Your Itinerary
Fly overnight to the vibrant city of Osaka. On arrival at the airport, you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to the hotel in Kyoto. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Japan's capital for over 1,000 years, Kyoto is a treasure trove of history and timeless culture. Begin your explorations with a visit to the Kiyomizu Temple, situated halfway up the Otowayama Hill allowing for stunning views of Kyoto. Continue to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its corridors of torii gates, followed a Sukiyaki lunch at a local
restaurant. Afterwards, enjoy a trip to the Matsui Shuzou Museum for some local sake
tasting, followed by a stroll of the historic Gion area.
Today you will embark on a guided tour of Kyoto. Begin with a visit to the beautiful Kinkaku-ji Temple also known as the‘Golden Pavillion', before discovering the Ryoanji and Kiyomizu Temple. Afterwards, visit to the beautiful Arashiyama Bamboo Forest before ending your day with a memorable dinner accompanied by a Maiko Performance.
Day 5: Bullet train to Mt Fuji
Board a bullet train and be whisked off to Mount Fuji. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before flying up to the heights of Mount Komagatake by cable car for more beautiful views. Next, board a mini cruise on the picturesque Lake Ashi. Afterwards, travel to Nagano for a stay at a traditional ryokan, with onsen facilities for you to enjoy.
Travel to Jigokudani Monkey Park, walking through the forest to reach the hot spring pool where a community of Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, bathe in the warm waters. Afterwards, transfer to Tokyo, Japan's capital since 1868 and one of the world's largest cities.
Tokyo may seem a thoroughly modern cityscape at first glance but look beyond the soaring towers and neon signs and you’ll find deeply rooted tradition and peaceful pockets of the past. Start at vibrant Sensoji, the city's oldest temple before ascending the Tokyo Sky Tree for magical views. Enjoy a sushi making masterclass before dining on your creations for lunch. Enjoy a photo stop at the world-famous Shibuya Crossing then explore Meiji Jingu Shrine.
Day 8: Board the Celebrity Millennium
After breakfast you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to Yokohama cruise terminal to board your cruise. The rest of the day is free to explore the ship's facilities and settle in. Throughout your cruise, when your ship comes into port, there will be a range of excursions available to help you explore each destination. These excursions are at your own expense and are bookable on your cruise reservation.
Day 9: Cruise – Explore Shimizu
Port in Shimizu, a city of medieval castle ruins, ancient pine groves and traditional gardens. Here, you are ideally located for viewing Mount Fuji (weather dependant) and a series of fascinating cultural sights.
Day 10: Cruise – Explore Kyoto
Arrive in Osaka, the closest port to Kyoto, and discover Japan's cultural heart.
Spend today at port, enjoying what your cruise ship has to offer.
Day 12: Cruise – Explore Kochi
Port at Kochi. A surfer hang out with a UNESCO Global Geopark coastline, plentiful great outdoors and bags of rustic charm, Kochi is a wonderful place to while away a day.
Day 13: Cruise – Explore Hiroshima
Arrive at Hiroshima. Best known as the first city in the world to feel the power of the atomic bomb in 1945, Hiroshima has emerged from the ashes as a cosmopolitan and peaceful place. Visit the tranquil Peace Park to learn about and reflect on the past.
Day 14: Cruise – At sea
Relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer as you sail along Japan's coastline.
Day 15: Cruise - Explore Kagoshima
Arrive at Kagoshima, a city at the southern tip of the island of Kyushu. Watched over by the active Sakurajima volcano and rich in history and delicious food, and surrounded by glorious nature, there is plenty to discover here.
Day 16: Cruise - Explore Nagasaki
Port at Nagasaki. Like Hiroshima, Nagasaki is best known for the events of the 9th of August 1945 but there is so much more to it. Backed by rolling hills and forested islands, with unspoilt beaches, European-style architecture, and ancient roots, it is a delight to explore.
Day 17: Cruise – Explore Fukuoka
Port at Fukuoka, the alluring, and largest city, on Kyushu Island. The gateway to a mountainous interior that offers excellent hiking, and really, really good ramen to sample, the city itself has plenty of historic and cultural attractions to enjoy.
Day 18: Cruise – Explore Busan
Depart Japan and arrive in South Korea, porting at the bustling city of Busan. Boasting mountains, beaches, and hot springs, this is a city full of small-town charm.
Day 19: Cruise – At sea
Relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer as you sail up South Korea's coastline.
Arrive at Seoul's cruise port and disembark the Celebrity Millennium. You will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Spend the day exploring the sights and sounds of Seoul, South Korea's capital. A city that contrasts a high-tech, cutting-edge frontage with a deeply traditional, even spiritual vibe, you'll get swept up in its wonders as you visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the UNESCO-listed Jongmyo Royal Shrine and the N Seoul Tower. Today you will also enjoy some unique cultural experiences; delight in a Kim Chi cooking demonstration and change into some traditional Korean clothes to visit Bukchon Hanok Village.
Days 22-23: Fly Seoul to Australia
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or the following day.
