South Korea and Japan Tour , March 29

We meet our valued guests at Istanbul Airport International Departure Terminal approximately 3 hours before the flight time (one calendar day before the outbound flight date). After completing baggage drop-off and passport control, we depart for Osaka on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. Our journey towards Osaka will continue throughout the night and overnight will be on the plane. Upon arrival in Seoul, we complete passport and baggage procedures and meet our private transfer vehicle waiting for us. Welcome to Osaka. After leaving the airport, we transfer to our hotel. After the hotel check-in procedures, overnight at our hotel.

OSAKA After breakfast, we complete our hotel check-out and transfer to Seoul Airport. We fly to Osaka on a local airline. Upon arrival, after completing passport and baggage procedures, we set off in our 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 important symbols of Japan's unification period and, together with its expansive park area, offers visitors an impressive historical atmosphere. Continuing our tour, we head to Dotonbori, one of the liveliest and most iconic districts of Osaka. With its colourful neon lights, bustling streets and famous restaurants, this area reflects the spirit of the city, giving us the chance to get to know Osaka's structure, known as the "gastronomy centre," up close. We then move on to Shinsaibashi, Osaka's most popular shopping and lifestyle street. In this district, filled with long shopping arcades, international brands and local boutiques, guests are given free time. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

OSAKA – TODAIJI TEMPLE – NARA DEER PARK – OSAKA After breakfast, we 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 being the head of all Buddhist temples. Over time, as its influence grew, the temple also began to affect politics in the 8th century. The main hall of Todaiji has made its name in the record books as the world's largest wooden structure. 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 major attractions are located, including Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji and the Nara National Museum. It is also home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. After getting the chance to take photos with the deer wandering around, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

OSAKA – 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. Following our journey of approximately 1 hour, we begin our city tour. During the Second World War, Kyoto was the only place in Japan that was not bombed. The city of Kyoto is on the UNESCO World Cultural 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. As you walk along the path, you will enjoy the sound of the wind through the bamboo and have the chance to take photos of the forest. We then continue our tour with a visit to Kinkakuji Temple. Located in northern Kyoto, Kinkakuji Temple, whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, is also known as the Golden Pavilion. The impressive structure overlooks a large pond and each floor represents a different architectural style. We then move on to Kiyomizu-dera.

KYOTO – SHINKANSEN (BULLET TRAIN) – SHIBUYA – AKIHABARA – YODOBASHI – GINZA – TOKYO After breakfast, we transfer to Tokyo by Shinkansen (bullet train). We begin our Tokyo city tour on our private coach. Upon arrival in Tokyo, after passport and luggage procedures, we set off on our Tokyo city tour with our private vehicle. Our first stop is Shibuya, known as the centre of entertainment and cultural experiences. One of Tokyo's most famous and lively districts, Shibuya is home to one of the world's busiest pedestrian crossings (Shibuya Scramble Crossing). Watching hundreds of people move at once with every change of the lights offers a unique experience to feel Tokyo's energy. We will see the Hachiko statue, built in memory of a dog known for its loyalty and a popular meeting point for locals and tourists alike, as well as many famous shopping centres, and enjoy our free time. Our next stop will be Yodobashi Electric Town in Akihabara, where you can find hundreds of electronics brands all in one place at affordable prices. After the free time we will have for shopping, we move on to the Ginza district, which reflects the elegance and sophisticated lifestyle of modern Japan.

TOKYO – FUJI MOUNTAIN – HAKONE – LAKE ASHI – OSHINO HAKKAI – GOTEMBA OUTLET – TOKYO After breakfast, we set off on Honshu Island towards Mount Fuji, located to the southwest of Tokyo and a symbol of the city as well as 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 our 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 is of a different size and depth, and in their reflections you can capture a stunning mirror 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 designated 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 is, according to legend, said to have been built 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 avenue leading to the temple. On this historic street, which carries the 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 can 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 with a transfer to Ginza, one of Tokyo's most popular and prestigious districts.

TOKYO – SEOUL After breakfast, we transfer to Tokyo Airport. We take a domestic flight to Tokyo. Upon our arrival in Seoul, we complete passport and baggage procedures and meet our private vehicle waiting for us. Welcome to Seoul, one of the fascinating cities that serves as the capital of South Korea and 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 song “Gangnam Style” today stands out with its luxury lifestyle, shopping and business centers. During our tour, Cheongdam Fashion Street, Gangnam Station, Bongeunsa Temple and Starfield Library will be among the places seen panoramically. Afterwards, we move to Myeongdong, one of the most vibrant and popular districts of the city. Famous for its cosmetics shops, fashion boutiques as well as delicious street food and restaurants, we give free time in this district for dinner. Guests who wish to do so can experience the distinguished flavors of Korean cuisine, go shopping, or enjoy the lively atmosphere of Myeongdong.

SEOUL After breakfast, 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 one of the most important examples of traditional Korean architecture, and during our visit in the palace courtyard we get to experience the historic atmosphere up close. Then, we visit the National Folk Museum of Korea, which reflects the lifestyle culture and historical development of the Korean people. Continuing our tour, we head to Bukchon Hanok Village, famous for its Hanok houses, traditional Korean homes. In this historic district, where approximately 700 Hanok houses are located, we walk through the narrow streets and observe the traditional way of life up close. Afterwards, we move on to Myeongdong Street, one of the most lively shopping spots in Seoul. In this area, famous for its cosmetics shops, shopping stores and street food, we enjoy free time at our leisure.

SEOUL – ISTANBUL After breakfast, we complete the check-out procedures at the hotel. At the time to be determined by our guide, we transfer to the airport, and after the baggage and ticket procedures here, our flight to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines begins. After our arrival in Istanbul at local time, the tour ends. We hope to see you again on another tour.