Classic Japan and Seoul

Explore the many attractions in Seoul by public transport, using a Korean transportation card. Meet your guide at your hotel and head to Gwanghwamun Plaza. View the statues of King Sejong the Great and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, before continuing to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Enjoy the changing of the guard ceremony and stroll between the tile-roofed buildings, which housed the royal family of the Joseon Dynasty. Proceed to the throne room that is lined with tiny guardian figurines and features golden dragons on the ceiling. Located within the palace grounds, is the National Folk Museum of Korea that exhibits replicas of Korean folklife artifacts. Walk to Bukchon Hanok Village, traditionally a residential enclave of the nobility, showcasing around 900 heritage wooden structures, called hanok. Then, visit the UNESCO-listed Changdeokgung Palace, with its impressive throne room and a building that contains vintage cars used by King Sunjong. Stop at the Secret Garden, before making your way to the Insadong neighborhood. Spend time in this vibrant district filled with art galleries, boutiques, tearooms and restaurants to conclude your tour. (Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private activity & public transport; All entry fees & T-Money Card for public transport is included; Changdeokgung Palace is closed on Mondays, Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays & Bukchon Hanok Village is closed on Sundays; Please bring your own refillable/reusable water bottle)

Discover the walled city of Suwon, followed by a visit to Korean Folk Village. In the morning, a private vehicle will take you to the largest city in the Gyeonggi-do province, Suwon. Once you reach, visit the UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress, built in the late 18th century by a Joseon king. Accompany your guide around the sprawling stone and brick complex comprising observation towers, command posts, and pavilions. Next, travel to Korean Folk Village, a living museum chronicling the country’s rich culture and heritage. Along the way, you will stop at a local restaurant where you can buy yourself lunch. At the village, walk around and see the restored traditional Korean houses, which have been relocated here from different parts of the country. Find out what life was like in the Joseon era as you check out a farming village, Confucian academy and various workshops. Watch seasonal folk music and dance performances, martial art demonstrations and maybe even a traditional wedding ceremony before it’s time to head back. (Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Travel time to activity: 1. 5 hrs each way; Entrance fees included; Please bring your own refillable/reusable water bottle)

For a day well spent, visit some of Tokyo’s best known landmarks with your local expert! Begin with a trip to the Asakusa locality, well-known for its “shitamachi” or old-world vibe. You can visit the Sensoji temple, a Buddhist temple believed to be Tokyo’s oldest. Adjacent to the temple you will find the Nakamise “dori” or street, where you can taste some traditional snacks if you like. Travel across town to Omotesando and after exploring the ritzy flagship stores and spectacular architecture on the main boulevard. Next, make your last stop at the famous Meiji shrine, dedicated to the spirit of Emperor Meiji. Surrounded by a forested area with 365 species of trees, the shrine is also a popular wedding venue, so don’t be surprised if you come across a bride and groom all dressed up for their big day! (Half Day; Time of the day: 0900 or 1300 hrs; Private Activity; Transfers by public transport; Fitness Level: Moderate)

Explore the famous shrines of Kyoto, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. At the scheduled time, meet your guide and travel by public transport to the attractions on your itinerary. Begin with a visit to Kinkakuji Temple, a Zen shrine known for its stunning gold leaf-covered façade. Overlooking a large pond and surrounded by lush vegetation, this temple makes for a picturesque sight. Next, stop by Ryoanji Temple, which is home to one of the most famous Zen rock gardens in the country. There is a pond, a network of walking trails, and a restaurant on the grounds. You will then visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, built to appease a vengeful spirit. Located in the Kamishichiken district, the oldest geisha neighborhood of the city, this temple is popular with students. (Duration: 4 hrs; Time: 0900 or 1300 hrs; Private activity; Shared transfers (public transport); Fitness level: moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Please wear comfortable walking shoes)

Japanese cuisine has been declared a UNESCO Intangible World Heritage for good reason, cooked as it is with the freshest ingredients and masterful techniques. Get an overall idea about Japanese cooking styles from your chef in this cooking class designed for a small, intimate group. Learn how to prepare Bento style boxed meals under the expert guidance of your host chef. Cook Kyoto’s signature Shokado bento, a delicious spread that includes delectable bites of tempura, miso soup, egg roll, chicken teriyaki, sesame spinach salad and sushi. The greatest treat awaits you at the end of the class, when you get to taste your own Bento box! (Half Day, Shared Activity & No Transfers; Meal included: Lunch; Fitness Level: Easy; Please inform about any dietary restrictions in advance).