Central Asia to Far East Adventure - 16 Days

Welcome to China! Upon arriving in Beijing, we'll transfer you to your hotel to settle in. In the early evening, take a trip with us to Wangfujing Street, a bustling pedestrian avenue known for its lively atmosphere, a wide array of shops, and diverse restaurants. It's an ideal spot to start discovering the city and to get familiar with its vibrant charm. A delightful dinner awaits, after which you will be taken back to the hotel. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On our second day, we delve into the rich tapestry of Beijing, the vibrant capital of China. Our full-day adventure begins with the exploration of the Forbidden City, a magnificent imperial palace complex where 24 emperors governed for nearly five centuries. Due to current visitor limitations, our tour through the Forbidden City is subject to availability. If access is not possible, we will alternatively discover the Confucius Temple and the Lama Temple, both key historical sites in Chinese culture.

Continuing our journey, we will visit Jingshan Park, famed for its well-preserved imperial gardens and the elevated views from Coal Hill that, weather permitting, offer a stunning panorama of the city�s historic architecture. Our path leads us next to the vast Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest public squares and a site of significant cultural and political activities, offering a view of the Great National Theatre, also known as the Beijing Opera House. Lunch will be provided during our tour.

In the afternoon, we will venture to the Summer Palace, known for its enchanting gardens and serene lakes, once a retreat for the Qing Dynasty emperors. To wrap up our cultural immersion, a traditional tricycle ride will take us through the narrow alleys of Hutong, showcasing the essence of old Beijing, where we will discover traditional shops and visit a traditional courtyard house, known as a Siheyuan, highlighting Beijing's architectural allure. We will return to our hotel later for an overnight stay.

Today, we embark on a memorable journey to the Great Wall of China at the Mutianyu section. Renowned as one of the most iconic landmarks worldwide, the Great Wall is a spectacular feat of engineering, spanning over 2,000 years of history. We will take a cable car both up and down, effortlessly reaching one of the wall's most scenic points, allowing us to fully appreciate the stunning views that this legendary structure offers against the mountainous backdrop.

On our return to Beijing, we will visit the 798 Art District, a vibrant contemporary art hub set within a former military factory. This area is buzzing with creativity, showcasing an array of galleries, studios, and artistic installations.

Our next destination is the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized as one of China�s largest and most significant sacred complexes. Here, Chinese emperors once prayed for good harvests, making this architectural masterpiece an integral part of the nation's heritage.

To unwind after our day of exploration, we will indulge in a relaxing foot massage, providing a perfect prelude to a Tai Chi class where we can engage with the principles of balance and harmony central to traditional Chinese culture.

We will wrap up our visit to Beijing with a farewell lacquered duck dinner, a local delicacy that offers a delicious taste of the region's culinary traditions. After dinner, we�ll return to our accommodation, reflecting on an exciting day filled with cultural and historical insights.

Following breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Seoul. Upon arrival in Korea, you'll be taken to your hotel where you'll meet our guide. In the evening, we invite you to start exploring this captivating country with us. We'll navigate the city using Seoul's modern and efficient subway�a great opportunity for you to learn how to get around independently. Our first stop is City Hall, an architectural marvel resembling a wave, demonstrating a striking blend of modern design and Korean tradition. Just opposite, you'll find the Deoksugung Palace, illuminated beautifully at night. Our evening continues with a stroll to Myeongdong, Korea's largest and most vibrant shopping district, where you can indulge in the lively atmosphere. Dinner will be provided at a local restaurant, offering a perfect introduction to Korean cuisine.

Today's adventures in Seoul begin with an enriching five-hour tour, starting at Changdeokgung Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is nestled within a sprawling park and features a collection of historic palaces. We will then make our way past Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming neighbourhood filled with traditional houses, offering a glimpse into Korea's architectural past. Our next stop is the War Memorial of Korea, an impressive museum that delves into the nation's conflicts, especially the Korean War, where soldiers from many countries fought under the United Nations banner. A lunch break at a local restaurant is included.

In the afternoon, we explore the bustling Gangnam District, known for its vibrant shopping centres and entertainment venues, before moving on to Lotte World Tower. This striking skyscraper, standing at 550 metres, invites you to either ascend (ticket required) for panoramic views or explore the nearby park and luxury shopping malls. We will round off the day by returning to the hotel, with the remainder of the evening free for your own pursuits.

Today, we explore Gyeongbokgung Palace, a magnificent structure with a history spanning over 600 years. If the timing is right, we'll witness the ceremonial changing of the guard�a fascinating glimpse into Korea's royal traditions. Leaving Seoul behind, we head south to Suwon, the former Korean capital, famed for its UNESCO-recognised fortifications. We'll admire these remarkable city walls and visit Hwaseong Haenggung, the summer palace. Lunch is provided as part of the day's journey. Our next destination is Jeonju, where we'll wander through its captivating Hanok Village. This historic centre is a delightful mix of quaint houses, traditional crafts, and art galleries, offering a unique insight into Korea's cultural heritage.

On day seven, we begin our journey to Sunchang Gochujang Village, nestled at the foot of Mount Amisan. This village, characterised by its traditional hanok houses and courtyards brimming with clay pots known as hang-a-ri, is renowned for its master artisans who create gochujang, the famed Korean chilli paste, using age-old techniques. We'll engage in a hands-on session to craft this iconic sauce ourselves. Our adventure continues to Damyang, where we'll meander through the serene Juknokwon Bamboo Forest. These paths are celebrated for their beauty and offer an ideal setting for reflection amid the refreshing breeze. Here, we also explore various bamboo products showcased in places like the Bamboo Museum. Lunch will feature a local speciality�rice cooked and served in a bamboo stalk. Our day takes us next to Haeinsa, a revered Buddhist temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site amidst majestic mountain landscapes and lush forests. Established in 802, this site safeguards the Tripitaka, the most comprehensive collection of Buddhist scriptures, etched onto 80,000 wooden tablets. We conclude our day by journeying to Busan, South Korea's second-largest city vibrant with life, where we will settle in for the night.

In the morning, we�ll set off to explore Haedong Yonggung, a stunning 14th-century Buddhist temple perched by the sea, offering a unique spiritual atmosphere. Upon our return to Busan, we'll delve into the poignant history of the United Nations Memorial, commemorating the soldiers from different countries laid to rest here. Continuing our journey, we�ll visit the bustling fish market adjacent to Nampo Port, the largest in the country, where you can witness the vibrant local trade. After enjoying an included lunch, we�ll head to Yongdusan Park to take in the view from the 120-metre pagoda. In the evening, we�ll proceed to the port to complete the boarding formalities � remember that the latest check-in time for our ferry is 5:30 p.m. Our ferry will depart from Busan at 9:00 p.m., setting sail across the Sea of Japan. We'll spend the night onboard in comfortable double cabins equipped with private bathrooms. Please note that, due to the limited availability of double cabins, we may use a high-speed ferry departing Busan at 3:00 p.m., arriving in Fukuoka, Japan, around 6:30 p.m. This alternative route includes a border crossing, some free time to explore Fukuoka, and overnight accommodation in a hotel.

Upon arriving at Shimonoseki Port at 8:00 a.m. (breakfast not included), we will seamlessly complete the border crossing before setting off for Iwakuni. This picturesque town is home to the historic Kintai-Kyo Bridge, a marvel of design and engineering. Following our exploration of Iwakuni, we will board a ferry to Miyajima, a captivating island famed as a place "where gods and humans coexist." Here, you can wander through the charming town centre and visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, which partially sits over water and is dedicated to the sea's guardian. Lunch will be enjoyed on the island before we proceed to Hiroshima. This city, renowned for the harrowing events of 1945, provides us with a profound experience as we explore the Peace Memorial and the Atomic Bomb Dome, and delve deeper into its history at the compelling Peace Museum. Our day in Hiroshima will conclude with dinner, allowing time for reflection on the day's experiences.

Today, we embark on a relaxing ferry journey to Shikoku Island, providing a serene opportunity to appreciate the nation's island geography. Arriving in Matsuyama, we�ll ascend by cable car to explore its remarkable castle, offering insights into Japan's feudal past. Our next destination is the enchanting Ishiteji Temple, a beloved Buddhist site and pilgrimage destination, renowned for its architectural beauty and spiritual significance. Following a delightful lunch at a local establishment, we'll unwind at Dogo Onsen, a venerable Japanese bathhouse dating back to the 19th century, where you can experience the soothing traditions of communal bathing.

Today, we set off for Kotohira to visit a revered Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of sailors. This significant pilgrimage site is situated on Mount Zosu and is accessible by ascending 785 steps. Our journey then continues to Takamatsu, where we will explore Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan's most exquisite gardens, featuring meticulously landscaped scenery and tranquil ponds. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. Later, we'll pause in Naruto to admire an awe-inspiring bridge that spans the sea. Here, you'll get the chance to walk across its glass floor and observe the dramatic whirlpools from 45 metres above. We'll continue our scenic drive across a series of striking bridges connecting the islands, arriving in Kobe for our accommodation this evening.

In Kobe, we begin our day by visiting the Earthquake Memorial Museum, which commemorates the city's devastating 1995 earthquake and its inspiring recovery. From there, we travel to Osaka before embarking on a journey to the sacred Mount Koya. This revered centre of Shingon Buddhism in Japan boasts over 120 temples and monasteries, inviting us into a world of spiritual beauty. Among the highlights are the Okuno Mausoleum, a deeply spiritual site surrounded by nature, housing over 200,000 graves, and the Kongobuji Temple, dating back to 1593. We spend the night in a Buddhist monastery, where we're invited to join the monks for a Zen meditation session (Ajikan), followed by a vegetarian dinner. If you wish, there's also an opportunity to participate in the early morning religious ceremony at the temple. Please note that on certain dates, we may visit the Sake Museum or Kobe Tower instead of the Earthquake Museum. Staying at the monastery is a unique experience, offering traditional Japanese rooms with tatami mats and shared facilities, though during tourist peaks, meditation practices cannot be guaranteed. Occasionally, alternative accommodation will be arranged in nearby hotels, which will include half-board.

Following a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple, we set off early for Kyoto, a city imbued with a rich imperial history, having served as Japan�s capital for over a millennium. Kyoto is renowned for its preserved cultural heritage, owing to its fortunate escape from wartime destruction. It was also here that the pivotal Kyoto Protocol was signed in 1997, underscoring its global significance. Our exploration begins with a visit to the striking Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. We continue to the historic Imperial Palace, a former residence of the Imperial family. The awe-inspiring Golden Pavilion, or Kinkaku-ji, awaits next, offering an opportunity to admire its exquisite architecture set amidst serene gardens.

Afterwards, you�ll have some time to discover the city at your own pace before we reconvene at Gion. Known as the heart of Kyoto's traditional entertainment district, Gion captivates visitors with its well-preserved wooden buildings and presence of geisha culture. You'll have more free time here to delve into the local atmosphere, whether that means wandering down rustic lanes or savoring the area's culinary offerings. If you�ve previously visited Kyoto during another part of your journey, our guide will be on hand to offer suggestions for exploring different facets of this extraordinary city on your own.

After breakfast, we will transfer you to the station to embark on a swift and iconic journey aboard the bullet train to Tokyo. Travel nearly 500 kilometres in just over two hours, marvelling at the precision and speed that define Japan's high-speed rail network. Once in Tokyo, you will have the opportunity to explore the city at your leisure. Whether you're drawn to the bustling streets, historical landmarks, or unique cultural experiences, the day is yours to discover the vibrant capital in whatever way you choose.

In the morning, we embark on an extensive five-hour guided tour of Tokyo, a city where dynamic, modern neighbourhoods gracefully merge with serene, traditional spaces. Our first stop is Zojoji Temple, providing a classic view of Tokyo Tower. The temple is notable for its many Jizo statues, adorned with colourful knitted hats and bibs, believed to be guardians of children. Next, we head to the bustling Shibuya Crossing, famed as the world's busiest intersection, before visiting the tranquil Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his consort. Our exploration continues with a drive down the elegant Omotesando Avenue, after which we view the stunning Imperial Palace gardens and the iconic Nijubashi Bridge.

As our bus journey progresses, we drive through Akihabara, nicknamed "Electric Town" for its manga and anime culture, and pass Kokugikan, Japan's famous sumo arena. We arrive in Asakusa to visit the historic Sensoji Temple and the bustling Nakamise Street. Lunch at a local restaurant is included before we return to our hotel.

In the evening, at 6:30 p.m., we reconvene in the hotel lobby to take the metro, tickets included, to Shinjuku. Known for its vibrant nightlife, this lively district provides the perfect backdrop for a leisurely walk to a local restaurant, where dinner is included. We then return to the hotel by metro, guided by our tour leader.

As your journey concludes in Tokyo, we hope you depart with cherished memories of your travels. After a final breakfast, you'll have some time to reflect on the vibrant experiences and diverse cultures you've encountered along the way. Safe travels onward, with the stories and highlights of this adventure to accompany you.