Experience the beauty, culture and contrasts of Asia on this relaxed and enriching journey. Begin with three nights in Tokyo, visiting gardens, shrines, and markets before boarding your 14-night cruise aboard Diamond Princess. Unpack once and enjoy a comfortable voyage through Japan’s southern islands, historic Nagasaki, bustling Taipei, and vibrant Hong Kong. Continue to the cultural treasures of Vietnam, from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, before ending in Singapore with a city tour and local cooking experience.
Activity Level 2
Early Booking Discount - Book by 12 Dec, 2025 and save an extra $100 per person
Cabin Upgrade (share twin per person)
SUN NOV 22 – AUCKLAND/TOKYO
Depart for Tokyo on Air New Zealand at 10.05am arrive Tokyo 5pm. Stay Hotel Shinigawa or similar Tokyo, 3 nights.
MON NOV 23 – TOKYO
Visit Tokyo's iconic Ueno Park. Also visit the Tokyo National Museum and discover the country’s rich cultural heritage. Visit Senso-ji, the city’s oldest and most iconic temple, dating back to 645 AD. Explore Ameyoko Market and Nakamise Shopping Street and take in the views from the an Observation Deck in Shinjuku. Included: B, D
TUE NOV 24 – TOKYO
Visit Meiji Jingu a renowned shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Situated within a vast forested park, it offers a serene and solemn sanctuary. Later proceed to Ginza, a shopping paradise. Visit Odaiba Seaside Park, a park celebrated for its stunning seaside vistas including the Rainbow Bridge and replica of the Statue of Liberty. Stroll, shop and sightsee in this area. Included: B, D
WED NOV 25 – TOKYO/CRUISE
Explore Shibuya Center Street and the iconic Shibuya Crossing for shopping and photo opportunities. Early afternoon embark on your 14 night cruise on Diamond Princess.Included: B, D
WED 25 NOV - EMBARK YOKOHAMA/JAPAN
Yokohama and Edo began life as sleepy fishing villages. That changed in the early 17th century after Tokugawa Ieyasu became Shogun. Edo became the center of political power in Japan, a position the city retained even after the restoration of Imperial rule in 1866. Included: B, L, D
THU 26 NOV - AT SEA
Included: B, L, D
FRI 27 NOV - KAGOSHIMA, JAPAN
From the 12th century to the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Kagoshima was the chief stronghold of the mighty Shimazu clan. The city lies at the top of the Satsuma Peninsula, a mountainous, geothermal wonderland of hot springs and geysers. The area is also rich in modern Japanese history: Saigo Takamori and the Satsuma samurai were leaders of the Meiji Restoration that toppled the shogun and restored the Emperor to power in 1868. In 1877, dissatisfied with the direction of the new government, Saigo led the Satsuma Rebellion, which ended in his death and the final defeat of the samurai.
The symbol of Kagoshima is Sakura Jima - the volcanic island that sits just offshore. The volcano has erupted over 30 times in recorded history. Included: B, L, D
SAT 28 NOV - NAGASAKI, JAPAN
For most travellers, Nagasaki is a symbol of the horror and the inhumanity of war. An estimated 75,000 people perished in 1945 when the city became the second target of a nuclear attack. Today, Nagasaki's Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum draw visitors from around the world. But this beautiful city on Kyushu offers other sights. Often described as the San Francisco of Japan, the city occupies verdant hills surrounded by a deep-water bay. For three centuries, Nagasaki was Japan's sole window on the world. The city is also celebrated as the setting for Puccini's opera "Madame Butterfly."
Included: B, L, D
SUN 29 NOV - AT SEA
Included: B, L, D
MON 30 NOV - ISHIGAKI, JAPAN
It is the cultural, political and economic centre of the Yaeyama Islands, originally founded in 1908. A hilltop Shinto shrine which dates back to 1614 is the perfect place to start your exploration of this lovely town. Amidst its natural beauty, you'll find an abundance of cultural sites with ties to the island's rich history. The Yaeyama Museum displays historic artifacts as well as traditional cultural items, and a visit to the well-preserved Miyara Dunchi, built in 1819, is a rare example of a samurai-style residence. Be sure to leave time in your busy day to sample some of the sweet island pineapple and to shop for the island's famed black pearls, a most special souvenir. Included: B, L, D
TUE 01 DEC - TAIPEI, (KEELUNG)
The oldest Chinese reference to Taiwan dates back to the Han Dynasty in the 3rd century B.C. However, it wasn't until the 17th century A.D. that Chinese Hakka traders first settled on the island. These bold merchants were soon followed by European and Asian adventurers seeking to control and colonize the strategic island. The most famous migration of all occurred in 1948, when the government of the Republic of China fled the mainland.Taipei is one of the world's most important commercial centres. and boasts an economy that is the envy of the world. Modern Taiwan is a world leader in the production of bicycles, computer chips, plastics, chemicals and computer notebooks. Taipei is a sophisticated modern metropolis that has not forgotten its rich traditional past.Included: B, L, D
WED 02 DEC - AT SEA
Included: B, L, D
THU 03 DEC - HONG KONG
Now a semi-autonomous region of China, Hong Kong - literally "Fragrant Harbor" - has lost none of its charm, excitement or exoticism. Modern skyscrapers and luxury hotels climb the slopes of Hong Kong Island. Narrow streets are crammed with noodle vendors, fortunetellers and bonesetters. The endless array of shops offer the visitor everything from hand-tailored suits and ancient porcelain to the latest consumer electronics. The former Crown Colony has enough attractions to last a lifetime. To take in the entire spectacle, head to Victoria Peak for panoramic views. Enjoy lunch on one of the city's floating restaurants. Walk down one of the crowded streets to take the city's rapid pulse. And whether you think you are in the mood or not - shop. After all, you are in the duty-free capital of the world. Included: B, L, D
FRI 04 DEC - AT SEA
Included: B, L, D
SAT 05 DEC - DA NANG/HUE, VIETNAM
The port of Chan May is located halfway between two historic and important cities: Da Nang and Hue. At the height of the Vietnam War, Da Nang was America's major strategic base. And the 1968 Tet Offensive marked a major turning point in that conflict - particularly in the bitter fighting for control of the old imperial capital. But that was nearly four decades ago. Today Hue is a World Heritage Site. Visitors will long remember its imposing Imperial Citadel and the serene harmony of the Thien Mu Pagoda. Marble Mountain Beach, where American marines stormed ashore in 1965, is now an internationally renowned resort. The surrounding coast is lined with superb white-sand beaches. Vietnam's major cultural attractions are within an easy drive. Included: B, L, D
SUN 06 DEC - AT SEA
Included: B, L, D
MON 07 DEC - HO CHI MINH, VIETNAM
Over three decades have passed since the Vietnam War ended with the fall of Saigon. Today, the name of this bustling metropolis on the Mekong River is Ho Chi Minh City. Yet, the essence of the city, a major trading center since the 18th century, remains unchanged. The air is filled with the cries of street hawkers and honking horns. Bicycles, motorbikes and automobiles fly down the boulevards at dizzying speeds. And everywhere, friendly faces and warm greetings meet you. The port of Phu My (pronounced "Foo Me") is your gateway to Ho Chi Minh City and the seaside resort of Vung Tau.Included: B, L, D
TUE 08 DEC - AT SEA
Included: B, L, D
WED 09 DEC - DISEMBARK SINGAPORE
Singapore - the very name summons visions of the mysterious East. The commercial centre of Southeast Asia, this island city-state of five million people is a metropolis of modern high-rise buildings, Chinese shop-houses with red-tiled roofs, sturdy Victorian buildings, Buddhist temples and Arab bazaars. Disembark the ship and enjoy a half day tour admiring Little India, The Merlion fountain, the Financial District, Chinatown, one of the oldest and most picturesque Hindu Temples and the spectacular Gardens by the Bay. Afternoon is at leisure and dinner at a local restaurant. Stay Grand Park City hotel or similar, 1 night. Included: B, D
TUE 10 NOV - SINGAPORE/AUCKLAND
A leisurely start then partake in a Cooking Class with lunch included. Discover the stories and tastes behind the classic dishes straight from a local chef. No washing up required! Depart the hotel mid afternoon for Changi Airport. Depart for Auckland at 6.10pm and fly overnight. Included: B, L
WED 11 NOV - AUCKLAND
Arrive Auckland at 09.25am.
Deposit: $3,000pp
