not brochure stuff, just so we’re clear!
We start in Ho Chi Minh City and get tangled up in the Cu Chi Tunnels. Then we head to Hoi An, where we sweat buckets cycling far and wide through fishing villages and rice paddies, before enjoying the spectacle of the lanterns at night. Then it’s Hue, the imperial city, followed by a night train that catapults us to Hanoi. From there we jump into the Mai Chau Valley. A stop in Ninh Binh is non-negotiable, and finally the grand finale: Halong Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in the world. This is where we set sail on a boat that takes us across the bay—without sinking—to Cat Ba Island, where we explore Viet Hai village by bike.
We’re not going to Sapa, because that’s where the 50-seat tourist buses go, and it feels like being at a packed water park in the middle of August, complete with lines for the hills. And where’s the authenticity in that? Nope, no Sapa. Instead, we head to Mai Chau, which is basically the same vibe but without the tourist crowds: we walk through the rice fields and sleep as guests of local families, who spoil us silly with spring rolls and rice liquor.
And now, here’s a quick roundup of some of the epic highlights we’ll experience together:
🍌 The Cu Chi Tunnels, historic and mind-blowing 🍌 Ho Chi Minh City 🍌 Hoi An and the surrounding villages 🍌 Hue, the imperial city 🍌 The Mai Chau Valley 🍌 Ninh Binh 🍌 Hanoi 🍌 Halong Bay 🍌 Cat Ba Island 🍌 Viet Hai Village
We don’t travel just to say “I’ve been there,” but to feel “damn, I’ve changed.” We’ll take you on the most beautiful adventure trip of your life. Everything you’re imagining, and then some. Vietnam, here we coooome!
Experiences you'll live
Snore away on a bamboo mattress in Mai Chau while staying in a homestay.
Boarding a rickety boat in Cat Ba that is somehow expected to make it all the way to Viet Hai village.
Squeeze into the 200 km of Cu Chi tunnels, hand-dug during the war.
Stuff ourselves with street food in Hoi An until we’re rolling.
What we've got
(And the others don't, MUAHAHA)
Certified team leader with licensed tour escort credential
You can customize your trip with extra activities
We don’t sleep in hostels or dormitories.
You can depart from the airport of your choice
Discover this gran trip
Check out the itinerary
1
BEGIN THE ADVENTURE
Day 1
Our trip to Vietnam begins like all the others: by plane. We depart from Italy on a flight that takes us to Ho Chi Minh City, our starting point in the south of the country.
Our trip to Vietnam begins like all the others: by plane. We depart from Italy on a flight that takes us to Ho Chi Minh City, our starting point in the south of the country.
2
OH HERE WE ARE IN HO CHI MINH
Day 2
At last, our journey through Vietnam begins. So exciting! We arrive in Ho Chi Minh. We head into the city, drop our backpacks off at the hotel, freshen up a bit, and take a moment to recharge. Maybe an aperitif? Tonight, we’ll have a big introductory briefing where the Trip Leader will walk us through everything we’ll be getting up to over the next two weeks. Then it’s off to bed.
At last, our journey through Vietnam begins. So exciting! We arrive in Ho Chi Minh. We head into the city, drop our backpacks off at the hotel, freshen up a bit, and take a moment to recharge. Maybe an aperitif?
Tonight, we’ll have a big introductory briefing where the Trip Leader will walk us through everything we’ll be getting up to over the next two weeks. Then it’s off to bed.
3
Ho Chi Minh City and the Cu Chi Tunnels
Day 3
Come on, up and at ’em! After breakfast, we’ll set off to discover the Cu Chi site, an incredible hand-dug tunnel system created by the Viet Minh during the war against the French and later expanded during the Vietnam War. This is no small feat: we’re talking about 200 kilometers in length and 3–4 meters deep. It’s an underground city with meeting rooms, medical centers, and even bathrooms! After the tour, we’ll enjoy a typical local Vietnamese dish before heading back to the city, ready to explore the vibrant capital of the south. We’ll visit the Post Office, Notre-Dame Cathedral (yes, really!) built in red brick in the image of the one in Paris, the War Remnants Museum, and Dong Khoi Street.We’ll have dinner and then spend the night at the hotel. For now, we’ve only just warmed up. Tomorrow, the real journey begins! Let’s hope the night flies by.
Come on, up and at ’em! After breakfast, we’ll set off to discover the Cu Chi site, an incredible hand-dug tunnel system created by the Viet Minh during the war against the French and later expanded during the Vietnam War. This is no small feat: we’re talking about 200 kilometers in length and 3–4 meters deep. It’s an underground city with meeting rooms, medical centers, and even bathrooms! After the tour, we’ll enjoy a typical local Vietnamese dish before heading back to the city, ready to explore the vibrant capital of the south. We’ll visit the Post Office, Notre-Dame Cathedral (yes, really!) built in red brick in the image of the one in Paris, the War Remnants Museum, and Dong Khoi Street.
We’ll have dinner and then spend the night at the hotel. For now, we’ve only just warmed up. Tomorrow, the real journey begins! Let’s hope the night flies by.
4
HOI AN AND STREET FOOD
Day 4
This morning, we take a domestic flight to Hoi An, a charming ancient town and UNESCO World Heritage Site where countless styles blend together: Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, and French. We stroll through the narrow lanes of the old town, lined with historic Chinese houses, the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese temple, and the House of Tan Ky. In the afternoon, we can take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River to enjoy views of the city from a different perspective. And while we’re at it, we’ll catch a beautiful sunset too. Wonderful.And that’s not all—the day isn’t over yet! This evening, we set off on a delicious culinary tour to sample Hoi An’s street food: specialties such as White Rose dumplings, Hoi An green bean cake with a cup of tea, and a dish of pork with vegetables and rice noodles. Shall we finish with a little coffee? Vietnamese, of course. With our bellies full, we return to the hotel. Tonight, we’ll sleep very soundly.
This morning, we take a domestic flight to Hoi An, a charming ancient town and UNESCO World Heritage Site where countless styles blend together: Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, and French. We stroll through the narrow lanes of the old town, lined with historic Chinese houses, the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese temple, and the House of Tan Ky.
In the afternoon, we can take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River to enjoy views of the city from a different perspective. And while we’re at it, we’ll catch a beautiful sunset too. Wonderful.
And that’s not all—the day isn’t over yet! This evening, we set off on a delicious culinary tour to sample Hoi An’s street food: specialties such as White Rose dumplings, Hoi An green bean cake with a cup of tea, and a dish of pork with vegetables and rice noodles. Shall we finish with a little coffee? Vietnamese, of course. With our bellies full, we return to the hotel. Tonight, we’ll sleep very soundly.
5
THE VILLAGES AROUND HOI AN
Day 5
Wake up!! Today is going to be an incredible day. We’re off to do something truly unique! We hop on our bikes and cross the Cam Kim Bridge to reach Kim Bong Village, a Vietnamese village renowned for its carpenters. Here, in a local carpenter’s workshop, we watch wood being crafted using traditional local techniques. Then, continuing our ride at a relaxed pace, we head to Duy Vinh Village, famous for producing mattresses sewn with sedge stems. It is the most beautiful village in the area! Surrounded by the bright green of rice and corn fields, it is the perfect place to take a deep breath and soak in peace and serenity.Today we continue connecting with the true Vietnam: we stop for lunch with a local family. We eat, chat, and laugh together, then in the afternoon we return to Hoi An. This time, though, we go back by bus (cycling is great, of course—but that’s enough for one day!). We have dinner in town, and then it’s off to bed for everyone.
Wake up!! Today is going to be an incredible day. We’re off to do something truly unique! We hop on our bikes and cross the Cam Kim Bridge to reach Kim Bong Village, a Vietnamese village renowned for its carpenters. Here, in a local carpenter’s workshop, we watch wood being crafted using traditional local techniques. Then, continuing our ride at a relaxed pace, we head to Duy Vinh Village, famous for producing mattresses sewn with sedge stems. It is the most beautiful village in the area! Surrounded by the bright green of rice and corn fields, it is the perfect place to take a deep breath and soak in peace and serenity.
Today we continue connecting with the true Vietnam: we stop for lunch with a local family. We eat, chat, and laugh together, then in the afternoon we return to Hoi An. This time, though, we go back by bus (cycling is great, of course—but that’s enough for one day!). We have dinner in town, and then it’s off to bed for everyone.
6
Hue and the Night Train
Day 6
From Hoi An, we head to Hue, and once we arrive, we devote our time to visiting the Imperial Citadel. We explore all the historic monuments and palaces—because what kind of imperial citadel would it be otherwise?—including the Tu Duc Mausoleum, a model of traditional Vietnamese art. After soaking up plenty of culture, we can travel on to Hanoi aboard an awesome overnight train, which takes us all the way to the capital while we sleep. The experience of traveling by train in Vietnam simply couldn’t be missed: we sleep in cabins, gently rocked by the train as it slowly moves forward, and wake up fresh as daisies in Hanoi.
From Hoi An, we head to Hue, and once we arrive, we devote our time to visiting the Imperial Citadel. We explore all the historic monuments and palaces—because what kind of imperial citadel would it be otherwise?—including the Tu Duc Mausoleum, a model of traditional Vietnamese art.
After soaking up plenty of culture, we can travel on to Hanoi aboard an awesome overnight train, which takes us all the way to the capital while we sleep. The experience of traveling by train in Vietnam simply couldn’t be missed: we sleep in cabins, gently rocked by the train as it slowly moves forward, and wake up fresh as daisies in Hanoi.
7
HANOI, THE CAPITAL
Day 7
We get off the train—it’s morning! And as if by magic, we find ourselves in Hanoi. We drink a carafe of coffee to wake ourselves up and, feeling fully recharged, we begin our day exploring the capital. We visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a tribute to Lenin’s Mausoleum in Moscow, the Ethnology Museum, and the Temple of Literature. In the afternoon, we wander through the narrow lanes of the Old Quarter by rickshaw, passing jewelers, calligraphers, carpenters, artisans, and merchants of every kind setting up their stalls to sell just about everything. Oh, and we definitely don’t miss the legendary egg coffee (yes, more coffee!), created by a Vietnamese man who worked at one of Hanoi’s world-famous hotels, the Sofitel Legend Metropole. We go and taste it with its very inventor and his family.What a crazy day. Now off to bed! We’re exhausted, but happy.
We get off the train—it’s morning! And as if by magic, we find ourselves in Hanoi. We drink a carafe of coffee to wake ourselves up and, feeling fully recharged, we begin our day exploring the capital. We visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a tribute to Lenin’s Mausoleum in Moscow, the Ethnology Museum, and the Temple of Literature.
In the afternoon, we wander through the narrow lanes of the Old Quarter by rickshaw, passing jewelers, calligraphers, carpenters, artisans, and merchants of every kind setting up their stalls to sell just about everything. Oh, and we definitely don’t miss the legendary egg coffee (yes, more coffee!), created by a Vietnamese man who worked at one of Hanoi’s world-famous hotels, the Sofitel Legend Metropole. We go and taste it with its very inventor and his family.
What a crazy day. Now off to bed! We’re exhausted, but happy.
8
Mai Chau and the Traditional Villages
Day 8
Today we’re heading to Mai Chau* with one goal: to connect with a rural, authentic Vietnam—the kind we love—while exploring the entire valley. We leave the city behind and climb into the hills and, bam! A succession of rice terraces, small villages, and a bucolic landscape that instantly puts us at peace with the world. To discover the valley, we’ll do a short and easy trek of about 2.5 hours, during which we’ll stop for lunch with a local family. In the afternoon, we continue our walk to the village of Buoc, where we’ll witness moments of local life and traditions that have truly stood the test of time. We then return to Mai Chau before evening. As for where we sleep, there are no big hotels here: we spend the night in a local family’s home, not just any guesthouse, sleeping on a mattress laid out on a bamboo floor and sipping local wine. A wonderful combination! Tomorrow, we’ll wake up to the crowing of lively roosters and the footsteps of farmers heading to the fields while it’s still dark outside. What peace. What a life.*No, we’re not going to Sapa. Sapa is under pressure from mass tourism, and we don’t want to be part of that.
Today we’re heading to Mai Chau* with one goal: to connect with a rural, authentic Vietnam—the kind we love—while exploring the entire valley. We leave the city behind and climb into the hills and, bam! A succession of rice terraces, small villages, and a bucolic landscape that instantly puts us at peace with the world. To discover the valley, we’ll do a short and easy trek of about 2.5 hours, during which we’ll stop for lunch with a local family. In the afternoon, we continue our walk to the village of Buoc, where we’ll witness moments of local life and traditions that have truly stood the test of time.
We then return to Mai Chau before evening. As for where we sleep, there are no big hotels here: we spend the night in a local family’s home, not just any guesthouse, sleeping on a mattress laid out on a bamboo floor and sipping local wine. A wonderful combination! Tomorrow, we’ll wake up to the crowing of lively roosters and the footsteps of farmers heading to the fields while it’s still dark outside. What peace. What a life.
*No, we’re not going to Sapa. Sapa is under pressure from mass tourism, and we don’t want to be part of that.
9
WE ARE IN THE HEART OF VIETNAM
Day 9
Today we continue our tour of the valley, heading toward the village of Van, an area inhabited by the Thai ethnic minority. Here we begin our trek to the village of Hai. Ladies and gentlemen, this is where things get serious: we are in the beating heart of the real Vietnam! There are very few places in the world with views like these. All this greenery and unspoiled nature fills your eyes and stays with you forever. In the afternoon, we leave Mai Chau and head to the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, home to the Thai and Muong peoples. A walk through the reserve is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in its rich flora and fauna, with over 1,000 recorded plant species and many species of birds. In the evening, we join our new local host family and spend the night with them. Life in the hills is starting to grow on us.
Today we continue our tour of the valley, heading toward the village of Van, an area inhabited by the Thai ethnic minority. Here we begin our trek to the village of Hai. Ladies and gentlemen, this is where things get serious: we are in the beating heart of the real Vietnam! There are very few places in the world with views like these. All this greenery and unspoiled nature fills your eyes and stays with you forever. In the afternoon, we leave Mai Chau and head to the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, home to the Thai and Muong peoples. A walk through the reserve is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in its rich flora and fauna, with over 1,000 recorded plant species and many species of birds.
In the evening, we join our new local host family and spend the night with them. Life in the hills is starting to grow on us.
10
Ninh Binh and Pu Luong, absolutely amazing
Day 10
Gooood morning! Today we’re putting on our walking shoes and heading to Hoa Lu and Ninh Binh, known as the “Halong Bay on land” for the spectacular karst formations that define the region. Truly incredible. We’ll enjoy a lovely walk to discover all the watermills along the Cham River, then continue on to the Tan Lap Bridge.You know those idyllic scenes of gliding through lush greenery and rice paddies? Well, that’s exactly what we’ll be doing this afternoon! We’ll immerse ourselves in this Vietnamese idyll by boarding a sampan (those traditional small Asian boats) to explore the Tam Coc caves, said to be absolutely beautiful.In the evening, we’ll return to our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Gooood morning! Today we’re putting on our walking shoes and heading to Hoa Lu and Ninh Binh, known as the “Halong Bay on land” for the spectacular karst formations that define the region. Truly incredible. We’ll enjoy a lovely walk to discover all the watermills along the Cham River, then continue on to the Tan Lap Bridge.
You know those idyllic scenes of gliding through lush greenery and rice paddies? Well, that’s exactly what we’ll be doing this afternoon! We’ll immerse ourselves in this Vietnamese idyll by boarding a sampan (those traditional small Asian boats) to explore the Tam Coc caves, said to be absolutely beautiful.
In the evening, we’ll return to our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
11
HALONG BAY AND CAT BA
Day 11
This morning we climb up to Hang Mua, an absolutely stunning viewpoint in the Trang An complex, which is unsurprisingly a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To enjoy a great view, you have to go high: 480 steps stand between us and the summit—ta-da! But it’s absolutely worth it. In any case, you can always blame the Tour Leader, guaranteed. We then head to the port, where a ferry takes us to Cat Ba Island, in Halong Bay. Cat Ba is the largest island in the archipelago! And just like Halong Bay, the landscape is dominated by limestone peaks and mountains. We devote time to exploring this island because it’s still off the beaten track—and we like that. We wander through Cat Ba National Park, stopping at Quan Y Cave, and then venture into the forest on a walk to Ngu Lam Peak, where we can admire the beauty of the forest from above. Hey, watch out for the monkeys! We end the day on a high note by exploring Trung Trang Cave (and here, watch out for the stalactites instead). We’ve earned our hotel check-in and a nice hot shower.
This morning we climb up to Hang Mua, an absolutely stunning viewpoint in the Trang An complex, which is unsurprisingly a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To enjoy a great view, you have to go high: 480 steps stand between us and the summit—ta-da! But it’s absolutely worth it. In any case, you can always blame the Tour Leader, guaranteed.
We then head to the port, where a ferry takes us to Cat Ba Island, in Halong Bay. Cat Ba is the largest island in the archipelago! And just like Halong Bay, the landscape is dominated by limestone peaks and mountains. We devote time to exploring this island because it’s still off the beaten track—and we like that. We wander through Cat Ba National Park, stopping at Quan Y Cave, and then venture into the forest on a walk to Ngu Lam Peak, where we can admire the beauty of the forest from above. Hey, watch out for the monkeys!
We end the day on a high note by exploring Trung Trang Cave (and here, watch out for the stalactites instead). We’ve earned our hotel check-in and a nice hot shower.
12
VIET HAI VILLAGE AND LAN HA BAY
Day 12
We’re still on Cat Ba, our little island. We hop on a boat, hoping it holds up, and sail through the bay to reach the village of Viet Hai.We arrive at the village and take it easy, getting a glimpse of local life, then head back on board our boat. Can you imagine how amazing it is to have lunch on a boat in the middle of Halong Bay? Well, today’s the day!In the afternoon, we kayak to Monkey Island, a lovely little beach in Lan Ha Bay, where we can go for a swim. Take a good look at this sunset, because you’ll remember it forever. We’re almost there — tonight the first tears begin.
We’re still on Cat Ba, our little island. We hop on a boat, hoping it holds up, and sail through the bay to reach the village of Viet Hai.
We arrive at the village and take it easy, getting a glimpse of local life, then head back on board our boat. Can you imagine how amazing it is to have lunch on a boat in the middle of Halong Bay? Well, today’s the day!
In the afternoon, we kayak to Monkey Island, a lovely little beach in Lan Ha Bay, where we can go for a swim. Take a good look at this sunset, because you’ll remember it forever. We’re almost there — tonight the first tears begin.
13
WE'RE GOING BACK HOME
Day 13
With our eyes still puffy, we realize it’s all true: this morning, we head back to Hanoi, downcast and sad. Later in the day, a flight awaits us—one we can’t afford to miss (even if we wish we could)—to take us back home.
With our eyes still puffy, we realize it’s all true: this morning, we head back to Hanoi, downcast and sad. Later in the day, a flight awaits us—one we can’t afford to miss (even if we wish we could)—to take us back home.
14
Sigh, we're home
Day 14
Here we are, feeling very sad, still buzzing with adrenaline, back home. You’ll need some time to take in everything you’ve experienced. It was the trip you imagined—only even more so.
Here we are, feeling very sad, still buzzing with adrenaline, back home. You’ll need some time to take in everything you’ve experienced. It was the trip you imagined—only even more so.
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Leave us a couple of details and the full trip program is yours.
Boring but important stuff to know
Deposit and registration
To sign up for the trip, you need to: 🍌 Pay a deposit, which will be indicated during registration, to confirm your spot. 🍌 Pay the remaining balance 45 days before departure.
And what about the payment method? 🍌 You can pay by bank transfer. 🍌 You can pay by card. 🍌 You can pay for your trip in up to 12 installments with HeyLight.
Flight
🍌Included in the price is your flight departing from Milan or Rome. 🍌You can also depart from other airports — just select your preferred airport during sign-up. If you can’t find the airport you want, contact us and we’ll help you. 🍌 A No-Flight option is available. Basically, if you prefer to arrange your own flights, we’ll deduct the airfare from the trip price and you can book your flights independently. Then we’ll coordinate to meet at the destination. 🍌Your flight times will be available in your personal area once you have completed your booking. 🍌And who does the check-in? You can choose! By default, you do it yourself, but if you prefer, we can take care of it for you — just select this option during sign-up. 🍌 Please read all the flight-related FAQs at the bottom of this page.
Transport and accommodation
🍌 Transportation: we will use local transfers, local buses, tuk-tuks to visit the cities, and an overnight train. On the overnight train, we will sleep in 4/6-person cabins with shared bathrooms. 🍌 Accommodation: we will stay every night in hotels in double, triple, or quadruple rooms with private and/or shared bathrooms. In the hills, we will spend two nights in guesthouses inside local homes, where the accommodations will be more basic (it’s part of the experience!)
Depending on availability/changes on site, alternatives to the proposed accommodations may be used. A double room is never guaranteed 100%. We have created a dedicated FAQ just below.
Luggage and equipment
🍌 You will have one carry-on bag and one small backpack. 🍌 You will find the baggage size and weight limits in your personal area. 🍌 Checked baggage is not included. However, if it is not included in the airfare, you can add it in your personal area. 🍌 You will find the list of equipment to bring for the trip in your personal area.
Extra activities
Extra activities are activities that aren’t included in the itinerary, but that you can choose to add to personalize your trip. They’re amazing experiences, but not everyone may feel like doing them—and that’s totally fine! This way, instead of being stuck with an “all-inclusive” package and paying for things you don’t enjoy, you have the freedom to choose.
🍌 You can book them during sign-up or later in your personal area. 🍌 It’s not mandatory for the whole group to do the same activities. 🍌 For those who don’t join the extra activities, there’s always a free alternative. It’s never a lesser option within the itinerary, so no one has to miss out on anything. 🍌 When specific equipment is needed for an activity, we’ll let you know.
If you feel excited about any extra activities, we recommend booking them as soon as possible. Especially if you’re traveling in high season, they sell out very quickly. We don’t control ticket sales, so if spots are no longer available, unfortunately there’s nothing we can do about it.
There’s also a dedicated FAQ in the section “You might have questions, we definitely have answers.” Take a look.
Country entry requirements
🍌 Before signing up for the trip, we recommend checking any entry requirements required by the country. You can do so here by visiting the Viaggiare Sicuri website: https://www.viaggiaresicuri.it/find-country/country/VNM 🍌 It will be your responsibility (yes, it’s on you!) to make sure you meet all entry requirements for the destination country or countries. Sto Gran Tour accepts no responsibility in the event that entry to the country is denied. If you have any questions at this point, feel free to ask us anything and we’ll be happy to answer! 🍌 Any visa or government fee will be at your own expense.
Meals
🍌 Are you intolerant to something? 🍌 Do you have any food allergies? 🍌 Are you vegetarian? Vegan? Pastafarian?! Do you only eat things that start with Z?!? Nooo problem! Food doesn’t have to be a limit on your trip. There’s always a solution, whether at a restaurant or at the supermarket.
What's included, and what's not
Included in the trip price
Not included in the trip price
Common fund
What about shared expenses? How do they work? No one enjoys traveling with stacks of local cash and doing the math on a calculator every night. So, we’ll spare you the hassle: traveling with us is much easier.
Each participant takes turns covering shared expenses and logging them in the SplitUp app, which at the end of the trip splits everything equally among the group. We estimate these costs will be between €75 and €95 for this trip, depending on the number of participants.
🍌 Tips for local people. 🍌 The boatman in Hoi An (€2, to be paid directly to him in cash). 🍌 Entrance to the Hue Citadel. 🍌 Parking fees. 🍌 The Trip Leader’s expenses.
Pick your extra activities
Customize your itinerary!
Great idea, with us you can. You can tweak every itinerary by adding the extra activities you want to do on the trip. We've tested and approved every single one. So instead of putting up with an "all inclusive" and paying for stuff you don't like, you're free to choose.
You might have questions, we definitely have answers
Deposit, balance and insurance
Here’s how payments work:
🍌A deposit is due at the time of booking to confirm your spot.
🍌The remaining balance must be paid 45 days before departure, directly in your personal area.
🍌You can pay by bank transfer, card, or in installments. Choose whichever option is most convenient for you.
🍌The final trip cost, including any extras you select, will be shown during the booking process, in the confirmation email, and in your personal area.
🍌 Before departure, you can purchase cancellation insurance to cover your trip cancellation, provided the reason for cancellation falls within the covered cases listed in the insurance PDF. You can view and download this PDF during the booking process, before confirming the trip.
🍌 Purchasing the cancellation insurance we offer is not mandatory. If you feel it does not meet your needs, you may take out your own policy instead, and we’ll still be friends and travel companions.
🍌 Sto Gran Tour accepts no responsibility if the participant’s reason for trip cancellation does not fall within the cases covered by the insurance.
How air travel works
🍌 With us, your airfare is always included in the trip price, departing from Milan or Rome depending on the departure date.
🍌 For an additional fee, you can choose a different departure airport. For example: Catania, Naples, Bologna, London… your call. And if you can’t find your airport, just write to us.
🍌 The group may have different flight schedules, depending on airline availability and the order in which participants signed up.
🍌 We’ll share your flight times in your personal area as soon as they’re available.
🍌 Booking for two people does not guarantee seats together on the plane, as this is a paid option. However, you can request it and add it through your personal area.
🍌 Unless otherwise stated, the flight booking does not include a checked bag. If you really, really want to add one, well alright then! You can add it through your personal area.
🍌 If you are absent from the airport on departure day due to personal unforeseen circumstances, delays or cancellations of connecting flights, or other means of transport, you will need to reach the destination independently with another flight at your own expense. We’ll help you find the flight, as long as you buy the first round of beers when you catch up with us.
Flight-free option
If you’d prefer to arrange your own flights, no problem! You can select the “no flight” option when you sign up. We’ll deduct the flight cost from the trip price, and that’s it. Please note:
🍌 With the “no flight” option, airport transfers are not included.
🍌 With the “no flight” option, domestic/internal flights are still included and arranged by us.
🍌 With the “no flight” option, we ask you to share the flight times you’d like to book, so we can confirm whether they are compatible with the rest of the group.
🍌 With the “no flight” option, before purchasing your flights you must wait until the trip is confirmed. If you buy them before confirmation, we will not refund the airfare amount.
Equipment and luggage
Hand luggage is included and, where applicable, priority boarding too. Checked baggage, however, is not included unless it is part of the airline’s basic fare. Besides, do you really need it?!
In general, we do not recommend checking in baggage: if the airline loses it (guys, let’s be real—it can happen!), it could affect the smooth running of your trip. But if you really want it—like, you absolutely can’t survive the trip without it—you can add it as an extra when booking or in your personal area.
Please note! Regardless of the airline chosen for the trip, baggage loss can always happen. If you check in baggage, you accept responsibility for that choice. We cannot be held responsible in any way for lost baggage, and you will need to deal with it at the airport at the time of the loss, making sure to collect all the necessary documentation to activate the insurance. When in doubt: long live hand luggage!
Types of accommodation
Accommodation arrangements are listed in the “Accommodation and transport” tab, under the section “Boring but important things to know,” which you’ll find on this page. Depending on the departure date and the trip, the arrangement shown on the website may differ from the one described. For this reason, you will never see it stated that a specific room type (double, triple, or quadruple) is guaranteed with 100% certainty. This is simply because we often do not have full control over our suppliers’ availability. Also keep in mind that, on a group trip, sharing is part of the travel experience: besides an amazing adventure, you may also end up sharing rooms and bathrooms. Every traveler for themselves? Not really. If having a double room is absolutely essential for you (as in, you really can’t do without it), please write to us before departure! That way we can avoid problems, misunderstandings, and unnecessary hassle for everyone. Sounds like a good deal?
The Foreman Sto Grand Tour
When you travel with Sto Gran Tour, you’ll always be accompanied by a Trip Leader. We don’t work with polished bloggers who turn travel into social media content, and we don’t collaborate with people who just want a free trip. Our Trip Leaders are certified guides—experienced, passionate young women and men, as well as licensed tour escorts.
“What exactly do they do on the trip?” you might be wondering. Well, the Trip Leader coordinates the group throughout the journey, handling logistics, providing continuous support, and building team spirit—without being a traditional tour guide. They are not a nature guide, but they make sure each stage of the trip runs according to plan, while adapting to circumstances and the group’s needs. They share useful tips about the itinerary, help manage timing, and make it easier to organize each day. Basically, a saint. They’re the go-to person for questions, unexpected issues, and logistical needs. In short: like a super-functional Swiss Army knife, always ready for anything.
Group and travel companions
Groups usually consist of 3 to 17 people, plus a Trip Leader. The exact number varies depending on the trip. The average age on our trips is generally between 25 and 45, with a few exceptions.
Our groups usually include people from all over Italy, and they’re open-minded travelers who love new experiences. You don’t have to be an experienced traveler, and you don’t need to have joined a group trip before. It doesn’t matter whether you’re traveling solo, with your girlfriend, or with your brother. What really matters is the spirit you bring: the desire and curiosity to explore and experience the world. It’ll be what you imagine — and then some.
About a month before departure, we’ll open the Wazzzzup group so you can start getting to know the other participants. You’ll find the Sto Gran Gruppo link in your personal area.
We confirm and activate the trip once there are at least 4 to 6 participants. If we don’t reach the minimum number, you can change your date free of charge to the closest available departure, either for the same destination or a different one. Or you can request a full refund. So when will you know whether the trip is confirmed or not? About one month before departure, when we finalize the participant count.
P.S.
Are you cursing us out because you’d love to travel with us, but you think you’re outside the age range? Write to us — we might still be able to travel together. And in the worst-case scenario, at least you can insult us in person.
Group confirmation
Almost all of our trips are confirmed. For groups that are still awaiting confirmation, we will send you regular updates through your personal area. If we do not reach the minimum number of participants (generally 3), you may change your date free of charge to the nearest available departure, either for the same destination or a different one, or receive a full refund. For trips with only one departure date, the "Trip Status" is shown.
How extra activities work
You can customize your trip with extra activities, which you can choose either when you book or later on. Please note:
🍌 If an activity is canceled by the provider, you will be refunded.
🍌 Any special equipment required for each activity will be provided on site.
🍌 You can also choose activities after booking and add them from your personal area for an additional €5.
🍌 We cannot guarantee activity availability if you add them close to your departure date.
🍌 During peak seasons, such as New Year’s and summer, we cannot guarantee activity availability unless you book well in advance.
🍌 Activity prices may increase at the discretion of the providers.
One more thing: the activities are organized by local providers, so we at Sto Gran Tour are not responsible for changes, availability, or cancellations.
Travel itinerary and changes
Even if you’re joining an organized trip, the spirit is that of a true road trip. That’s right! It’s a real journey: unexpected events, pleasant unplanned stops along the way, breaks, weather-related disruptions, and more. In practice, what does that mean?
🍌 The itinerary, as well as the order of the days, may change.
🍌 Nature is in charge. We do not provide refunds of the amount paid for program changes caused by weather conditions.
🍌 Mechanical issues can happen. We do not provide refunds of the amount paid for program changes caused by mechanical problems (for example, a flat tire, a blown fuse, a broken window, a stolen side mirror, and things like that).
🍌 If travel days or activities are missed due to bad weather or issues caused by suppliers, we will try to make them up if the group agrees on the new travel solution and only if the Trip Leader considers it feasible.
🍌 The type/layout and size of the means of transport and accommodations may differ from what is indicated in the travel program due to local availability.
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Imagine yourself sitting on a bamboo cot in a stilt house in the middle of the Mai Chau valley. Outside, it’s pitch black. The ceiling fan turns lazily, the mosquito net hums softly in the background, and the rice wine is starting to kick in. You had dinner barefoot under the table, sitting next to a grandmother who doesn’t speak a word of English, yet smiled at you as if you’d been friends forever. You ate something that was maybe chicken. Maybe. “Seriously, so good!” Now there is peace, there is silence, there is you. And a group of strangers slowly becoming something more. Outside, in the darkness of the valley, all you can hear are frogs, and the occasional farmer heading home. This is rural Vietnam—what an incredible life experience.
This Great Trip is exactly what you’re imagining, and then some.
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I joined a trip to Namibia with Federica at the end of April 2026; besides her flawless organization, I want to praise her excellent preparation and her passion, which made this trip unforgettable. Very happy with the group of people I had the pleasure of meeting too! It was a rich trip in many ways, and what can I say about Namibia, it's undoubtedly a wonderful place!
Alessia
August 2026
Madeira with Marco
It's my second trip with StoGranTour and once again I was satisfied. I found the organization punctual and well structured, with clear directions and the peace of mind of being able to rely on the people in charge. My compliments go to our team leader, Marco Rotunno, who contributed a lot to the success of these eight days. He was engaging but never intrusive, kind, funny and always available, attentive to everyone's needs. An experience I recommend to those who love trekking and active holidays and, above all, to those who want to let themselves be surprised by a landscape, the beauty of a sunrise or a starry sky.
Simona Giordanengo
October 2025
Sto Gran Kenya
My first solo trip, and I couldn't have had a better guide! The legendary Cruz in the Bush took me among lions, giant animals, breathtaking sunsets and ocean waves. He knows every corner of Kenya, almost as if it were his home. If you need someone to rely on, trust him. There's never a shortage of laughs, but I won't spoil anything else: meet him in person and you won't regret it.
Denise Camboni
November 2025
Fuerteventura in November with Bibi!!!
The tour was absolutely positive and well organized, the itinerary complete and balanced, also taking winds and tides into account. Every day had something special: a sunset, a hidden spot, a fun fact about the place... Our team leader Bibi was simply fantastic. The fact that she has lived in Fuerte for a while was certainly a big plus: it let us experience the island authentically, with a few surprising unplanned moments too. At the same time she was very professional despite being "at home", which is not a given and was much appreciated. We felt Fuerteventura a little more ours thanks to her too, as she took us by the hand to every place with sensitivity and friendliness.
Francesca Stanco
July 2026
Staff always on the ball
The staff was always available and quick to answer my questions. I had to change my departure date and didn't have the slightest problem. Our tour leader was wonderful, took us to every stop and even more. The travel group was a great mix and we had a blast!
Bruna Musu
March 2026
If you're thinking about it, do it!
A wonderful experience, cleverly divided into daily goals; I never imagined I could visit so many spectacular places in a single day despite the distances. Our guide Sara was marvelous, super prepared and ready to solve any problem. I recommend this experience to those traveling solo too. The places we rested in were excellent as well, both for comfort and for their position to see the aurora.
Serena
May 2026
Sta Gran Cappadocia 🇹🇷
I'm writing this review just back from a fantastic trip to Turkey (Istanbul + Cappadocia), what can I say, I couldn't have asked for better! It wasn't my first time with SGT and, as I'd already seen in the past, the trip definitely lived up to my expectations. A special thanks to our super team leader Marco Rotunno, who made us experience these magical places at their best ✨🫶🏼
Letizia Callegari
July 2026
Ring Road in Iceland
The itinerary let us discover incredible and very different landscapes, alternating waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, black beaches, small villages and scenery that seems to belong to another planet. The added value was the group and our coordinator Nicola Ferrucci, a real expert and in love with Iceland. Thanks to him we had unforgettable experiences and visited places off the most touristy spots… he told us legends, curiosities and anecdotes that only someone passionate who knows the place perfectly can know.
Chiara Giammaroli
January 2026
Fantastic trip to Vietnam
Back from a fantastic trip to Vietnam with Chiara, a flawless tour leader, always present and ready to talk things through with the group for any decision to be made. Wonderful places, between the chaos of the cities and the quietest, most magical green of nature. This is my third group trip and the first with Sto Gran Tour: really well done, with excellent organization.
Fabio Niero
November 2025
Sta Gran Review
The assistance and support I received from the organization before departure were excellent and allowed me to arrive prepared on the first day of this adventure. (Even with a few refunds, everything was clear and simple.) During the trip, the skills and practical abilities of our team leader proved to be the key to making us enjoy the experience to the fullest: from handling the unexpected to organizing the downtime, from helping build the bond between travel companions to supporting each member's individual needs. I'm coming home from this trip very satisfied and sure that, if in the future I choose to take on another similar adventure, "Sto Gran Tour" will definitely be the first travel company I'll consider.
Marco Milan
February 2026
Sta Gran Lapland
Second trip with Sto Gran Tour and once again my expectations weren't let down! Thanks to a great group, a great team leader (Alberto) and an enchanted Lapland, even the -30° and the little mishaps turned into memories and stories to laugh about. The experiences on offer were all authentic and completely out of the comfort zone, which in my opinion is what you look for in a trip like this, a trip I'll always carry in my heart while waiting for the next one 💝
Cristina Intrieri
November 2025
An exceptional first experience
An unforgettable experience in Vietnam: even though I left on my own, I immediately felt at ease with all the other participants (18 people). Very beautiful places, excellent organization, even considering that three days had to be rescheduled because of a typhoon that hit the central part of the country. Several bus transfers, some of them hours long, due to the shape of Vietnam itself, but we knew about it before departure. Team leader Roberto: a great person and an excellent professional. Happy I took part, I'd leave again tomorrow.
Matteo Monteverdi
January 2026
Unique experiences
I've traveled with StoGranTour three times, visiting South Africa, Iceland and Morocco. On all three trips I met extremely well-prepared and knowledgeable guides, with a truly impeccable wealth of knowledge about the land, the flora and the local cultures. I warmly recommend traveling with them to anyone who wants to live a unique experience, thanks to itineraries and experiences planned down to the smallest detail and to fantastic tour leaders.
Chiara Nordera
November 2025
A truly memorable first trip to Japan
I joined the trip with my partner and it was our first time in Asia. The experience went beyond expectations. The itinerary was carefully planned, and credit also goes to our tour leader, Michele, who enriched every stop with clear explanations and his enthusiasm for Japanese culture. The route offered a really pleasant balance between cultural visits, discovering the local food and moments immersed in nature. The group we shared the trip with was a nice surprise too: curious, engaged people with a genuine desire to enjoy every moment. All in all, an experience I'd absolutely recommend to anyone who wants a first introduction to Japan that's well structured and engaging at the same time!
Fabio Rosato
February 2026
Best experience ever
One of the best experiences of my life! I've done plenty of group trips, but this one beat them in every way! A team leader (Cate) full of enthusiasm and passion, perfect organization and better accommodation than many others! Not to mention all the extras. Thank you, Sto Gran Tour really is a great blast, but thanks above all to our Great Team Leader 🍌
Miriam Forte
November 2025
10 fantastic days in India
This was my fourth experience with Sto Gran Tour and once again I came back truly enthusiastic. A special thanks goes to our guide Chiara, a precise young woman, attentive to everyone's needs, reliable and always available, who accompanied us with professionalism, great passion and friendliness. The tour was organized impeccably: well-studied itineraries, perfect timing and a management of the trip that let us enjoy every moment without worries. I warmly recommend Sto Gran Tour to anyone looking for a serious, competent organization that brings out the best of every stop thanks to the professionalism of its guides. An experience to remember!!
Nicolò Verando
January 2026
Trip to Morocco 🇲🇦
My first trip with Stograntour couldn't have gone better! I was lucky enough to live a very intimate experience, traveling with a tiny group of wonderful people. Morocco is marvelous and gave us intense emotions. The itinerary was well structured: we went from snowy mountains to the desert, crossed hills of argan trees to reach the immense ocean, and then ended up in the chaos, but also the chill, among the rooftops and gardens of Marrakech. Along the way we met fantastic people. In particular, I won't forget Jawad's welcome and generosity and the beautiful experience at his home. We were guided flawlessly by Rob, a perfect team leader: professional and passionate, but above all a true travel companion. Always smiling and helpful, sensitive and attentive. Thanks to everyone, and see you on the next adventure!
Cristina F.
August 2026
Scotland tour, August '26
It lets you drive all over Scotland and its gorgeous islands, focusing on its natural wonders, which you enjoy through scenic treks: the right balance between effort and views, doable for everyone. Yes, it will rain and it will be fantastic. Our tour leader Alberto was attentive to everyone's needs, balancing the sights of the towns we visited, Edinburgh above all, with the beauty of the land and the right dose of lightness, alternating effort and breaks to recharge.
Dario Conti
December 2025
Iceland with Nic
A fantastic experience! The trip was beautiful, well organized and with a great variety and diversity of experiences. All made even more exciting thanks to Nic, his contagious enthusiasm for adventure and his ability to keep the group together.
Mariangela Viceconte
March 2026
Lapland, hunting for the northern lights
I did the trip to Lapland organized by Sto Gran Tour (Dec–Jan) and the experience was excellent from every point of view. The itinerary was carefully planned: well-spread activities, zero downtime and the chance to truly live the essence of Lapland. From the northern lights to the husky excursions, every moment was handled with professionalism and care. Federico, our coordinator, was very knowledgeable, helpful and always ready to share fun facts about the area. I also really appreciated the punctuality and clarity of the organization: transfers, excursions and equipment always perfect. It's a trip I'd recommend to anyone who wants to experience Lapland without stress, with the reassurance of a serious organization and a level of care that really makes the difference. Sto Gran Tour passes with flying colors: an unforgettable experience.
Antonio
April 2026
Thank you Sto Gran Tour!
My experience in Vietnam with Sto Gran Tour turned out to be magical. I loved every second of our trip and appreciated the organization and the attention to detail. The difference was certainly also made by Giulia, our team leader, from whom I learned so much: right from the start she proved very professional and knowledgeable. I'd do it again a thousand times. Thank you Sto Gran Tour!
Valeria Maresca
May 2026
The best trip I've ever...
The best trip I've ever taken. Not only for the place, which is breathtaking, but for the group and our guide, Roberta, Bibi to her friends. Yes, friends, because on this trip a fantastic synergy is created, thanks not only to the personality of each participant but also to Bibi's ability to involve everyone. Bibi was an amazing guide, she looked into everything, from the restaurant to every single grain of lava, so that we could experience Iceland to the fullest, passing on her enthusiasm and sensing, in every single moment, the mood of the group and the needs of each of us.
Mariateresa Vigilante
March 2026
Trip to Morocco
I left for Morocco at the end of March for my second trip with Stograntour and once again it was an all-round positive experience. The real added value for me is the organization, flawless and never trite in an itinerary that always goes a bit beyond expectations, and the skill of the team leaders: Ilaria was perfect! The group worked really well too, I'm taking home a great memory and I'm already thinking about the next trip!
Eleonora Tronconi
March 2026
Trip to the Lofoten
It was my first group trip and it far exceeded my expectations. Besides the breathtaking landscapes, I have to say everything was organized down to the smallest detail, from the very nice and comfortable accommodation where we stayed to the itinerary and the activities chosen. Our team leader Nic was very well prepared and patient, ready to solve any hiccup and always offering us alternatives on what to do. With a group made up only of women, he managed to create a unique harmony. I recommend everyone travel with StoGranTour! See you on the next trip together ❤️
Giulia Ottaviani
April 2026
Japan on the rails
This had been my dream trip since I was a child, so I left with high expectations… but it still managed to exceed them. I chose StoGranTour because it seemed the tour most in line with my way of traveling, and it turned out to be the right choice. The organization was excellent: every day had a well-structured program, with the chance to make small changes based on the group's needs. Plus, at the end of the activities, we always had some free time to explore on our own. The itinerary was carefully planned, but the real added value was our guide, Michele. With his passion and enthusiasm for Japanese culture, he made every visit interesting and never heavy. His explanations were clear and full of fun facts, some tied to the world of anime and video games, creating original connections with what we were seeing. We also really appreciated his choice of restaurants: he had us try excellent food in authentic places we would hardly have found on our own. Another thing that struck me positively was the group: on these trips you never know who you'll end up sharing the experience with, but I got along really well, which made everything even more enjoyable.
Maurizio Minetti
January 2026
My first group trip
It was my first group trip, and I was really satisfied with the organization and with how the trip was structured! Fantastic group, and what can I say about the guide: fantastic and super active! She showed us wonderful places and told us about Iceland from the heart!
Mirco Pieralisi
January 2026
Unforgettable Lapland
A perfect experience from every point of view! A trip lived 100% that met all my expectations! Visiting Lapland means putting yourself to the test, and I can say that without the organization, but above all without the involvement of our leader Alberto, I would have backed out. Alberto balanced every phase of our trip, staying serious while bringing a great spirit of involvement. His presence made all the difference! Every phase of our trip went smoothly, with no issues in timing, transfers or organization. Even for the little hiccups a quick and effective solution was found. I'd choose Sto Gran Tour again for my next trip with my eyes closed.
Rosita Pavone
January 2026
Hakuna Matata!!!
Exciting trip to Kenya! Andrea made us live the "safari" to the fullest, cheerfully carting us from one animal to the next (he even knew the exact number of hairs on their bu...). Almost everything worked and even the hiccups were handled like a pro. Fantastic group, as only happens on unforgettable trips.
