Flower And Sun Of The Far East: "South Korea And Japan" | March 29 – April 08, 2027

Meet at the Turkish Airlines counter in front of the Istanbul Airport international departures terminal at 22:50. After our ticket, baggage, and passport procedures, we will fly to Seoul on Turkish Airlines flight TK90 at 01:50. We will spend the night on the plane.

Arrival at Seoul Incheon Airport at 17:40 local time. After passport and baggage procedures, we proceed to our hotel with the vehicle waiting for us at the airport. We complete check-in procedures and settle into our rooms. Overnight stay at our hotel in Seoul.

After breakfast at our hotel, our first stop will be Aegibong Ecopark. Located in the only Demilitarized Zone between South Korea and North Korea, Aegibong Peace Ecological Park stands out as a symbol of peace and harmony. The confluence of the Jogang River, which connects different histories and cultures, with the mouth of the Han River, makes this point even more meaningful. From here, we will have the opportunity to observe the North Korean Propaganda Village on the opposite bank of the Han River and North Korean farmers working in the fields. Additionally, we will have the chance to enjoy our coffee at Korea's first and only Starbucks with a view of North Korea. We will be able to see North Korean territory and the border line from the observation deck. Our tour will continue with N Seoul Tower, a communication tower and observation deck. After reaching the tower via cable car, we will enjoy panoramic views of Seoul from its highest point. Next, we set off to see the Gangnam Style Statue. Then, we visit Starfield Library, located just nearby. Our next stop will be Bongeunsa Temple, which has a history spanning 1,200 years. As a cornerstone of Korean Buddhism, Bongeunsa is one of the structures that attract tourists to the area, featuring one of Seoul's largest statues, Maitreya, and a library housing 3,479 sacred Buddhist texts. After our tour, we will return to our hotel. We will spend the night at our hotel in Seoul.

After breakfast at our hotel, our first stop will be Gyeongbokgung Palace. Built in 1395, it is not only the largest of the Five Grand Palaces constructed by the Joseon Dynasty but also considered the most beautiful and magnificent. Our next stop will be Namsangol Hanok Village. Located at the foot of Namsan Mountain, this village offers visitors a sense of traveling back in time with its restored traditional "hanok" houses, peaceful gardens, and authentic atmosphere. Here, we will have the opportunity to closely observe Korean living culture, architectural details, and traditional layouts. Passing through here, we will also enjoy panoramic views of the former Blue House and Gwanghwamun Square. After our tour, we will proceed to Insadong Street, famous for its traditional tea houses, art galleries, and souvenir shops. Free time will be provided here. The final stop of our tour will be Myeongdong Street, one of Korea's most popular shopping and fashion streets. After exploring this vibrant area filled with cosmetic stores, local restaurants, and international brands, we will return to our hotel. We will complete check-in procedures and settle into our rooms. Overnight stay at our hotel in Seoul.

At the time announced by our guide, we will complete our check-out procedures and transfer to the airport. We will fly to Osaka on flight KE723 at 09:35. We will land at Kansai Airport at 11:20 local time. After completing passport and baggage procedures, we will begin our Osaka tour from the airport with our vehicle. Our first stop will be Osaka Castle, built in the 16th century and playing a significant role in the unification of the Japanese nation. The castle is located within a park covering approximately two square kilometers, featuring abundant green spaces, sports facilities, a multi-purpose arena (Osakajo Hall), and a mausoleum dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi. From there, we will continue our tour to Kuromon Ichiba Market. In this large market, where vendors sell street food, fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, and souvenirs, we will have free time for shopping and lunch. After the free time, we will visit Dotonbori, which has become Osaka's entertainment hub. Following visits to Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, the city's main shopping district, we will transfer to our hotel. We will complete our check-in procedures and settle into our rooms. Overnight stay at our hotel in Osaka.

After breakfast at our hotel, we depart and head to Nara. We visit Todaiji Temple, home to the massive Buddha statue, and Nara Deer Park, where adorable deer roam freely. After free time for lunch, we explore the Naramachi district, known for its traditional architecture and historic atmosphere. Following our tour, we return to Osaka and check into our hotel. The rest of the day is free. Overnight at our hotel in Osaka.

After breakfast at our hotel, we continue to the Kyoto Tour. Our tour begins with a visit to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. In this grove, which features a 500-meter walking trail, you will be able to hike, listen to the sounds created by the wind passing through the bamboo, and feed wild monkeys. Next, we visit Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. The temple is internationally recognized as a perfect example of Kitayama garden design art. Due to these characteristics, it was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1994 as an important cultural asset of the former capital, Kyoto. For lunch, we have free time at Nishiki Market, where you can explore Kyoto's traditional flavors. Afterwards, we visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates. At the end of the day, we transfer back to our hotel. After the program, we return to our hotel in the evening hours with free time. Overnight stay at our hotel in Osaka.

After completing our check-out procedures from our hotel in Osaka early in the morning, we head to Shin-Osaka Station and, following a comfortable journey on Japan's world-famous high-speed train, the Shinkansen, arrive at Mishima Station. From there, we proceed to Gotemba Premium Outlet, one of Japan's most popular shopping destinations. Here, we will have the opportunity to enjoy affordable shopping at international brand stores while taking in views of Mount Fuji. At the end of the day, we depart from Gotemba and set off toward Tokyo, Japan's modern capital. In the evening, we arrive at our hotel; after checking in and settling into our rooms, we have free time to rest and explore the city's vibrant atmosphere. Note: Large suitcases collected this morning will be transferred via cargo to our Tokyo hotel and delivered to us the following day. Therefore, please bring only essential items for tonight in a small bag.

After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, we begin our enjoyable city tour that allows us to experience both Tokyo's past and modern life. First, we immerse ourselves in the world-renowned TeamLab Digital Art Museum experience, which redefines the boundaries of digital art. Amidst interactive installations where light, color, sound, and movement come together, we become part of the artwork itself and have the opportunity to take unforgettable photos. Next, we return to Tokyo and head to Ginza, one of the city's most prestigious shopping districts. Afterward, we move to Akihabara, an area known as Tokyo's center for technology and pop culture. Famous for its electronics stores and colorful shops dedicated to the world of anime and manga, this district offers a unique atmosphere for discovering Japan's modern and fun side. In Ginza, known for its luxury stores, stylish streets, and modern ambiance, we will have free time for shopping and exploration. We then visit Asakusa Senso-ji Temple, one of Tokyo's oldest and most important temples. Passing through the magnificent red Kaminarimon Gate, we reach the temple and closely observe how Japanese culture and traditions are intertwined with daily life. Following this, we enjoy a pleasant walk along Nakamise Shopping Street, which leads to the temple and is famous for traditional Japanese souvenirs, snacks, and handicrafts. After spending this enjoyable time here, we return to our hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel in the evening, we have free time to rest or explore Tokyo's vibrant atmosphere.

After breakfast at our hotel, we begin our tour. First, we visit the serene Meiji Shrine (Meiji Shrine), a peaceful oasis seemingly isolated from the city's crowds and skyscrapers. This sacred space, reached through walking paths lined with hundreds of-year-old trees, offers a unique atmosphere for experiencing Japanese culture and Shinto beliefs up close. Next, we move to Harajuku and Takeshita Street, areas that shape Tokyo's youth, fashion, and lifestyle trends. While strolling through these districts, known for their colorful shops, unusual concepts, and modern architecture, we discover Tokyo's creative and dynamic side. In particular, Omotesando Boulevard, surrounded by luxury stores and stylish cafes, stands out as one of the city's most prestigious locations. After free time for lunch, we head to Shibuya, one of Tokyo's world-famous landmarks. We see the iconic Shibuya Crossing, where thousands of people cross simultaneously, and experience one of the city's most vibrant spots with its giant screens and energetic atmosphere. We also view the Hachiko Statue, which has become a symbol of loyalty. Following another period of free time for lunch, we visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, which offers different beauties depending on the season. Continuing our tour, we visit Shinjuku, one of Tokyo's famous areas for entertainment and nightlife. With its streets adorned in neon lights, colorful atmosphere, and bustling urban life, it presents another facet of Tokyo to us. After the program, we return to our hotel in the evening with free time. Overnight stay at our hotel in Tokyo.

After breakfast at our hotel, free time for shopping in Tokyo. At the time specified by our guide, transfer to Tokyo Narita Airport with our private vehicle. After completing ticket, baggage, and passport procedures, flight TK199 of Turkish Airlines departs at 21:45 to Istanbul. Overnight on the plane.

Arrival at Istanbul Airport at 05:05 local time and the end of our tour. We say goodbye, looking forward to meeting again on our next enjoyable trip. Explanations of abbreviations >>> (K): Breakfast | (A): Dinner | (Ö): Lunch