Escorted Tours 2022-23 Brochure - Mercury Holidays

East Asia Day 1: UK to Seoul Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Seoul. Day 2: Seoul L/D On arrival, you will be met for a short city tour including the Changing of the Palace guard. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before being transferred to your hotel. After time to settle in, re-join your group for tonight’s welcome dinner at a local Korean restaurant, giving you the opportunity to sample Korea’s world-renowned cuisine. Day 3: Seoul B/L/D Following breakfast, embark on a tour of South Korea’s Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the no man’s land that forms the highly secure frontier between North and South Korea. Visit Dorasan train station, which connects north and south, and the Dorasan Observatory which overlooks the DMZ. Explore the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, a secret passageway built by North Koreans trying to tunnel into the south, and view the heavily guarded Bridge of Freedom which links the two nations. After lunch, visit Changdeokgung Palace, built by the kings of Korea’s Jose on Dynasty, explore the pavilions and rooms of this imperial residence before touring its Secret Garden, where the pond, greenery and pavilions combine to create a tranquil setting. Witness the changing of the palace guards then continue onward to the N. Seoul Tower which rises above the city skyline and provides panoramic views over the city, then return to your hotel for dinner. Day 4: Seoul B/L/D Seoul has undergone a dramatic transformation over the last five decades, with the ravages of the Korean War making way to sleek skyscrapers and neon-lit districts. The city still retains several remnants of its imperial past and today’s walking tour takes in these centuries-old structures, using Seoul’s world-class underground system to move between sights. Starting at Insadong Antique Street and browse through the wares on display in elegant, wooden shop fronts. Travel to the Kimchi Museum and learn more about how this local fermented cabbage dish grew to its current popularity then stop in at the Buddhist temple of Jogyesa. Continue onward to the Bukchon Hanok Village, teeming with charming, traditional ‘hanoks’ or wooden houses before browsing through the stalls of Gwangjang Food Market. Day 5: Seoul to Busan B/L/D This morning, transfer by metro to the train station (luggage will be transported) and board your high- speed train to the coastal city of Busan. On arrival in Busan, set out on an afternoon coach tour of the city, stopping first to wander through Gamcheon Tour highlights ✔ Witness the heavily guarded border between North and South Korea on a tour of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) ✔ Enjoy a comprehensive city tour of Seoul, visiting Changdeokgung Palace, N Seoul Tower and witness the Changing of the Palace guard ✔ Explore the bustling Jagalchi Fish Market ✔ Marvel at the picturesque Haedong Yonggungsa temple in Busan ✔ Wander the opulent palaces, ancient tombs and temples of Gyeongjus ✔ Experience the open-air museums of Hahoe Village ✔ Learn how to make Korea’s famed beef barbeque Flavours of South Korea Travel from the modern charms of Seoul to the historic treasures of Gyeongju, with a visit to the North-South Demilitarized Zone completing your quintessential South Korean experience. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Busan Busan Gyeongju Seoul Andong      < < Coach Air Rail Rail Tour 86 Visit our website or call 0800 954 9329 for further details