North Korea - A Hidden World ( 13 days)
Contact a Specialist Consultant Now!

North Korea - A Hidden World ( 13 days)

Today, in a world of flattened travel perspectives, North Korea (DPRK) is the last frontier in the search for the remarkable. Mysterious and secretive are adjectives that only scratch the surface when trying to describe the DPRK. North Koreans are a proud people with great warmth and humour, which once again remind us of the common bond of humanity. We invite you to join us on an adventure to an extraordinary world!

  • Day 1 & 2: Australia - Singapore - Beijing - After completing customs and immigration formalities at Beijing airport we transfer to our hotel. The rest of the morning is at leisure. After lunch we take a city tour, including a walk in historic Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public plaza, which also houses the remains of Mao Tse-Dong.
  • Day 3: Beijing - 
A very special day's sightseeing. After breakfast we drive out of Beijing and head for the incredible Great Wall of China. We visit the beautiful section at Mutianyu, which is far less touristy than many other parts accessible from the capital. Built more than 2,000 years ago under the orders of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huamgdi, it remains one of the largest construction projects of all time and stretches an incredible 6,400 kilometres. We will have plenty of time to stroll on the ramparts and fully take in this wonder of the world. We will also enjoy an exclusive picnic in one of the watchtowers, which line the wall. Returning to Beijing we will attend a stunning traditional Chinese folk show, while dining on Peking Roast Duck.

  • Day 4: Beijing - Today is an exciting one as we have the chance to inspect the incredible Olympic stadium. Known as the 'Birds Nest' this extraordinary arena can accommodate 91,000 spectators. The structure is an engineering masterpiece and is also regarded as a 'green phenomenon', due to its rainwater collection system and translucent roof which provides essential sunlight for the grass below.
  • Day 5: Beijing - Pyongyang - After lunch we transfer to Beijing international railway station for the start of our journey to the 'Hermit Kingdom' of the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea (DPRK). We board the K27 Express for the thrilling journey to Pyongyang. We pass through mountainous countryside and enjoy several glimpses of the Great Wall. Arriving at Dandong, the Chinese/DPRK border town, Chinese frontier officials board the train. After a relaxed customs check the train shuffles across to the DPRK border town of Sinuiju. With border formalities over, the train makes its way into the heart of one of the world's most remarkable travel destinations.
  • Day 6: Arrive Pyongyang - A day of relaxation on the train as it passes through typical rural countryside before arriving in the DPRK capital.
  • Day 7: Pyongyang - With a history of more than 5000 years, Pyongyang is a monumental yet surprisingly beautiful city, located on the banks of the Taedong River. With a population of more than three million, the city has numerous traffic-free boulevards and avenues surrounded by parks and gardens. As we explore Pyongyang we will see sights such as the Arch of Triumph, the Juche Tower, Moran Hill and the birthplace of Kim Il Sung. This afternoon we will visit some stations on a metro system many say rivals Moscow and Paris for its beauty.
  • Day 8: Pyongyang - Myohyang - This morning we start our two-hour journey to Myohyang. Situated in the mountains of northwestern DPRK, Mt Myohyang boasts a beautiful and pristine environment, which many Koreans consider their favourite place to visit. The area has more than 2,500 species of plants, animals, birds and fish. We visit the amazing International Friendship Exhibition, which opened in 1978 and is regarded as one of the most extraordinary museums in the world. Gifts from presidents and prime ministers from around the globe are displayed here. A visit is like stepping into the history of the 20th century!

  • Day 9: Myohyang - Pyongyang - This morning we visit the beautiful Pohyon Temple, one of the most famous in Korea, dating back to the 11th century. After lunch we make our way back to Pyongyang to visit the Korean War Museum, which is dedicated to the Korean War of 1950-1953. Exhibits include weapons, captured planes, tanks and magnificent dioramas.

  • Day 10: Pyongyang - This morning we visit the captured American armed spy ship, the USS Pueblo. Constructed in 1932 and refitted as a military information-gathering ship in the US Pacific fleet, the Pueblo was captured in January 1968 along with 80 sailors. It caused a massive international incident which pushed the US and North Korea to the brink of war. It ended 11 months later with the release of the sailors and an apology from the Americans. Today this fascinating ship is moored on the banks of the Taedong River. This afternoon we visit the Children's Palace which hosts classes for extra-curricular activities such as gymnastics, karate and various musical studies. It provides a wonderful insight into teaching methods in the DPRK.

  • Day 11: Panmunjon - Today is a major highlight on the tour as we visit the 38th Parallel, the most heavily militarised border in the world and only 68 kms from Seoul, the capital of South Korea. The tension, as each side photograph each other across the line, is palpable. Our visit provides a unique and rare perspective, as few westerners have ever viewed the extraordinary 'face-off' from the north side. At one of the armistice halls it is possible to walk around the conference table into South Korea!

  • Day 12 & 13: Pyongyang - Beijing - Singapore - Australia. This morning we transfer to Pyongyang international airport for our flight to Singapore via Beijing.

Operated by Travel Directors

Departures: April

  • Contact usfor more information, current costs and to make a booking on this tour