Tour members from across Canada will gather for their overnight flights to Seoul.

We arrive in Seoul in the late afternoon and head to our hotel right in the heart of the city.

Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Namdaemun (3 nights) 

Our first morning in Seoul begins at Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1405 during the Joseon Dynasty as the second royal palace, and its tranquil Secret Garden (Huwon). From there, we explore Bukchon Hanok Village, the only place in Seoul where hundreds of hanoks (traditional houses) line the streets, preserving a rare piece of the city’s history. We then continue to Myeongdong Street for an exciting mix of high-end brand stores, local boutiques, and street vendors, before ending the day at Namdaemun Market, the largest traditional market in Korea. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant. 

After the Korean War (June 1950–July 1953), South and North Korea moved in opposite directions, establishing a border that split the Korean Peninsula in half. Stretching 2 km on either side of this line, the DMZ is the most heavily armed border in the world. Today, it is safe and welcoming for visitors, offering rare glimpses into the enigmatic state of North Korea. Our tour includes Imjingak Park, the DMZ film presentation, the Freedom Bridge, the Exhibition Hall, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel (almost one mile long), Dora Observatory, and Dorasan Station. Back in the capital, we take in the bold, modern architecture of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza.  

This morning we board a KTX bullet train to Gyeongju, capital of the Silla Dynasty, which ruled Korea for nearly a millennium. We visit Bulguksa Temple, a masterpiece of Silla architecture and a testament to the Buddhist faith of the era. Together with the nearby Seokguram Grotto, it is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and home to seven national treasures as well as other important relics. At the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, we see Cheonmachong Tomb, a typical upper-class burial from the Silla period. We also explore Gyeongju Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, once a secondary palace for the crown prince and a venue for royal banquets and important guests.

Lahan Select Gyeongju (2 nights)

Visit the UNESCO-listed Hahoe Folk Village, founded in the 14th–15th centuries and known for its well-preserved Joseon-era architecture and arts. Stroll across Woryeonggyo Bridge, Korea’s longest wooden pedestrian bridge, stretching 387 metres over the Andong Dam. Then, make your way to the Hahoe Mask Museum, home to an impressive collection of masks from Korea and beyond, including the iconic Hahoe masks. 

Learn about Korean cuisine with a hands-on bibimbap-making experience—a traditional dish of rice, vegetables, protein, and gochujang (chili paste). Pair your meal with makgeolli, a light, sparkling rice wine. Next, we’ll visit Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea’s largest seafood market, before strolling through the bustling streets of BIFF Square and Gukje Market. Later, we’ll head up Busan Tower for panoramic city views.

Bid farewell to South Korea as we take a flight across the Korea Strait to Japan’s Kyushu Island. Our gateway and first stop is Fukuoka. Explore the Hakata district famous for its ramen shops and bustling side streets. Fukuoka Tower offers great skyline views and views of the nearby Ohori Park. 

Hotel Monterey Fukuoka (3 nights)

Embark on a scenic journey to Nagasaki, a city on Kyushu Island that blends Eastern and Western influences. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Memorial Park, two moving sites that offer deep insights into the events that shaped the city. Later, we’ll explore Glover Garden, an open-air museum with beautifully preserved 19th-century Western-style buildings, picturesque grounds, and panoramic harbour views. 

Journey inland to Kumamoto, home to the magnificent Kumamoto Castle. Although the main keep was damaged in the 2016 earthquake, the surrounding grounds and impressive stone walls remain a splendid example of Edo-era architecture. You’ll have time to take in the castle’s majesty and see the ongoing restoration work. Next, we’ll visit Suizenji Jojuen Garden, a meticulously maintained traditional Japanese garden with miniature landscapes, clear ponds, and charming tea houses — an ideal spot for a peaceful stroll and reflection. 

Beppu is a city on Kyushu’s eastern coast, renowned for its hot springs. Visit the Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell) and Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell), captivating geothermal spectacles with vividly coloured ponds and active steam vents. Then, take in sweeping views of the city from Beppu Tower before returning to our hotel to unwind in the onsen (hot spring bath), a quintessential Japanese experience.

Kamenoi Hotel Beppu (1 night) 

After breakfast, we’ll take a ferry from Beppu Port to Yawatahama on Shikoku Island, then continue to Matsuyama to visit Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan’s twelve original castles, known for its rich history and sweeping views. We’ll end the day at Dogo Onsen Honkan, a historic bathhouse with striking traditional architecture.

Hotel Mystays Matsuyama (1 night)

Note: Luggage will be transported separately. Please bring a small overnight bag for your stay in Matsuyama.

This morning, we travel by coach to Takamatsu, about two hours away. Enjoy a hands-on udon-making workshop, crafting our own noodles for a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the celebrated Ritsurin Garden, regarded as one of Japan’s most exquisite gardens. Afterward, we’ll transfer to our hotel for check-in and some time to relax.

JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu (1 night) 

Kyoto is Japan’s historic capital, a title it held from 794 to 1868. When we arrive, we’ll explore the city’s iconic beauty, beginning with the magnificent Kinkakuji Temple, famously known as the Golden Pavilion. Next, we’ll wander through the ethereal Arashiya Bamboo Forest, an unforgettable sight as sunlight filters through its towering stalks. We then continue with a peaceful stroll along the Philosopher’s Path, a charming, cherry tree–lined canal pathway dotted with temples and steeped in a tranquil, traditional ambiance.

Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo (3 nights)

Discover the timeless allure of Kyoto as we explore its unparalleled treasures. Our day begins at the historic Kiyomizu Temple, perched on a hillside, offering sweeping panoramic views of the city b elow. Next, we'll walk through the enchanting Gion district, particularly the atmospheric Hanamikoji Street, where you might just catch a fleeting glimpse of a geisha. We conclude our day at the awe-inspiring Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that seemingly wind endlessly through a serene forested hillside—a truly unforgettable photographic opportunity. 

Today, we take a delightful excursion to Osaka, Japan’s dynamic culinary capital and a bustling modern metropolis. We begin with a visit to Osaka Castle, a powerful symbol of the city's historical might. Then, prepare your taste buds as we explore the lively Dotonbori area, a vibrant hub famous for its dazzling neon lights and an array of delectable street food, including the must-try takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Osaka is the perfect place to experience Japan’s contemporary energy and world-class shopping. Tonight, we enjoy a special sumo performance dinner at a local restaurant—a captivating cultural experience watching Japan’s ancient sport come to life. We then return to Kyoto for our final overnight stay. 

After a final Japanese breakfast and leisurely start to the day we transfer from to Osaka Kansai International Airport for our flight(s) back to Canada.