Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
Centrally located nearby iconic sites including Gwanghwamun Plaza, the Royal Gyeongbokgung Palace and Sejong Art Centre, the Four Seasons... Read more
Explore two vastly different and evolving national legacies — each steeped in rich heritage and tradition — and each poised on the cutting edge of tomorrow’s cultural and technological horizons.
Journey Highlights
Upon arrival in Seoul, you are met and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the bustling capital.
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
Begin your exploration of this vibrant city with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Commissioned in the 14th century, the palace has risen from the ashes of conquest several times throughout its storied past. Today, the palace endures as the largest of Seoul’s five historic palaces, its compound housing a wealth of museums, gardens and architectural wonders. Next, browse the revealing cultural exhibits of the National Folk Museum, and then visit the Bukchon Hanok Village, a collection of hundreds of hanoks (traditional houses) dating back to the 14th century. After a lunch of traditional Korean barbecue, stop at bustling Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest and largest traditional street markets in South Korea, and home to over 5,000 shops. This evening, join your fellow guests for a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul | Meals: BLD
Today, head north to join a shared tour at the edge of the demilitarised zone (DMZ), a hotly contested border region that has divided the Korean Peninsula since 1953. Delve deeper with a tour of the Third Tunnel, a highly secured, mile-long corridor linking the two countries. At Dora Observatory, look out across the DMZ line toward North Korea. After lunch, return to Seoul for an afternoon at leisure, exploring the city on your own or just relaxing. This evening, embark on a street food tour in Seoul’s exciting Myeongdong neighbourhood, sampling everything from Korean egg toast to hotteok (sweet Korean pancakes).
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul | Meals: BL
Board a high-speed train to Gyeongju, former capital of the Silla Dynasty, a kingdom that ruled Korea from 668 to 935. Begin your exploration with a visit to Tumuli-gongwon, a large park with 23 tombs of Silla monarchs and family members. After lunch, visit photogenic Anapji Pond before continuing to the nearby Gyeongju National Museum and its exhibits showcasing treasures discovered within the tombs themselves. Continue to Bulguksa Temple, one of Korea’s most iconic structures. Perched atop a series of stone terraces, the temple’s 33 steps represent Buddhism’s 33 stages to enlightenment. The temple was all but destroyed in a 16th-century conflict with Japan. Lovingly rebuilt, it endures today as the crowning glory of Silla architecture. Continue to Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city and one of the world’s busiest ports, where you check in to your hotel.
Signiel Busan | Meals: BL
Begin your day at the United Nations Cemetery, a solemn memorial that is the final resting place of more than 2,000 Korean War veterans. Afterward, browse the Jagalchi Fish Market, taking in a vast array of exotic seafood. Later, walk the narrow lanes of colourful Gamcheon Culture Village, and then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy a refreshing Scenic Sundowner as you look out over the bay.
Signiel Busan | Meals: BLD
Fly to Osaka, Japan, and upon arrival visit Dotonbori, the bustling heart of this foodie capital, where diners indulge in everything from octopus dumplings to okonomiyaki, a battered and grilled concoction of chopped cabbage, meat or seafood, and seaweed, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Continue on to historic, temple-filled Kyoto, and check in to your beautiful hotel.
Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa | Meals: BLD
This morning, discover the glittering Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) and contemplate Kyoto’s iconic Zen rock garden at Ryoan-ji, the perfect spot for a meditative moment. Covered with gold leaf, the temple casts its delicate reflection in a tranquil pond. After lunch, explore the Arashiyama neighbourhood, including the garden of Tenryu-ji Temple. Dating back to the 14th century, the temple buildings themselves were destroyed and rebuilt over the course of several conflicts, while its stunning garden has survived the centuries in its original glory. Later, bask in the magical atmosphere of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, strolling along a winding path as sunlight filters down through towering bamboo shoots — considered by many a healing experience. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa | Meals: BL
This morning, visit a local temple where you experience the art of the tea ceremony, noting its refined sense of hospitality and etiquette, which date to the time of the samurai. Continue to the 10,000 torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine. This Shinto shrine is renowned for its visually striking tunnel comprised of thousands of vermilion torii gates that line a network of trails leading into the wooded forest of Mount Inari. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit a local sake brewery to gain a deeper appreciation of this national spirit and enjoy a tasting. This evening, savour traditional Japanese cuisine while an attending geiko (as a geisha is known in Kyoto) and maiko (apprentice geisha) dance, sing, pour sake and chat about life in Kyoto.
Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa | Meals: BLD
This morning, transfer to Kyoto Station and Ride Like a Local as you board a high-speed train bound for Tokyo. Hurtling along in excess of 170 miles per hour, your route affords a glimpse of Mount Fuji’s iconic profile. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon, visit colourful Asakusa Kannon Temple before continuing to a family-owned workshop that specialises in Japanese drum making, and try your hand at playing the taiko, on an A&K-exclusive experience. Check in to your hotel and gather with your fellow guests for dinner at a local restaurant.
The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo | Meals: BLD
Start your day at Tsukiji Fish Market, a bustling hub of Japanese daily life boasting a dizzying array of seafood. Then, embark on a culinary adventure as a local chef leads a hands-on sushi-making class, followed by lunch, for a memorable Chef ’s Table experience. Explore the Tokyo National Museum, the oldest national museum in Japan and home to a vast collection of Japanese art and antiquities. Next, visit the sacred Meiji Jingu Shrine and stroll along the city’s famed Omotesando Street. Tonight, enjoy cocktails and a farewell dinner at your hotel.
The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo | Meals: BLD
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Meals: B
Internal Air Included: Busan/Osaka
Minimum age is 10 years.
This journey contains some active elements.
The visit to the DMZ is highly regulated, and entails shared touring with non-A&K guests and on non-A&K vehicles.
First group event: welcome briefing at 8:30 a.m. on Day 2.
Last group event: farewell dinner at 6:30 p.m. on Day 10.
Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 guests.
Included with every Luxury Small Group Journey
Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke Tailor-Made Journey based on this itinerary.
Contact one of our Journey Designers to start planning your itinerary.
Centrally located nearby iconic sites including Gwanghwamun Plaza, the Royal Gyeongbokgung Palace and Sejong Art Centre, the Four Seasons... Read more
A stay at this downtown Tokyo hotel begins on the 45th level of one of the city’s tallest buildings, where floor-to-ceiling windows perfe... Read more
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
| Apr 4, 2025 - Apr 14, 2025 |
|---|
| Price AU$30,420pp | Single Supplement AU$13,005 | Internal Air (From) Included | Availability Call for Availability | Enquire |
| May 9, 2025 - May 19, 2025 |
|---|
| Price AU$29,640pp | Single Supplement AU$12,240 | Internal Air (From) Included | Availability Call for Availability | Enquire |
| Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 20, 2025 |
|---|
| Price AU$29,640pp | Single Supplement AU$12,240 | Internal Air (From) Included | Availability Call for Availability | Enquire |
| Nov 7, 2025 - Nov 17, 2025 |
|---|
| Price AU$29,640pp | Single Supplement AU$12,240 | Internal Air (From) Included | Availability Call for Availability | Enquire |
Cruises
Explore Japan’s coastal cities, mesmerising gardens and spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Private Jet Journeys
Travel on a globe-spanning adventure that brings you up close with the true wonder of the world: its incredibly diverse wildlife, from the placid whal...
Private Jet Journeys
On this journey of extraordinary contrasts, explore the sultry tropics and the starkly beautiful Arctic Circle on one amazing itinerary.
Small Group Journeys
Discover the incredible breadth of Japan’s culture and history, from the contemporary flair of Tokyo to the charms of traditional Kyoto, visiting hist...
Tailor-Made Journeys
Discover this fascinating land of contrasts where the ultra-modern sits alongside centuries-old monuments. Dive into the sparkling modernity of Seoul,...
Tailor-Made Journeys
Japan is highly regarded for its wealth of both traditional and modern arts and crafts and on this journey you’ll experience the full spectrum.
Tailor-Made Journeys
Japan is a destination that is simply enthralling, offering an entrancing mix of ancient tradition and the ultra-modern.
Tailor-Made Journeys
An intriguing blend of modern and ancient, efficient and eclectic, rural and urban, Japan offers unique activities and experiences which can be specia...
Tailor-Made Journeys
Dine on the freshest seafood, sip the warmest whiskeys, and explore 2000 years of Northern Japanese history before taking to the snow-covered mountain...
Small Group Journeys
Discover the incredible breadth of Japan’s culture and history, from the contemporary flair of Tokyo to the charms of traditional Kyoto, visiting hist...
Tailor-Made Journeys
Embark on a mystical journey to Thailand, as skilled guides immerse you in the cultural charms of Bangkok and the rich heritage of the northern kingdo...
It looks like you are located in Australia, New Zealand
or South East Asia.
Proceed to A&K Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia Proceed to website
