11-Nights Best of Hong Kong & Korea from $5,010

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive in Hong Kong

Transfer: Hong Kong International Aptto Hong Kong Island - Causeway Bay

Hotel: Regal Hong Kong Hotel (5 Star Rating)

Regal Hongkong Hotel is situated near Times Square and Sogo in the heart of Causeway Bay, a vibrant commercial and shopping district in Hong Kong. The hotel offers 481 spacious guestrooms and a wide range of recreational facilities, including a spectacular rooftop swimming pool with panoramic views of Hong Kong Island and Victoria Harbor.

Meet your guide at the designated meeting point to begin your journey through the history and development of Hong Kong. Start with a ride on the iconic Peak Tram to the Peak, where you will enjoy a guided walking tour and visit the Lion's Point View Pavilion. Continue to Old Town Central for a guided exploration of Pottinger Street, the Central Escalator, Tai Kwun, Hollywood Road, Lascar Row, and Man Mo Temple. Along the way, your guide will provide fascinating insights into the area's rich history. Conclude your day with a delightful dim sum tasting at the Michelin-awarded Tim Ho Wan.

Transfer: Hong Kong Island - Causeway Bay to Hong Kong International Apt

Transfer: Seoul Incheon International Airportto Seoul - City Centre

Hotel: Novotel Ambassador Seoul Yongsan-Seoul Dragon City (5 Star Rating)

Novotel Ambassador Seoul Yongsan features an Executive Floor Lounge on level 40 with views of Seoul, direct access to a unique structure suspended between two towers filled with entertainment outlets and the most extensive meeting space capacity among hotels in Korea. You will also be able to enjoy the wonderful facilities such as fitness centre and indoor swimming pool during your stay here.

Today, explore the city like a local using public transport.

Begin with a visit to Gwanghwamun Plaza, encountering the statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-Sin. Continue through Gwanghwamun gate to visit Gyeongbokgung (Gyongbok) Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Originally built in 1395, it was expanded in 1867 to become the largest, and arguably most beautiful of Seoul’s five palaces, with 330 buildings in total.

Witness the ceremonial changing of the guard which takes place at 10:00 at Gwanghwamun Gate.

While at the palace, there is an option to visit The National Folk Museum. Located within the palace grounds, the museum contains interesting exhibits about the history of Korean people and their culture.

From there, take a short walk to Bukchon Hanok. This village dates back to the Joseon period and features traditional Korean houses, called hanok, many of which are still inhabited today. Spend time exploring the area, getting a closer look at the unusual architecture and learning about traditional village life.

Next stop is Changdeokgung Palace, another palace from the Joseon dynasty. In addition to being one of the best preserved palaces, this UNESCO site is known for its Secret Garden where man-made structures were built in harmony with the natural surroundings.

Conclude this city tour at another must see area in Seoul, Insadong. Located in the heart of Seoul, this neighbourhood is steeped in tradition and boasts a plethora of art galleries, antique shops, craft stores, and traditional teahouses. It's the perfect place to be immersed in Korean culture and explore traditional arts and crafts.

Start the day by visiting the National Museum of Korea for an in-depth look at Korea’s cultural heritage. Spend the morning exploring the extensive collections of Korean artefacts, including ceramics, statues, paintings and historical relics.

In the afternoon, visit Gallery Hyundai. Established in 1970, it’s one of Korea's most influential art spaces and is renowned for its diverse exhibitions of contemporary and traditional art.

Continue to the MMCA (National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art) Seoul, home to an extensive collection of Korean and international modern and contemporary art, showcasing a diverse range of artistic expressions. The museum is dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of art through exhibitions, educational programs, and research initiatives.

Time permitting, there is the opportunity to further explore other galleries in the area. For example, there is the Korean Crafts Museum, Arario Gallery, Baik Art, Barakat Contemporary, G Gallery, Gallery Baton, Gallery Chosun, Kukje Gallery, Gallery THEO, Pace Gallery, Whistle, Gallery K.O.N.G. Your guide will suggest which galleries have interesting exhibitions that match your personal interests. Afterwards, transfer back to your hotel.

Transfer: Seoul - City Centre to Seoul Station

Transfer: Gyeongju Station to Gyeongju

Hotel: Hilton Gyeongju (5 Star Rating)

Hilton Gyeongju is a luxurious hotel nestled in the historic city of Gyeongju, offering stunning views of Bomun Lake and the surrounding mountains. The hotel features world-class dining, and extensive leisure facilities including a spa, fitness center, and an outdoor seasonal pool. Ideal for both business and leisure travelers, it offers easy access to Gyeongju’s famous heritage sites and natural attractions.

Your tour today begins with a visit to the religious architectural complex of Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple. Built during the time of the Silla Kingdom, the site highlights the mastery of the architects and artists of that era. Admire the Buddhist carvings and statues of Seokguram and Bulguksa's wooden buildings and stone terraces.

Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to Gyeongju National Museum with its vast collections of artifacts, relics, and royal treasures, the museum offers a comprehensive insight into the art, culture, and history of the Silla dynasty. Continue on to the Daereungwon Tomb complex. Also known as Tumuli Park, the area has more than 20 tombs from the Silla period. Take a closer look at the Cheonmachong Tomb, a typical upper class tomb of the Silla era, with a wooden coffin placed inside an underground chamber covered with a mound of boulders and earth.

End the day with a walk to the Woljeong Bridge, an historical gateway connecting the royal palaces of Silla to the south. The walk will conclude at Woljie Pond, an artificial pond that was part of the palace complex of the ancient Silla. Following the tour, you'll be transferred back to your hotel.

Transfer: Gyeongju to Gyeongju Station

Hotel: Lotte Hotel Busan (5 Star Rating)

Lotte Hotel Busan is located at Seomyeon, the center of Busan, South Korea's biggest port city. The property provides elegant services including 2 swimming pools, modern-style rooms and wonderful dining spaces. Enjoy world-class cuisines made from selected ingredients at multiple restaurants.

Start the day with a visit to The United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan, a significant and poignant site commemorating the Korean War. The visit is not only a way to pay respects to the fallen soldiers but also an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the history.

The next stop is Gukje Market, initially established by refugees and traders who settled in Busan after the war, making it one of the oldest markets in the city. The market played a crucial role in helping the local economy recover during difficult times.

Make a short stop-by BIFF Busan International Film Festival street, a famous Busan's landmark. Continue to Jagalchi Fish Market, South Korea's largest seafood market. It's an excellent opportunity to experience the local seafood culture.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant.

Continue to colourful Gamcheon Cultural Village, known for the houses built in a tightly-knit fashion on the hillside, giving it the unique appearance. Originally, the area was known for having substandard living conditions and settled by refugees fleeing from the Korean War.

Next, sit back and relax with a scenic cable car ride. Travel 1.62 kilometres (15-20 mins) across the ocean at a height of 86 metres, enjoying panoramic views of Songdo Beach, Yeongdodaegyo Bridge, Namhang Daegyo Bridge, Songdo Coastal Dullegil Road and rock cliffs.

Hop out of the cable car and follow the signs to Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge, a bridge that connects Amnam Park to the small uninhabited island of Dongseom Island. Enjoy 360-degree views of the ocean, cliffs and surrounding islands.

Transfer: Busan to Busan Train Station

Transfer: Seoul Station to Seoul - City Centre

Hotel: Novotel Ambassador Seoul Yongsan-Seoul Dragon City (5 Star Rating)

Novotel Ambassador Seoul Yongsan features an Executive Floor Lounge on level 40 with views of Seoul, direct access to a unique structure suspended between two towers filled with entertainment outlets and the most extensive meeting space capacity among hotels in Korea. You will also be able to enjoy the wonderful facilities such as fitness centre and indoor swimming pool during your stay here.

Your evening tour starts with a visit to Changdeokgung Palace, a palace from the Joseon dynasty. In addition to being one of the best-preserved palaces, this UNESCO site is known for its Secret Garden where man-made structures were built in harmony with the natural surroundings.

Next, explore Ikseondong, a charming neighbourhood blending traditional hanok houses with trendy boutiques, quaint cafés, and artisan shops. Stroll through its narrow alleys and soak in the vibrant mix of history and modern culture.

Continue with a visit to Gwangjang Market, one of the country's oldest and largest traditional markets, for street food dinner. The market features busy, colourful stalls where you can try new and exciting Korean dishes such as Japchae (Korean glass noodle salad), Tteokbokki (spicy rice cake), Kimbap (rice roll), Mandu (dumplings), Eomuk (fishcakes). Taste a variety of dishes from the various stalls, a delicious dinner feast of local cuisine before taking the subway back to the hotel for the evening.

Transfer: Seoul - City Centre to Seoul Incheon International Airport