Macau to Seoul Far East Odyssey

Welcome to Japan! Upon your arrival, we'll arrange your transfer to the hotel, where you'll have some free time to unwind and settle in. Later in the afternoon, we'll provide you with all the essential information to kickstart your exciting tour. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure to relax and acclimatise. 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 Day 2, we'll delve into the rich tapestry of Macau, a city whose historic centre is proudly recognised as a World Heritage Site. Once under Portuguese administration from the 16th century until 1999, the city is a showcase of fascinating history, from ancient churches and intricately tiled civil buildings to its well-preserved fortress and China's oldest lighthouse. You'll have some free time for personal exploration and a meal. In the afternoon, we embark on a journey across the majestic bridge linking Macau to Hong Kong. Opened in late 2018, this engineering marvel stretches over 30 kilometres across the China Sea, includes a 6-kilometre tunnel beneath the waves, and features artificial islands. We'll make a stop at its visitor platform to admire this splendid feat of construction. Upon our arrival in Hong Kong, we'll settle into our accommodation before embarking on a brief yet delightful trip aboard the Star Ferry. This will take us across Hong Kong Bay, providing stunning views of the brilliantly illuminated skyline from the opposite shore. After soaking in the sights, we'll return to the hotel's vicinity for an included dinner. Please note that if our group has fewer than 12 members, the journey from Macau to Hong Kong might be via a shuttle bus.

Following breakfast, we will embark on a city tour of Hong Kong, exploring its financial district, characterised by towering skyscrapers. We’ll delve into the city’s past with a visit to the History Museum, providing insights into Hong Kong's colonial era and events during World War II. Our journey continues along the Avenue of Stars, showcasing icons of the film industry against the scenic backdrop of the docks. Aboard the Star Ferry, we’ll glide across Hong Kong Bay and ascend to Victoria Peak by bus, where you can enjoy panoramic views from this 552-metre-high vantage point. We will then descend via the Peak Tram, a historic funicular railway. Following the morning tour, you’ll have the afternoon free to explore the city's many attractions at your own pace, whether it’s shopping, dining, or further sightseeing.

Today, we will ensure your seamless transfer to the airport for your flight to Busan. Welcome to Korea! Upon completing border procedures, one of our assistants will greet you at the airport's arrivals area. We will then transfer you to your hotel in Busan. From there, the remainder of the day is at your leisure, allowing you to explore and enjoy the vibrant cityscape or simply relax and unwind as you wish.

In the morning, we'll set off from Busan to explore Haedong Yonggung, a 14th-century Buddhist temple uniquely situated by the sea. We'll then return to Busan to visit the UN Memorial Cemetery, the final resting place for individuals from numerous nations. Following this, we'll explore the country's largest fish market at Nampo Port and enjoy an included lunch. After lunch, we'll leisurely make our way to Yongdusan Park, where the impressive 120-metre pagoda stands proudly. Later, we'll visit Songdo Beach, where, weather permitting, you can enjoy a ride on the nation's inaugural marine cable car (ticket included) and admire the stunning views of the bay. We'll continue to Gamcheon Culture Village, celebrated for its vibrant, colourful buildings, intricate alleyways, art galleries, pottery workshops, and charming cafes. After a day full of discovery, we'll return to Busan for the night.

Today begins with a departure to the Seokguram Buddhist Grotto, an extraordinary site dating back to the 8th century, set on the slopes of Tohamsan Mountain. This is followed by a visit to Bulguksa Temple, acclaimed as one of Korea’s most magnificent temples. Our next destination is Gyeongju, a city that holds the record for the longest-standing capital in Korean history, having been ruled by 56 kings over 992 years. You'll have an opportunity to capture photos of the picturesque wooden Woljeonggyo Bridge spanning the Namcheon River. Lunch is included. In the afternoon, we shall explore Tumuli Park, which houses ancient burial mounds of the Silla Kingdom, some over 1,500 years old. We’ll take a peek inside one of these tombs before walking to Cheomsongdae Astronomical Observatory, the oldest observatory in East Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our journey carries on to Daegu, Korea’s fourth largest city. Before heading to our hotel for the night, we’ll visit Dongsan Cheongna Hill, a historically significant area that once accommodated Christian missionaries. We’ll also explore Dongseong-ro, Daegu’s liveliest street, buzzing with trendy shops, cafes, and restaurants. This marks the end of our engaging day, with an overnight stay in Daegu.

We start our day with a guided tour of Daegu, beginning at the Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine, renowned for its extensive history in medicinal herbs. We’ll then wander through the Herbal Medicine Market, famous for its array of herbal shops, particularly known for high-quality ginseng. Heading north, we arrive at Andong to explore the fringes of Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have time to meander around this traditional village that seems to have preserved the essence of times gone by. Our visit includes the Hahoe Mask Museum, home to a variety of masks used in dances, religious ceremonies, and theatrical performances from across the globe. After a delightful lunch at a local eatery, we visit the Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy, established in the 16th century, beautifully situated by a tranquil river. In the evening, we reach Seoul. Weather permitting, we’ll catch a glimpse of the Banpo Bridge over the Han River, celebrated for its fountain display that lights up the night with a rainbow of water and colours. We stay overnight in Seoul. Please note the visit to Banpo Bridge is dependent on weather conditions.

We set off early for a visit to the Cheorwon region, home to a portion of the DMZ, the Demilitarised Zone that separates North and South Korea. We explore the Second Tunnel, a clandestine passage excavated by the North Korean army and uncovered in 1975. Next, we'll head to the Cheorwon Peace Observatory, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the DMZ and catch a glimpse of the nearby North Korean villages. Inside, a small museum details the events of the Korean War. Our journey continues to the abandoned Woljeong-ri railway station before we visit the Baek Ma Battle Memorial, commemorating the contributions of a French UN battalion. Lunch is included today. Afterwards, we visit a local Makgeolli producer to learn about and taste this traditional Korean rice liquor. We return to Seoul in the evening. Please ensure you have your passport handy, as it's necessary for visiting the DMZ, a military zone that may close unexpectedly without prior notice. If this occurs, an alternative itinerary will be offered.With our guide, we head to City Hall to marvel at the impressive architecture of the tsunami-inspired building. Across the road, we find the beautifully illuminated Deoksugung Palace, offering a lovely juxtaposition of tradition and modernity. From here, a short walk takes us to the bustling Myeongdong district, South Korea's largest hub for shopping and entertainment, aptly named "bright town." Dinner is included at a local restaurant. We return to our hotel using Seoul's modern and efficient metro system—tickets are provided. Enjoy an overnight stay in Seoul.

Today, we shall embark on an enriching five-hour exploration of Seoul. Our journey begins with a visit to Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled within a sprawling park and renowned for its splendid ensemble of palaces. We'll then stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming area steeped in history, where you can admire the traditional Korean homes. The day's discoveries continue at the War Memorial of Korea, an impressive museum offering profound insights into the conflicts that have moulded Korea's past, with particular emphasis on the Korean War, where soldiers from numerous nations served under the United Nations. We'll pause for an included lunch at a local eatery before venturing into the vibrant Gangnam District, famed for its bustling shopping centres and entertainment spots. To round off our day, we'll visit the Lotte World Tower, an awe-inspiring skyscraper that soars 550 metres into the sky. You are free to ascend the tower (note: ticket not included) or explore the adjacent park and upscale shopping areas. After our visit, we'll return to the hotel, providing you with free time to unwind.

Once you've enjoyed breakfast, our itinerary concludes, leaving you with a collection of cherished memories.