Overnight stay incl. breakfast (B), lunch (L), dinner (D), in the hotels listed or en route Private tour (according to itinerary) All transport to the railway stations according to the itinerary is private in modern air-conditioned vehicles with private chauffeur Excursions according to itinerary All transports according to itinerary All train journeys English-speaking local tour guide for the above-mentioned activities Personal German-speaking tour guide (available 24 hours a day)

Vietnam Train Travel Experience from North to South

A journey of senses and encounters

THIS 15-DAY VIETNAM TRAIN TOUR SHOWS YOU THE HIGHLIGHTS OF VIETNAM AND MUCH MORE

StartHanoi, Bai Tu Long cruise, Ninh Binh, Phong Nha, Hue, Hai Van Pass, Da Nang, Hoi An, Saigon End

Imagine the rhythmic rattle of train wheels carrying you through Vietnam's breathtaking countryside. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the golden beaches of Quy Nhon, this journey is more than just a ride from A to B. It's a voyage of discovery into the soul of a country that welcomes you with open arms. It is a journey of discovery into the soul of a country that welcomes you with open arms.

Cultural treasures and lively cities are waiting to be discovered by you. You will visit the fascinating Bai Tu Long Bay and the breathtaking harbor city Hoi An - two legendary UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the famous Ninh Binh are just some of the many highlights. This travel experience fulfills your every wish.

This journey is not only a feast for the senses, but also a contribution to sustainable tourism. The train is an environmentally friendly means of transportation that allows you to explore the country without leaving a large ecological footprint. You can immerse yourself in the vibrant life of Ho Chi Minh City with a clear conscience, where your trip will come to a climax.

Let yourself be enchanted by the magic of Vietnam - step by step, rail by rail. A journey that not only connects places, but also touches hearts.

Unseen Vietnam Tours will be happy to advise you on your personalised travel plans! Experience the fascinating Vietnam with unforgettable impressions.

Have we piqued your interest? Customise this trip according to your wishes: Would you like to stay a few days longer in the country or visit other destinations? No problem! Our experts are there for you and will create a customised offer for you - free of charge and without obligation. Just send us an e-mail!

“Never hesitate to go far away, beyond all seas, all borders, all countries, all faiths ”

- Amin Maalouf

	Vietnam train journey
Travel mode:	Private individual travel
Experiences:	Experiences and culture
Journey duration:	15 days
Travel price:	from € 1,690* p.p. for 2 adults

Priorities

Your personal must-sees will be covered and you won't spend time in places that don't excite you as much

Flexibility

With the chosen travel periods you have maximum flexibility, as you do not have to follow a tour group

Insiders' tips

You will not miss any insider tips and not only see places that many before you have already visited

Happy guests speak for themselves:

Your own personalised travel plan

Day 1: Entrance to the metropolis of Hanoi

Welcome to Hanoi! After your arrival at the international airport, your personal driver will be waiting to accompany you to your hotel for a smooth check-in. The vibrant energy of the city is waiting to be discovered by you.

Exploring Hanoi: between tradition and modernity

After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to explore the fascinating capital of Vietnam on your own. Hanoi impresses with a unique mix of lakes, shady boulevards and public parks. The “Lake of the Returned Sword” (Hoan Kiem Lake) is a magical place, surrounded by magnificent trees, old colonial buildings and the charming alleyways of the Old Quarter. This is where tradition and modernity meet, and the lake is a popular meeting place for locals of all ages.

Overnight in Hanoi:

Immerse yourself in the exciting hustle and bustle of the city, sample local delicacies and let yourself be carried away by the vibrant atmosphere. Spend the night in your hotel, ready for further adventures in Hanoi.

Day 2 : Exciting city tour in Hanoi

Immerse yourself in the pulsating heart of Hanoi, where your day off becomes an adventure! Let yourself be carried away by the symphony of the city - the polyphonic concert of honking mopeds that glide smoothly through the maze of alleyways like silver fish. Marvel at how this apparent chaos transforms into an elegant dance in which every driver finds their place in the great ballet of road traffic. As the day draws to a close and the city lights begin to flicker, you return to your retreat to reflect on the impressions of the day

Optional: Our adventure in Hanoi begins at the majestic Long Bien Bridge, which winds like an iron snake across the lazily flowing Red River. Here, where history still pulsates in every rusty rivet head, we feel the breath of a bygone era.
From there, we immerse ourselves in the hustle and bustle of Hang Ngang-Hang Dao Street, where the market welcomes us with a firework display of the senses. Colorful fabrics waft in the breeze, exotic fragrances tickle our noses, and the babble of voices from the traders mingles with the clatter of woks and the hiss of hot oil.

Our path continues through the labyrinth of the old quarter, where every alley tells a new story. At your side: a local guide who reads the secrets of the city like an open book and introduces you to the subtleties of Vietnamese cuisine - a walking encyclopedia of flavors and traditions.

As dusk falls, the French Quarter comes to life. Here, far from the tourist trail, we discover hidden night markets and the infamous Ta Hien Beer Street. Let yourself be carried away by the sparkling atmosphere while sipping a cool Bia Hoi and tasting authentic street food creations that will transport your palate to unexpected worlds of taste.

But Hanoi would not be Hanoi without its icons: Hoan Kiem Lake lies like a jewel in the heart of the city, framed by gnarled trees that seem to whisper stories from centuries ago. The red bridge spans elegantly over the water, while the venerable Temple of Literature transports us into a world of scholarship and contemplation.

Tran Quoc Pagoda rises proudly on the shore of West Lake, its curved roofs like waves reaching for the sky. Not far away is the single-pillar pagoda Chua Mot Cot, an architectural wonder that seems to grow out of the water like a lotus blossom.
Our ramble through Hanoi comes to an end at the Jade Mountain Temple (Ngoc Son). Here, imposing dragon heads watch over the entrance, as if to protect the secrets of the temple from prying eyes. In the peaceful silence of this place, we reflect on the impressions of the day - a kaleidoscope of images, scents and flavors that will stay with us for a long time.

Day 3: From the pulse of Hanoi to the whisper of Bai Tu Long Bay: a journey into the heart of Vietnam

Let yourself be whisked away on a journey that takes you from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi to the timeless tranquillity of the Vietnamese countryside. Like a gentle stream, our shuttle bus carries you through a sea of lush green rice fields, past hard-working farmers who have carried the rhythm of nature in their hands for generations.

When you arrive in Halong, our office welcomes you like an oasis of serenity. Here, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and aromatic tea fills the air, you get in the mood for the adventure ahead. With every sip, the hustle and bustle of the big city and the worries of everyday life seem to fade away.

Then the time has come: our crew welcomes you on board with a hearty “Xin chào”. As the ship glides majestically through the waters of Bai Tu Long Bay, a panorama of breathtaking beauty unfolds before your eyes. Karst islands, formed over millions of years, rise out of the emerald green water like sleeping giants. You are treated to a feast of Vietnamese delicacies - a dance of flavors on your tongue that tells the stories of the country.

Crystal-clear waters await you on the island of Cap La, tempting you to dive in. With gentle paddle strokes, you glide in a kayak through hidden lagoons where the water is so clear that it seems to reflect the sky. Here, in the tranquillity of nature, you will find yourself.

As the sun prepares to set in a blaze of gold and purple, the mood on board lifts. The sunset party is more than just a celebration - it is a celebration of life, a moment when time seems to stand still.

The evening ends with a dinner that will delight even the most discerning palates. And as night falls over the bay, you have a choice: try your luck at traditional squid fishing or end the day with a cocktail, surrounded by the magical silence of Bai Tu Long Bay.

Day 4: Awakening in the Bay of Dragons: A day full of wonders and delights

With the first rays of sunshine, your day begins on the sun deck, where gentle Tai Chi movements merge with the swaying of the ship. Surrounded by majestic limestone cliffs rising out of the morning mist, you enjoy your jasmine tea or Vietnamese coffee - a natural spectacle that touches the soul.

After a hearty breakfast, the mysterious Thien Canh Son Cave beckons. As if in an underworld of shimmering stalactites and bizarre rock formations, you walk through millions of years of the earth's history. The powder-white beach of Hon Co Island then offers a moment of tranquillity, where turquoise waters gently lap the shore.

Back on board, a Vietnamese cooking demonstration takes you into the world of local flavors. The aroma of garlic and lemongrass promises culinary flights of fancy. The following lunch is a journey through the flavors of Vietnam - every bite a symphony of tradition and sophistication.

As the ship returns to port, you can reflect on your impressions. The beauty of the bay, the warm hospitality, the culinary discoveries - all this is etched in your heart forever. With a touch of melancholy, but rich in memories, you embark on the journey to Ninh Binh, carrying a piece of Vietnamese magic with you.

Day 5: The hidden gem of Ninh Binh: where dreams are carved in stone

Immerse yourself in a world that will take your breath away. On your day off, Ninh Binh will whisk you away to a fairytale land of shimmering rice paddies that glisten like liquid silver in the sun. Narrow rivers meander through the landscape like blue ribbons, while bizarre limestone cliffs tower into the sky on the horizon like primeval giants.

Hop on a bike and let your spirit of discovery guide you. Every bend in the path promises new wonders: hidden temples that seem to grow out of the rock, laughing children in traditional costumes waving at you and water buffalo dozing stoically in the shallow water.

Optional: With the first light of day, your adventure begins in a world that will captivate you. The Trang An Caves - a natural wonder that will leave even the most well-traveled explorer speechless. Just imagine: Majestic limestone giants rising out of emerald-green rice fields like sentinels of a bygone age.

Your vehicle? A traditional sampan that glides you gently through a labyrinth of caves and hidden waterways. In the Hang Toi, the “Dark Cave”, you are enveloped in a darkness that heightens your senses. Every drop that falls from the ceiling tells a story thousands of years old. The Sang Cave then welcomes you with a play of lights reminiscent of fairy dust, while the Hang Nau Ruou Cave holds secrets just waiting to be discovered by you.

But that's just the beginning. In the afternoon, you turn into a time traveler. Your destination: Hoa Lu, the old capital of Vietnam. Pedal through history on your bike. Past ancient temples dedicated to the legendary kings Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh. Every stone here whispers stories of heroic deeds, intrigue and a culture that will captivate you.

The crowning glory is the Bai Dinh Pagoda - a place where heaven and earth seem to touch. Just imagine: A Buddhist sanctuary over a thousand years old, surrounded by a landscape that looks as if it has sprung from an ink painting. Here you can feel the heartbeat of Vietnam, its spiritual power and the deep connection between man and nature.

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In the evening, transfer to the train station, where a real everyday adventure awaits you: The train ride to Phong Nha.

Day 6: In the depths of the earth: the wonder of Phong Nha

Today you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a world beyond your wildest dreams. Phong Nha National Park is waiting to reveal its hidden secrets to you.

Optional: Your adventure into the depths of the mysterious elephant cave begins with the first light of dawn. But this is just the start of a day that will exceed your wildest dreams.

As soon as you have left the darkness of the cave behind you, a narrow path lures you into the heart of the Ma Da Valley. The jungle arches above you like a green cathedral as you climb over roots and cross rivers. The air vibrates with life - the screeching of exotic birds, the distant roar of unknown animals, the rustling of the undergrowth. Every step is a journey of discovery, every breath filled with the spicy scent of the jungle.

The path leads you over limestone cliffs, past a majestic river bend, until you finally stand in front of the entrance to the Tra Ang Cave. This is the place to be: Dive into another world! You swim 600 meters through crystal-clear water, surrounded by shimmering rock faces that sparkle like diamonds in the light of your flashlight. The silence down here is almost palpable, interrupted only by the gentle lapping of the water and your own awestruck amazement.

When you finally see daylight again, you feel reborn. But your adventure is not over yet - a final walk through the jungle takes you back to civilization. Your driver will be waiting there with ice-cold drinks - the perfect end to a day full of wonder.

As you drive back to your headquarters, reflect on your impressions. Not only have you experienced nature in its most pristine form, but you have also rediscovered yourself. This jungle adventure will live on in your heart forever - a treasure more precious than all the gems in the world.

Day 7: Under the spell of the imperial city: Hue's hidden treasures and timeless magic

A new day full of adventure begins with the first cockcrow. At 7 o'clock in the morning, when the fog is still wafting over the rice fields, our train sets off. We glide through the mysterious Demilitarized Zone, a strip of land that still whispers stories of war. The landscape passes us by like a painting - lush jungles alternate with peaceful villages.

Every bend brings us closer to our destination: majestic Hue. At around 10 o'clock, the first outlines of the old imperial city appear on the horizon. The train comes to a halt with squealing brakes. We have arrived, ready to immerse ourselves in the fascinating history and culture of this pearl of central Vietnam.

You then set off on your own for your own personal conquest of Hue. The old imperial city lies before you like a magnificent treasure chest, waiting to be opened by you. Let yourself drift through a labyrinth of winding alleyways, where a new wonder awaits you around every corner.

Optional: Today you begin your journey through time in Hue, the former imperial city of Vietnam. The imperial tombs welcome you with a mixture of splendor and mysticism. Between ornate gardens and magnificent pavilions, you will walk in the footsteps of the Nguyen dynasty, while history seems to whisper in every stone.

At lunchtime, treat your taste buds to refined imperial cuisine in a traditional restaurant - a culinary experience that lets the essence of Hue melt in your mouth.

The afternoon takes you to the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Citadel. A world full of lakes, flower gardens and evergreen palace trees opens up in the former Forbidden City. A short detour to the An Hien Garden House reveals the beauty of traditional Vietnamese architecture.

The crowning glory is the majestic Thien Mu Pagoda on the banks of the Huong River. Its seven storeys rise into the evening sky like a ladder to heaven. On the return trip in a dragon boat, you can reflect on the impressions of the day and feel that you have not just visited a city - you have touched the soul of Vietnam.

Day 8: Train journey over the Cloud Pass: Nature in symphony

An adventure awaits you today that will make your heart beat faster: A train ride that takes you up into the clouds and shows you Vietnam from a whole new perspective.

As soon as you have taken your seat, the train starts moving and with it begins a journey that intoxicates all the senses. The majestic Cloud Pass, a 496-metre-high and 20-kilometre-long natural beauty, becomes the stage for a breathtaking spectacle.

Wie ein stählerner Drache windet sich der Zug durch die Landschaft. Zu Ihrer Rechten öffnet sich der Blick auf sanfte Hügel, die sich zum Meer hin neigen, als wollten sie den Horizont umarmen. Zur Linken türmt sich ein Gebirgsmassiv auf, das mit seinen bis zu 1.000 Meter hohen Gipfeln wie eine natürliche Festung wirkt – die Wetterfront Zentralvietnams, ein steinerner Wächter über Land und Meer.

Day 9: A cycling adventure through enchanting Hoi An

Today, your bike will be your faithful companion on a journey through a sea of emerald green rice fields. Picturesque villages flit past like brushstrokes in an impressionist painting. But this is just the start of an adventure that will captivate your senses.

With every pedal stroke you get closer to the heartbeat of Vietnam: Hoi An. Suddenly, as if you have traveled back in time, you are greeted by a city that has survived for centuries. Ochre-yellow house facades tell stories of days long gone, while life in the narrow streets unfolds like a whirling dance.

Immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of colors, scents and sounds. Juicy dragon fruit and fragrant baguettes beckon in the lively markets - a sensual testimony to the Vietnamese-French liaison. Let yourself be seduced by the culinary symphony in which every bite carries a note of the country's rich history.

But the real treasures of Hoi Ans are its people. In hidden workshops, skilled hands weave silk as if transforming dreams into fabric. Families open their doors and hearts to you, sharing stories and traditions that are as old as the city itself. The radiant smiles of the locals will warm you like the gentle evening sun that bathes the rooftops in golden light.

Day 10: Hoi An: Where lanterns weave dreams

Let yourself drift through a labyrinth of narrow alleyways, where every corner tells a new story. Centuries-old houses, their facades scarred by time, whisper secrets of bygone eras. The UNESCO World Heritage city seems like a living time capsule in which tradition and modernity merge in perfect harmony.

When dusk falls, Hoi An comes to life. Thousands of Vietnamese lanterns bathe the city in a warm, mysterious light. The streets are transformed into a sea of floating lights, shimmering in all the colors of the rainbow. In this magical moment, you will understand why Hoi An is considered one of the most romantic places in Asia.

Whether you stroll through lively markets, find peace and quiet in hidden temples or enjoy the local cuisine in one of the many cafés - Hoi An will cast a spell over you with every step you take. And when you return to your cozy accommodation in the evening, you will feel that you have left a piece of your heart behind in this timeless city.

Optional: Experience a fascinating adventure in the morning when you visit the Cham temple town of My Son, about 50 km southeast of Hoi An. My Son was once the religious center of the powerful Champa kingdom and is therefore one of the most important places in the history of Vietnam.

The unique Cham construction method, in which bricks are laid seamlessly on top of each other without mortar, and the magnificent decorations make this temple city an outstanding place. The temples of My Son were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, underlining their cultural significance and historical value.

Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere as you explore the ancient ruins amidst a green landscape of hills and rivers. The history and secrets of this sacred site will fascinate you and take you back to another time.

After an inspiring morning, you have the afternoon at leisure to relax to your heart's content or explore further on your own. Immerse yourself in the charming town of Hoi An and be enchanted by its beauty and cultural richness.

Day 11: On rails of wonder: a coastal odyssey to Quy Nhon

The coast is calling, and your adventure follows its enticing call! The coastline of Vietnam stretches southwards like a red thread, and you follow it like a secret path to the next jewel of your journey: Quy Nhon.

In Danang, you board your iron companion - a train that takes you on a ride on rocking rails through a landscape that will take your breath away. For six hours, you will witness a natural spectacle that unfolds behind the windows like a living painting.

To the left, the South China Sea glitters like an endless sapphire, its waves whispering ancient stories. To the right, emerald green rice fields stretch out, where hard-working farmers follow their centuries-old tradition. Their conical hats dance to the rhythm of their work, a fascinating ballet of rural life.

After this visually stunning journey, you reach Dieu Tri, where you immerse yourself in another world. A short transfer takes you to Quy Nhon, a sleepy little town that rests like a pearl on the edge of the sea. Here, time seems to stand still, lulled by the gentle sound of the waves and the quiet hum of everyday life.

Day 12: Quy Nhon: Where paradise goes on vacation

Just imagine: Miles of sandy beaches, as pristine as if the Creator had just finished them. The turquoise blue sea glistens in the sunlight like a carpet of diamonds stretching to the horizon. Welcome to Quy Nhon, your personal refuge from everyday life!
Here, where time seems to stand still, you become the discoverer of your very own island of bliss. Leave your footprints in the sand as fine as powdered sugar - perhaps the only ones far and wide - and feel the stress fall away from you like an annoying shell.

Optional: Immerse yourself in the heart of Quy Nhon, where every stone tells a story and every street is a path to the past. Your adventure begins at the Cham towers of Thap Doi - architectural masterpieces that seem to tickle the sky. Their curved pyramid roofs dance in the sunlight as if to reveal long-forgotten secrets. Stand in the shadow of these stone giants and feel the breath of the centuries.

Your journey continues to Lang Khanh Pagoda, the spiritual beacon of the city. Here, the scent of incense sticks mingles with the humming of quiet prayers. Let yourself be enveloped by the tranquillity of this sacred place, while golden Buddhas look at you with wise eyes.

But Quy Nhon has even more to offer than quiet contemplation. History comes to life in the Quang Trung Museum. The rebellious spirit of the Tay Son brothers still pulsates here. Feel the heartbeat of the revolution as you immerse yourself in the world of Nguyen Hue - the man who rose from rebel to emperor. Each exhibit tells of courage, sacrifice and the unquenchable thirst for freedom.

This journey through Quy Nhon is more than just a sightseeing tour. It is a journey through time that will captivate your senses and fire your imagination. At the end of the day, you won't just have seen the sights - you'll have felt the pulse of a city that lovingly preserves its past while looking boldly to the future.

Day 13: Sea breeze and rail song: From Quy Nhon's coast into the night

Your last day in Quy Nhon is a gift from heaven, a final embrace of paradise. The South China Sea beckons with its seductive sound - will you be able to resist the temptation? Let the velvety surf wash over your feet, feel the warm sand tickle between your toes. Or will you be overcome by exuberance and plunge into the turquoise waters with a whooping leap? The sea welcomes you like an old friend, enveloping you in its salty freshness and whispering stories of faraway lands.

But like all good things, this day must come to an end. With the setting sun, a new adventure begins. The transfer to Dieu Tri station is like a bridge between two worlds - from the beach paradise to the mysterious world of the night.

Your vehicle for the night is waiting at the station: a sleeping car that will whisk you away into Morpheus' arms. Make yourself comfortable in your rolling home. The rhythmic rattling of the wheels on the rails becomes the melody of your dreams. Every kilometer brings you closer to your next destination, while the landscape outside blurs into darkness.

In your 4-berth compartment, this little universe on wheels, you can review the day. The gentle rocking of the train lulls you into a deep sleep. Perhaps you are dreaming of the glistening waves of Quy Nhon or of the adventures that lie ahead.

Day 14: Saigon up close: a captivating journey through the Pearl of the Orient

With the first crow of the rooster, your train rolls into the pulsating heart of South Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City - or as the locals whisper with a touch of nostalgia: Saigon. A metropolis that changes its colors like a chameleon, where tradition and modernity merge in a breathless tango.

As soon as you leave the station, the rhythm of the city envelops you. The air vibrates with energy, permeated by the aroma of steaming noodle soups and the rattling of countless mopeds. A play of life unfolds in the streets: traders haggle loudly in lively markets, while time seems to stand still in shady street cafés.

Her gaze wanders upwards, where glass skyscrapers rise into the sky like giants of steel and glass. But at their feet are proud colonial buildings, witnesses to an eventful past. And in between, like islands of tranquillity, rise delicate pagodas whose incense sticks exude the scent of eternity.

Once you arrive at the hotel, you will not only find your room waiting for you, but also a breakfast that will send your taste buds on a culinary journey around the world. Invigorated and full of energy, the city now lies at your feet.

Optional: Step into Saigon, the “Pearl of the Orient”, where every street corner tells a new story and every breath is filled with adventure. Our local guides, whose hearts beat to the rhythm of this vibrant metropolis, will whisk you away into a labyrinth of past and present.

The morning sun bathes the French-colonial facades in golden light as we stroll through the city center. The majestic Notre Dame Cathedral stretches its spires into the sky as if it wants to touch the clouds. Next door, the old main post office whispers stories of distant lands, while the town hall proudly displays its past. The opera house, a diva in stone, is waiting to reveal its secrets.

But Saigon is more than its colonial jewels. In Le Cong Kieu Street, antique dealers tempt you with treasures from times gone by. Lose yourself in the narrow alleyways, where the real Saigon pulsates, and refresh yourself with a glass of sugar cane juice, the sweetness of which dances on your tongue.

The Bitexco Tower rises into the sky like a beacon of modernity, while the Nguyen Hue pedestrian zone is filled with the laughter of the locals. At the Giac Lam Pagoda, we immerse ourselves in the spiritual soul of Vietnam before Cho Lon, Saigon's lively Chinatown, welcomes us with open arms.

Here, at the Cho Binh Tay market, the senses explode: colors, scents and sounds merge into an intoxicating symphony. Exotic spices tickle the nose, while silk fabrics caress the fingertips.

This tour is more than just a sightseeing tour - it is a journey into the soul of Saigon. Every step takes you deeper into the heart of this fascinating city, where tradition and modernity, East and West merge in a unique harmony.

Day 15: Farewell to Vietnam: unforgettable memories for the journey home

Your time in Vietnam is coming to an end, but the treasures of this trip will always be with you. Enjoy one last unforgettable moment in Saigon as you prepare for your transfer to the airport to return home.

Review the special experiences in Saigon - from the bustling streets to the cultural highlights. Get ready to start your journey home with rich impressions in your heart. Even when the vacation ends, the magic of Vietnam will live on in your memories, photos and stories.

A farewell marked by the treasures of this fascinating country as you make your way home.

Join us on a journey of discovery

Price & services

Services included

Overnight stay incl. breakfast (B), lunch (L), dinner (D), in the hotels listed or en route
Private tour (according to itinerary)
All transport to the railway stations according to the itinerary is private in modern air-conditioned vehicles with private chauffeur
Excursions according to itinerary
All transports according to itinerary
All train journeys
English-speaking local tour guide for the above-mentioned activities
Personal German-speaking tour guide (available 24 hours a day)

Services not included in the price