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Oriental Wonders of China, South Korea & Japan 24 Days

~~$5,999.00~~ $4,999.00

China: Beijing, Wuxi, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Shanghai
South Korea: Seoul, Andong, Daegu, Gyeongju, Busan
Japan: Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Nagoya, Mt. Fuji, Tokyo

Tour Highlights:

In China
- Walk on the incredible Great Wall of China, near Beijing
- Race across China on a bullet train from Beijing to Wuxi
- Walk through Tiananmen Square, where key events in Chinese history have taken place
- Sit by tranquil West Lake in Hangzhou, much admired by Marco Polo
- Stroll in one of the finest Chinese classical gardens, in Suzhou
- Immerse yourself in the bustling metropolis Shanghai
In South Korea
- Stroll through Changdeokgung Palace grounds
- Gaze into North Korean territory at the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ)
- Immerse yourself in the bustling crowds of shopping district Myeongdong
- Explore the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, Gyeongju
- Experience the serenity of an ancient Buddhist cave temple, Seokguram Grotto
- Encounter South Korea's picturesque southern port city, Busan
In Japan
- Discover Osaka, with a day free at leisure and a selection of optional activities
- In Nara, visit the Great Eastern Temple – the world’s largest wooden building
- Feed the gentle sika deer thath wander freely through Nara Park
- Visit Nagoya's Inuyama Castle, and the ancient Atsuta Shinto Shrine
- Drink from clear springs at the foothills of Mount Fuji
- Enjoy optional activities or free time in Tokyo

China: Savour the beauty of China's ancient history, rich culture, delicate cuisine, thriving industries, and modern architecture. Walk along the Great Wall and unfold the mystery of the Forbidden City in China's capital Beijing, discover the exquisite southeastern cities Wuxi, Suzhou, and Hangzhou – long known for their natural beauty, and immerse yourself in dynamic, cosmopolitan Shanghai.

South Korea: Asia’s third-largest economy, South Korea is a high-tech, trend-setting nation with a reverent, old soul. With tranquil national parks boasting picturesque landscapes, a rich cultural history, delicious local cuisine, a bounty of the latest technological advances, fashions and more, a visit to 'the Land of Morning Calm' should be on every traveller’s list. Friendly people, delicious food, and delightful contrasts between the modern and the traditional ensure that the indomitable spirit of South Korea will enchant and inspire travellers from all walks.

Japan: Starting your tour of Japan in Osaka, you'll visit Kyoto and Nara – famous for their well-preserved ancient castles, temples, and monuments. In Nagoya, visit Inuyama Castle, and explore the 1200 shops and restaurants of Osu Shopping Street. Japan's stunning natural endowments are on the itinerary too, in the form of sacred Mount Fuji and the surrounding region. Your trip wraps up with time free in Tokyo, for sightseeing, shopping, or your choice of a diverse range of optional activities.

Seasonal Variations – Japan:
From June to August, it is the best time to view fresh spring greens and enjoy the warm climate.
The end of Oct through early Nov is the best time to see crimson leaves in Autumn.
Late March to early April is historically the best time to view cherry blossoms, but we can't guarantee that they will flower on these dates as they are highly seasonal and subject to climatic conditions.

Pace: Moderate – please be prepared for intervals of brisk walking and full days.

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Categories: Asia, China, Japan, South Korea Tags: China, Japan, South Korea

Description
Itinerary

Departure Dates

2019			Twin Share PP	Single Supplement
05 Mar**	09 Apr*	06 Aug*	From ~~$5,999~~ $4,999	$1850
12 Mar**	04 Jun	13 Aug
19 Mar**	~~25 Jun~~	20 Aug
26 Mar*	09 Jul*	22 Oct*
02 Apr*	23 Jul*
* = Peak Season Surcharge: $300pp ** = Cherry Blossom Season Surcharge: $500pp

Package Inclusions:

Airfares, taxes & fuel surcharges from Sydney, Melbourne with a full service Chinese carrier

Eg. China Southern/Eastern Airlines, Air China, China/Hainan/Sichuan/Xiamen Airlines (subject to availability)

21 nights 3-4 star (local rating) hotel accommodation
Daily breakfast
High-speed bullet train in China
Round trip airport & hotel transfers
Air conditioned coach transportation

Baggage limit: 1 piece 20kg per person

All sightseeing & entrance fees
English-speaking tour guide(s)

Package Exclusions:

Prepaid tipping: $210pp
China visa (required)
Travel insurance
Personal expenses & anything optional

Price Guide:

Seasonal Surcharges: * = Peak Season: $300, ** = Cherry BLossom Season: $500

Interstate surcharge: Brisbane/Adelaide $300pp, Perth (flights may be via Sydney)

Early arrival/stay behind surcharge: From $250pp

Pre tour accommodation w/breakfast: $150/twin room/night

Optional private transfers $120/vehicle for 3 persons/way (China only)

Post tour accommodation w/breakfast: $350/twin room/night

Child price: Same as adult

Group size: Up to 38 passengers

Please note:

All prices are subject to availability & applicable fare difference.

^ = International long haul sectors only.

Several shopping stops are included as cultural learning experiences with no obligation to purchase local specialty products.

All prices are per person twin-share unless otherwise stated and subject to revision without notice. Itineraries, airlines, hotels & ships are subject to availability and change. Nexus Holidays reserves the right to provide substitutes of similar quality and adjust the itinerary as we see fit to ensure smooth operations. Passengers must remain with the group at all times. Fees may apply for deviations from the set itinerary. Total length of trip includes time spent in flight and is subject to flight schedule. Flights are not available until approximately two weeks before departure and may involve up to two transits per leg. Please check all information before booking. By booking, you accept all Booking Conditions.

Tour Extensions Optional Extension

Xi’an 3 Day Pre-Tour Extension from $590pp

The tour will be either self-guided or a group tour depending on the size of group.

Xi’an was the capital of China for eleven dynasties, over a period of more than 2,000 years. Now the city is famed for the ‘Terracotta Army’ of Qin Shi Huang – the first ruler to unify the lands that became modern China. Take in one of the wonders of the ancient world with two nights in Xi’an.

For details, tap the image above or click here

Stopover PackagesOptional Extension

Hong Kong Stopover from $399pp

Once a sleepy fishing village, Hong Kong has developed into one of the premier financial powerhouses of the Far East. It is a city which boldly blends modernity with Chinese heritage and British colonial influence. A safe, well organised, fast paced shopping paradise, it also offers up some unmatched cuisine experiences.

For details, tap the image above or click here.

Optional Programs – ChinaOptional Extension

Special offer – Book ALL optional programs for a $50pp discount!

These special programs can be prepaid in Australia more than 30 days before departure. Note: If certain activities or shows are unavailable, a similar alternative will be provided.

Beijing	Forbidden City Tour	$80
Beijing	Peking Duck Dinner	$40
Beijing	The Golden Mask Dynasty	$75
Beijing	Hutong Life & Panda House Tour w/Lunch	$80
Beijing	Chinese Kung Fu Show	$75
Wuxi	Grand Canal Cruise	$35
Wuxi	Jiangnan Dumpling Lunch	$25
Suzhou	Western Buffet Dinner	$40
Hangzhou	Impression West Lake or similar	$80
Shanghai	ERA: The Intersection of Time / SPIRAL	$75
Shanghai	Jin Mao Tower, Xintiandi & Maglev Train Tour	$70
Shanghai	Huangpu River Cruise	$40
Shanghai	Shanghai Disneyland Package (Cannot combine with ERA or Jin Mao Tour)	$199

Optional Programs – JapanOptional Extension

For more optional activities and tours in Japan, please click here.

Tokyo Day Tour	$250 This tour will take you to visit Asakusa, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Harajuku, Shibuya, Tokyo Tower and experience a Tokyo bay cruise. Japan’s capital, Tokyo, is packed with so much to see and do. First stop on this tour is Asakusa Kannon Temple, one of Tokyo’s most colourful and popular temples. Afterwards visit Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the deified sprits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. Proceed to the fashion district Harajuku and Shibuya, an affluent and trendy shopping hotspot. Then proceed to Tokyo Tower, where you will observe the amazing city of Tokyo from up above. Then, relax on a Tokyo bay cruise en route to the beautiful and serene landscaped Hamarikyu Garden beside Tokyo Bay. Note: this tour is subject to minimum numbers
Osaka Day Tour	$250 This optional tour will take you to Osaka Castle which was built in 1583 as the intended capital of Japan, before the capital was moved to Edo (now known as Tokyo). Walk through the majestic castle while learning from the exhibit detailing life in old Osaka. From there, walk to the nearby river boat dock to board the Osaka River Cruise for a cruise around Nakanoshima. Explore Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori, the vast restaurant districts, with eateries offering a variety of Japan’s most famous street foods.Then travel down to Umeda Skybuilding, where you will get a sweeping view of Osaka. Tour finishes in Osaka. Note: this tour is subject to minimum numbers.

Hotel Accommodation Optional Extension

Beijing	Chunhuiyuan Hot Springs Hotel or similar
Wuxi	Swiss-Belhotel Liyuan or similar
Suzhou	Holiday Inn Suzhou Taihu Lake or similar
Hangzhou	Hangzhou Merchant Marco Edgelake Hotel or similar
Shanghai	Wassim Hotel Zhoupu or similar
Seoul	Stanford Hotel Seoul or similar
Daegu	Daegu Grand Hotel or similar
Gyeongju	Gyeongju Commodore Hotel or similar
Busan	Crown Harbour or similar
Osaka Airport	Bellevue Garden Kansai Airport or similar
Osaka	Hotel Alexander Namba or similar
Nagoya	Loisir hotel Toyohashi or similar
Tokyo	Hotel Rose Garden Shinjuku or similar

Day 1: Australia Beijing

Fly to Beijing via connecting cities and transfer to the hotel. Note: Some flights may depart the night before. Beijing, China’s massive capital, has a history stretching back three millennia, and since the 2008 Olympic Games, it has been known for its modern architecture as well as grand ancient sites such as the Forbidden City complex, the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Please note: Some flights may depart the night before.

Day 2: Beijing (B)

After breakfast, visit Tiananmen Square, the second-largest public square in the world! Tiananmen Square is named after the Tiananmen (Gate of Heavenly Peace) located to the north of the square, separating it from the Forbidden City. The square contains the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the National Museum of China and the Mausoleum of Chairman Mao Zedong, and holds great cultural significance as it was the site of several important events in Chinese history.

Optional Program: Forbidden City Tour – Continue on to the incredible Forbidden City, a true architectural masterpiece, and the imperial palace from the Ming to the Qing dynasty (1420 to 1912). The complex is home to the National Palace Museum, and consists of 980 buildings covering 72 ha (over 180 acres). The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987 and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world!

Optional Program: Peking Duck Dinner – Tonight, head out for a Beijing speciality which is one of the most famous Chinese dishes, Peking Duck.

Day 3: Beijing (B)

Today’s highlight is an excursion to the majestic Great Wall of China at Juyong Pass. This is one of the three most famous passes along the Wall, together with Jiayuguan and Shanhaiguan. Just 60 km from downtown Beijing, Juyong Pass was the northern route to Beijing in ancient times. Once here, there is plenty of time to learn about the wall’s construction and you’ll have the chance to climb a portion of this 6,000 km marvel.

On the way back to Beijing, we stop at one of the largest jade exhibitions in Asia. Then, after lunch, see skilled artisans at work at a cloisonné factory. Cloisonné is a famous traditional enamel ware, known as the ‘Blue of Jingtai’ in China, with a history of over 500 years. It was so called because blue was the colour typically used for enamelling, and Jingtai was the reign title of the 7th Ming Emperor.

Optional Program: The Golden Mask Dynasty – This phenomenal show incorporates dancing, acrobatics, magnificent costumes and lot of surprises. Seen by an estimated 1.1 million people, it is one of Beijing’s must-see shows.

Day 4: Beijing (B)

Enjoy a tour to the Summer Palace, the largest preserved ancient garden in China and a former summer resort for Emperors followed by a visit to a Chinese Herbal Medicine Institute to learn about traditional Chinese medicine, which has existed for thousands of years, as you enjoy a rejuvenating foot massage.

Optional Program: Hutong Life & Panda House Tour w/Lunch – A rickshaw will take you around the intricate winding hutongs to admire these old courtyard dwellings, built during the Mongol Yuan Dynasty. Even today, when many have been developed into upscale restaurants, tea houses, and boutiques, many residents are reluctant to move from their beloved hutongs. On this tour, you are invited to visit a local family’s house to experience authentic ‘old Beijing’ life. Next, visit the Panda House in Beijing Zoo to see China’s adorable national treasure – the Giant Panda.

Optional Program: Chinese Kung Fu Show – This show is an energetic mix of traditional Chinese martial arts, dance and high-flying acrobatics set in a modern theatre. Combined with an excellent storyline, exceptional stage design and professional actors this show is not to be missed for kung-fu enthusiasts or those seeking a thrilling performance.

Day 5: Beijing Bullet Train to Wuxi (B)

Take a high speed train to Wuxi, an ancient city, richly endowed with natural attractions due to its pleasantly warm and moist climate. Wuxi boasts a reputation of being the ‘Land of Fish and Rice’. Enjoy the scenery as we pass by Lake Tai, the third-largest freshwater lake in China. This evening, we will stroll along the trendy yet traditional Nanchang Street, composed of both ancient and modern architecture, and juxtaposed with the peaceful atmosphere of the waterside town and fashionable life of Wuxi.

Optional Program: Jiangnan Dumpling Lunch – Enjoy a traditional lunch that includes the famous xiao long bao, a Chinese steamed bun filled with minced pork and tasty soup, prepared in a small bamboo steaming basket (xiao long).

Day 6: Wuxi Suzhou (B)

This morning, visit one of the largest freshwater pearl exhibitions in the country. After lunch, travel by coach to Suzhou, an elegant city with canals, stone bridges, and meticulously designed gardens. Suzhou has been referred to as ‘Paradise on Earth’ by Chinese poets and writers since ancient times. As a large area of the city is covered by water, including a vast number of ponds and streams, Suzhou is also known as ‘Venice of the East’. It is also known as the ‘Garden City’ due to its many classical gardens, renowned for their charming natural beauty and harmonious construction. Visit the Lingering Garden, which is among the finest in China.

Optional Program: Grand Canal Cruise – Take a cruise along the UNESCO World Heritage listed Grand Canal of over a thousand years to view life along what was known as ‘China’s golden waterway’ in its heyday.

Optional Program: Western Buffet Dinner – Enjoy a sumptuous western style buffet dinner with at your hotel, a relaxing way to wind down the day.

Day 7: Suzhou Hangzhou (B)

This morning visit a silk spinning mill, and learn how silk is created from mulberry-munching silkworms to produce the finest thread and cloth. After lunch, travel by coach to Hangzhou, described by Marco Polo as ‘the most beautiful and magnificent city in the world’. Upon arrival, take a boat ride on the serene West Lake, the most renowned feature of Hangzhou, and noted for its scenic beauty which blends naturally with many famous historical and cultural sites.

Optional Program: Impression West Lake – This evening, enjoy an open-air performance, a masterpiece created by Zhang Yimou, acclaimed film and theatre director, and architect of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics Games Opening Ceremony.

Day 8: Hangzhou Shanghai (B)

Experience tea-tasting at the Dragon Well Tea Plantation. Then travel by coach to Shanghai, a vibrant metropolis and the commercial centre of China. Upon arrival, walk along the famous Bund, a mile-long stretch along the Huangpu River. Lined with colonial architecture of European design, it is the best place to capture the Western influences of the old days. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure strolling along the bustling shopping district, Nanjing Road. Afterwards, you may join an optional Huangpu River Cruise (at your own expense).

Optional Program: Huangpu River Cruise – As you cruise along the Huangpu River, you will get a glimpse of the history and spectacular view of cosmopolitan Shanghai. On one side of the river, there is The Bund, a landmark of Shanghai. Lining the boulevard of the waterfront are grandiose solid buildings of Western style dating back to the early 19th century. On the other side is the charming image of modern Shanghai.

Day 9: Shanghai (B)

This morning, visit the Shanghai Museum to see ancient Chinese art, furniture and jade. The rest of the afternoon is at your own leisure, or you may join our optional programs.

Optional Program A: Jin Mao Tower, Xintiandi & Maglev Train Tour – Visit the Jin Mao Tower Observation Deck (88th floor) for a panoramic view of the Huangpu River and the Bund. Then explore the affluent Xintiandi (New Heaven and Earth) area which holds the historical and cultural legacies of the city. Xintiandi was the site of the first congress of the Communist party of China, and is now the most expensive place to live in China. Next, experience the world’s fastest commercially operating train, running between the city and Shanghai airport with a top speed of 431km/h. Note: This program cannot be combined with Shanghai Disneyland Package.

Optional Program: ERA: The Intersection of Time, or SPIRAL – Tonight you can watch a stunning Chinese acrobatic show combining Chinese performing arts and modern technology, comparable to the tradition of the Broadway Musical. Note: This program cannot be combined with Shanghai Disneyland Package.

Optional Program B: Shanghai Disneyland Package. Newly opened in June 2016, Shanghai Disneyland showcases a never-before-seen world of wonder where you can ignite the magical dream within your heart and experience fun, adventure and thrills for guests of all ages! Includes standard Shanghai Disneyland admission and one transfer in each direction. Note: Departure transfer is at a set time. If you prefer to stay behind at the resort, you must make your own way back to the hotel. This package cannot be combined with other optional programs on this day.

Day 10: Shanghai (B)

Enjoy today free at leisure to further explore Shanghai or enjoy our optional programs, depending on availability.

Day 11: Seoul

Fly from Shanghai to Seoul. On arrival, you will be warmly greeted at the airport by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel.

Day 12: Seoul Andong Daegu (B, L)

Visit the traditional village, Andong, which features traditional houses of the Joseon Dynasty period (1392-1897). In Daegu, take a stroll in Dongseongno Shopping District, a major fashion retail district. The streets are packed with hundreds of stores full of personality that reflect the city’s fast-paced fashion trends. Enjoy magnificent views by taking a cable car to Palgongsan Natural Park.

Day 13: Daegu Gyeongju (B, L)

Today we explore the many archaeological sites and temples, royal tombs, and monuments of Gyeongju, the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom (57 BC – 935 AD). Visit Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory, Royal Tumuli Park, Gyeongju National Museum, Bulguksa Temple, and Seokguram Grotto Temple.

Day 14: Gyeongju Busan (B, L, D)

In Busan, we visit Haedong Yonggungsa (East Sea Dragon Palace Temple), situated on the coast of the north-eastern portion of the city and overlooking the ocean. Afterwards, you will have an opportunity to view the waves while looking down through the transparent floor of the 15 metre high Oryukdo Skywalk, which is set over a 35 meter-high coastal cliff. Travel to Gamcheon Culture Village situated on the foothills of a coastal mountain and nicknamed ‘Machu Picchu of Busan’. You will be thrilled by the many alleys cutting through this village, vibrantly decorated with murals and sculptures created by the local residents. Stop at one of Korea’s largest markets, Nampo Dong Gukje Market for a wide variety of goods at affordable prices. Then visit Nurimaru APEC House, a memorial hall and prestigious international conference hall located near Haeundae Beach, offering visitors spectacular views of the nearby natural landscape.

Day 15: Busan Seoul (B, L)

This morning, visit Changdeokgung Palace, one of the ‘Five Grand Palaces’ built by the Kings of the Jeoson Dynasty, and Insadong, a street full of traditional Korean antique and art shops, restaurants and tea houses. Continue to Cheonggyecheon Stream and admire this urban oasis before visiting Myeongdong, one of Seoul’s main commercial districts.

Day 16: Seoul DMZ Seoul (B, L, D)

Visit North Korea’s 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, located within the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), a 44 km drive northwest of Seoul. In the event of an invasion from the North, an entire infantry division could have move through the tunnel in an hour. View North Korean territory, including the Propaganda Village, People’s School, and Gaeseong City – the old capital city of the Goryeo Kingdom – from the Dora Observation Platform. Also visit Freedom Park, dedicated to the 5 million people who left their families and homes in North Korea. North Hall contains displays of North Korean lifestyle. Later, try on a hanbok, the traditional attire of the Korean people at Namsan Hanbok Culture Experience Centre before experiencing the city’s best night view at Namsan Tower.

Day 17: Seoul Osaka (B)

After breakfast, transfer to Incheon International Airport for your flight to Osaka, Japan. On arrival, your friendly tour guide will be waiting at the airport to transfer you to the airport hotel.

Day 18: Osaka Kyoto Nara Osaka (B)

This morning, travel to Kyoto and visit Fushimi Inari Shrine and Nijo Castle before heading to Nara. Visit Todaiji (Great Eastern Temple), with its Great Buddha Hall – the world’s largest wooden building. This impressive building houses the world’s largest (15m) bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana. Wander through Nara Park, where over 1,200 wild sika deer roam free, before travelling back to Osaka.

Day 19: Osaka (B)

Spend today free at your own leisure. You may spend the day visiting one of the most spectacular Japanese aquariums, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan; or taking a day trip to Hyogo to visit Himeji Castle (pictured), an enormous and unique castle decorated in white. An optional day tour is available for some departure dates. Please see optional programs for more information.

Day 20: Osaka Nagoya (B)

This morning, head to Nagoya and visit Inuyama Castle. Then, head to Atsuta Shinto Shrine (covering 200,000 square meters and established almost 2000 years ago) before enjoying some time for shopping it the Osu Kannon Shopping Quarter. Transfer to your hotel in the evening.

Day 21: Nagoya Mount Fuji Tokyo (B)

Today, visit Oshino Hakkai. Known as the springs of Mount Fuji, the eight ponds are fed by melting snow filtering down from the slopes of nearby Mount Fuji, through porous layers of lava, resulting in very clear spring water that is revered by locals. Afterwards, visit Hakone Shinto Shrine. Standing at the foot of Mount Hakone along the shores of Lake Ashi, the shrine buildings are hidden in dense forest. Finally, visit Owakudani – ‘Great Boiling Valley’, formed by the explosion of Hakone volcano more than 300 years ago, which contains hot springs and steaming sulphur vents. Visitors usually eat eggs cooked in the boiling, sulphurous waters. At the end of the day we head to Tokyo.

Day 22: Tokyo (B)

Spend today free at leisure. You may wish to visit Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea (admission $120) or join the Nikko Day Tour or Tokyo Day Tour ($250). Alternatively, you can join our wide range of optional programs; tea ceremony, kimono photo shoot, robot restaurant. NOTE: All activities are not guided and transportation is self-arranged.