Wendy Wu Essence Of South Korea & Japan

Hiroshima & Miyajima
Spend some time reflecting in this city which needs no introduction

Gyeongju
Explore this city’s extensive range of tombs, temples, statues and ruins

Kyoto
Stroll through the bamboo forest’s towering thickets

Seoul
Where tradition and culture meets a modern city

Days 1-2: Fly overnight to Seoul
Fly overnight to the capital of South Korea. Depending on when you arrive, the rest of the day is free for some independent exploring.
(No meals, Dinner)

Day 3: Explore Seoul
Start your full-day tour of this city at Gyeongbok Palace, where you’ll have the chance to see the Changing of the Guards and explore the palace itself. Then, get hands on with a Korean cooking class, creating and enjoying the flavours of Bibimbap for lunch. Head up the N Seoul Tower for great views of the city before exploring Insadong Antique Alley.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 4: Visit the DMZ
An early start today as you head to the DMZ. See the DMZ Theatre & Exhibition Hall and walk along the 3^rd Infiltration Tunnel, visit the Dora Observatory and see the Bridge of Freedom. Then return to Seoul to explore the huge Gwangjang Market. (Please note, if tickets to the DMZ are not available, you’ll ride the DMZ gondola and visit the Odusan Unification Observatory instead. Return to Seoul to explore the huge Gwangjang Market.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 5: Explore Gyeongju
Embark on a train journey to the captivating city of Gyeongju, known as the museum without walls due its abundant cultural relics. In the afternoon, marvel at the Bulguska Temple and the Seokguram Grotto. End the day with a serene stroll along the Anapji Pond.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 6: Busan
Begin the day with a visit to the Gyeongju National Museum and Tumuli Park’s royal tombs. Then, journey to Busan. In the afternoon, experience the lively atmosphere of Jagalchi Fish Market and Gukje Market’s bustling stalls. Later on the day, visit Dongbaekseom Island and relax at Haeundae Beach.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 7: To Japan
Say goodbye to South Korea and hello to Japan as you sail by ferry to Fukuoka.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 8: From Fukuoka to Hiroshima
Discover Kyushu’s largest city with a visit to the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shinto Shrine and the the National Museum. After lunch, board the bullet train to Hiroshima.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 9: Hiroshima & Miyajima
Start the day at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, which pays homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb, followed by a visit to an oyster farm. In the afternoon, hop on a ferry to the holy island of Miyajima to see the Itsukushkima Shrine.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 10: Ancient Kurashiki & Okayama
Transfer by bullet train to Kurashiki to explore the Bikan Historical Quarter. Next, head to Okayama and visit Korakuen Garden. Later board the bullet train to Osaka.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 11: Nara & Osaka
Travel to Nara and enjoy a leisurely walk through Nara Park to Todaiji Temple before returning to Osaka. Enjoy lunch at Dotonbori Street, famous for its eye-catching signage and billboards and then visit the impressive Osaka Castle.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 12: Travel to Kyoto
Journey by road to Kyoto, a city packed with tranquil temples and sublime gardens. Visit Ryoanji and the famous Kinkakuji Temple, known as the Golden Pavilion. Later experience the sacred rituals of a tea ceremony.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 13: Explore Kyoto
Visit the vibrant district of Arashiyama and stroll through its towering bamboo forest before trying your hand at fan painting. Next, you’ll have an opportunity to have lunch with a Maiko – an apprentice Geisha. In the afternoon, visits Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its 10,000 torii gates.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 14: Visit Hakone
This morning, take the bullet train to Odawara. Upon arrival visit Hakone Shrine on the shores of Lake Ashi and enjoy views of Mount Fuji. After lunch, take part in a Yosegi marquetry craft experience before heading to Tokyo.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 15: Explore Tokyo
Begin the day with a visit to Meiji Shrine before driving past the famous Shibuya crossing. Next wander through Asakusa district to visit Sensoji, the city’s most famous and beloved temple. After lunch, visit a bonsai museum and try your hand at pruning your own. End the day with a dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 16: Fly Tokyo to UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
(Breakfast)

You’ll spend 15 nights in 3+/4-star accommodation

Visit the DMZ
Embark on an informative adventure to the DMZ. Visit the Bridge of Freedom, the Theatre & Exhibition Hall and the 3^rd Infiltration Tunnel.

Cultivate a Bonsai Tree
Visit a bonsai museum in Tokyo and try your hand at the art of cultivating these miniaturised trees and shrubs

Visit an Oyster Farm
Whilst at Miyajima Island, visit an oyster farm and learn first-hand how the fisherman breed and take care of them

– International flights
– All domestic transportation
– 3* plus – 4* accommodation
– All meals: 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 14 dinners
– Touring with guides and entrance fees

Classic
See the classic sights in the company of expert guides so you can really understand the history and culture of the destination. On Wendy Wu classic tours everything is taken care of, leaving you to sit back and enjoy the experience to the full. The tours are fully inclusive with all meals and a comprehensive touring programme

This tour has a maximum group size of 28

This tour has a physical rating of 1. A reasonable level of fitness is required but it’s more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You’ll be getting on and off coaches and boats, walking around the sights and climbing some steps