13 Days in India, Japan, and South Korea

About the destination: Chennai, formerly known as Madras, this 369-year-old city is the capital of the southern state of Tamilnadu and is India's sixth-largest city. It serves as one of the main gateways to South India and has a thriving local culture and art scene and is one of the major destinations for medical tourism. It is on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal and has the second longest beachfront of any municipality in the world. Chennai is both an orthodox and a modern cosmopolitan city; the culture of the city reflects its diverse population. The traditional arts, music, dance and all other art forms of Tamilnadu grow and flourish here. The food is a unique blend of traditional, to fast foods and filter kaapi. It’s a land of temples and priests. The architecture ranges from ancient temples to modern high-rises. Music is classical and western, to the growing nightlife in the city.

About the destination: Tokyo is the capital of Japan and one of the largest urban area in the world. Tokyo is the financial center of Japan and a blend of high-technology and tradition. Tokyo is huge and a well-organized modern city. The city landscape of Tokyo consists of temples and shrines, quiet nature reserves, historical buildings, futuristic architecture and neon lights. The core of the city includes Chiyoda and Chuo. This area features the impressive Imperial Palace, the national government buildings, the famous shopping area of Ginza, Tsukiji fish market, Akihabara electronics market and the historic Tokyo Station. The quiet neighborhood of Asakusa has some must-see attractions such as the Sensoji Temple, the Nakamise-dōri shopping arcade, and the Golden Poo. Nearby is the Ueno area, including the Ameyoko market. A perfect spot to shop for traditional gifts and see a great Buddhist temple. Another major attraction of the city is the Meiji Shrine, located in Shibuya. Tokyo is a unique city that has something for everyone, busy shopping areas, famous nightlife, historical sights, quiet parks, and amazing scenery.

About the destination: Seoul is the capital of South Korea. Exuding Asian charm from every brick, Seoul is a very modern city yet traditional. There is a lot to see and do in this vibrant city, it offers many worthy sights, delicious gastronomy, architecture, nightlife, museums, culture, entertainment, shopping and open spaces to satisfy any visitor. The Hangang River separates Seoul into two distinct areas, north and south. The city lies in a natural basin, surrounded by the Hanbuk Mountain Range and a series hills, offering a magnificent scenic beauty that is one of Seoul’s major appeals. As the ancient seat of Korea's royalty, there are many palaces and fortresses spread throughout the city. Some of the most important are the Gyeongbok-gung, the Changdeok-gung and the Deoksu-gung. There are, as well, many temples and shrines devoted to the royal family members of Korean dynasties and to the Jogye order of Buddhism, the dominant branch of Buddhism in Korea. Two of the major Buddhist temples in the city are the Jogye Temple and the Bongeun Temple. There are several parks throughout the city and some fantastic hiking opportunities on the outskirts of the city center. Exciting and colorful, traditional and modern, Seoul is never boring.

About the destination: Shanghai is modern city located just south of the mouth of the mighty Yangtze River and split in two by the Huangpu River. It is one of China's largest metropolis and it is considered the most cosmopolitan, sophisticated and progressive city in mainland China. Shanghai is a good place to visit if you want to catch a glimpse of the future of China. A whole new city of skyscrapers has been built in its Pudong district, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, which has become one of the city’s landmarks and is one of the tallest structures in Asia and the Shanghai World Financial Center, the third largest building in Asia and the world. At the west side of the Yangzi River is Puxi area, the older central part of the city. Puxi has very rich history and is here where you will encounter many of the city’s old buildings and attractions, such as the French Concession, the Bund, the Yuyuan Garden, the Jiu Qu Bridge, the Huxin Pavilion and the Temple. Shanghai is China’s cosmopolitan hub of finance and culture. Shanghai has a special oriental charm and a fresh western style that appeal to everyone. And it is also a good base to explore the more rural and classical sights of nearby Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces.