2017 - APT Small Ships

68 CRUISE APPEAL This Soft Expedition cruise will dock alongside in ports and may feature Zodiac landings in select locations. This cruise will appeal to guests who: ✫ Wish to learn about Japan's fascinating culture and ancient traditions ✫ Have an interest in historical architecture including magnificent temples ✫ Desire to hike some of Japan's most famous trails ✫ Would like to enjoy a more relaxed pace of cruising ✫ Explore the 28 acres of the famous Koraku-en Gardens and partake in a tea ceremony ✫ In Nagasaki, tour the Nagasaki Peace Park, and the Atomic Bomb Museum as well as Glover Garden ✫ Perhaps hike through the beautiful island of Yakushima ✫ Embark on a full-day excursion to the World Heritage- listed city of Gyeongju in South Korea ✫ Ride the famous Bullet Train to Tokyo ✫ Freedom of Choice Sightseeing™ in Hiroshima, Miyajima, Jeju-do and Matsue CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS Timeless Japan 12 Day Soft Expedition Cruise | MS Caledonian Sky Japan | South Korea Day 1. Arrive Osaka. Be met on arrival and transferred to your ship. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner. 11 Night Stay: aboard the MS Caledonian Sky. D Day 2. Okayama, Kurashiki. Visit one of Japan's most famed gardens, Koraku-en. This stunning 17th-century formal garden has 28 acres of trails, ponds, plum and cherry trees as well as a classic teahouse where you will experience a traditional tea ceremony. After a local lunch, continue to Kurashiki and explore the old merchant quarter and its 17th-century wooden warehouses. BLD Day 3. Hiroshima, Miyajima, Freedom of Choice. Arrive in Hiroshima and perhaps visit the Peace Memorial Park. Dotted with memorials, the park includes a cenotaph that lists the names of all the known victims of the A-bomb. Alternatively, go on a hike to Sandankyo gorge. Later, return to the ship and continue to Miyajima. Considered one of Japan's scenic wonders, Miyajima provides a picture-postcard vista of the scarlet Torii gate. Go ashore to explore the World Heritage-listed Itsukushima Jinja Shrine, founded in the 6th century and dedicated to three sea goddesses. Alternatively, join one of your Expedition Team members for a shrine walk. BLD Day 4. Uwajima. Arrive in the pearl cultivation centre of Uwajima, situated in Uwajima Bay. During a visit to a pearl farm, learn the process of implanting, harvesting, extracting and sorting these precious pearls. Afterwards, explore Sakiiya Square and the historic Daikakuji Temple. BLD Day 5. Yakushima. This afternoon, arrive on the island of Yakushima and be astounded by the diverse flora. On a nature walk, experience Yakusugi Land, a beautiful park populated by a number of ancient cedar trees. Alternatively, you may like to embark on a more active hike around the island. BLD Day 6. Nagasaki. Arrive in Nagasaki, the second city to be destroyed by an A-bomb during World War II. On a guided sightseeing tour, visit the Nagasaki Peace Park, the Atomic Bomb Museum and Glover Garden, which overlooks Nagasaki's harbour. Then continue on to Dejima Island, an artificial island built in the bay of Nagasaki during the Edo Period to accommodate Portuguese Christian missionaries. It also used to be the residential quarters of the Dutch, the only foreigners allowed to trade in Japan during the Sakoku (Isolation) Period. BLD Freedom of Choice TM Sightseeing Signature Invitation Admire the picture-postcard vista of the scarlet Torii gate at Miyajima E X P E D I T I O N S O F T E X P E D I T I O N www.aptouring.com.au

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