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Discover South Korea with Japan 2026
16 Day Tour from Seoul to Kyoto
Tour Description:
This Small Group Discovery tour of South Korea and Japan reveals the ancient dynasties and authentic delicacies that are tempting your travel fantasies with a spectacular journey through the history, mystery, and modern discoveries. Did we mention the palaces, Hanok houses, and temples to meditate on an adventure like no other. Stroll or roll through Seoul on a rickshaw ride and glide aboard a high-speed train to the city of Gyeongju to peruse its pavilions, pagodas, and parks. Pull back and take aim with an archery lesson or lean into some sage advice at a local monastery. From the serenity of Buddhist monks to the savory seafood markets and stunning seascapes, this tour of South Korea will suit you to a tea! Your adventure in east Asia continues with a flight to Tokyo, where the art of Japanese living is waiting to enchant you. From tales of master samurais and marvelous temples, the history and legends of this colorful culture is yours for the discovering. Shining shrines and sumptuous dines are served in elegant style as only Japan can deliver. Be awed by the view of Mount Fuji from Tokyo’s Skytree tower—soaring above the capital's skyline at 634 meters high for the best panoramic views of the city. You’ll also be mesmerized by the natural beauty of Japan’s landscapes passing by your bullet train window, and enchanted by Kyoto’s shimmering golden temples, serene goddesses, and stylish geishas. A dreamy experience in ancient secrets and modern marvels are yours to discover on this sensational Small Group Discovery tour of Japan and South Korea.
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Dates & Pricing
Start Dates Listed Below are US departure dates, please verify specific dates with your Pavlus Travel Planner
| Wednesday 25 Mar 26 — Friday 10 Apr 26
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $8,499 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 06 May 26 — Friday 22 May 26
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $8,329 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 03 Jun 26 — Friday 19 Jun 26
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $8,109 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 15 Jul 26 — Friday 31 Jul 26
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $8,099 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 19 Aug 26 — Friday 04 Sep 26
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $7,959 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 09 Sep 26 — Friday 25 Sep 26
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $8,449 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 04 Nov 26 — Friday 20 Nov 26
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $8,499 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingDesigned from the ground up for a maximum of 24 guests in Asia, this Small Group Discovery tour has everything you need to explore with up-close-and-exclusive experiences that go beyond traditional tours. We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides, to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available). Enhance your free time with your GlobusGO mobile app!
Notes:
While Seoul's Bukchon Hanok Village is rich in Korea's ancient history, please be considerate of its current, local residents while touring. A passport is required to visit the DMZ on day 3.
While Seoul's Bukchon Hanok Village is rich in Korea's ancient history, please be considerate of its current, local residents while touring. A passport is required to visit the DMZ on day 3.
MEALS
MEALS ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1 ARRIVE IN SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
Your Small Group Discovery tour begins! Welcome to Seoul, the nation’s capital. With its rich history and modern innovation, the city is full of opportunities to experience tradition and popular culture. Hotel check-in is available mid-afternoon
Day 2 SEOUL
Palace Gates & Plentiful Plates Begin your vacation with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most impressive of Seoul’s five palaces. Continue to the National Museum of Contemporary Korean History to learn how Korea has transformed from an agricultural society to an economic powerhouse. After lunch at a local restaurant, explore Gwangjang traditional market, one of the oldest and largest in Korea. Then, visit Bukchon Hanok Village, home to over 900 hanoks (traditional Korean houses). This historic district has been restored to evoke the country’s timeless charm. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a special welcome dinner featuring Korean BBQ! (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
COLORFUL DYNASTIES & CULTURAL DRESS Gyeongbokgung Palace is the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, originally built in 1395. The palace complex was razed by the Japanese invasion of 1592 and sat abandoned for nearly 300 years before it was rebuilt in the mid-19th century. Tour the palace and witness the ceremonial changing of the guard. If you wish, experience a taste of Korean culture and don a traditional outfit called hanbok for a memorable photo of your visit
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch
DinnerDay 3 SEOUL
A Tale of Two Countries Journey to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) for an unforgettable tour of the world’s most fortified border. Return to Seoul and enjoy the balance of the day at your leisure. Consider an optional rickshaw ride through the city’s popular streets and alleyways. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
A LEGENDARY LAND Since 1953, the DMZ has separated North and South Korea. This stretch of land measures about 160 miles long and 2.5 miles wide. For decades, it has been steeped in history and intrigue. Your Local Guide will explain the various sites and exhibitions including the Freedom Bridge, 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Imjingak Park, the DMZ Museum, and the Dora Observatory. Please note this is a politically sensitive area, so tour with discretion
Day 4 SEOUL–GYEONGJU
Relics & Rituals Travel by high-speed train to Gyeongju, often called the “Museum without Walls” due to its rich cultural history and natural beauty. The capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, the city today is known for its relics, temples, and palaces. Upon arrival, visit Golgulsa Temple for a unique opportunity to [LF] experience the lifestyle of Korean Buddhist monks. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Join your small group for a unique experience to learn the art of Sunmudo. This Korean meditative martial art style was a secret of Buddhist monks for many years as a practice of developing mindfulness through motion. You’ll also learn about temple etiquette and try your hand at archery before enjoying a vegetarian dinner at the temple
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 5 GYEONGJU
Pavilions, Pagodas & Parks Your full day sightseeing tour of Gyeongju includes a visit to Bulguska Temple and Gyeongju National Museum. End your day with a walk to Woljeong Bridge and Wolji Pond. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Visit Bulguska Temple and its ancient wooden pavilions and pagodas built on lush, forested hills. Within the temple complex is stunning Seokguram Grotto, one of Asia’s finest shrines, with its large Buddha statue overlooking the Sea of Japan. Then, visit Gyeongju National Museum, housing artifacts reflecting the art, culture, and history of the Silla dynasty, and Tumuli Park to see several tombs from the Silla period, including King Michu
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 6 GYEONGJU–BUSAN
Historic Village & Harbor Views This morning, visit Yangdong Folk Village, one of the best-preserved historic villages dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. Then, continue to Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, known for its stunning beaches and harbor views. Before dinner at local restaurant, join your Tour Director for a scenic coastal walk on Dongbaekseom Island. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ANCIENT WISDOM Surrounded by forested mountains and open fields, Yangdong Folk Village features clusters of hanok (traditional style houses) with mud walls and thatched roofs facing the river. Visit the village shrine and Confucius school, and stroll along the village trail to admire the traditional hanoks
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 7 BUSAN
Beautiful Busan Sightseeing today starts with a walking tour of Gamcheon, originally founded by refugees of the Korean War and today transformed into an artistic center with galleries and cafés. Participate in a [LF] Korean cooking class for lunch, then proceed to Jagalchi fish market, Korea’s largest and most famous seafood market. This afternoon, take a cable-car ride across the ocean for panoramic views of Songdo Beach and rock cliffs. You’ll also experience stunning views from Songdo Yonggung Supension Bridge. (B,L)
LOCAL FAVORITE
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Korean cuisine is unmatched! Learn authentic and local specialties with a private cooking class under the instruction of a local chef. You’ll also have the opportunity to taste local rice wine. Collect the recipes and try to recreate your masterpiece at home
BreakfastLunch
BreakfastLunchDay 8 BUSAN
Korea to the Tea This morning, visit Un Cemetery, a significant site which commemorates fallen soldiers from the Korean War. Later, enjoy a tea tasting. The rest of the day is at your leisure. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Immerse yourself in Korea’s floral tea culture with your small group as you taste different types of local floral and herbal teas to soothe the senses with aromatic flavors. You’ll even learn how to create your own signature blend!
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 9 BUSAN–SEOUL
Seoul Searching Fly to Seoul, then visit Insadong Arts and Craft Street. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate your discovery of Korea. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Explore Insadong Arts and Craft Street, a vibrant hub for Korean traditional culture and craftsmanship. Walk along the Seoul City Wall, built more than 600 years ago
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 10 SEOUL–TOKYO, JAPAN
So long, Seoul! Today, fly to Tokyo, the capital of Japan, where you will be met by a Globus representative. (B)
Please note: Your Tour Director does not accompany you to Japan
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 11 TOKYO
Tokyo Go! Today, meet your Local Guide and hop on Tokyo’s subway system for a private guided sightseeing tour of the city. Start with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest. Reach new heights at Tokyo Skytree. Tour the Samurai and Ninja Museum for a hands-on history lesson of Japan’s famous warriors, including the armor, weapons, and swords from the Medieval era. Lastly, visit bustling Nakamise shopping arcade and Asakusa Kannon Temple, the oldest of their kind in Tokyo. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
TOUCH THE SKY Ascend to Sorakara Point on the 450th floor of soaring Tokyo Skytree. Reach the highest point accessible to visitors at some 450 meters(1500 feet). Marvel at the stunning panoramic views over the city and, on a clear day, Mount Fuji
BreakfastLunch
BreakfastLunchDay 12 TOKYO
Get to Know Tokyo Enjoy a full day at your leisure. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE in Tokyo with a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Utilize your included Tokyo Metro Pass to explore more of Tokyo’s unique neighborhoods, take a day trip to Mount Fuji, or visit the street-food markets for local specialties
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 13 TOKYO–KYOTO
Kyoto Bound Today, travel by shinkansen (bullet train) to historic Kyoto, the former capital of Japan. (B)
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 14 KYOTO
Gold Leaf & Goddesses Your sightseeing tour uses efficient public transportation to take you around the city with your Local Guide. Start at stunning Kinkakuji, Temple of the Gold Pavilion, covered with shimmering gold leaf. Next, take a walking tour through Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, which is also known for its high concentration of machiya-style merchant houses. Continue to Sanjusangendo Temple. Conclude your tour with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for the thousands of brightly colored Torii Gate. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
IN THE ARMS OF THE GODDESS Visit Sanjusangendo Temple, famous for 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Flanking the main statue are 1,000 life-sized statues, covered in gold leaf, with 40 arms said to have the power to save 25 worlds
BreakfastLunch
BreakfastLunchDay 15 KYOTO
Capturing Kyoto Enjoy a full day at your leisure.
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE in Kyoto with an optional excursion to nearby Nara or explore more of Kyoto’s historic temples and shrines using your included subway and bus pass
Day 16 KYOTO
Safe travels until we meet again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Accommodations
Accommodations| Seoul | Gyeongju | Busan | Tokyo | Kyoto |
Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotel
Superior First-Class
238 Euljiro, Jung Gu Seoul South Korea
With a premium central location and an incredible view of cityscape, the Novotel Ambassador Dongdaemun offers an unforgettable experience in Seoul. The hotel boasts a stunning rooftop bar, outdoor infinity pool, and comfortable guest rooms.
Superior First-Class
238 Euljiro, Jung Gu Seoul South Korea
With a premium central location and an incredible view of cityscape, the Novotel Ambassador Dongdaemun offers an unforgettable experience in Seoul. The hotel boasts a stunning rooftop bar, outdoor infinity pool, and comfortable guest rooms.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
