Cultural Odyssey Korea to China Highlights
Start your adventure in Seoul for a thrilling 16-day tour, ending in Chengdu. In South Korea, you’ll explore Seoul’s majestic palaces and vibrant Gangnam District, then head to Busan for seaside temples and cultural villages. Experience Korea’s ancient past in Gyeongju and savour Daegu’s herbal markets before returning to Seoul to visit the DMZ. Fly to China and dive into the wonders of Beijing, including the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. Discover Shanghai’s blend of tradition and modernity, then journey through Luoyang, Xi’an, and the pandas of Chengdu. Expect a dazzling tapestry of iconic landmarks, captivating culture, and unforgettable experiences.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
16 daysHotel Rating
3-5 star hotelsStarts
SeoulEnds
ChengduMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in South Korea that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Countries
South Korea, ChinaTour Style
Group Size
Up to 65 travelers
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Travel Style
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
Partially Guided
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
These ratings are a general guide and may vary from tour to tour.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Large Coach ToursPassengers
$7,675.00
$500.00
Free eSIM included
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Places You'll See
Seoul
Busan
Seokguram
Bulguksa
Gyeongju
Daegu
Andong
Hahoe
Beijing
Shanghai
Luoyang
Longmen
Sanmexia
Xian
Chengdu
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Seoul
On arrival in Seoul, we transfer you to the hotel and you have time to settle in. In the afternoon we share practical information about the start of the tour.
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.
Day 2 - Seoul - Busan
This morning we enjoy an extensive tour of Seoul lasting around five hours. We visit Gyeongbokgung Palace – entrance included – then stroll the traditional lanes of Bukchon Hanok Village. We continue to the War Memorial of Korea – entrance included. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. We explore the lively Gangnam district before stopping at Lotte World Tower – you have free time to go up the tower, enjoy the park or browse the luxury shops. Later we transfer to the station for the high speed train to Busan. On arrival we transfer to the hotel for the night.
Day 3 - Busan
This morning we drive to Haedong Yonggung Temple, a 14th century Buddhist sanctuary set dramatically by the sea. Back in Busan, we visit the United Nations Memorial Cemetery – entrance included – then the country’s largest fish market by Nampo port. Lunch is included. We walk to Yongdusan Park to see its pagoda rising to 120 metres, then continue to Songdo Beach for a ride on the maritime cable car – included and subject to weather – for sweeping views of the bay. We end in the colourful lanes of Gamcheon Cultural Village, alive with art studios, pottery workshops and cafés, and return to Busan for the night.
Day 4 - Busan - Seokguram - Bulguksa - Gyeongju - Daegu
We travel to the Seokguram Grotto – entrance included – an 8th century Buddhist treasure on the slopes of Tohamsan, then visit the beautiful Bulguksa Temple – entrance included. In Gyeongju, former capital for 992 years under 56 kings, we pause to photograph the elegant Woljeonggyo Bridge over the Namcheon River. Lunch is included. We continue to Tumuli Park to see the ancient royal burial mounds and visit one tomb – entrance included – then walk to Cheomsongdae Observatory, the oldest in East Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We proceed to Daegu to see Dongsan Cheongna Hill, the vibrant Dongseongro shopping street and the Yangnyeongsi Museum of Traditional Medicine – entrance included. Overnight in Daegu.
Day 5 - Daegu - Andong - Hahoe - Seoul
We head north to Andong to visit UNESCO listed Hahoe Village – admission included. You have free time to wander its time capsule lanes. We also visit the excellent World Mask Museum, then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. We continue to the riverside Confucian academy of Byeongsan Seowon, founded in the 16th century, set in serene countryside. By mid afternoon we arrive in Seoul.
Day 6 - Seoul
We visit the Aegibong Observatory in Gimpo, close to the border with North Korea, where on clear days we can see across into the North. We continue to the Paju Demilitarised Zone at Imjingang – lunch is included. We see the National Memorial and Mangbaedan Altar, visit Imjingak Pavilion Temple, and take the cable car – included – for elevated views near the Military Demarcation Line. We finish at the Freedom Bridge. Important note – bring your passport as it is mandatory. The DMZ is a military area and may close without notice; if so, an alternative tour will be provided. Later we walk around City Hall Square to view its wave shaped façade, then cross to Deoksugung Palace, beautifully lit at night. We continue on foot to Myeongdong, the country’s largest shopping and entertainment district, whose name means bright tunnel. Dinner is included at a local restaurant. We return on the modern Seoul subway – ticket included.
Day 7 - Seoul - Beijing
We transfer you to the airport for the included flight to Beijing. On arrival in China we transfer to the hotel. Later we head to bustling Wangfujing Street for a first taste of the city. Dinner is included, then we return to the hotel.
Day 8 - Beijing
A full day of discovery in Beijing. We walk across vast Tiananmen Square and visit the Forbidden City, residence of 24 emperors for nearly five centuries. We continue to Jingshan Park to climb Coal Hill for sweeping views of the Forbidden City – weather permitting. Lunch is included. In the afternoon we take a tricycle ride through historic hutongs, visit local shops and step inside a traditional siheyuan courtyard home. We then explore the lakes and pavilions of the Summer Palace, the Qing emperors’ retreat. Around 6.30 p.m. the tour ends – you may return to the hotel by bus or stay in the centre and make your own way back, so carry the hotel address written in Chinese. Note – due to capacity limits at the Forbidden City, entry cannot always be guaranteed; if unavailable, we visit the Confucius Temple and the Lama Temple instead.
Day 9 - Beijing - Shanghai
We take an excursion to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, riding the cable car up and down – tickets included. We enjoy a farewell lunch in Beijing featuring Peking duck, then transfer to the station for the high speed train to Shanghai. On arrival we transfer to the hotel for check in and overnight.
Day 10 - Shanghai
We begin in Pudong, the modern financial district with a striking skyline that includes the Pearl Tower. We take a scenic ferry across the Huangpu for fine views of old and new Shanghai. In the Old City we visit tranquil Yuyuan Garden and enjoy an introduction to traditional tea. We continue through fashionable Xintiandi. Lunch is included. In the afternoon we explore the lanes of Tianzifang, now filled with crafts and galleries, then stroll The Bund with its grand riverside architecture reflecting historic European trade. Free afternoon – if you wish, you can join a boat trip to admire Shanghai by night.
Day 11 - Shanghai - Luoyang
We transfer to the station for a high speed train scheduled for 7.17 a.m. – in just over five hours we cover 1,000 kilometres to Luoyang through changing countryside. Lunch is included. We visit the magnificent Longmen Grottoes, where more than 100,000 Buddhist statues and carvings line the cliffs, and take a scenic boat ride to appreciate the scale of the site. Later we head into old Luoyang, pass through its city walls and enjoy the lively, lantern lit streets.
Day 12 - Luoyang - Longmen - Sanmexia - Xian
Early this morning we visit the White Horse Monastery on the outskirts of Luoyang, a historic centre of Buddhist learning. We continue to Sanmenxia to view the mighty Yellow River and visit Baolun Temple with its tall pagoda. We also tour the excellent Guo Museum to see the ancient funeral carriages of the former State of Guo. Lunch is included. We drive east past sacred Mount Hua and arrive in Xian by late afternoon.
Day 13 - Xian
We begin in Xian with the astonishing Terracotta Army, thousands of life sized soldiers guarding the tomb of the first emperor. Back in the city we visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, then explore the historic walled centre and the bustling Muslim Quarter, including the Great Mosque. We include entry to the Drum Tower for a short performance of traditional music on ancient instruments. Afterwards you have free time to explore at your own pace.
Day 14 - Xian - Chengdu
We leave Xian on a very modern high speed train and in just over three hours cover the 700 kilometres to Chengdu. On arrival we visit the panda research and breeding centre, home to around 120 giant pandas and 76 red pandas. Lunch is included. In the afternoon we stroll through People’s Park with its lake, locals practising tai chi and classic tea houses.
Day 15 - Chengdu
We spend a full day in Sichuan’s countryside, discovering gentle landscapes and traditional towns. In Dujiangyan we see the ancient irrigation system that has operated for more than 2,000 years and is a World Heritage Site. We continue to Qingcheng Shan, a revered Taoist mountain whose forest paths reveal caves, pavilions and centuries old wooden temples – lunch is included. We finish in the ancient town of Jiezi, wandering alleys with more than a thousand years of history, before returning to Chengdu.
Day 16 - Chengdu
After breakfast we conclude our journey – farewell, leaving you with wonderful memories.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Seoul
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Confirmation of the hotels used may not be available until 48 hours before the tour departs.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
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