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South Korea and Taiwan
Price: From $5,465*
duration: 14 Days
* price for a group of 20 people or more (on basic package)
Tour Dates:
March 28 to April 9 2024
Added value:
- A combined “South Korea & Taiwan” journey in a single trip
- Times perfect for the cherry blossom season and festivals in South Korea
- Authentic encounters with locals in their villages
- Unique sites, away from Western mass tourism
- High-end hotels to make this journey even more unforgettable
- Stationary Shabbats for the comfort of Shabbat observers
Recommended months
Recommended group size
tour type
Notes
Mar-Apr // Oct-Nov
20-26 people
Group Travel
Customizable (On Request)
Intro
Just further east from the vast Chinese empire lie two countries, two cultures, and two distinct peoples, each experiencing a unique relationship with the powerful cultures that surrounds them – China and Japan. During this very special journey, we offer you an intimate and profound connection with the society and culture of South Korea and Taiwan. It’s an invitation to try to understand the different (and sometimes strange) way of life of the inhabitants of these countries, decipher social codes, leaving behind some myths, and, above all, experience unexpected and unforgettable encounters.
The backdrop is as impressive as the people inhabiting it: distinctive architecture in major cities, authenticity in villages, festivals, and religious and social activities that will rest with us long after our return. And this array unfolds against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes, impressive Canyons and mighty peaks, all set to the rhythm of the pink and white hues of one of the world’s most beautiful blossoms.
Day 1 | Arrive to Seoul
Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for a brief rest. The group will gather around 14:30-15:00 for the first visit. We will start with one of the neighborhoods in Seoul, modern Seoul, specifically following the footsteps of TV series and K-Pop music, heading to Gangnam district, where we will visit the Coex Convention Center and its unique library.
Overnight in Seoul at Intercontinental Coex Hotel (5-star) or similar
Day 2 | Seoul
We will explore various sites in the city of Seoul. First, a visit to the main palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace. Then Jogyesa Temple, the “main commandery” of Korean Buddhism, the traditional houses neighborhood of Bukchon, preserving the original houses of old Seoul, juxtaposing ancient traditions with ultra-modern skyscrapers. From there, we will head to the enchanted part of Korea, an enclave of traditional houses (hanok) offering a view of modern Seoul. We will conclude our visits at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP Plaza), designed by the famous architect Zaha Hadid.
We will return to the hotel to prepare for Shabbat, then go out for Friday night dinner with Kiddush.
Overnight in Seoul
Day 3 | Seoul
The morning will begin with a visit to cherry blossom sites. First, we will visit Seokchon Lake and the area around the Lotte Tower, the fifth tallest in the world. Then, we will go to the Korean Parliament, the Yeouido area, to admire the streets lined with blooming cherry trees. After that, we will take the Namsan Cable Car for a panoramic view of the city from the Seoul Tower.
At the end of the tour, we will head to Insadong, an area filled with artisans and artists selling their artwork in small shops. A walk along the Cheonggyecheon stream, telling the history of the city, will follow. We will then tour one of Seoul’s beautiful markets, Gwangjang Market, and return to the hotel.
Overnight in Seoul
Day 4 | Seoul to Jeonju
After breakfast, we will leave Seoul to explore the natural landscapes of Korea. After a short bus ride, we will hike on Daedunsan Mountain, one of the most beautiful natural sites in Korea, with enchanting trails and wild views. Then, we will continue to the city of Jeonju. Upon arrival, we will visit the traditional Hanok village, where well-preserved houses offer a glimpse into Korean life before modern times. We will stroll among the ancient houses and learn more about the life of Koreans before modernity.
In the evening, we will participate in a special culinary event where we will learn to prepare the national Korean dish, kimchi. Afterward, we will enjoy a dinner with the chef, savoring the delights we prepared together.
Overnight in Jeonju at Lahan Hotel (4-star) or similar
Day 5 | Jeonju to Busan and to Gyeong-Ju
We will embark on excursions in the Jeonju region to visit exceptional sites: a journey to Maisan Mountain, where we will explore a unique site – the Maisan Tapsa complex, a sanctuary entirely built with small stones carefully stacked on top of each other, without any adhesive material!
We will then continue our journey to the second-largest city in Korea, the port city of Busan. Upon arrival in Busan, we will start our visits with Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, perched on a cliff by the sea. Then a visit to Gamcheon Culture Village. This village, located on the outskirts of Busan, is a place where artists, art students, and creators gather to contribute to its unique character. We will visit the one-of-a-kind Busan Cinema Center, which hosts Korea’s most important film festival every year. Busan is the second-largest city and one of the most important on the Korean Peninsula, harmoniously combining the old and the new, tradition, and modernity. In the late afternoon, we will head to the city of Gyeong-Ju.
Overnight in Gyeong-Ju at Lahan Hotel (5-star) or similar
Day 6 | Ulsaan and Gyeong-Ju
The city of Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, is also known as the “museum without walls” due to its impressive collection of historical and modern sites, museums, and gardens.
In the morning, we will visit UNESCO World Heritage sites surrounding the city: Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then, the Seokguram Buddhist Grottoes, a site located in the heart of the green nature surrounding Gyeongju. We will then return to the city, where we will visit the world’s oldest star observatory and the royal tombs of the Silla Dynasty. In the late afternoon, we will take a tour to the charming Anapji Pond, one of the remnants of the Silla royal palace, reflecting the ancient palace buildings around a small lake. After dinner, we will return to our hotel.
Overnight in Gyeong-Ju
Day 7 | From Gyeong-ju (South Korea) to Kaohsiung (Taiwan)
In the morning, we will travel to Busan Airport, from where we will take a 2-hour international flight to Taiwan, the “little sister” of China and one of the world’s economic powerhouses. We will land in Kaohsiung, one of Taiwan’s large and prosperous cities, in the afternoon. Founded in the 17th century, Kaohsiung has evolved from a small trade-dependent village into a political and economic center in southern Taiwan, with key industries such as steel production, oil refining, shipbuilding, and more.
Upon arrival in Kaohsiung, we will visit the Pier 2 Art Center, the world’s largest visual arts center, spanning an immense area of 141,000 square meters. Then, we will go to the Formosa Boulevard metro station, famous for the Dome of Light, the world’s largest glass dome composed of 4,500 glass panels illuminated in different colors. We will directly exit the metro station to explore Liuhe Night Market, and then head to our hotel.
Overnight in Kaohsiung at Marriott Hotel (5-star) or similar
Day 8 | Kaohsiung to Taitung
In the morning, we will head north to Lotus Pond, a beautiful artificial lake surrounded by many temples and monuments dedicated to Chinese gods. After exploring Lotus Pond, we will visit Fo Guang Shan, the largest Buddhist temple in Taiwan and one of the largest in the world. We will walk around this place to appreciate its impressive grandeur. Then, we will travel south, first along the coast, then through picturesque landscapes until reaching the Taitung city area, in the heart of the life of Taiwanese indigenous people. We will visit several local cultural centers, some of their special churches, and stroll through the charming streets of the city.
Overnight in Taitung at Formosan Noruwan Hotel (5-star) or similar
Day 9 | Taitung to Taroko
After breakfast, we will complete our visit to Taitung. We will explore a farm run by locals, also known as “aborigines,” where they preserve their traditions. We will visit an important archaeological site that will allow us to learn more about their life in ancient times. Then, we will embark on a long journey along the east coast of the island to reach our destination for the next two days, Taroko Gorge, Taiwan’s most famous natural site and one of the most beautiful in the world. We will arrive in the town of Tienhsiang, the only town in the Taroko Reserve. Upon arrival, we will hike around the hotel to have a first experience of encountering the unique landscape of Taroko Gorge, a gorge with twisted and unique geomorphological formations, mainly composed of marble! We will then prepare for Kiddush and Shabbat dinner, which we will celebrate at the hotel.
Overnight in Taroko at Silks Hotel (5-star) or similar
Day 10 | Taroko
This day is entirely dedicated to visits in the Taroko Reserve. We will start with a short route along a beautiful gorge with waterfalls cascading from marble rocks into the Liwu River. We will continue on foot and by car on roads offering breathtaking views, where we can admire forests, cliffs, miniature plants, and remnants from the Japanese occupation period. At the beginning of one of the trails we will take, there is the Geological Exhibition Center, where we will learn more about the natural forces that created the Taroko Gorge. We will visit the Swallow Grotto, the most famous landscape in the Taroko Reserve, and the Nine Turns Grotto. We will walk on suspension bridges above a breathtaking view, then head for a hike to the Baiyang Waterfalls, a spectacular phenomenon of caves where cracks have created “screen-like waterfalls.” Finally, we will return to our hotel for dinner and the night.
Overnight in Taroko
Day 11| Taroko to Jiaoxi
In the morning, a breathtaking drive along the east coast of the island towards the Yilan region. Yilan County offers a view of Taiwan’s east sea, surrounded by mountains on three sides, and is an important cultural and educational center. The road to Yilan is considered one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world, and we will take every opportunity to stop along the way to admire the exceptional landscapes.
We will take a break on our journey for an authentic visit to one of the coastal villages, where we will have an authentic encounter with the villagers. Then, we will visit one of the world’s most renowned whiskey distilleries. Finally, we will end the day in Jiaoxi, a city known for its hot springs.
We will participate in a special dinner and return to our hotel, where we can enjoy private hot springs flowing into the bathrooms of our rooms!
Overnight in Jiaoxi at Wellsprings by Silks Hotel (5-star) or similar
Day 12 | Jiaoxi to Taipei
After breakfast, we will head towards the capital of Taiwan, Taipei. First, we will make a stop on our way to Yehliu Geological Park, known for its unique rock formations sculpted by salt and wind from the sea. Then, we will go to Taipei, where we will visit the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, a monument erected in memory of Chiang Kai-Shek. We will then continue to the Martyrs’ Shrine to witness the changing of the guard ceremony.
We will explore the Ximending district, built by the Japanese as a replica of the Shibuya district in Tokyo. Then, we will visit the Lungshan Market, followed by dinner and a return to the hotel. For those who wish, there will be an opportunity to visit the Raohe Night Market.
Overnight in Taipei at Palais de Chine Hotel (5-star) or similar
Day 14 | Taipei and flight home
After breakfast, we will conclude our visit to Taipei by going to the National Palace Museum, the world’s largest Chinese art museum. There, we will synthesize everything we have learned about Chinese aesthetics and world perceptions. We will then return to the Keelung area, which is entirely made up of impressive rock formations emerging from the sea. We will return to the city, conclude our visit, and then head to the airport. Plan for an international flight to your home country departing Taiwan in the late afternoon or early evening.
The Price Include:
- Accommodation in High-class and 5-star hotels on a bed-and-breakfast basis
- Half board based on full dinners
- All the sites and shows that are written in the program, including entrance fees
- Cable car rides as detailed in the program
- Travel in an air-conditioned bus
- English/French-speaking local guides accompany the trip
- Mineral water on the bus
The Price does not Include:
- International Flight
- Tips for service providers
- Meals that are not included in the itinerary
- Drinks during meals
- Personal expenses (shopping, etc.)
- personal insurance
- Everything that is not under the section “The Price Include”