South Korea, From Seoul to Osaka

Asian journey, from Korea to Japan

Arrival at Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN). Collect the Pocket Wi-Fi at the airport. Transfer to the city centre by limousine bus.

Overnight in Seoul.

Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure in Seoul to visit the sights of your choice.

Overnight stay in Seoul.

Suggestions: Discover Seoul's five great palaces – Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung and Gyeonghuigung – true jewels of the Joseon dynasty, now major historical symbols of the city.

Make it easier to get around the city by using your T-money card, which is pre-loaded with 30,000 KRW.

Breakfast at the hotel and departure by train to Gyeongju.

Time at leisure and overnight stay in Gyeongju.

Suggestions: Explore the historic centre of Gyeongju, the cradle of Korean history, where you will find the Cheongseongdae Observatory, one of the oldest observatories in East Asia, dating back to the 7th century. Discover the imposing Bulguksa Temple and visit the Seokguram Grotto, which houses a gigantic statue of Buddha in meditation.

Breakfast at the hotel and departure by train to Busan.

Time at leisure and overnight stay in Busan.

Suggestions: Take a stroll through the charming village of Gamcheon, with its colourful houses perched on the hillside. This artistic neighbourhood offers a maze of narrow streets, murals and small galleries, with unique views of the city and the sea.

Breakfast at the hotel and day at leisure in Busan.

Overnight stay in Busan.

Suggestions: Visit the many temples scattered throughout the city, such as the cultural gems of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and Beomeosa Temple.

Breakfast at the hotel and departure by train to Jeonju.

Time at leisure and overnight stay in Jeonju in a hanok (traditional accommodation).

Suggestions: Stroll through the hanok neighbourhoods among traditional Korean houses and visit Jaman Mural Village, where you will find numerous paintings lining the narrow streets.

Departure by train for a new stopover in Seoul.

Time at leisure and overnight stay in Seoul.

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

Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure in Seoul.

Overnight stay in Seoul.

Suggestions: Stroll through the bustling streets of Myeongdong, a mecca for shopping and Korean cosmetics. Between street food stalls, neon signs and trendy boutiques, immerse yourself in modern, vibrant Seoul. For a panoramic view of the city, the N Tower is a must-see.

Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure in Seoul.

Overnight in Seoul.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer by limousine bus to Seoul Airport. Return the Korean Pocket Wifi at the airport.

Seoul – Tokyo flight, then transfer to Tokyo city centre by limousine bus.

Collect your Pocket Wifi from the hotel reception. Time at leisure and overnight stay in Tokyo.

Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure in Tokyo.

Overnight stay in Tokyo.

Suggestions: Explore the traditional neighbourhoods of Asakusa and Ueno, home to the magnificent Senso-ji Temple and Sumida Park. Continue with a stroll through Yanaka, known as ‘old Tokyo’. Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Akihabara, a paradise for fans of pop culture, video games and manga. With its neon lights, electronics shops and themed cafés, this neighbourhood encapsulates the whole spectrum of Japanese culture.

Breakfast at the hotel. Make the most of another day in Tokyo to delve deeper into your exploration of this sprawling capital.

Overnight in Tokyo.

Breakfast at the hotel and departure by train to Kyoto.

Time at leisure and overnight stay in Kyoto.

Suggestions: The Gion district in Kyoto. Try to catch a glimpse of the maiko-san as you stroll through its historic streets, lined with wooden houses and traditional lanterns. In the evening, continue the experience with a magical walk to Fushimi Inari Shrine and its thousands of illuminated torii gates.

Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure in Kyoto. Overnight stay in Kyoto.

Suggestions: The Arashiyama district in Kyoto is a must-see. Stroll through its famous bamboo forest, discover its peaceful temples and admire the natural landscapes along the Hozu River.

Breakfast at the hotel. Activate your 5-day JR Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass and head to Kyoto Station to catch the train to Hiroshima using your pass. Spend the day at leisure and stay overnight in Hiroshima.

Suggestions: In Hiroshima, visit the Peace Memorial Park and its museum for a poignant immersion in the country's history.

Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure in Hiroshima. Overnight stay in Hiroshima.

Suggestions: Discover the sacred island of Miyajima, with its free-roaming deer, peaceful temples, and forest trails, and admire the famous floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine, one of Japan's most iconic landmarks.

Breakfast at the hotel. Head to Hiroshima Station to catch the train to Osaka using your pass.

Time at leisure and overnight stay in Osaka.

Suggestions: Explore Osaka Castle, then soak up the lively atmosphere of Dotonbori, with its neon lights, street food, and vibrant nightlife.

Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure in Osaka.

Overnight stay in Osaka.

Suggestions: Take a day trip to Nara. Discover the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple, stroll through the park with its free-roaming deer, and take in the peaceful atmosphere of this former imperial capital. From Tennoji Station in Osaka, it's easy to make a round trip by train in a day.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Train transfer with the Kansai Hiroshima Pass to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) for the return flight.

ACCOMMODATION

Minimum occupancy: 1 person.

Maximum occupancy: 2 people.

Infants not permitted (0-2 years).

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

For technical reasons, hotels may be replaced by similar accommodations, and the itinerary may be altered.

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

Please note that in traditional Korean inns (Hanok), 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.

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

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

Any specific requests regarding the type of bed (double bed/separate beds) as well as any other requests and special conditions regarding accommodation are subject to availability and may incur an additional charge.

If, due to airline schedules, the first and last days are shortened by a late arrival or early departure, no refund 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 breakfast during the tour, except during your night in a Hanok. Other meals are at your own expense.

TRANSPORT

This trip is not guided. You will travel and visit places on your own during your stay.

A copy of your passport is required after booking in order to reserve rail transport in South Korea and air transport between South Korea and Japan.

Limousine bus transfer Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) – city centre – Incheon Airport (ICN): 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 made by underground or bus depending on the location of your hotel.

In Seoul, this service is subject to:

- Arrival at Incheon ICN airport between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

- Departure from Incheon Airport (ICN) between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 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 Airport (GMP), transfers will be at your own expense.

T-money transport card: The T-Money card 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 30,000 KRW 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 train: The train in South Korea is the ideal means of transport for travelling around the country. Gyeongju is located about 2 hours and 15 minutes from Seoul. Please note that train timetables will be provided in your travel booklet.

Gyeongju – Busan train: Busan is located about 30 minutes from Gyeongju. Please note that train schedules will be provided in your travel booklet.

Busan – Osong – Jeonju train: Osong is located about 2 hours from Busan. After changing trains in Osong, it takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Jeonju. Please note that train schedules will be provided in your travel booklet.

Jeonju – Seoul train: Jeonju is located approximately 2 hours from Seoul. Please note that train schedules will be provided in your travel booklet.

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 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.

Tokyo – Kyoto train: It is impossible to imagine travelling between Tokyo and Kyoto any other way than on board a Japanese high-speed train! The Shinkansen Express offers all the comfort you need for a short journey of just 2 hours and 20 minutes to Kyoto. Please note that train timetables will be provided in your travel booklet.

Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass: The train is probably one of the most convenient and fastest means of transport in Japan. The railway network is well developed, giving you easy access to the country's main points of interest. Your pass is valid for 5 days and gives you access to all trains on the JR railway system, as well as JR buses, certain express lines (excluding express buses) and certain JR ferries.

Journey from hotel to Kansai Airport (KIX) with train pass: You are responsible for your own transfer to Kansai Airport (KIX) using the pass included in your package.

If you are returning from Kobe Airport (UKB) or Itami Airport (ITM), you are responsible for your own transfers.

If you have an early flight (scheduled to depart before 10 a.m.), you will need to make your own way to the airport by means other than your Pass, as the train timetable does not allow you to reach the airport at this time. A supplement for a private transfer may be offered.