Destination: 
Grand Asia

From Kobe's prospect at the edge of the Orient to Nagasaki's beautiful bay, from the Yangtze River city of Shanghai to Korea's cherished Jeju Island and the ancient treasures and modern miracles of Vietnam's Mekong Delta, let the wonders of Grand Asia wash over you.

Our small-ship approach gives you a very special perspective on each destination, and your exploration is enhanced by returning each day to the elegant comfort and camaraderie of the Spirit of Oceanus.

Explore the mysterious Ring of Fire, the Trade Route of Japan to Vietnam in Treasures of the Orient, and the blend of new and old in our Vietnam voyage.

Treasures of the Orient

Discover the land that time forgot. 

Leave the ordinary behind as you board the Spirit of Oceanus on an extraordinary voyage along the great trade routes of the Orient.

Enter worlds where history and myth collide, where culture and commerce go hand in hand. Explore palaces and temples built centuries ago to honor imperial dynasties and spiritual realms that continue to radiate beauty and power. 

Engage yourself in the mystical allure of pristine beaches, verdant mountains and rugged shorelines as we cruise the coasts of Japan, Korea, China and Vietnam. Absorb the faces of Grand Asia ­ the women, men and children who bring each harbor city to life, breathing new energy into old traditions and creating gardens of harmony and grace in a turbulent world.

This will be a voyage of connections ­ whether it's the exotic Eastern beauty or the lush Western comfort of your handsome ship ­ each connection is a moment of your life lived more fully from the moment you step onboard.

• Tour Costs From: $6,499 pp
• 17 Days / 16 Nights
• Niigata - Haiphong
• Departures: November, 2007

Day 1 - ARRIVE IN JAPAN 
Transfer from Tokyo¹s Narita Airport to downtown Tokyo where you will spend the night at the historic Imperial Hotel. 

Day 2 - TOKYO / NIIGATA 
A morning tour of Tokyo introduces you to Japan. Visit the Imperial Palace Plaza and Asakusa Kannon-do Temple. This afternoon transfer to the train station for your 2-hour bullet train ride to Niigata, where you embark the Spirit of Oceanus. BLD 

Day 3 - KANAZAWA 
Spend a full day exploring Kanazawa, including its traditional silk industry and participate in an ancient tea ceremony. Feast your eyes on breathtaking Kenrokuen Garden, known as one of the three most beautiful in Japan. Adjoining Kenrokuen, visit Seisonkaku Villa, built by the 13th lord Maeda for his mother. A short distance away, you¹ll see Gyokusenen Garden. BLD 

Day 4 - HAGI 
Japan¹s revolution began here in Jokamachi¹s old samurai residential quarter. Shoin-jinja Shrine is a monument to one of the last of the samurai, killed by the shogun for attempting to ensure Japan¹s survival by opening up to the West. Visit Tokoji Temple, a Buddhist temple that is the burial site of half of the Mori daimyo (feudal lords). The graves are surrounded by hundreds of stone lanterns. BLD 

Day 5 - NAGASAKI 
Destroyed by the A-bomb in World War II, this city's Peace Park offers spectacular views, a reminder of war's devastation and a message of hope and rebirth. Experience a unique period of Japanese 19th-century history in Glover Garden with its distinctive, European-style houses. BLD 

Day 6 - JEJU ISLAND, SOUTH KOREA 
"Island of the Gods" Jeju, is home to South Korea¹s highest peak. Explore Sankumbrui Crater, visit cultural treasures of Jeju Folk Village Museum with its more than 400 thatched-roof houses still inhabited by villagers. Visit the Biosphere Reserve at Seogwipo to explore shell fossils, and learn the legends of Oedolgae Rock, a stone pillar standing alone off the seashore. BLD 

Day 7 - AT SEA 
Enjoy onboard amenities as we sail the Yellow Sea to Shanghai. BLD 

Day 8 - SHANGHAI 
Strategically located at the mouth of the Yangtze, the city is now China's premier financial and cultural center and one of the world's busiest ports. The new, architecturally adventurous Shanghai Museum exhibits an extraordinary collection of Chinese art through the ages, while beautiful, expansive Yuyuan Garden offers timeless tranquility. Other not-to-be-missed Shanghai experiences: the French Concession District and the Children's Palace. BLD 

Day 9 - SHANGHAI / SUZHOU 
Delve deeper into Shanghai, exploring independently, or discover the classical gardens of Suzhou. BLD 

Day 10 - AT SEA
Relax aboard the Spirit of Oceanus, preparing for the delights ahead, as we sail down China's eastern coast. BLD 

Day 11 - XIAMEN 
Natural splendor and man-made wonders merge in this historic harbor city. The extraordinary Buddhist Nanputao Temple sits below the massive Five Old Gentlemen Peaks, while the grand Heaven King's Hall combines architectural grandeur with the more ephemeral art of fine cuisine. Also visit Gulangyu Island, where European and Japanese residents made their homes in beautiful colonial mansions. BLD 

Day 12 - HONG KONG 
Ride to the top of Victoria Peak for a bird¹s-eye view of the city.  A visit to Stanley Market provides a European-flavored experience, while the Man Mo Temples provide a more traditional view of cultural dedication to the gods of literature and war. In the afternoon, explore with an expert on an exclusive cooking tour, or visit antique shops and galleries with a specialist in Asian art. BLD 

Day 13 - AT SEA 
Avoiding difficult inland roadways, relax and see the natural wonders of the coast of China. 

Day 14 - HA LONG BAY 
Known as "the dragon's back,' this UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Gulf of Tonkin includes some 1,600 mostly- uninhabited islands and islets. Legend has it that Ha Long Bay was formed when a dragon plunged to earth, its tail carving the seabed. BLD 

Day 15 - HAIPHONG / HANOI 
After disembarking in Haiphong, explore Hanoi, Vietnam¹s capital. Overnight at the deluxe Sofitel Metropole Hotel. BL 

Day 16 - HANOI
Explore Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. In the evening, celebrate your journey at a special farewell dinner at the imposing Co Loa Citadel, an architectural wonder and Vietnam's first capital. BD 

Day 17 - HANOI / HOME 
Following breakfast, transfer to the Hanoi Airport to connect with flights home. B 

B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner

Vietnam

A fascinating blend of history, culture, natural beauty and unflagging energy, Vietnam¹s new revolution of peace and prosperity invites visitors to share it all.

The elegant architecture, exquisite art and beautiful boulevards of cities from Hanoi to Hue are reminders of the country's colonial rule, while the poise and grace of Hoi An and the hustle-bustle of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) are windows on a culture that values its past as it moves eagerly into the future.

Discover pagodas, shrines, painting and sculpture that define the country's spiritual roots, as well as traditional crafts like pottery and weaving that fill markets with color and vitality. Enjoy dance, martial arts, puppet theater and extraordinary cuisine that perfectly meld past and present.

Cruising the coast of Vietnam in the comfort of the Spirit of Oceanus with naturalists and experts on Asian art and culture, experience Vietnam¹s distinctive beauty and welcoming people.

• Tour Costs From: $4,599 pp
• 12 Days / 11 Nights
• Haiphong - Ho Chi Minh
• Departures: November, December 2007

Day 1 - ARRIVE IN HANOI
Meet fellow travelers at a welcome reception at the Sofitel Metropole Hotel. D 

Day 2 - HANOI
From Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and Museum in Ba Dinh Square to pagodas, temples and the bustling Old Quarter, Hanoi has something for everyone. Stroll elegant boulevards, delight in a private water puppet performance, and enjoy dinner at the imposing Co Loa Citadel. BLD 

Day 3 - HANOI / HAIPHONG 
Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology for a superb overview of the country and its people. Drive to Haiphong and board the Spirit of Oceanus to begin your Vietnam adventure. BD 

Day 4 - HA LONG BAY 
Known as "the dragon's back," this World Heritage Site in the Gulf of Tonkin includes some 1,600 mostly-uninhabited islands and islets. Legend has it that Ha Long Bay was formed when a dragon plunged to earth, its tail carving the seabed. One look at the sharp limestone outcroppings that line the shore and the ancient tale makes perfect sense.BLD 

Day 5 - AT SEA 
Onboard experts share information about the peoples and places you see as we cruise from Ha Long Bay to Hue. BLD 

Day 6 - HUE
Vietnam's new port of Chan May provides easy entree to Hue, the Imperial City on the banks of the Perfume River. Legacies of both the ancient Champa Kingdom and years of colonial rule are alive in the city's art and architecture, including the Forbidden Purple City and the moated Imperial Citadel. BLD 

Day 7 - DANANG / HOI 
An Nestled on the banks of the Thu Bon River, Hoi An was a vital seaport in the Champa Kingdom. Harboring a wealth of temples, pagodas and shrines, Hoi An is also home to a vibrant market. Choose to visit Danang's superb cooking school for a fascinating (and delectable) demonstration, or explore the Cham Museum. Then discover why Danang's renowned China Beach became the respite for soldiers during the Vietnam War. BLD 

Day 8 - QUI NHON 
Ancient remnants of Cham culture abound in Qui Nhon. Stroll among the ruins and visit pagodas, towers and villages, where people practice weaving, pottery and other crafts. Enjoy a special private performance of traditional martial arts, a Qui Nhon specialty. BLD 

Day 9 - NHA TRANG 
It's impossible to resist the white sandy beaches, deserted islands and rolling, verdant mountains of Nha Trang. Boasting the best weather in Vietnam, Nha Trang's clear waters and miles of clean, uncrowded beaches invite swimming, scuba diving and snorkeling, while its lively market and charming streets beg to be explored. BLD 

Day 10 - MEKONG RIVER / HO CHI MINH CITY 
The tapestry of sights and sounds of the mighty Mekong unfold as we cruise past rice fields, forest and sugar cane. In Ho Chi Minh City, transfer to the classic Caravelle Hotel, our base for exploring this bustling cosmopolitan city, including visits to the History Museum and the former President's Palace. Central Saigon (still the official name for the city center) retains the boulevards, sidewalk cafés and elegant French architecture of its colonial days. BL 

Day 11 - MEKONG DELTA / HO CHI MINH CITY 
Traveling deep into the Mekong Delta, drive through small villages and lush countryside before boarding a local boat to witness the daily rituals of river life. Explore floating markets, gardens, and village life in this unique culture. Alternatively, explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a massive network of underground living areas, storage and command centers, used during the Vietnam War. BL 

Day 12 - HO CHI MINH CITY / HOME 
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight home or to your Cambodian Post-trip B 

B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner

Ring of Fire

The remote reaches of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula and the distant and isolated Kuril Islands have fired the imagination of explorers and traders for centuries. Continue your Attu birding trip by adding this unique voyage of discovery back aboard the Spirit of Oceanus, sailing from Petropavlosk, Russia, along the western edge of the famed Ring of Fire through the Kuril Islands and on to Japan.

Spend 12 days of unparalleled exploration cruising along the Kamchatka coast, through the Kuril Islands, and into Japan’s northern islands of Hokkaido and Honshu. Enjoy dramatic scenery, and encounter the region’s ancient cultures and fascinating people whose lives are rarely touched by outsiders. Keep your binoculars handy for viewing unique wildlife and birds and adding to your lifelist. This itinerary offers opportunities to look for Asian Rosy-Finches, Peregrine Falcons, Slaty-backed Gulls, Common Murres, Black-legged Kittiwakes, Tufted Puffins, Northern Fulmars, Steller’s Sea-Eagles, and Harlequin Ducks.

Of special interest are the Red-faced Cormorant on Audubon’s Red Watch List and the Whiskered Auklet (pictured above left) on Audubon’s Yellow Watch List.

The Kuril Islands are a chain of over 50 heavily-forested and volcanic islands – paradise for birdwatchers and twitchers. Once inhabited by the Ainu, who are thought to be descendants of migrating Mongolians, these islands are home to over 100 volcanoes, 35 of which are active. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime voyage through some of the most unusual terrain on earth. Conclude your journey in Tokyo, where the ancient melds with the modern in a juxtaposition of unique contrasts.

In 2006, the Spirit of Oceanus offers only one sailing for this spectacular voyage.

• Tour Costs From: $6,799 pp
• 21 Days, 20 Nights
• Anchorage to Tokyo
• Departures: September, 2007

Day 1 - ARRIVE ANCHORAGE 
Your Welcome Dinner at the Anchorage Sheraton Hotel is an opportunity to meet your fellow travelers and your Exploration Leaders. D 

Day 2 - ANCHORAGE TO WHITTIER 
After breakfast at the Sheraton, a morning tour of Anchorage offers an opportunity to visit the Alaska Native heritage Center. This afternoon transfer to Whittier for embarkation aboard the Spirit of Oceanus. BD 

Day 3 - KODIAK 
Sitting in the middle of the world's most productive fishing ground makes Kodiak one of the largest fishing ports in the nation. It also has one of the biggest populations of brown bears and is Alaska's oldest and most historic European community. An afternoon call at Kodiak offers an opportunity to tour the Baranov Museum, the Alutiiq Museum and the Fish Tech Center, all in Alaska's first Russian-American settlement. BLD 

Day 4 - GEOGRAPHIC HARBOR 
Look for brown bears digging for clams as you explore the remote shoreline of Geographic harbor, where migrating birds like the Arctic Tern stop. Katmai National Park is on the top of many "Best of Alaska" lists because of its otherworldly landscape and the opportunity to get up-close and personal to the raw beauty of the 15 active volcanoes and abundant wildlife there. Still considered a living laboratory, it was the spectacular eruption in 1912 of the Novarupta Volcano that brought scientists and researchers to this area. The National Geographic Society led a number of expeditions to Katmai, and in 1919, on its last expedition, Geographic Harbor was discovered in the previously uncharted Amalik Bay. BLD 

Day 5 - SHUMAGIN ISLANDS 
The village of Unga, on the island of the same name, is now uninhabited, abandoned in 1969. Most residents have relocated to the new community of San Point, which is on neighboring Shumagin Island. The name Shumagin was given to this group of over a dozen islands by members of Vitus Bering's expedition to honor one of their own who died there. Unga, like many of the islands in this region, is rich in minerals. Coal and gold mining in this region first occurred on Unga, lasting until the early 1900s. There was renewed interest in Unga's gold in the 1980's, although no one has come forward to actively pursue mining. Visitors of Unga Island may see arctic fox, bald eagles, and seals. This is also a beautiful place to view tundra wild flowers. One of the island's more unique features is the abundance of ancient petrified wood along the shoreline. BLD 

Day 6 - DUTCH HARBOR 
Unalaska and Dutch harbor are often thought of as two separate communities, and although they are on two separate islands, Dutch harbor (on Amaknak Island) is within the city limits of Unalaska. Amaknak Island and Unalaska Island are connected by a bridge. Like Kodiak, Unalaska, although small and remote, is a culturally diverse community due to the commercial fishing industry and fish processing activities. While thriving as an important port for commercial fishing, fish processing, and related services, subsistence activities remain vital to the community. Our explorations today include a visit to the Museum of the Aleutians, the Russian church and the World War II Memorial Park. BLD 

Day 7 - AT SEA 
Enjoy the day at sea, watching for wildlife, relaxing, and listening to presentations by your team of naturalists about the adventures to come. BLD 

Day 8 - ADAK ISLAND 
Few Places in the world are as unique as our port call today. Adak Island. This modern community in Alaska's Aleutian Islands is situated between Asia, North America and Europe. It lies on the great circle navigation routes for both marine and air transport...halfway between Seattle and japan, 1300 miles southwest of Anchorage, 1400 miles from Magadan in Eastern Russia and close to the natural resources of the Kamchatka Peninsula and Sakhalin Island. During WWII, the Japanese took control of two of the most western Aleutian Islands. In response, the United States military began a campaign to unseat the invaders. Since the nearest US military presence was in Cold Bay, Alaska, the military began to construct bases in the western Aleutian Islands from which to launch operations against the Japanese. Adak Island was chosen as the site of an airfield and flight operations began in September 1942. Today, fewer than 300 residents call Adak home. In 1980, the Aleutian Islands National Wildlife Refuge was created and much of Adak Island lies within its boundaries. BLD 

Day 9 - AT SEA 
Enjoy the day at sea, cruising to Attu Island and searching for wildlife. BLD 

Day 10 - ATTU ISLAND 
Attu is the island in the Aleutians, the most remote and rarely-visited area of the United States. Attu has a tragic history, as one might guess from some of the names of the island's features: Terrible Mountain, Massacre Bay, Murder Point. Beginning with the Russian fur-trader slaughter of native Aleuts, and ending with the Second-bloodiest Pacific battle of World War II, in which over 2,500 Japanese and Americans died, it has seen more than its share of grief. But the Peaceful River also runs on Attu, and it is now a wildly beautiful and majestic island that is peacefully remote. Attu is also one of the premier bird-watching areas in the world. BLD 

Day 11 - CROSS INTERNATIONAL DATELINE / AT SEA / BERING SEA 
We "lose" a day (September 18) enroute across the International Dateline. Pending permission from the Russian authorities, we land today on Bering Island, final resting place of Commander Vitus Bering, a Danish ship captain in the service of Tsar Peter the Great. Bering's name remains emblazoned in history. BLD 

Day 12 - PETROPAVLOSK 
We arrive in Petropavlosk this morning. Established in 1740, Petropavlosk is one of the oldest settlements of the Russian Far East. Most of the 250, 000 people who live here are involved in the fishing industry. A city tour introduces you to Lenin Square, where one of the country's few surviving Lenin statues remains, and a monument to the inhabitants of Petropavlosk who were killed in the Crimean War. At the Museum of Natural History you'll see an impressive display of regional flora and fauna, and art of the Native people.

An optional flightseeing tour to the Valley of Geysers provides the opportunity to stroll along wooden walkways, where you'll pass geysers and bubbling mud pots, and cross bridges over steam from the geysers. The geysers keep the climate warm and the flora unique to the region. BLD 

Day 13 - ATLASOVA ISLAND AND PTICHI ISLANDS 
A nature walk on Atlasova Island, with the highest volcano in the Kurils, will take you past an abandoned prison for Russian women, with time to explore the lakes, scrub, and hillsides. Birdwatching is good here with Asian rosy finches and peregrines. Around Ptichi Islands is a sea otter haven. Ptichi means "bird" in Russian and here is another birdwatcher's delight. Look for slaty-backed gulls, common murres, black-legged kittiwakes, red-faced cormorants, and tufted puffins. BLD 

Day 14 - SHIASKIOTAN AND SKALY LAVUSKI ISLANDS 
We spend the day exploring the islands of Shiaskotan and Skaly Lavushki. Special permission has been secured to visit these very remote and rarely visited nature preserves. On Shiaskotan we will encounter an ancient Aninu village site, hot springs, wilderness hiking opportunities, and an abundance of endemic plants and birds. At Skaly Lavushki thousands of seabirds and hundreds of Steller's sea lions and fur seals, which make this pristine wilderness their home, will greet your arrival with a cacophony of sound found nowhere else. BLD 

Day 15 - YANKICHA ISLAND, BROUTONA BAY, SIMUSHIR ISLAND 
The island of Yankicha suggests an episode from "Lord of the Rings." High mountain peaks surround a beautiful caldera with bubbling vents and pools of gurgling springs. In ancient days, the Ainu practiced Shaman initiation rites here. Harbor seals pop up along the coast and Arctic foxes gaze from the shore. This is also the world's breeding center for whiskered auklets. You'll cruise into Broutona Bay at Simushir Island and explore the abandoned submarine base in this hidden harbor. The ghost town there still houses vehicles and equipment. BLD 

Day 16 - AT SEA 
Enjoy the day at sea, cruising towards Japan. BLD 

Day 17 - YZNO KURILSK VILLAGE, KUNASHIR ISLAND / KUSHIRO, JAPAN 
Kunashir Island's ownership is a matter of dispute between Russia and Japan as a result of World War II, when Russia took it over following Japan's surrender. Our visit here is a technical stop only for clearance purposes. Arrive in Japan this afternoon for a visit to Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, the site of one of the world's most expansive and treasured wetlands, and home of Japan's sacred red-crowned cranes, brought back from near extinction. Kushiro Shitsugen is a large peat swamp filled with reed beds and streams. Besides the crane, this park is home to numerous animals including the brown bear, Yezo deer, and the Sakhalin taimen, the most ancient species of salmon on Earth. BLD 

Day 18 - SHIRAOI 
This morning we visit the Shiraoi Ainu Museum where Ainu culture and lifestyle is shown in an outdoor reproduction of a small Ainu village and inside a conventional museum building. A cultural performance will be held in our honor. This afternoon there is an opportunity to visit the hot springs resort community of Noboribetsu. Walk amidst the colorful mud pools, or take the opportunity for a traditional hot soak, Japanese style. BLD 

Day 19 - AKITA 
By Japanese standards, the Northern Honshu region of Tohoku region is sparsely populated with 10 million people in an area just under 26,000 square miles. The area is long known for its ancient myths, natural beauty, rugged mountains, thick dialects, innumerable hot springs and fierce weather. The port city of Akita is an industrial port city that provides access to the interior or "old japan," where traditional crafts are still made by hand, samurai houses remain intact, and the lifestyle remains rustic and traditional. Make an excursion to Kokunodate, known for its fine wooden crafts and its exquisite wooden architecture. This evening celebrate our voyage with a farewell dinner. BLD 

Day 20 - NIGATA / TOKYO 
Disembark in Niigata, a city of traditional industries like the the renowned Niigata Koshihikari rice. Board one of the famous bullet trains for Tokyo, where you'll enjoy a sightseeing tour of japan's eclectic capital city. Overnight at the celebrated Imperial Hotel, located across the street from lovely Hibiya Park. The balance of your day is at your leisure. BL 

Day 21 - DEPART TOKYO 
Enjoy your breakfast at the Imperial Hotel prior to transferring to the Narita Airport for your flight home. B 

B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner

Japan

A breathtaking scenery. Mind-opening cultural experiences. Wonderful food and wine. Congenial companionship. Taken separately, each is a delightful experience. Combined onboard the Spirit of Oceanus in Japan, they make each day a celebration, each evening a special occasion.

Your voyage to Japan is filled with highlights. You'll visit stunning gardens and serene temples. You'll share a craftsman's delight in his work, and a child's pleasure in an ancient story. And, along the way, you'll form new friendships you'll treasure always.

• Tour Costs From: $5,699 pp
• 14 Days, 13 Nights
  
• Kobe to Niigata
• Departures: March, April, October 2007

Day 1 - DEPART FOR JAPAN 

Day 2 - ARRIVE IN JAPAN
Transfer from Osaka airport to Kobe where you’ll spend the night at the Kobe Okura Hotel. 

Day 3 - KOBE
Enjoy historic attractions of this port city, one of the first to begin accepting foreign traders following Japan’s two and a half centuries of isolation. The highlight of your visit: a trip to spectacular white Himeji Castle. Board the Spirit of Oceanus, and sail in the early evening. BD 

Day 4 - OKAYAMA/KURASHIKI 
Indulge yourself in Zen perfection as you tour Korakuen Garden, one of Japan¹s three most famous. Visit the Ohara Museum, which hosts an eclectic mix of classical European, Chinese, and Japanese folk art. At Ohashi House, tour the home of wealthy merchants. And stroll the charming lanes of Kurashiki, along canals crisscrossed by humpbacked stone bridges and bordered by willow trees. BLD 

Day 5 - TAKAMATSU/CRUISING THE INLAND SEA 
Ritsurin Koen was designed at the bequest of an early 17th century feudal lord, who envisioned a fantastic garden set against the beautiful backdrop of Mt. Shiun. Shikokumura Village gives you a glimpse into peasant life in the Edo period. Spend the afternoon cruising the Inland Sea. Designated a national park, the Inland Sea is an area of great natural beauty with its emerald green waters dotted with thousands of islands. BLD 

Day 6 - MIYAJIMA/HIROSHIMA 
Itsukushima is one of the most important Shinto shrines. View the famous red torii gates as we anchor just offshore, and tour the shrine with a Shinto priest. In Hiroshima, a city now devoted to peace, tour the Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, and Peace Memorial Museum. BLD 

Day 7 - BEPPU 
Go to Jigoku (The Hells) this morning, the supreme onsen (hot springs) in Japan. Here you can contemplate geysers, mud ponds, and pools dyed strange colors by minerals, or take the opportunity for a hot soak, Japanese style. Visit Yufuin, renowned for its traditional handicrafts, and its Folk Art Museum, where you can view indigo dying, glass blowing, and paper making. Sail for Nagasaki through the Shimonoseki Strait. BLD 

Day 8 - NAGASAKI 
In this second city destroyed by an A-bomb in World War II, tour the Atomic Bomb Museum and Glover Garden (built by an enterprising Scotsman who helped overthrow the shogunate). BLD 

Day 9 - ULSAN/KYONGJU 
Step into the world of Korea¹s Shilla dynasty in the ruins of Kyongju. A thousand years ago, this open-air museum was their capital, sparkling with palaces and gardens. Today, the ruins and burial mounds bring to life memories of a 900-year rule that lasted from the time of Julius Caesar to Charlemagne. BLD 

Day 10 - HAGI 
Japan¹s revolution began here in Jokamachi¹s old samurai residential quarter, where you¹ll tour a samurai¹s home. Yoshida Shrine is a monument to one of the last of the samurai, killed by the shogun for attempting to ensure Japan¹s survival by opening up to the West. Also visit Daisho Temple, the resting place of the two first Mori daimyo and all the even-numbered daimyo (odd-numbered daimyo were laid to rest on the other side of the Matsumoto river). BLD 

Day 11 - IZUMO/MATSUE 
Anchor off Izumo for a visit to Izumo Taisha, Japan¹s oldest and largest Shinto shrine. Be greeted by local dancers as we enter Matsue to tour the famous wooden Matsue Castle and the Hearn Museum, dedicated to Lafcadio Hearn, a distinguished author who introduced Japan to the rest of the world. BLD 

Day 12 - KANAZAWA 
Spend a full day exploring Kanazawa, including its traditional silk industry. Developed during the Edo period, Yuzen silk is characterized by its distinctive use of natural motifs, and is popular throughout Japan for formal kimonos. You¹ll also visit Seisonkaku Villa, built by the 13th lord Maeda for his mother, and Omicho Market, a favorite destination for Kanazawa shoppers since the feudal period. Feast your eyes on breathtaking Kenrokuen Garden, known as one of the three most beautiful in Japan, and adjoining Gyokusenen Garden. BLD 

Day 13 - NIIGATA/TOKYO 
Disembark and transfer to the train station for your bullet train ride to Tokyo. Enjoy a city tour en route to your hotel, the historic Imperial Hotel, and spend the balance of the day at your leisure. BL 

Day 14 - TOKYO 
Transfer to Narita Airport for your return flight home. B 

B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner