Welcome to Seoul, South Korea! Upon arrival at Seoul Airport, make your own way to your hotel.
Seoul is the largest city in South Korea and one of East Asia’s financial and cultural hubs filled with a mix of traditional and modern elements which attract visitors from all over the world.
It is the centre of fascinating ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology, home to multitudes of street food vendors and vast nightlife districts, serene Buddhist temples and extraordinary modern architecture.
Hotel: Stanford Hotel Seoul or similar
Meals: None
This morning we leave Seoul for the Seoraksan National Park. Enroute we visit Sokcho Fishing village. The village’s residents consist mainly of refugees from Hamgyeong Province in North Korea who escaped south during the Korean War. The village is now famous for its seafood and cuisine.
After, we continue to the Mt Seorak region. Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Preservation District in 1982 due to the many rare species found in the national park, Mount Seoraksan National Park is Korea’s most famous national park. Tour Shinheungsa Temple and take the cable car to Gwongeumseong Fortress to experience the beautiful natural landscapes on offer.
Hotel: Sokcho Sea Cruise Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today, visit the traditional village of Andong, with its well-preserved traditional houses and unique mask dancing performance. The UNESCO Village is home to descendants of the Ryu clan of Pungsan and is well-known for its traditional houses.
Birthplace of renowned scholars of the Joseon Period such as Gyeomam Ryu Un-ryong and Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong, the village became even more famous after Queen Elizabeth of England visited on April 21, 1999. We then make our way into Daegu and visit the famous Dongseongno Shopping District.
Hotel: Hotel Inter-Burgo Exco or similar
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
After breakfast, we visit Cheomseongdae, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia.
We then make our way to Gyeongju National Museum, home to numerous historical and cultural artefacts of the Silla Dynasty (57 BC – AD 935).
Also, visit the Bulguksa Temple and the beautiful Seokguram Grotto – a UNESCO World Heritage site. We then continue on to the southeast city of Gyeongju which was the capital of the 1,000-year-long Silla dynasty and is known for its extensive historical remains. Here we will see the Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.
Hotel: Commodore Hotel Gyeongju or similar
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Today we will visit North Korea’s 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, located within the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), a 44 km drive northwest of Seoul. An entire infantry division can move through the tunnel in an hour.
Visit the Imjingak Resort Unification Park and North Korea Centre to gain an insight into the history of the Korean War.
View North Korean territory from the Dora Observation Platform, including the spooky Propaganda Village, People School and Kaeseong City, the old capital city of the Goryeo Kingdom.
If the tour is unable to visit the DMZ, you will visit Imjingak Resort instead.
Hotel: Stanford Hotel Seoul or similar
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
The Blue House, otherwise known as Cheong Wa Dae, is the residence of the South Korean president. It is an icon of South Korea, set against the back drop of Bugaksan Mountain.
Today, we have the chance to visit the Blue House before making our way to Gyeongbokgung Palace, originally built in 1395 as the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty.
We then visit the famous Amethyst Store and later stroll through the heart of the city down the streets of Isa-dong, a historical entertainment districts. Step back in time in Bukchon Village.
Hotel: Stanford Hotel Seoul or similar
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Tokyo, Japan. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Hotel: Hotel Mystays Premier Narita or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Today we explore some of the highlights of Tokyo. Our first stop is Odaiba, an island in Tokyo Harbour where we will see the Rainbow Bridge and the Statue of Libery replica. From here, we head to the iconic Tsukiji Fish Market and enjoy free time for lunch.
Our exploration of Tokyo continues at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, where we will ascend to the 200m high observation deck for sweeping views of the endless metropolis. Later, stroll through Sensoji, otherwise known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, one of Tokyo’s most colourful and popular temples, before browsing for souvenirs in Nakamise Shopping Street.
Hotel: Loisir Hotel Shinagawa Seaside or similar
Meals: Breakfast
This morning we make our way towards the Mount Fuji area. Gotemba Peace Park is known for its majestic views of Mt Fuji. Then, We will visit the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre. The centre was designed by the world-renowned architect Shigeru Ban and featured unique architecture that blends into the natural environment of Mt. Fuji. The building is shaped like a giant cone, and its wooden lattice facade is designed to reflect the surrounding forest. Inside the centre, visitors can learn about the history and geology of Mt. Fuji, as well as the cultural significance of the mountain in Japanese art and literature.
We then continue to Hamamatsu, where we spend the evening at leisure.
Hotel: Hotel Associa Toyohashi or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Today, we visit Iga-ryu Ninja Museum. The Iga-ryu Ninja Museum is a popular tourist destination located in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, Japan. The museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the ninja, a group of highly-skilled and secretive spies and warriors who were active in feudal Japan.. Afterwards, we continue to one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, Osaka Castle.
Osaka Castle is a wonderfully preserved example of Japanese architecture built in 1583 as a centre of a new, unified Japan. It was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the late 16th century and played a significant role in the unification of Japan during the feudal era.
We then continue to the Dotonbori district. Dotonbori is a lively entertainment and shopping district located in the heart of Osaka, Japan. It is known for its vibrant atmosphere, colourful neon lights, and the large billboards of the Glico running man and the Kani Doraku crab, which have become iconic symbols of the area.
Hotel: Hotel it Osaka Shinmachi or similar
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, we board the technological marvel, the shinkansen bullet train, from Osaka to Kyoto. Travelling at speeds up to 280km/h, the shinkansen offers passengers a supercut of the beautiful Japanese countryside.
The first stop in Kyoto is Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of the most iconic sights in Japan with thousands of red Shinto shrine gates. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, and is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form a winding path through the forested hills of Mount Inari. We strolled through the gates and visited the various shrines and temples.
Afterwards, we continue to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove for an enchanting walk through the towering bamboo forest. Aside from the bamboo grove, visitors can also explore other attractions in the Arashiyama district, including the Togetsukyo Bridge, which offers a picturesque view of the Katsura River and the surrounding mountains.
Our last stop in Kyoto is the World Heritage-list Golden Pavilion, also known as Kinkaku-ji. It is renowned for its stunning golden facade, covered in gold leaf and reflects beautifully in the pond in front of it the temple. The three-story pagoda-style structure was originally built in the 14th century as a retirement villa for a shogun and was later converted into a temple by his son.
Hotel: Hotel it Osaka Shinmachi or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Free at leisure today, explore Osaka or surrounding places at your own pace.
Hotel: Hotel it Osaka Shinmachi or similar
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, we make our way to Hiroshima. En route, we stop at Himeji Castle, often called the White Heron Castle due to its elegant design. Himeji Castle is one of Japan’s last remaining original medieval castles. This, as well as its imposing size and artistc design, make it one of the most spectacular sights in Japan.
Enjoy your time here before we continue on to Hiroshima.
Hotel: HOTEL MYSTAYS Hiroshima Peace Park or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Today, we begin our day with a trip to Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island. The shrine and its torii gate are unique for being built over water, appearing to float on the sea during high tide.
We then head back to Hiroshima city to visit the sprawling grounds of the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, both of which commemorate the victims of the atomic bomb used in World War II.
Afterwards we make our way back to Osaka.
Hotel: Hotel it Osaka Shinmachi or similar
Meals: Breakfast
At the appropriate time, make your own way to the airport for your homeward flight.
We sincerely hope that this journey has provided you with unforgettable memories. We wish you safe travels and hope to have the pleasure of hosting you again soon on another exciting adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
Ask me about this tour.
We offer for sale to you various products and/or services on behalf of our Principals such as airlines, other transport operators, hotel and other accommodation providers, tour operators and other principal suppliers. These are referred to throughout as ‘Principals’.
Our services consist of arranging and co-coordinating the services offered by the Principals. TravelManagers brings about a direct contractual relationship between you, the customer, and each Principal. Subject to these booking conditions TravelManagers will perform our services with reasonable care and skill.
TravelManagers does not guarantee the performance of the services offered by the Principals and we will not be liable in the event that you suffer loss, injury or disappointment by reason of any acts or failings of any Principal. In such case your remedy will lie against the Principal.
The brochures (including e-brochures) which we supply to you are the brochures of the Principals and that the statements and representations contained in such brochures are not ours but are made by the Principals. We accept no liability for any errors, inaccuracies or misrepresentations contained in such brochures.
Your travel arrangements will also be subject to the Principals’ terms and conditions including limits on liability and conditions of carriage. You are responsible for reading the Principals’ terms and conditions before paying for your booking or reservation.
Links to a list of our commonly used Principals Terms and Conditions can be found here. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and you should you wish to sight any other Principals Terms and Conditions then you should contact your PTM.
Subject to the Australian Consumer Law, TravelManagers will not be liable for any loss or damage, injury, delay, inconvenience, or expense caused by a Principal. TravelManagers will not be liable for events beyond its control or the control of the Principals including, without limitation, strikes, accidents, pandemics or outbreaks of infectious diseases, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances or force majeure (Acts of God).
TravelManagers may receive fees, commissions, gifts or financial incentives from the Principals and other third parties in relation to your travel arrangements.
We recommend that you take out a travel insurance policy at the time you pay for your travel. You should ensure that such insurance will protect you against medical expenses arising from sickness or injury during your travel and protect you against loss or damage to your belongings. The Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade also strongly recommends you take out travel insurance.
If your travel arrangements involve group travel or a group event it is your responsibility to ensure you have travel insurance which is suitable for and covers those travel arrangements. You warrant that you have made appropriate enquiries and sought advice on your specific travel insurance requirements.
Please note that some credit card providers will provide the card holder with travel insurance. Where you are paying for all or any part of the services arranged through us by credit card and you intend to use travel insurance provided by the credit card provider you acknowledge that TravelManagers has offered you travel insurance and that you waive any claim against TravelManagers in respect of any loss or damage you may suffer as a result of you failing to take out any or adequate travel insurance.
Prices for travel services, including transportation, hotels and tour packages, are subject to change at any time without prior notice. Such changes may be due to factors beyond our control, including but not limited to changes in supplier costs or currency fluctuations. You may be required to pay any additional amounts resulting from these changes.
If payment has not been made by the specific date which TravelManagers will advise you, your bookings may be cancelled. Payments may be made by direct deposit or cheque. If you wish to pay by credit card it is necessary to check with us first as some airfares and package holidays cannot be paid for by credit card. In certain circumstances your credit card will be charged by the Principal. In these instances, you authorise TravelManagers to pass on your credit card details to the Principal. Credit Card payments may incur surcharges.
TravelManagers will add an additional surcharge to payments made by credit card. Please check with us for current charges. When your credit card is processed by TravelManagers you agree to not have your payment ‘charged back’ or reversed by your credit card provider where the services have been provided. Payments can be made via BPAY. They can be made directly from your savings/cheque account. All cheques must be made payable to TravelManagers Australia Pty Limited.
Direct Deposits can be made to the TravelManagers’ bank account:
ANZ BSB: 012 172 Account: 4967-59407.
Under no circumstances will TravelManagers accept cash payments, nor should payments be made to any other bank account.
TravelManagers will not be liable for any loss caused by a failure of a tour manager or tour wholesaler to make payments to TravelManagers for reservations for airfares and services made on behalf of a tour group or any individual traveller.
5.1 Cancellation fees
If you cancel a confirmed reservation or booking the Principal is likely to charge you a cancellation fee. Further, some tickets may be non-refundable or non-transferable. It is important to check the position with us before you confirm arrangements and/or before you cancel any confirmed reservations. Please read the Principal’s special conditions in relation to your travel arrangements.
In addition to any cancellation fee charged by a Principal, if a confirmed reservation or booking is cancelled for any reason (including but not limited to a cancellation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic or a force majeure event), TravelManagers will retain its commission paid and/or service fee charged in respect of the travel arrangements. You acknowledge that the retention by TravelManagers of the commission and/or service fee is fair remuneration for the work done by TravelManagers in arranging your travel arrangements.
5.2 Changes to bookings or reservations
If you wish to change a confirmed reservation or booking you are likely to incur fees. In some cases, it may not be possible to change a reservation or booking or to cancel or it may be uneconomic for you to do so. You should always check the cost before requesting changes to your travel arrangements. Please read the terms and conditions of the Principals which apply to your travel arrangements.
Unless otherwise stated in your costings and itinerary document in addition to any fee charged by a Principal, TravelManagers will charge you a fee to process an amendment to a confirmed booking or reservation based on the rate of $50.00 per hour plus GST. There is a minimum fee of $25.00 plus GST.
5.3 Refunds
If your travel arrangements are cancelled for any reason (including force majeure) after you have paid, no refund will be available to you until TravelManagers receives the monies from the Principal involved. In most cases, the Principal will charge a cancellation fee and in some instances you may not be able to claim a refund.
TravelManagers is not responsible for any delays by a Principal in processing a refund. You should be aware that airlines may take a significant amount of time to process a refund.
Should the price of an airfare, cruise or tour be reduced after you have made payment your right to a refund (if any) is governed by the terms and conditions which apply to the airfare, cruise or tour as determined by the airline, cruise line or tour operator.
Unless otherwise stated in your costings and itinerary document in addition to any fee charged by a Principal, TravelManagers will charge you a fee to process a refund request based on the rate of $50.00 per hour plus GST. There is a minimum fee of $25.00 plus GST.
TravelManagers earns commissions and/or charges service fees in making your travel arrangements. TravelManagers reserves the right to retain the commissions and service fees that is earned on your booking from any refund should your booking be cancelled for any reason (including for force majeure).
Prior to confirming your travel arrangements, you should check your passport and establish that it will remain current for the entire period of your travel. Certain countries require that your passport remains valid for a period of up to twelve months after the date upon which you are scheduled to leave such country. You may be denied entry to a country if your passport expires within 12 months. You should clarify visa requirements with the Embassies of the countries that you plan to visit as certain countries may require you to take out a visa dependent on whether you are travelling on an Australian or a foreign passport. The authorities in some countries (including The USA) require holders of Australian passports to take out a visa for entry into their country where the traveller has been sentenced or imprisoned or been convicted of certain types of criminal offence. A visa may be required where a contagious disease or a serious health problem exists. It is the responsibility of each member of the travelling party to ensure that they have a valid passport and the necessary visa/s for the destinations to be visited.
Re-entry visas will/may be required for travellers leaving Australia holding a foreign passport. If you hold a foreign passport then it is your responsibility to make your own enquiries and satisfy yourself as to the position in regard to your passport and/or visa requirements before leaving Australia.
Certain countries and Principals require that travellers be vaccinated against specific infection (including but not limited to COVID vaccinations) and/or diseases. TravelManagers strongly recommends that you check with your doctor and the embassies of countries to which you are travelling to with respect to any health requirements.
As Governments and Principals start to open and accept clients their requirements for Covid vaccinations, PCR Tests and other requirements are constantly evolving. Whilst your personal travel manager may assist you in navigating these travel requirements you are ultimately responsible for all medical and travel-related documentation required by state, federal or international authorities that allow entry or exit into their state, territory, return to Australia or overseas travel from Australia to another country. You should ensure that you have satisfied yourself that you have all the required documents before booking your travel and keep yourself up to date on any changes to these requirements.
If provided by you, you authorise TravelManagers Australia to store a copy of all relevant COVID vaccination certificates and forward a copy to any Principals as reasonably required.
You acknowledge that your failure to produce a copy of a valid COVID vaccination certificate may lead to your booking being cancelled and as a result, you may incur cancellation fees which will be subject to the Principals’ terms and conditions as well as the fee’s outlined in clauses 5.2 and 5.3.
We have exercised care in putting together the arrangements requested by you in regards to your travel and accommodation. It is important that you check all of the documentation handed to you in relation to your proposed travel and accommodation to ensure that it fully meets with your requirements and to ensure that there have been no misunderstandings. All documents, in relation to international travel, must be issued in the name of the passport holder. You may be denied carriage if the name varies.
9.1 We strongly recommend that you contact your airline prior to any travel to ensure that the scheduled departure time has not changed.
9.2 We strongly recommend that you familiarise yourself with current travel advisories/information from smartraveller.gov.au before you travel.
9.3 Payment of any excess baggage charges is the Traveller’s sole responsibility.
9.4 Carry on baggage is subject to security rules on the carriage of various items. It is your responsibility to check with the relevant authorities.
10.1 TravelManagers accepts no responsibility for any loss, cost or expense that arises or is incurred by the customer to the extent that it arises or is incurred directly or indirectly as a result of any booking made by, or on behalf of, the customer independently of TravelManagers.
10.2 Mobility and fitness
Before confirming your travel arrangements, it is your responsibility to inform your Personal Travel Manager of any medical conditions, mobility concerns, or dietary restrictions. While we are committed to fulfilling your needs, you acknowledge that certain suppliers may encounter limitations in service availability.
10.3 Travelling with children
Minimum age requirements may apply to specific travel services, such as cruise travel. Additionally, legal regulations govern the travel of children without one or both parents or legal guardian, with specific guidelines enforced by airlines, cruise lines, and various countries. It is essential you inform your Personal Travel Manager if you are travelling with children. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the necessary permission for the child’s travel and provide the documents to TravelManagers Australia if required. Failure to adhere to these requirements may result in denied boarding or other travel-related consequences.
10.4 Advice for pregnant travellers
If you’re pregnant and planning to travel, it is your responsibility to research your destination before you go. We encourage you to consult your doctor and understand any potential risks that may arise. Airlines and cruise lines have specific rules on when you can travel while pregnant. Please advise your Personal Travel Manager before committing to your travel arrangements about the rules or restrictions that could affect your travel plans.
TravelManagers endeavours to deliver exceptional quality professional travel services. We are committed to being responsive to the needs and concerns of customers and to resolve your complaint as quickly as possible. Customer feedback is welcomed as it helps us improve our service delivery to you. Full details of our Complaints Handling Policy can be found here.
Nothing in these terms and conditions is to be read as excluding, restricting, or modifying your rights under the Australian Consumer Law and other legislation given to consumers in relation to the supply of goods and services.