South Korea and Japan Tour , May 15

ISTANBUL - TOKYO We meet our valued guests at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal approximately 3 hours before the flight time. After completing baggage drop-off and passport control, we depart for Tokyo on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. Our journey towards Tokyo continues throughout the night, with the overnight spent on the aircraft.

TOKYO After our arrival in Tokyo, we complete passport and baggage procedures and meet our private vehicle waiting for us, then begin our Tokyo city tour. Our first stop is Shibuya, known as the centre of entertainment and cultural experiences. Shibuya is one of Tokyo's most famous and lively districts and is home to one of the world's busiest pedestrian crossings (Shibuya Scramble Crossing). Watching hundreds of people move all at once at every change of the lights offers a unique experience to feel the energy of Tokyo. We will see the Hachiko statue, built in memory of a dog famous for its loyalty and a popular meeting point for locals and tourists, as well as many famous shopping centres, and enjoy our free time. Our next stop is Yodobashi Electric Town in Akihabara, where you can find hundreds of electronics brands together at affordable prices. After the free time we give for shopping, we move on to the Ginza district, which reflects the elegance and sophisticated lifestyle of modern Japan. After our tour of Ginza, home to world-famous brands and Tokyo's most exclusive shopping centres and restaurants, we give free time for dinner. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel.

TOKYO – MOUNT FUJI – HAKONE – LAKE ASHI – OSHINO HAKKAI – GOTEMBA OUTLET – TOKYO After breakfast, we set off towards Mount Fuji, located on Honshu Island, southwest of Tokyo and one of the city's iconic landmarks, and the highest mountain in Japan. First, we head to Hakone, situated in the Kanagawa region, which is 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. After a photo break, we continue by coach to Oshino Hakkai, an area where melting snow combines with underground waters to form natural pools. As the water passes through volcanic rocks, it is naturally filtered, giving the pools their crystal clarity. Each pool varies in size and depth, and you can capture a stunning reflection of Mount Fuji on their surface. After our guided visit, we set off towards Gotemba Premium Outlets, one of the largest outlet shopping centres in Japan. After the allotted free time, we transfer to our hotel and have free time to rest.

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 645 AD, the temple welcomes visitors with its magnificent Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate). After passing through the gate, we enjoy a pleasant walk along Nakamise Shopping Street, the approximately 200-metre approach leading 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 our guests who wish to do so 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. Our city tour continues as we move on to Ginza, one of Tokyo's most popular and prestigious districts.

TOKYO – ARASHIYAMA BAMBOO FOREST – KINKAKUJI TEMPLE – KIYOMIZU-DERA – FUSHIMI INARI – KYOTO After breakfast, we head to Kyoto by Shinkansen (high-speed train). Our private bus is waiting for us. We set off by private vehicle toward Kyoto, the former capital of Japan and one of the best-preserved centres of its traditional culture, famous for its temples, gardens and traditional neighbourhoods. Following a journey of approximately 1 hour, we begin our city tour. During World War II, Kyoto was the only city in Japan that was not bombed. The city of Kyoto is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We start our city tour at 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 listening to the sound of the wind passing through the bamboos and you will be able to take photos of the forest. Next, we continue our visit with Kinkakuji Temple. Located in northern Kyoto, Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen temple whose top two floors are covered entirely in gold leaf.

KYOTO – TODAIJI TEMPLE - NARA DEER PARK – OSAKA After breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures at the hotel and set off for our Nara tour. We begin our tour with Todaiji Temple. The temple, built in 752, was constructed with the aim of serving as the head of all Buddhist temples. Over time, its influence grew, and in the 8th century the temple also began to exert an influence on politics. The main hall of Todaiji has entered the record books as the world's largest wooden structure. The enormous building is home to one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues (Daibutsu). Next, we visit Nara Park, a large park in the centre of Nara. Founded in 1880, the park 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.

OSAKA – OSAKA CASTLE – DOTONBORI – SHINSAIBASHI – OSAKA After breakfast, we set off by private bus for the Osaka City Tour, Osaka Castle, Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi. Our first stop is Osaka Castle, one of the city's most important historical landmarks. Built in the 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, this magnificent structure is one of the most significant symbols of Japan's unification period and, together with its expansive park grounds, offers visitors an impressive historical atmosphere. Our tour continues with a visit to Dotonbori, one of Osaka's liveliest and most iconic districts. With its colourful neon lights, bustling streets and famous restaurants, this area reflects the spirit of the city, giving us the chance to enjoy a delightful exploration and get to know up close Osaka's reputation as a "gastronomy centre." Next, 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 - SEOUL Following breakfast, transfer to Osaka Airport. We take a local airline flight to Seoul. Upon arrival in Seoul, after completing passport and baggage procedures, we meet our private transfer vehicle. Welcome to Seoul, the capital of South Korea and one of the fascinating cities where modern life and traditional culture intertwine. We then set off for our Seoul city tour. Our first stop will be Gangnam Square, the district that gained worldwide fame with PSY’s globally renowned song “Gangnam Style” and today stands out with its luxury lifestyle, shopping and business centers. During the tour, panoramic views of Cheongdam Fashion Street, Gangnam Station, Bongeunsa Temple and Starfield Library will be among the sights. Afterwards, we head to Myeongdong, one of the city’s most vibrant and popular districts, famous for its cosmetic shops, fashion boutiques as well as delicious street food and restaurants. We have free time for dinner here. Guests who wish to do so can experience the distinguished flavors of Korean cuisine, go shopping, or enjoy the lively atmosphere of Myeongdong. After the free time, we meet at the designated time and transfer to our hotel.

SEOUL – ISTANBUL After breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures at the hotel. Then we set off for our tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace & Insadong Antique Street & National Folk Museum of Korea & Bukchon Hanok Village. Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395, is one of the most magnificent structures of the Joseon Dynasty. Also known as the Northern Palace, this grand building is among the most important examples of traditional Korean architecture, and during our visit in the palace courtyard we get to feel the historic atmosphere up close. Afterwards, we visit the National Folk Museum of Korea, which reflects the life culture and historical development of the Korean people. Continuing our tour, we head to Bukchon Hanok Village, famous for its Hanok traditional Korean houses. In this historic district, where around 700 Hanok houses are located, we walk through the narrow streets and observe the traditional way of life up close. Then we move on to Myeongdong Street, one of the liveliest shopping spots in Seoul. In this area, famous for its cosmetic shops, shopping stores and street food, we enjoy our free time.