Ryukyu Islands & Sabah

In 1180, Kobe was briefly the ancient capital of Japan and an important hub for trade with China and other countries. In the 13th century the city was known as Hy go Port. The history of the city is closely tied to that of the Ikuta Shrine, and the name “Kobe” derives from “kanbe”, a name for those who supported the shrine. There are regular flights from Tokyo airport to Kobe airport

Hiroshima is an intensely resilient city. Having suffered in recent history from atomic bomb destruction and severe typhoons, Hiroshima is now the centre for international peace representations and a major automotive industry. During the 1870’s Hiroshima had one of only seven English speaking schools in Japan. Hiroshima also recently made it onto Lonely Planet’s list of the top cities in the world, with commuting times ranking amongst the shortest in Japan, and the cost of living lower than the other large cities. Included Expeditions Our visit to Hiroshima revolves around the Peace Park, Peace Museum and the A-Bomb Dome. The Peace Park, and the A-Bomb dome (being one of the only buildings to survive the horrific blast), stand in peaceful contrast to the images displayed inside the museum. No visit to Japan is truly complete without visiting the Peace Museum, which is quite an emotional experience for most. The Atomic detonation at Hiroshima forever changed the psyche of the Japanese people and the history of the entire world. One of the few remaining survivors of the actual bombing will talk to us about their personal experiences that day and their life since the bombing in Hiroshima (the lecture will be translated into English). Optional Expeditions TRADITIONAL FLOWER ARRANGING An optional half day experience in Hiroshima is to take part in a traditional flower arranging session with local experts. Learn about the Japanese techniques of flower arranging and participate in a class using those techniques. English speaking guides wil accompany this tour. (This activity will preclude you from participating in the inclusive program in Hiroshima) Price: To be confirmed

This destination is still under development to bring you new exciting inclusive and optional expeditions, please check back shortly for more information. It is off the coast of Shimonoseki that one of the most important naval battles in medieval Japan took place in 1185. A final battle for supremacy over Japan took place between the Heike clan and the Genji clan. At Akama Shrine the emperor who lost the battle is worshiped. The Kozanji Temple built in 1327 is the oldest Zen building in Japan. Shimonoseki is also known for fugu (blowfish), its view on the Kanmon straits from the top of the 238 metre Mount Hino-yama, and the 360-degree views from the 143 metre high Kaikyo Yume Tower.

Nagasaki City, makes up almost half of the total land area of the prefecture with the same name. The prefecture also consists of 971 islands. It has the dubious honour of being the site of the second atomic bomb explosion, after Hiroshima. The Nagasaki Peace Park has been established beside "ground zero" to remind the world of the horrors of atomic weapons and to encourage future peace. Nagasaki has had a long history of European contact with missionaries arriving as early as 1542. St Francis Xavier is believed to visited the area in 1549. As such it is essentially the centre of Japanese Christianity, the Ouru Church of 26 Japanese martyrs (built by the French in 1864) commemorates the killing of 26 missionaries in 1596 by the Shogun of the time. Portuguese and later Dutch and British traders have also had a long history in Nagasaki. Included Expeditions Today we will use the local street cars to transport us to the Nagasaki Peace Park and Ground Zero and also to Dejima, a designated Japanese history site. During Japan's self imposed period of isolation, Dejima was created as a man made island to "contain" Portuguese traders in 1634. From 1641 to 1851 it became a Dutch trading base up until the point it was integrated into the rest of the city as the isolationist period came to an end. Today we also visit Glover Garden, the one time home of Thomas Glover, a Scottish business man who helped to establish ship building and other industries in Nagasaki, and to the Ouru Catholic Church of the 26 Martyrs. A complimentary shuttle into the city area will also be available today.(Guests will be split into different groups to participate in the included activities at different time throughout the day) Optional Expeditions UNZEN PARK & SHIMABARA EXPLORER (Full day with lunch) Drive inland from Nagasaki through the mountains to Unzen National Park, stopping along the way at a roadside "station" famous for Castella Portuguese sponge cakes, introduced by the first European contact. The Unzen National Park has numerous walking trails through the hot spring areas. Further on you will reach Shimabara and it's castle dating back to the 1600's. The Samural residences of Shimabara, which will also be visited have waterways filled with colourful Koi Carp. This tour includes a Japanese lunch at a local hotel. English speaking guides will accompany the tour. (This tour will preclude you from undertaking the inclusive experiences today) Price: To be confirmed

This destination is still under development to bring you new exciting inclusive and optional expeditions, please check back shortly for more information. Kagoshima, Kyushu has lush tropical landscapes, hot springs, active and dormant volcanoes and lakes. The great Sakurajima towers out of the bay opposite Kagoshima city and punctuates the day with mini-eruptions which can be felt up close and personal from the Observatory. An alternative on this day is a visit to the massive Kamikaze Museum, situated in Chiran, across the bay, which served as the main kamikaze sortie base for Japanese Army attacks on Allied ships around Okinawa.

Ryukyu Islands

This destination is still under development to bring you new exciting inclusive and optional expeditions, please check back shortly for more information. Okinawa consists of hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands in a chain over 1,000 km long. Okinawa’s capital, Naha is a modern city, and was one of the most important ancient sites with human bone fragments from the Palaeolithic era having been found. The restored and rebuilt Shuri Castle is one of the finest and the most important historical sites in Naha. The palace and a series of tunnels underneath it were used as a major command post by the Imperial Japanese military during WWII. Today Shuri Castle has been reconstructed after extensive damage.

Iriomote Island: This destination is still under development to bring you new exciting inclusive and optional expeditions, please check back shortly for more information. Ninety percent of Iriomote Island is covered in lush virgin jungle. Most of the island is a Japanese national park due to its diverse eco-systems, containing unique vegetation and animals, such as the famous Iriomote Wild Cat. The culture of Iriomote Island is an authentic representation of the traditional way of life there. Ishigaki Island: This destination is still under development to bring you new exciting inclusive and optional expeditions, please check back shortly for more information. Ishigake Island is surrounded by coral reefs and small uninhabited islands. We explore beautiful beaches, both sandy and rocky, that offer great snorkelling in clear waters.

At sea

At sea

This destination is still under development to bring you new exciting inclusive and optional expeditions, please check back shortly for more information. Port Sual is our port in Luzon for the mountain top town of Baguio. En route, there are rice fields and scenic vistas as we climb higher. For Filipinos, it’s the escape of choice from the stifling heat of the lowlands. The city was constructed as a mountain retreat by US military forces in the early 1900’s. The area’s original inhabitants, the Ibaloi and Kankanay, assimilated long ago into Baguio society. This is very different to your Japan experience as it reflects the Latino influences and religious background that is so very different to the earlier part of your voyage.

This destination is still under development to bring you new exciting inclusive and optional expeditions, please check back shortly for more information. Puerto Galera, Mondoro, has a deep natural harbour, sheltered on all sides, and was a favoured anchorage well before the Spanish arrived in 1572. Yachties from all over the world are still drawn to Puerto Galera and its beaches. About 3km out of town, on the road to Tamaraw Falls, an un-signposted track winds 2km up to Python Cave. This large cavern is said to be home to a 2 metre long python. At Tamaraw Falls, cool mountain waters plummet 30 metres into a natural pool beside the road which then flows into a spectacular jungle gorge.

At sea

This destination is still under development to bring you new exciting inclusive and optional expeditions, please check back shortly for more information. Puerto Princesa, Palawan is a classic beach experience, regarded as the most beautiful place in the Philippines with large caves that our Zodiacs can access and enter from the water. This area is becoming quite exclusive. We will probably anchor off one of the small offshore islands, instead of the mainland, to experience an Orion secluded moment in paradise.

Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah State in Malaysia. Regular flights to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur are available.