Japan and Korea Tour, 8 Nights with Tea Ceremony

Meet at the international departures terminal of Istanbul Airport three hours before the flight. Once baggage and boarding are done, Turkish Airlines TK90 departs at 01:45. It reaches Seoul at 18:20 local time.

A vehicle takes the group from the airport to the hotel. The evening is free.

This is a city tour of Seoul by private coach. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong, Bukchon Hanok Village and Myeongdong are among the places seen panoramically.

The first stop is Gyeongbokgung, built in 1395. It sits furthest north of the neighbouring palaces, which is why it is also called the Northern Palace. Bukchon Hanok Village comes next. Its name means Northern Village, and about 700 traditional Korean houses, called hanok, stand there.

The tour then moves on to Myeongdong, Korea's best known shopping and fashion district. Shops, cosmetics stores and restaurants line its streets. Afterwards the group returns to the hotel for free time.

After breakfast you take a flight to Tokyo. Passport and baggage checks come first, then a private coach starts the Tokyo city tour.

Shibuya is the first stop. Its Scramble Crossing is among the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. Nearby are the statue of Hachiko, a dog remembered for its loyalty, and several well-known shopping centres. There is free time here.

Ueno Park and Tokyo Tower are seen from the coach. The tour finishes at the hotel.

After breakfast a private vehicle leaves the hotel for Sensoji Temple. It dates from 645, making it the oldest temple in Tokyo, and has been one of the city's main religious sites since the Edo period.

The group then visits Yodobashi Electric Town, where many electronics brands share one place. There is time to shop. Next comes Ginza, known for its polished, modern side. International brands, big shopping centres and restaurants fill the area. Free time is left for a meal.

The guide sets the time for the ride back to the hotel.

After breakfast the day heads southwest of Tokyo towards Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak. First stop is Hakone in Kanagawa, a region known for its Fuji views. A boat tour on Lake Ashi and a photo break follow.

The coach then goes to Oshino Hakkai. Snowmelt joins groundwater here to form natural ponds. The water is filtered by volcanic rock, so it is very clear, and Mount Fuji reflects in the ponds.

The last stop is Gotemba Premium Outlets, one of the largest outlet malls in Japan. At a time set by the guide, the group transfers back to the hotel.

After breakfast, at a time set by the guide, the group goes to the station for the Shinkansen to Osaka. Carry only a bag for the night. Large suitcases are sent separately and arrive directly at the Osaka hotel.

The bullet train reaches up to 320 km/h, and the ride takes about 2.5 hours. Osaka is the second largest metropolitan area in Japan after Tokyo.

The city tour includes the Umeda Sky Building, a pair of 40-storey towers 173 metres tall. A platform joins them, and the observatory on the 39th floor has panoramic views of Osaka. Then comes Dotonbori. It became famous for its theatres in the Edo period and now blends traditional culture with modern entertainment. Osaka is often called Japan's food capital, and Dotonbori is packed with restaurants. After some time there, the group returns to the hotel.

After breakfast a private vehicle drives to Kyoto, about an hour away. Kyoto is Japan's former capital and one of the best preserved centres of traditional culture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage city and is remembered as the one Japanese city spared from bombing in the Second World War.

The tour opens at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where a 500 metre path runs through the stalks. Next is Kinkakuji in northern Kyoto, a Zen temple also known as the Golden Pavilion. Its top two floors are covered in gold leaf, and each floor reflects a different architectural style.

The third stop is Kiyomizu-dera, a Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto on the UNESCO list. Below the main hall, the Otowa waterfall splits into three channels. They are said to stand for wisdom, health and long life.

The last stop is Fushimi Inari Taisha, a UNESCO-listed Shinto shrine known for thousands of orange torii gates. Afterwards you return to the hotel in Osaka.

After breakfast the group leaves for Nara, with a panoramic tour of the town. Todaiji comes first. It was built in 752 as the head of all Buddhist temples, and in the 8th century its influence reached into politics. The main hall is listed as one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. Inside is the Daibutsu, one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues.

The group then walks into Nara Park, a large park in the middle of town. Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji and the Nara National Museum are among the sights in and around it. Hundreds of deer wander freely, and you can take photos with them.

The day ends with a traditional tea ceremony, held in kimono. Then the group returns to the hotel in Osaka.

After breakfast you check out of the hotel. The day opens at Osaka Castle. The five-storey castle is about 450 years old, and its colours and decorated floors make it a fine example of traditional Japanese architecture.

The group then stops at a large outlet mall for last-minute shopping. At a time announced by the guide, the transfer to the airport begins.

After passport and baggage checks, Turkish Airlines TK87 leaves for Istanbul at 22:30. It lands at 05:50 local time the next day, which ends the tour.