South Korea

Asian Getaway: From South Korea to Japan with a Night in a Monastery

Arrival at Seoul Airport.

Collect the Pocket Wifi at the airport to enjoy Internet access throughout your holiday. Transfer to the city centre by limousine bus.

Overnight stay in Seoul.

Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure in Seoul to explore as you wish.

Suggestion: Stroll through the bustling streets of Myeongdong, a haven for shopping and Korean cosmetics. Amidst street food stalls, bright signs, and trendy shops, experience an immersion in modern, vibrant Seoul.

Overnight in Seoul.

Use the pre-loaded T-money card with KRW 30,000 to travel more easily around the city.

Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure in Seoul.

Suggestion: Discover Insadong, an authentic neighbourhood combining art galleries, tea houses and traditional calligraphy. Perfect for experiencing the artistic and spiritual soul of Seoul, just a stone's throw from Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Overnight in Seoul.

Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure in Seoul.

Suggestion: Take a stroll around Hongdae, a vibrant creative hub near Hongik University. With its street performances, unique shops and artistic cafés, it's the perfect place to experience Seoul's youthful and alternative vibe.

Overnight in Seoul.

Breakfast at the hotel and departure by train to Gyeongju.

Suggestion: Discover Gyeongju, the cradle of the Silla Kingdom, where temples, royal tombs and ancient relics are nestled within a serene landscape. It's the perfect place to delve into the historical and spiritual essence of Korea.

Free time and overnight stay in a Hanok (traditional house)*

*Note: The availability of the Hanok is not guaranteed; if unavailable, you will stay in a hotel without board in Gyeongju.

Breakfast at the hotel and departure by train to Busan.

Suggestion: Take a stroll along Haeundae Beach, one of Busan's most iconic beaches. With golden sand, skyscrapers in the background and seaside cafés, it's the perfect place to combine relaxation, walking and an urban atmosphere.

Free time and overnight stay in Busan.

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day exploring Busan at your leisure.

Suggestion: Take a stroll through the charming village of Gamcheon, where colourful houses are perched on the hillside. This artistic neighbourhood boasts a labyrinth of alleyways, murals and small galleries, not to mention unique views of the city and the sea.

Overnight in Busan.

Breakfast at the hotel. Use the underground with your T-Money card to transfer to Busan Airport. Return the Korean Pocket WiFi at the airport.

Flight from Busan to Tokyo, then transfer to Tokyo city centre by limousine bus. Collect the Pocket Wifi at the hotel reception to enjoy internet access throughout your stay in Japan. Free time and overnight in Tokyo.

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day exploring Tokyo at your leisure.

Suggestion: Explore the traditional districts of Asakusa and Ueno, home to the stunning Senso-ji Temple and Sumida Park. Then, take a stroll through Yanaka, also known as 'Old Tokyo'.

Overnight in Tokyo.

Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure in Tokyo.

Suggestion: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Akihabara, a paradise for pop culture, video games and manga enthusiasts. With its neon lights, electronics shops and themed cafés, this district is a true embodiment of Japanese culture.

Overnight stay in Tokyo.

Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure in Tokyo.

Suggestion: Take a dive into the bustling atmosphere of Shibuya, a symbol of modern Tokyo. With its famous crossing, bright signs and trendy shops, it's the perfect place to experience the lively rhythm of Japan's capital.

Breakfast at the hotel. Activate the Hakone Free Pass for two consecutive days, then transfer by train from Shinjuku Station to Hakone.

Suggestion: We recommend setting off early in the morning to allow plenty of time to explore Hakone at your leisure. It is also recommended that you check in at the ryokan between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to enjoy the best possible dinner and onsen experience.

Dinner and overnight stay in a Ryokan in Hakone.

Breakfast at the Ryokan and departure by train to Kyoto (change at Odawara).

Suggestion: Visit the Gion district in Kyoto. Stroll through its historic alleys, lined with wooden houses and traditional lanterns, and try to spot the maiko-san. Continue the experience in the evening with a magical walk through the Fushimi Inari Shrine, illuminated by thousands of torii.

Free time and overnight stay in Kyoto.

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day exploring Kyoto at your leisure.

Suggestion: The Arashiyama district in Kyoto is a must-see. Take a stroll through the famous bamboo grove, explore the tranquil temples and admire the stunning scenery along the banks of the Hozu River.

Overnight stay in Kyoto.

Activate the 3-day Kansai Mini Pass to make getting around Kansai easier.

Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure in Kyoto.

Suggestion: Take a round-trip by train from Kyoto to Nara to explore the Tōdai-ji Temple and the famous Deer Park.

Overnight stay in Kyoto.

Breakfast at the hotel and departure by train to a monastery, a significant spiritual site for the Japanese. Overnight stay and dinner at the monastery.

Note: Depending on availability, you will stay at a monastery on Mount Shigi or Mount Koya.

Breakfast at the hotel and departure by train to Osaka using the Kansai Mini Pass.

Suggestion: Discover Namba, a vibrant district where shopping, entertainment and local culture converge. With its shopping arcades, traditional theatres and alleys brimming with flavour, it's the perfect place to experience Osaka's unique energy.

Overnight in Osaka.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer by limousine bus to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) for the return flight.

OCCUPANCY:

Minimum occupancy: 1 adult

Maximum occupancy: 2 adults or 1 adult + 1 child

Infants (0-2 years) are not permitted

Single rooms are available at an additional cost.

For technical reasons, hotels may be replaced by similar accommodation and the order of stops may be reversed.

In Japan and South Korea, hotel rooms are often quite small and beds are small.

The accommodation included in this trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Check-in is usually in the middle of the afternoon (3-4 p.m.).

Please note that some hotels offer an eco-stay option (bedding and room cleaning are provided approximately every 3 days, depending on the establishment).

Please note that in traditional Korean inns (Hanok), the rooms and bathrooms are small. It is common for the entire bathroom to serve as a shower, and there may be no cubicle or curtain for washing. Futons can be quite thin. As the accommodation is old, the walls may be thin, so guests are asked to keep noise to a minimum.

Please note that Ryokan accommodation is traditional and authentic and often only offers shared bathrooms and toilets, where tattoos are not always allowed. Contact us for more information.

Please note that monastery accommodation is traditional and authentic. It is located in the heart of temples and offers shared bathrooms and toilets only. Overnight stays in monasteries may be in the Nara or Koyasan regions.

If, due to airline schedules, the first and last days are shortened by a late arrival or early departure, no refunds will be given. Similarly, any meals included in the board package that cannot be taken due to these schedules will not be refunded.

As part of this offer, you will enjoy the breakfast option during the tour and half board (breakfast and dinner, excluding drinks) during your overnight stay at a ryokan in Hakone (please note that meals at ryokans are served very early (from 5 p.m.) and your overnight stay at a monastery.

The overnight stay in a Hanok in Gyeongju does not include meals.

Limousine bus transfer (shared transport) from Incheon Airport (ICN) to Seoul city centre: The limousine bus connects the airport to the city centre. The stops closest to your accommodation will be indicated in your travel booklet. The connection between the limousine bus stop and your accommodation is often on foot, but can also be by underground or bus depending on the location of your hotel. For any postal address outside mainland France, limousine buses may be replaced, depending on availability, by train tickets or a shared shuttle. In Seoul, this service is subject to arrival at Incheon ICN airport between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Outside these hours, transfers will be at your own expense. A supplement for a private transfer may be offered. If you arrive at Gimpo GMP airport, transfers will be at your own expense.

T-money card: The T-Money card is a transport card that allows you to pay for your journeys by underground, bus or taxi, as well as in certain shops. Your card will be pre-loaded with KRW 30,000 so that you can make your various journeys. You can also top up your card with cash at a top-up terminal in underground stations or in a convenience store.

Seoul – Gyeongju – Busan Trains: The train in South Korea is the ideal means of transport for travelling around the country. Gyeongju is located approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes from Seoul.

Please note that following the opening of the new Gyeongju station, Singyeongju, the journey by public transport to your hotel may take up to 1 hour.

Busan is about 30 minutes from Gyeongju. Please note that train timetables will be provided in your travel booklet.

Journey from the city centre to Busan Gimhae Airport: The journey to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) is by underground using your T-Money card. Please note that if you use up all the credit on your card, you will need to top it up yourself to make this journey.

Flight from Busan to Tokyo: The flight between Busan and Tokyo may include a stopover. Please note that the maximum weight allowed for checked luggage is 15kg. One piece of checked luggage and one piece of hand luggage per person are included; if you have additional luggage, please contact us before your departure.

Limousine bus transfer from the airport to Tokyo city centre: The limousine bus (public transport) connects the airport to the city centre. The stops closest to your accommodation will be indicated in your travel booklet. The connection between the limousine bus stop and your accommodation is often on foot, but can also be by underground or bus depending on the location of your hotel. For any postal address outside mainland France, limousine buses may be replaced, depending on availability, by train tickets or a shared shuttle. In Tokyo, this service is subject to arrival at Narita Airport between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. and arrival at Haneda Airport between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Outside these hours, transfers will be at your own expense. A supplement for a shuttle transfer may be offered.

Hakone Free Pass: This pass allows you to travel to Hakone from Tokyo Shinjuku on the Odakyu line. After changing at Odawara, travel to Hakone and use your pass to take advantage of transport networks such as the Hakone Tozan buses, Hakone Tozan cable cars, Lake Ashi cruise boat, and funicular railway, among others. You can also enjoy discounts on certain tourist attractions!

Odawara (Hakone) – Kyoto Train: In Japan, the train is undoubtedly one of the best ways to get around quickly and easily. Hakone is located about 2 hours from Kyoto. Your Hakone Free Pass allows you to first reach Odawara Station, where you can then take your connection to Kyoto. Please note that train schedules will be provided in your travel booklet.

Kansai Mini Pass 3 days: The Kansai Mini Pass gives you unlimited access for 3 days to the various trains on the JR rail system in the Kansai region, allowing you to travel easily between Kyoto, Arashiyama, Nara, Osaka and Kobe.

Limousine bus transfer from the city centre to Kansai Airport (KIX) : The Limousine Bus (public transport) connects the airport to the city centre. The stops closest to your accommodation will be provided in your travel booklet. The connection between the Limousine Bus stop and your accommodation is often on foot, but can also be by underground or bus depending on the location of your hotel. For any postal address outside mainland France, Limousine buses may be replaced, depending on availability, by train tickets or a shared shuttle.

In Osaka, this service is subject to departure from Kansai Airport (KIX) between 9:30 a.m. and 1 a.m. Outside these hours, transfers will be at your own expense. A supplement for a private transfer may be offered. **For returns from Itami Airport (ITM) or Kobe Airport (UKB), transfers will be at your own expense.