Clipper OdysseyThe 118-passenger 'Clipper Odyssey' provides superior onboard comfort while sailing to remote and off-the-beaten-path destinations. All of A&K's 'Odyssey' voyages are accompanied by destination experts and lecturers individually selected for each sailing, so that you know the stories behind all that you see. Staterooms are spacious and comfortable and all have an ocean view (some with a balcony). Each room includes a private bathroom, sitting area with sofa, in-room music system and television. An INMARSAT telecommunications system permits email access and an infirmary is staffed with an accredited physician on every voyage. After your daily adventures, relax in one of the lounges, visit the bridge with the ship’s officer, take a dip in the pool, work-out in the fitness room or pamper yourself with a massage. The intimate onboard atmosphere and expert hospitality, delivered by a well-trained crew of 73, ensures an unforgettable experience as ‘Clipper Odyssey’ makes her way through remote and culturally interesting waters. Onboard the ship all meals, drinks (except premium brand) and gratuities are included. Treasures of Japan Itinerary Japan’s history is evident at every turn, whether it’s a venerable Buddhist temple or Shinto shrine, a museum housing samurai swords or intricately detailed ceramics. Feudal-era castles still rise from their massive stone foundations, while Japan’s exquisite gardens are a visual commentary of what nature can achieve under generations of skilled master gardeners. 29 May – London/Osaka Depart from London Heathrow by overnight flight to Osaka.30 May - Osaka/KyotoArrive and transfer to the hotel in Kyoto for a two-night stay.31 May - KyotoAfter breakfast, enjoy a morning tour of Kyoto’s highlights. Kyoto was founded in the 7th century and was once the capital of Japan. Today, this stunning city holds twenty percent of Japan’s national treasures. After lunch, the afternoon is at leisure for independent exploration of Kyoto’s grand palaces, ornate shrines and beautiful gardens. Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner and meet our expedition team.1 June - Kyoto/Himeji/Embark Clipper OdysseyDepart Kyoto onboard one of Japan’s famed shinkansen (bullet train) for a trip to the town of Himeji. In Himeji, we visit Japan’s most famous castle, a designated World Heritage Site and a national treasure. Himeji Castle was built in the 16th century on the grounds of a former fort. Today, it retains its original magnificence, with only minor renovations to restore its authenticity. Later this afternoon, we embark Clipper Odyssey at Himeji Port. In the evening, set sail through the Inland Sea towards Okayama. 2 June - Okayama (Uno-Ko)Arriving at the town of Uno-Ko, we disembark for a short drive to Bizen. The production of Bizen’s highly acclaimed pottery dates back to the ninth century. Visit the Ceramic Museum and some of the exquisite shops. This afternoon explore one of Japan’s most famed gardens, Koraku-en, a 17th century formal garden with 28 acres of walking trails, ponds, fruit trees and a classic teahouse. Reboard the ship in Uno-Ko.3 June - Hiroshima/Miya-jimaArrive in Hiroshima to visit the compelling Peace Memorial Park. Return to the ship for lunch and then board a privately chartered ferry to Miya-jima. Considered one of Japan’s top scenic wonders, Miya-jima provides a picture-postcard view of the scarlet camphor-wood Torii gate at the entrance to the sacred Itsukushima Shrine, a World Heritage Site. Go ashore to explore the shrine, founded in the sixth century and dedicated to three sea goddesses. 4 June - Oita/Yufuin/Nakatsu, KyushuDisembark and travel by coach to the charming town of Yufuin, nestled at the base of mountains reminiscent of the Swiss Alps. The town has thatched roofed houses, rice fields, traditional scenery, and an interesting variety of onsen, the beautiful bathing pools found in many areas of Japan. Visit the Folk Art Museum for demonstrations of glass blowing and weaving. In the afternoon, pass through the Kunisaki Peninsula, where ancient temples, shrines, and stone Buddha sites abound. Conditions permitting, visit the seventh century Usa Shrine, one of the oldest shrines in Japan. Rejoin the ship in Nakatsu. 5 June - Tsushima Islands/Pusan, KoreaConditions permitting, board Zodiacs to explore some of the small towns and sites here. On the northern island of Kami, we visit Watazumi Jiniya, built in 895AD as a shrine to the god of the sea. The Mt. Eboshi Observatory offers a beautiful view of the coast and Aso-wan Bay. In the afternoon we sail towards Korea, arriving late evening for an overnight stop in the port of Pusan.6 June - Kyongju, KoreaThis morning, disembark for a full-day excursion to magnificent Kyongju, a World Heritage Site often described as the world’s finest open-air museum. As the ancient capital of the Shilla Dynasty, Kyongju’s cultural heritage dates back to the first millennium, when for nearly 1,000 years the dynasty ruled Korea after conquering and uniting divergent monarchies. Stroll through some of the hundreds of excavated monuments, temples, tombs and pagodas, with our cultural historian. Explore the National Museum with its exceptional collections of finely worked gold jewellery, metal weapons and distinctive pottery. Sample Korean delicacies for lunch and enjoy a traditional dance performance.7 June - Matsue, HonshuThe San-In coastline, along the north shore of Honshu, offers splendid views of craggy rock faces and rugged shores sculpted by waves. Cruise inland to explore this very traditional area located in the stunning natural landscape of the Izumu Plain. Visit Matsue, the ‘town of water’, nestled between a scenic lake and a large lagoon. 8 June - KanazawaKanazawa is a thriving centre of the arts, long known for its lacquerware, pottery, delicate hand-painting of silk for kimonos and Noh theatre dramas. Explore winding cobbled streets containing art galleries, craft shops, samurai and geisha houses. Continue to the ruins of Kanazawa Castle and the famed Kenroku-en Garden, ranked among the country’s top gardens. Sophisticated, centuries-old botanical designs have created an artful aura of seclusion and contemplation. Kanazawa’s ponds have their own residents - spot-billed ducks, grey herons, and other waterfowl, while along the ocean shore, birders may spot grebes, eastern reef herons and murrelets.9 June - Sado-ga-shimaSado Island, well off the beaten path of most travellers, possesses the pastoral charm of verdant rice paddies and the dramatic beauty of surf-pounded seacoasts. During a tour of the island, visit a sake brewery and examine the Sado Gold Mine in Aikawa. After boarding the ship for lunch, the afternoon is at leisure to explore the town of Ryotsu.10 June - Noshiro/Aomori, HonshuDisembark this morning in Noshiro and travel to the Towada-Hachimantai National Park. We have opportunities for hiking, birding and photography today. On the way, pass through the mountain plateau region of Hachimantai with its panoramic views and magnificent virgin forests. Stop at the Great Drum House to see the drums used in the Tsuzureko Shrine Festival. Continue on to Lake Towada to see the magnificent ancient caldera lake and hike on paths that go through thick, deciduous forests. Before reboarding the ship in Aomori, we may visit the Sannai-Maruyama Ruins believed to be 5,500 years old. 11 June - Muroran, HokkaidoArrival at Muroran on Hokkaido Island, and travel overland to Shikotsu-Toya National Park and Lake Toya. Hot springs surround the lake, and deer, birds and other animals reside on a large island which can be reached by ferry. Birders will have a field-day, as June is the prime season to see blue-and-white flycatcher, narcissus flycatcher, Japanese green pigeon and Japanese grosbeak. Reboard the ship in Muroran and set sail for Otaru.12 June - Otaru/SapporoMid-afternoon arrival in Otaru, a coastal port city known for its interior canal lined by historic buildings. Travel to Sapporo and enjoy a tour of the city’s highlights. Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is in full bloom in June, an ideal season for our visit. Return to the ship for our farewell dinner.13 June - Otaru, Hokkaido/TokyoAfter breakfast, we disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for the flight to Tokyo. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for the rest of the day at leisure.14 June – Tokyo/LondonTransfer in the morning to the airport for your flight to London Heathrow. The nature of expeditionary cruising means the captain may change the itinerary based on local conditions.
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The itinerary includes international flights, all transfers and sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary and full board on Clipper Odyssey.
Room supplements (per person per night) from
Prices are per person per cruise from: Main Deck Forward Cabin £230; Main Deck Mid Ship Cabin £480; Lido Deck Mid Ship Cabin £830; Bridge Deck Deluxe Cabin £1424; Bridge Balcony Suite £2030; Bridge Owners Suite £3084.