Welcome to Korea! You’ll be transferred to your hotel and have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll receive information about the start of your tour.

Seoul – Busan

Total distance covered: 395 km (by high-speed train)

08:30 a.m. – Today we include an extensive sightseeing tour of Seoul lasting approximately five hours. We will visit Changdeokgung Palace (admission included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a complex of palaces set within a large park. Afterwards, we will stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional historic neighborhood of small houses. We then visit the War Memorial of Korea (admission included), an impressive war museum that illustrates the conflicts experienced in Korea throughout history, especially the Korean War, in which soldiers from many countries participated under the United Nations.

Note on Bukchon Hanok Village: Due to regulations established to protect the residential environment, we are only allowed to park in designated areas and must complete an approximate 900-meter walk to reach this historic neighborhood. For operational reasons, this visit may be replaced by Namsangol Hanok Village, also featuring traditional Korean architecture, while still guaranteeing the cultural content planned in the itinerary.

01:00 p.m. – Lunch included at a local restaurant.

02:00 p.m. – We continue to the Gangnam District, one of the city’s busiest areas, home to numerous shopping and entertainment centers. To conclude the day, we stop at Lotte World Tower, an impressive 550-meter-tall building, where you will have free time to go up the tower (admission not included) or to stroll through its park or luxury shopping areas.

04:30 p.m. – Departure to the train station to board the high-speed train (included). After approximately three hours of travel, we arrive in Busan. Arrival, transfer to the hotel, and overnight stay.

Busan – Haedong Yonggung – Songdo – Gamcheon Culture Village – Busan

Total distance covered: 85 km

Note: We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes for the walk to the entrance of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and for strolling through Gamcheon Cultural Village.

08:30 a.m. – Departure from Busan.
09:15 a.m. – Arrival at Haedong Yonggungsa. Visit of this 14th-century Buddhist temple located on the coastal cliffs of Busan. Along the main access path to the temple, there is a row of stone statues representing the twelve figures of the Chinese zodiac, which, according to Eastern philosophy, are considered guardian deities.

10:15 a.m. – Departure from Haedong Yonggungsa.
11:15 a.m. – Arrival in Busan, the second-largest city in South Korea, and city tour. We will visit the United Nations Memorial Cemetery (entrance included), where people from many different countries are buried. We will then head to the largest fish market in the country, located next to Nampo Port. Lunch included at a local restaurant. Afterwards, we walk to Yongdusan Park, home to its impressive 120-meter pagoda.

02:30 p.m. – Departure to Songdo Beach, which features the country’s first maritime cable car (included, subject to weather conditions), offering spectacular views of the bay. We then continue to one of Busan’s most picturesque neighborhoods, Gamcheon Cultural Village, filled with brightly colored buildings, labyrinth-like alleyways, art galleries, pottery workshops, and charming cafés.

06:45 p.m. – Departure from Gamcheon Cultural Village. Return to Busan.
07:15 p.m. – Arrival at the hotel in Busan. Overnight stay.

Busan – Seokguram Buddhist Grotto - Bulguksa Temple – Gyeongju - Daegu

Total distance covered: 225 km
Scenery: We travel through beautiful forest landscapes.

08:00 a.m. – Departure from Busan.
10:00 a.m. – Arrival at Seokguram. Visit to this Buddhist Grotto (entrance included), an artificial cave carved into the rock in the 8th century and located on the slopes of Mount Tohamsan. It houses a monumental stone statue of Buddha facing the sea.

11:00 a.m. – Departure from Seokguram.
11:30 a.m. – Arrival at Bulguksa Temple (entrance included). Visit to this temple, considered one of the most beautiful in the country and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. The temple houses seven National Treasures of Korea and is a masterpiece from the height of Buddhism during the ancient Silla Kingdom.

12:15 p.m. – Departure from Bulguksa Temple.
01:00 p.m. – Arrival in Gyeongju. Visit to this coastal city, the former capital of the Silla Kingdom, which lasted longer than any other dynasty in Korean history, for a total of 992 years under the rule of 56 kings. We will have the opportunity to photograph the beautiful wooden Woljeonggyo Bridge along the Namcheon River. Lunch included. We then continue to the Tumuli Park, where the tombs of the kings of the ancient Silla Kingdom, more than 1,500 years old, are located. We will visit one of these tombs (entrance included). Walking, we will reach Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory, the oldest in East Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

04:00 p.m. – Departure from Gyeongju.
05:30 p.m. – Arrival in Daegu, the fourth-largest city in Korea. Before heading to the hotel, we will visit Dongsan Cheongna Hill, a historic site where Christian missionaries once lived, and Dongseong-ro Shopping Street, the city’s liveliest area, with fashion shops, cafés, and restaurants, as well as the Yangnyeongsi Museum of Traditional Medicine (entrance included), famous for its history of medicinal herbs in Eastern medicine.

08:00 p.m. – Approximate arrival at the hotel and overnight stay.

Daegu – Andong – Hahoe Village - Byeongsan Seowon – Seoul

Total distance covered: 287 km
Scenery: We travel through beautiful forests, valleys, and fields of rice and ginseng.

08:00 a.m. – Departure from Daegu.
09:30 a.m. – Arrival in Andong. We will visit the traditional village of Hahoe Village (admission included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on the outskirts of the city. Free time to stroll through the streets of this rural village that seems frozen in time. We will also visit the excellent World Mask Museum, featuring masks used for dances, medical practices, religious ceremonies, and theatrical performances. Lunch included at a local restaurant.

01:30 p.m. – Departure from Hahoe Village (Andong).
01:45 p.m. – Arrival at Byeongsan Seowon, a Confucian academy founded in the 16th century. We visit this site, located beside a river in an idyllic setting full of peace and tranquility.

02:30 p.m. – Departure from Byeongsan Seowon.
06:30 p.m. – Arrival in Seoul in the late afternoon. Overnight stay.

Note: The order of visits may be modified without affecting the planned content of the itinerary.

Seoul - DMZ - Seoul

Total distance covered: 150 km

Important Note: Please remember to bring your passport; it is mandatory. The DMZ is a military area and may be closed without prior notice. If this happens, an alternative tour will be provided.

08:30 am – Seoul. Departure.

09:30 am – Aegibong Peace Ecological Park (Gimpo)
Arrival at this symbolic space created to bring together peace, ecology, history, and culture, while promoting the values of Korean unification and collective memory. Observatory visit: From this viewpoint, it is possible to see North Korean territory at a very short distance across the river. This is a truly unique experience.

11:30 am – Aegibong Peace Ecological Park (Gimpo). Departure.

12:30 pm – Local restaurant. Arrival. Lunch included.

01:30 pm – Local restaurant. Departure.

02:00 pm – Paju Demilitarized Zone (DMZ Imjingang). Arrival at the border area that divides South Korea and North Korea. We will visit the National Memorial and Mangbaedan Altar, the Imjingak Pavilion, a symbol of peace, and take a cable car ride (included) to observe from above the areas near the Military Demarcation Line. Finally, we will visit the Freedom Bridge, a former railway bridge over the Imjin River that, after the war, was used to return prisoners of war to South Korea. Today, it stands as a historic symbol of hope. This site allows us to understand Korean history from a human perspective: family separation, war, the hope for reunification, and the contrast between natural beauty and historical wounds.

04:00 pm – Paju Demilitarized Zone (DMZ Imjingang). Departure.

04:45 pm – Seoul. Arrival.

05:30 pm – Seoul City Hall area. With our guide, we will visit the City Hall building, known for its wave-like (tsunami-shaped) design. Across from City Hall is Deoksugung Palace, where we can appreciate the coexistence of tradition and modernity in Korea. We will then walk to the Myeongdong district, the country’s largest commercial and entertainment area; its name means “bright tunnel.” Dinner included at a local restaurant. Return by Seoul’s modern subway system (ticket included).

09:30 pm – Hotel. Arrival and overnight stay.

Seoul – Beijing

After breakfast, we’ll provide a transfer to the airport for the included flight to Beijing. Upon arrival in the capital of the People’s Republic of China, you’ll be dropped off at the hotel.

06:30 p.m. – We’ll meet our guide and the rest of the group in the hotel lobby. We’ll then head to the famous Wangfujing Street, a lively pedestrian and commercial area with plenty of shops and restaurants. Dinner will be included. After, we’ll return to the hotel (arrival around 08:30 p.m.).

Beijing

07:30 a.m. - An exciting day awaits us as we explore the highlights of China’s capital. We’ll enjoy a full-day guided tour, starting with a walk through the immense Tiananmen Square, one of the largest squares in the world. From here, we’ll admire the Great National Theater, also known as the Beijing Opera House.

Next, we’ll visit the majestic Forbidden City, the most impressive architectural complex in China, where 24 emperors ruled for nearly 500 years. We’ll also visit Jingshan Park, home to Coal Hill, one of Beijing’s best-preserved imperial gardens. Climbing to the top of the hill, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Forbidden City—weather permitting.

Lunch will be included.

In the afternoon, we’ll experience local life with a tricycle ride through the traditional Hutong neighborhoods, where we can observe daily life, visit charming shops, and step inside a Siheyuan, a traditional courtyard house.

We’ll then conclude our tour with a visit to the stunning Summer Palace, the former imperial retreat of the Qing Dynasty, renowned for its exquisite gardens and tranquil lakes.

06:30 p.m. - Tour ends. You may return to the hotel by bus or choose to stay in the city center (in which case, the return to the hotel will be at your own expense. We recommend carrying the hotel’s address written in Chinese to show the taxi driver).

Note: Due to heritage conservation measures and enhanced visitor safety, the governing body of the Forbidden City has temporarily reduced daily visitor capacity. As a result, we cannot guarantee access to this site. If the visit is not possible, it will be replaced with a tour of the Confucius Temple and the Lama Temple, both iconic landmarks in Chinese history and culture.

Beijing - Shanghai

We’ll take an excursion to the Great Wall at the Mutianyu section, a spectacular architectural masterpiece whose history spans more than 2,000 years. We’ll ride the cable car up and down to access the Wall (tickets included). We’ll bid farewell to Beijing with a delicious lunch included, featuring the famous Peking duck. Afterward, we’ll transfer to the train station to board a high-speed train bound for Shanghai. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to the hotel for check-in and overnight stay.

Shanghai

08:30 a.m. - This morning, we’ll explore the highlights of this fascinating city.

Our tour will begin in Pudong, Shanghai’s striking financial district, located across the Huangpu River. We’ll admire its futuristic skyline, including the iconic Pearl Tower, and take a stroll along the elevated walkways, offering breathtaking views of the modern skyscrapers.

Next, we’ll board a local ferry to cross the river, allowing us to take in Shanghai’s impressive cityscape from the water while observing daily life along the bustling waterfront.

Upon arrival, we’ll explore the Bund, home to a collection of grand 19th-century European-style buildings, a striking contrast to the modern skyline of Pudong.

Our tour will continue in Shanghai’s Old City, where we’ll visit the Yuyuan Garden, a beautiful private garden built during the Ming Dynasty. Here, we’ll also experience a traditional tea ceremony, an integral part of Chinese culture.

We’ll then pass through Xintiandi, one of the city’s most fashionable districts, known for its blend of historical charm and modern elegance.

Lunch will be included.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit Tianzifang, a former residential area famous for its narrow, labyrinth-like streets, lined with artisanal shops, trendy boutiques, and art galleries.

We’ll conclude our tour with a final stroll along the Bund, appreciating its historical architecture and the European influence on the city’s past.

06:30 p.m. - Our tour will come to an end. You may return to the hotel by bus or choose to stay in the city center (if so, return to the hotel will be at your own expense. We recommend carrying the hotel’s address written in Chinese to show the taxi driver).

Shanghai - Luoyang

Distance traveled by high-speed train: 1,020 km

Scenery: A diverse landscape of plains, mountains, rice paddies, and lush greenery, all enjoyed from the comfort of our high-speed train.

Note: Train schedules are subject to change. Each passenger must carry their own luggage. Do not pack sprays or aerosols larger than 100ml in your suitcase, as they may be confiscated at the security checkpoint.

05:30 a.m. - Departure from the hotel. A picnic-style breakfast will be provided. Transfer to the railway station.
07:17 a.m. - We’ll board one of China’s high-speed trains for an exciting journey across the country. Sit back and enjoy the ever-changing scenery as we pass through vast plains, terraced rice fields, and mountainous landscapes.

01:10 p.m. - Luoyang – Longmen. Arrival. Lunch will be included.

After lunch, we’ll visit the awe-inspiring Longmen Caves, an extraordinary collection of Buddhist carvings stretching over a kilometer along the rocky cliffs of the Yi River. With more than 100,000 Buddha statues etched into the rock, this UNESCO-listed site is one of China’s most remarkable cultural treasures. We’ll explore the most impressive caves on foot and then take a boat ride for a unique perspective from the water.

Note: The boat ride may be canceled due to adverse weather conditions or river flooding.

05:30 p.m. - Departure from Longmen.
06:15 p.m. - Luoyang. Arrival and transfer to the Old Town, where we’ll pass through its impressive city walls and immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of its illuminated streets. This experience offers a glimpse into the daily life of a historic provincial capital in inland China.

Return to the hotel. Overnight stay in Luoyang.

Luoyang - White Horse Monastery - Sanmexia - Xian

Total distance covered: 410 km

Scenery: Pleasant landscapes along the route.

07:20 a.m. - Departure from the hotel.
08:10 a.m. - White Horse Buddhist Monastery. Arrival at this vast and historically significant monastery, a major center for Buddhist study and pilgrimage, welcoming practitioners from around the world.

09:30 a.m. - Departure from the monastery.
11:30 a.m. - Sanmenxia. Arrival in this historic city, located along the Yellow River. We’ll visit the Baolun Temple, home to an impressive high pagoda, and then explore the renowned Guo State Museum, considered one of the finest in China. Here, we’ll see the remarkable funeral chariots of the ancient Guo State, offering a fascinating glimpse into early Chinese civilization.

Lunch will be included.

02:30 p.m. - Departure from Sanmenxia. As we continue eastward, we’ll pass by the majestic Mount Hua, one of China’s five sacred mountains, revered for its dramatic peaks and spiritual significance.
06:30 p.m. - Xian. Arrival in this legendary city, once the starting point of the Silk Road and home to an extraordinary historical and cultural heritage. Overnight stay in Xian.

Xian

Total distance covered: 105 km

Important Note: A passport is required for entry to the Terracotta Army Museum.

08:00 a.m. - We’ll start the day with a visit to the Terracotta Army, one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries in the world. This vast underground army, with thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, was created to protect the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Located less than an hour from downtown Xian, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Chinese history.

Free time for lunch.

01:50 p.m. - Departure from the Terracotta Army Museum.
02:50 p.m. - Xian. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, an elegant Buddhist structure dating back to the Tang Dynasty.

Next, we’ll explore the walled city center, walking through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where centuries of cultural and religious influences have shaped the city’s identity. We’ll enter the Great Mosque of Xian, a unique blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture.

Our tour will also include entrance to the Drum Tower, where we’ll enjoy a short performance of traditional Chinese percussion instruments.

After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to continue exploring the bustling historic center at your own pace.

06:30 p.m. - End of our visit. You may return to the hotel by bus or choose to stay in the city center to explore further on your own.

Xian - Linfen - Clan Wang Mansion - Pingyao

Total distance covered: 530 km (365 km on the high-speed train)

Scenery: Mountainous areas with stunning landscapes visible from the train.

Note: Train schedules are subject to change. Each passenger must carry their own luggage during the train journey.

06:45 a.m. - Departure from the hotel. Transfer to the train station.

08:08 a.m. - Departure from Xian on a high-speed train. In less than three hours, we’ll arrive in Linfeng, enjoying breathtaking views along the way.

11:30 a.m. - Mansion of the Wang Clan. Arrival at this grand residence, built between the 17th and 19th centuries by a wealthy and influential family. This architectural masterpiece showcases intricate courtyards, elaborate carvings, and the opulence of ancient Chinese nobility.

Lunch will be included.

01:00 p.m. - Departure from the Mansion of the Wang Clan.

03:00 p.m. - Pingyao. Arrival in China’s best-preserved historical city, home to over 4,000 ancient buildings and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking through its charming streets feels like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into traditional Chinese life.

Our visit includes an all-access pass to explore the city´s highlights, including its temples, mansions, and ancient city walls.

Pingyao - Wutai

Total distance covered: 330 km

Scenery: A changing landscape of green fields, small towns, dense forests, and mountains as we approach Wutai Mountain.

Note: Wutai Mountain is a sacred pilgrimage site. We kindly ask that you dress appropriately and show the utmost respect for the believers who travel here.

08:30 a.m. - Departure from Pingyao. We’ll begin the entry procedures for the Wutai Mountain National Park, a breathtaking area filled with magnificent landscapes and a succession of historic monasteries. This journey will take us to one of the most spiritually significant places in China.

01:00 p.m. - Wutai Mountain. Nestled among lush green mountains and forests, this revered site is a major center of Lamaism Buddhism. With more than 40 ancient monasteries—and many more built in recent years—Wutai Mountain is home to a large community of monks dedicated to spiritual practice.

We’ll visit the Nanshan Temple with our guide, then enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. You may choose to seek out less-visited temples, where you can respectfully observe the monks in their daily rituals.

05:30 p.m. - Transfer to our hotel, located outside the sacred precinct, near the entrance to the National Park.

06:00 p.m. - Arrival at the hotel. Dinner included.

Wutai - Yanmen Pass - Yingxian - Hanging Temple - Datong

Total distance covered: 440 km.

Scenery: Fascinating mountainous landscapes with few inhabitants, offering a sense of remoteness and serenity.

Notes: Wear sturdy footwear for walking on the Great Wall and climbing the Hanging Temple. The ascent to the temple is not recommended for those with vertigo, claustrophobia, or health issues.

07:30 a.m. - Departure from Wutai.
10:30 a.m. - Yanmen Pass. Arrival at this historic mountain pass near the Mongolian border. Here, we’ll explore a less-visited section of the Great Wall, where we can walk at a relaxed pace, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere away from large crowds.

12:15 p.m. - Departure from Yanmen Pass.
01:30 p.m. - Yingxian. Arrival in this charming and picturesque village. Lunch will be included.

While here, we’ll admire the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, one of the oldest and tallest wooden pagodas in China, an outstanding example of ancient Chinese engineering.

02:45 p.m. - Departure from Yingxian.
04:00 p.m. - Hanging Temple. Built dramatically into the side of a towering cliff, this architectural marvel seems to defy gravity. The temple, which combines elements of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, is one of China’s most breathtaking religious sites.

Note: The climb to the temple involves steep steps and high walkways; please assess your comfort level before ascending.

05:30 p.m. - Departure from Hanging Temple.
07:00 p.m. - Datong. Arrival in this historic city. From the coach, we’ll admire its imposing city walls and the beautifully restored historic center, which reflects Datong’s rich past as a key stop along ancient trade routes.

Datong - Yungang - Jiming Post - Beijing

Total distance covered: 390 km.

08:00 a.m. - Departure from Datong.
08:30 a.m. - Yungang Caves. Arrival at China’s most impressive cave art complex, featuring 252 caves and over 51,000 Buddha statues, intricately carved in the 5th century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases stunning Buddhist sculptures and ancient artistry.

10:15 a.m. - Departure from Yungang Caves. We´ll begin our journey toward Beijing, stopping en route at a service area for lunch (not included).
02:00 p.m. - Jiming Post. Arrival in this small, traditional Chinese town, which preserves the charm of provincial life. Originally built as a rest station for imperial couriers, Jiming Post is surrounded by powerful defensive walls. Walking through its streets, we’ll get a glimpse of a different China—rural, historic, and deeply rooted in tradition.

03:30 p.m. - Departure from Jiming Post. From here, we have approximately 100 km before reaching the vast metropolis of Beijing.
06:30 p.m. - Beijing. Arrival in the capital of China.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.