South Korea and Taiwan - Departs 6th April, 2022 a - Blue Dot Travel
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a
South Korea
and Taiwan
Departs 6th April, 2022
Itinerary correct as at Mar 15, 2021 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au
$11,470 pp
Twin-share
Flights to Seoul not
included
Single supp $2,490
SOUTH KOREA AND TAIWAN
South Korea and Taiwan have flown under the radar for many Australian travellers, but
we think they are a photographer’s and foodie’s dream.
At just 100,000 square km, South Korea is a small country that is easy to get around,
and you can see a lot without spending long days on the road. Seoul is a very modern
capital city with a population of around 10 million. While there is much to see and do in
Seoul, you need to leave the capital to see this wonderful country; traditional villages,
UNESCO temples and Buddha’s, large and small cities, gorgeous countryside with hills
full of native trees and rice paddies on what appears to be every spare piece of flat land.
The subtropical island of Taiwan is also small, yet even with its population of 23 million,
it doesn’t feel crowded. Taiwan’s indigenous tribes - of which there are ten officially
recognised by today’s government - are believed to have Polynesian ancestors, not
Chinese. Having been ruled by the Dutch, Han Chinese and Japanese, Taiwan’s culture
is an interesting mix. Taipei, the modern, efficient capital, has wonderful food and café
culture - if you like your dumplings, you’ve come to the right place! But there is so much
more to offer in the way of food. Taiwan is known as the “Beautiful Isle”, and outside of
Taipei, you’ll find towering sea cliffs, dramatic gorges, tropical forests and mountains.
If you enjoy scenic views, trying different foods, friendly people, and exploring villages
and towns, then grab your camera and join us!
Itinerary correct as at Mar 15, 2021 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au
Day 1, Wednesday 6th April Day 3, Friday
Transit 8th April
Depart Sydney or Melbourne in the evening for your SEOUL
overnight flight to Seoul. Meals in–flight After breakfast,
we’ll spend a
Day 2, Thursday 7th April full day in
Transit/Arrival Seoul. First
Arrive Seoul late in the morning and transfer to the stop,
hotel in the Gyeongbok
city. Your Palace, which
afternoon is was built in 1395 and served as the main palace until
free to explore the 16th century. We will also visit the National Folk
the city at Museum displaying the lifestyle of ancient Koreans,
leisure before and Insadong Antique Alley with its many antique
our welcome stores, art galleries and secondhand book stores.
dinner at a Then on to Namdaemun Market, considered the best
local market for just about everything! Also visit Bukchon
restaurant. Hanok Village with its traditional wooden homes plus
Seoul has an Myeongdong – the busy retail precinct with wonderful
excellent “hop-on, hop-off’ bus tour, a great way to alleys, shops and restaurants. Finally, we will take a
see the city. Alternatively, explore the streets and walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream, which used to
laneways around the hotel on foot. There is a plethora be a waste catchment but after an urban renewal is
of interesting and quirky shops, bars and eateries. now a modern public recreation precinct. After dinner,
Overnight at Courtyard Marriott Seoul (or similar). D we’ll enjoy a ‘Nanta’ or non-verbal performance.
Overnight at the Courtyard Marriott Seoul. B/D
Itinerary correct as at Mar 15, 2021 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au
Day 4, Saturday 9th April historic area is a UNESCO listed site, and the city has
SEOUL become known as the "Museum without Walls". In the
afternoon there is some is free time to enjoy this
This morning we will tour the De-Militarised Zone
wonderful city (bicycle rental is available if that’s your
(DMZ) a strip of land running across the Korean
thing). B/D
Peninsula on the 38th parallel that serves as a buffer
zone between North and South Korea. Technically the Day 8,
two countries are still at war as a formal peace treaty Wednesday
has never been signed. We will see the 3rd Tunnel, 13th April
dug by the North and capable of dispatching 10,000 GYEONGJU
troops an hour. We’ll also visit the Bridge of Freedom,
After
DMZ Theatre and Exhibition Hall, Dora Observatory
breakfast, a
and Dorasan train station. After returning to Seoul,
full day tour of
we’ll visit Gwangjang Market established in 1905 and
Gyeongju. The
home to more than 5,000 stores selling fabric,
Gyeongju
bedding, handmade crafts and hanbok (traditional
National
costume). Then we’ll head to Itaewon, a popular
Museum preserves much of the Silla heritage,
district with the locals. Overnight at the Courtyard
including magnificent gold crowns, pottery, Buddhist
Marriott Seoul. B/D
artefacts, stone sculptures and the legendary Emille
Day 5, Sunday 10th April Bell, one of Asia's largest and most resonant - 25
SEOUL – MT. SEORAK – SOKCHO tonnes of bronze standing 11 feet high. We will also
see Tumuli Park, a collection of royal Silla tombs,
Today we will drive to Sokcho and Mt. Seorak
Cheom-seongdae Observatory, and the world's
National Park (about 3 hours east). Mt. Seorak is
earliest known existing observatory, and Anapji Pond
considered one of Korea's most beautiful mountains
where the Silla royal family relaxed. After that our tour
with its granite peaks, lush green valleys, and dense
takes us to see the UNESCO World Heritage listed
forests. Weather permitting we will take a 1,100m
Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, a
long cable car that connects the park entrance with
monument to both the skill of the Silla architects and
Gwongeumseong Fortress, an old mountaintop
the depth of Buddhist faith at the time. B/D
fortress of the Silla Kingdom. At the top there is a 3km
pleasant hike for those up to it (about 50 min). Day 9, Thursday 14th April
Overnight at Sokcho Ramada (or similar). B/D GYEONGJU – TONGYEONG
Day 6, After breakfast, we’ll begin our drive to Tongyeong
Monday 11th (about 3 hours drive). Often called the Naples of the
April Orient, Tongyeong has many islands spread along the
SOKCHO – ocean front with lovely buildings of varying heights
ANDONG – located along the port. We will take a 2km long cable
GYEONGJU car to get the top of Mt. Mireuk to see the beautiful
islands of Hallyeo Haesang National Park and visit
After breakfast
Hansando Island by boat. Overnight at the Tongyeong
we transfer to
Anchovy Hotel (or similar). B/D
Andong (3.5hrs
drive) and visit Day 10, Friday 15th April
Hahoe Village that has preserved the housing TONGYEONG – GEOJE
architecture and village structure of the Joseon
This morning we’ll travel to Geoje, Korea's second
dynasty. There are 180 families within the group
largest island. Oedo-Botania is a marine botanical
village known as the village of the Pungsan Ryu
garden with a beautiful view of the crystal blue South
family. We’ll then drive on to Gyeongju and check in
Sea and surrounding landscape and the huge rocky
to the Commodore Chosun Hotel (or similar) for 3
structures of Haegeumgang. In the afternoon we’ll
nights. B/D
visit the pebble-strewn Mongdol beach and Windy Hill
Day 7, Tuesday 12th April from where you can enjoy a beautiful panorama.
GYEONGJU – MT. GAYA – GYEONGJU Overnight at Geoje Art Noveau Hotel (or similar). B/D
This morning we’ll drive to Mt. Gaya National Park to Day 11, Saturday 16th April
visit Haeinsa Temple, home to the Tripitaka Koreana, GEOJE – BUSAN
a set of 80,000 wooden printing blocks engraved with
After breakfast we’ll drive to Busan, the largest port
one of the most comprehensive compilations of the
city and the second largest city in the country after
Buddhist scriptures in all of Asia. We’ll return to
Seoul (approx 2hr drive south). Visit the quirky and
Gyeongju, generally considered as one of the
artsy Gamcheon Cultural Village, Busan Tower with
country’s highlights. The city is teeming with stunning
its panoramic view of the city and then head to the
architecture and ancient artefacts, such that the
internationally known, enormous Jagalchi Fish
Itinerary correct as at Mar 15, 2021 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au
Market. Here we can photograph weird and wonderful Day 16, Thursday 21st April
fish and other sea creatures being sold to the locals. TAIPEI
Late in the afternoon, we’ll head down for dinner at
Today we will take a tour of this fabulous, dynamic
Nampodong area where all the locals congregate for
city. Sites will include Chang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
a meal. For those who still have some energy left, we
which mimics Beijing‘s Heavenly Temple, The
will visit a Noraebang, Korean singing room for
Presidential Square, built in the post renaissance
Karaoke (optional extra). Overnight at Busan Crown
style; followed by visits to Lungshan Temple and its
Harbour Hotel (or similar). B/D
neighbourhood Herb Lane. Dinner will be at
Day 12, Sunday 17th April a renowned specialty rice restaurant in Dadaocheng,
BUSAN operated by the fifth-generation owner. https://
www.ricenshine329.com/. Overnight at Sherwood
After breakfast, we’ll continue our tour of Busan,
Hotel Taipei. B/D
taking in Haedong Yonggungsa Temple first built in
1376 and situated on the coast of the north-eastern Day 17, Friday 22nd April
part of Busan. Next we’ll visit, Dongbaekseom Island TAIPEI
noted for its beautiful, natural landscape accented by
We will start the day with a visit to the Yangmingshan
dense camellia and pine trees, and Haeundae Beach
National Park where we’ll see the beautiful
and the15 metre high Oryukdo Skywalk. Overnight at
mountainous and volcanic landscape, and for those
Busan Crown Harbour Hotel (or similar). B/D
up to it, some light trekking. (Those who don‘t wish to
Day 13, Monday 18th April walk can sit at a nearby scenic spot). Later on we will
BUSAN – JEJU transfer to Beitou, a famous hot-springs resort with a
Japanese
Today we will fly to Jeju Island (flight to be confirmed).
flavour. In the
On arrival, we’ll visit some of the natural attractions of
afternoon, we’ll
the island, including the volcanic Mt. Songaksan, the
visit the world‘s
rock formations of the Yongmeori Coast (also known
fourth largest
as Dragon Head Cliff) and Jusanggeolli Cliff, a
museum, the
spectacular volcanic rock formation created when Mt.
National Palace
Hallasan erupted into the sea. Overnight at Jeju Lotte
Museum and
City Hotel (or similar). B/D
see the
Day 14, Chinese
Tuesday 19th imperial artistic
April treasury collections. We will also see the Martyrs‘
JEJU Shrine and changing of the guard. Then we will
transfer to the city centre to visit what was the tallest
Our full day
building in the world until early 2010, Taipei
tour of Jeju
101. Dinner will be at the famous Din Tai Fung
today includes
dumpling restaurant at the bottom of Taipei 101.
Manjanggul
Overnight at Sherwood Hotel Taipei. B/D
Cave, one of
the finest lava Day 18, Saturday 23rd April
tunnels in the TAIPEI – NORTH COAST
world, the Haenyeo Museum, a great source of
This morning we will drive 1 hour along the scenic
information on haenyeos (women divers) and the
Northern Coast route to Juming Museum to admire
island’s fishing industry, Seongsan Ilchulbong (sunrise
the master Ju‘s amazing outdoor artistic work
peak) which rose from under the sea in a volcanic
display. We’ll then drive 1 hour to Tamsui to
eruption over 100,000 years ago, Seongeup folk
experience its buzzing vibe. Next we will head to Bali,
village and the Jeongbang waterfalls. Overnight at
visiting the Bali pier, old street, shops with interesting
Jeju Lotte City Hotel. B/D
wares, ancient fortress with banyan trees and
Day 15, Wednesday 20th April Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology. An early
JEJU – BUSAN – TAIPEI, TAIWAN dinner will be arranged at a local restaurant
in Taipei. Overnight at Sherwood Hotel Taipei. B/D
After breakfast we will depart Jeju for Busan and then
transfer for the flight to Taipei (flight to be confirmed). Day 19, Sunday 24th April
TAIPEI – LUKANG – SUN MOON LAKE
Welcome to Taiwan! Start with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before
The group will be met at the airport and transferred to heading to Lukang. We will take the HSR - high speed
the hotel where we spend 4 nights. Dinner stop along rail - capable of speeds well in excess of 300km/hr.
the way. Overnight at Sherwood Hotel Taipei (or Lukang is a charming 3-century old town, which was
similar). B/D once the second largest city and a busy business
Itinerary correct as at Mar 15, 2021 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au
port. We’ll visit the market, walk on its lovely old Chihpen and refresh. In the afternoon we’ll walk
street, the Matsu Temple. Then we’ll drive to the through the nearby Chihpen Forest recreation area,
resort that lies in the heart of Taiwan – stunning Sun rich in natural scenery including hot springs,
Moon Lake. We’ll visit the local landmark, Wen Wu waterfalls, banyan trees, and tropical forests. After
Temple, and Peacock Garden before checking in the dinner, we can relax in the hot-springs at the hotel
hotel – the Lalu Sun Moon Lake (or similar), for two and then enjoy an indigenous music and dance
nights. Dinner at a local restaurant. B/D performance. Overnight Hotel Royal Chihpen (or
similar). B/D
Day 20, Monday 25th April
SUN MOON LAKE Day 24, Friday 29th April
Today we’ll take a motorboat ride around the lake, CHIHPEN – TAROKO
and visit the Holy Monk Shrine. If you would like to, Much of today
you can bike-ride along the well-established cycling is transferring
path (It’s a round-lake bike trail, moderate to easy). northward to
Then we will drive to the famous Chung Tai Zen Taroko along
Monastery, followed by the magnificent Buddhist Art the east coast.
Museum. This afternoon we’ll visit the Antique Assam On the way
Tea Farm, where you can see the tea plantation and we’ll visit
taste the famous local black tea. Dinner tonight is at a Siaoyeliou,
famous restaurant, the Full House Guest House. Dulan Bay,
Overnight at the Lalu. B/D Donghe, the
marvellous Sansiantai and the Stone Steps. Our
Day 21, Tuesday 26th April destination is the magnificent Taroko Gorge, a striking
SUN MOON LAKE – TAINAN ravine dotted with ancient temples. Dinner and
This morning we will drive southward to the first overnight at the delightful Silks Place Taroko (or
capital city in Taiwan, Tainan arriving around midday. similar). B/D
We will visit Chikan Tower and Confucius Temple in
the city. After this brief tour we will transfer to Anping Day 25, Saturday 30th April
the fishing port, and visit the Anping Fort. Check in to TAROKO
the hotel the Evergreen Plaza Hotel (or similar). Today, those of us who are up to it will enjoy some
Dinner will be at Duxiaoyue Restaurant. B/D soft trekking in the trails among the National Park. For
those not wishing to trek, this area is full of natural
Day 22, beauty to appreciate. Take in the grand gorge view,
the iconic rock formations of Swallow Grotto and the
Wednesday Eternal Spring Shrine built across a running waterfall.
27th April Afterwards, we’ll return to Taipei and check into our
TAINAN – hotel the Sherwood Deluxe (or similar) for dinner. B/D
FO GUAN
SHAN – Day 26, Sunday 1st May
KAOHSIUNG DEPARTURE
Enjoy a The morning is at leisure before transferring to the
leisurely airport for your flight home to Australia. B/Meals in
breakfast at the flight
hotel and then we’ll drive southward to Kaohsiung, the
biggest harbour city in southern Taiwan. We’ll visit Fo Day 27, Monday 2nd May
Guan Shan Monastery and surrounds. Then on to ARRIVE HOME
Dragon and Tiger Pagoda and the graceful Spring
and Autumn Pavilions which stand in the water of
Lotus Lake. We then visit Cijing and take a ferry ride
with the locals. Dinner at Hakka Restaurant and after,
for those who like to mix it with the locals, we’ll go to
the night market. Overnight at the Ambassador Hotel
Kaohsiung (or similar). B/D
Day 23, Thursday 28th April
KAOHSIUNG – TAITUNG (CHIHPEN)
Today we’ll enjoy a train journey on the South-Link
Line towards Taitung, passing sweeping views of the
Pacific Ocean against a mountainous backdrop on the
other side. On arrival, we’ll check in to the Hotel Royal
Itinerary correct as at Mar 15, 2021 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au
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