ASIAN GETAWAY: FROM SEOUL TO OSAKA

Upon your arrival at Incheon International Airport (ICN) or Gimpo International Airport (GMP) and completion of the immigration process, an English-speaking driver will greet you in the arrivals hall, holding a sign with your names. You will also receive a welcome call in Spanish from the local tour operator through the driver. Transfer to the hotel, with free time until check-in at 3:00 PM. Accommodation.

At 9:30 AM, we will meet in the hotel lobby (ground floor, Floor 1 / 1F) with a Spanish-speaking guide to begin our tour of southern Seoul, where we will explore the city's most modern and luxurious districts. We will start with a visit to Lotte World Tower, the tallest skyscraper in Korea, standing at 555 meters and 123 floors. Here, we will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city from the Seoul Sky Observatory. Next, we will head to the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center, a symbol of the development of the Gangnam district, built for the 1988 Summer Olympics. In front of COEX is the famous "Gangnam Style" sculpture, depicting the crossed hands from Korea’s iconic dance. Inside COEX, we will explore the Starfield Library, one of the most impressive libraries in the world, with giant bookshelves that stretch up several floors. (Lunch not included) Afterward, we will take the subway to Gangnam Square, a short 5-minute ride, allowing us to experience Seoul's efficient, clean, and punctual public transportation system. This ride will be helpful for passengers to navigate the metro easily during their stay in the city. In the afternoon, we will explore Gangnam Square, the heart of K-pop, with its vibrant atmosphere, luxury boutiques, and the frenetic pace that defines modern Seoul. The tour will end at 4:00 PM in Gangnam. From there, passengers may continue exploring the area on their own or return to the hotel with the guide.

At 9:00 a.m., we will meet in the hotel lobby, located on the ground floor (Floor 1 / 1F), where a Spanish-speaking guide will be waiting for us. During this day, we will explore the northern area of Seoul, focusing on the city's main historical landmarks.We will begin with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest in Korea and the main seat of the Joseon Dynasty since 1395. There, we will witness the changing of the guard ceremony, a traditional reenactment full of color, music, and traditional costumes. Next, we will walk through Gwanghwamun Plaza, a wide pedestrian avenue located in front of the palace, decorated with fountains, sculptures, and the iconic statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-shin. We will then admire the exterior of Seoul City Hall, a modern building shaped like a wave that harmoniously blends contemporary architecture with inspiration from traditional Korean eaves. Afterwards, we will appreciate the exterior of Deoksugung Palace, known for its interesting fusion of Korean and Western architectural styles. Finally, we will conclude the tour in Myeongdong, the city’s most vibrant shopping district, famous for its fashion and cosmetics shops, as well as its delicious street food. The tour will end at 1:00 p.m. in Myeongdong. From there, you can return to the hotel on your own.

Optional excursion (additional cost, only sold on-site): "SEOUL BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT" At 3:00 p.m., we will meet at the Myeongdong Station with a Spanish-speaking guide. We will visit the iconic Namsan Tower, where we will enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city. After that, we will head to Gwangjang Market, a traditional local market where we can taste delicious Korean dishes, such as bindaetteok, a fried mung bean pancake with vegetables. Finally, at 7:00 p.m., we will return to the hotel accompanied by the guide.

Free day to enjoy the city at your own pace. Accommodation. There is also the option to take the optional excursion (additional cost, only sold on-site): "Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)" We will meet in the hotel lobby (ground floor, Floor 1 / 1F) with a Spanish-speaking guide to begin the transfer to the DMZ area in Paju, where we will have a guided tour of the border between North and South Korea. During the tour, we will visit Imjingak Park and the Freedom Bridge, monuments that symbolize the desire for reunification of both Koreas. Then, we will explore the Third Infiltration Tunnel, an underground tunnel dug by North Korea for military purposes. We will also visit the Dorasan Observatory, where you can view North Korean territory through binoculars, and the Unification Village, which provides a detailed explanation of the conflict’s history and the current situation. After the tour, we will return to the hotel.

Important Notes:

• To reserve this tour, the passport details of the participants are required. The guide will ask for this information on-site.
• The meeting time for this tour will be provided to participants the day before.
• Note: There is a possibility that this optional tour to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) may not operate, or its itinerary may change without prior notice due to the political situation, decisions by the South Korean military, etc.

You will need to check out of your rooms before the hotel’s check-out time (11:00 a.m.). A meeting will be held in the hotel lobby on the first floor (1F), where you will meet your driver for the transfer to the airport. The pick-up time will be approximately 4 hours before your flight departure time.

Arrival at Narita or Haneda International Airport:

NARITA (NRT): After going through immigration and customs, you will be greeted by a Spanish-speaking assistant who will help you board the Airport Limousine Bus (a regular shared service) to your hotel. The assistant will not board the bus or accompany you to the hotel. Depending on your flight’s arrival time, there may not be a direct Airport Limousine Bus service to the hotel. In this case, you will need to take a bus to Tokyo Station, where you can take a taxi (the assistant will provide the necessary money for the taxi). If the Airport Limousine Bus service is unavailable, an alternative transfer (train + taxi or other means of transportation) will be arranged.

HANEDA (HND): After clearing immigration and customs, a Spanish-speaking assistant will greet you and transfer you by taxi to the hotel. The assistant will not accompany you in the taxi or escort you to the hotel. Please note that you will not be able to access your room until check-in time (3:00 p.m.).

Note: If you arrive on a Tuesday or Friday in Tokyo, a guide will be available at the hotel from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to provide information to guests.

At 8:20 a.m., we will meet in the lobby to begin a group tour in Tokyo with a Spanish-speaking guide. The tour will start at the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji (Mutsuhito). Next, we will visit the Imperial Palace Plaza (without access to the palace grounds) and finally, the Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street, famous for its souvenir shops. The tour will conclude at 1:00 p.m. in Ginza, and you will have the afternoon free. Return to the hotel is on your own (the guide will explain how to get back to the hotel).

There is an optional excursion with an additional cost: "TEA CEREMONY" IN ASAKUSA. At 12:45 p.m., after finishing the visit to Senso-ji Temple and walking through Nakamise Street in Asakusa, participants will meet a Spanish-speaking assistant. The meeting point will be indicated in advance by the guide during the tour. From there, a short walk will take you to the venue for the tea ceremony. The ceremony will begin at 1:00 p.m., where you will receive an introduction about the significance and ritual of the tea ceremony. A Japanese tea master or mistress will perform a full demonstration of the process. Participants will be able to taste a traditional Japanese sweet and enjoy the matcha tea prepared during the ceremony. There will also be time to take souvenir photographs.

Notes:

• Participants in this optional excursion will not join the group bus to Ginza.
• It is necessary to wear socks to participate in the tea ceremony.
• Lunch is NOT included. If you get hungry, you can have a light snack during your free time in Nakamise Street, Asakusa.
• The activity must be booked one month prior to traveling to Japan.

At 7:50 a.m., we will meet in the hotel lobby to begin our full-day excursion to Hakone, accompanied by a Spanish-speaking guide. We will start with a relaxing boat ride on Lake Ashi, followed by a visit to the Hakone-jinja Shrine, famous for its torii gate by the lake. Next, we will explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum, an impressive display of art in a natural setting. Lunch is included. At 5:00 p.m., we will return to the hotel.

Note: In case the boat is not operating due to heavy rain or wind, we will visit as an alternative the Hakone Sekishoato (a reconstruction of a checkpoint on a medieval road).

At 8:00 AM, we will meet in the lobby to transfer to the Tokyo station, accompanied by a Spanish-speaking assistant. At 9:21 AM, we will depart on the Nozomi bullet train heading to Kyoto, with an estimated arrival at 11:32 AM at Kyoto Station, where a Spanish-speaking guide will meet us to begin our excursion. During the excursion, we will visit Nara, where we will explore the impressive Todai-ji Temple, home to the famous colossal statue of Buddha, and stroll through Nara Park, known for its numerous deer. Later, we will head to Kyoto for check-in and accommodation.

Note:

• When there are more than 40 passengers on a tour, a private truck is hired to transport luggage from the hotel. In this case, the luggage will arrive in Kyoto during the afternoon of the same day. On the other hand, during low season, when the number of passengers is below 40, a regular delivery service is used instead of a private truck. In this scenario, luggage will arrive at the Kyoto hotel the following day, so it is recommended that passengers bring a backpack or small suitcase with essentials for the overnight stay.
• Lunch is NOT included. We will have free time to have lunch.

At 8:20 AM, we will meet in the lobby to begin our full-day excursion in Kyoto, accompanied by a Spanish-speaking guide. During the tour, we will explore some of the city's most iconic landmarks: the Sanjusangendo Temple, famous for its thousand statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy; the Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its endless “torii” gates; the Kinkaku-ji Temple, also called the Golden Pavilion; the Tenryu-ji Temple, known for its exquisite Japanese garden; and the Bamboo Grove of Sagano in Arashiyama. Lunch, which will be at a restaurant, is included. We expect to return to the hotel around 5:30 PM. Overnight accommodation.

Free day for personal activities. Accommodation included. Optional excursion to "HIROSHIMA & MIYAJIMA" available. At 7:30 AM, we will meet in the hotel lobby with the Spanish-speaking guide, who will accompany us to Kyoto Station. At 8:26 AM, we will take the Nozomi bullet train, which will take us directly to Hiroshima, with an expected arrival time of 10:01 AM to begin the tour. If the group has fewer than 10 people, the visit will be made using public transportation. However, if we have 10 or more passengers, we will have a private bus for the tour. During the excursion, we will explore the following iconic places: the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, and the Atomic Bomb Dome. After the tour, we will head to Hiroshima Station to take the return train to Kyoto. The departure is scheduled for 5:57 PM, with an arrival in Kyoto around 7:37 PM. Once at Kyoto Station, the transfer to the hotel is the passengers' responsibility, either by the hotel shuttle bus or taxi.

Note:

• Lunch is NOT included.
• Train schedules are subject to change.
• The activity must be booked at least 1 month before traveling to Japan.

At 8:00 AM, we will meet in the hotel lobby with a Spanish-speaking guide, who will accompany us on a private bus transfer (depending on the number of passengers, it could be a van) to Kanazawa. We expect to arrive in Kanazawa around 12:00 PM, where we will begin a guided city tour. During this tour, we will visit Omicho Market, a vibrant and lively market famous for selling fish, seafood, vegetables, and other fresh products. We will continue our visit to the Higashichaya District, one of the most traditional and charming areas of the city, where we can immerse ourselves in the local culture. A stop at Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's most iconic and beautiful gardens, will be a must, as we are amazed by its landscaping and tranquility. Around 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM, we will transfer to the hotel in Kanazawa to check in. Accommodation.

Note:

• One suitcase per person will be sent separately by truck from the hotel in Kyoto to the hotel in Osaka. Please bring a backpack with clothes and other essentials for spending one night in Kanazawa and another in Gero.
• Lunch is NOT included. You will have free time to have lunch at Omicho Market.

At 8:15 AM, we will meet in the lobby to begin our journey to Shirakawago, where we will be accompanied by a Spanish-speaking guide. Upon arrival, we will have the opportunity to admire the iconic Gasshozukuri-style houses, with their steeply sloping roofs that define the region's traditional architecture. After this visit, we will continue to Takayama, where we will explore the charming Kamisannomachi historic district, known for its souvenir shops and sake breweries. Later, we will visit the Yatai Kaikan, a museum that houses the magnificent floats used in the famous Takayama Festival. To conclude the day, around 6:00 PM, we will transfer to the Ryokan in Gero for check-in and accommodation. Lunch and dinner are included.

ENJOY THE ONSEN BATH (WITH THERMAL SPRINGS)! The ryokan in Gero features thermal spring baths.

*There is a bath for women only and another for men only.

*Traditionally, hotels and Ryokans do not allow individuals with visible tattoos to use the thermal baths, as tattoos are associated with the Yakuza (Japanese mafia).

At 8:15 AM, we will meet in the lobby with a Spanish-speaking guide. From there, we will walk to the Gero station. The train will depart at approximately 8:46 AM on the Wideview Hida express train heading to Nagoya, where we are expected to arrive at 10:34 AM. Upon arrival at Nagoya station, we will take the Nozomi bullet train to Shin-Osaka, scheduled to depart at 10:58 AM and arrive at 11:48 AM. Once we arrive, we will have a guided tour of Osaka. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to explore the vibrant Dotonbori district, famous for its restaurants with extravagant facades, such as the giant crab figure, and the magnificent Osaka Castle (We will not enter the Tenshukaku tower, only visit the castle park.). Finally, at 5:00 PM, we will transfer to the hotel in Osaka for check-in and accommodation.

Note:

• Lunch is not included. You will have free time to have lunch in Dotonbori.
• Train schedules are subject to change.

The transfer to Kansai Airport (KIX) or Itami Airport (ITM) will be by Airport Limousine Bus (without assistance). If the flight departs from Kansai (KIX), the guide will provide the bus tickets the day before. If it is from Itami (ITM), the tickets will be given at checkout. The bus departs from the terminal located next to the Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka, and the travel time is 50 minutes to Kansai (KIX) and 40 minutes to Itami (ITM). Please remember to check out and vacate your room before 12:00 p.m., the checkout deadline.

Note: The first Airport Limousine Bus arrives at Kansai Airport (KIX) or Itami Airport (ITM) at 6:30 a.m. If the flight departs at 8:30 a.m. or earlier, the transfer will be by a reserved taxi without assistance, and a supplement of 15,000 JPY per passenger (approximately 99 USD) will apply. If only one passenger is traveling, the supplement will be 30,000 JPY (approximately 197 USD).