Self-guided ancient and modern Korea

Pack your bags and head to your departure airport, ready for a flight* to South Korea. The Korean peninsula counts as one of the most enigmatic destinations in Asia, offering a totally unique culture along with stunning natural scenery and modern metropolises. Overnight on board.

*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Arrive at the Incheon International Airport, pass through customs, and self-transfer to Seoul (about 1 hour away by car). Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, relaxing at the hotel or exploring on foot! Overnight stay in Seoul.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your first full day out in Seoul with a guided tour of the city. Begin with a photo-stop at the Blue House, formerly home to the Presidents of South Korea and today a beautiful public park. Next, make your way to the Gyeongbokgung Palace. This was the main residence of the Joseon Dynasty, and is known as the largest of Korea’s “Five Grand Palaces”. Tour through the 40-hectare grounds before continuing on to Jogyesa, a famous and historic temple located nearby. Stop by a Ginseng Centre to learn more about the herb, which is native to Korea and widely used to improve memory and cognition. End your tour with a drop-off at City Hall. The rest of the evening is free to spend as you please! You could try some Korean barbecue or have a drink of soju in a local restaurant. Overnight in Seoul.

Important note: If your tour falls on a Tuesday, your stop at Gyeongbokgung Palace will be replaced by Deoksu Palace.

Breakfast at the hotel. Self transfer to Seoul Station for your high-speed train to Busan. Busan is Korea’s second city, a centre of international trade located on the southeastern coast. Meet up with the rest of the group at the Busan train station and make a quick stop at the hotel to drop off your luggage.

Start your city tour with a visit to the Gamcheon Culture Village. This recently-revitalised district was carved directly into the mountainside and is known for its winding alleys and colourful homes. Head next to the Gukje Market & Jagalchi Fish Market. Whilst Gukje Market can trace its roots back to the Korean War when refugees set up stalls here to sell imported goods, Jagalchi Fish Market is famed for its incredibly fresh fish and seafood, with a number of stalls selling takeaway snacks. End the tour at Busan Tower and transfer back to the hotel. Overnight in Busan.

Important note: For small groups, transfers will be via public transport, while larger groups will use a private vehicle.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is a free day for you to continue discovering Busan. Whether you’d like to relax after several active days or want to maximise your adventure, it’s up to you! We suggest you check out the Haeundae Beach, open to the public year-round, or head to the popular Haedong Yonggungsa Temple located in the outskirts of Busan. It’s easy to combine these activities in a single day! Overnight stay in Busan.

Breakfast at the hotel. Self-transfer to the station for your high-speed train to Gyeongju, once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla. Meet up with the rest of the group and stop at the hotel to drop off your luggage. It’s time to head out for your city tour! Begin your visit to the enchanting Bulguksa Temple, which sits on a mountain slope overlooking the city. As a head temple for the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, Bulguksa is home to a number of national treasures including the Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas. After the visit, head to Seokguram Grotto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the Sea of Japan. Constructed between the years 742-765, this ancient hermitage is home to some of the most incredible Buddhist sculptures in the world. End the day at your hotel in Gyeongju and enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure. Overnight stay in Gyeongju.

Important note: For small groups, transfers will be via public transport, while larger groups will use a private vehicle.

Breakfast at the hotel. Continue getting to know Gyeongju with a day to spend here at your leisure. As a seat of royal power with centuries of history, Gyeongju offers tons to discover! Highlights to check out include the Gyeongju National Museum, conveniently located next to the Royal Tomb Complex and the Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (constructed in 674 CE). Overnight stay in Gyeongju.

Breakfast at the hotel. Self-transfer to the train station for your high-speed train journey back to Seoul–this trip will take about 3 hours. On arrival, check-in at the hotel and spend the rest of the day on your own exploring the city. Seoul is a shopper’s paradise, with districts like Gangnam offering the latest in unique Korean fashion in addition to all the major international brands. Overnight stay in Seoul.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy another day at your leisure to explore the sights and sounds of sensational Seoul. If you haven't already, be sure to sample the street food on offer at Gwangjang Market, one of the largest and oldest street food markets in the city. Alternatively, why not take an optional excursion to the historic DMZ for an insight into Korean history and the impact of past events on modern South Korea.* Overnight stay in Seoul.

*Optional DMZ Excursion: Today you depart on an exciting trip to the famous Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea. The first stop of the day is Imjingak Park, home to many monuments and memorials of the Korean War. Continue to the Freedom Bridge, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel and the DMZ Theatre. After that, climb the Dora Observatory, which grants views across the DMZ and even into North Korean territory (with the help of binoculars!). See Dorasan Station, which once served both North and South Korea and pass by the unification village before returning to Seoul, with the tour ending at the city hall.

Important note: To avoid queues during peak visit days, the excursion starting time might be moved to 6-7AM, in which case you will be previously notified. In this event, you won't be able to enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Also, it is mandatory to take your passport with you on this excursion.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is another free day to spend in Seoul, sightseeing at your own pace. For fantastic views of the city, you could pay a visit to Namsan Seoul Tower, especially at sunset. We recommend an optional excursion to Nami Island & the Garden of Morning Calm to visit two of Seoul's most popular attractions.* Overnight stay in Seoul.

*Optional Nami Island & Garden of Morning Calm excursion: Explore outside the capital today, with the chance to visit the Garden of Morning Calm. Open year-round, the garden has more than 5,000 plant species on view. You'll also visit world-famous Nami Island, a half-moon-shaped river island in Chuncheon famed for its beautiful trees and tranquil atmosphere. Enjoy strolling among the natural landscapes and admire the foliage! Lunch also included. Return to Seoul and end the tour at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel*. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to Canada. Night on board.

*Depending on your flight departure time, you might not be able to enjoy the included breakfast.

Arrive in Canada and end your trip.