DAY 1: Welcome to Seoul, South Korea
Welcome to Seoul, South Korea! Upon arrival at Seoul Airport, following customs, immigration formalities and baggage
collection, your guide will transfer you to your hotel. (For 2025 departures make your own way to the hotel)
Seoul is the largest city in South Korea and one of East Asia’s financial and cultural hubs filled with a mix of traditional
and modern elements which attract visitors from all over the world.
It is the centre of fascinating ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology, home to multitudes of street food vendors
and vast nightlife districts, serene Buddhist temples and extraordinary modern architecture.
MEALS: None
OVERNIGHT: Park Hotel Yeongdeungpo or similar, Seoul
DAY 2: Seoul ~ Mt. Seoraksan
This morning we travel to Mount Seoraksan National Park.
Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Preservation District in 1982 due to the many rare species found here, Mount
Seoraksan National Park is one of South Korea’s most famous national parks. If you’re lucky, you might be able to catch
a glimpse of one of the park’s inhabitants, including deer, otters, squirrels and bears.
First we will visit Sinheungsa Temple and then take the cable car to Gwongeumseong Fortress to see the castle ruins
and the spectacular views of the National Park.
We then continue on to Sokcho, a small fishing village known for its fresh seafood.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Sokcho Sea Cruise Hotel or similar, Mt. Seoraksan
DAY 3: Mt. Seoraksan ~ Andong ~ Daegu
Today, we head to the village of Andong, known for its well-preserved traditional houses and unique mask dancing
performances.
Afterwards, relax with some retail therapy in Dongseongno Shopping District, one of the major fashion districts in
Daegu city.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch
OVERNIGHT: Daegu Inter Burgo Exco Hotel or similar, Daegu
DAY 4: Daegu ~ Gyeongju
Today, explore the many archaeological sites and temples, royal tombs and monuments of Gyeongju.
During the time when ancient Korea was divided into three seperate kingdoms (Silla, Baekje and Goguryeo), Gyeongju
was the capital of the Silla Kingdom.
Visit Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory which was constructed during the reign of Queen Seon-deok in the
7th century and Gyeongju National Museum, home to many Silla Kingdom stone relics.
Stop and admire UNESCO World Heritage Sites Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto. The Bulguska Temple
complex includes a number of national treasures, while the Seokuram Grotto is home to a masterful sculpture of Buddha
looking out to sea.
Finally, we will visit Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. After the Silla Kingdom fell, the site was abandoned and
forgotten for many centuries. Excavation and reconstruction began in the 1970s and the site was once more restored to
its former glory.
Lastly, we visit Gyeongju National Park, which features a palace complex of the ancient Silla kingdom and beautiful
forests.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch
OVERNIGHT: Gyeongju Kolon Hotel or similar, Gyeongju
DAY 5: Gyeongju ~ Seoul
Today we will visit North Korea’s 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, located within the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), a 44 km drive
northwest of Seoul. An entire infantry division can move through the tunnel in an hour.
Visit the Imjingak Resort Unification Park and North Korea Centre to gain an insight into the history of the Korean War.
View North Korean territory from the Dora Observation Platform, including the spooky Propaganda Village, People
School and Kaeseong City, the old capital city of the Goryeo Kingdom.
If the tour is unable to visit the DMZ, you will visit Imjingak Resort instead
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch
OVERNIGHT: Park Hotel Yeongdeungpo or similar, Seoul
DAY 6: Seoul City Tour
The Blue House, otherwise known as Cheong Wa Dae, is the residence of the South Korean president. It is an icon of
South Korea, set against the back drop of Bugaksan Mountain.
Today, we have the chance to visit the Blue House before making our way to Gyeongbokgung Palace, originally built in
1395 as the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty.
We then visit the famous Amethyst Store and later stroll through the heart of the city down the streets of Isa-dong, a
historical entertainment districts. Step back in time in Bukchon Village before jumping back to the present day to walk
along the elevated sky garden of Seoullo 7017.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch
OVERNIGHT: Park Hotel Yeongdeungpo or similar, Seoul
DAY 7: Seoul ~ Tokyo, Japan
At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Tokyo, Japan. On arrival, you will be
transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your own leisure.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch
OVERNIGHT: Hotel MyStays Premier Omori or Hotel Lumiere Kasai, Tokyo
DAY 8: Tokyo City Tour
Today we explore some of the highlights of Tokyo. Our first stop is Odaiba, an island in Tokyo Harbour where we will see
the Rainbow Bridge and the Statue of Libery replica. From here, we head to the iconic Tsukiji Fish Market and enjoy free
time for lunch. (your own meal costs)
Our exploration of Tokyo continues at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, where we will ascend to the 200m
high observation deck for sweeping views of the endless metropolis. Later, stroll through Sensoji, otherwise known as
Asakusa Kannon Temple, one of Tokyo’s most colourful and popular temples, before browsing for souvenirs in
Nakamise Shopping Street.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Hotel MyStays Premier Omori or Hotel Lumiere, Tokyo
DAY 9: Tokyo ~ Mt. Fuji ~ Hamamatsu
This morning we make our way towards the Mount Fuji area. En route, we stop for a tour at a beer factory before visiting
the Gotemba Peace Park, known for its majestic views of Mt Fuji. Time permitting, we will head for another famous
vantage point of Mt Fuji at Miho no Matsubara.
We then continue to Hamamatsu where we spend the evening at leisure.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Hotel Crown Palais or similar, Hamamatsu
DAY 10: Hamamatsu ~ Osaka
Today, we visit Iga-ryu Ninja Museum. This fascinating complex is home to a ninja residence complete with revolving
walls, trap doors, and exhibition halls. Afterward, we continue to one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, Osaka Castle.
Built-in 1583 as a centre of a new, unified Japan, Osaka Castle is a wonderfully preserved example of Japanese
architecture. We then continue to our centrally located hotel in Osaka for a night at leisure. You may wish to experience
the famous Osaka nightlife in the Dotonbori district.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Sarasa Hotel Namba or similar, Osaka
DAY 11: Osaka ~ Kyoto ~ Osaka
This morning, we board the technological marvel, the shinkansen bullet train, from Osaka to Kyoto. Travelling at
speeds up to 280km/h, the shinkansen offers passengers a supercut of the beautiful Japanese countryside.
The first stop in Kyoto is Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of the most iconic sights in Japan with thousands of red Shinto shrine
gates. We strolled through the gates and visited the various shrines and temples. Afterwards, we continue to the
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove for an enchanting walk through the towering bamboo forest. Our last stop in Kyoto is the
World Heritage-list Golden Pavilion. This three-storey Buddhist Temple was built in the 14th century as a villa for a
powerful shogun and is almost entirely covered in gold leaf. Afterwards, we make our way back to Osaka.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Sarasa Hotel Namba or similar, Osaka
DAY 12: Osaka Free Day
Free at leisure today, explore Osaka or surrounding places at your own p
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Sarasa Hotel Namba or similar, Osaka
DAY 13: Osaka ~ Himeji ~ Hiroshima
After breakfast, we make our way to Hiroshima. On route, we stop at Himeji Castle, often called the White Heron Castle
due to its elegant design. Himeji Castle is one of Japan’s last remaining original medieval castles. This, as well as its
imposing size and artistc design, make it one of the most spectacular sights in Japan.
Enjoy your time here before we continue on to Hiroshima.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Hotel Kuretakeso or Hotel Mystays Hiroshima Peace Park, Hiroshima
DAY 14: Hiroshima ~ Osaka
After breakfast, we will travel to mystical Miyajima. The floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima island is
probably one of the most well-known icons of Japan, and is officially classed as one of Japan’s “3 best views”.
After exploring the island, we head off for Osaka – otherwise known as Japan’s kitchen!
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Sarasa Hotel Namba or similar, Osaka
DAY 15: Departure ~ End of Tour
At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your homeward flight. (For 2025 departures Airport Transfers are not included)
MEALS: Breakfast
