Seoul In Luxury

Itinerary

• South Korea

  South Korea occupies the southern half of the Korean Peninsula, with North Korea to the north, China across the sea to the west and Japan a short ferry ride to the southeast. Seoul is the capital city. The country has nine regions ranging from seaside resorts to fertile plain and rocky peaks. North Gyeongsang is the largest province and richest area for historical and cultural sites. South Gyeongsang is known for its gorgeous seaside cities and most respected Busan and Haeinsa Temple. Jeju is Korea's honeymoon island, built by a volcano. Great scenery with wild flowers and horseback riding. One of the few places you may need a car.

• Seoul

  With over 10 million people, Seoul is the largest city in South Korea and the unquestioned economic, political and cultural hub of the country. By some measures, it is the second largest urban agglomeration on the planet, after Greater Tokyo. Founded in the 14th century, Seoul was the capital of Korea before its occupation by the Japanese and subsequent division following World War II. Since 1948, Seoul has been the capital of South Korea. Occupied twice during the Korean War by Communist forces, the city was extensively rebuilt and today is one of Asia's modern metropolises. With beautiful palaces, great food and a hopping nightlife, Seoul is a hectic way to experience the Asia of old and new.

• • Seoul
  • The Shilla Seoul Pool

  Day 1: Seoul

  International airport transfer with private vehicle and driver.

  Accommodation: Shilla (5*)

  Set in Seoul city center, The Shilla Seoul is only 6 km from the downtown business area, 29 km from Seoul Gimpo International Airport and 68 km from Incheon International Airport. 465 guestrooms with mountain or city views provide premium bedding, wired and wireless Internet access, satellite TVs, mobile phones, and minibars. In addition to business and conference centers and four restaurants, The Shilla offers guests a spa, fitness center, jogging tracks, and a sculpture garden.

• • Injeongjeon, Changdeokgung

  Day 2: Seoul

  Enjoy full day private tour with a professional English speaking guide, who will take you through Seoul, beginning with the Gyeongbok Palace and the Folklore Museum. With the establishment of the capital of the Joseon Dynasty in 1394, Gyeongbokgung was built as the main palace. Behind the Gwanghwamun gate, it has four further gates including the Hongnyemun gate to the south of the palace, and contains several halls and pavilions. Most of palace complex was destroyed by Japanese invaders in 1592 and was rebuilt in the late 1800’s.  Three exhibition halls depict various aspects of Korean life starting with prehistoric times. You will have the opportunity to learn about each period and theme such as traditional architecture, costumes, cultivation and belief systems. You will also have the chance to visit the "Blue House", the office and residence of the President of the Republic of Korea. After lunch you will visit Changduk Palace and the Secret Garden. Located east of Gyeongbok Palace, this is a popular sight, favourite to locals and tourists alike. The park is best known for its Secret Garden, 78 acres of gardens superbly landscaped with pavilions, ponds, and wooded areas. Enjoy a leisurely tour of the garden's highlights.

  Accommodation: Shilla (5*)
• • The Third Tunnel of Aggression

  Day 3: Seoul

  You will travel with a shared coach and English speaking guide to visit the DMZ and ‘third tunnel’.  The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) winds 151miles across the Korean Peninsula from the Han River estuary in the west to a point just below the 39th parallel on the east coast. Down the center of the 4,000meter wide strip, largely undeveloped in the years since the truce was signed, runs the Military Demarcation Line, bisecting the Joint Security Area in Panmunjeom, where meetings and conference are held between north and south.

  The third tunnel was discovered in Oct.1978. Almost identical in structure to 2nd Tunnel, the 1.635 kilometer-long tunnel, 1.95 meters high and 2.1meters wide, penetrates 435 km south of the Truce village of Panmunjeom. It runs though bedrock at a depth of about 73 meters below ground. Capable of moving a full division per hour, plus their weapons, it is evidently designed for as surprise attack on Seoul. Almost identical with 2nd Tunnel in structure, this tunnel is only 2 km from a key outpost depending on the Munsan corridor leading to Seoul.

  Accommodation: Shilla (5*)
• • Seoul

  Day 4: Seoul

  International airport transfer with private vehicle and driver.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• Cultural Moments

  Throughout Asia, rice paddies are somewhat of a constant landscape element. Rice is grown in paddies, or shallow puddles carefully controlled to ensure the appropriate water depth (typically 15 cm).  The farmers take advantage of the rice plant's tolerance to water: the water in the paddies prevents weeds from outgrowing the crop. Once the rice has established dominance of the field, the water can be drained in preparation for harvest.

• Culinary Moments

  There are a vast array of fruits native to Asia that we are sure to see along the way - keep your eyes peeled for jackfruit, lychee, rambutan, mangosteen, durian, and starfruit  - all fruits somewhat unknown to the North American

• • The Shilla Seoul Pool

  Shilla (5*)

  Set in Seoul city center, The Shilla Seoul is only 6 km from the downtown business area, 29 km from Seoul Gimpo International Airport and 68 km from Incheon International Airport. 465 guestrooms with mountain or city views provide premium bedding, wired and wireless Internet access, satellite TVs, mobile phones, and minibars. In addition to business and conference centers and four restaurants, The Shilla offers guests a spa, fitness center, jogging tracks, and a sculpture garden.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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