Trip summary statistics
5days
Seoul Explorer
Seoul
Explore Korea’s royal past with your guide at the UNESCO-listed Changdeokgung Palace.
Lose yourself in Seoul’s bustling markets, tasting fresh seafood and sizzling street eats.
Discover Seoul's futuristic side with its modern wonders and artistic atmosphere
Enjoy a pleasant cruise in the Han River and take in the serene beauty of Seoul's nature
Ask your Destination Expert to add a cooking class where you’ll master kimchi or bulgogi.
* Please note: USD per person, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.
A travel experience like no other
This sample itinerary was created by experts and is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be customized to suit your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and departing whenever you choose.
We personalize
There's no formula, we simply listen to you and make it happen.
We expertly plan
From your itinerary to the small details, we prepare it all on your behalf.
We don't settle
Refining your itinerary until you're happy, even while you're traveling.
When would you like to travel?
| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
What's your ideal trip length?
If anything changes, we can always adjust.
Prefer to speak with a destination expert?
SeoulGet Settled
- Airport Meet & Greet
- Incheon Airport with Guide - Mini Van/Driver/Guide
SeoulSecrets of the City
- Ancient History, Secret Gardens, and Tasty Street Food (with snacks, 8 hrs)
SeoulSights and Insights
- Seoul of Yesterday and Tomorrow (6 hrs)
- Han River Cruise (2 hrs)
SeoulTreasures and Pleasures
- Nature Break in the Megacity - Private
- Seoul After Dark: Dynamic Nightlife Tour (with Korean BBQ Dinner, 5 hrs) - Private Tour
SeoulSafe Travels!
- Incheon Airport with Guide - Mini Van/Driver/Guide
SEOUL
Get Settled
For your added comfort, your guide will be waiting for you outside the customs area with a sign with your name on it and accompany you to your accommodation.
Meet your English speaking guide and driver for an airport transfer with a private vehicle.
Where you’ll be staying
Queen Superior Room
SEOUL
Secrets of the City
Enjoy this full-day tour in and around Seoul revealing some of its many highlights with a focus on history and food. After meeting your guide and driver, start with a visit to the awe-inspiring Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden. Step back in time as you wander through the meticulously preserved halls and courtyards of this UNESCO World Heritage site, where centuries of Korean history come to life. Marvel at the intricate architecture and lush gardens, and uncover the palace's hidden treasures as our expert guides unveil its secrets. Explore the secluded sanctuary of the Secret Garden through winding paths lined with towering trees and blooming flowers. Your guide will regale you with tales of royal intrigue and romance, offering insight into the palace's illustrious past.
Next, immerse yourself in the timeless charm of Namsangol Hanok Village, a quaint enclave nearby, nestled at the foot of Namsan Mountain. Here, traditional Korean hanok houses offer a glimpse into the country's storied past, with each dwelling restored to its former glory. Stroll through the cobbled streets, admiring the elegant wooden structures and tranquil gardens, and learn about the customs and traditions of old Korea from our knowledgeable guides.
No journey through Seoul's center would be complete without a visit to the bustling Gwangjang Market. Featured on Netflix's Street Food, Gwangjang Market is a vibrant hub of sights, sounds, and flavors drawing thousands of visitors annually. As you weave through the bustling alleyways, indulge your senses in the aromas of sizzling street food. Sample mouthwatering delicacies like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and bibimbap (mixed rice) from local vendors, immersing yourself in the culinary delights of Korean cuisine. Conclude the day with a private transfer back to your accommodation.
Where you’ll be staying
Queen Superior Room
SEOUL
Sights and Insights
Today you'll learn of Seoul's reputation as a 'city of contrasts' - having been catapulted from 'pre-modern agrarian' to 'futuristic megacity' within the span of one generation. After meeting your guide and private driver at your hotel, you'll set our for the Blue House - Cheongwadae - the national residence of South Korea's president with its beautiful views of Bugaksan Montain as its backdrop. Nearby is Cheongwadae Saranchae - a cultural museum with special exhibitions highlighting Korea's politically tumultuous 20th Century and the current affairs and responsibilities of the official presidential residence. Next, it's on to Seochon Village just west of Gyeongbokgung Palace. This indescribably charming neighborhood of old hanok houses lining long allies harmonizes well with newly emerging shops and stores. Walking through the alleys that resembles a big maze, visitors will be nicely surprised by murals and adorable pictures that showcase much of Seoul's street-art movement. Lastly no art-tour of Seoul is complete without a visit to the post-modernist Leeum Samsung Museum of Art. This ultra-modern building is just as fascinating as the art works on display - the museum's three buildings were designed by internationally renowned architects Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel, and Rem Koolhaas. MUSEUM 1 houses traditional Korean art, such as calligraphy, paintings, ceramic arts, and metal craftwork, while MUSEUM 2 displays modern and contemporary art by both Korean and international artists.
Meet your driver at your hotel and discover the enchanting beauty of Seoul with a memorable Han River cruise, a journey that has delighted visitors since its launch in 1986. Should you be embarking during the daytime, the cruise provides a serene daytime tour, showcasing the picturesque scenery of the Han River. Enjoy the vibrant cityscape and serene natural beauty that frames this iconic waterway.
Conversely, those boarding in the evening will watch the sun set over the city, casting a warm and golden glow across the river. This cruise captures the serene and reflective ambiance of Seoul at twilight.
Today you'll experience the scenic beauty with the charm of the Han River that divides the city physically while acting as a meeting point for those looking for a serene break from the mass-urbanization. At the end of the tour, your driver will return you to your hotel.
Please note: Your Passport is required to board any vessel in South Korea. Please bring it along for your excursion today.
Where you’ll be staying
Queen Superior Room
SEOUL
Treasures and Pleasures
Explore a greener side of Seoul with a private transfer from your hotel to Seoul Forest, a broad park along the Han River where woodland paths, wetlands, gardens, and cultural spaces offer a welcome pause from the city’s pace. After time among its varied landscapes, continue to Plant Cafe PH, a multi-purpose venue with a botanical garden on the 1st floor, a cafÉ on the 2nd, and a photo exhibition space above. Your private transfer returns you to your hotel at the end of this relaxed outing shaped by nature, design, and local life.
This evening, uncover Seoul's after-dark scene; a private experience designed to immerse you in the vibrant and diverse nightlife of South Korea's capital. As dusk settles, meet your private driver and guide to begin your nocturnal adventure. Your first stop is a local Korean BBQ restaurant, where the aromas of grilled meats and sizzling vegetables set the stage for an authentic culinary delight. Savor the rich flavors and communal spirit of a traditional BBQ dinner, an experience that captures the heart of Korean dining culture. Next, journey to Deoksugung Palace, where the historic architecture is illuminated in a breathtaking display of light and shadow. Take in the serene night views of this ancient royal residence from the Joseon Dynasty, where the palace's stone walls and elegant pavilions contrast beautifully against the darkening sky. Your guide will share fascinating stories and historical insights, deepening your appreciation for this majestic site. The night continues in Hongdae, a dynamic neighborhood known for its energetic nightlife and youthful vibe. Explore the bustling streets filled with eclectic bars, live music venues, and vibrant street performances. Feel the pulse of Seoul's contemporary culture as you soak in the sights and sounds that make Hongdae a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Conclude your evening with a return transfer to your accommodation.
Where you’ll be staying
Queen Superior Room
SEOUL
Safe Travels!
Meet your English speaking guide and driver for an airport transfer with a private vehicle.
SEOUL
Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun
Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun is ideally located in the heart of Dongdaemun, Seoul's renowned shopping district, surrounded by some of the city's most iconic attractions. The hotel offers 331 beautifully appointed guestrooms and 192 residences, each meticulously designed to strike a perfect balance between style and comfort, creating a tranquil haven amidst the bustling city. Indulge your senses in a culinary journey through the hotel's diverse dining options, where you can savor a fusion of local and international flavors. Delight in panoramic views at the rooftop bar while enjoying a refreshing drink. For ultimate relaxation, take a dip in the outdoor pool and bask in the sunlight as you revel in the stunning surroundings. Discover the architectural marvels of Dongdaemun Design Plaza or take a leisurely stroll along the tranquil Cheonggyecheon Stream, a hidden gem that offers a serene escape from the urban landscape, all just minutes away from the hotel. With its premium central location and incredible cityscape views, Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun provides a serene retreat in the vibrant city of Seoul.
Made to Order
- Choose from a range of places to stay, from impeccable five-star hotels to equally outstanding boutique ones.
- Tailor your trip to include a wide variety of activities, from the must-see's to the lesser-known, local experiences, and even the exclusive ones you may not know about.
- With no fixed dates or set schedules, you can explore on your terms.
- Whether you're celebrating one of life's big moments or looking to fulfill a personal journey, we always work with you to ensure we're creating a trip-of-a-lifetime.
What's included
- A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
- 24/7 in-destination support from our local office
- Regional flights between stops in your itinerary (unless otherwise indicated)
- All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
- A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver - your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable)
- Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour
- A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you
- Breakfast each morning at your hotel, plus any meals indicated in the itinerary
- One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
What's not included
- Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you'd like to receive pricing from our Air Team
- Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you've booked your tour
- Visas (unless noted)
- Tips for services and experiences
- Lunches, dinners and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), unless specified in the itinerary
- Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
- Personal charges such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards or room service
- Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
- Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of your itinerary
- Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees
- Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Protect your travel
- We recommend travel protection. Between missed connections, lost or delayed luggage, or medical emergencies, you want some peace of mind that your travel investment is well protected.
- No matter who you buy from, please consider purchasing a travel protection plan before you travel. Still unsure? Consider these frequently asked questions.








