01days
Seoul
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Arrive in Seoul, transfer to the hotel, and the rest of the day is free.
02days
Seoul - DMZ - Seoul
150 km
Lunch Dinner
08:30Seoul. Departure.
09:30Aegibong Peace Ecological Park (Gimpo) Arrival at this symbolic space created to bring together peace, ecology, history, and culture, while promoting the values of Korean unification and collective memory. more
Observatory visit: From this viewpoint, it is possible to see North Korean territory at a very short distance across the river. This is a truly unique experience.
11:30Aegibong Peace Ecological Park (Gimpo). Departure.
12:30Local restaurant. Arrival. Lunch included.
13:30Local restaurant. Departure.
14:00Paju Demilitarized Zone (DMZ Imjingang). Arrival at the border area that divides South Korea and North Korea. more
We will visit the National Memorial and Mangbaedan Altar, the Imjingak Pavilion, a symbol of peace, and take a cable car ride (included) to observe from above the areas near the Military Demarcation Line. Finally, we will visit the Freedom Bridge, a former railway bridge over the Imjin River that, after the war, was used to return prisoners of war to South Korea. Today, it stands as a historic symbol of hope. This site allows us to understand Korean history from a human perspective: family separation, war, the hope for reunification, and the contrast between natural beauty and historical wounds.
16:00Paju Demilitarized Zone (DMZ Imjingang). Departure to Seoul Later, with our guide, we will visit the City Hall building, known for its wave-like (tsunami-shaped) design. more
Across from City Hall is Deoksugung Palace, where we can appreciate the coexistence of tradition and modernity in Korea. We will then walk to the Myeongdong district, the country’s largest commercial and entertainment area; its name means “bright tunnel.” Dinner included at a local restaurant. Return by Seoul’s modern subway system (ticket included).
21:30Hotel. Arrival and overnight stay.
03days
Seoul
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Lunch
08:30Today we include an extensive sightseeing tour of approximately five hours in Seoul. more
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.
Lunch included at a local restaurant.
12:00We continue to the Gangnam District, one of the busiest and most vibrant areas of the city, home to numerous shopping malls and entertainment venues. more
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.
16:30Return to the hotel and free time.
04days
Seoul - Suwon - Jeonju
227 km
Lunch
08:30Hotel. Departure from the hotel.
09:00Gyeongbokgung Palace (entrance included). Arrival at this impressive palace with over 600 years of history, where we will attend the Changing of the Guard ceremony, if it is taking place.
10:30Gyeongbokgung Palace. Departure from Seoul heading south toward South Korea.
11:30Suwon. Arrival in the former capital of Korea, known for its impressive UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortress walls. more
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.
13:40Suwon. Departure.
16:00Jeonju. Arrival. With our guide, we will explore its fascinating historic center (Hanok Village), with its traditional houses, local shops, and art galleries. more
After the walk, free time.
05days
Jeonju - Sunchang Gochujang Village - Damyang County – Haeinsa - Busan
415 km
Lunch
08:00Jeonju. Departure.
08:40Sunchang Gochujang Village. Arrival. This traditional village is located at the foot of Amisan Mountain. more
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.
09:40Sunchang Gochujang Village. Departure.
10:00Damyang. 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. more
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.
12:30Damyang. Departure.
14:35Haeinsa Temple (entrance included). 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. more
Built in 802, it houses the Tripitaka Koreana, the most complete collection of Buddhist texts, carved onto 80,000 wooden printing blocks.
16:20Haeinsa. Departure.
19:00Busan. Arrival in Korea’s second-largest city, known for its vibrant atmosphere. Overnight stay.
06days
Busan - Haedong Yonggung – Busan - Osaka
85 km
Lunch
08:30Departure from Busan.
09:15Haedong Yonggung. We’ll visit this 14th-century Buddhist temple, located on the cliffs along Busan’s coastline. more
Along the temple’s main access path, you’ll see a row of stone statues representing the twelve figures of the Chinese zodiac, believed in Eastern philosophy to be guardian deities.
10:15Departure from Haedong Yonggung.
11:15Arrival in Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city. We’ll visit the United Nations Memorial, and its cemetery (entrance included), where people from various countries are laid to rest. more
Next, we’ll explore the country’s largest fish market, located near the Nampo Port. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. After the tour, we’ll provide a transfer to the airport for the included flight to Osaka.
20:00Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel.
07days
Osaka - Mount Koya
106 km
Dinner
11:30We’ll depart from the city and head toward the sacred Mount Koya, the most important center of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. more
This magical mountain, a revered pilgrimage site, is home to 120 temples and monasteries. Here, we’ll visit the Okuno Mausoleum, a deeply spiritual site and vast cemetery nestled in nature, with over 200,000 tombs. Our visit will also include the Kongobuji Temple, originally built in 1593.
08days
Mount Koya - Kyoto
130 km
07:15Departure for Kyoto.
10:30Kyoto. We’ll spend the entire day exploring this historic city, which served as Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and was the seat of the Imperial Court. more
Remarkably, Kyoto was spared from bombing during World War II, allowing it to retain its incredible artistic and cultural heritage. The famous Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions was signed here in 1997.
09days
Kyoto - Eihei-ji – Katsuyama - Kanazawa
302 km
07:30Departure from Kyoto. Following one of Japan’s largest lakes, we’ll make a brief stop at a small lakeside shrine called Shirahige Ginra.
11:00Arrival at Eihei-ji, a temple-monastery founded in 1244 and a central hub of Zen Buddhism in Japan (admission included). more
Its surroundings, architecture, gardens, and spiritual ambiance make it a key training center for monks who practice Zazen meditation and follow a strict daily diet.
12:30Departure from Eihei-ji.
13:15Katsuyama. We’ll visit three main attractions: the Dinosaur Museum, located at Japan’s largest dinosaur fossil site, where you’ll have free time for lunch and to explore its educational exhibits, featuring over 40 skeletons of various dinosaurs. more
Afterwards, we’ll visit the Great Buddha of Echizen and its grand temple, along with a five-story pagoda, which we can climb to enjoy the view.
17:30Departure from Katsuyama.
19:00Arrival in Kanazawa in the late afternoon.
10days
Kanazawa
10 km
08:30Full day in Kanazawa. In the morning, we’ll include a city tour. more
Throughout history, Kanazawa rivaled both Kyoto and Tokyo, and during World War II, it was spared from destruction during the air raids. We’ll visit the castle area, with its impressive walls, and stroll through the historic Nagamachi district, where samurais and their families once resided. This area preserves its historical atmosphere with remaining residences, earthen walls, private entrance gates, narrow alleys, and water canals. We’ll include admission to Kenrokuen, one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. We’ll finish the tour in Omicho, a traditional market brimming with life and many places to have lunch. The return to the hotel will be on your own. We recommend taking a taxi, and your guide will explain how to do so. Free afternoon.
11days
Kanazawa – Ainokura – Shirakawa-go – Takayama
138 km
08:00Departure from Kanazawa. We’ll journey through stunning mountain scenery, forests, and traditional villages as we explore the Gokayama and Shirakawago regions. more
These villages are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and their traditional houses with steeply sloped roofs are known as “praying hands” for their resemblance to monks´ hands joined in prayer—designed to withstand heavy winter snowfalls.
09:15Arrival in Ainokura, a charming small village.
10:30Departure from Ainokura.
11:00Arrival in Shirakawa-go Ogimachi, the largest village in the area, showcasing rural Japan with houses that are masterpieces of carpentry. more
You’ll have time to stroll around and enjoy lunch.
13:30Departure from Shirakawa-go.
14:15Arrival in Hida Folk Village Museum, a peaceful open-air museum displaying over 30 traditional houses from the Edo Period (1603-1868). more
These buildings were relocated from their original sites to create this museum in 1971, offering a glimpse into everyday life from the past through the tools and utensils exhibited. We’ll then have time to explore the old town, known for its wooden houses and traditional shops.
15:30Departure from Hida Folk Village.
15:45Arrival in Takayama for accommodation.
12days
Takayama - Hida Furukawa – Matsumoto – Nagano
155 km
10:00Departure from Takayama.
10:30Hida Furukawa. We’ll stroll through the charming old town. more
This city’s festival has been declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, known for its large drums and beautifully decorated floats. We’ll include admission to the museum, which showcases the festival’s floats, costumes, and drums.
12:00Departure from Hida Furukawa. We’ll continue our journey, crossing the Japanese Alps. Stop for lunch en route (lunch not included).
15:30Upon arrival in Matsumoto, we’ll visit the city’s impressive castle, known as the "Crow Castle" due to its black color, dating back to the 16th century. more
Afterward, you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch and explore the town.
17:15Departure from Matsumoto.
18:30Nagano.
13days
Nagano - Monkey Park - Kusatsu - Ikaho
160 km
Dinner
10:30Departure from Nagano. We continue our journey through the high mountains of the Japanese Alps.
11:30Jigokudani Monkey Park – Arrival. We’ll take a walk through the forested trails, rivers, and hot springs where colonies of Japanese macaques live and bathe in the warm waters.
12:45Departure from the park. We travel through breathtaking high-mountain scenery (reaching 2,172 meters / 7,126 feet) and pass by semi-active volcanoes.
14:15Kusatsu – Arrival. This attractive hot-spring town is known for its lively central square. more
We’ll enjoy a walk through the city park, which features open-air onsen (hot springs). Free time for lunch.
17:00Departure from Kusatsu.
18:30Ikaho Onsen – Arrival. A picturesque hot-spring town where we’ll stroll through its old center, famous for its traditional stone stairways. more
We’ll stay overnight in a Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), where we suggest relaxing and enjoying the hot-spring baths. Traditional Japanese dinner included.
14days
Ikaho - Nikko - Tokyo
310 km
07:45Departure from Ikaho Onsen.
10:00Nikko. This enchanting town is home to remarkable cultural and historical treasures. more
We’ll visit the magnificent Nikko Toshogu Shrine, famous for its elaborate architecture, and the Hall of the Crying Dragon, known for its acoustic marvels. Next, we’ll explore the peaceful Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, nestled in a serene setting. Later, you can enjoy a tranquil walk along the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, a riverside path guarded by hundreds of Jizo statues. You’ll have free time to enjoy lunch and explore the city center.
15:30Departure to Tokyo.
18:30Tokyo.
15days
Tokyo
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Dinner
18:30We’ll meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the subway (tickets included) to the Shinjuku area. more
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.
16days
Tokyo
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The tour ends in Tokyo; transfer to the airport for your flight.
Route, coach distances, timed stops and included meals as confirmed by the operator.