HEART OF SEOUL CITY BREAK – 5 DAYS

Seoul is a gleaming metropolis with over 500 years of history, where you'll discover Buddhist temples, exquisite palaces and traditional markets, among soaring skyscrapers, chic bars and stylish shops. Take in the highlights of the nation’s capital on a full day tour. This morning there's the opportunity to try on a Hanbok - the traditional Korean dress which dates back thousands of years and is worn on special occasions. After dressing for the occasion visit the beautifully ornate Gyeongbokgung Palace which is the largest and most famous of Seoul's Five Grand Palaces. Gyeongbokgung served as the main palace of Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), the last dynasty of Korea. After a tour of the palace and watching the Changing of the Guard proceed to the lively antique alley of Insadong, where art galleries, antique shops, crafts shops, pottery shops display their traditional goods. Korea is renowned for its wonderful, healthy cuisine and for lunch today there's the opportunity to sample ‘Bulgogi’, which is a traditional dish made from thin, marinated slices of beef and pork. This afternoon explore the enchanting Bukchon Hanok Village, which is home to around 900 hanoks - traditional Korean houses, that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. Then take in incredible panoramic views of the city from the 236-meter N Seoul Tower.

Take an exciting private tour to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) today, which is located 45km north of Seoul and acts as the buffer zone and border between the two nations of North and South Korea. Start with a visit the Third Tunnel of Aggression, which spans over 1,635m and is one of the 4 tunnels under the border of North and South Korea which were used to move thousands of soldiers into South Korea for invasion. It is said that approximately 30,000 could move through the tunnel per hour. Then continue to the Dorasan Observatory which overlooks the Demilitarized Zone and the Dorasan station, a station which connects Northern and Southern Korean rail roads. Next stop is The War Memorial of Korea, a museum which houses and preserves artifacts such as weapons and uniforms from the Korean War. After gaining a great insight into the country’s past, you can enjoy a traditional Korean lunch of Bibimbap, a steamed rice dish with assorted beef and vegetables before returning to your hotel for the remainder of the day at leisure.

After breakfast and hotel check out, transfer to the airport for your flight home.