La Sorellanza - South Korea & Japan

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Wednesday June 14: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States for your overnight flight to Korea

Day 2, Thursday June 15: Seoul

Arrive in Korea in the late afternoon and meet your tour managers, before transferring to your hotel in time for dinner together (D)

Day 3, Friday June 16: Seoul

This morning after breakfast visit the breathtaking Geongbokgung Palace located in the heart of Seoul. After experiencing the 10am Changing of the Guard Ceremony, take a tour of the palace itself, whilst attired in the traditional Hanbok Korean traditional dress! This palace was the royal center of the Joseon Dynasty who ruled Korea for centuries and has amazing history. Later continue your immersion in iconic Korean culture with a visit to the Nanta show, a hilarious and entertaining percussion and rhythm spectacular based on cooking! Dinner tonight is independent in one of Seoul's exciting night markets (B)

Day 4, Saturday June 17: Seoul

After breakfast spend the day in Seoul at your leisure: you might wish to take the Namsan cable car to the top of the mountain of the same name, and take the pretty walk down to the city again. You could also explore the Insa-dong or Itseon-dong districts with their traditional shops and cafes, or visit the Korean Gugak Music Center. Tonight after an early dinner together you'll perform your first concert in collaboration with a local choir, in one of Seoul's superb concert halls (B,D)

Day 5, Sunday June 18: Gyeongju

On departure this morning from Seoul, our first visit is to Gyeongju-City to visit the Daereungwon Tomb Complex and Cheonmachong Tomb, famous sites of pilgrimage for Korean Buddhists. Later you'll continue to a uniquely Korean experience in a traditional temple-stay, where you'll learn about the resident monks' 'Sunmudo' martial arts practices and meditation rituals. Dinner tonight is a communal affair at the temple. (B,D)

Day 6, Monday June 19: Busan

Continue your temple stay as you participate in the ritual temple sweeping before lunch and departure. Continue south to Busan, and take a trip across the bay to Amnam park on the spectacular Songdo Cable Car. Visit the Jalgachi Market for an independent dinner (B,L)

Day 7, Tuesday June 20: Busan

This morning visit the Gamcheon Culture Village featuring colorful traditional houses, art galleries and installations and traditional craft workshops. This evening perform your next concert, which could be in conjunction with a local women's choir in a concert hall in Gimhae or Busan, before a shared dinner with your hosts (B,D)

Day 8, Wednesday June 21: Kyoto

Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Japan. On arrival meet your Japanese tour managers, and transfer to your hotel in time for a welcome dinner together (B,D)

Day 9, Thursday June 22: Kyoto

This morning is at leisure to explore the city This afternoon experience a performance of Japanese traditional culture with seven short distinct performances and demonstrations, including a traditional tea ceremony, flower arrangement, Koto music and traditional Noh play. Dinner tonight is independent (B)

Day 10, Friday June 23: Kyoto

Today after breakfast depart to nearby Osaka, one of Japan's most modern and vibrant cities. Explore the Dotonburi district, before coming together to perform in a collaboration concert with a local women's choir, including a shared dinner together. (B,D)

Day 11, Saturday June 24: Tokyo

THis morning check out and depart for Kyoto station, boarding your bullet train which will whisk you to Tokyo at speeds of up to 300km/h! On arrival check in to your hotel and begin exploring the local area. Dinner tonight is independent (B)

Day 12, Tuesday June 27: Departure

After breakfast check out of your hotel and store your luggage: dependent on the flight schedule you may have some free time to explore the area around your hotel. Later transfer directly to the airport for your aftenroon flight to the United States (most flights arrive on the same calendar day) (B)