Day 1 Istanbul – Hong Kong
Meeting 3 hours before the flight at the Turkish Airlines counter in the international departures terminal of Istanbul Airport. After baggage, ticket, and passport procedures, departure for Hong Kong on Turkish Airlines flight TK170 at 17:10.
Day 2 Hong Kong
Upon arrival at 08:20 local time, our city tour begins with our vehicle waiting for us at the airport. Hong Kong, one of Asia’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities, enchants visitors with both its modern skyscrapers and traditional culture. During our city tour, we will see Aberdeen, the Fishing Village, Victoria Peak, and Repulse Bay. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Guests who wish may join the extra Grand Hong Kong Boat Tour with Dinner (120 USD). Departing from the harbor by boat, we will enjoy unforgettable views of Hong Kong from a different perspective, along with music and dinner. After the boat tour, transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 Hong Kong
After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish may join the extra Grand Macau Island Tour (270 USD). We depart from the hotel by private vehicle to the ferry terminal. After an approximately 1-hour pleasant journey, we arrive at Macau Island and begin our island tour. Macau Island is a special administrative region located on China’s southern coast and known as the “Las Vegas of Asia.” Having been governed for centuries as a Portuguese colony, Macau now offers a unique synthesis of Western and Eastern cultures despite being part of China. During our tour, we will see Guia Circuit (the venue of the Macau Grand Prix), the statue of the Goddess Kum Lam, A-Ma Temple, the world’s largest casino, identical to the one in Las Vegas, and Macau city center and cathedral, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. After the tour, guests may try their luck at the casino. Transfer to our hotel afterward. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 Hong Kong – Osaka
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport. After baggage and ticket procedures, depart for Osaka with a local airline. Upon arrival local time, our Osaka city tour begins with our vehicle waiting for us at the airport. Osaka is an important tourist destination in Japan’s Kansai region, the country’s third-largest city, attracting attention with both its historical richness and modern urban life. Known for its lively atmosphere, warm people, and delicious street food, Osaka is also referred to as Japan’s “kitchen capital.” During our city tour, we will see Osaka Castle, built in the 16th century and playing a key role in the unification of Japan, the Umeda Sky Building consisting of two structures 173 meters long, and the Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi districts. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 Osaka
After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish may join the extra Grand Kyoto Tour (Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Kinkakuji – Kiyomizudera and Fushimi Temples) (190 USD). We head to Kyoto, famous for its temples, gardens, and traditional neighborhoods, and one of the best-preserved centers of Japan’s traditional culture. After approximately a 1-hour journey, we begin our city tour. Kyoto, the only city in Japan not bombed during World War II, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We start our tour with Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of Kyoto’s most iconic attractions, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of nature. Located in the Arashiyama district, this bamboo grove enchants visitors with its calming atmosphere, especially when visited early in the morning or at sunset. The narrow walking paths winding among the tall, slender, lush green bamboo offer a close-to-nature experience and create unique scenery for photography lovers. The bamboo forest welcomes us with a 500-meter walking path. During this walk, we will enjoy pleasant moments accompanied by the sound of the wind passing through the bamboo. Our next stop is Kinkakuji Temple. Also known as the “Golden Pavilion,” this structure was built in the 14th century as a villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and was later converted into a Zen temple after his death. The temple’s most striking feature is that its upper two floors are completely covered in gold leaf; this magnificent view creates a fairy-tale scene when reflected on the Kyoko-chi (Mirror Pond) in front of the temple. Kinkakuji, with its architecture as well as the carefully arranged Japanese garden and peaceful nature surrounding it, amazes visitors. This temple, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Kyoto’s most visited and photographed historic structures. Both culturally and visually captivating, Kinkakuji is among the must-see places for anyone visiting Japan. After the tour, we proceed to Kiyomizu-dera. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a famous Buddhist temple of great historical and architectural importance. Founded in 780, the temple is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and takes its name from the pure water spring nearby; “Kiyomizu” means “pure water” in Japanese. Immediately below the main hall is Otowa Waterfall, whose waters flow into a pond through three channels. According to belief, these channels symbolize knowledge, health, and longevity, respectively. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6 Osaka
After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish may join the extra Grand Nara Deer Park & Todaiji Temple, Kobe Mosaic and China Town tour (190 USD). Todaiji Temple is a historic structure located in Nara, Japan, and is considered one of the country’s most important Buddhist temples. Built in the 8th century in 752, the temple is located in the heart of Nara, one of Japan’s former capitals. Todaiji is especially famous for the Daibutsu (Great Buddha), the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue. This massive statue is displayed inside the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall), located at the center of the temple. At the same time, this hall stands out as one of the world’s largest wooden structures. The temple is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and offers deep insights into Japanese culture and Buddhism. After the tour, we visit Nara Deer Park, a large park in the center of Nara. Nara Deer Park is a large park in Nara, Japan, famous for its freely roaming hundreds of deer. Established in 1880, this park attracts millions of tourists every year with both its natural beauty and cultural richness. Around 1,000 Japanese deer of the “sika” species live in the park, and these deer are considered sacred by the local people. According to legend, a god once came to Nara in the form of a deer, which is why the deer are protected. Visitors can buy special “shika senbei” deer crackers from the stalls in the park and feed these cute animals. The deer are very accustomed to tourists and are also famous for sometimes bowing slightly as if greeting them. Afterwards, we head to Kobe, Japan’s sixth-largest city, with a population of approximately 1.5 million. This port city, where modern urban texture blends with traditional Japanese culture, offers guests a pleasant excursion with its elegant atmosphere and organized city layout. Our first stop is Kobe Mosaic, one of the most popular points in the harbor area. This dining and shopping complex located by the sea, with its colorful shops, restaurants, and panoramic harbor view, is one of the city’s liveliest areas. During our free time here, guests who wish may have the chance to taste Kobe beef, the city’s world-famous gourmet delicacy. Kobe beef, one of Japan’s finest cuts of meat, offers an unforgettable experience for gastronomy enthusiasts with its tender texture and rich aroma. Later in the day, we visit Nankinmachi (Chinatown), founded in 1868 and known as Japan’s first and largest Chinatown. With its red lantern-decorated streets, ornamental gates, enticing aromas of street food, and lively atmosphere, Nankinmachi allows visitors to experience many different colors of Asian culture at once. During our pleasant walk here, we will have plenty of time for both shopping and photography. After this unforgettable exploration of colorful streets, we complete our tour and transfer to our hotel in Osaka, where we settle into our rooms.
Day 7 Osaka – Tokyo
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Tokyo by bullet train. Upon arrival in Tokyo, our Tokyo city tour begins. Tokyo, the capital of Japan and one of the world’s most populous metropolises, offers visitors an impressive blend of modern life and traditional Japanese culture. Known for its high technology, dazzling skyscrapers, and bustling streets, Tokyo is also famous for its temples, parks, and historic neighborhoods. Our city tour in Tokyo begins with Asakusa (Sensoji) Temple, one of Tokyo’s oldest temples, located in Asakusa and reflecting the mystical atmosphere of the district. This is the oldest temple in Tokyo, completed in 628 and dedicated to the goddess of mercy, Kannon. We will enter through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) and proceed to Nakamise Street, a shopping street exceeding 200 meters. During our break on the shopping street, you can buy typical Japanese souvenirs such as various kimonos and folding fans, or taste local snacks from the Asakusa area. After the tour, we visit another mystical temple, Meiji Shrine. During our visit, we will first be greeted by the magnificent torii gates. Built in 1920 in memory of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, after visiting this shrine, we continue to one of the city’s most iconic spots, Shibuya “Scramble Crossing.” Located in one of the busiest parts of the city amid business and shopping centers, this pedestrian crossing is known as the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8 Tokyo
After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish may join the extra Grand Ashi Boat & Mount Fuji & Hakone & Gotemba Premium Outlet tour (190 USD). During our tour, we take a pleasant boat ride on the enchanting Lake Ashi, protected by UNESCO. Gliding over the lake with the impressive silhouette of Mount Fuji, you will have wonderful opportunities to photograph these magnificent natural views. Lake Ashi, one of the places that best reflects Japan’s mystical atmosphere, has a beauty that resembles a postcard with its calm waters and countless shades of green surrounding it. After the boat tour, we stop for shopping at Gotemba Premium Outlet, one of Japan’s largest outlet shopping centers. Located at the foot of Mount Fuji and offering visitors a spacious open-air shopping experience, this huge complex has more than 250 stores. Gotemba Outlet features a wide range of brands, from popular lifestyle names like Nike and Lacoste to world-famous luxury brands like Armani and Burberry. Thanks to seasonal discounts, special campaigns, and holiday offers, there can be discounts of up to 70% compared to retail prices. Therefore, it is an ideal stop for both guests looking for affordable shopping and those hoping to find special designer products. While enjoying shopping with a view of Mount Fuji, guests may relax in cafes or try local flavors in the outlet’s restaurants.
Day 9 Tokyo – Istanbul
After breakfast at the hotel, free time. Later, transfer to the airport at the time determined by the guide. After baggage and ticket procedures, depart for Istanbul on Turkish Airlines flight TK 51 at 10:15. Arrival at 17:50 local time and end of the tour.