From Imperial Wonders to Zen Meets

Welcome to China! Upon your arrival in Beijing, we'll transfer you to your hotel. As evening approaches, we'll head to Wangfujing Street, a lively pedestrian area bustling with shops and restaurants. This is a perfect spot to start immersing yourself in the vibrant city life of Beijing. Dinner will be included back at the hotel, providing a delightful conclusion to your first day. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On our second day in Beijing, we have a thrilling itinerary planned to explore this dynamic capital. Our full-day tour kicks off with a visit to the Great Chinese Imperial Palace, also known as the Forbidden City. This grand architectural wonder served as the residence for 24 emperors over nearly five centuries, offering a glimpse into China's imperial past. Next, we head to Jingshan Park, where we’ll find the well-preserved Coal Hill. From its peak, panoramic views of the Forbidden City await – weather conditions permitting.Our exploration continues with a stroll through the expansive Tiananmen Square, which ranks among the largest public squares globally. From here, you can appreciate the modern architectural splendour of the National Theatre, or Beijing Opera House, nearby. Lunch will be provided as part of today’s adventure.In the afternoon, we visit the stunning Summer Palace, once a serene getaway for the Qing Dynasty, renowned for its exquisite gardens and tranquil lakes. A more traditional side of the city is revealed as we hop on tricycles to tour the historic Hutong neighbourhoods. These narrow lanes are lined with traditional shops, and we’ll visit a Siheyuan – a classic courtyard house that epitomises Beijing’s architectural charm.We will then head back to the hotel for the night. Please note that the Forbidden City’s visitor numbers are currently restricted due to heritage protection and safety regulations. Should we be unable to visit, we will instead explore the Confucius Temple and the Lama Temple, both significant in Chinese cultural and historical contexts.

Our adventure today takes us to the iconic Great Wall of China at the Mutianyu section, a marvel of ancient engineering that stretches across the dramatic mountain landscapes. To make the most of this experience, we'll ascend and descend by cable car, granting us remarkable views of this monumental structure—a testament to over 2,000 years of history. After our exploration of the Wall, we return to Beijing with a visit to the eclectic 798 Art District. Once a military factory, this vibrant area has transformed into a hub of contemporary art, teeming with galleries, studios, and creative spaces.Continuing our cultural journey, we head to the Temple of Heaven, one of China’s most important religious sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Emperors once came here to pray for bountiful harvests amidst its stunning architecture. To unwind after an eventful day, indulge in a relaxing foot massage, followed by a Tai Chi class where you can experience the balance and harmony intrinsic to traditional Chinese culture. To conclude our day, we'll savour a traditional lacquered duck dinner—a quintessential local delicacy—as a fitting farewell to the captivating city of Beijing.

Following breakfast, we’ll arrange a transfer to the airport for our flight to Seoul. Welcome to Korea! Upon arrival, you'll be transported to the hotel where you will meet your guide. In the evening, we embark on our first exploration of this captivating country. Together with our guide, we'll utilise Seoul's modern and efficient subway system, providing you with an understanding of how it operates. Our destination is City Hall, a striking building creatively designed to resemble a tsunami. Positioned across from it is Deoksugung Palace, which is beautifully illuminated at night, showcasing Korea’s harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary architecture. We will then walk to Myeongdong, the country's busiest and most vibrant shopping district, aptly named “Bright Tunnel.” Here, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in its lively atmosphere. Dinner will be provided at a local restaurant, offering a delightful end to our day.

Today, we will embark on an extensive five-hour exploration of Seoul. Our journey begins with a visit to the Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site set amidst a vast park and housing several other palatial buildings. We continue with a glimpse of Bukchon Hanok Village, a historic neighbourhood filled with traditional Korean hanoks, or houses, offering a window into the city's past. Our next stop is the War Memorial of Korea, an imposing museum that provides valuable insights into the conflicts that have shaped Korea's history, with a particular focus on the Korean War where soldiers from multiple nations served under the United Nations. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we'll explore the Gangnam District, renowned for its bustling shopping centres and vibrant entertainment venues. Our day concludes at the Lotte World Tower, an impressive 550-metre skyscraper. Here, you have free time to either ascend the tower for breathtaking views (ticket not included) or enjoy the surrounding park and luxury shopping malls. We'll then return to the hotel, where you have the remainder of the day free to explore at your leisure.

Today, we will explore the rich history and tradition of Seoul with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, which boasts over 600 years of history. If the timing is right, we may witness the ceremonial changing of the guard—a captivating display of cultural heritage. Following our palace visit, we'll leave the dynamic cityscape of Seoul and head south to Suwon. Once the capital of Korea, Suwon is famed for its impressive UNESCO-listed fortress walls. Here, we'll take in these remarkable fortifications and explore the Hwaseong Haenggung, the summer palace, enjoying an included lunch afterwards.Our journey will continue to Jeonju, a city that offers a glimpse into Korea's past with its enchanting historic centre. Stroll through Hanok Village, with its charming traditional houses, art galleries, and unique shops that capture the essence of a bygone era.

Leaving from Jeonju, we journey to the Sunchang Gochujang Village, set at the base of Mount Amisan. This charming village features traditional hanok houses and courtyards filled with clay pots called hang-a-ri. Here, master artisans use time-honoured methods to craft gochujang, the famous Korean chilli paste, and we'll have the opportunity to learn how to make this renowned sauce ourselves. Our travels continue to Damyang, where we'll explore the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest, known for its picturesque paths ideal for meditative strolls and serene enjoyment of the fresh air. Discover a range of bamboo creations, including delightful examples at the Bamboo Museum. After indulging in lunch, featuring a local speciality—rice steamed inside a bamboo stalk—we'll proceed through breathtaking mountain landscapes and woodlands to Haeinsa. This significant Buddhist temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was constructed in 802 and houses the Tripitaka, an extensive collection of Buddhist scriptures carved onto 80,000 wooden tablets. Our voyage concludes today in Busan. Known for its lively cultural scene, this is Korea's second-largest city, where we'll find our accommodation for the night.

We begin our day in Busan, where we will visit the striking Haedong Yonggung Temple, a 14th-century Buddhist sanctuary uniquely situated along the coastline, offering stunning views of the sea. Returning to Busan, we’ll spend time at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, a place of remembrance for international soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Korean War. Afterwards, we’ll explore the largest fish market in the country, bustling with activity and local flavours, conveniently located near Nampo Port. Lunch will be enjoyed at a nearby restaurant, providing a taste of the local cuisine. Later, we’ll transfer to the airport for our flight to Osaka, which is included in the package. Upon arrival in Japan, we will facilitate your transfer to the hotel. Welcome to the Land of the Rising Sun!

We will set off from Osaka at 11:30 a.m. for the revered Mount Koya, the heart of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. This captivating pilgrimage destination is home to 120 temples and monasteries. Our journey begins with a visit to the Okuno Mausoleum, an expansive and serene cemetery surrounded by nature, where over 200,000 graves rest. We will also explore the Kongobuji Temple, first constructed in 1593.Tonight, we will experience the unique opportunity to stay in a Buddhist monastery. Here, monks will guide us through a Zen meditation session, known as Ajikan. Your vegetarian dinner is included, and you’ll have the option to attend a morning religious ceremony at the temple the next day.Please note that during winter, when nights fall early, we may not have sufficient time to tour the interior of the Kongobuji Temple. Staying in the monastery offers a culturally enriching experience, though it’s worth mentioning the rooms are minimalist, bare of private bathrooms, and feature traditional Japanese tatami flooring—with shared bathroom facilities. Be aware that meditation sessions might not be available during peak tourist times. If accommodations in the Mount Koya temples are insufficient, we will arrange nearby hotel stays instead, which includes half board.

Following a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple, we will set off early for the historic city of Kyoto. As Japan's capital from 794 to 1868, Kyoto thrived as the heart of Japanese culture and politics. Despite the ravages of World War II, it remarkably maintained its cultural glory, becoming the backdrop for the notable Kyoto Protocol signed in 1997.In Kyoto, we will visit some of its most distinguished sites. Our first stop is the esteemed Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari, known for its iconic red torii gates. We will then explore the regal Imperial Palace, and marvel at the Kinkaku-ji Temple—the "Golden Pavilion"—renowned for its stunning architecture and tranquil gardens.You will have the rest of the afternoon at leisure to explore more of Kyoto's charm. Later, we will venture into Gion, the city’s renowned district known for its traditional wooden machiya houses and the captivating Geisha culture. You will have additional free time here to soak up the atmospheric streets and maybe even catch a glimpse of a Geisha shuffling to her next appointment.

After breakfast, our journey will take us along the shores of one of Japan's largest lakes, leading us first to Shirahige Ginra, a charming small shrine nestled by the water's edge. From there, we'll proceed to Eihei-ji, a temple-monastery founded in 1244. As a central hub of Zen Buddhism in Japan, Eihei-ji is renowned for its compelling architecture, serene gardens, and spiritual ambiance. It serves as a key training centre for monks dedicated to Zazen meditation and adhering to a strict daily regimen (admission included).Our adventure continues in Katsuyama, where we begin by exploring the Dinosaur Museum situated at Japan's largest dinosaur fossil site. Here, you'll have free time to enjoy lunch and delve into its educational exhibits featuring over 40 dinosaur skeletons. We will also visit the breathtaking Great Buddha of Echizen, along with its grand temple and a five-story pagoda, which you can ascend to take in expansive views. As evening approaches, we'll arrive in Kanazawa, bringing our day's explorations to a close.

We will spend an engaging day exploring Kanazawa, a city steeped in rich history and culture that was miraculously untouched by World War II bombings. Our morning begins with a guided tour, where we will uncover the city's historical charm. We'll visit the castle area, renowned for its majestic walls, and meander through the Nagamachi neighbourhood, where the samurai once resided. Here, the past is alive with preserved residences, earthen walls, private gates, narrow alleys, and flowing water canals, offering a glimpse into the era's architectural style. We'll also visit Kenrokuen, one of Japan's top three most beautiful gardens, where you can appreciate its serene beauty and meticulously designed landscapes. Our tour concludes at Omicho Market, a traditional hub known for its vibrant atmosphere and an array of lunch options. The afternoon is yours to investigate more of Kanazawa at your own pace.

Today, our journey leads us through enchanting mountain landscapes and age-old villages as we explore the Gokayama and Shirakawago regions. Both areas are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage sites due to their unique architectural style, epitomised by the gassho-zukuri houses. These traditional farmhouses, distinguished by their steeply pitched thatched roofs resembling praying hands, were ingeniously designed to withstand the region's heavy snowfall.We will pause in the quaint village of Ainokura, a charming place where time seems to stand still. Later, we'll move on to the larger and more renowned village of Shirakawa-go Ogimachi, where you'll have time to wander around and enjoy lunch at your leisure.Our journey concludes in Takayama, where we visit the serene Hida Folk Village Museum. Nestled in a tranquil setting, this open-air museum showcases over 30 traditional houses from the Edo Period (1603-1868), relocated here in 1971 to preserve them. The exhibits offer a glimpse into historical tools and everyday items, providing insight into life in the past. You’ll have free time to explore Takayama's charming old town, with its well-preserved wooden buildings and quaint shops, reflecting the spirit of a bygone era.

Today, after breakfast, we will set off for Hida Furukawa, a picturesque town renowned for its traditional charm. The Hida Furukawa Festival, recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, is celebrated for its impressive drums and ornately decorated floats. We will visit a museum that displays these magnificent floats, along with the costumes and drums integral to the festival. Our journey will then take us through the stunning landscapes of the Japanese Alps, famed for their snow-covered peaks for much of the year.Upon arrival in Matsumoto, we will tour the city's striking castle, known as the "Crow Castle" due to its distinct black façade. This historic structure dates back to the 16th century and is one of Japan's premier castles. Following our visit, you will have the opportunity to lunch at leisure and explore the town at your own pace. In the afternoon, we will continue our journey towards Tokyo, arriving in the bustling capital by the end of the day.

On our fifteenth day, we embark on an extensive guided tour of Tokyo, a city that masterfully blends pulsating energy with tranquillity. Our morning starts with a visit to Zojoji Temple, where you'll have the chance to capture stunning views of the iconic Tokyo Tower. The temple grounds are adorned with Jizo statues, which are traditionally dressed in colourful caps and bibs, symbolising protection for children.Our next stop is the renowned Shibuya Crossing, celebrated as the world's busiest intersection. We continue to the serene Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, before travelling along the elegant Omotesando Avenue. The tour takes us past the picturesque Imperial Palace gardens to pause at the iconic Nijubashi Bridge.As we proceed, we'll drive through Akihabara district, or "Electric Town", a hub for enthusiasts of Japanese manga and anime culture. Our route includes a view of the Kokugikan, the country’s famous sumo wrestling arena. The tour concludes in Asakusa, home to the historic Sensoji Temple and the vibrant Nakamise Street. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant, offering a taste of authentic Tokyo cuisine.In the evening, we'll reconvene in the hotel lobby at 6:30 p.m. to explore Shinjuku via the metro (tickets included). This lively district is celebrated for its dynamic nightlife, and we'll meander through its bustling streets before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant, in the company of our guide, who will accompany us back to our hotel.

Following breakfast, your journey concludes, leaving you with wonderful memories of your adventure.