South Korea and Japan Tour , April 17

ISTANBUL - TOKYO We meet our valued guests at Istanbul Airport International Departure Terminal approximately three hours before the flight time (one calendar day before the departure flight date). After completing baggage drop-off and passport procedures, we depart for Tokyo on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. Our journey to Tokyo will continue throughout the night, and we will spend the night on board. Upon arrival in Tokyo, after completing passport and baggage procedures, we meet our private transfer vehicle and transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

TOKYO After breakfast, we begin our Tokyo city tour. Our first stop is Shibuya, known as the centre of entertainment and cultural experiences. One of Tokyo's most famous and vibrant districts, Shibuya is home to one of the world's busiest pedestrian crossings (Shibuya Scramble Crossing). Watching hundreds of people cross at every change of the lights is a unique experience that lets you truly sense Tokyo's energy. We will see the Hachiko statue, built in memory of the dog known for his loyalty and also a popular meeting point for locals and tourists, along with many famous shopping centres, and enjoy our free time. Our next stop is Yodobashi Camera (Yodobashi Electric Town) in Akihabara, where you can find hundreds of electronic brands all in one place at affordable prices. After our free time for shopping, we move on to the Ginza district, which reflects the elegance and sophisticated lifestyle of modern Japan. Following our tour of Ginza, home to world-famous brands and Tokyo's most exclusive shopping centres and restaurants, we are given free time for dinner. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at 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. It is one of the city's iconic landmarks and the highest mountain in Japan. 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. 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 rock, it is naturally filtered, giving the pools their crystal clarity. Each pool varies in size and depth, and in their reflections you can capture a stunning image of Mount Fuji. After our guided tour, we set off towards the Gotemba Premium Outlets, one of the largest outlet shopping centres in Japan. Following 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 the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, 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 pleasant walk along Nakamise Shopping Street, the approximately 200-metre street leading to the temple. Along this historic street, which carries a traditional Japanese atmosphere into the present day, you can browse handmade souvenirs, kimonos, folding fans and a variety of regional products, and those who wish may sample 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 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 transfer to Kyoto by Shinkansen (high-speed train). Our private coach is waiting for us and we set off. We head toward Kyoto, one of Japan's former capitals and one of the best-preserved centres of traditional culture, famous for its temples, gardens and traditional neighbourhoods, by private vehicle. After approximately a 1-hour journey, we begin our city tour. During World War II, Kyoto was the only city in Japan that was not bombed. Kyoto is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We begin our city tour with the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Visitors to the bamboo forest are welcomed by a 500-metre walking path. Along this walk, you will enjoy pleasant moments listening to the sound of the wind passing through the bamboo, and you will be able to take photographs of the forest. We then continue with our visit to 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.

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 the Todaiji Temple. The temple, built in 752, was constructed with the aim of being the head of all Buddhist temples. The temple, whose influence grew over time, also began to influence 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 centre of Nara. Established in 1880, the park is where most of Nara's main attractions are located, including Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji, and the Nara National Museum. It is also home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. After grabbing 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 coach for the Osaka City Tour & Osaka Castle & Dotonbori & 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 era and offers visitors an impressive historical atmosphere along with its expansive park grounds. The tour continues in Dotonbori, one of Osaka's most vibrant and iconic districts. We enjoy a pleasant discovery of this area, known for its colorful neon lights, lively streets, and famous restaurants, reflecting the spirit of the city, and get the chance to get to know up close Osaka's reputation as the "gastronomy capital." We then proceed to Shinsaibashi, Osaka's most popular shopping and lifestyle avenue. Guests are given free time in this district filled with long shopping arcades, international labels, and local boutiques. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

OSAKA – SEOUL After breakfast, we transfer to Osaka 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. We then set off for our Seoul city tour. Our first stop will be Gangnam Square. The area that gained global fame with PSY’s world-famous song “Gangnam Style” stands out today with its luxury lifestyle, shopping and business centres. During the tour, Cheongdam Fashion Street, Gangnam Station, Bongeunsa Temple and Starfield Library will be among the places we see panoramically. Afterwards, we move on to Myeongdong, one of the city’s most lively and popular districts. This area, famous for its cosmetic shops, fashion boutiques as well as a wide variety of delicious street foods and restaurants, we are given free time for dinner. Guests who wish to may experience the distinguished flavours 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 the check-out procedures at the hotel. Afterwards, 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. Then, 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 Hanok, the traditional Korean houses. In this historic district, where approximately 700 Hanok houses are located, we walk through the narrow streets and observe the traditional lifestyle up close. Afterwards, we move on to Myeongdong Street, one of the liveliest shopping spots in Seoul. We enjoy our free time in this area, which is famous for its cosmetics shops, shopping stores and street food.