China and Japan Deluxe Explorer

Day 1 UK - In flight Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Hong Kong. Day 2 Hong Kong Arrive in Hong Kong and transfer to the Royal Pacific Hotel (4T). Day 3 Hong Kong A tour of Hong Kong includes a one-way journey on the Peak Tram, ascending above the skyscrapers to the highest point on Hong Kong Island. A free afternoon allows you to further explore the British Crown colony that was returned to China in 1997. Hong Kong’s most recognisable landmark, the 34m-high Tian Tan Buddha, sits next to one of Buddhism’s most important monasteries. Or take a less strenuous walk along the Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong’s tribute to cinematic legacies. Day 4 Hong Kong A morning at leisure before embarking the luxurious Seven Seas Voyager® (5T). Our cruise begins early this evening. Day 5 Cruising South China Sea Day 6 Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan Taipei has developed over 300 years on this fascinating island, and combines modernity with innumerable historical attractions. Visit the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial, the fabulous Palace Museum's vast collection of Chinese art and Yehliu Park's improbable natural rock formations. Day 7 Ishigaki (Sakishima Islands), Japan Ishigaki is home to Japan’s finest white sandy beaches and charming capes of Uganzaki and Hirakubo. Maybe choose a trip to see the islands of Taketomi, Kuroshima and Kohama. Day 8 Okinawa (Naha) Once an independent kingdom, this Chinese archipelago is surrounded by fantastic coral reefs and abundant marine life. Okinawa was under US administration for decades after one of the bloodiest invasions of World War II. Visit WWII memorials, the magnificent limestone caves or imposing Shuri Castle, home of the Ryukyu royal family. Day 9 Cruising Philippine Sea Day 10-11 Kyoto (Kobe) (overnight) Kyoto was Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 to 1868. Explore a city holding thousands of breathtaking temples and shrines, or experience a tea ceremony in the very city where serving tea became a lavish, unrushed art. Visit ancient Nara, the cradle of Japanese arts, literature and crafts, and stroll through Nara Park, famed for its deer and impressive Kasuga Grand Shrine. Or tour Osaka, Japan's second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo and home of one of the country’s most famous castles. Day 12 Miyazaki Miyazaki is connected with myths of gods and the creation of Japan, and considered the birthplace of Emperor Jinmu, Japan’s supposed first Emperor; however many attractions here are modern theatres, galleries and centres of science. Tour lively 'Little Kyoto' at Obi Castle Town, journey along the coast to take in the premium coastal vistas in Hyuga and unwind on the serene Aoshima Island. Day 13 Nagasaki Nagasaki is the capital and largest city of Nagasaki Prefecture in Japan. It was a centre of European influence in feudal Japan until the modernisation of Japan during the Meiji Restoration. It was also the second city in the world to be bombed by a nuclear weapon, following Hiroshima and Peace Park is dedicated to world peace, filled with sculptures donated by countries and artists from around the world. Day 14 Cruising East China Sea Day 15 Shanghai, China (overnight) Shanghai is China’s largest city, and one of the country’s most important cultural, commercial, financial, industrial and communications centres. Discover districts of skyscrapers, French boulevards, historic Jewish sites, the traditional narrow alleys of the Old Town, and the Yu Garden, filled with wonderful attractions by a wealthy Ming Dynasty officer. Then witness the incredible skills and agility of Chinese acrobatics at an unforgettable show. Day 16 Shanghai - Xi’an After disembarking, we travel to the airport for our flight to Xi’an. Tonight we stay at Sofitel Xi’an on Renmin Square (4T+), and enjoy a traditional dumpling dinner this evening. Day 17 Xi’an Today includes the incredible Terracotta Warriors of the Qin Dynasty, and the Xi'an Terracotta Reproduction Factory which specialises in recreating the famous warrior and horse figurines. We then return to the city centre to explore the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an ancient holy place for Buddhists which housed several Buddha relics; and learn about the Ancient City Wall, an 8.5-mile-long fortification protected by 98 ramparts. Later, you can watch an optional Tang Dynasty Dancing Show. Day 18 Xi’an - Beijing We traverse the 756-mile journey to Beijing by bullet train, reaching speeds of up to 186mph. Once in the huge capital, we take a rickshaw tour through Beijing’s hutongs - old narrow streets that offer a taste of ancient Chinese neighbourhoods. We stay at V-Continent Beijing Parkview Wuzhou Hotel (4T+). Day 19 Beijing Today we discover what makes Beijing the political and cultural heart of China. Our guided tour includes a Tai Chi lesson with a renowned master at the Temple of Heaven, where emperors of ancient China would worship Heaven. We also spend time contemplating Tian’anmen Square and the monumental Gate of Heavenly Peace, which leads us into the Imperial Palace. The Forbidden City is the world’s largest palace complex, a self-contained home of 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Day 20 Beijing Visit a Jade Factory, and then one of the New7Wonders of the World - the Great Wall. This ancient defensive line was built over two millennia, reinforced with watchtowers and fortresses. We also see the Summer Palace, surrounded by the largest, and arguably loveliest, landscape in Beijing, with fine pavilions and temples. It was a welcomed break for the Imperial Family from the hot summers in the Forbidden City. Enjoy a traditional Peking Duck farewell dinner this evening. Day 21 Beijing - UK After a free morning, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.