September 20, 2024 – depart United States

International flight from the United States to Taipei, Taiwan.

september 21, 2024 – Taipei, Taiwan

Arrive in Taipei. Meet your English-speaking guide for your transfer to the hotel. The remainder of this day is at leisure.

September 22, 2024 – Taipei, Taiwan

Breakfast at the hotel, then enjoy this day at your leisure. Pick up at the hotel lobby to transfer to the cruise port terminal. The cruise departs at 8:00 pm.

September 23, 2024 – Hualien (7:00 am – 5:00 PM)

As the gateway to the scenic east coast of Taiwan, Hualien stands as a vibrant city, brimming with delicious culinary offerings, striking architecture, and verdant open spaces. Whether you’re keen to explore the rich history etched into its old and newer temples, enjoy a leisurely walk through the bustling city center, or savor a slice of Taiwan’s diverse flavors at the plethora of restaurants and markets, Hualien offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

september 24, 2024 – Ishigaki, Japan (8:00 am – 5:00 pm)

Nestled in the warm waters of the East China Sea, Ishigaki, Japan, invites travelers to explore its bountiful natural riches. This remote and picturesque island boasts an array of stunning sights and unique experiences.

september 25, 2024 – Naha, Japan (7:00 am – 5:30 pm)

Naha, the vibrant capital of Okinawa Prefecture, offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences against the backdrop of its scenic countryside. The city is a hub of historical significance, with numerous WWII memorials reminding visitors of its past. As you traverse the city, the grandeur of magnificent limestone caves will catch your eye, a testament to the island’s natural beauty.

September 26, 2024 – At Sea

September 27, 2024 – Kochi, Japan (7:00 am – 5:00 PM)

Venture to the enchanting Kochi, Japan, a place that invites you to immerse yourself in its cultural tapestry and savor the myriad of local delicacies. Among them, the star attraction is undoubtedly the Katsuo no tataki, a special preparation of seared tuna, celebrated for its smoky flavor and succulent texture. The historical heart of Kochi beats within its city center, originally established in 1601. It grew as a bustling town encircling the majestic Kochi Castle, an enduring symbol of the region’s rich past, now inviting modern visitors to explore its storied walls.

September 28, 2024 – Himeji, Japan (7:00 am – 10:00 pm)

Nestled in the Kansai region of Japan, Himeji is a city steeped in history and tradition, heralding back to its origins as a castle town in the 14th century. Over the years, Himeji Castle, the city’s crown jewel, has witnessed numerous renovations and expansions under the stewardship of various rulers. These changes have not only fortified the structure but also enriched its historical fabric, making it a compelling narrative of Japan’s feudal past.

September 29, 2024 – Kyoto, Japan (7:00 am – 6:00 pm)

Kyoto, often juxtaposed with its bustling neighbor Osaka, stands as a testimony to Japan’s rich history and enduring customs. Surrounded by scenic hills, this ancient city basks in the glory of its past, having served as the nation’s capital for over a millennium, from 794 to 1868. With around 1,600 Buddhist temples and more than 400 Shintō shrines, Kyoto is a treasure trove of the spiritual and the sacred. The iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, while Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, shimmers in the reflection of the pond that embraces it.

September 30, 2024 – Mount Fuji (Shimizu), Japan (11:00 am – 6:00 pm)

Nestled beneath the formidable presence of Mount Fuji, the port town of Shimizu beckons with its serene beauty and cultural riches. As you meander through the tranquil pine groves of Miho, you’ll come upon a venerable 650-year-old black pine, a silent testament to Japan’s enduring natural heritage. The vistas here are nothing short of arresting, with breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Fuji available from the verdant rise of Nihondaira—a harmony of nature that will stir your soul. It’s a vantage point that offers a clear reminder of the mountain’s majestic legacy.

October 1, 2024 – tokyo, japan (8:00 am)

As the sun rises over the expansive port of Yokohama, it’s hard to imagine it was once a tranquil fishing village. Now standing as one of Japan’s most bustling harbors, it serves as the grand entrance to the ever-fascinating city of Tokyo. The seamless blend of age-old customs and ultra-modern lifestyle makes this area a unique tapestry of cultural vibrancy.

Disembark your cruise. Meet your English-speaking guide for your transfer to the hotel. The remainder of this day is at leisure.

October 2, 2024 – tokyo, japan

This day is at leisure.

Optional Tour #1: Tokyo City Tour. Standing 333 meters high in the center of Tokyo, Tokyo Tower is the world’s tallest, self-supported steel tower and 3 meters taller than its model, the Eiffel Tower. A symbol of Japan’s post-war rebirth as a major economic power, Tokyo Tower was the country’s tallest structure from its completion in 1958 until 2012 when it was surpassed by the Tokyo Skytree. In addition to being a popular tourist spot, Tokyo Tower serves as a broadcast antenna. After lunch (on your own), enjoy a stroll in Ginza, Tokyo’s most famous upmarket shopping, and dining and entertainment district, featuring numerous department stores, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and cafes before returning to the hotel.

Optional Tour #2 (2-day excursion – Bullet Train (Tokyo – Hiroshima – Miyajima). At 9:00 am, meet with your assistant at the hotel and transfer to Shin-Yokohama Station by private coach. You will board a bullet train Nozomi#29 for Hiroshima (approx. 3 hours 40 minutes). Once you arrive at Hiroshima Station, you will meet with your guide at the platform and depart for a visit of the Peace Memorial Park by private coach. Located in the centre of the city, Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park takes up over 120,000 square meters and is dedicated to the legacy of Hiroshima as the first city in history to suffer a nuclear attack. The park’s main attraction is the Peace Memorial Museum. Visitors can hear eyewitness testimonies and learn about the devastating effects the A-bomb had on the city of Hiroshima and its people. Overnight in Hiroshima.

At 9:00 am, meet your guide at the hotel lobby and depart for Miyajima Island. You will take a private coach to Miyajima-Guchi for a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island – a holy place of Shintoism since the earliest times. Here you will find perhaps the most photographed site in Japan -The Floating Torii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine. The harmoniously arranged buildings reveal great artistic and technical skill and have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, a private coach will take you to Shukkei-en garden. Overnight in Hiroshima.

October 3, 2024 – Tokyo, Japan

This day is at leisure.

October 4, 2024 – depart home

Breakfast at the hotel. The remainder of this day is at your leisure until your airport transfer.

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