Tradition and Modernity: South Korea & Japan

Day 1 — Istanbul - Seoul

Meeting at Istanbul New Airport international departures terminal 3 hours prior to our flight. Following baggage, ticketing, and boarding procedures, departure for Seoul at 17:00 on Turkish Airlines flight TK20. Overnight on board.

Day 2 — Seoul

Breakfast included

Free time following breakfast at our hotel. After the free time, we meet in the lobby at the time specified by our guide and commence our Seoul City Tour. Our first stop is Bongeunsa Temple, a traditional Korean Buddhist temple. The 23-metre Buddha statue inside will capture your interest. Next, we head to Gangnam K-Star Road, world-famous for its dance culture. In this area, home to Korea's most exclusive residences and living spaces, we will tour a delightful park. Afterwards, the Starfield Library at COEX and the Lotte World Tower Mall are among the sites to be seen. Our final stop is the Lotte Seoul Sky Observatory Tower. You will have the opportunity to view Seoul from 500 metres above. Following our tour, we have dinner. After dinner, transfer to our hotel and check-in to our rooms. Overnight stay at our hotel.

Day 3 — Seoul

Breakfast included

Free time following breakfast at our hotel. After the free time, we meet in the lobby at the time specified by our guide and depart from our hotel to continue exploring this beautiful city. Our first stop is Gyeongbokgung Palace. The main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty was built in 1395 and is the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon dynasty. Gyeongbokgung served as the home of the royal family and the seat of government. Next, the National Folk Museum, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Insadong Antique Street will be visited. Bukchon Hanok Village is a residential area located in the Jongno District of Seoul, South Korea. It features numerous restored traditional Korean houses called hanoks, making it a popular tourist destination. Our next stop is HiKR Ground, a tourist information and culture centre located in Seoul, South Korea. Opened in 2022, it is the public-facing facility of the Korea Tourism Organization, featuring an interactive 4-storey centre with a K-Pop museum and multilingual information desks. Our final stop is the Myeongdong District. Following our tour, we return to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Day 4 — Seoul – Tokyo

Breakfast included

Following breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we transfer to Seoul Airport. After our flight to Tokyo, we begin our Tokyo City Tour. Our first stop will be the Main Palace — the Tokyo Imperial Palace, which comprises numerous buildings including the private residences of the imperial family, archives, a museum, and administrative offices. The Tokyo Imperial Palace was built on the site of a former castle where the Shogun resided in the 15th century. In the 19th century, when Emperor Meiji moved the royal household from Kyoto to Tokyo, this site also became the property of the imperial family. As most of the buildings were destroyed during the Second World War, the oldest surviving items from the palace today are only 50 years old. Following the Imperial Palace, we proceed to lunch. After lunch, our first stop will be Asakusa Temple, also known as Senso-ji Temple, a Buddhist temple regarded as one of Tokyo's oldest and most colourful temples. According to legend, it was built by 2 fisherman brothers to pay their respects to Kannon, the goddess of mercy. After Asakusa Temple, we see the shopping street known as Nakamise. We then move on to our next stop, Tokyo Tower. Standing at a height of 150 metres, it will allow you to look down upon Tokyo. After the tour, we enjoy dinner, followed by a transfer to our hotel. After arriving and settling into our rooms, free time. Overnight at our hotel.

Day 5 — Tokyo

Breakfast included

Free time following breakfast at our hotel in the morning. After our free time, we meet our guide in the lobby at the designated time and resume our tour of Tokyo. Our first stop is Tsukiji Ichiba Fish Market and the Meiji Jingu Shrine. After the world's most famous fish market, renowned for its million-dollar fish auctions, we proceed to Meiji Shrine. Meiji Shrine is located in Shibuya, Tokyo. It is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. After visiting here, we have lunch at a local restaurant. Following lunch, we will carry out our visits to Shibuya and Ginza. First, we will visit Shibuya, one of Tokyo's most bustling areas lined with numerous skyscrapers. Following Shibuya, we will explore Ginza, one of the city's most popular shopping districts, brimming with luxury boutiques as well as top-tier cocktail and sushi bars. Following our free time here, dinner and return to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Day 6 — Tokyo

Breakfast included

Following breakfast at our hotel, free time for the entire day so you can devote time to shopping. Following the depreciation of the yen, Japan has become one of the cheapest countries in the world for shopping. Also, do not forget the 10% tax-free advantage. (In approximately 90% of cases, tax-free processing is done directly in the shop, where it is deducted and you pay the net amount; your guide will provide further information on this matter.) In addition to clothing specially produced for Japanese culture, trainers, and casual wear, you will have the opportunity to purchase high-value brands such as Cartier, Rolex, and Omega at prices cheaper than both Turkey and Europe. Overnight at our hotel.

Day 7 — Tokyo - Hakone

Breakfast included

Free time following breakfast at our hotel. After the free time, we meet in the lobby at the time specified by our guide and depart from our hotel to travel to Hakone. After a journey of approximately 2,5 hours, we arrive at Lake Kawaguchi. Our first stop is the Oshino Hakkai villages. Following our tour here, we have our lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, we will take a tour of the Owakudani Valley, followed by a boat cruise on Lake Kawaguchi. During our boat cruise, Mount Fuji will accompany us with its peerless beauty. After the boat cruise, transfer to Hakone. Upon arrival in Hakone, we check in to our hotel. Overnight stay at our hotel.

Day 8 — Hakone - Kyoto

Breakfast included

Following breakfast at our hotel, we will set off for Japan’s former capital, Kyoto. Arrival in Kyoto after a journey of approximately 2,5 hours on the world-famous Shinkansen. (Our main luggage will be transported separately; please take a small bag sufficient for 1 day with you). After having lunch at a local restaurant, we begin exploring this magnificent city. Our first stop is Kiyomizu Temple, an independent Buddhist temple. As one of the historic monuments of ancient Kyoto, this temple is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Following Kiyomizu Temple, we will continue our Kyoto tour with Nishiki Market, a marketplace situated at the eastern end of Nishikikoji Street and west of Teramachi Street. Rich in history and tradition, the market is renowned as the place to purchase many of Kyoto's famous food items and delicacies. Afterwards, we proceed to a restaurant for dinner. Following dinner, transfer to our hotel where we will be staying. Overnight stay at our hotel.

Day 9 — Kyoto

Breakfast included

Free time following breakfast at our hotel. After free time, we assemble in the lobby at the time designated by our guide and continue our Kyoto tour.  Ryoanji Temple and Kinkakuji Temple are among the sights to be seen. The first stop on our tour is Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Kinkaku-ji Temple is universally recognised as a flawless example of Kitayama garden design. Thanks to these features, as of 1994, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a significant cultural asset of the ancient capital Kyoto. Afterwards, we visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Following this famous photo spot, our next stop is Togetsukyo Bridge. After our tour, we head to a local restaurant for lunch. Following lunch, we attend a Tea Ceremony. Afterwards,  our first stop is the Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho), the former residence of the Emperors of Japan until 1869. After the palace, we will visit Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district. During our visit to Gion, the shops, restaurants and Ochaya (tea houses) where Geiko (the local term for geisha in Kyoto) and Maiko (apprentice Geiko) entertain and shop are among the places we will see. Following the tour, we will have dinner. After dinner, return to our hotel. Overnight stay at our hotel.

Day 10 — Kyoto - Nara - Osaka

Breakfast included

Free time following breakfast at our hotel. After the free time, we meet in the lobby at the time designated by our guide and begin our tour. Our first stop is Fushimi Inari Shrine. Departure to visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, a Shinto shrine said to have been founded in 711 by Hata-no-Iroko. We then set off towards Nara. In Nara, which we will reach after 1 hours, our first stop is Nara Park, a public park located at the foot of Mount Wakakusa. Established in 1880, it is one of Japan's oldest parks. There are more than 1.200 wild sika deer roaming freely in the park. Owing to these wild deer, it is also known as Nara Deer Park. We begin our Nara tour with Todai-ji Temple. In addition to being the world's largest wooden building, Todai-ji also houses the world's largest Buddha statue, known in Japanese as the Daibutsu. Following our tour of Nara, we proceed to Osaka. Upon arriving in Osaka after a journey of approximately 1 hours, we ascend to the Umeda Sky Building Observatory to witness an incredible view. After the tour, check-in to our hotel and free time. Overnight at our hotel.

Day 11 — Osaka

Breakfast included

Following breakfast at our hotel, free time. After free time, we meet in the lobby at the time specified by our guide and begin our tour. Our first stop is Osaka Castle. The castle is one of Japan's most famous landmarks and played a significant role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century of the Azuchi-Momoyama period. After seeing Osaka Castle, we tour Kuromon Market. We have lunch at a local restaurant. Later, we head to Dotonbori. Known as one of Osaka's principal tourist and nightlife districts, the area stretches along the Dōtonbori Canal from Dōtonboribashi Bridge to Nipponbashi Bridge in the Namba district of the city's Chūō ward. Next, we proceed to Shinsaibashi. It is a district in the Chūō-ku ward and the city's main shopping area. At its centre lies Shinsaibashi-suji, a covered shopping arcade situated north of Dōtonbori and Sōemonchō and running parallel to and east of Mido-suji street. Following free time here, we return to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Day 12 — Osaka - Kobe - Osaka

Breakfast included

Following breakfast at our hotel, free time. After your free time, we meet in the lobby at the time designated by our tour guide and proceed to Kobe. In Kobe, one of Japan's most captivating cities nestled within the Rokko mountain range, we will see sites such as Meriken Park and Harborland along the Kobe waterfront—home to numerous photogenic buildings that provide the perfect setting for unforgettable photographs—as well as Sannomiya, the vibrant heart of Kobe brimming with restaurants and shopping centres. Following our tour in Kobe, we transfer to the Premium Outlets with free time for shopping. After our free time, return to Osaka. Overnight at our hotel.

Day 13 — Osaka - Istanbul Airport

Breakfast included

Following breakfast, free time until the evening to wander around this beautiful city and enjoy some shopping. In the late afternoon, we set off for Osaka airport. Following passport, check-in, and customs clearance, departure for Istanbul on Turkish Airlines flight TK87 at 22:45. Overnight on board.

Day 14 — Istanbul

Arrival at Istanbul Airport at 05:50 local time and end of our tour.

Included services

• Economy class flights with Turkish Airlines between Istanbul – Seoul / Osaka – Istanbul
• Economy class flight ticket between Seoul and Tokyo
• Shinkansen train ticket between Hakone – Kyoto
• 2 nights' bed and breakfast accommodation at a 4* hotel in Seoul
• 3 nights' bed and breakfast accommodation at a 4* hotel in Tokyo
• 1 night's bed and breakfast accommodation at a 4* hotel in Hakone
• 2 nights bed and breakfast accommodation in a 4* hotel in Kyoto
• 3 nights' bed and breakfast accommodation at a 4* hotel in Osaka
• 6 lunches and 5 dinners
• All transfers
• All Tours Specified in the Itinerary
• Airport and City Taxes
• Turkish-speaking guiding service (provided that the group size is a minimum of 15 people).
• TÜRSAB professional liability insurance

Not included

• All tours, entrance fees, and meals not specified as included in the tour itinerary
• Healthcare services and personal expenses
• Domestic connecting flights
• Excess baggage fees
• International departure tax
• Driver and Guide Gratuities (USD 10 per person per day)