Imagine Endless Discoveries In Japan And South Korea Copy

Australia Seoul

Depart Australia today on your overnight flight to South Korea.

Seoul

Welcome to Seoul, South Korea! Upon arrival at Seoul Airport, following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, make your way down to the arrival area where you will meet your friendly tour guide. Your guide will transfer you to your hotel.

Seoul is the largest city in South Korea and one of East Asia's financial and cultural epicentres. It is the centre of fascinating ancient traditions, cutting edge digital technology, home to endless street food vendors and vast nightlife districts, an extraordinary high pressure education system and serene Buddhist temples, a trend setting youth culture, extraordinary architecture and endless rows of grey apartment buildings. Seoul is filled with a mix of traditional and modern elements attracting visitors from all over the world.

Seoul Mt Seoraksan (B, L, D)

Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Preservation District in 1982 due to the many rare species found in the national park, Mt Seoraksan National Park is one of Korea's most famous national parks. This morning, tour Shinheungsa Temple and take the cable car to Gwonkeumseong Fortress to see the castle ruins and the spectacular views of the mountains and land within Seoraksan National Park. Continue to Sokcho Fishing Village known for its famous seafood and cuisine, this afternoon.

Mt Seoraksan Andong Daegu (B, L)

Today head to the traditional village of Andong, known for its well preserved traditional houses and unique mask dancing performances. Continue to Mabijeong Mural Village, where you can hear about the local tales of the Mabijeong legend and visualise it on the mural walls. After that relax in Dongseongno Shopping Districts, one of the major fashion districts in Daegu.

Daegu Gyeongju (B, L)

Today, explore the many archaeological sites and temples, royal tombs and monuments of Gyeongju, the capital of the ancient Silla kingdom. Visit Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory constructed during the reign of Queen Seon-deok (632-647 A.D.), Gyeongju National Museum home to many Silla Kingdom stone relics, Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto: UNESCO World Heritage Sites dating back to 700 A.D. with Buddhist stone temples that feature cultural relics such as pagodas, bridges and Buddhist figures and Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond and Gyeongju National Park, a palace complex of the ancient Silla kingdom and beautiful luscious national park.

Gyeongju Seoul (B, L)

Today we will visit North Korea's 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, located within the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) a 44 km drive northwest of Seoul. An entire infantry division can move through the tunnel in an hour. Visit the Imjingak Resort's Unification Park and North Korea Centre to gain an insight into the Korean War and their prayers for the unification of the country. View North Korean territory including the Propaganda Village, People's School and Gaeseong City, the old capital city of the Goryeo Kingdom, from the Dora Observation Platform. North Hall contains displays of North Korean lifestyle, and the Exhibition Hall houses old tanks and planes from the Korean War.

Seoul (B, L)

Blue House otherwise known as Cheong Wa Dae, the residence of President Cheong Wa Dae is an iconic beauty against the back drop of Bugaksan Mountain, visit here and then make your way to Gyeongbokgung Palace one of the most beautiful and largest of the five palaces as well as the world famous Amethyst store. After that stroll the heart of the city down the streets of Isa-dong one of the historical entertainment districts. Step back in time to the Joseon Dynasty in Bukchon Village and walk along the elevated sky garden at Seoullo 2017.

Seoul Osaka (B)

After breakfast, transfer to Incheon Airport for your flight to Osaka. On arrival, your tour guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Osaka Himeji Hiroshima (B)

After breakfast we make our way to the moving city of Hiroshima. Largely destroyed when the first atomic bomb was dropped over Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, the city became known worldwide for this terrible devastation. Enroute, we stop in Himeji to visit the white elegant castle, Himeji Castle. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fine example of a prototypical Japanese castle, this outstanding castle and its grounds are a never to be missed place within Himeji city. Enjoy your day here before boarding your coach for Hiroshima.

Hiroshima Osaka (B)

Today we begin with the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Museum, which commemorates the victims of the atomic bomb used in WWII. Then visit Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, where you can see the torii gate on the water at high tide. After we make our way back to Osaka.

Osaka Nara Kyoto (B)

This morning we drive to the town of Nara and visit Todaiji Temple, one of Japan's most famous temples. The massive building houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu). The 15 metre tall, seated Buddha represents Vairocana and is standing next to two Bodhisattvas. View the Nandaimon Gate, a large wooden gate watched over by two fierce looking statues. The two Nio Guardian King statues are designated national treasures along with the gate itself.

After Todaiji Temple we wander back through Nara Deer Park, home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. Considered in Shinto to be messengers of the gods, Nara's nearly 1,200 deer have become a symbol of the city.

We then continue to the city of Kyoto. We begin with the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kinkakuji Temple, commonly known as the Golden Pavilion. A Zen temple with two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold and detailed architecture incorporating three distinct styles of Shinden, Samurai and Zen it is extremely outstanding.

Kyoto Shizuoka (B)

This morning we visit Nijo Castle, the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa Shogunate and is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After we relax in the Arashiyama District, visit Togetsu Bridge, the landmark of Western Kyoto for over four hundred years. Then stroll through the Bamboo Grove, one of Kyoto's top sights and for a good reason: standing amid these soaring stalks of bamboo is like being in another world.

Later we board the Shinkansen Bullet train from Kyoto to Shizuoka. Travelling at speeds up to 280km/h it provides an incredible experience as the Japanese countryside zips by. On arrival into Hamamatsu you will be transferred to your hotel.

Shizuoka Mt Fuji Tokyo (B) 

This morning we make our way towards the Mount Fuji area. First up, we will visit Mount Fuji 5th station, which is 2,300 metres above sea level, offering spectacular views of the Fuji Five Lakes area below. After that we will continue on to Oishi Park where you can view Lake Kawaguchiko and see another angle of the breathtaking Mount Fuji.

Tokyo (B) 

Today we drive to Hama-Rikyu, a beautiful landscape garden in central Tokyo featuring seawater ponds which change level with the tides, and a teahouse on an island where visitors can rest and enjoy the scenery. Then we relax on a Sumida River cruise. Later, stroll through the Asakusa Kannon Temple one of Tokyo's most colourful and popular temples before browsing for souvenirs at Nakamise Shopping Street. Your last stop for today is Shinjuku Municipal Observation Building for panoramic views of Tokyo before heading to your hotel.

Tokyo Australia (B) 

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your homeward flight.

Australia

Arrive home today.