Treasures & Temples of Vietnam and Cambodia Itinerary

DAY 1 – Thursday, November 12

Toronto to Hanoi overnight flight

DAY 2 – Friday, November 13

Xin Chao and welcome to Hanoi. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to downtown Hanoi for your included two-night stay. Relax at the hotel, explore the city, or wander Hanoi’s romantic West Lake.

DAY 3 – Saturday, November 13 -Hanoi (D)

Relax at the hotel, explore the city, or wander Hanoi’s romantic West Lake. This evening, meet your tour director for your welcome briefing.

DAY 4 –Sunday, November 15 - Hanoi - Halong Bay (B,L,D)

This morning after breakfast, leave Hanoi and travel to Halong Bay where you will board your elegant Au Co cruise ship. Cruise through the bays and islets enjoying the stunning scenery of this magnificent region. Enjoy the tours offered on board, learn more about the main livelihood of the locals in the area or simply choose to relax. Towards the end of the day, the ship anchors for the night in the Trinh Nu area among the karst formations where dinner will be served on board.

Included Excursion:

A two-night Halong Bay cruise

DAY 5 – Monday, Novemeber 16 -Halong Bay (B,L,D)

Today, continue sailing further into the region’s more untouched areas towards Lan Ha Bay. From a smaller boat, enjoy swimming on quiet beaches and kayaking in Ho Ba Ham Lake. Then visit Cua Van fishing village by rowing boat. After a full day’s exploration, you’ll return to your cruise ship and after dinner, try your hand at squid fishing.

DAY 6 - Tuesday, November 17 - Halong Bay - Hanoi (B,D)

Enjoy the sunrise and breakfast. Then cruise through breathtaking rock formations and visit Sung Sot Cave, before arriving back at port for your transfer to Hanoi.

On arrival back in Hanoi, you’ll visit Hanoi’s Old Quarter also known as the ‘36 Streets’. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It's a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities. Visit Hang Be Market, also located in the Old Quarter, before enjoying a walk around Hoàn Kiem Lake located in central Hanoi. Here walk across the red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple located on the Jade Islet within the lake. Later, enjoy a traditional water puppet show, a unique North Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of historical significance. As part of EmeraldPLUS, you'll enjoy dinner at KOTO (Know One Teach One), a unique restaurant set up to train and educate disadvantaged children.

EmeraldPLUS

Dinner at KOTO Restaurant

Included Excursion

Visit Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Included Excursion

A traditional water puppet show

DAY 7 - Wednesday, November 18 - Hanoi – Siem Reap (B)

Begin your morning city tour and learn about ‘Uncle Ho’, Ho Chi Minh, regarded as the father of modern Vietnam. Admire the exterior of his imposing mausoleum, before continuing to the Ho Chi Minh Quarter to glimpse his humble stilt house and the small but iconic One Pillar Pagoda. Then explore the nearby Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university established to educate Vietnam’s royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. The university functioned for an incredible 700 years, and its charming gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into the nation’s storied past.

Bid farewell to Hanoi and transfer to airport to board your included flight to Siem Reap. Susadei and welcome to Cambodia. In Siem Reap, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for your included three-night stay and later, meet your local Cambodian guide.

DAY 8 - Thursday, November 19 - Siem Reap (B,L)

Today, start with a visit to Angkor Thom, not a single temple such as the historic sites it neighbours, but rather one of the most remarkable royal cities of the Angkor Period and an architectural wonder. As the last capital of the Khmer Empire, it was a fortified city, home to priests, officials of the palace, military and buildings for administering the kingdom. Afterwards, visit the sacred Temple of Ta Prohm. In an incredible standoff between human creation and nature, the jungle's root systems have reclaimed this spiritual location now enshrouded in wild vegetation. The backdrop to many Hollywood scenes, the incredible Ta Prohm is both a cinematic and contemplative location. This afternoon is free time to visit the markets or try a DiscoverMORE tour.

This evening as part of your EmeraldPLUS program, attend Phare, The Cambodian Circus, where a combination of acrobatics, music and dance tell a uniquely Cambodian story

EmeraldPLUS

Phare Cambodian Circus performance.

Included Excursion

Visit to Angkor Thom

Included Excursion

Visit to Ta Prohm Temple

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Vespa tour of Siem Reap (extra expense)

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Evening – Sunset Drinks Gondola Boat at Bayon (extra expense)

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Evening - Cambodian Street Food Discovery Tour (extra expense)

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Evening – Local Fare at Phare Circus (extra expense)

DAY 9 - Friday, November 20

Rise early and witness the sunrise over Angkor Wat. Afterwards walk through this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site known for its elaborate decorations and intricate carvings throughout. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Siem Reap, or join a DiscoverMORE excursion. Later, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy an immersive evening and farewell dinner at Satcha Handicraft Centre, accompanied by an Apsara dance performance.

EmeraldPLUS
Apsara dance performance and dinner show

Included Excursion
Sunrise visit to Angkor Wat

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Siem Reap Countryside by Vespa (extra expense)

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Banteay Srei Temple and APOPO (extra expense)

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Tonlé Sap (extra expense)

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Khmer Cooking Class (extra expense)

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Senteurs d’Angkor Workshop (extra expense)

DAY 10 - Saturday, November 21- Siem Reap - Prek K’Dam - 7 Night Mekong Cruise (B,L,D)

Today, leave Siem Reap and venture to the town of Prek K’Dam to embark your Emerald Cruises award-winning Star-Ship. En route, stop in Kampong Kdei and see the impressive Angkor Bridge, before having lunch at a local restaurant. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed by your captain and crew. Later, set sail up the Tonle River to Kampong Tralach whilst you enjoy your first dinner on board with your fellow guests.

DAY 11 - Sunday, November 22 - Kampong Tralach - Oudong - Phnom Penh (B,L,D)

Begin the day with an Ox Cart ride in Kampong Tralach to a local temple before driving to Oudong. Oudong was Cambodia’s former royal capital until it relocated to Phnom Penh in 1866. In Oudong Monastery’s main temple, receive a traditional Buddhist blessing from the resident monks, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience.

Return to Emerald Harmony and sail to Phnom Penh. Spend the afternoon at leisure, either experiencing one of our DiscoverMORE excursions, visiting the Central Market, or relaxing on board. After dinner, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy Phnom Penh by night on a remork (local Tuk-Tuk) tour.

EmeraldPLUS

A traditional Buddhist Monk blessing

EmeraldPLUS

Phnom Penh by night on a remork (Tuk-Tuk) tour

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A silk farm tour at Koh Oknha Tei (extra expense)

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Craft Beer Adventure by remork (extra expense)

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Samai Distillery (extra expense)

DAY 12- Monday, November 23

This morning, learn more about the Khmer Rouge and the darkest days of Cambodia’s history. A short drive will take you to the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek, where you’ll be able to stroll through the fields, visit the memorial and understand more about the country’s sombre chapter. Afterwards, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (known as ‘S-21’), a former school converted to the Khmer Rouge’s main prison and torture headquarters. Back on board, savour a Cambodian Street Fair lunch, before visiting the majestic Royal Palace, with its French-inspired gardens. This evening, for your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy a cultural performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation, before sailing for the border.

EmeraldPLUS

Cultural Performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organization

Included Excursion

Killing Fields at Choeung Ek and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Included Excursion

A visit to the Royal Palace

DAY 13 - Tuesday, November 24

Today, you’ll cross the border into Vietnam and sail on to Tan Chau. Relax on board, or join our DiscoverMORE excursion to Tra Su Bird Sanctuary, before returning for a late lunch on board.

This afternoon, embark on a sampan to Evergreen Island for a stroll through a local village, revealing the lives of the local farming community. Reboard your sampan to travel back to Tan Chau and as part of our EmeraldPLUS, programme, visit the recently renovated Cao Dai temple. The religion of Cao Dai is a syncretic, monotheistic religion established in southern Vietnam in the city of Tây Ninh in 1926. Here, you will learn more about the mix of ideas that form the basis of this fascinating religion. Afterwards ride in a Xe Loi (local form of cyclo) from the temple back to your sampan before returning to Emerald Harmony where, later this evening as part of our EmeraldPLUS, programme, you’ll be delighted by a traditional Lion Dance performance on board.

EmeraldPLUS

A visit to a local Cao Dai Temple and Xe Loi ride

EmeraldPLUS

A Lion Dance performance on board

Included Excursion

A visit to Evergreen Island

DiscoverMORE

A visit to Tra Su Bird Sanctuary (extra expense)

DAY 14- Wednesday , November 25

Known as ‘Mango Island,’ Cu Lao Gieng is a small, scenic island that is untouched by tourism located along the upper Mekong River. Travel by local motorcycle rickshaw through the island’s villages to visit families who work in a variety of local industries, including mango farming, boat construction and temple incense sticks. Return to Emerald Harmony by sampan and sail to My An Hung Island. Recognised as a cultural and historical destination, this small rural village specialises in cultivating red-hot chilli and peppers. As part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, listen to local folk singing, wander through coconut farms and immerse yourself in traditional village life.

EmeraldPLUS

Listen to some local folk singing in My An Hung

Included Excursion

See the local industries in Gieng Island

Included Excursion

A visit to My An Hung village and its Monkey Bridge

Day 15- Thursday, November 26 - Sa Dec – Cai Be (B,L,D)

Take a short ride on a sampan to Sa Ðéc, a Mekong Delta hidden gem. Enjoy a walking tour around town with a stop at the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, who inspired Marguerite Duras’ celebrated novel, L’Amant, and a stroll through Sa Ðéc’s bustling central market. Return to Emerald Harmony by sampan for lunch, while cruising to Cái Bè.

Upon arrival, travel via sampan to Tan Phong, a small island located nearby, rich in alluvial soil suitable for cultivating tropical fruit orchards year-round. At this established ecotourism destination, try a hands-on experience at a workshop specialising in weaving water hyacinth into artistic crafts. Board a motorised buggy for a ride through fruit orchards, stopping to sample tropical fruits. Reboard the sampan and cruise back to Cái Bè, discovering local cottage industries where families produce rice-paper and sweets from pop-corn, pop-rice and coconuts. Return to Emerald Harmony.

Included Excursion

A visit to the bustling Sa Dec Markets and the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le

Included Excursion

An excursion to the local industries of Cai Be

DAY 16- Friday, November 27- My Tho - Ho Chi Minh City (B,L,D)

After sailing from My Tho, you’ll leave the Mekong Delta and enter the Cho Gao canal, considered one of Vietnam’s major arterial canals that connects Tien Giang Province with Ho Chi Minh City. Today, you’ll be fascinated watching the heavy commercial traffic navigating this important waterway, where upwards of 1,800 vessels transit each day. Relax on board, taking in the everchanging vistas of mangroves, cargo barges and local fishing boats. Tonight, you’ll dock in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, where you can admire the city lights; due to Vietnamese customs regulations, you'll not be permitted to venture ashore

DAY 17- Saturday, November 28 - Ho Chi Minh City Disembarkation (B,L)

After disembarkation, drive away from Ho Chi Minh City port to Cu Chi Tunnels, watching the city skyline fade into the distance as the road winds through rice paddies, villages and scenes typical to southern Vietnam. Spend a couple of hours walking around Cu Chi’s rugged grounds with a local guide. Upon your return, enjoy a traditional Pho (noodle soup) lunch then check in to your hotel for your included two-night stay. Tonight join a DiscoverMORE excursion.

Included Excursion

Cu Chi Tunnels

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An evening Saigon Street Food walking tour (extra expense)

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One Night in Saigon (extra expense)

DAY 18- Sunday, November 29 - Ho Chi Minh City (B,D)

Enjoy a guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City, starting with a visit to the city’s most iconic building, the Reunification, or Independence Palace. Formerly the South Vietnamese Presidential Palace, images of the building were seen around the world on 30 April 1975 when tanks stormed the gates as Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese. Then, stroll through Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial quarter, walking past scenes of everyday life on the way. Admire the beautiful architecture of the Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral and the old Saigon Post Office and listen to the stories about the glory days of French Indochina and how that era continues to influence aspects of modern Vietnamese culture. Tonight, enjoy your farewell dinner with your fellow guests.

Included Excursion

An orientation tour of Ho Chi Minh City

DAY 19- Monday, November 30 - Depart Ho Chi Minh City (B)

After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to the Ho Chi Minh City airport to catch your onward or homebound flight.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above.

COST INCLUDES:

TRANSPORTATION

• Airfare Toronto to Hanoi and return from Ho Chi Minh City to Toronto. The airfare that is included in pricing is a maximum ticket cost, including taxes, not to exceed $2,500pp. This is not a credit if upgrading to Premium Economy and/or Business Class.

• Airfare from Hanoi to Siem Reap in Economy class.

• Emerald Cruises must book flights and will be an airline and routing of Emerald Cruises' choice.

• Flight upgrades/surcharges must be paid in full at time of ticketing.

YOUR CRUISE INCLUDES:

• 9 EmeraldPLUS Highlights

• 18 excursions, including visits to several UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites

• 13 optional excursions, available at an additional cost

• 7 nights on board the luxurious Emerald Harmony

• Deluxe hotels with all service charges, taxes and porterage included

• 40 meals: 16 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 13 dinners

• $100.00 USD per person on board Emerald Credit

• Complimentary international and local wine, beer & soft drinks to accompany lunch & dinner while on board Emerald Harmony

• Complimentary tea & coffee on board

• Complimentary water provided on board and during excursions A variety of on board evening entertainment

• Complimentary Wi-Fi on board

• First-class service from an English-speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides All port charges and taxes

• All tips included
  

EMERALD HARMONY DECK PLAN

Treasures & Temples of vietnam and Cambodia Pricing

Pricing is per person, in Canadian dollars and is based on double occupancy.

Single occupancy pricing available upon request.

CABIN CATEGORY	TOTAL PRICE
D STATEROOM	$11,929.50
B PAN BALCONY	$12,284.50
A PAN BALCONY	$12,709.50
AP PAN BALCONY	$13,059.50
S GRAND BALCONY SUITE	$13,104.50
SA OWNER'S ONE-BEDROOM	$13,644.50

• Non refundable deposit of $2000.00 per person due at time of booking, plus applicable insurance

• Final payment due January 5, 2026. Once balance is paid is 100% Non-Refundable

• Cancellation and medical insurance is required

• Pricing is subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control

• Itineraries are subject to change

• Will require a Visa for travel to Vietnam and Cambodia. Information to follow once booked

Book early to secure your cabin! Reach out to your BST Vacations Travel Advisor for details.

BST Escorted Group Terms & Conditions

(These Terms & Conditions do not apply to Charters. Separate T & C apply.)

Please carefully review the Terms & Conditions outlined below. Any reservation made with BST constitutes a binding agreement signifying your acceptance of, and your agreement to follow, these Terms & Conditions, and to be bound by them.

To process your reservation, we will need your personal information including your name, address, telephone number, email address, passport number, date of birth, citizenship, and information you have disclosed regarding health, medical, dietary, mobility and other special requirements. BST will require a copy of your valid passport at time of deposit.

Deposit and Final Payment

Non-refundable deposit of $2000.00 per person is due at time of booking.

The final payment deadline is due in our office on or before the date included on your invoice. All payments once received are non-refundable. Please refer to insurance sections below.

Please make cheques payable to Blowes and Stewart Travel. We also accept in-office cash / debit payments, or Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit cards. Please e-transfer to pgraham@bstvacations.ca

Completion of the electronic credit card authorization form or the PDF credit card authorization form commits you to your reservation and the charges on your credit card.

The Company reserves the right to cancel a reservation if payment has not been received by the specified due date. Final Travel details will be issued 2 weeks prior to departure.

Not Included in the Trip Cost

All quoted trip costs do not include items of a personal nature such as but not limited to; medical insurance, cancellation/interruption insurance, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, phone calls, airline baggage fees where applicable and meals that are not included or listed in the itinerary.

Escorted Group Cancellation Policy

All escorted groups require a minimum number of passengers to travel. Should minimum numbers not been reached, the Company has the right to cancel the tour with a full refund to the passengers booked. Refund will be processed in manner received. Tours unable to operate due to Travel Advisory, acts of God, Terrorism or any other event and no fault of BST, will be subject to cancellation charges as listed above.

BST highly recommends the purchase of cancellation/interruption insurance for all trips. BST will not be held responsible for loss of monies due to cancellation/changes.

Medical insurance is mandatory for all trips outside of the Province of Ontario. If client has out of province medical insurance with a separate insurance provider, BST must be advised of insurance company name, policy number & company contact information prior to trip commencement.

Persons leaving the tour during operation will not receive a refund of unused services and all costs of returning to the point of embarkation will be borne by the client. For additional information on packages/plans offered, please visit

https://www.igoinsured.com/Direct/ManulifeGlobal.aspx?ag=STEWPET&lang=E

Global Pandemic

Customer acknowledges the risks related to the spread of infectious or contagious diseases. It remains the customer's responsibility to take the necessary precautions applicable to any health hazards, including but not limited to a Global Pandemic. To ensure the safety of all guests and employees, suppliers may have mandatory safety protocols in place, and the availability of their services and facilities may be impacted.

Customer agrees to follow all current and future regulations/protocols set forth for safety in compliance with government policies at your own expense.

BST is not responsible for any fees for, or associated with, mandatory government testing in destination or for returning to Canada, quarantine or expenses relating to any Global Pandemic or similar. If additional insurance protection is declined, it remains the customer's responsibility to verify if their travel insurance policy covers a Global Pandemic.

BST will not be held liable should customers be denied boarding due to insufficient proof of a negative Global Pandemic test prior to departure, or displaying symptoms of a Global Pandemic upon check in. No monies will be refunded to customers who have been denied boarding or refunded at port of entry.

Additional Notes

All prices listed are per person in Canadian Dollars unless otherwise noted. Pricing is based on supplier cost, currency exchange rates and conditions in effect at the time of brochure printing. Final payment may fluctuate based on changes to the currency exchange at that time. Should there be a pricing increase, a maximum of 7% of base cost, may be applied, or to the taxes and/or government-imposed fees, fuel surcharges or additional airline fees before final payment, these increased charges will be levied to the customer and applied to the final invoice. No additional surcharges may be applied after the trip is paid in full. All trips may be subject to change in situations beyond our control.

BST Escorted Group Terms & Conditions

(These Terms & Conditions do not apply to Charters. Separate T & C apply.)

BST Vacations 28 Wellington St. Stratford, ON 1 800 461 8500 info@bstvacations.ca TICO Registration#50025059

When travelling outside of Canada all Canadian passengers require a valid passport. If travelling with a foreign passport (not Canadian) BST must be advised at time of booking so we can advise accordingly. Most countries require passports to be valid for 6 months beyond the expected return date.

Some countries may also have visa requirements for entry. Any fees to obtain visas or additional travel documentation that may be required are the responsibility of the traveler. Entry into another country cannot be guaranteed and is at the sole discretion of the local authorities. BST takes no responsibility for a customer being denied entry into another country. Cancellation charges and any additional fees will be at the customer’s expense.

It is the passenger's responsibility to obtain information, and to have in their possession, all the required documentation to travel (such as passports, visa where applicable, etc.) required by the relevant governmental authorities, for themselves and passengers in their care. Note that the documents required for the outbound portion of your travel may differ from those required for the return.

BST is not responsible for any missing or inappropriate documents. Failure to have proper travel documents will result in denied boarding and automatic cancellation of your reservation without refund.

BST accepts any passengers that have a disability, intellectual or physical condition providing they are able to care for themselves during the trip which includes boarding the plane/bus on their own; participating in any included tours/sightseeing without assistance; the ability to understand meeting points/times and the ability to care for their own documents. BST will accept any passenger who’s intellectual or physical condition is such as to render him/her incapable of caring for him/herself without assistance, provided that he/she is accompanied by an attendant (at an additional cost) who is responsible for the passenger enroute and with the care of such attendant, he/she will not require attention or assistance beyond that which is usually provided by BST tour escort. Some destinations may not be suitable for physical mobility issues.

Baggage restrictions vary by airline and destination. Specific details will be provided with your final travel documents.

Please ensure that you have secured baggage tags to your luggage prior to arriving at the airport, train station or boarding the coach. Please note that you are responsible for carrying your own luggage and are responsible for the safety and security of your luggage at all times. BST will not assume liability for loss, theft, or damage due to breakage, fire, water, or theft, during transport on the plane, coach, train or at hotel. Ask your agent for details of Baggage and Personal Effects Insurance coverage.

Airline seating requests are taken into consideration and sent to each airline if applicable. Additional charges apply for premium seating on aircraft. Specific seating on coaches or trains cannot be guaranteed. BST will try to accommodate all requests.

BST reserves the right to decline any person as a member of the trip at any time before or during the trip should such person’s presence be considered detrimental to the interest, comfort, and enjoyment of the other members. Persons leaving the trip after commencement will not receive a refund of unused services and all costs of returning to the point of embarkation will be borne by the client.

When travelling outside of Ontario, please note local customs may differ and conditions of travel may not be the same as home. Clients not travelling on full itinerary as outlined assume full responsibility for any cancellation penalties or fees incurred due to cancellation or alteration to itinerary in any way.

Our Role

In offering travel arrangements for sale, BST acts solely as the organizer of the tours and responsible for making all reservations as outlined. BST cannot be held responsible for supplier errors or omissions. We do not maintain any control over the personnel, equipment or operations of any supplier and we assume no responsibility for, and shall not be expected or required to pay for any financial loss, personal injury, other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience or irregularity which you may experience either by reason of (1) nonperformance by any supplier for whatever reason (2) wrongful causes, negligent or unauthorized acts or omissions on the part of any supplier or its employees or on the part of any other party not under the control of BST (3) any defect, breakdown or other failure of any aircraft, train, bus, automobile, accommodation, ship or other equipment or instrumentality operated and owned or otherwise used by a supplier or (4) BST is not liable for any loss, damage, injury or death resulting from circumstances beyond its direct control such as unexpected weather conditions, civil unrest, acts of God, force Majeure or any other unforeseen circumstances.

Force Majeure

The performance of this Contract is subject to any circumstance making it illegal or impossible to provide or use the travel components or creating a significant risk to participants' health or safety, including, acts of God, war, national emergency, government regulation (including, quarantines or curfews), disaster, fire, strikes or other labor disputes, terrorism and responses thereto, or any other extraordinary occurrence outside the control of the cancelling party, making it impossible or illegal for participants to attend, or creating a significant risk to participants' health or safety.

Photos Posted to our website and Social Media

On occasion, your BST Representative will be taking photos of group members participating in various activities. These photos may be posted on our social media outlets. If for any reason you do not wish to have your photo taken and published, please advise your tour manager on Day 1 of your journey. This clause indicates your permission to use photos and eliminates all photo waivers used in the past. BST prohibits participants from publishing to social media any proprietary documents pertaining to our trips.