Wonders of China and Korea Classics

Our tour will begin in Pudong, Shanghai’s striking financial district, located across the Huangpu River. We’ll admire its futuristic skyline, including the iconic Pearl Tower, and take a stroll along the elevated walkways, offering breathtaking views of the modern skyscrapers. Next, we’ll board a local ferry to cross the river, allowing us to take in Shanghai’s impressive cityscape from the water while observing daily life along the bustling waterfront. Upon arrival, we’ll explore the Bund, home to a collection of grand 19th-century European-style buildings, a striking contrast to the modern skyline of Pudong. Our tour will continue in Shanghai’s Old City, where we’ll visit the Yuyuan Garden, a beautiful private garden built during the Ming Dynasty. Here, we’ll also an explanation of traditional tea, an integral part of Chinese culture. We’ll then pass through Xintiandi, one of the city’s most fashionable districts, known for its blend of historical charm and modern elegance. Lunch will be included. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Tianzifang, a former residential area famous for its narrow, labyrinth-like streets, lined with artisanal shops, trendy boutiques, and art galleries. We’ll conclude our tour with a final stroll along the Bund, appreciating its historical architecture and the European influence on the city’s past.

Arrival. Lunch will be included. After lunch, we’ll visit the awe-inspiring Longmen Caves, an extraordinary collection of Buddhist carvings stretching over a kilometer along the rocky cliffs of the Yi River. With more than 100,000 Buddha statues etched into the rock, this UNESCO-listed site is one of China’s most remarkable cultural treasures. We’ll explore the most impressive caves on foot and then take a boat ride for a unique perspective from the water.

Arrival and transfer to the Old Town, where we’ll pass through its impressive city walls and immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of its illuminated streets. This experience offers a glimpse into the daily life of a historic provincial capital in inland China. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay in Luoyang.

Arrival in this historic city, located along the Yellow River. We’ll visit the Baolun Temple, home to an impressive high pagoda, and then explore the renowned Guo State Museum, considered one of the finest in China. Here, we’ll see the remarkable funeral chariots of the ancient Guo State, offering a fascinating glimpse into early Chinese civilization. Lunch will be included.

This vast underground army, with thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, was created to protect the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Located less than an hour from downtown Xian, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Chinese history. Free time for lunch.

Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, an elegant Buddhist structure dating back to the Tang Dynasty. Next, we’ll explore the walled city center, walking through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where centuries of cultural and religious influences have shaped the city’s identity. We’ll enter the Great Mosque of Xian, a unique blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture. Our tour will also include entrance to the Drum Tower, where we’ll enjoy a short performance of traditional Chinese percussion instruments. After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to continue exploring the bustling historic center at your own pace.

Arrival at this grand residence, built between the 17th and 19th centuries by a wealthy and influential family. This architectural masterpiece showcases intricate courtyards, elaborate carvings, and the opulence of ancient Chinese nobility. Lunch will be included.

Arrival in China’s best-preserved historical city, home to over 4,000 ancient buildings and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking through its charming streets feels like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into traditional Chinese life. Our visit includes an all-access pass to explore the city´s highlights, including its temples, mansions, and ancient city walls.

We’ll begin the entry procedures for the Wutai Mountain National Park, a breathtaking area filled with magnificent landscapes and a succession of historic monasteries. This journey will take us to one of the most spiritually significant places in China.

Nestled among lush green mountains and forests, this revered site is a major center of Lamaism Buddhism. With more than 40 ancient monasteries—and many more built in recent years—Wutai Mountain is home to a large community of monks dedicated to spiritual practice. We’ll visit the Nanshan Temple with our guide, then enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. You may choose to seek out less-visited temples, where you can respectfully observe the monks in their daily rituals.

Arrival at this small, traditional Chinese town, protected by fortified walls that preserves its peaceful, provincial way of life. Jiming Post was originally built as part of the Imperial China´s extensive state communication network, designed to ensure the Emperor´s administrative control over the territory. Today, it stands as one of the few historical postal stations that remains virtually intact. Walking through its streets, you get the sense of being in "another China", one that is agricultural, less developed, and deeply rooted in the past.

We’ll enjoy a full-day guided tour, starting with a walk through the immense Tiananmen Square, one of the largest squares in the world. Next, we’ll visit the majestic Forbidden City, the most impressive architectural complex in China, where 24 emperors ruled for nearly 500 years. We’ll also visit Jingshan Park, home to Coal Hill, one of Beijing’s best-preserved imperial gardens. Climbing to the top of the hill, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Forbidden City—weather permitting. Lunch will be included. In the afternoon, we’ll experience local life with a tricycle ride through the traditional Hutong neighborhoods, where we can observe daily life, visit charming shops, and step inside a Siheyuan, a traditional courtyard house. We’ll then conclude our tour with a visit to the stunning Summer Palace, the former imperial retreat of the Qing Dynasty, renowned for its exquisite gardens and tranquil lakes.

We’ll arrive at this awe-inspiring architectural marvel, whose history spans over 2,000 years. Our visit includes a cable car ride up and down to one of the most scenic sections of the wall. You’ll have free time to explore, enjoy the commercial area, visit the Exhibition Center, and have lunch at your leisure. Later, we’ll visit the Temple of Heaven, one of China’s most important sacred complexes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To unwind after an exciting day, we’ll take part in a relaxing Tai Chi class and enjoy a soothing foot massage. We’ll bid farewell to Beijing with a traditional Peking duck dinner (included).

With our guide, we will head to City Hall to see this tsunami-shaped building. We will also see Deoksugung Palace, located across from City Hall, beautifully illuminated at night, allowing us to appreciate the contrast between tradition and modernity in Korea. Afterwards, we will walk to the Myeongdong district, the largest shopping and entertainment area in Korea; its name means “bright tunnel.” Dinner included at a local restaurant. Return by Seoul’s modern subway (ticket included).

We will visit Changdeokgung Palace (entrance included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a palace complex set within a large park. Afterwards, we will stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional historic neighborhood of small, well-preserved houses. We will then visit the War Memorial of Korea (entrance included), an impressive museum that illustrates the conflicts experienced by Korea throughout its history, especially the Korean War, in which soldiers from many countries participated under the United Nations.

To conclude the day, we stop at LOTTE WORLD TOWER, an impressive 550-meter-tall building, where you will have free time to go up to the tower (admission not included) or to stroll through its park or luxury shopping centers.

Important note regarding Bukchon Hanok Village: Due to regulations established to protect the residential environment, our vehicle may only park in designated areas, and we will complete an approximate 900-meter walk to reach this historic neighborhood. For operational reasons, this visit may be replaced by Namsangol Hanok Village, also featuring traditional Korean architecture, ensuring the cultural content of the itinerary is maintained.

Arrival in the former capital of Korea, known for its impressive UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortress walls. We will visit the walls and their fortifications, as well as the Hwaseong Haenggung Summer Palace (entrance included), notable for its traditional architecture. Lunch included at a local restaurant.

Arrival. This traditional village is located at the foot of Amisan Mountain. With its hanok houses and courtyards filled with large earthenware jars known as hang-a-ri, it is home to expert gochujang (Korean chili paste) artisans who use traditional methods. We will enjoy a hands-on experience learning how this traditional sauce is prepared.

Arrival. Visit to the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest (entrance included), whose paths are considered among the most beautiful in the country—ideal for peaceful walks and enjoying the cool breeze. We will find all kinds of bamboo-crafted products, and visit places such as the Bamboo Museum (entrance included), where this plant is studied and revered. Lunch included, featuring the local specialty of rice cooked and served inside a bamboo stalk.

Amid impressive forest-covered mountain landscapes, we arrive at Haeinsa, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Korea and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 802, it houses the Tripitaka Koreana, the most complete collection of Buddhist texts, carved onto 80,000 wooden printing blocks.

Visit of this 14th-century Buddhist temple located on the coastal cliffs of Busan. Along the main access path to the temple, there is a row of stone statues representing the twelve figures of the Chinese zodiac, which, according to Eastern philosophy, are considered guardian deities.

We will visit the United Nations Memorial Cemetery (entrance included), where people from many different countries are buried. We will then head to the largest fish market in the country, located next to Nampo Port. Lunch included at a local restaurant. Afterwards, we walk to Yongdusan Park, home to its impressive 120-meter pagoda.

We then continue to one of Busan’s most picturesque neighborhoods, Gamcheon Cultural Village, filled with brightly colored buildings, labyrinth-like alleyways, art galleries, pottery workshops, and charming cafés.