Tour Grand Tour Of South Korea, China & Japan (2020) | Visit Korea (Republic of), Japan

Flights

Flight from South Korea to China and China to Japan *** All other flights are not included.

Guide

Services of Great Rail Journeys Tour Escorts

Transport

Airport transfers and tipping

Meals

62 meals - 32 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 17 dinners

Others

Services of Great Rail Journeys Tour Escorts

Accommodation

32 nights in premium accommodation Two Nights, Seoul, Courtyard Marriott Namdaemun Jeonju, Ramada Hotel Gyeongju, Commodore Hotel Busan, Haeundae Grand Hotel Two Nights, Seoul, Courtyard Marriott Namdaemun Four Nights, Beijing, Novotel Peace Hotel Two Nights, Xi’an, Grand Mercure Two Nights, Chengdu, Tibet Hotel Three Nights, Yangtze River, Century Glory Marco Polo Wuhan Two Nights, Shanghai, Pullman Jing’an Two Nights, Tokyo, Keio Plaza Hotel Hakone Hotel Matsumoto, Buena Vista Hotel, or similar Takayama, Associa Hotel Two Nights, Hiroshima, Granvia Hotel Three Nights, Kyoto, ANA Crowne Plaza or similar Osaka, Sheraton Miyako

Not included:

Optional

Other activities and services are not included.

Others

Other activities and services are not included.

Insurance

Insurance not included.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrive Seoul
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive Seoul

Arrive in South Korea’s capital city. After being taken to your hotel, you might enjoy some time at leisure. After your Insider Experience at dinner, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel which is located in the heart of Seoul.
Day 2 Day 2: Seoul
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Seoul

Fill up at breakfast this morning - you’re in for a full day of a sightseeing. The excitement begins with an Insider Experience at Gyeongbokgung Palace. Continue on to Insadong Antique Alley where quirky amulets and jewellery among other wares are scattered across stalls. Poke around the many streets, maybe picking up a souvenir or two. Afterwards, continue to Itaewon Street and Seoul Tower. More than just a radio and television tower, the many levels of Seoul Tower have an array of exciting attractions including an observatory and wishing pond. Enjoy another Insider Experience later. Return to your hotel later for a well-deserved rest.
Day 3 Day 3: Geumsan, Jeonju Hanok Village, Jeonju
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Geumsan, Jeonju Hanok Village, Jeonju

Today farewell Seoul and set off for Jeonju. After sampling fried ginseng root, you’ll head to Jeonju Hanok Village. Afterwards, visit the Hanji Museum and experience making the traditional Korean paper. Dinner is served at a local restaurant this evening before you are escorted back to your hotel.
Day 4 Day 4: Jeonju, Gyeongju
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Jeonju, Gyeongju

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning before being transferred to Gyeongju. Set your sights on the Bulguksa Temple resting on the slopes of Mt Toham, Tumuli Park, and Cheomseongdae Observatory. The afternoon is then spent at leisure before an evening visit to Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. Explore the site which was only properly uncovered and renamed in the 1980s before returning to your hotel. You might like to enjoy dinner here, or head out to explore the streets and sample a delicious local meal.
Day 5 Day 5: Gyeongju, Busan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Gyeongju, Busan

Depart Gyeongju after breakfast this morning and travel to Busan. Upon arrival, you’ll be taken on a city sightseeing tour of some of Busan’s most well-known sites including Busan Tower, Jagalchi Fishery Market and the UN Memorial. You’ll also spend some time at the Oryukdo Skywalk. Translating to ‘Walking in the Sky’, this glass walkway is suspended over the ocean for an unreal perspective. After some free time, you’ll be taken back to your hotel where you’ll enjoy dinner.
Day 6 Day 6: Busan, Seoul
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Busan, Seoul

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll board one of South Korea’s famous KTX Express Trains to Seoul. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll stop in at the Namdaemun Market with time to explore. Once finished, a guide will take you to your hotel.
Day 7 Day 7: Seoul, Paju, Demilitarised Zone
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Seoul, Paju, Demilitarised Zone

Today is dedicated to the fascinating relationship between North and South Korea. You’ll visit the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) in Paju to gain an understanding of the bordering countries. See Imjingak Park, the Bridge of Freedom and The 3rd Infiltration Tunnel where it’s believed that some 30,000 soldiers could pass through within an hour. You’ll also spend time at the DMZ Theatre and Exhibition Hall, and the station, along with Dora Observatory which offers binocular views into North Korea. Return to Seoul for an afternoon visit to the War Memorial Museum to reflect further on the conflict, and finish off with your Farewell Dinner.
Day 8 Day 8: Seoul, Beijing
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Seoul, Beijing

Today fly from Seoul to Beijing, China and transfer to your hotel.
Day 9 Day 9: Beijing
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Beijing

Enjoy the day to explore on your own. Tonight, meet your China Tour Escort for a Welcome Dinner.
Day 10 Day 10: Beijing, Forbidden City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Beijing, Forbidden City

This morning, visit Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest city squares. Continue to the Forbidden City. Steeped in history, it is the former home to an ancient line of Chinese emperors. After lunch, explore the World Heritage-listed Summer Palace.
Day 11 Day 11: Beijing, Great Wall Of China
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Beijing, Great Wall Of China

Discover China’s greatest icon, the Great Wall of China. Take in breathtaking views during a cable car ride to the Mutianyu section, one of the best-preserved parts of the wall. Return to the city later, passing by the Beijing National Stadium (the Bird’s Nest) and the bubble-covered Water Cube. Continue to a cloisonné factory and enjoy a guided tour, learning about Chinese cloisonné. Tonight enjoy an Insider Experience.
Day 12 Day 12: Beijing, Xi’An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Beijing, Xi’An

This morning after breakfast, visit the Temple of Heaven, an imperial complex of religious buildings founded in the first half of the 15th century.
Day 13 Day 13: Xi’An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Xi’An

Known for its remarkable collection of Terracotta Warriors, a discovery of Xi’an awaits today. Admire the excavation pits that have housed the thousands of sculptures since around 210 BC. Every sculpture is unique, with distinct facial features, hairstyles, postures and clothing. Spend the afternoon on a guided tour of Xi’an, taking in some of its most famous sights, including the Great Mosque, the lively Muslim bazaar and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda.
Day 14 Day 14: Xi’An, Chengdu
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Xi’An, Chengdu

After breakfast this morning, you will embark on a high-speed train journey to Chengdu where you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The charming Tibet hotel tastefully combines traditional Tibetan decor with modern furnishings.
Day 15 Day 15: Chengdu
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Chengdu

After your Insider Experience and lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Buddhist Wenshu Monastery and learn about the ancient structure. Finish your day with a visit to the charming Jinli Street where bright lanterns light up the path.
Day 16 Day 16: Chengdu, Chongqing, Embark Ship
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Chengdu, Chongqing, Embark Ship

Following breakfast at your hotel, travel to Chengdu’s Renmin Park. Also known as the People’s Park, this lush garden is a hub for locals. Sample a range of teas at a teahouse before travelling by train to Chongqing where you will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before boarding your river ship. Kick back and begin your relaxing three-night cruise along the Yangtze River.
Day 17 Day 17: Shibaozhai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Shibaozhai

Today will be spent exploring Shibaozhai, an isolated peak rising from the northern bank of the Yangtze River. On the river side of the hill sits a magnificent red twelve-storey pavilion built during the Qing Dynasty. Tonight you’ll enjoy a Captain’s Dinner.
Day 18 Day 18: Scenic Cruising, Shennv Stream
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Scenic Cruising, Shennv Stream

This morning, set off on a shore excursion to Shennv Stream, a small tributary of the Yangtze River with its narrow gorges and picturesque mountain sides. Much of the landscape remains in a pristine state due to the light boat traffic which travels through here. This evening, enjoy a traditional Chinese buffet dinner back on board the ship.
Day 19 Day 19: Maoping, Disembark Ship, Wuhan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Maoping, Disembark Ship, Wuhan

Bid farewell to your river ship and disembark in Maoping. Spend the morning at the Three Gorges Dam Site and take in the colossal scale of the world’s largest hydropower project.
Day 20 Day 20: Wuhan, Shanghai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Wuhan, Shanghai

Today begins with a visit to the Yellow Crane Tower, a five-storey yellow tiled marvel sitting at the top of Snake Hill. Perhaps explore the city’s streets at your own pace, or spend some time in your hotel relaxing.
Day 21 Day 21: Shanghai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Shanghai

After your Insider Experience, it’s time to experience Shanghai’s bustling bazaar before visiting the historic Jade Buddha Temple. After lunch, explore the Bund, a famous waterfront area home to an impressive collection of European style buildings. Continue to Shanghai’s French Concession and wander through the leafy streets. This evening you’ll get to taste the traditional flavours of Shanghainese cuisine during a Farewell Dinner at Xianqiangfang Restaurant.
Day 22 Day 22: Shanghai, Tokyo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 22: Shanghai, Tokyo

Transfer to Shanghai airport for your flight to Tokyo. Tonight meet your Japan Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort for dinner.
Day 23 Day 23: Tokyo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 23: Tokyo

A full-day tour of Tokyo begins with a trip to the Edo Tokyo Museum or the Miraikan. Next it’s onto the Asakusa Kannon Temple and Hamarikyu Garden, where you’ll have the chance to sample authentic tea and sweets at a Japanese tea house. Afterwards, pay a visit to the Meiji Shrine and the famous Shibuya Crossing before returning to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Day 24 Day 24: Tokyo, Hakone
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 24: Tokyo, Hakone

Enjoy a tour of Odawara before taking a ride on the Hakone Ropeway to the Togendai station, nestled on the shores of the tranquil Lake Ashi. Enjoy a relaxing cruise around the lake before continuing on to your hotel for the evening.
Day 25 Day 25: Mt Fuji, Matsumoto
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 25: Mt Fuji, Matsumoto

This morning, travel to Mt Fuji, arguably Japan’s most distinctive landmark. Driving along the foot of the famous mountain, and disembark for an Insider Experience. Continue to Matsumoto and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 26 Day 26: Matsumoto, Takayama
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 26: Matsumoto, Takayama

Enjoy an Insider Experience at Matsumoto Castle this morning. En route to Takayama you’ll stop at Hirayu Onsen, one of Japan’s famous traditional open-air baths. Continue on to the picturesque town of Takayama, set atop brilliant hills. On a guided walking tour, see sights including the Old Jinya House and Kami Sannomachi.
Day 27 Day 27: Takayama, Nagoya, Hiroshima
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 27: Takayama, Nagoya, Hiroshima

After a morning visit to the Miyagawa markets, enjoy an excursion to the nearby Hida Folk Village.
Day 28 Day 28: Hiroshima, Miyajima Island
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 28: Hiroshima, Miyajima Island

Today, travel by train and journey to Miyajima Island. This afternoon is set aside for you to discover the other sites of Hiroshima at your own leisure.
Day 29 Day 29: Hiroshima, Kyoto
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 29: Hiroshima, Kyoto

This enjoy some Insider Experiences at Hiroshima’s World Peace Memorial Park and the A-Bomb Dome Museum. Afterwards, travel by bullet train to Kyoto for another Insider Experience.
Day 30 Day 30: Kyoto
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 30: Kyoto

Venture to some of Kyoto’s beautiful formal gardens this morning and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony. Afterwards, take a tour of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks including the Nijo Castle, built in 1603; Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) which has an exquisite Japanese garden; and Kiyomizu Temple, a historic Buddhist temple that offers impressive views over Kyoto. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure.
Day 31 Day 31: Kyoto, Nara
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 31: Kyoto, Nara

Today you’ll enjoy a day trip to Nara, a picturesque city with charming narrow streets and an abundance of impressive temples. See the beautiful Todai-ji Temple, the largest wooden building in the world and its Great Buddha and Nigatsu-do Shrine. Founded in 745 by Emperor Shomu, Todai-ji is a vast Buddhist temple complex that was constructed as a symbol of imperial power. Its famous Buddha towers overhead at 15 metres tall and is the largest Buddha statue in Japan. Later it’s time for a stroll through Nara’s famous Deer Park, home to over 1,200 wild deer who freely roam the park, grazing on the spacious lawns.
Day 32 Day 32: Kyoto, Osaka
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 32: Kyoto, Osaka

Travel to Osaka where you’ll enjoy a guided tour that includes a visit to the Umeda Observatory in the iconic Umeda Sky building. Here you will enjoy panoramic views over Osaka and its castle. Spend your final evening with fellow travellers during a Farewell Dinner.
Day 33 Day 33: Depart Osaka
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 33: Depart Osaka

Transfer to Osaka airport after breakfast for your onward flight.

+30

33 days tour

Grand Tour Of South Korea, China & Japan (2020)

This tour includes:

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Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Grand Tour Of South Korea, China & Japan (2020)

Day 1: Arrive Seoul

Day 2: Seoul

Day 3: Geumsan, Jeonju Hanok Village, Jeonju

Day 4: Jeonju, Gyeongju

Day 5: Gyeongju, Busan

Day 6: Busan, Seoul

Day 7: Seoul, Paju, Demilitarised Zone

Day 8: Seoul, Beijing

Day 9: Beijing

Day 10: Beijing, Forbidden City

Day 11: Beijing, Great Wall Of China

Day 12: Beijing, Xi’An

Day 13: Xi’An

Day 14: Xi’An, Chengdu

Day 15: Chengdu

Day 16: Chengdu, Chongqing, Embark Ship

Day 17: Shibaozhai

Day 18: Scenic Cruising, Shennv Stream

Day 19: Maoping, Disembark Ship, Wuhan

Day 20: Wuhan, Shanghai

Day 21: Shanghai

Day 22: Shanghai, Tokyo

Day 23: Tokyo

Day 24: Tokyo, Hakone

Day 25: Mt Fuji, Matsumoto

Day 26: Matsumoto, Takayama

Day 27: Takayama, Nagoya, Hiroshima

Day 28: Hiroshima, Miyajima Island

Day 29: Hiroshima, Kyoto

Day 30: Kyoto

Day 31: Kyoto, Nara

Day 32: Kyoto, Osaka

Day 33: Depart Osaka

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