Fly UK to Hong Kong, overnight on flight

Hong Kong is practically part of China, but it has its own culture and personality. The cosmopolitan city stretches across numerous small islands, among which there are some that are densely populated and full of incredible attractions, restaurants and shops. They say that a minute in New York is like a second in Hong Kong, and they also say that you can quickly see why.

Transfer to airport for flight to Shanghai

Shanghai is situated just over 900 miles away from Beijing and will give you a taste of China mixed with Historic British involvement - discover Ming Dynasty architecture at Jichang Garden or browse the designer boutiques of Nanjing Road. Shanghai is a fast, modern metropolitan area mixed with colonial and traditional Chinese architecture and has rapidly become one of the most popular cities in the world to visit. Also known as “Paris of the Orient”, this is a city to be walked, wandered, explored and discovered in your own style.

Transfer to port to embark ship

A Unesco world heritage site - home to Hallasan National Park and the lava tubes at Geomunoreum.

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

The ancient capital of Japan until 1868. Visit Nijo Castle constructed in 1603, enjoy quiet contemplation at the imposing Todaiji Temple - Japan's largest wooden Buddhist temple and look out for tame deer in beautiful Nara Park. Nothing is as symbolic of Kyoto as Kinkaku-ji's golden reflection shimmering across the rippled surface of the pond before it. The current gold leaf-coated reconstructed temple was unveiled in 1955, five years after the 14th-century original was torched by one of the temple's monks. It is set on the water amid a garden complex in Muromachi period garden design - the most classical of Japanese gardens.

Niigata is a port city on Honshu, Japan’s main island. The Minatopia history museum complex includes heritage buildings like the 19th-century Niigata Customs House. Along the seacoast, the Marinepia Nihonkai aquarium has sea otters and dolphins. Part of the Northern Culture Museum, the Ito Estate was home to a wealthy 1800s family and displays their art collection. South are the hot springs of Iwamuro.

Hakodate is one of the main cities on Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island. Looming over the town is 334m-high Mount Hakodate. The mountain's summit, reachable by aerial ropeway gondola, offers dramatic nighttime views. At its base is Motomachi, a neighborhood of steep streets with Western-style, early-20th-century buildings. A city landmark is the grand Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, built in 1910.

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

Disembark ship for overnight flight to UK