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Itinerary

Day 1 - USA/Seoul
Depart San Francisco on board a Singapore Airlines flight to Seoul. Cross the International Date Line en route.

Day 2 - Seoul
Arrive at Incheon International Airport and transfer to your hotel. (Best Western Gukdo Hotel/Fraser Place Hotel/Lotte World Hotel)

Day 3 - Seoul
A half-day tour of this national capital includes Gyongbok Palace with the Folklore Museum, Chokyesa Temple, and the Blue House.

Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also commonly referred to as the “Northern Palace” because it is located more toward the north, compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeongheegung (Western Palace). Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and remains the grandest of all the five palaces. The premises were destroyed by fire by Japanese invaders. However, all of the palace's 7,700 rooms were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun in the years of King Gojong (1852~1919) . Remarkably, the most representative edifices of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeonghoe-ru Pavilion and Hyangwonjeong Pond, are still relatively intact. Woldae and the sculptures of Geunjeongjeon (The Royal Audience Chamber) represent the sculpture art of the period.

Located inside Gyeongbok Palace, the National Folklore Museum comprises three interconnected buildings. The three examples of traditional Korean architecture on the roofs are some of the highest buildings on the palace grounds, and can be easily seen from almost anywhere. Inside the museum are examples of the different periods of Korean history, from pre-history through the Japanese occupation. In addition to actual relics, replicas and paintings show various aspects of traditional life, including many ceremonies and festivals. Jungang Hall, in the center of the three wings, is used to showcase various exhibitions that change periodically.

Chogyesa Temple is the only major temple within the old city walls of Seoul. Built in 1910, the temple became the main temple of Korean Buddhism's Chogye Order in 1936. In 1954, after the great clean-up movement to rid the country of any vestiges of the Japanese occupation, the temple came to be called Chogyesa. This is the name of the mountain on which the Sixth Patriarch of Chinese Ch'an Buddhism, Huineng (638-713), lived.

Day 6 - Taipei
Morning tour includes the impressive architecture of Martyrs' Shrine, art treasures at the National Palace Museum, and Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. Afternoon is free.

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
To express the affection and honor felt for the first President, this monument was built. It is in Chinese style with white walls and blue roofs, and contains a bronze statue of the President; the rooms underneath mount an exhibition of the President's rich life. Soldiers on guard at the Memorial are changed every hour, a favorite sight for tourists.

Presidential Office (pass by)
The Presidential Office Building is an important symbol for the people of Taiwan. The five-story structure is constructed in European Renaissance style and has a double-courtyard plan. The red-brick and gray-stucco facade and well-maintained front gardens give it a dignified, classical appearance. State ceremonies are held in front of the building on New Year's Day and National Day.

Hsingtien Temple
Lying at the intersection of Minchuan East Road and Sungkiang Road, Hsingtien Temple covers an area of almost 7,000 square meters and is dedicated to the the God of War, Kuan Yu. The temple stands for a harmonious society through the promotion of Confucian and Buddhist beliefs. Since Kuan Yu is also the patron god of merchants, many business people worship here.

Martyrs' Shrine
The Martyrs' Shrine is situated on Peian Road near Yuanshan. Completed in 1969, this majestic shrine was built in memory of those who sacrificed their lives in the founding of the Republic of China. A memorial plaque and historical pictures in the shrine attest to their heroic spirit. Every year, In the spring and fall, the president of the country and leading government officials come here to pay their respects to the martyrs. Overseas Chinese also visit the shrine on Double Ten Day in October.

The National Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum, with its antique collection amounting to nearly 700,000 pieces whose age range covers almost the entire five-thousand-year Chinese history, has made itself the greatest and most priceless treasure house regarding Chinese art on earth. Among the collection, you may enjoy Chinese earthenware like pottery, porcelain, as well as bronze, jade ware, sculpture, embroidery, calligraphy and paintings. Each piece is a true curio. Renowned for its abundance and artistic value worldwide, the collection at Palace Museum is one of the main attractions to a considerable number of visitors every day.

Day 9 - Singapore
Discover the history, culture and lifestyle of Singapore on your morning tour. Stroll along the colorful streets of Little India and be dazzled by the hive of activity that permeates every nook and cranny of the area. The next stop is the "Colonial" heart of Singapore, where you take a short stroll to view the Merlion from next to the Esplanade theatre. Drive past the Financial District to Chinatown, a place where many immigrants' forefathers set up home. Patronize the varied and unique shops and visit the oldest Hindu Temple in Singapore, the magnificent Sri Mariamman Temple. Last stop is the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the 'green lung' of the city center. Experience the calm and serenity of this 52 hectares garden. Located within the grounds of the park is the National Orchid Garden, where you can marvel at the wide variety and colors of orchids on display. Tour includes a visit to a jewelry factory, where you can engage in shopping, one of Singaporeans' favorite pastimes, or simply admire the fine designs of Singapore jewelry. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 10 - Singapore
Full day at leisure to explore this dynamic city on your own. Or, join the many optional tours available at the hotel tour desk.

Day 11 - Singapore/USA
Transfer to airport this morning for your Singapore Airlines flight back to the US. Or, you may stay some extra days in Singapore. Or, take extensions to Paradise islands of Phuket and Bali, to mystic Borneo rainforest or mainland China.

Tour Features:

• Round trip trans-Pacific airfare via Singapore Airlines coach class
• Internal air transportation
• Round trip airport transfers
• Accommodations double occupancy at hotels indicated with hotel tax and service charge included
• Half-day coach city tour with English-speaking guide and admission fees in each city
• Breakfast daily
• Airline fuel surcharge (currently $340 per person subject to change)

Rates do not include:

1. Any expenses of personal nature such as tips, laundry, table drinks, telephone calls, etc.
2. Any item not mentioned above
3. Air taxes (currently $126 per person)
4. Optional non-refundable Travel Insurance

• S: standard hotel - Hotel Royal in Singapore, Best Western Hotel in Seoul, First Hotel in Taipei; FC: superior first class - York Hotel in Singapore, Fraser Place Hotel in Seoul, Fullerton East Hotel in Taipei; D: deluxe hotel - Meritus Mandarin Hotel in Singapore, Lotte World Hotel in Seoul, Landis Hotel in Taipei
• If above hotels and Singapore Airlines are not available at the time of reservation, alternative hotels at the same category or airlines could be used. Prices may differ.
• During trade fairs season and during Christmas and New Year’s Days, some hotels may require surcharges. The prices may increase.
• Ticket(s) must be issued and full payment must be received within 7 days of reservation
• Major credit card accepted; Credit card authorization required
• Change and cancellation penalty of $300 per person once ticketed; Pacific Holidays’ general cancellation policy applies; Travel insurance strongly recommended
• Hotel upgrades, additional hotel nights, extensions to all Asian destinations and add-on air fares from various US cities are available