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Discover the history and etiquette of making and appreciating sushi with a hands-on lesson before sitting down with your instructing chef to enjoy Japan’s most famous cuisine. It’s the taking part that counts!
There are around 25,000 hot spring sources across Japan, so it's no surprise that onsens are such a huge part of Japanese culture. Bathing in the geothermal waters, lauded for their medicinal qualities, is used for relaxation, healing and both literal and metaphorical cleansing. What better way to unwind after a day of exploring than making like a local and soaking.
Don a hanbok, the traditional dress of Korea since antiquity, consisting of a jeogori (top) and chima (skirt) for women and a jeogori and baji (trousers) for men. Then, stroll along streets of traditional houses in Seoul’s Bukchon Hanok neighbourhood for a glimpse of times gone by.
Our new and exciting Cruise and Tour Package includes many classic sights and key cultural activities in Japan and South Korea. Featuring modern cities, historical sights and beautiful landscapes.
Fly overnight to South Korea's lively, fast-paced capital city, Seoul. On arrival, transfer to your hotel where the rest of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring.
Spend the day seeing the sights of Seoul, starting at the Gwanghwamun Square where you can start to discover the city's long history before passing through the magnificent gate of the Gyeongbok Palace complex to watch the Changing of the Guards ceremony. You'll then change into traditional Korean clothes to explore Bukchon Hanok Village, a neighbourhood of restored traditional houses, for a fascinating step back in time. After lunch at a local restaurant, take part in a kimchi making demonstration, then take a guided stroll along the picturesque Cheonggyecheon Stream. The day ends in Myeongdong, an area renowned for its fashion boutiques and street food stalls, where you'll be able to get a feel for contemporary Seoul.
After breakfast you will be transferred to Incheon cruise terminal to board your cruise. The rest of the day is free to explore the ship's facilities and settle in. Throughout your cruise, when your ship comes into port, there will be a range of excursions available to help you explore each destination. These excursions are at your own expense and are bookable on your cruise reservation.
Spend the day getting to know the Celebrity Millennium and all the plentiful ways you can be active or relax onboard as you cruise across along South Korea's coastline.
Port at Jeju Island, South Korea's favourite holiday and honeymoon spot. A volcanic island of rugged peaks, lush forest and white sand beaches, it is an excellent place to not only enjoy a bit of all out relaxation, but to explore a wealth of unique ancient traditions.
Nagasaki is best known for the events of the 9th of August 1945 but there is so much more to it. Backed by rolling hills and forested islands, with unspoilt beaches, European-style architecture, and ancient roots, it is a delight to explore.
Today's port of call is the sunny city of Kagoshima, nestled at the foot of Sakurajima Volcano. While the city itself has historic castles and traditional gardens to explore, there are also volcanic hot springs to soak in and delicious local food to try.
Relax onboard your way – sitting by the pool, enjoying the bars and restaurants, or taking part in a sport or activity.
Arrive at Hiroshima. Best known as the first city in the world to feel the power of the atomic bomb in 1945, Hiroshima has emerged for the ashes as a cosmopolitan and peaceful place. Consider visiting the tranquil Peace Park to learn about and reflect on the past.
Port at Kochi. A surfer hang out with a UNESCO Global Geopark coastline, plentiful great outdoors and bags of rustic charm, Kochi is a wonderful place to while away a day.
Arrive in Osaka, the closest port to the timeless city of Kyoto, Japan's capital for over 1,000 years and a treasure trove of history and culture. Spend the day exploring among ancient architecture, soaking up a rich, age-old culture or sampling some of the city's culinary delights.
Spend a second day at port in Osaka, continuing your explorations, perhaps with a visit to Osaka Castle or simply make the most of the excellent range of facilities onboard your cruise ship.
Make the most of your cruise ship facilities today – you could relax by the pool, try out the restaurants and bars, and enjoy the range of activities and shows.
Port at Shimizu, a city of medieval castle ruins, ancient pine groves and traditional gardens. Here, you are ideally located for viewing Mount Fuji (weather dependent) or exploring the series of fascinating cultural sights around its base.
Bid farewell to the Celebrity Millenium. You will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Embark on a full day exploration of Tokyo, start at vibrant Sensoji, the city's oldest temple before taking a stroll down Nakamise Shopping Street to browse the souvenirs and locals snack foods. Then, ascend the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views over the city. Enjoy a sushi making masterclass and dine on your creations for lunch. Later, wander through the Imperial Palace then explore Meiji Jingu Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji. Experience Shibuya crossing before dinner tonight at a local restaurant.
Travel to Lake Ashi for a picturesque cruise, before soaring high on the Komagatake Ropeway to a spectacular viewpoint with views of Mount Fuji (weather dependent). Then visit Oishi Park on Lake Kawaguchi for more beautiful Fuji views. Arrive at your traditional ryokan accommodation in Nagano, where you can enjoy the onsen facilities this evening before a traditional Kaiseki dinner.
Transfer to Jigokudani Monkey Park, home to the famous hot spring bathing Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys. After a walk through a forest, you'll come across the monkey's pool where you can watch them relax and play. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before boarding a bullet train to Kyoto, a city that is the very essence of ancient Japan.
Soak up more of Kyoto's rich history with a wander through the beautiful Kiyomizu temple complex, from where you'll get beautiful views over the city. Lunch will be a traditional sukiyaki (hotpot) before an exploration of brewing techniques and the cultural significance of sake plus a tasting. Then, climb the forested slopes of Fushimi Inari Shrine, passing through the many vermilion red torii gates.
Spend the day discovering the treasures of the timeless city of Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital. You'll begin at the enchanting Kinkaku-ji, also known as the 'Golden Pavilion', before contemplating the famous Zen Garden at Ryoanj-ji, the 'temple of the peaceful dragon'. In the afternoon, wander through the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and admire the old Togetsukyo Bridge. This evening, enjoy dinner with a Maiko Performance.
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or the following day.
Places Visited: UK – Seoul (2N) – Celebrity Cruise (12N) – Tokyo (2N) – Nagano (1N) – Kyoto (3N)
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Dedicated Solo departures are available on selected dates for this tour.
These solos-only departures feature smaller group sizes of up to 18, along with free airport lounge access.
There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.
The same great Wendy Wu tour - just with an extra level of comfort. Enjoy relaxed 5-star city hotels, unique properties, and overnight cruises, each selected to deliver an elevated experience. See Upgraded Tour Hotels above for more details.
Extend your holiday or break up your journey with one of our extensions and stopovers. Choose from city breaks or some beach time, or spend more time in your chosen destination.
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