Asia | Cultural Escape to South Korea & Taiwan

Day 1 |  USA / Seoul, South Korea

Arrive in Seoul and meet your private transfer bound for the celebrated Conrad Seoul. Spread over 37 floors in the Internal Finance Tower adjacent to Yeouido Park, unwind in world-class luxury for four nights, basking in dramatic Han River and Seoul city views. Delight in an indoor pool, luxuriant spa, and exceptional dining options including tantalizing land and sea delicacies with a panoramic view, international gourmet buffet, noodle bar, home-style Italian fare, and rooftop bar and restaurant.

Day 2 |  Seoul

This morning, meet in the lobby to depart on the guided half-day Discover Seoul City Excursion. Built in the 14th-century during the Joseon Dynasty as the primary residence of the royal family, marvel at the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most beautiful palace in South Korea. Witness the changing of the guards and visit the National Folk Museum for a glimpse into culture and history. Then, depart to Insadong Antique Street, lined with tea houses, cafes, art galleries, shops and more for an authentic Korean experience.

After your exciting introduction to South Korea, unwind with a restorative swim in the pool or relax with soothing spa therapy before heading for dinner. Indulge in the six-dish prix-fixe menu at 37 Grill & Bar on the top floor of the hotel, complete with fine wine and magnificent river and cityscape views.

Day 3 |  Seoul

Start your day with a flavorful breakfast buffet before embarking on the Suwon World Heritage Experience. Built in the 18th century to protect the city and honor Prince Sado, explore the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, its defensive features, ramparts, towers, gates and beyond as you learn about the life of the Joseon Dynasty. Continue to the restored Temporary Palace at Hwaseong Fortress, a war shelter for the king and his family, for a glimpse into royal history.

Day 4 |  Seoul

Sip your coffee and savor authentic breakfast flavors before meeting your private transfer for a special Interactive Korean Culinary Class. Complete with stove stations, prep tables and ingredients, foodies will delight in learning the secrets of preparing authentic Korean recipes such as bibimbap, bulgogi, rice cakes and more before gathering around the table to toast to your mouth-watering feast.

Tonight, wind down with grilled delights or lite bites along with signature cocktails and exotic rooftop vistas at VVertigo as you celebrate your final night in Seoul. Relax with the live music as you toast to your next destination.

Day 5 |  Seoul / Busan

Depart the hotel and board your private transfer for your comfortable high-speed Korea Train Express to Busan. Upon arrival, meet your private transfer to the The Westin Josun Busan for two remarkable nights in a club level guestroom. A prime location between Dongbaek Island and the celebrated Haeundae Beach, revel in contemporary sophistication with globally-inspired cuisine and signature Korean dining with remarkable waterfront views, plus enjoy the Beach Athletic Club, an indoor pool and kids pool.

Day 6 |  Busan

Join your knowledgeable guide in the lobby for a full day of discovery on the Busan City Excursion. Tour the 14th-century seaside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, and revel in the views as you cross the iconic Gwangandaegyo Bridge and sights of Haeundae Beach. Stop at the colorful mountainside Gamcheon Cultural village, the Jagalchi Fish Market and the open-air Gukje International Market for a special souvenir before a grand finale of fireworks at the Busan Tower.

Day 7 |  Busan/Taipei, Taiwan

Board your private transfer for your comfortable flight to Taipei, Taiwan. Upon arrival, meet your private transfer to the luxurious Shangri-la Far Eastern, Taipei for four nights. Touted as the tallest hotel in the heart of Taipei with views of the iconic Taipei 101 Tower, immerse a fusion of Eastern and Western design with Sung Dynasty-inspired artworks, rooftop pool, Japanese luxury spa, authentic Asian and Western cuisines with unique dining experiences and an international cake room from an acclaimed pastry team.

This evening, delve into Taiwan's culture and cuisine at the Shilin Night Market. With its lanes and alleyways of glowing lanterns and wealth of vendors, this famous market is buzzing with a wide selection of street food from grilled squid, stinky tofu and deep-fried fish balls to wrapped biscuits, mango shaved ice and bubble tea for a tasty welcome.

Day 8 |  Taipei

Depart the hotel to experience an informative, private guided day of culture, heritage and tradition on the Taipei City Discovery Excursion. Admire the Baroque architecture and elegant interiors of the Presidential Office building and experience Taipei's rich heritage at the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. Learn about the history of the colorful Longshan Temple, its Buddhist roots and worship of divine spirts. After lunch, continue to the observation deck of Taipei 101, one the world's tallest skyscrapers and filled with floors of designer brands with time peruse before exploring the thousands of exquisite artifacts in the National Palace Museum.

Day 9 |  Taipei

Experience this remarkable island republic at your leisure today. For a taste of culture and Chinese architecture, visit the noteworthy Dalongdong Baoan Temple and adjacent Taipei Confucius Temple. Delight in nature hikes, hot springs, lakes and more at Yangmingshan National Park, head to the Taipei 101 tower for more shopping, or spend your day simply relaxing at the hotel spa or pool.

Tonight, savor signature Shanghainese dishes with a modern flair at the Shanghi Pavilion in the hotel, complete with dramatic city views from level 39. Order set menu dishes featuring steamed pork dumplings, braised king prawns in soy sauce or sauteed fresh lily with asparagus, accompanied with a favorite varietal from the extensive international wine list.

Days 10 - 11 |  Taipei / USA

On your final full day of discovery, enjoy the Taipei's Northern Coast Adventure. Led by a private guide, stroll the Jiufen Old Street district. Once bountiful with gold mines, immerse in this vibrant mountain village laced with laneways and alleys filled with traditional foods, tea houses and shops. Following a favorite Taiwanese treat, delight in the natural beauty of the Shifen Waterfall, and then head to Shifen Old Street, home to a connection of railroad tracks where you will experience the "passing of the train" as lanterns laden with your handwritten wishes are released to the skies.

Reminisce about your exciting days in South Korea and Taiwan with a specialty cocktail or premium varietal from Marco Polo Lounge with its live music and dramatic views from the 38th level, before your last dinner at one of the hotel's tantalizing restaurants or new favorite hotspot amid all the glittering lights of the city. In the morning, board your transfer to the airport for your comfortable homebound flight.