Following in the footsteps of Michael Palin - whose three-part North Korea series aired earlier this year - guests will get a unique insight into some of the world’s most unique cultures during Saga’s 13-day tour, Essence of South Korea and Japan.
The visit to the demilitarised zone is scheduled for the tour’s fourth day taking in Korean War monuments, a secret passage created for the North to infiltrate the South, viewpoints into the northern side and a United Nations military post.
Elsewhere in South Korea, the tour features the cities of Gyeongju, Busan and capital Seoul, including the 777-foot N Seoul communications tower with its all-round observation decks.
Highlights in Japan, meanwhile, include a bullet train journey, temple visits and a sumo show and dinner, as well as views of Mount Fuji in the spring and the chance to experience the country’s famous cherry blossom.
Other excursions include visiting South Korea’s seventh-century astronomical observatory of Cheomseongdae, and in Japan, a cruise on the volcanic Lake Ashi and a cable car ride up Mount Komagatake.
The 13-night tour leads in from £3,999pp based on two people departing September 2 or October 28, 2019, and March 18 to May 4, 2020, with Korean Airlines.
Prices include accommodation in Saga-rated 4Q hotels in Seoul, Gyeongju and Busan in South Korea, and Kyoto, Hakone and Tokyo in Japan.
The price also includes VIP door-to-door chauffeur service, return flights, airport taxes, most meals, porterage, tour manager, optional travel insurance and additional cancellation rights, or a discount if passenger has own insurance.
