Kyoto, Japan
ASIA
Todai-ji temple, Nara, Japan Demilitarized Zone( DMZ), North and South Korea
ITINERARY
DAY 1 • Depart U. S. Depart today on an overnight flight from the U. S. to Seoul, South Korea.
DAY 2 • Arrive in Seoul, South Korea Arrive in Seoul, where you’ ll meet your fellow travelers, including those who took our Mongolia: Ulaanbaatar & the Gobi Desert or Vietnam: Hanoi & Halong Bay Cruise pre-trip extension.
Pacific Hotel or similar
DAY 3 • Gyeongbok Palace • National Museum of Korea
Visit the 14th-century palace of Gyeongbokgung, also known as the Northern Palace. Later, we’ ll visit the National Museum of Korea to witness centuries of Korean art. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: B, L, D | Pacific Hotel or similar
DAY 4 • Seoul • GCF visit: The Baby Box Center • Home-Hosted Lunch
Visit the Baby Box Center— supported in part by Grand Circle Foundation. During our visit, we’ ll learn about the“ baby box” program, where mothers can safely leave their children with no questions asked. Then, we’ ll split into smaller groups and depart for a Home-Hosted Lunch with local families who live in various apartments throughout the area.
Meals: B, L | Pacific Hotel or similar
DAY 5 • Seoul • A Day in the Life of Oeam Folk village
Today, experience our A Day in the Life of the UNESCOlisted Oeam Folk village, an historic community dating back to the Joseon period in the early 16th century. While here, we’ ll help locals prepare a traditional lunch. After returning to Seoul, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: B, L, D | Pacific Hotel or similar
DAY 6 • Seoul • Visit the DMZ • Controversial Topic: Life in North Korea
Drive into the Demilitarized Zone( or“ DMZ”) between North and South Korea, and visit an exhibition hall detailing the Korean War. Then, meet a North Korean defector who will discuss the Controversial Topic of what life was like in one of the world’ s most isolated and repressive regimes, and the challenges they faced when they escaped.
Meals: B, L | Pacific Hotel or similar
DAY 7 • Seoul • Fly to Haneda, Japan • Transfer to Tokyo
Fly to Haneda, Japan. Then transfer to Tokyo and enjoy time on your own to get acquainted with the city.
Meals: B | Lotte City Hotel Kinshicho or similar
DAY 8 • Meet a former sumo wrestler • Learn from a Bonsai master
Today, we’ ll meet with a former sumo wrestler and learn about this unique sport. Then, we set off for a local Bonsai garden, where a Bonsai master will reveal the secrets of this Japanese cultivation technique.
Meals: B, L, D | Lotte City Hotel Kinshicho or similar
DAY 9 • Tokyo • Taiko drumming experience • Explore Asakusa
Visit a taiko( traditional Japanese drums) studio. After learning about the significance of Japanese drumming from a drum master, enjoy a performance followed by an opportunity to try out the drums. Then, explore the Asakusa area, and stroll down streets lined with shops, as well as visit the oldest temple in Tokyo.
Meals: B, L | Lotte City Hotel Kinshicho or similar
ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHT
On Day 5, experience A Day in the Life of the UNESCO-listed Oeam folk village, a historic community in rural South Korea.
Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www. oattravel. com / jko 75