South Korea and Japan Tour , April 18

ISTANBUL – DOHA - OSAKA We meet our valued guests at Istanbul Airport International Departure Terminal approximately 3 hours before the flight time. After completing our baggage drop and passport procedures, we depart for Doha on a scheduled Qatar Airways flight. Following our transfer upon arrival in Doha, we continue on to Osaka. Our journey towards Osaka will go on through the night, and we will spend the night on board.

OSAKA After arriving in Osaka, we will complete our passport and baggage procedures, meet our private transfer vehicle waiting for us, and transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

OSAKA – OSAKA CASTLE – DOTONBORI – SHINSAIBASHI – OSAKA After breakfast, we set off by private bus for our Osaka City Tour & Osaka Castle & Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi. Our first stop will be Osaka Castle, one of the most important historical landmarks of the city. Built in the 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, this magnificent structure is one of the most important symbols of Japan’s unification era and offers visitors an impressive historical atmosphere along with its large park area. We continue our tour by moving on to Dotonbori, one of the most vibrant and iconic districts of Osaka. In this area, which reflects the spirit of the city with its colourful neon lights, lively streets and famous restaurants, we enjoy a pleasant discovery and have the opportunity to get to know up close Osaka’s structure known as the “gastronomy centre”. Then we move on to Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s most popular shopping and lifestyle street. In this area, filled with long shopping arcades, international brands and local boutiques, we give our guests free time. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

OSAKA – TODAIJI TEMPLE – NARA DEER PARK – KYOTO After breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures at the hotel and set off for our Nara tour. We begin our tour with the Todaiji Temple. The temple, built in 752, was constructed with the purpose of serving as the head of all Buddhist temples. The temple, whose influence grew significantly over time, also began to affect politics in the 8th century. The main hall of Todaiji has earned its place in the record books as the largest wooden structure in the world. The massive building is home to one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues (Daibutsu). Afterwards, we visit Nara Park, a large park in the center of Nara. The park, established in 1880, is home to most of Nara's main attractions, including Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji, and the Nara National Museum. It is also home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. After having the chance to take photos with the deer wandering around, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

KYOTO - ARASHIYAMA BAMBOO FOREST - KINKAKUJI TEMPLE – KIYOMIZU-DERA – FUSHIMI INARI - KYOTO After breakfast, we set off by private vehicle towards Kyoto, Japan's former capital and one of the best-preserved centres of its traditional culture, famous for its temples, gardens and traditional neighbourhoods. Our journey takes approximately 1 hour, after which we begin our city tour. During World War II, Kyoto was the only place in Japan that was not bombed. The city of Kyoto is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We start our city tour with the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Visitors to the bamboo forest are welcomed by a 500-metre walking path. During this walk along the path, you will enjoy pleasant moments with the sound of the wind reaching through the bamboo, and you will be able to take pictures of the forest. Next, we continue our tour with Kinkakuji Temple. Located in northern Kyoto, Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Each floor of the impressive structure, which overlooks a large pond, represents a different architectural style. We then move on to Kiyomizu-dera.

KYOTO – MOUNT FUJI – HAKONE – LAKE ASHI – OSHINO Hakkai – GOTEMBA OUTLET – TOKYO After breakfast, we set off on the Shinkansen (high-speed train) across Honshu Island towards Mount Fuji, located to the southwest of Tokyo and the highest mountain in Japan, one of the city's landmarks. First, we head to Hakone, situated in the Kanagawa region, famous for its Mount Fuji views and natural beauty. Here, together with our guests, we enjoy a boat tour on Lake Ashi to take in this magnificent scenery. Following a photo break, we travel by bus to Oshino Hakkai, an area where melting snow combines with underground waters to form natural pools. As the water passes through volcanic rock, it is naturally filtered, giving the pools their crystal-clear clarity. Each pool differs in size and depth, and within their reflections you can capture a stunning mirror image of Mount Fuji. After our guided visit, we set off towards Gotemba Premium Outlet, one of the largest outlet shopping centres in Japan. After the designated free time, we transfer to our hotel and have free time to rest. Transport between Kyoto and Tokyo will be by high-speed train to save time and provide comfort.

TOKYO – SHIBUYA – SHINJUKU - AKIHABARA – YODOBASHI ELECTRIC TOWN - GINZA After our arrival in Tokyo, we complete passport and baggage procedures and meet our private vehicle, then begin our Tokyo city tour. Our first stop is Shibuya, known as the center of entertainment and cultural experiences. Shibuya, one of Tokyo's most famous and lively districts, is home to one of the world's busiest pedestrian crossings (Shibuya Scramble Crossing). Watching hundreds of people move at once with every light change offers a unique experience to feel the energy of Tokyo. We will see the Hachiko statue, built in memory of a dog known for his loyalty and also a popular meeting point for locals and tourists, as well as many famous shopping centers, and enjoy our free time. Our next stop is Yodobashi Electric Town, situated in Akihabara, where you can find hundreds of electronic brands all together at affordable prices. After the free time we will have for shopping, we move on to the Ginza district, reflecting the elegance and sophisticated lifestyle of modern Japan.

TOKYO – ASAKUSA SENSO-JI TEMPLE – NAKAMISE – GINZA – TOKYO After breakfast, we begin our city tour to discover Tokyo's past and modern life side by side. Our first stop is Senso-ji Temple, one of the city's landmarks, located in the Asakusa district. Considered Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, this historic structure was built, according to legend, in honour of the Goddess of Mercy Kannon after two fisherman brothers found her statue. Completed in AD 645, the temple welcomes visitors with its magnificent Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate). After passing through the gate, we enjoy a stroll along the approximately 200-metre Nakamise Shopping Street that leads to the temple. On this historic street, which carries the traditional Japanese atmosphere to the present day, you can browse handmade souvenirs, kimonos, folding fans and a variety of local products, and guests who wish to may experience Asakusa's famous street flavours and traditional Japanese tastes. Passing through the Hozomon Gate at the end of the street, we visit Senso-ji Temple. Continuing our city tour, we head to Ginza, one of Tokyo's most popular and prestigious districts.

TOKYO – SEOUL After breakfast, transfer to Tokyo Airport. We take a local airline flight to Seoul. Upon arrival in Seoul, we complete passport and baggage procedures and meet our private vehicle waiting for us. Welcome to Seoul, the capital of South Korea and one of the captivating cities where modern life and traditional culture intertwine. Then we set off for our Seoul city tour. Our first stop will be Gangnam Square. The district that gained global fame with PSY's world-famous "Gangnam Style" song today stands out with its luxury lifestyle, shopping and business centers. During the tour, Cheongdam Fashion Street, Gangnam Station, Bongeunsa Temple and Starfield Library will be among the places seen panoramically. Afterwards, we head to Myeongdong, one of the liveliest and most popular districts of the city. In this area, famous for its cosmetic shops, fashion boutiques as well as a wide variety of delicious street foods and restaurants, we give free time for dinner. Guests who wish to do so can experience the distinguished flavors of Korean cuisine, go shopping, or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Myeongdong. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

SEOUL – DOHA – ISTANBUL After breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures at the hotel. We then set out for our tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace & Insadong Antique Street & the National Folk Museum of Korea & Bukchon Hanok Village. Built in 1395 and one of the most magnificent structures of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung Palace — also known as the Northern Palace — stands among the finest examples of traditional Korean architecture, and during our visit to the palace courtyard we experience the historic atmosphere up close. Next, we visit the National Folk Museum of Korea, which reflects the lifestyle and historical development of the Korean people. Continuing our tour, we head to Bukchon Hanok Village, famous for its traditional Korean houses called Hanok. In this historic district, home to approximately 700 Hanok houses, we walk through the narrow lanes and observe the traditional way of life up close. Afterwards, we move on to Myeongdong Street, one of Seoul's liveliest shopping spots. We enjoy our free time in this area, renowned for its cosmetics stores, shopping shops, and street food.

ISTANBUL After our arrival in Istanbul according to local time, our tour ends. We hope to see you again on another tour.