Essence of South Korea & Japan

Tour Itinerary

• Days 1-2: UK - Seoul

  Fly overnight to Seoul, where you will begin your journey with a welcome dinner while getting to know your fellow travellers.

• Day 3: Seoul

  Immerse yourself in authentic Korean culture at Gyeongbokgung Palace. Witness the traditional Changing of the Guards ceremony before taking part in a hands-on Korean cooking class

• Day 4 • DMZ

  Discover the legacy of the Korean War at the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), the heavily fortified border spanning 250km across the Korean Peninsula

• Day 5: Gyeongju

  Head by train to the former capital of the Silla kingdom, Gyeongju, and visit two incredible UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Bulguksa Temple and the Seokguram Grotto.

• Day 6 • Busan

  Start your day at Gyeongju National Museum, discovering the history of the Korean royals at the tombs of Tumuli Park, before heading to the coastal city of Busan.

• Day 7 • South Korea - Japan

  Take in your last moments in South Korea as you fly to Kyushu Island in Japan.

• Day 8 • Fukuoka - Hiroshima

  Visit the Kyushu National Museum and the Dazaifu Tenmangu, the famous shrine to the Sugawara no Michizane. Later, board Japan’s iconic bullet train to Hiroshima.

• Day 9 •Hiroshima - Miyajima

  Pay respect at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, dedicated to the victims of the 1945 atomic bombing. Travel by ferry to Miyajima Island to see the iconic floating torii gate.

• Day 10 • Kurashiki - Okayama

  Immerse yourself into the rich culture of the Bikan Historical Quarter, then continue to one of Japan’s famous Three Great Gardens in Okayama, before travelling on to Osaka.

• Day 11 • Nara - Osaka

  Wander through Nara Park and see Todai-ji Temple, home to the world’s largest Great Buddha statue. Return to Osaka to explore the landmark castle.

• Day 12-13 • Kyoto

  Experience traditional Japanese culture with a tea ceremony, a lunch with a Maiko (apprentice geisha), and a visit to the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine.

• Day 14 • Mount Fuji

  Visit Hakone Shrine on the shores of Lake Ashi and enjoy views of Mount Fuji before travelling on to Tokyo.

• Day 15-16 • Tokyo - UK

  of Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple, before testing your pruning skills at the bonsai museum. Enjoy a dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay before flying home the next day.