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Day 01 Cochin -Saigon
Assemble at Cochin International Airport. Meet our tour manager.
Check-in and after Immigration & customs formalities board the flight to Seoul via Saigon.
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Day 02 Saigon -Seoul
Welcome to South Korea, the country now popular for K-Pop culture, K Dramas, and its Scenic beauty. Arrive at Incheon International Airport, proceed for dinner and you will be transferred to a hotel for overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch on travel. Dinner at restaurant.
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Day 03 Seoul
Today begin your memorable journey through Seoul City. After breakfast, start your city tour covering iconic
monuments of Seoul including GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE, NATIONAL PALACE MUSEUM, INSADONG ARTS AND
CRAFTS MARKET, DONGDAEMUN DESIGN PLAZA and enjoy HAN RIVER CRUISE. We will pass by Gwanghqamun Plaza, Chonggaechun stream, Blue house and Joggesa temple.
GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE
Gyeongbokgung Palace was the first and largest of the royal palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. Built-in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace was located at the heart of the newly appointed capital of Seoul (then known as Hanyang) and represented the sovereignty of the Joseon Dynasty. The largest of the Five Grand Palaces (the others being Gyeonghuigung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, and Changdeokgung Palace), Gyeongbokgung served as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty.The Korean government has invested much time and effort into rebuilding, restoring, and maintaining the palace for future generations. These efforts include work to rebuild and restore the buildings that were destroyed during the Japanese occupation. Visitors to Gyeongbokgung can also visit the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum of Korea as they are located on the palace grounds.
NATIONAL PALACE MUSEUM
The National Palace Museum of Korea displays a magnificent collection of royal treasures and artifacts from the palaces, representing the 500 years of the Joseon Dynasty's majesty and dignity.
INSADONG ARTS AND CRAFTS MARKET
As of today, there are approximately 70 shops in the Insa-dong area that sell antique arts. Some of the products they sell include antique artworks, porcelains, woodcrafts, and metalwork. Visitors may even find rare and valuable products such as earthenware from the Silla period or white porcelain used in the Joseon dynasty. Each shop is a specialty store, authorized to sell product types that are of their expertise, ranging from antique furniture and traditional artworks to handcrafted items.
DONGDAEMUN DESIGN PLAZA
The Dongdaemun Design Plaza, often referred to as DDP by locals, is one of those cool things to see in Seoul that is on numerous list after list of architectural must-sees in the capital city of Korea. Seoul was even named the World Design Capital in 2010 because of the DDP. The building is iconic and is actually the world’s largest atypical architecture. Often the home of artistic exhibitions, like TeamLab, but also home to Seoul’s fashion week, there is always something to see if the building itself isn’t enough.
But really, it is. There are a ton of things to do in Dongdaemun but this is definitely one of the coolest things to see there. in 2015, DDP was the most tagged location in South Korea on Instagram. Dongdaemun can be a bit overwhelming the first time, so here’s a good place to start when you visit a shopper’s paradise, Dongdaemun.
HAN RIVER CRUISE
What if you want to have the most romantic, memorable, and unforgettable experience in Seoul?
Enjoy the great views and scenery of Han River, a center of Seoul. Leave fantastic memories with your loved ones watching the scenery of Han River and Seoul under the blue sky by day! Make an unforgettable moment as you board a cruise!
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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Day 04 SEOUL NAMI ISLAND
After breakfast we will proceed to explore the beauty of half-moon-shaped Namiseom island where is floated on the Bukhangang. It is called Namiseom since General Nami died as a traitor during the Joseon Dynasty and also well-known as the location of Beautiful paths through a forest fill the island. Nut pines on both sides of the road start the tour and the exotic Metasequoia road is continued, the road of ginkgo trees in the central square changes into a golden carpet during the autumn season. A long path with white birches and a walkway
in a reed field on the riverside will present you with beautiful memories with love. Spending time on the Namiseom island will please you in every minute with galleries and museums that are full of artworks, and workshops where visitors can experience firsthand. In the spring season, visitors can enjoy the spectacular view of cherry blossom trees.
Later proceed to N Tower, a landmark of Seoul & the very place to enjoy the spectacular view of the entire city of Seoul. The day ends with a visit to Myeongdong shopping street. Overnight in Seoul.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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Day 05 NORTH KOREAN BORDER TOUR (Demilitarized Zone)
Today we visit an unusual tourist attraction ‘The Korean Demilitarized Zone’ (DMZ) on the border of South and North Korea. Running across the Korean Peninsula, this is one of the world's most heavily guarded borders. It’s a weapons-free buffer zone between North and South Korea, a 2-kilometer wide demilitarized zone on each side where we will visit Dorasan Peace Park, Dora Observatory, and the third Infiltration Tunnel which was dug by the northern army to spy on the southern part. Admire the beautiful monuments at Imjingak Parkthat depict hope for a union between North and South Korea. Next, visit the Freedom Bridge and learn aboutthe legends behind its construction. Then, walk through the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, a secret passageway spread across the DMZ Zone. Get a deeper understanding of the history of Korea on your visit to the DMZ Theatre and Exhibition Hall. From there, head to the Dora Observatory from where you can get a glimpse of North Korea. If the DMZ is closed, you will be visiting an alternate attraction instead of Dora Observatory. (Since this is a government location everything is subject to availability and dependent on government rules for the day). Overnight in Seoul.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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Day 06 SEOUL - OSAKA
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Incheon Airport to board flight to Osaka. Welcome to Japan “The land of the rising Sun” – the country known for it’s traditional arts, oldest civilization, and embracing technology like no other country on the planet. Upon arrival at Kansai we will proceed on an orientation tour of Osaka City. Overnight in Osaka.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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Day 07 SEOUL - OSAKA
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Incheon Airport to board flight to Osaka. Welcome to Japan “The land of the rising Sun” – the country known for it’s traditional arts, oldest civilization, and embracing technology like no other country on the planet. Upon arrival at Kansai we will proceed on an orientation tour of Osaka City. Overnight in Osaka.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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Day 08 OSAKA – HIROSHIMA
After breakfast proceed on a short city tour of Osaka before driving to Hiroshima. (we need to pack one small bag for a nights’ stay in Hiroshima as the remaining luggage will be transferred directly to Tokyo). Osaka has several world class shopping districts and miles of shopping arcades, malls and streets. Osaka's shopping combines upscale, brand name and designergoods with inexpensive thrift shops and discount chains. We will have a photostop at Osaka Castle. The castletower is surrounded by secondary citadels, gates, turrets, impressive stone walls, and moats.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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Day 09 HIROSHIMA
After breakfast proceed on a city tour of Hiroshima. Hiroshima, a modern city on Japan’s Honshu Island, was largely destroyed by an atomic bomb during World War II. You will see the historical highlights of Hiroshima on a comprehensive tour, led by a knowledgeable guide. Here we visit Hiroshima Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Dome and feel emotionally stirred by the magnificent Hirsohima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, inwhich intriguing exhibitions speak eloquently of the atomic bomb dropped on the city in 1945. The HiroshimaPeace Memorial originally the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, and now commonly called theAtomic Bomb Dome is part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, Japan and was designateda UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The ruin of the hall serves as a memorial to the people who were killedin the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on 6 August 1945. Over 70,000 people were killed instantly, and another70,000 suffered fatal injuries from the radiation and we will see Genbaku Dome, one of the few buildings thatwas left standing near ground zero.
Later in the afternoon, board Bullet train from Hiroshima to Tokyo. Transfer to the hotel and receive the luggage.
Overnight stay at Tokyo.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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Day 10 TOKYO – MT FUJI - TOKYO
After the continental breakfast you will proceed to the Mount Fuji. Mount Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan, standing at 3,776 meters (12,380 feet) and is the single most popular tourist site in Japan, for both Japanese and foreign tourists. Discover the highest mountain in Japan on this delightful day trip from Tokyo to Fuji . More than 200,000 people climb to the summit every year, mostly during the warmer summer months. Mount Fuji has been a sacred site for practicers of Shinto since 7th century and
comonly called “Fuji-san,” and it’s the country’s tallest peak, at 3,776 meters. A pilgrimage site for centuries,
it’s considered one of Japan’s 3 sacred mountains, and summit hikes remain a popular activity.
Oshino Hakkai
Oshino Hakkai is a touristy set of eight ponds in Oshino.The eight ponds are fed by snow melt from the slopes of nearby Mount Fuji that filters down the mountain through porous layers of lava for over 80 years, resulting in very clear spring water that is revered by the locals.
Lake Kawaguchiko Cruise
The best views of Mount Fuji can be enjoyed from the lake's northern shores and are particularly breathtaking during the cherry blossom season around mid April and the autumn colors around the first half of November
MT Fuji Panoramic ropeway
The Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway ascends 400 meters from the eastern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko to an observation deck near the peak of Mount Tenjo. From the observation deck, which sits more than 1000 meters above sea level, there are panoramic views of the lake below and of Mount Fuji.
Later proceed for dinner and return to Tokyo for overnight
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Day 11 TOKYO CITY TOUR
Sensō-ji Temple Historic temple to the goddess of mercy
After buffet breakfast at hotel and soak in the sights of this magnificent Tokyo City on a guided city tour. The sight seeing will start from Sensoji, the historic temple to the goddess of mercy, a very popular Buddhist temple, built in the 7th century. Adjacent to the temple is a five-story pagoda, Shinto shrine, the Asakusa Shrine and here we can see many women in Kimono. Later visit Rainbow Bridge, Nakamise-dōri Shopping Arcade, Akihabara andGinza., etc.
Nakamise Street
Nakamise is the most famous shopping street in Asakusa. The street runs for 250 meters on the main approach to Sensoji Temple and is lined on both sides with shops selling traditional souvenirs, snacks, and sweets.Later drive past the iconic monuments like Imperial Palace, National diet building etc.TOKYO SKY TREE
Visit Tokyo Skytree which is a television broadcasting tower and landmark of Tokyo. It is the centerpiece of the Tokyo Skytree Town in the Sumida City Ward, not far away from Asakusa. With a height of 634 meters (634 can be read as "Musashi", a historic name of the Tokyo Region), it is the tallest structure in Japan and was the second tallest in the world at the time of its completion. Later will drive by Ginza and Rainbow bridge and also Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest12
Day 12 TOKYO – HO CHI MINH CITY (VIETNAM)
Check out and transfer to Tokyo International airport for your flight to Saigon (Vietnam). Upon arrival & lunch proceed for a city tour of Saigon. Start city tour at the War Remnants Museum, one of the most famous historical attractions in Saigon. Coming to the War Remnants Museum, you can learn a part of how Vietnamesehad struggled and fought for their independence, freedom, and peace of the nation and the locals' perspectiveof the Vietnam War. The exhibits, such as weapons, documents, and photographs, display in the museum are firm evidence of war crimes in Vietnam and speak for the heroic actions of the former Vietnamese generation.We then visit the Notre Dame Cathedral (view from outside only), built between 1877 and 1883 andcolonial-styled Central Post Office, one of the city’s major landmarks.Late afternoon, visit Ben Thanh market, asymbol of Saigon. Have shopping time there. Dinner at Indian restaurant (Set menu). Overnight in Saigon.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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Day 13 SAIGON – CU CHI TUNNELS – DEPARTURE
Breakfast at hotel and check-out. Morning drive to Cu Chi Tunnels – the network of over 200km of tunnels became legendary when they played a vital role in the War. In their heyday, the tunnels were functioning underground cities including numerous trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers & kitchens. After a short introduction video showing how the tunnels were constructed, you will have a chance to crawl into a short section of the tunnels to feel the oppressive narrowness and heat inside. Return to Saigon. Lunch at Indian restaurant (Set menu).Freetime at leisure untill transfer to airport for your departure flight to Cochin. Arrive Cochin International Airport with sweet memories of Japan Korea and Vietnam.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Tour Cost :TBD
DEPARTURE DATES :April 2024
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Seoul City Tour
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Han River Cruise
- Nami Island
- Demilitarized Zone: North Korean Border
- The 3rd Infiltration Tunnel
- Nami Island Tour
- Osaka City Tour
- Kyoto
- Todaiji Temple
- Nara Deer Park
- Hiroshima Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Dome
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
- Bullet Train Ride
- Fuji
- Oshino Hakkai
- Lake Kawaguchiko Cruise
- Tokyo City Tour
- Tokyo Skytree
- Asakusa Sensoji Temple
- Nakamise Street
- Ho Chi Minh City Tour
- Cu Chi Tunnel
INCLUSIONS:
- International flight tickets in economy class from Cochin (COK-ICN, ICN-KIX, NRT-SGN, SGN-COK)
- 04 nights accommodation in 4* hotel at Seoul
- 02 nights accommodation in 4* hotel at Osaka
- 01 night accommodation in 4* hotel at Hiroshima
- 03 nights accommodation in 4* hotel at Tokyo
- 01-night accommodation in 4* hotel at Ho Chi Minh city
- Bullet train ride at Japan
- All meals as per the itinerary
- Visa Charges (South Korea, Japan, and Vietnam)
- All sightseeing and airport transfers in an air-conditioned coach
- Travel Insurance (Up to 70 years of age)
- Malayalee Tour manager from Fortune Tours
- Applicable service tax (5% GST)
- Any Increase in the fuel surcharge or any kind of government taxes levied by the respective government or statutory bodies (Current estimates are based on the fare as of 01 November 2023)
- Any expenses of a personal nature such as laundry, wines, porterage, mini bar, telephone calls, pay channels, Expenses of additional/ optional tours and extra stay pre/post tour.
- Travel insurance for foreign national passport holders and passengers above age
- Food and drink other than those not mentioned in the itinerary
- Cost of Airport transfers of the guests and additional airport transfers if any
- Any extra expenses incurred for changing the route due to any unforeseen circumstances, forced majeure instances, natural calamities, political disturbances, flight delays, strikes,
- Extra cost incurred due to illness, accident, hospitalization, or any Individual unforeseen cost incurring incidence
- Any private transfers taken to move from one place to another instead of coach
- Any add-on sightseeing/ sightseeing done twice /activities along with transfers other than mentioned in the tour program and anything not specifically mentioned in the Tour Cost
- Cost of RT-PCR test if required
- TCS- Tax Collected at Source (can be claimed as advance tax during the time of filing ITR for the respective financial year), Finance Act 2020 has inserted a new sub-section (1g) in TCS under Section 206C of the Income Tax Act, 1961 to collect tax out of foreign remittance transactions under Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) as well as amount received from buyer by a seller for sale of an ‘Overseas Tour Program Package’ w.e.f. October 1, 2020. An additional 5% TCS on invoice value is applicable. If the buyer fails to furnish their PAN to the seller, then double of the TCS rate will be applicable in the rate specified in section 206C. (PPG/KMN Release ID: 1936105) posted on 28 June 2023 at 9:09 PM by PIB Delhi, the Ministry of Finance has announced that there will be no change in the rate of TCS for all purposes under LRS and for overseas travel tour packages, regardless of the mode of payment, for the amount up to Rs. 7 lakhs per individual per annum. For the purchase of overseas tour program package under Clause (ii) of Sub-section (1G), the TCS shall continue to apply at the rate of 5% for the first Rs 7 lakhs per individual per annum; the 20% rate will only apply for expenditure above this limit.