Highlights of South Korea

South Korea is a nation of contrasts. Seoul - the capital - is a neon-lit metropolis with a blend of futuristic skyscrapers, elaborate temples, and traditional markets. But step outside the cities, and you'll find a mountainous country with history hidden amongst the trees. We'll visit the DMZ (Demilitarised Zone), a rare opportunity to view North Korea and delve into the history and current state of affairs on the Korean Peninsula. We'll admire South Korea's beautiful countryside on a visit to Seoraksan National Park and wander the colourful streets of Gamcheon Culture Village, where art and history come to life in creative displays. You'll also have the opportunity to deepen your connection with Korean culture during a hands-on cooking class, where you can try your hand at preparing traditional Korean dishes.

This holiday is ideal for those seeking a blend of history, culture and nature.

What's included:

• Direct flights and transfers
• 11 nights in three to four-star hand-picked hotels
• Daily breakfast, one lunch and two dinners
• 21 included experiences
• Expert Riviera Tour Manager looking after you throughout
• Checked luggage
• Free Wi-Fi in the hotels
• All additional hotel taxes

Highlights:

• Discover Seoul, a modern powerhouse with a mixture of ancient palaces and contemporary culture.
• Visit five fascinating UNESCO World Heritage sites including Dosan Seowan, Hahoe Village, Seokguram Grotto, Bulguksa Temple and Gyeongju.
• Visit the unique Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) including the Third Tunnel, Dora Observatory and DMZ Museum, seeing the stark reality and immense tragedy of a divided Korea.
• Explore South Korea’s second largest city, Busan, with visits to its famous beach, Gamcheon Culture Village and the UN Memorial Cemetery.
• Travel at 190mph on the KTX high-speed train
• Taste the nation’s favourite drink, Soju.
• Learn how to cook a delicious South Korean dish, bulgogi, and savour the final product along with other specialities during an authentic cooking class.
• See Donggung Palace and Woljeonggyo Bridge lit up against the nights sky on a night tour of Gyeongju.

Day 1: Departure

Begin your adventure with a direct flight to Seoul.

Day 2: Arrival in Seoul

Arrive in Seoul late afternoon and transfer to our hotel for a four-night stay in the country's capital.

We'll arrive late afternoon in South Korea's capital city, Seoul. Much like Japan's capital, Tokyo, Seoul is fashion- and technology-forward with tradition still deeply rooted in the culture and architecture. You'll spot bustling markets, ornate palaces and Buddhist temples standing shoulder-to-shoulder with futuristic skyscrapers as we make our way into the heart of the city to our hotel.

After checking in, the rest of the evening is spent at leisure in and around the hotel.

Day 3: Seoul

Explore South Korea’s capital and largest city, with visits to Gyeongbok Palace, Gwangjang Market and Insa-dong.

Today, we begin our exploration in earnest. We'll start at Gyeongbok Palace, one of five palaces in the city and the main residence of the Korean Royal Family.

Right next to the palace is the National Folk Museum of Korea, which is our next stop. It's a great introduction to South Korea’s culture and traditions. We'll learn more about the country's history, with exhibits from the prehistoric age to the Joseon dynasty, which only ended in 1910.

For lunch, we'll head to Gwangjang Market, where you can take your pick from the market stalls - mung bean pancakes sizzle on hot iron grills, fishcake soup keeps warm in giant bowls, and piles of kimbap (bitesize seaweed rolls) slowly disappear from diner's plates. There's plenty to choose from, and your Tour Manager will be on hand to offer suggestions. Once you're finished, there'll also be time to peruse the independent shops - there are around 5,000!

After lunch, we visit the lively Insa-dong, which was once the centre of traditional Korean art and antiques.

After time to shop for souvenirs, we’ll walk back to the hotel along a section of the Cheonggyecheon. This 11km-long, man-made stream weaves between the skyscrapers and is an oasis in the centre of Seoul with walking paths, trees and bridges. It's a great place to people-watch as Koreans and tourists alike relax and enjoy the calming sounds of running water.

If you don't want to join us on a walk this afternoon, a coach will take you from Insa-dong to the hotel. The rest of the afternoon and evening are at leisure.

Day 4: Korean Demiltarized Zone

Visit the most heavily militarised border in the world on a guided tour of the DMZ, and wander around Imjingak Park.

This morning's excursion is poignant yet truly unique as we travel north of Seoul to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). A living remnant of the Korean War - which ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty - the DMZ has separated South from North Korea for over 70 years.

We'll take a guided tour of the Third Tunnel, one of many tunnels that South Korea discovered that North Korea had built from the North to the South to invade South Korea.

As part of our guided tour of the DMZ, we'll also visit the Dora Observatory. From here you can peer into the slightly mysterious North Korea to see the North Korean propaganda village, Kijong-dong.

Continuing, we'll visit Imjingak Park which is a peaceful tribute to the 10 million South Koreans separated from their families when the peninsula was divided postwar.

Day 5: Free day in Seoul

Enjoy a free day to explore Seoul.

It's a buzzing, exciting city with plenty to keep you occupied. To delve into the city's rich history, the city has many museums. You could visit the War Memorial or the National Museum of Korea (which is free to enter). Both offer captivating insights.

If shopping is your passion, or you're looking for souvenirs, you could head to one of the vast underground shopping centres or bustling markets.

Perhaps you're interested in culture? You could wander areas like Bukchon Hanok Village, a lovely neighbourhood made up of traditional Korean houses, also known as hanok. Don't forget to call in the craft shops, art galleries and teahouses along the way.

Day 6: Goseong

Learn more about Korean history on a visit to the DMZ Museum in Goseong, before travelling to Sokcho.

After breakfast, we'll leave the bright lights of Seoul and journey northeast through the dramatic and rugged scenery of the mountainous province of Gangwon-Do.

Arriving at another section of the DMZ, we'll head to the Goseong DMZ Museum, which lies within the civilian control line (a line in Korea that creates a buffer zone between the Military Demarcation Line and the Demilitarized Zone). Here, we'll learn more about the history before and after the Korean War in 1950, and pain caused to the residents who were displaced from their home. It really brings home the significance of the truce line.

Next, we'll travel to a small coastal city, Sokcho, where we'll stay for two nights. After checking in to our hotel, we'll visit Abai Village, a small island that has been a refuge for generations of North Koreans fleeing the country. To get there, we'll board a hand-pulled small barge, and if you're feeling energetic, you can help us get to the other side!

Day 7: Seoraksan National Park

Explore Korea's most beautiful national park, Seoraksan, seeing the Great Bronze Buddha, Sinheungsa Temple and several waterfalls.

After breakfast, we'll take a short drive just outside the city to Seoraksan National Park. Set over 63 square miles, the park is home to one of Korea's most beautiful mountains and boasts rugged peaks, cliffs, numerous waterfalls, unique rock formations, and scenic valleys.

Soon after we enter, we'll see The Great Bronze Buddha, a 14-meter-tall gilt bronze statue a short walk away from the Sinheungsa Temple, that is believed to be the oldest Zen temple in Korea.

We'll then enjoy an easy guided walking tour to see some of the park's waterfalls. Those who don't wish to join the guided walk can choose their own walk or take the cable car up Seoraksan Mountain, which rises 700 meters above sea level. From the cable car window, you can see famous attractions like Ulsanbawi Peak and Manmulsang Rocks and, from the top, there are even more breathtaking views.

Day 8: Dosan Sewon and Hahoe

Travel to Andong by way of two UNESCO sites, Dosan Seowan and Hahoe Village, and see authentic Hahoe masks at the local museum.

Leaving Sokcho, we'll travel south, stopping first at Dosan Seowan.

Continuing our journey, we'll travel to the village of Hahoe, another incredible UNESCO World Heritage site. This living museum is considered the best-preserved 15th-century clan village in Korea.

While here, we'll also visit the Hahoe Mask Museum to see the remarkable collection of traditional Korean masks.

Finally, we'll arrive at our hotel in Andong, where we'll enjoy a one-night stay. There'll be time to settle in before we transfer into the heart of Andong for dinner, where we'll introduce you to a local speciality: Andong Jjimdak.

Day 9: Gyeongju

Discover the highlights of Gyeongju, including royal tombs, an ancient observatory and the Gyeongju National Museum.

This morning, we'll travel to Gyeongju. Once we arrive, we'll head to the heritage district - Korea's 'museum without walls'. This UNESCO World Heritage site embodies the time-honoured history and culture of Gyeongju.

We’ll begin with a visit to the Daereungwon Tomb Complex - the last resting place of several Silla monarchs and their family members.

Next, we'll visit the Cheomseongdae. It may not seem like a monumental landmark, but the observatory tower dates back to the 7th century making it the oldest existing observatory in East Asia. It even appears on Korean coins.

We'll then visit the Gyeongju National Museum where we'll learn more about the Silla culture and history, as well as see all the treasures taken from the tumuli. There's a wealth of priceless archaeological and historical artefacts on display, including gold crowns, earrings, belts, ornaments, glassware, pottery, and clay figures. It's a fascinating place to wander around.

Finally, it's time to check in to our hotel, where we'll stay for two nights. The rest of the afternoon is spent at leisure, relaxing in and around the hotel before our Signature experience this evening.

Day 10: Gyeongju

Explore two ancient sites, Seokguram Grotto and Temple of Bulguksa, and take a Korean cooking class and try tasty local dishes.

Nestled in the thick woods on the slopes of Mount Toham is our first stop of the day. Seokguram Grotto, a UNESCO World Heritage site, portrays the enlightenment of Buddha with a seated stone Buddha from the 8th century surrounded by 38 relief figures of Bodhisattvas, disciples, devas, and guardian kings.

Nearby is the Temple of Bulguksa, an ancient temple complex dating back to the 6th century. The architecture and craftsmanship are remarkable, showcasing the rich Buddhist culture of the Silla period. And, inside, you'll find some of South Korea's greatest national treasures.

At lunchtime, we'll enjoy our last Signature experience - a Korean cooking class, after which we'll return to our hotel and enjoy time at leisure.

Day 11: Busan

Travel to Busan and visit some of its most interesting sites, including UN Memorial Cemetery, and enjoy a Korean barbecue.

Heading south this morning, we'll travel on to Busan.

Next, we'll make a sobering yet insightful visit to the UN Memorial Cemetery, the final resting place of soldiers from the Korean War.

Around lunchtime, we'll visit Gamcheon Culture Village with free time to eat and explore. This colourful community, built on the side of a hill, was once a poverty-stricken village. However, in 2009, it was converted, by public effort, into a cultural hub and now you'll find colourful houses, cafes, murals, galleries and sculptures lining the streets. Take a leisurely stroll through the quirky streets, stopping to admire the street art, on a self-guided walking tour.

Our final stop of the day is the largest seafood market in South Korea. The stalls of Jagalchi Fish Market are filled with fresh and dried sea creatures, some you'll know, like crab, eel and octopus, while others look otherworldly like sea intestines and skirting sea slugs. If you love fresh seafood, nothing is fresher than choosing your meal - still live - on the ground floor and taking it up to the second floor to get it cooked straight away.

This evening, we'll dine together, enjoying a traditional Korean barbecue. This is a communal and social experience where diners sit around a grill on which expertly marinated grilled beef ribs, or Galbigui, is cooked to your liking, accompanied by a variety of side dishes and sauces.

Day 12: High-speed train to Seoul

Relax with a morning at leisure in Busan before we hop on a high-speed train to Seoul.

This morning, we'll enjoy time to explore Busan at leisure. For one of your last opportunities to shop, head to Shinsegae Centum City - the largest department store in the world. There is a wide range of luxury brands, shops and restaurants spread across its multiple floors - but be warned, it can be easy to get a bit lost! If you'd like to experience a traditional Korean spa, also in Centrum City is Spa Land. Across South Korea, bathhouses are where locals unwind and engage in health and beauty rituals. These spas have an unspoken code of manners and customs, which can make a first-time visit intimidating for foreign travellers so ask your Tour Manager for more information. Perhaps, you'd just like a peaceful stroll with stunning views - the APEC Naru Park has wonderful views of the city skyline, the bridge, the beach, and the sea.

We'll leave Busan in mid-afternoon, boarding a first-class carriage on the KTX high-speed train back to Seoul. Similar to Japan's famous bullet train, it's the quickest and most comfortable way to travel between the two cities, taking just over two hours (at its fastest, it can travel at 190mph.) Relax and watch the scenery whizz by, as you're plied by a steady stream of water and snacks.

Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to our hotel for one last night in Seoul before our flight tomorrow.

Day 13: Return home

It’s time to say goodbye and start your journey home with memories of a wonderful holiday in South Korea as we return to the airport for our flight home.