Ancient Empires of China & Japan

Departures & Pricing

Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Itinerary

1. 1

   Fly To Beijing

   Fly to China’s historical capital, Beijing. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
2. 2

   Walk On The Great Wall

   This morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it. In the afternoon, enjoy the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace. End the day enjoying a traditional Peking Duck dinner.
3. 3

   Explore The Forbidden City

   Begin the day soaking up the harmonious ambience of the glorious Temple of Heaven where you can mingle with the locals and watch or participate as they practise Tai Chi, dance or play cards. Next, take a leisurely stroll in a traditional hutong neighbourhood and visit a family at home, to learn about life living in the hutongs. Later, head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, before entering the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City to explore this complex full of imperial riches.
4. 4

   Travel To Xian

   Board the bullet train to the ancient city of Xian. Upon arrival, enjoy some time at leisure at Xian's Muslim Quarter, where you will find an array of food stalls selling a wealth of flavours. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling dinner and a lively Tang Dynasty dance show.
5. 5

   Terracotta Warriors

   After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China’s first Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors, followed by a visit to the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate them. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th century city walls that enclose Xian’s old town and visit a local brewery for a refreshing beer tasting.
6. 6

   Fly To Guilin

   Today, transfer to the airport and fly to Guilin, best known for its incredible natural landscapes. Upon arrival, stroll around Zhengyang Pedestrian Street and the picturesque Ronghu Lake and admire the Sun and Moon Pagodas – two towering examples of traditional Chinese-Buddhist architecture.
7. 7

   Cruise the Li River

   Take a relaxed 4-hour cruise along the Li River to the charming town of Yangshuo, where you will spend 1 night. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalos and local fishermen. In Yangshuo, enjoy some time strolling along West Street and visit the local markets.
8. 8

   Visit the Reed Flute Caves

   Begin the day exploring Yangshuo's stunning countryside, then return to Guilin via Reed Flute Cave to admire its vibrant stalagmites and stalactites.
9. 9

   Fly To Shanghai

   Today, fly from Guilin to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai.
10. 10

    Explore Shanghai

    Today's explorations include the traditional Yu Garden, a stroll through the old town and learning about the age-old silk production process at a silk factory. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the Bund and Nanjing Road. This evening view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise.
11. 11

    Goodbye China, Hello Japan

    It’s time to say goodbye to China and hello to Japan! Fly to the vibrant city of Osaka.
12. 12

    Osaka Castle

    Explore Osaka Castle, take a short cruise along the Yodogawa River and stroll through vibrant Dotonbori, a restaurant mecca, where you can sample local delicacies for lunch. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore this fascinating city.
13. 13

    Discover Okayama & Kurashiki

    Transfer by bullet train to Okayama and visit Koraku-en Garden, one of the three great gardens of Japan. Continue to Kurashiki to explore the beautifully-preserved Bikan Historical Quarter, where the streets along the banks of the Kurashiki River are lined with white-walled kominka (traditional houses). Continue to Hiroshima, a vibrant and forward-thinking city.
14. 14

    Explore Hiroshima & Miyajima

    Hop on a ferry to the holy island of Miyajima and visit Itsukushima Shrine. Return to Hiroshima and find a moment to reflect at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bombing. Later, ascend to the observation deck of Orizuru Tower and enjoy the panoramic views.
15. 15

    Travel To Kyoto

    Transfer by bullet train to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. Visit Ryoan-ji Temple, home to Japan’s most famous Zen garden and Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the ‘Golden Pavilion’.
16. 16

    Explore Kyoto

    Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, remarkable for its 10,000 torii gates and then head to Nishiki Market, also known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’ with its lively open-air market specialising in all things food! Also visit a restored wooden Japanese townhouse to experience the rituals of a tea ceremony and try your hand at the traditional art of origami.
17. 17

    Bullet Train To Hakone

    Transfer by bullet train to Hakone. Upon arrival, enjoy a boat trip on Lake Ashi before riding the Komagatake Ropeway cable car. Savour views of the surrounding landscape and weather permitting, the breathtaking cone of Mount Fuji. Later, continue to Tokyo, Japan’s capital city.
18. 18

    Contrasts of Tokyo

    Tokyo is the ultimate 24-hour city, but look behind its frantic, high-tech frontage and you will find plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore. Begin at the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree, before wandering through the old district of Asakusa. Stop to explore the ancient Buddhist Senso-ji Temple and drive past the Imperial Palace Plaza. End your tour with a dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay.
19. 19

    Fly Tokyo To Australia

    Days 19–20

    Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.

Accommodation

Book this rail journey

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

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