Escorted Tours 2020 & 2021 - 2nd Edition - Mercury Holidays

64 JAPAN & KOREA TOKYO 3 nights 4 ★ B&B from £649 Extend your stay in Japan to explore this electric city and experience the passion of Tokyo. Visit our website to learn more about our extensions. EXTEND YOUR TOUR DEPARTURES & FROM PRICES 2022 DEPARTURES AT 2021 PRICES CONTACT US FOR DATES • Prices based on direct flights from London Heathrow to Seoul and back from Tokyo with British Airways • Regional departures available • A single supplement starts from £569 25 Nov 20 £3,499 17 Mar 21 £3,649 14 Apr 21 £3,799 12 May 21 £3,399 09 Jun 21 £3,499 01 Sep 21 £3,699 27 Oct 21 £3,699 MEAL PLAN: 12 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 3 dinners ACCOMMODATION Seoul 2 nights 3 ★ Glad Hotel Mapo Gyeongju 2 nights 4 ★ Commodore Hotel Gyeongju Busan 1 night 4 ★ Crown Harbour Hotel Busan Fukuoka 1 night 3 ★ Canal City Hakata Kyoto 3 nights 3 ★ Urban Premier Shijo Tokyo 3 nights 3 ★ Moxy Hotel 14 days from £3,399pp Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Busan NEW ESSENCE OF SOUTH KOREA & JAPAN TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ✔ City tours of Seoul, Kyoto and Tokyo ✔ Tour of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) ✔ Jagalchi Fish Market, Dongbaekseom Island Gamcheon Cultural Village ✔ Take in views of the iconic Mount Fuji ✔ Witness the gilded pavilion of Kinkaku-ji Temple ✔ Explore Nara National Park Futuristic cityscapes, unique architecture and sophisticated ancient cultures characterise two countries that are also home to dramatic coastlines and imposing volcanoes. VISIT TWO COUNTRIES IN ONE TOUR DAY 1: UK TO SEOUL Depart London on your scheduled overnight flight. DAY 2: SEOUL D On arrival, you will be met for a short tour of Seoul. Visit one of the city’s most beloved landmarks, the N Seoul Tower. Later, enjoy local delicacies for dinner. DAY 3: SEOUL B/L Set out on a morning tour of the heavily fortified Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), an untouched region which separates North and South Korea. From here, return to Seoul for an afternoon sightseeing tour. Commencing at the majestic Gyeongbok Palace, continue to the National Folklore Museum, before experiencing cultural traditions in Insa-dong antique street. DAY 4: SEOUL TO GYEONGJU VIA ANDONG B/L This morning, travel towards Andong. Having maintained many aspects of authentic Korean culture, Andong City’s tangible heritage manifests itself in the charming 14th century riverside village of Hahoe. Soak in vistas of this village from nearby Buyongdae Cliff before transferring to Gyeongju for this evening’s stay. DAY 5: GYEONGJU B/L Takes in the major sites on a full-day, including the Buddha statue in Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple. For lunch, visit a Korean cooking school where you will learn how to make Korea’s delectable beef barbeque and dine on your culinary masterpiece. Continue onward to the age-old observatory of Cheomseongdae before taking in Tumuli Park and browsing through the Gyeongju National Museum DAY 6: GYEONGJU TO BUSAN B/L Today, explore the sights of Busan. After marvelling at the soaring Busan Tower, visit the hawkers of Kukje Market before concluding today’s exploration with a stroll through the Gamcheon Cultural Village. DAY 7: BUSAN TO FUKUOKA B Following a morning at leisure, transfer to the port of Busan and sail towards the Japanese ‘Gateway to Asia’, Fukuoka. Savour the tastes of popular Japanese dishes at a local restaurant this evening. DAY 8: FUKUOKA TO KYOTO B Board a morning bullet train to Kyoto, and experience Japan at its finest as you wander the Zen gardens of Kodaiji Temple. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. DAY 9: KYOTO B/D Explore the UNESCO-recognised fortifications of Nijo Castle and witness the gilded pavilion of Kinkaku-ji. Next, head to the 14th century Tenryuji Temple, where tranquil gardens have survived the test of time. Finally, cross the Togetsukyo wooden bridge which is suspended above the Katsura River. DAY 10: KYOTO B Following breakfast, travel to the city of Nara where you’ll get the chance to watch over 1,200 protected deer roaming Nara Park. From here, stroll towards the crimson Shinto shrine of Kasuga-Taisha. Conclude today’s exploration at Yakushi Temple, before returning to Kyoto for a Maiko performance and evening meal. DAY 11: KYOTO TO TOKYO B/L/D Transfer to Kyoto railway station and board a bullet train to Tokyo. Enjoy an afternoon of leisure. DAY 12: TOKYO B/D A full-day of sightseeing will commence at Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, before enjoying a sushi-making demonstration. Continue to the area of Ginza, the country’s biggest luxury shopping district. DAY 13: TOKYO B Today, visit the iconic Hakone National Park, home to the iconic – Mount Fuji. As you glide over sulphuric hot springs along the Hakone Ropeway, marvel at spectacular vistas of Owakudani Valley. DAY 14: TOKYO TO THE UK B Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK or continue on to your chosen extension. B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner FOR YOU TO KNOW: No visa is required when travelling to South Korea and Japan, however travel insurance must be obtained before travel. Tips: it is customary to tip your guide and driver, we recommend you allow approximately £45pp for the duration of the tour. Optional excursions are at an additional cost. PACE: 2 2 1 South Korea Japan Sea of Japan Seoul Gyeongju Fukuoka Kyoto Tokyo Busan 1 3 3 1 Number of nights Coach Air Boat Rail To book or for further information visit your local travel agent or call us FREE on 0800 408 0556