Escorted Tours 2022-23 Brochure - Mercury Holidays

East Asia Cultural Village with its pastel-coloured houses set in the slopes of a mountain. Next, pay your respects to the soldiers killed in the Korean War at the UN Memorial Cemetery then visit peaceful APEC Nurimaru Park and the soft sands of Haeundae Beach. Climb 108 steps to picturesque Haedong Yonggungsa temple and explore this sacred Buddhist site which boasts a stunning setting on Busan’s coastal cliffs. Day 6: Busan to Gyeongju B/L/D After breakfast, embark on a morning tour, moving between sights by metro. Wander through bustling Jagalchi Fish Market and haggle with the hawkers of Kukje Market, where you’ll stop for a delicious lunch. Visit nearby BIFF Square, Korea’s answer to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and continue on to the soaring Busan Tower. Next, transfer to Busan Train Station and embark on your rail journey to Gyeongju, taking in rural landscapes and urban skylines along the way. On arrival, enjoy dinner and a night-time tour of Anapji, the site of a spectacular palace and pond. Day 7: Gyeongju B/L/D A full-day tour of Gyeongju takes in the major sites of Korea’s ancient former capital, known as the “Museum Without Walls”. Journey from the immense Buddha statue which lies in Seokguram Grotto to UNESCO-listed Bulguksa Temple where you’ll explore its Buddhist relics, pavilions and gardens. 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 the greenery of Tumuli Park and browsing through ancient artefacts in the Gyeongju National Museum. Day 8: Gyeongju to Andong B/L/D Transfer to the train station for your train to Andong, a city renowned for its open- air heritage museums. On arrival, journey to Hahoe Village where you’ll discover hundreds of ceremonial masks on display in the Hahoe Mask Museum. Soak in sweeping views of the village from nearby Buyongdae Cliff then wander through the local market. Transfer to your hotel for check-in and dinner, followed by an evening at leisure. Day 9: Andong to Seoul B/L/D Depart Andong this morning and travel by coach to Poonggi where you’ll visit the city’s sprawling ginseng plantation and the area’s oldest ginseng market. Marvel at the amazing variety of ginseng products on display then journey onward to Daegang Makgeolli (Rice Wine) Brewery in Danyang. Here, you can learn about and taste this unique alcoholic drink and see samples of home-brewed Korean liquor that date back to the Japanese colonial era. Continue on to Seoul, where a night of entertainment awaits. Re-join your group for a farewell dinner and a trip to see ‘Nanta’, one of the most famous theatrical performances in the country. Day 10: Seoul B Enjoy a day at leisure to explore this bustling metropolis at your own pace. Alternatively, a number of optional excursions are available (at a fee). Make stir- fried glass noodles and seafood pancakes at a cooking class, join a workshop and learn how to make kimchi (Korea’s traditional fermented cabbage dish) or enjoy a show at the Jeongdong Theatre. Day 11: Seoul to the UK B After breakfast, transfer for your return flight to the UK or continue on to your chosen extension. Departures & from prices 25 May 22 £2,499 24 May 23 £2,599 28 Sep 22 £2,699 7 Jun 23 £2,599 12 Oct 22 £2,499 27 Sep 23 £2,749 2 Nov 22 £2,399 11 Oct 23 £2,399 30 Nov 22 £2,439 25 Oct 23 £2,579 15 Feb 23 £2,499 1 Nov 23 £2,299 15 Mar 23 £2,499 29 Nov 23 £2,399 12 Apr 23 £2,599 • A single supplement starts from just £399 Tour includes • 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 dinners • 4 H accommodation: Seoul-Best Western Premier Seoul Garden, Busan-Crown Harbor Hotel Busan, Gyeongju-Commodore Hotel Gyeongju, Andong-Andong Grand • Flights from London Heathrow with British Airways. Regional departures available from Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, and Aberdeen Tour pace: Challenging Gyeongju Anapji N. Seoul Tower Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan Market Food Tokyo Extend your tour Hong Kong city stay, 3 nights, 4 H B&B from £689 Tokyo city stay, 3 nights, 3.5 H B&B from £749 87 Hundreds more escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk