Riviera Travel Highlights of South Korea

• Discover Seoul’s mixture of ancient architecture and modern culture
• Explore 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Visit the infamous Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
• Travel on the KTX high-speed train
• Tour Busan’s landmarks, including its famous beach

• Direct flights and transfers
• 11nts in 3/4* accommodation
• Selected meals: Daily breakfast, 1 lunch and 2 dinners
• 21 experiences
• Services of an expert Riviera Tour Manager throughout

Day 1: Departure
Head to the airport for your overnight flight to Seoul

Day 2: Arrive in Seoul
Arrive in Seoul in the late afternoon. From the airport, transfer to your hotel where you can enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 3: Seoul
Begin your exploration of the city at Gyeongbok, where you’ll watch the changing of the Royal Guards ceremony. From the palace, head next door to the National Folk Museum where you can learn more about the history of Korea. For lunch, you’ll visit Gwangjang Market to pick out your lunch from the stalls. After lunch visit the lively Insa-dong before walking back along the Cheonggyecheon stream.

Day 4: The DMZ
Travel north this morning to the Demilitarized Zone. Take a guided tour of the Third Tunnel, discovered in 1978 before visiting the Dora Observatory, where you can peer into North Korea to see the village of Kijong-dong, consider to be a ‘propaganda village’ by South Korea. Then, visit Imjingak Park, a tribute to the South Koreans separated from their families. Return to Seoul for your first Signature Experience (See Signature Tours for more information)

Day 5: Free day in Seoul
Enjoy a day a leisure in Seoul to spend as you wish, whether you want to explore more of the city’s history, head to the markets for some shopping or explore the Bukchon Hanok village to see some traditional houses.

Day 6: Goseong
After breakfast, leave Seoul and travel through the mountainous province of Gangwon-Do towards the coast. Arriving near the border, visit the Goseong DMZ Museum where you can learn more about the Korean War. Next, head to the coastal city of Sokcho. Check in to your hotel before visiting Abai Village, traveling on hand-pulled barge.

Day 7: Seoraksan National Park
This morning, take a short drive to Seoraksan National Park, home to waterfalls, mountains and scenic valleys. Near the entrance to the park, you’ll see the Great Bronze Buddha, near Sinheungsa Temple. Then, enjoy an easy guided walking tour to see some waterfalls. Alternatively, choose your own walk or take the cable car up Seoraksan Mountain.

Day 8: Dosan Sewon and Hahoe
Leave Sokcho and travel south. Your first stop is at Dosan Seowan, a former Confucian Academy which now holds commemorative ceremonies twice a year. Continue to the village of Hahoe, considered the best-preserved 15^th Century clan village in Korea, where you can explore the 460 traditional structures. You’ll also visit the Hahoe Mask Museum.

Finally, travel to Andong, where you’ll check into your hotel. After some free time, head into the centre for dinner where you’ll try the local speciality of Andong Jjimdak

Day 9: Gyeongju
In the morning, travel to Gyeongju. On arrival, head to the heritage district, a ‘museum without walls’. Then, head to the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, the last resting place of several Silla monarchs. Venture into one of the tombs, Cheonmachong which is open to the public.

Next, visit the Cheomseongdae, an observatory tower that dates to the 7^th Century. For here, head to the National Museum where you can see all the treasure excavated from the tombs. Then, check into your hotel before an afternoon at leisure followed by your second Signature experience this evening (See Signature Tours for more information)

Day 10: Gyeongju
The first stop of the day is Seokguram Grotto on the slopes of Mount Toham, which portrays the enlightenment of Budda. Then, visit the Temple of Bulguksa, an ancient temple where you’ll find some of South Korea’s greatest national treasures.  At lunch, enjoy another Signature Experience (See Signature Tours for more information) before returning to the hotel to spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 11: Busan
Travel south to Busan. On arrival, visit Haeundae Beach, before continuing to the sobering UN Memorial Cemetery, dedicated to those who died in the Korean War. Around lunchtime, heat to Gamcheon Culture Village for some free time to eat and explore. The final stop of the day is Jagalchi Fish Market, the largest in the country. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Korean barbecue.

Day 12: High-speed train to Seoul
This morning, enjoy some free time to explore Busan before heading to the train station in the mid-afternoon. Travel in first class on the KTX high-speed train, like Japan’s bullet train. Watch the scenery pass by as you enjoy snacks and drinks. On arrival, transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 13: Return home
Transfer to the airport for your flight home

This Signature Tour includes everything from the Classic Tour as well as the following:

Day 1:
Visit a local distillery to try soju, one of the nation’s favourite drinks

Day 9:
See some of the city’s landmarks lit up on a night tour, including Donggung Palace and Woljeonggyo Bridge

Day 10:
Learn how to prepare Bulgogi, a beef and rice dish, during an authentic cooking class before enjoying your efforts for lunch.

Plus, enjoy the more exclusive atmosphere of travelling in a small group of 25 or fewer guests.

For dates and prices, please enquire or call 0800 707 6229

Koreana Hotel, Seoul – 4*
Located in Seoul’s tourist district, with easy access to the metro, this hotel is perfect for those wanting to explore during their leisure time. It offers several restaurants, and each room is equipped with a seating area, tv, a coffee pot and air conditioning.

Ramada by Wyndham Gangwon, Sokcho – 4*
This waterfront hotel is next to the port, offering great sea views. It’s close to many popular landmarks and restaurants. Each room here features a tv, fridge, safe and seating area.

Andong Grand Hotel, Andong – 3*
This hotel is close to Cheong-Won Park and many other landmarks. Each room is equipped with a tv, tea/coffee making facilities, a fridge and a hairdryer.

Commodore Hotel, Gyeongju – 4*
Within walking distance of the city’s Bomun Tourist Complex, the Commodore Hotel had a selection of restaurants as well as a pool and terrace. Rooms feature a tv, seating area, tea/coffee making facilities and a fridge.

Asti Hotel, Busan – 4*
In the heart of Busan, the Asti Hotel is close the underground station, with many cafes and restaurants nearby. In the hotel, you’ll find 2 restaurants and a Starbucks. Rooms have a seating area, a tv, a fridge as well as views over the mountains or sea.

Fact File

• Currency: South Korean won
• Flight Time: Approx. 11 hrs
• Language: Korean
• Time Zone: GMT+9
• Country: South Korea

*All transfer times listed here are approximate and dependent on traffic