In 6 days, we saw a mix of urban city, traditional palaces and Hanok villages, cathedral and temples, a lively
night market, some shopping, a National Park, and the coastal city of Busan. We ate very well enjoying typical Korean dishes for lunch, like samgyetang, bibimbap, bulgogi, ssam, and one pasta & pizza lunch for variety. Our guide Helena was fluent in English and Spanish so we could understand all the interesting information easily. Helena took good care of us, and though it was not included, she made extra effort to help our group find a clinic for Covid-19 PCR test after arrival in Korea. Her fun personality made us very comfortable too. And there was no pressure to shop at special stores with a ”discount” for tour groups. Our hotel in Seoul was the Marriott Times Square which was excellent. The Ramada hotel in Busan was less impressive but alright for a one night stay. I did not enjoy Daegu City and its oriental medicine museum which was too specific for my interest. However we had the chance to try on Korean hanbok dress for free in the museum. Overall, it was a quick trip that was a very good introduction to South Korea.
Korea surprised us in the best way! Seoul was vibrant, the food was amazing (hello, Korean BBQ!), and the countryside was stunning. The trip was so well-planned!
For those seeking a shorter Asian getaway, "From Seoul to Hiroshima" presents an 8-day city sightseeing tour from Seoul to Hiroshima, with stops including Busan. Perfectly tailored for seniors, this trip provides all the essentials—accommodation, transport, and meals—so you can focus on the highlights. The notable advantage is its efficient itinerary, offering an immersive experience of both South Korea and Japan within a compact, easy-to-navigate package.
The "Classical Korea and Japan End Tokyo" tour is a 14-day city sightseeing journey from Seoul to Tokyo that’s perfect for those seeking an easy-paced, immersive adventure. Seniors will enjoy visits to Matsuyama, Mount Koya, Jeonju, and six other destinations, with all accommodations, transport, and meals provided. The tour’s unique selling point is its cross-cultural blend, offering travelers the chance to experience both Korean and Japanese traditions in one seamless trip.
Tour guide in japan was simply awesome
Tour guide in south korea was nice but did not share a lot of info about the country/people/culture/habits ec. Just monuments and places we visited - this can be improved
The trip was wonderful and well organized but the only issue was that it was a very large group comprising of around 5 buses going to same places. The places we visited was very interesting. Very often it resulted in crowding and long waiting times specially in the morning for breakfast.
In Seoul, I was the only English speaking person and was assigned an individual guide Mr Simon to translate in English. Mr Simon has been very helpful and attentive. He immediately made the necessary arrangements with regards to foods when i informed him that i has some food restrictions. he ensured that my foods met my requirements.He even took me to the pharmacy to help me buying some cough medicine as I caught the flu during the trip.
The English speaking guides in Japan were also very nice and helpful and providing all relevant information. They also made the necessary arrangements regarding my food restrictions, telling me which food I could eat and which food I could not. And Pablo was like meeting an old friend as we met during my last trip in 2024.
I took this tour with my 26-year-old daughter as a belated graduation gift and it turned out to be one of the best things we've done together. We both love Asian food, history, and culture, but neither of us wanted to deal with figuring out trains or language barriers. This tour was the perfect solution.
Seoul was great. The subway system is clean and easy, and we loved how our guide gave us the confidence to use it ourselves. Seeing Deoksugung Palace and the tsunami-shaped City Hall was such a unique contrast. My daughter is into history, so the War Memorial really moved her. I was more fascinated by the traditional hanok homes in Jeonju.
Busan was cool and coastal. That view of the ocean behind the shrine was unforgettable. The ferry to Japan was surprisingly relaxing. We played cards, had snacks, and watched the sea.
Japan felt more spiritual to me. Miyajima and the Itsukushima Shrine were beautiful, and Hiroshima gave us a lot to think about. The hot springs at Dogo Onsen were so soothing after long days of walking. And I have to say that the bullet train ride to Tokyo? My daughter was giddy like a kid in Disneyland!
We both agreed that the night at Mount Koya’s monastery was something we’ll remember forever. Quiet, peaceful, and a total change of pace.
If you're thinking about bonding time with a loved one, this tour gives you experiences you’ll talk about for years.
Your journey begins in Seoul, wherein you will visit Deoksugung Palace, sitting along the western-styled buildings showcasing a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Explore Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village; and Gyeongbokgung Palace, a 1395 palace located in the heart of Seoul. The journey continues to Jeonju through Suwon, wherein you will visit the intriguing Samsung Innovation Museum. Walk around the fascinating Old Town of Jeonju with tiny houses, and the next day leave for Busan. On the way to Busan, visit Haeinsa temple, which is one of the most significant Buddhist temples in South Korea. In Busan, visit a 14th-century Buddhist temple- Haedong Yonggung Temple, and take a walk in Yongdusan Park. Your tour in South Korea ends here as you leave for Shimonoseki in Japan with an overnight ferry. On reaching Shimonoseki, you depart for Iwakuni and visit its unique Kintai-Kyo Bridge, later continuing your journey to Hiroshima. In Hiroshima, tour the Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum, telling stories of the horrifying nuclear attack. The next day, you will travel to Matsuyama on Shikoku Island and take a cable car ride up to a 400-year-old Matsuyama castle. Continue your journey to Kobe, and on the way, experience walking on the glass floor of the Great Naruto Bridge. The following day brings you the most memorable experience of this trip. You leave for Osaka, followed by reaching Mount Koya, wherein you will spend a night in the monastery experiencing a Zen meditation session and experiencing the monk way of life for a night. Finally, travel to Kyoto and go on a city tour to visit the Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari, the Imperial Palace, and the Kinkakuji temple before one of our best Japan tours comes to an end.
Discover the best of East Asia with the "Shining Korea and Essential Japan" tour, a 13-day journey designed for seniors who prefer easy-paced group travel. Setting out from Seoul and concluding in Osaka, this trip offers a curated blend of South Korea's energy and Japan's elegance. Comfortable hotel stays, included meals, and reliable transportation ensure a relaxed experience. The itinerary highlights must-see destinations and cultural experiences, ideal for those who want a balanced introduction to both countries. What makes this tour package unique is its seamless transition between the vibrant cultures of Korea and Japan, allowing travelers to compare and appreciate their distinct histories and traditions within one comprehensive trip.
Looking to immerse yourself in the timeless cultures of Korea and Japan? The "Shining Korea and Contrasts of Japan" trip delivers a 15-day guided adventure from Seoul to Hiroshima, thoughtfully tailored for seniors seeking an easy and enriching exploration. This group tour features comfortable hotels, included meals, and transport, allowing participants to relax as they journey through dynamic cities and serene landscapes. The itinerary artfully balances Korea’s vibrant modernity with Japan’s historic tranquility, providing a unique opportunity to experience the contrasts that define these neighboring countries. For travelers who wish to enjoy both comfort and cultural depth, this tour package stands out for its insightful approach and seamless logistics.
I really liked this trip, though I wish we stayed in Busan for at least another night. Both the Contiki and Korean guides were great, there were a few add-ons in each city to choose from and I definitely feel like I learned more about Korea than if I'd gone to the country without doing a Contiki tour. Thank you Joey and Lina!
Dreaming of a grand tour across East Asia? The “Beijing and Classics of Korea and Japan End Tokyo” trip unfolds over 16 days, starting in Beijing and culminating in Tokyo. This city sightseeing journey is tailored for seniors wishing to explore multiple cultures with ease, covering renowned destinations like Tokyo, Matsuyama, and Kobe, alongside China’s vibrant capital.
A key feature of this guided group tour is its comprehensive itinerary, offering cultural diversity and seamless transitions between countries. With easy-paced activities, quality accommodations, transport, and meals included, you can savor each city’s distinct charm without any rush. The standout USP: the rare opportunity to experience three countries in one smooth, senior-friendly package.
Experience the best of Korea and Japan on the 13-day 'Complete Korea with Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka' tour, starting in Seoul and ending in Osaka. Crafted for seniors, this easy-paced group journey features comfortable accommodations, included transport and meals, and guided sightseeing through dynamic cities. The unique selling point is the seamless fusion of Korean and Japanese highlights, offering travelers a rare opportunity to enjoy the cultural intricacies of both countries in one comprehensive trip.