Cambodia Highlights

Our tour starts today in Cambodia's lively capital of Phnom Penh. Rooted in history and myth dating back to the 14th century with the divine discovery by 'Grandmother Penh', the city is a treasure trove of historical architecture. From grand monuments to glittering temples and French Colonial buildings, each construction reflects the city's rich history and character. For those arriving on time, our tour leader plans to meet us in the hotel reception at 7pm for a welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Phnom Penh at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Techo International Airport (KTI), which is around a 45-minute drive from our hotel. If you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to visit the Central Market, which runs all day every day, in an Art Deco building built in 1935. Here you will find a vast array of items for sale from food stalls to souvenirs, and everyday home items. This dark-yellow building is located in the heart of the city.

Phnom Penh took over from Angkor as Cambodia's capital city in the 1440s. It's now a lively city with many French colonial buildings and plenty to see. Accompanied by a local guide, we'll visit the National Museum, a treasure trove of beautifully preserved carvings and lintels rescued from Angkor; the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda as well as the temple of Wat Phnom. This afternoon, we'll visit the emotive Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, formerly a high school that became the Khmer Rouge's main torture and interrogation centre; and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek - the memorial stupa is a glass tower filled with human skulls - a gruesome reminder of the scale of Pol Pot's atrocities before returning back in the city.

Our optional excursions close to the city include a trip to Silk Island, Chiso Mountain or the abandoned Royal City of Oudong. Each of these takes up half a day and can be combined, our tour leader will discuss it in more detail. Silk Island or Koh Dach is reached by a short local ferry journey along the Mekong where the majority of villagers on the island earn a living producing handicrafts. It's a great opportunity to learn more about traditional ways of life and interact with locals as you learn about silk weaving. Chiso Mountain, located in Sia village, south of Phnom Penh, is topped by the ruins of an 11th-century Khmer Brahmanic Temple with views of the surrounding paddy fields. Oudong is around one hour north of the capital and offers the opportunity to explore historic temples and stupas. Join for a delightful half-day culinary experience, where you will learn to cook traditional Khmer dishes at the renowned Banana Cooking Class. The expert Cambodian chef will guide you through selecting fresh ingredients from a local market and demonstrate tried-and-true Khmer cooking techniques.

This morning, we have an early start for our drive to Siem Reap, stopping for lunch on the way. As we drive, soak in Cambodia's lush scenery, passing by vast rice fields and stilted villages. Later in the day, we'll journey to nearby Tonle Sap Lake where we board our charter boat for a leisurely cruise through a floating village to see stilt houses, floating markets and an array of boats.

Angkor Wat was once a series of cities, built by the Khmer kings between the 9th and 13th centuries. In its heyday, it had a population of around 750,000. Spread out over 155 square kilometres/59.8 square miles, the complex is scattered with magnificent carved stone temples, ancient sculptures and incredible bas-reliefs. We'll visit the Rolous group, which are some of the earliest temples, as well as the temples of Banteay Srei. Finishing up the day at East Mebon, with a visit to Pre Rup temple, a striking temple- mountain where we'll watch the sun set over the plains.

We continue our exploration today with a visit to the temples of King Jayavarman Vll. The fortified city of Angkor Thom, which he built at the end of the 12th century, is enclosed by a square wall with five monumental gates. At the time it was built, crocodiles inhabited the moat and huge statues of gods protected each gate. The city contains another of Angkor's true gems, The Bayon, known for its maze of corridors, gothic-style towers and magical central temples. We'll explore The Terrace of the Elephants and the Leper King, the Baphuon and Phimeanakas, and some of the surrounding temples such as Preah Khan.

On our final day, we pay a visit to the second Angkor capital, which includes the temples of Prasat Kravan, Banteay Kdei and Takeo. A highlight for many is a visit to the atmospheric temple of Ta Prohm, which featured in the film Tomb Raider, lying half consumed by the jungle. We save the most breathtaking of all the sights, Angkor Wat, to last - staying until the sun sets on the final night of our adventure.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Siem Reap. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Siem Reap at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI), which is approximately 60 minutes from the hotel. If you have time, you might choose to browse the old market for some last-minute bargains or visit the APOPO Museum.