Journey Through China's Heart and Seoul

Welcome to China! Upon your arrival in Shanghai, the pulse of China's economic development, we’ll whisk you off to your hotel. This bustling metropolis, home to over 15 million residents, is renowned for having the largest commercial port in China and is celebrated as the nation’s most international city. As you settle in, please be aware that throughout our journey, some fellow travellers may join or leave our group at various points. Rest assured, the maximum group size will always be maintained, never exceeded. Enjoy your first glimpse of Shanghai and prepare for the adventure ahead! 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.

Today we dive into the vibrant cityscape of Shanghai, exploring some of its most iconic landmarks. Our day begins in the ultramodern financial district of Pudong, situated across the Huangpu River and renowned for its impressive skyline, including the famous Pearl Tower. We then enjoy a scenic ferry ride across the Shanghai River, where you can marvel at the striking contrast between the historical and contemporary shores of the city.Next, we'll wander through the charming lanes of the Old City and visit the tranquil Yuyuan Garden, a meticulously preserved private garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Here, we'll participate in a traditional tea ceremony, offering an authentic glimpse into China’s rich cultural traditions. Our journey continues to Xintiandi, a lively quarter celebrated for its chic boutiques and vibrant cafés.Lunch is included, after which we embark on an exploration of Tianzifang. This captivating neighbourhood is known for its intricate alleyways, eclectic craft shops, and fashionable art galleries. As the day winds down, we take a leisurely stroll along The Bund, an area lined with grand colonial-era edifices, reflections of Shanghai’s past interactions with European traders.The afternoon is yours to enjoy. If you fancy, you might opt for a night-time boat trip to witness Shanghai’s glittering skyline—from the river, the city's lights will leave you with unforgettable memories.

We will commence our day by transferring to Shanghai's train station, ready to board a high-speed train at 07:17 a.m., embarking on a journey to Luoyang. This efficient mode of transport will whisk us over 1,000 km in just over five hours, offering glimpses of China's picturesque countryside along the way. Upon arrival in Luoyang, lunch will be provided.Our exploration begins at the renowned Longmen Buddhist Caves, a fascinating series of grottoes that stretch over a kilometre along the river's rugged limestone cliffs. These caves harbour over 100,000 intricately carved statues of Buddha, making it one of China's most significant archaeological sites. To fully appreciate this extraordinary monument, we’ll take a leisurely boat ride along the river, enjoying panoramic views of the caves.Later, we’ll head to Luoyang's ancient city, passing through its commanding city gates. Here, we’ll wander through the vibrant, illuminated streets that exude traditional charm, mingling with the lively local scene. After a day steeped in history and culture, we'll retire for the night without a scheduled overnight stop.

In the early morning, just outside Luoyang, we explore the historic White Horse Buddhist Monastery, a significant centre for Buddhist learning that attracts scholars and practitioners worldwide. Following this, we proceed to the city of Sanmenxia, steeped in history. Here, we admire the grandeur of the Yellow River and visit the Baolun Temple, famed for its impressive tall pagoda. Our exploration continues at the esteemed Guo Museum, regarded as one of the finest in China, where we delve into the past by viewing the ancient funeral carriages from the former State of Guo. This offers a fascinating insight into the region's rich history. We include lunch in our day’s itinerary. Travelling east, we pass by the sacred Mount Hua, celebrated for its dramatic peaks and significant spiritual heritage. By late afternoon, we arrive in Xian, marking the end of today's journey.

Upon reaching Xian, where the historic Silk Road has its origins, we'll start our day by unveiling the marvel of the Terracotta Army. This extraordinary archaeological site encompasses thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, hidden for centuries, silently guarding the tomb of China's first emperor. Returning to Xian, we'll explore the charming Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a beautiful Buddhist edifice that has gracefully stood for more than a millennium. Next on our itinerary is the city's historical heart, where we'll traverse the dynamic Muslim Quarter and visit the Great Mosque, a unique testament to the cultural and religious fusion that has influenced China throughout the ages. Our tour also provides access to the Drum Tower, where we will be treated to a captivating performance of traditional Chinese music on ancient instruments. Following this, you'll have some free time to explore the city at your own pace.

Today, we set off from Xian aboard a high-speed train, journeying to Linfen in under three hours. Upon arrival, we continue by coach to visit the Mansion of the Wang Clan, an opulent estate constructed by a prosperous family between the 17th and 19th centuries, exemplifying the elegance of traditional Chinese architecture. A delicious lunch is included to keep us energized for the day's exploration.Our travels then take us to the ancient city of Pingyao. As the best-preserved historical city in China, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pingyao is home to over 4,000 ancient structures. Here, we immerse ourselves in its history and culture, exploring its charming streets where age-old traditions endure. We have tickets that grant us entry to all key sites, including temples, mansions, and the city’s imposing walls, delivering a comprehensive understanding of this remarkable town.

Today, we embark on a journey to the spiritually significant Wutai Mountain, nestled amidst lush landscapes of verdant mountains and dense forests. This revered site is a focal point for Lamaism, a deeply rooted form of Buddhism in the region. Wutai Mountain houses a vibrant monastic community, with over 40 ancient monasteries complemented by newer ones. The serene and spiritually charged surroundings offer a truly distinctive atmosphere. With our knowledgeable guide, we visit Nanshan Temple, esteemed for both its tranquil beauty and its historical importance. Later, you'll have some free time to explore the less-frequented temples of the area. As you wander, you can respectfully observe the monks as they go about their daily rituals. Dinner is included, after which we settle in for the night in this sacred and peaceful place.

Following breakfast, we will set off on a picturesque mountain road towards Yanmen Pass, close to the Mongolian border. In this scenic locale, we’ll explore a quieter section of the Great Wall of China. Here, you can take a serene stroll, enjoying the splendour of one of the world’s most legendary sites, away from the usual crowds. Our journey continues to the quaint village of Yingxian, celebrated for its extraordinary wooden pagoda, a significant triumph in Chinese architectural history. After an included lunch, we'll venture onwards to witness the fascinating Xuankong Temple. This extraordinary structure, clinging to the cliffs, seems to defy gravity and offers a glimpse into ancient engineering marvels. As the afternoon wanes, our coach will take us to Datong. Once there, you'll have the opportunity to wander through its historical centre, admiring the formidable city walls and soaking in the ambience of this beautifully preserved ancient city.

We begin our day with a visit to the Yungang Caves, a peerless example of China's Buddhist cave art. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating back to the 5th century, encompasses 252 caves adorned with over 51,000 intricately carved Buddhist statues, marking it as one of China's most extraordinary cultural sites. Our journey then takes us to Jiming Post, a quaint traditional Chinese village reminiscent of a bygone era when it served as a key stop for imperial couriers. The village has beautifully preserved its historical charm, offering a tranquil glance into the past. In the afternoon, we continue our travels to Beijing, where we aim to arrive by mid-afternoon, allowing ample time to settle in and start discovering the wonders of the capital at your own pace.

Today, we dive into the bustling life of Beijing, China's vibrant capital. Our full-day exploration begins as we navigate through the city's most notable streets, starting with a tour of the Great Chinese Imperial Palace. More commonly known as the Forbidden City, this magnificent architectural complex served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors over nearly five centuries. Next, we visit Jingshan Park, where Coal Hill stands as one of the best-preserved imperial gardens in the city. From its peak, enjoy breathtaking views of the Forbidden City, ensuring clear weather.As our journey continues, we stroll through the vast Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest public squares. Here, you'll have the chance to admire the imposing Great National Theater, also referred to as the Beijing Opera House. Our morning concludes with an included lunch before heading to the Summer Palace. This former imperial retreat of the Qing Dynasty is famed for its serene lakes and beautifully landscaped gardens.In the afternoon, we'll delve deeper into traditional Beijing culture with a tricycle ride through the historic Hutongs. Experience the rich tapestry of life as we explore these narrow lanes, visit local shops, and step into a Siheyuan—an iconic courtyard house showcasing the architectural elegance of old Beijing.Following this enriching day, we'll return to our hotel for an overnight stay. Please note that access to the Forbidden City may be limited due to heritage protection and visitor safety regulations. Should this be the case, we'll explore the prestigious Confucius Temple and the Lama Temple instead, both offering significant insights into China's historical and cultural landscape.

Our adventure today leads us to the legendary Great Wall of China at the Mutianyu section. This iconic marvel, dating back over two millennia, trails across stunning mountainous terrain. We’ll use a cable car to ascend and descend, offering breathtaking scenery of this historic structure. As we return to Beijing, we'll explore the bustling 798 Art District—a former military factory that's evolved into a vibrant centre for contemporary art, brimming with galleries and creative spaces. Our next stop is the Temple of Heaven, a significant spiritual complex where emperors historically prayed for fruitful harvests. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, its elegance and architectural grandeur are not to be missed. After an eventful day, we'll indulge in a relaxing foot massage followed by a Tai Chi class—an ideal way to experience the balance and harmony of traditional Chinese culture. To conclude our visit in style, we’ll savour a traditional lacquered duck dinner, leaving you with a lasting taste of Beijing's culinary heritage.

Following breakfast, you'll be driven to the airport for your flight to Seoul. Welcome to South Korea! Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to the hotel where you'll meet your guide. In the evening, we’ll begin your discovery of this captivating country. Together, we'll navigate the city's sleek and efficient subway system to City Hall, a dramatic building that resembles a tsunami wave. Directly across, Deoksugung Palace stands illuminated amidst the city’s modern skyline, a striking mix of Korea's traditional architecture and contemporary elements. From here, we’ll walk to the bustling Myeongdong district, known for its lively atmosphere and extensive range of shops—the name translates to "bright tunnel." Dinner will be provided at a local eatery, allowing you to sample traditional Korean cuisine.

Today, we embark on an enlightening journey through Seoul, starting with a comprehensive five-hour exploration of the city. Our first stop is the majestic Changdeokgung Palace, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its expansive grounds and the harmonious blend of nature and architecture among its palaces. We then pass by the quaint Bukchon Hanok Village, an area that beautifully preserves the traditional Korean way of life with its charming historic homes.Our next destination is the War Memorial of Korea, where you'll gain insights into the numerous conflicts that have shaped Korean history, notably the Korean War involving forces from various countries under the United Nations. After enriching our understanding with history, we'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.Post-lunch, we'll venture into the vibrant Gangnam District, known for its lively atmosphere, high-end shopping, and entertainment venues. Our day concludes with a visit to the impressive Lotte World Tower, soaring to 550 metres in height. You'll have the opportunity to explore the tower (admission not included) for panoramic views or wander through the upscale park and shopping areas at its base. We then return to the hotel for some leisure time, where you can unwind at your own pace.

Today, we will explore Gyeongbokgung Palace, a magnificent historical site with a legacy stretching over six centuries. If the timing allows, we'll witness the traditional changing of the guard ceremony, adding a touch of pageantry to our visit. Once we've explored the palace grounds, we’ll leave the bustling city of Seoul behind and journey south to Suwon. This city, once the capital of Korea, is famed for its UNESCO-listed fortress walls. Here, we’ll admire these impressive fortifications and explore Hwaseong Haenggung, the summer residence. After our included lunch, our adventure continues as we head to Jeonju. There, we’ll delve into the richly historic Hanok Village, characterised by its charming traditional houses, quaint shops, and vibrant art galleries.

Today's adventure takes us from Jeonju to the charming village of Sunchang Gochujang, nestled at the foot of Mount Amisan. Here, we'll wander through traditional hanok houses and discover courtyards filled with clay pots known as hang-a-ri. These pots are used by master artisans who craft gochujang, the famous Korean chilli paste, using age-old methods. We'll have the opportunity to take part in a hands-on experience as we learn the art of making this renowned sauce.Our journey then continues to Damyang, where we will explore the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest. The scenic paths here are considered among the most beautiful in Korea, making them a perfect spot for meditation and enjoying the refreshing breeze. In addition to the serene walking trails, you'll have the chance to explore various bamboo products celebrated at the Bamboo Museum.Lunch is included today and offers a regional delicacy – rice cooked and served inside a bamboo stalk, providing a unique culinary experience. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery and lush forests, we'll make our way to Haeinsa, one of Korea’s most significant Buddhist temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in 802, it is home to the Tripitaka Koreana, the most complete collection of Buddhist scriptures, painstakingly carved into 80,000 wooden tablets.As the day draws to a close, we arrive in Busan, Korea's vibrant second-largest city, where we'll settle in for the night, ready to explore more of this dynamic city.

This morning, we set off from Busan to discover Haedong Yonggung, a serene 14th-century Buddhist temple situated picturesquely by the sea. We'll then return to Busan to visit the UN Memorial Cemetery, a solemn resting place for people from numerous countries. Our exploration continues at Korea's largest fish market near Nampo Port, where fresh local catches abound. After enjoying an included lunch, we shall proceed to Yongdusan Park, where a stunning 120-metre pagoda offers panoramic views of the city.Later, we head to Songdo Beach. Here, you can experience Korea’s first marine cable car ride, offering spectacular vistas of the bay, weather permitting. Our journey continues to the vibrant Gamcheon Culture Village, a labyrinth of brightly painted houses, intriguing alleyways, engaging art galleries, pottery workshops, and delightful cafes. After this enriching day, we return to Busan, where we will spend the night.

In the morning, we will set off from Busan to explore the Seokguram Grotto, a remarkable 8th-century Buddhist site perched on the slopes of Tohamsan Mountain. Our journey continues to Bulguksa Temple, celebrated as one of Korea's most picturesque temples, showcasing exquisite architecture and serene surroundings. Next, we head to Gyeongju, historically one of Korea's longest-serving capitals, where 56 kings ruled for an impressive span of 992 years. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to capture photos of the charming wooden Woljeonggyo Bridge spanning the Namcheon River. An included lunch will provide a taste of local flavours. We then proceed to Tumuli Park, where the ancient burial mounds of Silla Kingdom royals lie, some of which are over 1,500 years old. We'll explore one of the tombs and make our way to the Cheomsongdae Astronomical Observatory, recognised as the oldest observatory in East Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our adventure continues as we arrive in Daegu, Korea's fourth-largest city. Before checking into our hotel, we will explore Dongsan Cheongna Hill, steeped in history as a former missionary area, and take a leisurely stroll down Dongseong-ro, a vibrant commercial street buzzing with trendy shops, lively cafes, and inviting restaurants. We will spend the night in Daegu.

We'll start our day in Daegu, exploring the fascinating Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine, a testament to the city's rich history of medicinal herbs. Following this, we'll meander through the Herbal Medicine Market, renowned for its high-quality herbal products, particularly ginseng. Our journey will then take us north to Andong, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the traditional Hahoe Village. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a remarkable time capsule of Korean rural life. While there, you'll also visit the Hahoe Mask Museum, which houses an impressive array of masks from around the world used in various cultural practices and performances. A local restaurant will host us for lunch. Afterwards, we'll visit the serene Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy, a 16th-century institution set against the picturesque backdrop of a river, offering a glimpse into Korea's scholarly heritage. We'll return to Seoul in the evening, and if the weather is favourable, you'll have the chance to see the Banpo Bridge over the Han River. The bridge is famed for its spectacular fountain that creates a colourful water and light show along its length. We'll conclude the day with an overnight stay in Seoul, weather permitting.

After a delightful breakfast, our adventure concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of your travels.