Journey Through Korea and Japan

Upon your arrival in Korea, you'll be transferred to your hotel where you’ll have some free time to relax and acclimatise. In the afternoon, we'll provide you with essential information about the start of your exciting tour. Please be aware that travellers may join or leave the group at various points along the journey, which means the group composition might change, but rest assured that our maximum group size will never be surpassed. 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 embark on an extensive five-hour exploration of Seoul. Our day begins at Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled within a vast park and featuring a series of royal palaces. Following this, we will wander through Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional neighbourhood brimming with small, charming houses. Next on our itinerary is the War Memorial, an impressive museum detailing Korea’s historical conflicts, with a particular focus on the Korean War, where soldiers from various nations joined forces with the United Nations.Lunch, included, will be enjoyed at a local restaurant. Our journey continues to the bustling Gangnam District, renowned for its shopping and entertainment facilities. Our final stop in Seoul is the striking Lotte World Tower, soaring to 550 metres. Here, you have the freedom to ascend the tower (admission is at your discretion) or explore its park and luxurious shopping venues.In the evening, we will transfer you to the station to board a high-speed train to Busan (ticket included). Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

In the morning, we'll leave Busan and head to Haedong Yonggung, a striking 14th-century Buddhist temple perched by the sea, offering a unique and picturesque setting. Returning to Busan, our journey continues at the UN Memorial Cemetery, a solemn tribute to the diverse international soldiers who fought for peace. Next, we'll explore Korea's largest fish market near Nampo Port before enjoying an included lunch. We'll then take a leisurely walk to Yongdusan Park, where the imposing 120-metre-high Busan Tower stands proudly. Later in the afternoon, we'll visit Songdo Beach, where you're invited to ride Korea's first marine cable car (included, weather permitting) for sweeping views of the bay. The adventure proceeds to Gamcheon Culture Village, celebrated for its vibrant and colourful houses, intricate alleyways, and numerous art spaces and cafés. Our day concludes with a return to Busan for an overnight stay, giving you the chance to reflect on the day's rich experiences.

Today, we depart from Busan to explore the captivating Seokguram Buddhist Grotto, dating back to the 8th century and magnificently positioned on the slopes of Tohamsan. Our journey continues with a visit to Bulguksa Temple, celebrated as one of Korea's architectural gems. We then make our way to Gyeongju, historically significant as Korea's longest-reigning capital with a remarkable lineage of 56 kings over 992 years. Here, you will have the opportunity to capture the elegance of the wooden Woljeonggyo Bridge along the banks of the Namcheon River. Following an included lunch, we explore Tumuli Park, where ancient royal burial mounds from the Silla Kingdom, over 1,500 years old, await us. We'll also discover one of these intriguing tombs before strolling over to the Cheomsongdae Astronomical Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest of its kind in East Asia. Our day concludes with our arrival in Daegu, Korea's fourth-largest city, where we'll witness the historical Dongsan Cheongna Hill, famously home to early Christian missionaries, and the vibrant Dongseong-ro street, known for its trendy shops, cafés, and restaurants. We'll spend the night in Daegu.

We begin our day in Daegu with a visit to the Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine, celebrated for its rich heritage of medicinal herbs. After exploring, we’ll wander through the bustling Herbal Medicine Market, famed for its vast array of herbal shops, particularly known for the quality of ginseng. Our journey then takes us north to Andong, where we’ll explore the outskirts of Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have time to immerse yourself in this charming village, which seems to be untouched by time. Here, we’ll also visit the Hahoe Mask Museum, which showcases various masks used globally in dances, rituals, and performances, providing a fascinating insight into cultural traditions.Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, after which we proceed to the Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy. Established in the 16th century and set in a serene riverside location, this academy offers a glimpse into Korea's educational past. We aim to reach Seoul by evening. If conditions permit, there will be a stop at the Banpo Bridge on the Han River. This bridge is renowned for its stunning display of water and lights that create a rainbow effect along its path. We will conclude the day with an overnight stay in Seoul. Please note, visiting Banpo Bridge may be contingent on weather conditions.

Following breakfast, we’ll organise your transfer to the airport for your included flight to Tokyo. Once you’ve navigated through border checks, you'll be met by an assistant, who may be Spanish or occasionally English-speaking. From here, you’ll be whisked away to your hotel via a shared shuttle bus. After settling in, the remainder of your day is at leisure – explore Tokyo at your own pace, immerse yourself in the city's rich culture, or simply relax and unwind.

In the morning, we will embark on an enlightening guided tour of Tokyo, a city where the bustle of modern life harmoniously coexists with peaceful sanctuaries. Our exploration will last approximately five hours, starting with a visit to Zojoji Temple. Here, you'll have the opportunity to photograph one of Tokyo's most iconic views featuring the Tokyo Tower, set against a backdrop of the temple’s serene grounds and its sea of Jizo statues, revered as protectors of children's souls.Our journey continues to the dynamic Shibuya Crossing, often considered the busiest pedestrian crossing globally. From there, we'll head to the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, set amidst beautiful forestry. A scenic drive along Omotesando Avenue will lead us to the picturesque gardens of the Imperial Palace, where we'll pause to admire the historic Nijubashi Bridge. As we proceed through Akihabara, famously known as "Electric Town," you'll witness the heart of Japanese pop culture. We'll also drive past the Kokugikan, Japan's premier sumo wrestling arena. Our tour concludes in Asakusa with a visit to the historic Sensoji Temple and the bustling Nakamise Street, vibrant with traditional shops and local snacks. Lunch is included at a local restaurant.Later, we reconvene at 6:30 p.m. in the hotel lobby to join our guide on a metro journey to the energetic Shinjuku district. Here, you’ll take in the electrifying nightlife as we stroll to dinner at a local restaurant (included). After dinner, we’ll accompany you back to the hotel via metro, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable day exploring Tokyo’s famed contrasts.

We begin our day in Tokyo by boarding a bullet train to Kyoto, a journey that covers almost 500 kilometres in just over two hours. Upon arrival, we’ll delve into the rich history and culture of Kyoto, Japan’s former capital and home to the Imperial Court from 794 to 1868. Notably spared during World War II, Kyoto has retained its abundant artistic and architectural heritage. Our explorations will take us to some of Kyoto's most iconic sites. We will visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates. We'll then explore the Imperial Palace, where you can immerse yourself in the grandeur of Japan’s historical heart. A visit to the Kinkakuji Temple, or the ‘Golden Pavilion,’ awaits—admire its shimmering gold leaf against the backdrop of tranquil gardens.Later, we’ll wander through the atmospheric streets of Gion, Kyoto’s renowned traditional district. Known for its geishas and historic teahouses, Gion provides a perfect reflection of the city’s enduring cultural traditions. Here, you will have an opportunity to soak in the lively ambience during your free time before we conclude our day.

On our ninth day, we journey to Nara, where we'll explore the remarkable Todaiji, a grand Buddhist temple established in 752. Here, you can marvel at the impressive giant Buddha statue and perhaps capture photos with the gentle deer that wander the surrounding park. After enjoying an included lunch, our tour continues to the Horyu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This sacred site features a complex comprising a seminary, monasteries, and temples. The central pagoda is notable as one of the world's oldest wooden structures and holds the honour of being Japan's oldest Buddhist temple, serving as a pivotal space for worship.As our journey progresses, we make our way to Osaka, Japan’s second-largest urban area, known for its vibrant modernity. Upon arrival in the evening, we settle into accommodation in this bustling city. Later, we explore Dotonbori, a lively and colourful district famed for its dynamic nightlife, offering a perfect blend of Osaka’s energetic spirit and culinary delights.

Following breakfast, our unforgettable journey concludes in Osaka. We hope you leave with cherished memories of your adventure. Safe travels!