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Uncover Japan – The Land of the Rising Sun

Discover Japan, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life creating a truly unforgettable experience. Enjoy the authentic delicate cuisine, the stunning natural scenery and the dynamic cities this fascinating far-eastern country is famous for across the globe. From the bustling city of Tokyo, where neon-lit sky scrapers shadow historic temples, to the breathtaking scenery of the sacred Mount Fuji, join us on an incredible once-in-a-lifetime escorted tour of Japan.

Tour Includes

  • 10 nights hotel with continental breakfast
  • 2 light lunches
  • Return flights to Tokyo & from Kansai/Osaka with one checked-in suitcase
  • Airport transfers in Japan

13 days from £5,059pp

Travel Options
Outbound &
Inbound Travel
Outbound
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  • By Air By Air
Inbound
Travel
  • By Air By Air
On-Tour
Experiences
  • Coach Excursions
Departure Dates

Steps to booking your Holiday

  • Tour Details Find a day-by-day breakdown
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  • Select your Departure Browse the available
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  • Checkout Follow our secure checkout
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Itinerary

Please choose your preferred 13 day itinerary

Fly to Tokyo.

Upon arrival in Tokyo transfer to your hotel for a three-night stay.

Today, we discover Tokyo, the vibrant capital of Japan. We begin the day with a city sightseeing tour, where we will see the beautiful Meiji-Jingu Shrine, dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and the Empress Shoken, and the Imperial Palace Plaza, before enjoying a walking tour of the upmarket Ginza district.

For lunch, we will join a fascinating sushi masterclass where we will learn how to make traditional sushi.

This afternoon, we will visit Asakusa, with the famous Senso-ji Buddhist temple, the oldest in Japan, before returning to our hotel.

Includes Breakfast

Includes Light Lunch

Included Highlights

Tokyo City Sightseeing Tour Traditional Sushi Masterclass Asakusa

This morning, we depart Tokyo for Nikko. On arrival in Nikko, we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city before continuing to the UNESCO Toshogu Shrine, Japan’s most lavishly decorated shrine and mausoleum of the famous shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu.

The impressive shrine was reconstructed by Ieyasu's grandson, shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu, now consisting of over a dozen buildings, set in a beautiful forest.

After free time in Nikko, we continue to the stunning Kegon Waterfalls. The magnificent falls were formed when the Daiya River was re-routed by lava flows and is among one of the most beautiful falls in Japan.

Later, we return to our hotel in Tokyo.

Includes Breakfast

Included Highlights

Nikko Sightseeing Tour Kegon Falls

Our first stop today is Oishi Park* in Kawaguchiko, with its picturesque views of Mount Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan. The park is renowned for its exquisite sightseeing opportunities, with the impressive volcano reflecting from the waters of Lake Kawaguchi.

We will enjoy free time at the Daio Wasabi Plantation Farm, one of Japan’s largest wasabi plantations. The farm is meticulously maintained, with each field fed by crystal-clear waters, fed from the Northern Alps. Within the plantations, there are attractive walking trails and the Daio Shrine, enshrining the spirit of local hero, Hachimen Daio, the farm's protector.

We continue on to Matsumoto, where we will visit the beautiful castle, with its distinctive black walls, a designated national treasure. We continue to our hotel in Takayama for an overnight stay.

*Weather permitting.

Includes Breakfast

Included Highlights

Oishi Park* Daio Wasabi Plantation Farm Matsumoto

We begin the day with a walking tour of Takayama, a traditional city with a beautifully preserved Old Town.

During our tour of Takayama, we will visit to the morning market, packed full with stalls selling everything from vegetables, pickles and spices to Japanese sweets, gifts and souvenirs. We will also take time to enjoy a spot of sake tasting at the local sake brewery.

The tour concludes with a visit to Takayama-Jinya, a former government outpost before you will have free time to explore independently.

This afternoon we transfer to the UNESCO Shirakawago Village which is best known for its traditional gassho-zukuri wooden houses. We continue to our overnight hotel in Kanazawa.

Includes Breakfast

Included Highlights

Takayama Walking Tour Shirakawago Village

Today we head to Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture. In the morning, we take time to visit the beautiful traditional Japanese garden of Kenroku-en, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan.

Kenroku-en is home to roughly 8,750 trees and 183 species of plants as well as the oldest water fountain in Japan, powered only by water natural pressure.

We then continue on to the elegant Nomura Samurai mansion, where time has seemingly stood still since the Edo period. The Nomura’s are one of Japan’s famous Samurai families who used their swords to conquer the Maeda clan. The mansion features refined architecture, intricate murals and stunning gardens complete with flowing waterfalls and dancing carp.

Following time at leisure for lunch, we will take the Express Train to Kyoto where we will stay for the next two nights.

Includes Breakfast

Included Highlights

Kenroku-en Nomura Samurai Mansion

This morning we enjoy an included sightseeing tour of Kyoto, during which we visit the UNESCO listed Kinkakkuji Temple, famous for its Golden Pavillion.

Kinkakkuji is perhaps the most well-known temple in Japan, despite being burned to the ground by a disgruntled monk in 1950. The picturesque building, delicately covered in gold leaf is one of the most visited sites in Kyoto.

We then continue on to the Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama, where we will have a walking tour before free time for lunch.

We begin the afternoon with a visit to Nijo Castle. Built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founding shogun of the Edo shogunate which ruled Japan from the beginning of the 17th century and has been registered as a Japanese National Treasure.

We will then take part in an authentic tea ceremony. Our instructor will show us how to make a Japanese Matcha Green Tea, and how to enjoy it in the traditional Japanese manner.

We will spend time at leisure in the Kyoto district of Gion before returning to the hotel.

Includes Breakfast

Included Highlights

Kyoto Sightseeing Tour Gion Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Nijo Castle Authentic Tea Ceremony

Our first stop today is the beautiful Korakuen Garden, where we will have time at leisure to enjoy the uplifting and relaxing spaces. The garden is arranged to take in water from the river that runs through a zig-zag brook to a pond and down into a waterfall.

We then move on to the city of Kurashiki. We will have free time in the historical ‘Bikan Chiku’ area, famous for its beautiful streetscape of storehouses and merchant homes, with their grey and white trellis-patterned walls and flamboyant ceramic roofs.

Take a stroll along the canal, lined with drooping willow trees, as boats gently punt down the calm waters, or veer off down the narrow streets where you will find museums, galleries and workshops.

This afternoon we continue to our hotel in Hiroshima for a two-night stay.

Includes Breakfast

Included Highlights

Korakuen Garden Kurashiki

Today, we spend the day in the city of Hiroshima. We take a ferry across Hiroshima bay to Miyajima Island, known for its forests and ancient temples. We see the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, giving you time to admire the elaborate Torii gate, which rises majestically out of the sea.

Included, we enjoy a lunch of Okonomiyaki, similar to a savoury pancake Okonomiyaki, made with egg, cabbage, soba noodles and meat.

Following lunch we visit the Peace Memorial Park and museum. Hiroshima is known worldwide as the first place that the atomic bomb was used. Before the bomb, the Peace Park was the commercial and political heart of the city, and for this reason, it was chosen as the pilot’s target. The area is now a registered UNESCO World Heritage Landmark, redeveloped and devoted to promoting peace.

Includes Breakfast

Includes Lunch

Included Highlights

Miyajima Island Itsukushima Shrine Okonomiyaki Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

We depart Hiroshima via Nozomi train for Himeji where we visit its beautiful castle. Himeji Castle, also known as the White Heron Castle, due to its elegant appearance, is the finest surviving castle that remains in Japan today.

The largest of Japan's castles never destroyed by war, earthquake or fire, the imposing size and beauty of the Himeji makes it not only a national treasure, but also a World Heritage Site.

This afternoon we take the world-famous high-speed bullet train to Osaka, where we arrive at our hotel for an overnight stay.

Includes Breakfast

Included Highlights

Himeji Castle Bullet Train

This morning we travel to Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan, established in the year 710. Here, we will visit the Todaiji Temple, which houses one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha. The temple was constructed in 752 as the head of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan.

After free time for lunch we continue our day with a visit to the birthplace of Sumo, the Kehaya Sumo Museum. The modern museum features a full-size ring, and an interesting collection of Sumo materials relating to the sport. The museum also doubles as a research centre, continuously studying the Sumo sport and its history as an integral part of Japanese culture.

We then continue on to Dotonbori Street, where we enjoy free time taking in the principal tourist destination in Osaka. Lit by neon signs, the street runs along the south bank of the Dotonbori-gawa Canal, and is packed full of incredible restaurants and amusement facilities, a perfect end to your tour of Japan.

We transfer to Kansai/Osaka airport for our overnight flight home.

Includes Breakfast

Included Highlights

Nara Kehaya Sumo Museum Dotonbori Street

Arrival in the UK.

Fly to Tokyo.

Upon arrival in Tokyo transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay.

Today, we discover Tokyo, the vibrant capital of Japan. We begin the day with a city sightseeing tour, where we will see the beautiful Meiji-Jingu Shrine, dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and the Empress Shoken, and the Imperial Palace Plaza, before enjoying a walking tour of the upmarket Ginza district.

For lunch, we will join a fascinating sushi masterclass where we will learn how to make traditional sushi.

This afternoon, we will visit Asakusa, with the famous Senso-ji Buddhist temple, the oldest in Japan, before returning to our hotel.

Includes Breakfast

Includes Lunch

Included Highlights

Tokyo Sushi Asakusa

Our first stop today is Oishi Park* in Kawaguchiko, with its picturesque views of Mount Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan. The park is renowned for its exquisite sightseeing opportunities, with the impressive volcano reflecting from the waters of Lake Kawaguchi.

We will enjoy free time at the Daio Wasabi Plantation Farm, one of Japan’s largest wasabi plantations. The farm is meticulously maintained, with each field fed by crystal-clear waters, fed from the Northern Alps. Within the plantations, there are attractive walking trails and the Daio Shrine, enshrining the spirit of local hero, Hachimen Daio, the farm's protector.

We continue on to Matsumoto, where we will visit the beautiful castle, with its distinctive black walls, a designated national treasure. We continue to our hotel in Takayama for an overnight stay.

*Weather permitting.

Includes Breakfast

Included Highlights

Oishi Park* Daio Wasabi Plantation Farm Matsumoto

We begin the day with a walking tour of Takayama, a traditional city with a beautifully preserved Old Town.

During our tour of Takayama, we will visit to the morning market, packed full with stalls selling everything from vegetables, pickles and spices to Japanese sweets, gifts and souvenirs. We will also take time to enjoy a spot of sake tasting at the local sake brewery.

The tour concludes with a visit to Takayama-Jinya, a former government outpost before you will have free time to explore independently.

This afternoon we transfer to the UNESCO Shirakawago Village which is best known for its traditional gassho-zukuri wooden houses. We continue to our overnight hotel in Kanazawa.

Includes Breakfast

Included Highlights

Takayama Walking Tour Shirakawago Village

Today we head to Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture. In the morning, we take time to visit the beautiful traditional Japanese garden of Kenroku-en, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan.

Kenroku-en is home to roughly 8,750 trees and 183 species of plants as well as the oldest water fountain in Japan, powered only by water natural pressure.

We then continue on to the elegant Nomura Samurai mansion, where time has seemingly stood still since the Edo period. The Nomura’s are one of Japan’s famous Samurai families who used their swords to conquer the Maeda clan. The mansion features refined architecture, intricate murals and stunning gardens complete with flowing waterfalls and dancing carp.

Following time at leisure for lunch, we will take the Express Train to Kyoto where we will stay for the next two nights.

Includes Breakfast

Included Highlights

Kenroku-en Nomura Samurai Mansion

This morning we enjoy an included sightseeing tour of Kyoto, during which we visit the UNESCO listed Kinkakkuji Temple, famous for its Golden Pavillion.

Kinkakkuji is perhaps the most well-known temple in Japan, despite being burned to the ground by a disgruntled monk in 1950. The picturesque building, delicately covered in gold leaf is one of the most visited sites in Kyoto.

We then continue on to the Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama, where we will have a walking tour before free time for lunch.

We begin the afternoon with a visit to Nijo Castle. Built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founding shogun of the Edo shogunate which ruled Japan from the beginning of the 17th century and has been registered as a Japanese National Treasure.

We will then take part in an authentic tea ceremony. Our instructor will show us how to make a Japanese Matcha Green Tea, and how to enjoy it in the traditional Japanese manner.

We will spend time at leisure in the Kyoto district of Gion before returning to the hotel.

Includes Breakfast

Included Highlights

Kyoto Sightseeing Tour Gion Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Nijo Castle Authentic Tea Ceremony

Our first stop today is the beautiful Korakuen Garden, where we will have time at leisure to enjoy the uplifting and relaxing spaces. The garden is arranged to take in water from the river that runs through a zig-zag brook to a pond and down into a waterfall.

We then move on to the city of Kurashiki. We will have free time in the historical ‘Bikan Chiku’ area, famous for its beautiful streetscape of storehouses and merchant homes, with their grey and white trellis-patterned walls and flamboyant ceramic roofs.

Take a stroll along the canal, lined with drooping willow trees, as boats gently punt down the calm waters, or veer off down the narrow streets where you will find museums, galleries and workshops.

This afternoon we continue to our hotel in Hiroshima for a two-night stay.

Includes Breakfast

Included Highlights

Korakuen Garden Kurashiki

Today, we spend the day in the city of Hiroshima. We take a ferry across Hiroshima bay to Miyajima Island, known for its forests and ancient temples. We see the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, giving you time to admire the elaborate Torii gate, which rises majestically out of the sea.

Included, we enjoy a lunch of Okonomiyaki, similar to a savoury pancake Okonomiyaki, made with egg, cabbage, soba noodles and meat.

Following lunch we visit the Peace Memorial Park and museum. Hiroshima is known worldwide as the first place that the atomic bomb was used. Before the bomb, the Peace Park was the commercial and political heart of the city, and for this reason, it was chosen as the pilot’s target. The area is now a registered UNESCO World Heritage Landmark, redeveloped and devoted to promoting peace.

Includes Breakfast

Includes Lunch

Included Highlights

Miyajima Island Itsukushima Shrine Okonomiyaki Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

We depart Hiroshima via Nozomi train for Himeji where we visit its beautiful castle. Himeji Castle, also known as the White Heron Castle, due to its elegant appearance, is the finest surviving castle that remains in Japan today.

The largest of Japan's castles never destroyed by war, earthquake or fire, the imposing size and beauty of the Himeji makes it not only a national treasure, but also a World Heritage Site.

This afternoon we take the world-famous high-speed bullet train to Osaka, where we arrive at our hotel for a two night stay.

Includes Breakfast

Included Highlights

Himeji Castle Bullet Train

Today we travel to the ancient city of Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan, established in the year 710. Renowned for its rich history and natural beauty, we will spend time exploring what the city has to offer, including the world-famous Nara Deer Park, which as well as being home to deer, and a wealth of spectacular Buddhist and Shinto monuments, as well as the Todaiji Temple, which houses one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha. The temple was constructed in 752 as the head of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan. Next, situated in a forest, Kasuga Taisha Shrine conveys an atmosphere of peace and sanctity perhaps unmatched by any other shrine. Founded in 710 by Fujiwara-no-Fuhito, the shrine has been identically reconstructed every 20 years. The buildings, painted vermilion, show the Kasuga style of architecture. Some 3,000 lanterns line the road east from the second torii gate. These are lit twice a year during the Mantoro festivals, on February 3 or 4 and August 15. Through the south gate visitors enter spacious precincts. Beyond the Heiden, a floorless structure built in 1650, rises the Main Hall, surrounded by an impressive gallery. It comprises four buildings, all of which are National Treasures.

Includes Breakfast

Included Highlights

Nara

We spend the day in the vibrant city of Osaka. During the day we visit the birthplace of Sumo, the Kehaya Sumo Museum. The modern museum features a full-size ring, and an interesting collection of Sumo materials relating to the sport. The museum also doubles as a research centre, continuously studying the Sumo sport and its history as an integral part of Japanese culture.

We then continue on to Dotonbori Street, where we enjoy free time taking in the principal tourist destination in Osaka. Lit by neon signs, the street runs along the south bank of the Dotonbori-gawa Canal, and is packed full of incredible restaurants and amusement facilities, a perfect end to your tour of Japan.

We transfer to Kansai/Osaka airport for our overnight flight home.

Includes Breakfast

Included Highlights

Kehaya Sumo Museum Dotonbori Street Horyu-ji Temple in Nara, Japan

Arrival in the UK.

IMPORTANT VISA INFORMATION

If you have a British Citizen or British National (Overseas) passport, you can enter Japan as a visitor for up to 90 days without a visa. Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required. It is your responsibility to ensure you hold the correct passport and visa (if required) to enter Japan. If you are in any doubt please contact the appropriate embassy.

Medication

The use or possession of some common prescription and over-the-counter medicines are banned under Japan’s strictly enforced anti-stimulant drugs law. This includes decongestant nasal inhalers, medicines for allergies and sinus problems, cold and flu medication containing Pseudoephedrine and even some over-the-counter painkillers like those containing codeine. Foreign nationals have been detained and deported for offences - ignorance may not be considered a defence. You should check the status of your medication with your GP and/or your nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate before you travel. If you’re travelling with prescription medication that is permitted under Japanese law, you advised to take a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating the medical condition that the medication has been prescribed to treat.

Money

Japan is mainly a cash society. The Japanese currency is the Yen. You may have difficulty using credit and debit cards issued outside Japan. Cirrus, Maestro, Link and Delta cash cards are not widely accepted. Japanese post offices, 7-Eleven stores and JP Post Bank have cash machines, which will accept some foreign cards during business hours. Cash machines at banks and post offices generally close at 9pm or earlier and may not operate at the weekends or on national holidays, however, ATMs in convenience stores and some shopping centres are available 24 hours a day. Check with your bank before travelling and take sufficient alternative sources of money for the duration of your stay.

Local customs

Please be aware that due to Japanese tradition guests will be asked to take off their shoes in temples and places of religious significance. 

Tour Suitability

There is a significant amount of walking and on occasion a large amount of steps to negotiate during most days of this tour. Those with walking difficulties may find it difficult. For more information please contact us.

Accommodation

Throughout your holiday, you will stay at the hotels detailed below, or similar:

The Grand Nikko Daiba Hotel, Tokyo

The Takayama Green Hotel, Takayama

The Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel, Kanazawa

Rihga Royal Hotel, Kyoto

Rihga Royal hotel, Hiroshima

Sharaton Miyako Hotel, Osaka.

Takayama Green Hotel (Or Similar)

The Takayama Green Hotel is located an 8 minute walk from Takayama Station and a 15 minute walk from the Hidakokubun-ji Temple. The hotel has a sauna, a garden-view lounge and a bathhouse with 2 open-air pools fed by natural hot spring water.

Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel (Or Similar)

The Kanazawa Tokyu hotel is located a 7 minute walk from the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and a 12-minute walk from the Kenroku-en gardens. The hotel offers guest rooms styled with a fine balance of traditional and modern aesthetics and a Kaga cuisine restaurant.

Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka (Or Similar)

Sheraton Miyako Hotel is located close to Osaka-Uehommachi subway station and is 4 km from the 16th-century Osaka Castle and 3 km from Tennoji Zoo. Other amenities include a Chinese eatery, a coffee shop and a health club with gym and indoor pool.

Travel Options

When it comes to getting you to your destination, Leger Holidays makes it easy with a selection of travel options to choose from.

Luxuria Coach

Executive Coach

All of our coaches are modern and comfortable, and you can be assured of a high level of service and reliability from our expert-trained coach crews, who will be on hand to assist and escort you along the way.

Executive Coach Features

  • Air-conditioning, an onboard servery, onboard toilet and reclining seats.
  • Please note that on selected air holidays, the executive coach may have limited facilities.

Your Flights

Flights

Return flights to Tokyo and from Osaka/Kansai are available from Heathrow. Regional connections to Heathrow are available, additional supplements may apply.

We will book flights to coincide with the arrival of other passengers joining the tour from a variety of UK airports. This is to enable the smooth operation of transfers for the group. Your flight times will be confirmed with your travel documents.

Flight supplements may apply for some airports. If your chosen airport carries a supplement, we will contact you to discuss.

All prices and airports are subject to availability – routes can be reintroduced, cancelled or amended by the airline at any time.

This holiday is operated by Leger Air Holidays Ltd. ATOL 3880.

Frequently asked questions about flights

Yes, unfortunately there is no feeder/transfer service to/from the U.K. airports.

Estimated flight times are given at the time of booking. The times given are for guidance only and may change.

Exact flight times will be confirmed on travel document which are sent 7-10 days before departure. For more information on flight times please contact our Reservations Department on 0844 324 9265 or email us at reservations@leger.co.uk.

We are able to pre-book flight seats with most airlines. There may be a charge for this service.

Any charges will be confirmed at the time of booking. Most other airlines will allocate your seats at check-in.

Yes, we can. Please contact our Customer Service Department on 0844 324 9265 to arrange wheelchair assistance or any other medical requests.

We recommend you check-in for your flight three hours before the scheduled time for long haul flights and two and a half hours before the scheduled time for any European holidays.

Luggage allowances vary from airline to airline. The luggage allowance is normally up to 20kg (44lbs) and 5kg for hand luggage. Ryan Air's luggage allowance is normally up to 20kg (44lbs) and 10kg for hand luggage. All allowances are subject to changes made by the airline.

For more information on luggage allowances please contact our Customer Service Department on 0844 324 9265 or email us at reservations@leger.co.uk.

The transfers on the majority of our flight tours are included. Our Reservations Staff will be able to advise you when you call. On tours where you book your own flight the transfers may only be available at certain times or not at all.

This depends on which airline the flight is booked with. Please call our Customer Service Department on 0844 324 9265 for more details.

Reviews

4.8 Out of 5 ( 4 Reviews )

Reviews

Excellent
75%
Great
25%
Average
0%
Poor
0%
Bad
0%

Quality

4.5 / 5

Value for Money

4.8 / 5

Michael Stevens, 1 year ago

It was a very good tour but had a lot more walking than I expected some times to much. Your rep was very good and helpful.

Verified, collected via Trustpilot

Ms Anita Beardsley, 1 year ago

Great tour. The itinerary is packed but you do get to see all the ‘must see’s’ of Japan. The hotels were superb, with western breakfasts available at each one. The tour was very well organised and our guide was great (Noriko). We picked this itinerary so we could see two Japanese gardens and they did not disappoint. There were so many highlights, Mount Fuji, Hiroshima and the option to try an onset. Top tip, public toilets are spotless and plentiful but most don’t have means to dry your hands. The Japanese carry a small towel with them (just bigger than a flannel).

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stephen b, 1 year ago

Brilliant trip. Well organised with an excellent tour guide. So much fitted into 11 days - tea tasting, sushi making, sumo wrestling, noodle lunch, sake tasting, temples and castles galore, gardens, shopping…..The hotels were excellent, too. Got to be 4/5* with every amenity. Didn’t need to have taken any consumables with us - all was provided in spades. Tiring but well worth it. Got to go just for the politeness of the Japanese people!

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Mrs Maureen Gutteridge, 1 year ago

Very good tour a lot packed in guide very good but didn’t always wait for some of the group to keep up

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Departure Dates

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