South Korea and Japan Tour , March 16

ISTANBUL - SEOUL You, our valued guests, will meet at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal, approximately 3 hours before the flight time (one calendar day before the departure flight date). After completing our baggage check-in and passport procedures, we depart for Seoul with Turkish Airlines' scheduled flight. Our journey to Seoul will continue throughout the night and we will spend the night on the plane. Upon arriving in Seoul, after completing passport and baggage procedures, we meet our private vehicle waiting for us. Welcome to Seoul, one of South Korea's captivating cities where modern life and traditional culture intertwine. After leaving the airport, we head to Myeongdong, one of the city's most vibrant and popular districts. We provide free time for dinner in this area, famous for its cosmetic stores, fashion boutiques as well as delicious street food and restaurants. Our guests who wish can experience the exquisite flavors of Korean cuisine, go shopping, or enjoy Myeongdong's lively atmosphere. After free time, we meet at the specified time and transfer to our hotel. After check-in procedures, we spend the night at our hotel.

SEOUL After breakfast, we depart for Seoul City Tour & Gangnam Square & Gyeongbokgung Palace & Insadong Antique Street & Korean National Folk Museum & Bukchon Hanok Village & Myeongdong. Our first stop will be Gangnam Square. The area, which gained global fame through PSY's world-famous song "Gangnam Style," today stands out with luxury living, shopping, and business centers. During our tour, Cheongdam Fashion Street, Gangnam Station, Bongeunsa Temple and Starfield Library are among the places seen panoramically. Continuing our tour, our second stop is Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395 and one of the most magnificent structures of the Joseon Dynasty. Also known as the Northern Palace, this splendid structure is among the most important examples of traditional Korean architecture, and through our visit in the palace courtyard, we closely feel the historical atmosphere. Then, we visit the Korean National Folk Museum, which reflects the Korean people's living culture and historical development. Continuing our tour, we head to Bukchon Hanok Village, famous for its Hanok structures, which are traditional Korean houses.

SEOUL – OSAKA CASTLE - DOTONBORI - SHINSAIBASHI – OSAKA After breakfast we complete our hotel check-out and transfer to Seoul Airport. We fly to Osaka with a local airline. Upon arrival, after completing passport and baggage procedures, we depart by our private bus for Osaka City Tour & Osaka Castle & Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi. Our first stop will be Osaka Castle, one of the most important historical symbols of the city. This magnificent structure, built in the 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, is one of the most important symbols of Japan's unification period and offers visitors an impressive historical atmosphere together with its vast park area. Following the tour, we proceed to Dotonbori, one of the most vibrant and iconic areas of Osaka. In this area, which reflects the soul of the city with its colorful neon lights, lively streets and famous restaurants, we enjoy a pleasant exploration and have the opportunity to learn more about Osaka's reputation as the "gastronomy center". We then head to the Shinsaibashi area, Osaka's most popular shopping and lifestyle street.

OSAKA – TODAIJI TEMPLE - NARA DEER PARK – OSAKA After morning breakfast, we depart for our Nara tour. Our tour begins with Todaiji Temple. The temple, built in 752, was constructed to serve as the head of all Buddhist temples. Over time, its influence grew, and in the 8th century it began to influence politics as well. The main hall of Todaiji has also entered the record books as the world's largest wooden structure. The massive building houses one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues (Daibutsu). Then, we visit Nara Park, a large park in the center 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 having the chance to take photos with the deer roaming around, we transfer back to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

OSAKA – ARASHIYAMA BAMBOO GROVE - KINKAKUJI TEMPLE – KIYOMIZU-DERA – FUSHIMI INARI - KYOTO After breakfast, we depart for Kyoto by private vehicle. Known for its temples, gardens and traditional neighbourhoods, Kyoto is Japan's former capital and one of the best-preserved centres of traditional culture. Following our approximately 1-hour journey, 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 listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Our city tour begins at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Visitors to the bamboo grove are welcomed by a 500-metre walking trail. During this walk along the trail, you'll enjoy the sound of the wind through the bamboos and will be able to take photos of the forest. We then continue with our tour of 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. The impressive structure overlooking a large pond has each floor representing a different architectural style. We then head to Kiyomizu-dera. Kiyomizu-dera is an independent Buddhist temple located in eastern Kyoto.

KYOTO – SHINKANSEN (BULLET TRAIN) – SHIBUYA – AKIHABARA – YODOBASHI – GINZA – TOKYO After breakfast, we travel to Tokyo by Shinkansen (bullet train). Our private bus awaits us as we begin our Tokyo city tour. Upon arrival in Tokyo, after passport and luggage procedures, our private vehicle takes us on a Tokyo city tour. Our first stop is Shibuya, known as a center for 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). Experiencing hundreds of people moving at once with every traffic light change offers a unique way to feel Tokyo's energy. We will see the Hachiko statue, built in memory of a dog famous for its loyalty that has also become a popular meeting point for locals and tourists alike, and many famous shopping centers, and enjoy our free time. Our next stop will be Yodobashi Electric Town in Akihabara, where you can find hundreds of electronic brands all in one place at affordable prices. After free time for shopping, we proceed to the Ginza district, which reflects the elegance and sophisticated lifestyle of modern Japan.

TOKYO – MOUNT FUJI – HAKONE – LAKE ASHI – OSHINO HAKKAI – GOTEMBA OUTLET – TOKYO After breakfast, we set off for Mount Fuji, located in the southwestern part of Tokyo on Honshu Island, one of the city's symbols and Japan's highest mountain. First, we head to Hakone in the Kanagawa region, famous for its views of Mount Fuji and natural beauty. Here, together with our guests, we take a boat tour on Lake Ashi to enjoy this magnificent view. After our photo stop, we continue by bus to Oshino Hakkai, an area where melting snow combines with underground water to form natural pools. The water is naturally filtered as it passes through volcanic rocks, resulting in crystal-clear pools. These pools, each with different sizes and depths, offer the opportunity to capture a magnificent reflection of Mount Fuji in their waters. After our guided tour, we head to the Gotemba Premium Outlets, one of Japan's largest outlet shopping centers. After the designated free time, we transfer back to our hotel for rest and free time.

After breakfast, we begin our city tour where we'll explore Tokyo's past and modern life together. Our first stop will be the Senso-ji Temple, located in the Asakusa district, one of the city's iconic landmarks. Considered Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, this historic structure was, according to legend, built in honor of the Goddess of Mercy Kannon after two fisherman brothers discovered her statue. Completed in 645 AD, the temple welcomes visitors with the magnificent Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate). After passing through the gate, we enjoy a pleasant walk along the approximately 200-metre Nakamise Shopping Street leading to the temple. On this historic street, which brings traditional Japanese atmosphere to the present day, you can browse handmade souvenirs, kimonos, folding fans and various local products; guests who wish can also experience Asakusa's famous street food and traditional Japanese flavors. Passing through the Hozomon Gate at the end of the street, we visit Senso-ji Temple. Continuing our city tour, we move to Ginza, one of Tokyo's most popular and prestigious districts.

TOKYO – ISTANBUL After breakfast, we complete our hotel check-out. At the time arranged by our guide, we transfer to the airport, and after completing the baggage and ticketing procedures, our flight to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines begins. Upon arrival in Istanbul (local time), our tour concludes. We hope to see you again on another tour.