Meet & greet: Upon arrival in Seoul Incheon, you will be welcomed to Korea by a private driver, and taken to your hotel to check in.

Time to recover: Once arrived and checked in, you have the remainder of the day at leisure to relax after your long flight. 

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Nine Tree Premier Myeongdong (Standard Room)

Half-day tour of Seoul: After departing your hotel begin with a walk along the Cheonggyecheon stream. Cheonggyecheon is an age old canal in downtown Seoul that was filled with concrete in the 1960's, but reopened in 2005 in its original state. It is now an 11km-long public recreational space, complete with gardens, fountains, and walking trails. Continue on to City Hall stopping briefly at Tapgol Park, marking the spot of a huge popular uprising against the Japanese occupation in 1919. Follow on to Insa-dong antiques street - an area of artisanal shops and traditional teahouses in the heart of modern Seoul. Near the top of Insadong is the Jogyesa Temple - small and little-visited, but one of the most beautiful complexes in the city.

Jump on the subway and head down to Gwanghwamun - Seoul's answer to the Mall, Pennsylvania Avenue, or Champs-Elysee. Here you can you see the towering statues of Korean heroes Admiral Yi Sun Shin and King Sejong, both of whom played a vital role in the Korean history. At the very top of Gwanghwamun lies the sprawling Gyeongbokkung Palace. The Palace was built by the Joseon Dynasty in 1394. For centuries, this immense complex was the centre of power, until deposed under the Japanese occupation. From the back gate of Gyeongbukgung you will catch a glimpse Cheongwadae, or the Blue House, Korea's presidential palace. Today's tour will be conducted on foot and by public transport (fees included) in the company of your English-speaking private guide.

Afternoon at leisure: The remainder of the day is free for you to relax at the hotel, or continue exploring independently.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Nine Tree Premier Myeongdong (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Day at leisure / suggested activities: Today you have a second full day in the Korean capital, at leisure and unaccompanied. Arming yourselves with cheap T-money transport cards would be a fine idea - with which you can explore the city independently on all modes of public transport. Sites not covered yesterday and worth a look would be the Bukchon Hanok Village, Mt. Namsan and the N Seoul Tower, the National Museum, or the futuristic downtown Gangnam area. If you would like further touring to be built in on this day - particularly to out of town areas such as Panmunjeom and the DMZ, the historical city of Suwon, or the picturesque lake city of Chuncheon - please inform us in advance and we will happily assist.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Nine Tree Premier Myeongdong (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Journey from Seoul to Gyeongju: This morning make your own way to Seoul Station (detailed instructions will be provided). You will then take the KTX bullet train to Gyeongju, a journey of around 2 hours. On arrival you will be met by your private English-speaking driver-guide and transferred to your hotel to check in.

Afternoon tour of Gyeongju: After checking in you will set out to explore the ‘Museum Without Walls' in the company of a private English-speaking driver-guide. First you will visit the impressive Seokguram grotto - a huge man-made cave housing a 3.5m tall sitting Buddha and UNESCO World Heritage Site - before heading on to the beautiful Bulguksa temple complex. Round off the afternoon with a trip to Anapji Pond, a deeply picturesque network of water gardens and palaces. According to the historical records of ‘Samguk-sagi,' Anapji Pond was built during the 14th year of King Munmu (in power 661-681 AD) of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC-935 AD). Small mountains were created inside the palace walls, beautiful flowers were planted, and rare animals were brought in to create an exquisitely exotic garden fit for royalty.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Swiss Rosen Benikea (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Morning tour of Gyeongju: After breakfast you will be taken to Tumuli Park, a large green space housing more than 20 traditional tombs from the Silla dynasty. Within the same complex is the Cheomseongdae - an ancient star-gazing tower of nearly 10m in height, and the oldest such observatory in East Asia. Any time remaining in the morning can be used to visit some of Gyeongju's remaining sites, or perhaps take a short hike in the sprawling Gyeongju National Park.

Road journey to Busan: After you have finished in Gyeongju you will hit the road with your private driver-guide, heading south to the coastal city of Busan. This journey should be around 2 hours, depending on local traffic. On arrival in Busan will be taken straight to your hotel to check in.

Afternoon tour of Busan: Once checked-in you will head out to explore this busy seaport city. First stop will be at the 1,300 year-old Tongdosa temple, around 1 hour north of the city. Tongdosa has survived repeated wars and invasions in this corner of Korea, and remains a deeply pretty spot surrounding by pine forests and rolling hills. Return to Busan for a tour of the city itself, taking in the Busan Tower and Yongdusan Park, the BIFF Square (Busan International Film Festival), and the lively Gukje market. Finish at Jagalchi, the largest seafood market in the country. Should you wish you can purchase fresh seafood here, and take it straight into one of the upstairs restaurant to be sashimied and served to you for a nominal fee. Make sure to barter-hard with the famous Jagalchi ajummas!

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Felix by Stx (Studio Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Day at leisure: Today you have a full day at leisure to explore this picturesque seaside city. If the weather is good, head to one of Busan's beaches - both Haeundae and Gwangalli are among the most famous in the country. Note that the better the weather, the less space on the beach! Alternatively you may prefer to use Busan's efficient public transport system to explore the districts numerous temples and museums, or head downtown to negotiate the active local markets. A pleasant walk can also be had through the Gamcheon Art Village on the south edge of the city, a favela-like neighbourhood of multi-coloured houses clinging to the hillside, littered with graffiti and street art at every turn.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Felix by Stx (Studio Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Private transfer: After breakfast you will be transferred to Busan's Gimhae International Airport in time to check in for your onward flight.

Flight: OZ9726 Busan - Osaka Kansai 11.15 - 12.35

Meet & Greet, then train from Kansai Airport to Osaka: On arrival you will be by our representative on arrival at Osaka Kansai Airport and given tickets for the reserved seat train to Osaka Nanba station. This space age train will get you to your destination in just 35 minutes!

IC Transport Card: As always the Japanese are pushing the boundaries with their transport technology and now there is a convenient tap-in, tap-out 'IC Card' that covers not just Tokyo's public transport but the entire country. In 2012 all the regional electronic transport cards were combined into a single system and now you can use any of them on the transport systems in most major cities in Japan. Simply the most convenient and developed public transport system you will find anywhere. We will be supplying you with IC cards, which you will be able to use throughout your time in Japan for travelling on buses, subways, over ground railways and in some places you will even be able to pay for taxis, buy drinks from vending machines and pay for your bento in a convenience store! Your card comes with 2,500 yen of credit and can be topped up in any major city at the automatic ticket machines at any station.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Cross Hotel Osaka (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Train from Osaka to Kyoto: Make your own way to Osaka station this morning, where you will board a train to Kyoto. You will be supplied with tickets for the journey; all seats are unreserved so you can travel on any train. There are frequent departures and journey time is between 25 and 45 minutes depending on which train you take. On arrival make your own way to your hotel.

Half-day private tour of Kyoto: After checking in you will meet up with your private English-speaking guide in the lobby of your hotel, then set out together to explore Kyoto. You will be taking a half-day private tour of the city, travelling by public transport. Places of interest that can be visited include Kiyomizu Temple, perched on a hillside with good views towards central Kyoto. Dating from 1633, the main hall sits on hundreds of interconnecting wooden pillars above a sacred spring that is believed to have therapeutic qualities. Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is one of Japan's most famous sights. This glittering temple is covered entirely in gold leaf and set on a small lake amongst well-tended gardens. Ryoanji Temple belongs to the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism and was founded in 1450. The adjoining garden is an austere collection of 15 rocks adrift in a sea of sand. Nijo Castle was built in 1603 to demonstrate the power of the first Tokugawa Shogun Ieyusa. The design of this castle, built by the first Shogun of a united Japan, reflects an ambition to impress rather than anticipation of combat.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Royal Park Hotel (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Self guided touring in and around Kyoto: Today you have a free day in Kyoto. This is an opportunity to further explore the city. Kyoto has a tremendous amount to offer whether you wish to discover some of the smaller temples and shrines dotted around the city or stroll through the bustling Nishiki Shijo market. The Kimono fashion show in the Nishijin textile district is well worth a look and if you wish to see some of the natural beauty of the Kyoto area then the Hozugawa river trip makes for a great afternoon or morning travelling down the river on a traditional style boat. If you prefer to get out of the city we definitely recommend a day-trip to Nara, or further afield to Mount Koya, Himeji, or Kobe. There are a wide variety of day trips possible from Kyoto so if you have a destination in mind please let us know and we would be happy to assist.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Royal Park Hotel (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Train from Kyoto to Tokyo: Make your own way to Kyoto station, then board a train to Tokyo. You will be making this journey from by Shinkansen. The journey taking no longer than 2hr45m. Not long past Shizuoka keep your eyes open for the views of Mt. Fuji from the left side windows of the train. We will be supplying you with Ordinary Nozomi Super Express tickets for this journey. On arrival in Tokyo you will make your own way to your hotel. 

Half-day private tour of Tokyo: After checking in you will enjoy a half-day private tour of the city with a private English speaking guide, travelling by public transport. Places of interest that can be visited include Tokyo's National Museum which houses displays of historic costumes including samurai armour and swords and fine kimonos, antique folding screens, tea ceremony utensils and Japanese paintings. The Sumida River cruise travels through the busy heart of the city and to the edge of Tokyo Bay where you will be able to see the reclaimed land islands and the large Rainbow Bridge that dominates the bay. Hamarikyu Garden is a tranquil oasis on the edge of the bay and flanked by the modern skyscrapers of the Shiodome district. The gardens reflect Japan's changing seasons. Enjoy Japanese tea with Japanese sweets in the wooden pavilion by the edge of the park's lake.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Day at leisure in Tokyo: Tokyo is one of the world's most vibrant cities and today you will have a full day available to explore the sights, shops and restaurants! Although initially a little overwhelming, Tokyo's first class public transport system makes getting around quick and easy and with careful planning you can see a lot in a short space of time. Tokyo is made up of districts each with their own distinctive flavour and atmosphere: Asakusa is the old town area with Senso-ji, the city's oldest temple at its heart; a chance to experience a little of what Tokyo was like before the economic miracle of the 1970s and 80s. The Ginza in the very centre of the city is a shopper's paradise with endless boutiques and department stores interspersed with some of the city's finest restaurants and European style cafes; Shibuya is Tokyo at its most fun and youthful, attracting a lively mix of students and young professionals to its bars, restaurants, manga shops and all night clubs. Just down the tracks you will find Shinjuku, soaring skyscrapers to the west of the station; endless neon lights to the east in one of the city's premiere entertainment areas. Shinjuku is what many people think of when they imagine Tokyo and as such is a must see; and in the centre of the city, close to the iconic Tokyo Tower is Roppongi, the after hours playground of the city's expat community, teeming with clubs and bars and restaurants from the very upscale at the impressive Roppongi Hills development to street-side kebabs and yakitori at Roppongi crossing. These are just a few of the districts to explore - there are many, many more if you have time. Tokyo has so much to offer any visitor and just wandering the streets of this megalopolis is a fascinating experience with new sights, sounds and tastes to be had around every corner.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Suggested day trips from Tokyo: Today you might like to make an excursion from Tokyo. The charming town of Kamakura lies just 1 hour to the west of Tokyo and can be reached by direct train from Shinjuku Station (890 yen each way). Kamakura was formally the capital of Japan for a short period in the 12th century and at that time was possibly the world's largest city with a population of over one million. Today however, it is a sleepy coastal town which attracts large numbers of day trippers to spend time exploring the beautiful shrines and temples. The most famous site if the impressive bronze daibutsu (big Buddha) which is certainly a must-see for any trip to Kamakura.

An alternative trip is to Nikko, located 2 hours to the north of Tokyo. There is one direct train from Shinjuku to Nikko a day which costs 1,890 yen each way. Nikko is not only surrounded by stunning scenery that makes up the national park, but is also home to the World Heritage site of the Tosho-gu Shrine. Nikko has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries and contains many important Buddhist and Shinto shrines and temples, but the most impressive and most famous is definitely Tosho-gu with its vivid colours and many ornate carvings. Once you have marvelled at Tosho-gu there are plenty more temples dotted throughout the surrounding forests that will keep you bewitched for a long time. Even higher up into the mountains from Nikko, it is very much worth visiting the serene Chuzenji-ko Lake and Kegon waterfalls. There are some pleasant walks around here and you may even pass some local monkeys!

If you find that after a while Tokyo's concrete and neon get you yearning for countryside, fresh air and scenery then you can do no better than a day trip out west to sacred Mount Takao (Takao-san in Japanese), part of a range of wooded mountains that form a natural boundary to Tokyo's urban sprawl and mark the start of the Chichibu-Tama National Park. After an easy train journey of just under an hour you will arrive at the base of the mountain from where numerous clearly-marked hiking trails (or a cable-car!) wind their way up to the summit. Many of the routes offer fine views back towards Tokyo and are dotted with small temples, religious statues and offerings increasing in number as the trails approach Yakuoin, an attractive temple dedicated to the 'kami' or spirits of the mountains. On a clear day you can also enjoy some great views of Mount Fuji. The hike to the summit of Takao-san can be done in 2-3 hours and is of only moderate difficulty. For those wanting a further challenge there are a number of more advanced hiking routes that head on from the summit of Mount Takao to other peaks deeper into the National Park. Again these are clearly marked and can be combined with the hike up Mount Takao to form a full day of more advanced hiking. Although popular with Japanese hikers, Mount Takao is virtually untouched by overseas visitors to Japan, so if you like the idea of getting off the beaten track then this might just be the day trip for you!

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast