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

For full tour itineraries, please visit us online at www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/tours JAPAN & KOREA 67 region, which can survive temperatures of below -15 degrees Centigrade. Witness these fascinating creatures lounging and paddling in the steaming onsen, or hot springs, as they beat the icy conditions. Accustomed to their daily encounters with humans, these fearless primates allow an up-close, memorable experience. Drive onward to Nagano’s impressive Zenkoji Temple, which houses what is believed to be the first Buddhist statue brought to Japan. Later, board your train and travel through picturesque rural landscapes, arriving in Kyoto for tonight’s stay. DAY 10: KYOTO B Experience traditional Japan at its finest as you explore Kyoto, a city of shrines, temples and geisha teahouses. Discover the ancient hallways and sacred waterfall of Kiyomizudera Temple then walk along the streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. Enjoy double visions of gold as you witness the gold-leafed pavilion of Kinkaku-ji and its shimmering reflection mirrored in the surrounding moat. Visit Fushimi Inari and stroll through an amazing arcade of vivid red ‘torii’, or shrine gates, inscribed with dedications to Inari, the god of rice. Wander the Zen gardens of Kodaiji Temple before sampling at a traditional tea ceremony in the temple hall. Explore the UNESCO-recognised fortifications and chambers of Nijo Castle then look out for geishas draped in lavish kimonos as you walk through the geisha district of Gion. DAY 11: KYOTO TO HIROSHIMA B/D Depart Kyoto for Hiroshima, first travelling to Japan’s former capital city, Nara, where you’ll visit the Todaiji Temple and the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue nestled in its interior. Watch over 1,200 deer roaming nearby Nara Park, Drive onward to Osaka and catch your bullet train to Hiroshima for your overnight stay. Enjoy a delicious meal of the local favourite, Okonomiyaki. DAY 12: HIROSHIMA B Visit Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park & Museum and A-Bomb Dome. Continue on to Miyajima and take a boat to the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island. DAY 13: HIROSHIMA TO FUKUOKA B/D Take a bullet train to Fukuoka and on arrival, visit Dazaifu Temmangu Shrine, the Kyushu National Museum and Komyozenji Temple. Visit the food stalls in Nakasu before your farewell dinner. DAY 14: FUKUOKA TO THE UK B Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK via Hong Kong or continue on to your chosen extension. B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner FOR YOU TO KNOW: No visa is required when travelling to Japan, however travel insurance must be obtained before travel. Tips: it is customary to tip your guide and driver, we recommend you allow approximately £26pp for the duration of the tour. Optional excursions are at an additional cost. Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto Osaka castle Mount Fuji Fukuoka HONG KONG 3 nights 4 ★ B&B from £329 Towering skyscrapers form the backdrop to Hong Kong’s busy harbour whilst the street markets that fill the teeming alleys remain untouched by western influences. You’ll have the chance to visit one of the Far East’s most iconic cities. 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 flights from London Heathrow to Japan with Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong) • Rooms available with no single supplement. Once sold, single supplement starts from £589 SIX RAIL JOURNEYS INCLUDED 03 Nov 20 £4,199 17 Nov 20 £3,799 23 Feb 21 £3,999 09 Mar 21 £3,999 30 Mar 21 £3,899 13 Apr 21 £4,199 11 May 21 £3,899 18 May 21 £3,899 15 Jun 21 £4,099 07 Sep 21 £4,199 19 Oct 21 £4,199 16 Nov 21 £3,799