Japan, Korea and Singapore Tour

Departing Istanbul for Seoul

We meet at Istanbul Airport's International Departures Terminal at 10:00. After ticket, baggage and passport procedures, we set off for Seoul via Singapore on Singapore Airlines flight SQ 391, departing at 13:10. We spend the night on board, above the clouds.

Flight details: SQ 391, Istanbul (IST) to Singapore (SIN), departing 13:10.

On to Seoul via Singapore

We land at Singapore Changi Airport at 04:55 local time. After a short transit break, flight SQ 600 departs for Seoul, the capital of South Korea, at 08:10. We arrive at Incheon Airport at 15:30, where our local guide meets us and transfers us to our hotel by private vehicle.

After checking in we have free time to rest and take our first look at modern Seoul. For dinner you can follow our guide's recommendations for local flavours.

Flight details: SQ 600, Singapore (SIN) to Seoul (ICN), 08:10 to 15:30.

Accommodation: Ramada Hotel Seoul Dongdaemun (4-star) or similar.

The DMZ and Korean War memorials

After breakfast we head to the DMZ, one of the most tense points in world history. In this zone, still monitored by United Nations peacekeeping forces, we visit Imjingak Peace Bridge, Freedom Bridge and the Korean War Memorial, observing the scars of war and the region's current political situation firsthand. Passports are required for entry.

We then return to Seoul, reflecting on the history of the Turkish Brigade along the way. The afternoon is free to explore Seoul's lively streets.

Accommodation: Ramada Hotel Seoul Dongdaemun (4-star) or similar.

Seoul's palaces and tradition

After breakfast we take a deeper look into Seoul's history. Our first stop is Namsangol Hanok Village, home to traditional Korean houses known as hanok, dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. We then climb Namsan Mountain, at 262 metres, for a panoramic view of Seoul.

Later we head to Gangnam, the district that came to symbolise modern Korean culture worldwide. You can spend time in its luxury stores or explore the district's energy with our guide.

Accommodation: Ramada Hotel Seoul Dongdaemun (4-star) or similar.

High-speed train to Busan

After an early breakfast we depart for Seoul Train Station at 07:30, travelling by KTX high-speed train to Busan, the port city at the country's southern tip.

On arrival we visit the UN Korean War Memorial Cemetery and the Turkish Martyrs' Memorial, the world's only United Nations cemetery. After paying our respects to the fallen, we take in the city's panoramic views. For dinner we enjoy a traditional feast of fresh seafood at Busan's famous Jagalchi Fish Market. We check into our hotel near the coastline at the end of the day.

Accommodation: Shilla Stay Haeundae (4-star) or similar.

Busan to Fukuoka

After breakfast we transfer to Busan Airport. T'way Air departs at 09:05, and after a one-hour flight we land in Fukuoka (Hakata), Japan's southern gateway, at 10:05. After passport and customs procedures, our private vehicle takes us into Japan.

Our first stop is Hakata Port, known for its history and commerce. On our panoramic city tour we explore streets where modern Japan meets tradition. After the tour we check into our hotel in central Hakata, and for dinner we try Japanese cuisine at a local restaurant.

Flight details: T'way Air, Busan (PUS) to Fukuoka (FUK), 09:05 to 10:05.

Accommodation: Fukuoka Bay Hotel (3-star) or similar.

Bullet train to Hiroshima

After breakfast we head to Hakata Train Station at 09:00, travelling in comfort to Hiroshima aboard the Shinkansen bullet train. On arrival our private vehicle takes us on an extensive city tour.

The first stop is the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, which carry the scars of the Second World War but have become symbols of peace. We then visit Hiroshima Castle, built in the 1590s and faithfully rebuilt after the war, to learn about the city's feudal history. For dinner we try Hiroshima's famous okonomiyaki at a local restaurant.

Accommodation: APA Hotel Hiroshima or similar.

Miyajima Island and on to Osaka

After breakfast a short ferry ride takes us to Miyajima Island, one of Japan's most romantic and sacred stops.

Known as the Island of the Gods, this UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for the orange Torii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine, which appears to float on the water at high tide. We take a walk among the island's free-roaming deer.

After the island we return to the mainland and continue by Shinkansen to Osaka, Japan's culinary capital. On arrival we check into our hotel, with free time in the evening to try Osaka's famous street food.

Accommodation: Noku Osaka or similar.

Kobe and Osaka city tour

After breakfast a short journey takes us to Kobe, one of Japan's most modern port cities. Our first stop is the historic Ikuta Shrine, known for its peaceful atmosphere. We then walk through the Kobe Harborland area, taking in the modern architecture and sea air.

In the afternoon we return to Osaka to continue our city tour: a panoramic view of Osaka Castle, a symbol of Japan's unification, followed by the lively Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi districts in the evening. Neon signs, giant mechanical crab figures and the riverside atmosphere show why Osaka is called Japan's kitchen. In your free time for dinner you can try takoyaki or okonomiyaki.

Accommodation: Noku Osaka or similar.

On to Nara and Kyoto

After breakfast, luggage in hand, we head to Nara, Japan's first capital. On arrival we visit Todai-ji Temple, home to the world's largest bronze Buddha statue. Next to the temple, we spend time with the hundreds of deer roaming freely in Nara Park. Lunch is at a restaurant serving traditional Japanese cuisine in Nara's historic setting.

Later in the day we continue to Kyoto, where we check in and have free time for dinner.

Accommodation: Kyoto Central Hotel or similar.

A full day of Kyoto culture

After breakfast we spend a full day exploring Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital and cultural centre. Our first stop is Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, its two upper floors entirely covered in gold leaf. We then take a memorable walk among the towering trees of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

After lunch we continue through the city's historic streets to Gion, Kyoto's most famous district, tracing the footsteps of geisha and maiko. Here we attend a Gion Corner performance, a short showcase of Japanese performing arts including tea ceremony, ikebana flower arranging and Bunraku puppet theatre. We close the day with a traditional Kaiseki dinner.

Accommodation: Kyoto Central Hotel or similar.

Bullet train to Tokyo

After breakfast, luggage in hand, we head to Kyoto Train Station. At 09:00 we board the Shinkansen for the roughly two-and-a-half-hour journey to Tokyo, Japan's modern capital, with views of the countryside and, weather permitting, Mount Fuji along the way.

On arrival in Tokyo our private vehicle takes us on a panoramic city tour. Our first major stop is Tokyo Tower, 333 metres tall, for a bird's-eye view of the city. After the tour we check into our hotel, with free time in the evening for dinner and to explore Tokyo's streets.

Accommodation: Washington Shibuya Hotel (3-star+) or similar.

Tokyo, tradition and modernity

After breakfast we explore Tokyo's world of contrasts. Our first stop is Meiji Jingu Shrine, a peaceful shrine among towering cedar trees built in memory of Emperor Meiji. We then visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo's oldest temple.

Along historic Nakamise Street, leading to the temple, we browse traditional souvenirs and local snacks. In the afternoon we head to Shibuya Crossing, the world's busiest pedestrian crossing. After visiting the statue of Hachiko, we finish the tour on Ginza, Tokyo's fashion and luxury street.

Accommodation: Washington Shibuya Hotel (3-star+) or similar.

Mount Fuji and Hakone tour

After breakfast we set off at 07:30 by private bus towards Mount Fuji, Japan's sacred symbol. On this nearly full-day tour we reach the base of the mountain and climb to the viewpoint known as the 5th Station, taking in the view above the clouds. Lunch is a traditional Japanese meal made with local ingredients.

We then head to the shores of Lake Ashi, a UNESCO-protected crater lake, for a boat tour with views of Mount Fuji. We return to Tokyo in the evening.

Accommodation: Washington Shibuya Hotel (3-star+) or similar.

Free day in Tokyo

After breakfast the day is yours to explore Tokyo's many options. You can spend time in Akihabara, a hub for technology and anime, or at Tokyo DisneySea, the world's only sea-themed amusement park. For shopping, the streets of Harajuku or the boutiques of Omotesando are good alternatives, and the TeamLab Borderless digital art museum is another popular option. Make the most of your last day in Tokyo by sampling the city's cuisine or exploring at your own pace.

Accommodation: Washington Shibuya Hotel (3-star+) or similar.

Tokyo to Singapore

On the last day of the tour, after breakfast, we have free time in Tokyo for final preparations and shopping until transfer time. Our private vehicle then takes us to Tokyo Haneda Airport at a time set by our guide.

After ticket and baggage procedures, Singapore Airlines flight SQ 633 departs for Singapore at 17:05, landing at 23:05, where a short layover awaits us.

Flight details: SQ 633, Tokyo (HND) to Singapore (SIN), 17:05 to 23:05.

Singapore to Istanbul

After our layover in Singapore, Singapore Airlines flight SQ 392 departs for Istanbul at 02:15. After a comfortable journey of about 11 hours, we land at Istanbul Airport at 08:30 local time. Our 17-day Japan and Korea tour ends here, full of good memories and new friendships.

Flight details: SQ 392, Singapore (SIN) to Istanbul (IST), 02:15 to 08:30.