2017 - APT Small Ships

96 CRUISE APPEAL This Botanica cruise showcases a different side of Asia and will dock in ports with a gentle pace of excursions. This cruise will appeal to guests who: ✫ Wish to explore the most exquisite Japanese gardens in the prime cherry blossom season ✫ Have an active interest in historic architecture ✫ Would like to enjoy a more relaxed pace of cruising ✫ Have a passion for learning about age-old traditions and unique cultures ✫ See the cherry blossoms of Japan in full bloom and discover their significance ✫ Learn about Japanese gardens from your Botanical Guides ✫ Delve into Japan's history during onboard lectures ✫ See the rock garden masterpiece of Ryoanji ✫ Visit Ritsurin Park, a 350-year-old garden famous for its magnificent spring colours ✫ Experience a visit to the compelling Peace Memorial Park ✫ Learn about pearl production in Uwajima ✫ Discover Kyongju in South Korea ✫ See Yuushien Garden, famous for ginseng and peonies ✫ Visit a samurai's home ✫ Explore Kenroku-en Garden ✫ Ride the famous Bullet Train to Tokyo Cherry Blossoms in Japan & South Korea 12 Day Botanica Cruise & Land | MS Caledonian Sky Japan | South Korea Day 1. Arrive Osaka. Depart Osaka Kansai International Airport at 10.30am or the Imperial Hotel Osaka at 11am to explore Kyoto. Visit the rock garden masterpiece of Ryoanji and see the Cherry Blossom from the philosopher's walk. After lunch, transfer to the MS Caledonian Sky in Kobe. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner. Ten Night Stay: aboard the MS Caledonian Sky. LD Day 2. Okayama, Koraku-en Garden, Kurashiki. Visit Koraku-en Garden, one of Japan's most significant gardens – the name meaning 'garden of pleasure after'. Visit a classic teahouse, and absorb the views over the gardens. After a local lunch, continue to Kurashiki, and explore the old merchant quarter and its fine 17th-century warehouses. The beautiful houses are painted white with traditional black tiles, and are set along a canal lined with weeping willows. BLD Day 3. Takamatsu, Ritsurin Park. Tour the stunning city of Takamatsu on Shikoku, the smallest of the four main Japanese Islands. Journey over the Seto-Ohashi Bridge and visit Kinashi Bonsai Town. Explore Ritsurin Park, a 350-year-old garden famous for its spring colours and the Chrysanthemum-Moon Pavilion. BLD Day 4. Hiroshima, Miyajima. Arrive in Hiroshima to visit the compelling Peace Memorial Park. The park is dotted with memorials, including the cenotaph that contains the names of all the known victims of the A-bomb. Continue to Miyajima and see the scarlet Torii Gate. Go ashore to explore the Itsukushima Jinja Shrine, founded in the 6th century and dedicated to three sea goddesses. BLD Day 5. Uwajima, Freedom of Choice. Today you have two sightseeing choices in Uwajima. Perhaps visit a pearl farm before continuing to Tensha-en Garden, an example of a Japanese garden built during the Samurai era. Alternatively, explore Uwajima Castle and Tensha-en Garden. BLD Day 6. Nagasaki, Dejima Island. Nagasaki was the second city destroyed by an A-bomb in World War II. Tour the Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Museum and Glover Garden. Continue to Dejima Island, built during the Edo Period to accommodate Portuguese Christian missionaries and prevent the propagation of their religion. It was also once the residential quarters of the Dutch, the only foreigners allowed to trade in Japan during the Sakoku (isolation) Period for 200 years. BLD See the spectacular cherry blossoms of Japan Freedom of Choice TM Sightseeing CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS www.botanica.travel

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