17 day Cherry Blossoms of Japan and South Korea

Day 1 - HOME/SINGAPORE

This afternoon, we board our flight for Seoul via Singapore. Once we land into Singapore, there will be a few hours to stretch out the legs before reboarding for our connecting flight to Seoul.

Accommodation - N/A

Meals - As per fight

Day 2 - SINGAPORE/SEOUL

After arriving in Seoul in the morning, start your day by visiting the Seoullo 7017, a modern elevated walkway and garden that offers impressive city views followed by a visit to the iconic N Seoul Tower, one of the city's most famous landmarks. Finally, we head to the lively Gwangjang Market, a bustling traditional market that offers an authentic taste of Korean street food and local handicrafts.

Accommodation - Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Yongsan or similar

Meals - As per flight / Lunch / Dinner

Day 3 - SEOUL/DMZ TOUR/SEOUL

After breakfast, we depart Seoul to explore the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the heavily fortified border between North and South Korea. We'll visit the 3rd Tunnel, an underground passage discovered in the 1970s that was intended for a North Korean invasion, and the DMZ Observatory, where we can peer into the North Korean territory. We'll also stop at the Unification Village to learn more about the divided peninsula's history and hopes for reunification. In the afternoon, enjoy a kimchi making experience and then some time at the vibrant Myeongdong district.

Accommodation - Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Yongsan or similar

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 4 - SEOUL

Start your day at the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace, witnessing the impressive changing of the guard ceremony. Then, drive past the Presidential Blue House for a photo stop before exploring the charming Bukchon Hanok Village and its well-preserved traditional Korean houses. End your tour by strolling along the serene Cheonggyecheon Stream, admiring the striking modern architecture that lines the peaceful urban waterway. South Korea is also well known for their ginseng and cosmetics and so the group will also have quick stops at the local shops.

Accommodation - Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Yongsan or similar

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 5 - SEOUL/SUWON/GYEONGJU

We leave Seoul and drive to the city of Suwon. Once there, you'll explore the impressive Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved historical walls and fortifications. Next, visit the nearby Hwaseong Haeggung, the former palace of the Joseon dynasty rulers. Embrace the cultural heritage of Korea with a traditional archery experience. After Suwon, it will be a 4 hour drive to the ancient city of Gyeongju. Upon arriving, visit Donggung Palace admire the breathtaking night view of the Wolji Pond Bridge, a picturesque end to your day's journey.

Accommodation - Commodore Hotel Gyeongju or similar

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 6 - GYEONGJU/BUSAN

Begin your day by exploring the historic city of Gyeongju. Your first stop will be the impressive National Museum, home to an extensive collection of ancient Korean artifacts and artwork. From there, you'll visit Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its beautiful Buddhist architecture and serene atmosphere. Afterwards, we arrive to the coastal city of Busan. To cap off your day, take a relaxing train journey, during which you can enjoy stunning views of the sparkling waters and picturesque seaside scenery.

Accommodation - AVANI Central Hotel or similar

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 7 - BUSAN

Your Busan city tour begins at the scenic Songdo Sky Walk, offering panoramic views. Next, visit Yongdusan Park and then explore the vibrant Nampodong Shopping Street. Continue to the iconic BIFF Square, a hub for the film festival. End your day at the renowned Jagalchi Fish Market, witnessing the lively seafood trade.

Accommodation - AVANI Central Hotel or similar

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 8 - BUSAN/OSAKA

This morning prior to arriving to Pusan airport, we will stop into a local shop for any last minute gift purchases. A short flight will take us into Osaka, Japan. Your trusty local guide will be there to greet you and after lunch. First up, we visit Nara City and spend some time here to visit the Deer Park and Todaiji temple. Afterwards, a quick visit at Minoh Park followed by some free time in Shinsaibashi area.

Accommodation - Osaka Sheraton Miyako or similar

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 9 - OSAKA/KYOTO/GIFU

Today we make our journey to Kyoto—one of the most iconic places in Japan. For our visit to Kyoto, we will take a bullet train from Osaka station so you can experience first hand of speeds up to 285km/hr! Here we visit the famous Kiyomizu Temple and then have lunch. Afterwards, we make our way to Kitanotenmangu shrine to admire the beautiful Spring scenery. We continue our drive to Gifu tonight.

Accommodation - Miyako Hotel Gifu Nagaragawa or similar

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 10 - GIFU/KANAZAWA

After breakfast we drive for a few hours to Kanazawa— the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture. It is known for well-preserved Edo-era districts, art museums and regional handicrafts. Today’s highlights include Kanazawa Kenrokuen Garden, Golden Tea House, Higashi Chaya street and Nagamachi samurai house district.

Accommodation - Kanazawa Kokusai Hotel or similar

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 11 - KANAZAWA/SHIRAKAWAGO/TAKAYAMA/NAGANO

We drive to Shirakawago township to visit the famous village houses. Located in a mountainous region that was cut off from the rest of the world for a long period of time, these villages with their Gassho-style houses subsisted on the cultivation of mulberry trees and the rearing of silkworms. In the afternoon we head into Takayama Old Town before settling into Nagano for the night.

Accommodation - Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa or similar

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 12 - NAGANO/KAWAGUCHIKO

A very exciting day planned as we visit Kawaguchiko Lake and Oshino Hakkai Village and then journey up to the 5th station at Mt Fuji (pending weather). Overnight in this amazing and scenic area of Kawaguchiko.

Accommodation - Tominoko Hotel or similar

Meals - Breakfast / Own Lunch / Dinner

Day 13 - KAWAGUCHIKO/GOTEMBA/TOKYO

After breakfast, visit Hakone Peace Park for views of Mt Fuji and it's chalky white Stupa and whilst here, enjoy a short cruise of Lake Ashi. Afterwards, some retail therapy shopping at Gotemba outlet—an outlet mall near Mount Fuji. It was opened on July 13, 2000, and contains over 200 stores. In the afternoon we continue our drive to Tokyo.

Accommodation - Tokyo Dome hotel or similar

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch - own arrangement / Dinner

Day 14 - TOKYO

There is so much to do in this city that never sleeps! Today we drive past Imperial Palace, visit Shinjuku Gyoen, Asakusa Kannon Temple then Nakamise Market, which resembles a traditional style shopping street of a bygone era. In the afternoon, we head up Tokyo Tower and get a bird’s eye view of Tokyo and some free time in Ginza. 

Accommodation - Tokyo Dome hotel or similar

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 15 - TOKYO FREE DAY

This city is yours to enjoy at your own leisure today.

Accommodation - Tokyo Dome hotel or similar

Meals - Breakfast / Own Lunch / Own Dinner

Day 16 - TOKYO/SINGAPORE/MELBOURNE

This morning we will head to the airport (either Narita or Haneda) and board our flight back home (via Singapore).

Meals - Breakfast / As per flight

Day 17 - ARRIVE HOME

Your flight arrives back home today and we hope you had a great holiday!

Meals - As per flight