Wonders of Korea and Japan

We will visit Gyeongbokgung Palace (admission included), a complex of palaces set within a large park. Afterwards, we will stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional historic neighborhood of small houses. We then visit the War Memorial of Korea (admission included), an impressive war museum that illustrates the conflicts experienced in Korea throughout 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 the tower (admission not included) or to stroll through its park or luxury shopping areas.

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.

Visit to this temple, considered one of the most beautiful in the country and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. The temple houses seven National Treasures of Korea and is a masterpiece from the height of Buddhism during the ancient Silla Kingdom.

Visit to this coastal city, the former capital of the Silla Kingdom, which lasted longer than any other dynasty in Korean history, for a total of 992 years under the rule of 56 kings. We will have the opportunity to photograph the beautiful wooden Woljeonggyo Bridge along the Namcheon River. Lunch included. We then continue to the Tumuli Park, where the tombs of the kings of the ancient Silla Kingdom, more than 1,500 years old, are located. We will visit one of these tombs (entrance included). Walking, we will reach Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory, the oldest in East Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Before heading to the hotel, we will visit Dongsan Cheongna Hill, a historic site where Christian missionaries once lived, and Dongseong-ro Shopping Street, the city’s liveliest area, with fashion shops, cafés, and restaurants, as well as the Yangnyeongsi Museum of Traditional Medicine (entrance included), famous for its history of medicinal herbs in Eastern medicine.

We will visit the traditional village of Hahoe Village (admission included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on the outskirts of the city. Free time to stroll through the streets of this rural village that seems frozen in time. We will also visit the excellent World Mask Museum, featuring masks used for dances, medical practices, religious ceremonies, and theatrical performances. Lunch included at a local restaurant.

From there, we’ll enjoy a walk through this lively district before heading to a local restaurant for dinner (included). We’ll return to the hotel by subway, accompanied by our guide.

We’ll meet our main guide and begin exploring this historic city, which served as Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and hosted the Imperial Court. Remarkably, Kyoto was the only major Japanese city spared from bombing during World War II, allowing it to preserve its extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage. Kyoto is also known as the site where the 1997 Kyoto Protocol was signed, a treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Our tour will cover some of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks, including the Kinkakuji Temple—commonly known as the "Golden Pavilion"—surrounded by its stunning gardens and the Imperial Palace. Free time for lunch. Afterwards, visit the breathtaking Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari. Transfer to Gion will be included. This lively, traditional district is renowned for its Geisha culture and offers a glimpse into Kyoto’s historic charm. Enjoy free time to explore. The return to the hotel will not be accompanied; we recommend taking a taxi, and the guide will provide instructions on how to do so.

Our visit will take us to Todaiji Temple, a spectacular Buddhist site built in 752. The temple houses a giant Buddha statue and is surrounded by a serene park where you can interact with the friendly deer that roam freely. This will be your chance to take photos and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this historic area.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a glimpse into Japan’s ancient spiritual heritage. Here, you can explore its seminary, monasteries, and temples, including the iconic main pagoda, one of the world’s oldest wooden buildings and the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan. Horyuji remains an important place of worship and historical significance.

Arrival in Japan’s second-largest city, known for its modern skyline and vibrant culture. After check-in, you’ll have free time to explore. In the evening, we’ll visit Dotonbori, a bustling and colorful district famous for its lively nightlife, neon signs, and excellent dining options. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.