Korea & Tokyo: Culture & modernity

Arrive in Seoul, the capital of South Korea, known for its futuristic skyscrapers, pop culture, Buddhist temples, and bustling streets. Transfer to the hotel* and have the rest of the day free. Relax after the journey, explore the shopping avenues, or soak in the local culture at a monument. Overnight stay in Seoul.

*You may add early check-in at arrival in the next step of the booking process. To guarantee extra services, we recommend adding them when booking, as they are subject to availability.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you'll enjoy a tour of Seoul to discover the famous Gyeongbokgung Palace* and the National Folk Museum, where you'll gain insight into Korea's centuries of history and culture. After lunch, leave Seoul and head to Mount Seorak, where you'll visit the Sinheungsa Temple. End the day exploring Gwongeumseong Fortress via cable car. Overnight stay in Sokcho.

*If the timing is right, you might witness the changing of the guard ceremony, but it is not guaranteed.

Today, head south to the historic coastal city of Gyeongju. You'll enjoy the varied landscapes as you trade skyscrapers for rural scenery in central South Korea.

En route, visit Naksansa Temple, founded in the Silla Dynasty and set on a cliff overlooking the East Sea, home to the Uisandae Pavilion and the 16-meter Buddha statue. After lunch, continue to the Daereungwon Tomb Complex in Gyeongju to see Cheonmachong Tomb, a royal burial mound from the Silla period.

After a short break, you will continue to Gyeongju. You'll have free time to relax or start exploring this historic city, which was the capital of the Silla Kingdom and has more tombs, temples, Buddhist statues, and palace ruins than any other destination in the country. Overnight stay in Gyeongju.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you'll have a visit to Gyeongju, starting with the charming Bulguksa Temple on the mountainside overlooking the city. This main temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism houses national treasures such as the Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas.

Next, head to Seokguram Grotto, a UNESCO World Heritage site, built between 742 and 765. This ancient hermitage features some of the world's most incredible Buddhist sculptures.

After lunch, continue south to the vibrant port city of Busan, where you’ll visit the stunning Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, one of the most picturesque temples in South Korea. Built in the 14th century, it overlooks the sea and features various statues and relics. In the afternoon, enjoy views from Ibagu-Gil, a hill street offering a spectacular panoramic view of the city.

The last stop of the day is the Gwangan Bridge, the iconic Busan suspension bridge stretching 7.4 km from Busan to U-dong. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening free for relaxation. Overnight stay in Busan.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you'll tour the highlights of Busan. The first stop is Gamcheon Culture Village, a coastal village built on a mountainside. You might have seen this colourful village in photos, but it is even more charming in person. You'll visit Gukje Market and Jagalchi Fish Market. Gukje Market dates back to the Korean War when refugees set up stalls to sell imported goods, and Jagalchi is famous for its incredibly fresh fish and seafood, with stalls selling snacks to go.

After lunch, continue through the beautiful southern coast and arrive in Yeosu, where you can ride South Korea's first over-the-ocean cable car, the Yeosu Maritime Cable Car. This scenic ride offers panoramic views of Yeosu's coastline and the surrounding Dadohae Marine National Park. Overnight stay in Yeosu.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you'll visit the natural landscapes of Suncheon Bay Wetland and the traditional village of Naganeupseong.

After lunch, head to Jeonju with a stop in Damyang to visit Juknokwon Bamboo Garden, a bamboo forest cultivated by the city of Damyang. You'll walk through the forest for an hour and enjoy the light display. Overnight stay in Jeonju.

Breakfast at the hotel. Continue to Jeonju Hanok Village for a guided walking tour with transfers included, where you can explore traditional Korean houses and lively streets. You'll transfer back to Seoul and have the rest of the day free to enjoy as you wish. Explore the picturesque Bukchon Hanok Village, stroll through Insadong with its craft shops and traditional tea houses, or perhaps visit N Seoul Tower for panoramic views and dinner in the lively Hongdae district. Overnight stay in Seoul.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a free day to explore Seoul at your own pace. If you haven’t already, savour street food at Gwangjang Market, one of the city's largest and oldest markets. You can also opt for an optional tour of the historic Demilitarized Zone* to learn about Korea's history and the impact of past events. Overnight stay in Seoul.

*Optional tour to the Korean Demilitarized Zone: visit the famous Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea. The first stop is Imjingak Pavilion, home to various monuments and memorials related to the Korean War. After a presentation, continue to Dora Observatory for general views of the area and even North Korean territory (with the help of binoculars). You'll visit Dorasan Station, once serving both North and South Korea, and pass through Imjingak Park before visiting Paju's shopping centre. Return to Seoul, ending at Myeongdong Station.

Note: You must bring your passport for this excursion.

Breakfast at the hotel.* Today, leave Seoul behind and head to the airport ready for your flight to Tokyo. Arrival at Tokyo Airport and transfer on your own** to the hotel. If you do not include a private transfer service, we recommend that you use Japan’s public transportation, which is one of the best in the world: reliable, clean, and extremely punctual. Take some time to settle in and relax after your journey before your adventure begins. 

Once settled, the rest of the day is free to start discovering this exciting city of contrasts and its delicious cuisine! We recommend heading to one of the many food markets where you can sample local dishes at bargain prices! Overnight stay in Tokyo.

*The included breakfast will depend on your flight schedule and the hotel's breakfast service.

**You'll have the option to book a private transfer from and to the airport in the next step of the booking process.

Note: You can also add an optional meet-and-greet at the airport with one of our representatives, who will assist you with your transfer, itinerary, and travel documents.

This morning is free for you to keep exploring Tokyo. In the afternoon, enjoy your first city tour. You’ll stop at the Imperial Palace Plaza and view the iconic Nijubashi Bridge, flanked by historic stone walls. Next, visit Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji, and stroll through Nakamise Street for local snacks and souvenirs.

Pass by Kabukiza Theater and the Ginza shopping district on your way to Tokyo Tower’s main observatory, where views of the city and Mount Fuji await from 150 meters up. Overnight stay in Tokyo.

Enjoy a full day to explore Tokyo at your own pace, discovering the city’s endless attractions and hidden gems. For an added adventure, we recommend that you join our optional Mount Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi tour.* This excursion offers stunning views of Japan’s iconic peak and the serene beauty of Lake Kawaguchi, making for an unforgettable experience. Overnight stay in Tokyo.

*Optional Mount Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi tour: Experience the majesty of Mt. Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on this hassle-free day tour from Shinjuku. Visit popular spots like Lake Kawaguchiko, Oishi Park, Arakurayama Sengen Shrine, and Gotemba Premium Outlets. Enjoy seamless travel between scenic locations, stunning views of Mt. Fuji, and plenty of time to shop for souvenirs.

At the indicated time, self-transfer to the airport* for your flight back home. It's time to say “Sayōnara” or goodbye to Japan after an unforgettable adventure through the landscapes, cities, and treasures of this fascinating country. Night on board.

*You'll have the option to book a private transfer from and to the airport in the next step of the booking process.