Beijing, Korean Beauty, and Japan (2025)

Day 1: Beijing

Welcome to China. Transfer to the hotel. Early in the evening, to familiarise ourselves with the city, we provide a transfer to Wangfujing street, a pedestrian and commercial street full of life with many shops and restaurants. Dinner included and return to hotel.

Day 2: Beijing

An exciting day awaits us. We will discover the main points of interest in the Chinese capital. We will have a full day visit in which we will visit some of the main avenues in the city. The Great Chinese Imperial Palace, better known as "The Forbidden City", the most majestic architectural complex in China from where 24 emperors ruled for almost 500 years. We will also have the opportunity to visit Jingshan Park where the Coal Hill is located, one of the best preserved imperial gardens in Beijing. We ascend to the top of the hill to have the best views (if the day is clear) on the Forbidden City. We will walk through the immense Tiananmen Square one of the largest squares in the world, and from them, we will appreciate the Great National Theater, Beijing Opera House. Lunch is included. Today, we will also visit the SUMMER PALACE, the Imperial House of the Qing Dynasty with its beautiful gardens and lakes. In the afternoon we include a tricycle ride through the traditional neigbourhood of Beijing, known as Hutong. In this area we can see the typical life style in these popular neighborhood, visit typical shops and even a traditional house, a Siheyuan, with all its lounges around a courtyard. Return to the hotel and overnight.*Note: For reasons of heritage protection and increased visitor safety, the governing body of the Imperial Palace or Forbidden City has reduced the daily capacity of visitors for an indeterminate period of time. For this reason, we cannot guarantee that such a visit will take place. If it cannot be carried out, it would be replaced by a visit to the Confucius Temple and also the Lama Temple, both also emblematic of Chinese history and culture.

Day 3: Beijing

Today’s programme includes an excursion to visit the GREAT WALL OF CHINA (section Mutianyu). spectacular architectural work. Its history covers more than 2000 years. The day will include a cable car ride up and down to one of the most scenic areas. Returning to Beijing, we will stop in the 798 th district, with its contemporary art located in an old military factory. We will also visit the TEMPLE OF HEAVEN, one of the country’s largest sacred complexes and a World Heritage Site. Before returning to the hotel, and as a way to rest from this intense day, we will enjoy a foot massage and we will take a Tai Chi class. We will bid farewell to Beijing with a lacquered duck dinner included.

Day 4: Beijing - Seoul

After breakfast, we’ll provide a transfer to the airport for the flight to Seoul. Welcome to Korea! Upon arrival, you’ll be taken to the hotel to meet the guide. In the evening, we’ll start exploring this fascinating country. With our guide, we’ll take the modern and efficient subway, which you’ll learn how to use, and head to City Hall, a striking building shaped like a tsunami. Across from City Hall, we’ll see the Deoksugung Palace, beautifully lit at night, showcasing Korea´s blend of tradition and modernity. From there, we’ll walk to Myeongdong neighborhood, the liveliest and largest shopping district in the country, whose name means “bright tunnel.” Dinner will be included at a local restaurant.

Day 5: Seoul

Today, we’ll enjoy an extensive five-hour tour of Seoul. We’ll see the Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, set within a large park and home to a collection of palaces. Afterward, we’ll pass by Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional and historic neighborhood with little homes. Next, we’ll learn about the War Memorial of Korea, an impressive museum that provides a deep insight into the various conflicts that have shaped Korea’s history, with a special focus on the Korean War, where soldiers from many countries fought under the United Nations. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. We’ll then head to the Gangnam District, one of the city´s busiest areas, known for its shopping centers and entertainment venues. To conclude the day, we’ll stop at Lotte World Tower, a stunning skyscraper standing 550 meters tall. You’ll have free time either to go up the tower (ticket not included) or explore the surrounding park and luxury shopping malls. After, we will return to the hotel, and you will have free time.

Day 6: Seoul - Suwon - Jeonju

Today, we’ll visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, a stunning palace with over 600 years of history. We’ll have the chance to witness the ceremonial changing of the guard if it takes place at that time. Afterward, we’ll depart from Seoul and head south. Our first stop will be Suwon, the former capital of Korea, renowned for its impressive UNESCO World Heritage walls. We’ll see these remarkable fortifications and visit Hwaseong Haenggung, the summer palace. Lunch will be included. We’ll then continue to Jeonju, where we’ll discover its fascinating historic center (Hanok Village), with its little houses, traditional shops, and art galleries.

Day 7: Jeonju - Damyang - Haeinsa - Busan

We’ll depart for the Sunchang Gochujang Village, located at the base of Mount Amisan, with its hanok houses and courtyards filled with clay pots called hang-a-ri. This village is home to master artisans who craft gochujang (Korean chili paste) using traditional methods. We’ll enjoy a hands-on experience learning how to make this famous sauce. Afterward, we’ll continue to Damyang to visit the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest, where the paths are considered some of the most beautiful in the country, perfect for meditation and enjoying the fresh breeze. We’ll also find a variety of bamboo products, celebrated in places like the Bamboo Museum. Lunch will be included, and we’ll taste a local specialty: rice cooked and served inside a bamboo stalk. Surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes and forests, we’ll arrive at Haeinsa, one of Korea’s most important Buddhist temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 802, it houses the Tripitaka, the most complete collection of Buddhist scriptures, carved on 80,000 wooden tablets. We’ll then continue to Busan, Korea’s second-largest city, known for its vibrant atmosphere, for accommodation.

Day 8: Busan

In the morning, we’ll depart from Busan to visit Haedong Yonggung, a 14th-century Buddhist temple beautifully located by the sea. Afterward, we’ll return to Busan to explore the UN Memorial Cemetery, the resting place for people from many nations. Next, we’ll visit the country’s largest fish market, located by Nampo Port, followed by an included lunch. We’ll then stroll to Yongdusan Park, home to the towering 120-meter pagoda. Later, we’ll head to Songdo Beach, where you can ride the country’s first marine cable car (ticket included, weather permitting) and take in the breathtaking views of the bay. Our journey will continue to the Gamcheon Culture Village, known for its vibrant, colorful buildings, maze-like alleyways, art galleries, pottery workshops, and beautiful cafes. Afterward, we’ll return to Busan for an overnight stay.

Day 9: Busan - Seokguram - Bulguksa - Gyeongju - Daegu

We’ll depart for the Seokguram Buddhist Grotto, an 8th-century site nestled on the slopes of the Tohamsan. Afterward, we’ll visit the Bulguksa Temple, considered one of the most beautiful temples in the country. Next, we’ll arrive in Gyeongju, the Korean capital that endured the longest in the nation’s history, with a reign of 992 years under 56 kings. You’ll have the chance to photograph the stunning wooden Woljeonggyo Bridge along the banks of the Namcheon River. Lunch will be included. We’ll then head to Tumuli Park, home to the burial mounds of kings from the ancient Silla Kingdom, which are over 1,500 years old. We’ll visit one of their tombs before walking to the Cheomsongdae Astronomical Observatory, the oldest in East Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our journey will continue with our arrival in Daegu, the fourth most populous city in Korea. Before heading to the hotel, we’ll see Dongsan Cheongna Hill, a historic area once home to Christian missionaries, and the commercial street of Dongseong-ro, the city’s liveliest street, with its trendy shops, cafes, and restaurants. Overnight stay in Daegu.

Day 10: Daegu - Andong - Hahoe - Seoul

We’ll begin our day with a tour of Daegu, with a visit to the Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine, renowned for its history of medicinal herbs. Afterward, we’ll take a stroll through the surrounding streets, known as the Herbal Medicine Market, famous for its abundance of herbal shops and the high quality of their products, particularly ginseng. We’ll then head north to Andong, where we’ll visit the outskirts of the traditional Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have time to wander through this rural village, which feels frozen in time. We’ll also visit the Hahoe Mask Museum, showcasing masks from around the world used in dances, medical practices, religious ceremonies, and theatrical performances. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. Next, we’ll visit the Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy, founded in the 16th century and set in a peaceful, idyllic landscape along a river. We’ll arrive in Seoul in the evening. Weather permitting, we’ll stop at the Banpo Bridge over the Han River, famous for its fountain that creates a rainbow of water and lights along the bridge’s path. Overnight stay in Seoul.Note: The visit to Banpo Bridge is subject to weather conditions.

Day 11: Seoul - Tokyo

After breakfast, we’ll provide a transfer to the airport for the flight to Tokyo (included). Welcome to Japan! After completing border procedures, an assistant (usually Spanish-speaking, though sometimes English-speaking) will be waiting for you. You’ll then be transferred by shared shuttle bus to the hotel. Free time.

Day 12: Tokyo

In the morning, we’ll enjoy an extensive guided tour of this truly mesmerizing city, lasting approximately five hours. Tokyo’s vibrant energy and cutting-edge neighborhoods coexist beautifully with its tranquil, serene spaces.We’ll begin with a brief stop at Zojoji Temple, where you’ll capture one of the most iconic views of the Tokyo Tower. The temple grounds are adorned with hundreds of Jizo statues, intricately carved stone figures believed to be protectors of children, dressed in colorful knit caps, bibs, and windmills.Next, we’ll head to the famous Shibuya Crossing, often hailed as the busiest intersection in the world, followed by a visit to the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife. Our journey will continue by bus along the elegant Omotesando Avenue. We’ll then see the most picturesque parts of the Imperial Palace and its gardens and stop to admire the iconic Nijubashi Bridge.As we proceed, we’ll pass through the vibrant Akihabara district, also known as the “Electric Town,” a hub for Japanese manga and anime culture. We’ll also drive past the Kokugikan, Japan’s renowned sumo wrestling arena.We’ll conclude our tour in Asakusa, visiting the historic Sensoji Temple and the famous Nakamise Street. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel.At 6:30 p.m., we’ll meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the metro (tickets included) to the lively Shinjuku district. Here, we’ll enjoy a stroll through its bustling streets, renowned for their vibrant nightlife, as we head to a local restaurant for dinner (included). Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel by metro, accompanied by our guide.

Day 13: Tokyo - Kyoto

We’ll travel by bullet train to Kyoto, departing early in the morning. In just over two hours, we’ll cover nearly 500 km separating Tokyo and Kyoto. We’ll have the entire day to explore Kyoto, the former capital of Japan from 794 to 1868 and home to the Imperial Court. Remarkably, Kyoto was the only major Japanese city spared from bombing during World War II, allowing it to preserve its rich artistic heritage. Kyoto is also renowned as the site where the Kyoto Protocol, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, was signed in 1997.Our visit will include the city’s most iconic landmarks. We’ll admire the stunning Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Imperial Palace; and the Kinkakuji Temple, known as the “Golden Pavilion,” surrounded by magnificent gardens.Afterward, enjoy some time to stroll through Gion, Kyoto’s vibrant traditional district, celebrated for its geishas and lively atmosphere. Free time will follow.

Day 14: Kyoto - Nara - Osaka

We’ll depart for Nara to visit Todaiji, a magnificent Buddhist temple built in 752, home to a giant Buddha statue. Here, you’ll also have the chance to take photos and interact with the friendly deer that roam freely in the surrounding park. Lunch will be included.Afterward, we’ll visit the Horyu-ji Buddhist Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses a seminary, monasteries, and temples. Its central pagoda is one of the oldest wooden structures in the world and holds the distinction of being Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple, serving as an important place of worship.Our journey will then take us to Osaka, where we’ll arrive in the evening. Accommodation will be in this vibrant and modern city, known as Japan’s second-largest urban area. Later, we’ll visit Dotonbori, a lively and colorful district renowned for its bustling nightlife.

Day 15: Osaka

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.