Your Itinerary
Days 1-2: Fly Overnight To Seoul
Fly overnight to Seoul, the dazzling capital city of South Korea. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. This evening meet your National Escort and fellow travellers to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
A dynamic, 24-hour city, amongst the
skyscrapers, nightlife districts and colossal
shopping malls of Seoul there is an exceptional
amount of culture and tradition, from busy
teahouses to magnificent palaces. Start your day
watching the Changing of the Guards ceremony,
and then explore the Gyeongbok Palace. Next,
learn to cook a delicious Korean classic -‘bibimbap’
in a cookery class which you'll get to eat for lunch.
Also visit the UNESCO-listed Jongmyo Royal
Shrine, and enjoy panoramic city
views at the N Seoul
Tower. After dinner, watch a non-verbal
performance of Nanta – an award-winning show.
Day 4: Visit Soswaewon Garden
Travel out of Seoul to the city and explore the
bamboo forest of Juknokwon. Next, head to
Damyang where you’ll discover the beauty of
Soswaewon. This private garden built in the 16th
century in the traditional style features essential
elements to bring harmony, such as flowing
water, trees and grasses. Continue to Gwangju,
where you’ll spend some time discovering this
artistic hub full of fascinating history.
Day 5: Explore Seonamsa Temple
Head to Boseong, considered the best place in Korea to grow tea, and visit a green tea plantation, learning all about its production and enjoying a tasting. Continue to Suncheon for a stop at the 6th-century Seonamsa Temple. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple grounds are also home to a beautiful arched stone bridge. Also visit Naganeupseong Fortress Village for a glimpse at a more traditional Korean lifestyle and a chance to take part in a handkerchief dyeing experience.
Head to Yeosu and ride the cable car over beautiful scenery and open water to Dolsan Island. Continue to Odongdo Island for more spectacular landscapes and take some time to appreciate the array of wild flowers that flourish here before travelling to the port city of Busan.
The laidback to Seoul’s bustle, Busan is a city
full of character and traditional features as well
as mountains, beaches, temples and exquisite
seafood. Start the day at the Jagalchi Fish
Market then see the city from above at Busan
Tower. Also browse the wares at Gukje Market.
After lunch, walk over the Oryukdo Skywalk, a
glass bridge set on a seaside cliff, soak up the
peaceful nature of Dongbaekseom Island, and
feel the sand between your toes on Haeundae
Beach. Drive to Gyeongju.
A city of cultural and historical relics, Gyeongju
is called ‘the museum without walls’. Capital
of the Silla Kingdom for over 1,000 years the
city is home to a staggering number of tombs,
temples, statues and ruins, some of which you’ll
explore today. Begin at the magnificent UNESCO
World Heritage Bulguksa Temple, considered the
pinnacle of Silla architecture, and Seokguram
Grotto. After lunch, visit Gyeongju National
Museum before visiting Tumuli Park, a collection
of royal tombs, and take a stroll at Anapji Pond.
Day 9: Visit Naksana Temple
Travel to Sokcho stopping en route to explore the 1,300-year history of the Naksansa Temple, a seven-storey stone building overlooking the East Sea.
Day 10: Explore Mount Seorak
Mount Seorak National Park is a spectacularly
scenic area of high, cloudy peaks, craggy bluffs
and fragrant pine forest. Designated a UNESCO
Biosphere Reserve as a habitat for many rare
species of plants and animals, it is one of
South Korea’s most dramatic natural treasures.
Take the cable to the mountaintop and then
hike to Gwongeumseong Fortress. After lunch,
take a hike along the beautiful valley floor as
well as an optional visit to the temple.
Transfer to Gangneung and board the train
bound for Seoul. On arrival, after lunch, there
will be free time for those who wish to shop or
further explore Seoul on your own.
Created as a buffer zone between North Korea
and South Korea at the end of the Korean War,
the DMZ is part of the most heavily militarised
border in the world. An early start is needed
today as tickets the DMZ are limited. See the
DMZ Theatre & Exhibition Hall and walk along
the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel. (Should tickets not be available, take a ride on the DMZ gondola and visit the Odusan Unification Observatory). Return to Seoul
explore the huge Gwangjang Market. A farewell
dinner tonight is the perfect time to reflect on
your adventures!
Special conditions apply to this day, please
refer to your tour dossier for more information.
Day 13-14 : Fly Seoul To Australia
This morning is free at leisure before you transfer to the airport for your return flight home.