Enjoy 8 nights aboard the luxurious Orion II boutique cruise ship exploring the Inland Sea national park with destinations including Nagasaki, Kobe, Kanazawa and Sado Island along the sea coast of Japan.
Orion II is a private yacht-like expedition cruise ship built by Cantieri Navale Ferrari of Italy and offers the finest standards in small-ship cruise travel. This boutique ship is equipped with speedy Zodiacs for shore expeditions and small-boat sightseeing and has a staff of 68 officers and crew to look after the 100 guests on board. Expert-led talks and presentations and guided shore visits complement the
Every room offers ocean views and is appointed with a sitting area or separate living room, twin or queen-size beds and marble bathrooms. All rooms offer conveniences such as ample storage space, complimentary 24-hour room service, a flat screen TV, DVD/CD player, internet connectivity, air conditioning, a personal safe, hairdryer and a mini-refrigerator continuously stocked with complimentary bottled water.
Facilities on-board include cafes and a bar, gymnasium, sun deck, Jacuzzi and a bright and welcoming lounge, the social centre of the boat and also the venue for tour briefings and expert talks. Dining is at a choice of two restaurants one of which is open-air and both of which serve food a good few grades above normal cruise fare making for a fantastic culinary experience.
The well thought-out excursions are led by Expedition Leaders who are all experts in their field including botany, biology, anthropology and history. On board lectures are also available and these are led by Guest Speakers or Expedition Leaders.
Start dates for 2012 are:
Kobe to Niigata: Sat 5th May 2012
Niigata to Kobe (reverse itinerary): Sun 13th May 2012
The package here is for the cruise only - ask us to create a tailor-made package for you for any extra time you have in Japan or to arrange transfers to and from the ship.
Prices:
2012
Standard:
Twin: £4504 Single: £6756
Upgrade:
Twin: £5246 Single: £7869
Click for full details of pricing including extra nights
- 8 nights on-board the Orion II cruise ship
- Breakfast, Lunch, dinner and selected drinks on-board Orion II
- Selected excursions and guiding during cruise
- InsideJapan Tours Info-Pack
- International Flights
- Transfers to cruise - ask us to put together a tailored package to complement the cruise
For the package as shown Standard price is based on Ocean Suite B. Upgrade price is based on Ocean Suite A room on board the cruise ship. Please contact us for further upgrade options.
Cruise Fare - What is Included
Included in your cruise fare are accommodation as booked, cruise transportation, all meals onboard, 24-hour room service, entertainment and educational programmes, use of ship's sporting equipment and facilities, port & handling charges, Zodiac excursions and tender transfers, access to the ship's library, Govt. Fees & Taxes. Fares also include the services of 68 experienced crew.
Cruise Fare - What's Not Included
Fares do not include items of a personal nature, including but not limited to: travel and medical insurance, laundry charges, shopping onboard, bar expenses, hair dressing and massage treatments, optional shore experiences, medical treatment, telephone and internet charges.
Supplements
No seasonal supplement
Departure Dates
Kobe to Niigata: Sat 5th May 2012
Niigata to Kobe (reverse itinerary): Sun 13th May 2012
Accommodation
Standard price is based on Ocean Suite B room, Upgrade is based on Ocean Suite A room on board the cruise ship. Please contact us for further upgrade options.
Notes
Ports of call may be subject to weather and tidal conditions, and are subject to change. All Shoreside Expeditions, itineraries, destinations, times of arrivals and departures and prices are subject to change without prior notice and may vary due to unforeseen circumstances or cost variations. If minimum passenger numbers are not reached programs may be cancelled.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 to Day 9 Cruise
Start from Kobe: Sat 5th May 2012
Start from Niigata: Sun 13th May 2012
This is for the Kobe to Niigata itinerary (please reverse for the Niigata departure)
Embarkation is at around 3pm with the ship departing Kobe for Uno port from where we will travel by coach to both Okayama and Kurashiki. In Okayama we will spend time exploring the world famous Korakuen gardens, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, in Kurashiki we will visit a traditional family house dating back to the 17th century and also visit the Ōhara Museum of Art.
Our visit to Hiroshima revolves around the Peace Park, Peace Museum and the A-Bomb Dome. The Peace Park, and the A-Bomb dome (being one of the only buildings to survive the horrific blast), stand in peaceful contrast to the images displayed inside the museum. We also have time in this area for a visit to World Heritage Miyajima Island where we can see the vermillion red Torii gate and the famous Itsukushima shrine.
Next stop is Nagasaki where we visit the Nagasaki Peace Park and Dejima, a designated Japanese history site which during Japan's self imposed period of isolation, was created as a man made island to "contain" Portuguese traders. Across the inland sea to Shikoku Island, Uwajima promises a unique experience with the Sumo of the Bulls, a pearl cultivation centre and Uwajima Castle.
Crossing the border briefly into South Korea we stop at Busan where our inclusive tour will visit Tongdosa Temple, a colourful Korean Buddhist temple where we can participate in a Korean tea ceremony with the Monks.
In Kanazawa we will explore the traditional Geisha area and take part in a geisha experience as well as visit the extensive Kenrokuen Gardens and take part in a traditional tea ceremony.
Next stop is the port of Sakai-ko which gives us access to Matsue Castle and The Adachi Museum of Art with its stunning array of Japanese art covering and one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan.
Finally, the rugged coastlines and quaint fishing ports of Sado Island. Included expeditions are a visit to the Kodo Taiko Centre for an interactive drumming experience. After this we will have the chance to experience a short traditional boat ride in a Taraibune "barrel" boat. Learn to make Soba noodles and enjoy a visit to the local Sake brewery where you can try various grades of sake and numerous other local products.
Photos
No photos currently available.
Pricing Information
| 2012 | |||
| Standard Price: | £4504 (Single Price: £6756) | ||
| Upgrade Price: | £5246 (Single Price: £7869) | ||
Accommodation
Orion II Cruise Ship
Cruise
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