Asian Odyssey China, Korea, Japan Adventure

Welcome to China! Upon your arrival in Beijing, we will transfer you to your hotel to settle in. As the evening sets in, we'll make our way to Wangfujing Street—a bustling pedestrian avenue filled with shops and an array of dining options. This vibrant area offers a perfect introduction to the city's lively atmosphere. Dinner is included, providing you with a taste of local cuisine, after which we'll return to the hotel. 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.

Our second day in Beijing promises a fascinating exploration of China's illustrious capital. We'll begin our full-day tour by delving into the heart of Chinese imperial history at the Forbidden City, the grand 500-year-old complex that served as the residence of 24 emperors. We then move to Jingshan Park, where – weather allowing – we'll be rewarded with stunning views of the Forbidden City from Coal Hill, a peak in one of Beijing's finest preserved imperial gardens.Next, we'll wander through the expansive Tiananmen Square, absorbing the sheer scale of one of the world's largest public squares, all while taking in views of the impressive Great National Theatre, also known as the Beijing Opera House. Lunch is provided as we continue our journey to the Summer Palace, a former imperial retreat of the Qing Dynasty, known for its exquisite gardens and tranquil lakes.The afternoon sees us experience a slice of traditional Beijing life with a tricycle ride through the historic Hutong neighborhoods. Here, discover the cultural essence of the city through visits to traditional shops and a Siheyuan, or courtyard house, which reflects Beijing's unique architectural charm. We'll return to our hotel for an overnight stay. Please note, due to current visitor capacity restrictions at the Forbidden City, this visit is subject to availability. Should access be unavailable, we will explore the culturally significant Confucius Temple and Lama Temple instead.

Today, we embark on a journey to one of the world's most iconic sights—the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu. This remarkable structure, over 2,000 years old, stretches across stunning mountain terrain. We’ll use the cable car to access one of its most picturesque sections, offering panoramic views that will leave a lasting impression.On our return to Beijing, we’ll explore the lively 798 Art District. Once a military factory, this area has transformed into a modern hub for contemporary art, featuring an array of galleries, studios, and creative spaces.Our next destination is the Temple of Heaven, a vast sacred complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This architectural marvel was where emperors once prayed for bountiful harvests.After an inspiring day, we’ll relax with a soothing foot massage followed by a Tai Chi class—an ideal way to embrace the harmony of traditional Chinese culture. To conclude our day, we’ll savour a delicious lacquered duck dinner, a renowned local delicacy.

Following breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Seoul. Welcome to Korea! Upon arrival, you will be greeted and taken to your hotel where you will meet your guide. In the evening, our exploration of this captivating country begins. We will navigate the city using the modern and efficient subway system, learning its use as we go. Our journey will start at the impressive City Hall, a building with architecture reminiscent of a tsunami. Just across from City Hall, we will witness the Deoksugung Palace, made ever more enchanting by its evening illumination, offering a stunning showcase of Korea's unique blend of tradition and modernity. From here, we will stroll to Myeongdong, Korea's most lively and largest shopping district, aptly named the "bright tunnel." To conclude our first day in Seoul, dinner will be served at a local restaurant, providing an introduction to the region's delightful culinary offerings.

On our fifth day, we embark on an extensive five-hour exploration of Seoul, beginning with the Changdeokgung Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage site, nestled in a sprawling park, offers a glimpse into Korea’s regal architectural legacy. Next, we journey through Bukchon Hanok Village, where you can admire the charm of traditional Korean homes. Our tour then leads us to the War Memorial of Korea, an expansive museum offering profound insights into Korea's military history, with a particular emphasis on the Korean War. Lunch will be provided at a local eatery.We'll proceed to the bustling Gangnam District, famed for its array of shopping centres and vibrant entertainment outlets. To conclude our sightseeing, we will visit the iconic Lotte World Tower, soaring 550 metres into the sky. You'll have free time to choose between a trip up the tower for remarkable views of the city (please note, the ticket is not included) or to explore the surrounding park and luxury shopping precincts. Afterwards, we'll return to the hotel where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Today, we will delve into Korea's rich heritage with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, an architectural marvel with a history spanning more than 600 years. If timing allows, we may witness the ceremonial changing of the guard, a vibrant display of traditional Korean culture. After our palace visit, we will journey south from Seoul to Suwon, the former capital of Korea. Suwon is renowned for its impressive UNESCO World Heritage walls, and you'll have the chance to view these formidable fortifications. We will also visit Hwaseong Haenggung, the summer palace, where we will enjoy an included lunch amidst its historical significance. As our day continues, we will set off for Jeonju, where the captivating Hanok Village awaits. This historic centre boasts charming traditional houses, quaint shops, and intriguing art galleries, offering a glimpse into Korea's rich past.

We begin our day by departing for Sunchang Gochujang Village, nestled at the base of Mount Amisan. This picturesque location, characterised by charming hanok houses and courtyards decorated with clay pots known as hang-a-ri, is renowned for its skilled artisans who craft gochujang using traditional methods. Here, we’ll engage in a hands-on session to learn the art of making this famous Korean chilli paste. Our journey then continues to the serene Juknokwon Bamboo Forest in Damyang, where beautifully laid paths provide an ideal backdrop for meditation and enjoying the fresh breeze. Within the forest, we’ll discover a delightful selection of bamboo products, celebrated at the Bamboo Museum. Lunch, featuring a local speciality of rice cooked and served within a bamboo stalk, will be included. Our day proceeds with a visit to Haeinsa, one of Korea’s most revered Buddhist temples, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in 802, Haeinsa is home to the Tripitaka Koreana, the most complete collection of Buddhist scriptures, meticulously carved on 80,000 wooden tablets. As the day draws to a close, we’ll make our way to Busan, Korea’s vibrant second-largest city, where we’ll settle in for an overnight stay.

In the morning, we will journey from Busan to the stunning Haedong Yonggung Temple, established in the 14th century and elegantly perched by the sea. Following our visit, we'll return to Busan to pay our respects at the UN Memorial Cemetery, the final resting place for individuals from numerous nations. Our next stop will be the bustling fish market by Nampo Port, which holds the title of Korea’s largest. Here, we'll enjoy an included lunch. Continuing our exploration, we’ll stroll through Yongdusan Park, dominated by a towering 120-metre pagoda. Later, we’ll make our way to Songdo Beach, where you can experience a ride on Korea’s first marine cable car – ticket provided, weather permitting – offering panoramic views of the picturesque bay. Our day will conclude at the Gamcheon Culture Village, celebrated for its vivid, colourful buildings, intricate alleyways, art galleries, pottery workshops, and charming cafes. After a fulfilling day, we will return to Busan for an overnight stay.

We've planned a captivating day of exploration starting with a visit to the Seokguram Grotto, an ancient Buddhist sanctuary set atop Mount Tohamsan. Built in the 8th century, this site offers a serene atmosphere and is a testament to historical craftsmanship. Following this, we will explore the picturesque Bulguksa Temple, renowned for its beautiful architecture and tranquility. Our journey continues to Gyeongju, the historic capital of the Silla Kingdom, which reigned for nearly a millennium under 56 monarchs. In Gyeongju, you'll have the opportunity to photograph the elegant Woljeonggyo Bridge that gracefully spans the Namcheon River. Lunch is included today. We will then make our way to Tumuli Park, famous for its ancient burial mounds of Silla kings, some dating back over 1,500 years. Here, you will have the chance to explore one of these historic tombs. Our day continues with a visit to the Cheomsongdae Astronomical Observatory, the oldest of its kind in East Asia and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our journey concludes with arrival in Daegu, Korea's fourth most populous city. Before retiring for the night, we will visit Dongsan Cheongna Hill, an area steeped in history, once home to dedicated Christian missionaries. For those looking to immerse further into local life, you can explore Dongseong-ro, a vibrant street bustling with trendy shops and eateries. We will spend the night in Daegu, offering a comfortable rest after our day of new experiences.

Today, we begin our exploration in Daegu with a visit to the Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine, where you can learn about the rich history of medicinal herbs. Then, we’ll stroll through the nearby Herbal Medicine Market, famed for its plethora of herbal shops offering high-quality products, particularly ginseng. Our journey continues as we head north to Andong, where we’ll explore the renowned Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site that captures the charm of a rural bygone era. Here, you'll have the opportunity to wander through the village and explore the intriguing Hahoe Mask Museum, which showcases a collection of masks from different cultures used in various traditional ceremonies and performances.After lunch at a local restaurant, we'll proceed to the Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy, nestled in idyllic scenery by a river. Founded in the 16th century, this peaceful academy serves as a testament to Korea’s Confucian heritage. In the evening, we’ll make our way back to Seoul, and, if conditions allow, we’ll stop by the Banpo Bridge. This impressive structure is renowned for its captivating rainbow fountain that lights up the bridge and the surrounding Han River with a stunning display. Tonight, you'll stay in Seoul. Please note, the visit to Banpo Bridge is weather-dependent.

After breakfast, we'll organise your transfer to the airport for your flight to Tokyo, which is included in the package. Welcome to Japan! Once you've completed the border procedures, an assistant – usually Spanish-speaking, though occasionally English-speaking – will greet you. From there, you'll take a shared shuttle bus to your hotel, providing you with the perfect opportunity to relax and settle in. The rest of your day will be free for you to explore the vibrant city of Tokyo at your leisure.

Today, we are set to explore the fascinating city of Tokyo, with a comprehensive guided tour lasting approximately five hours. Tokyo blends vibrant, modern neighbourhoods seamlessly with areas of calm and tranquillity. We will begin our journey with a quick visit to Zojoji Temple, offering the perfect vantage point for capturing a stunning view of Tokyo Tower. The temple grounds are adorned with Jizo statues, adorned with colourful knit caps, bibs, and pinwheels, and believed to be the protectors of children.Following this, we will make our way to the famous Shibuya Crossing, often regarded as the busiest intersection in the world, before visiting the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. Our tour continues as we drive along the elegant Omotesando Avenue, leading us to the picturesque parts of the Imperial Palace and its gardens, where we will stop to admire the iconic Nijubashi Bridge.As we continue, we will pass through the lively Akihabara district, famously known as the "Electric Town," which is a haven for fans of manga and anime culture. We will also drive past the Kokugikan arena, famed for sumo wrestling events. Wrapping up, we'll find ourselves in the historic Asakusa district to visit Sensoji Temple and lively Nakamise Street. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant.After returning to our hotel and a brief rest, our evening continues at 6:30 p.m. when we will meet our guide in the hotel lobby to head to the bustling Shinjuku district via metro (with tickets included). Here, we will wander through the vibrant streets, renowned for their exciting nightlife before having dinner at a local eatery, included in our itinerary. We will conclude our day by returning to the hotel, once again using the metro, with our guide accompanying us.

Today, we'll set off on an exhilarating journey aboard Japan's renowned bullet train, whisking us swiftly from Tokyo to the timeless city of Kyoto. Covering nearly 500 kilometres in just over two hours, this experience in itself is a marvel. Upon arrival, we have the entire day to immerse ourselves in Kyoto’s rich tapestry of history and culture, a city that served as Japan’s capital for over a thousand years and was the Imperial Court’s residence until 1868. Importantly, Kyoto's architectural splendours have been preserved, as it was spared from World War II bombings. This also was the birthplace of the Kyoto Protocol, a landmark environmental accord. Our exploration will guide us to some of Kyoto's most iconic sites. We’ll visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famed for its striking torii gate pathway; the Imperial Palace, once the seat of the emperors; and the Kinkakuji Temple, or the "Golden Pavilion," with its breathtaking gardens. Later, delight in free time to wander through Gion, a vibrant district celebrated for its traditional charms and geisha culture. Here, you'll have the opportunity to fully appreciate the city's enchanting atmosphere.

We’ll depart for Nara to visit Todaiji, a magnificent Buddhist temple built in 752, home to a giant Buddha statue. Here, you’ll also have the chance to take photos and interact with the friendly deer that roam freely in the surrounding park. Lunch will be included.Afterward, we’ll visit the Horyu-ji Buddhist Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses a seminary, monasteries, and temples. Its central pagoda is one of the oldest wooden structures in the world and holds the distinction of being Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple, serving as an important place of worship.Our journey will then take us to Osaka, where we’ll arrive in the evening. Accommodation will be in this vibrant and modern city, known as Japan’s second-largest urban area. Later, we’ll visit Dotonbori, a lively and colorful district renowned for its bustling nightlife.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.