Tick the Great Wall of China and the ancient temples of Osaka and Kyoto off your bucket-list as you explore the unique highlights of China and Japan. This captivating 17-day tour-cruise package travels to the hi-tech, modern skyscrapers of Beijing and Shanghai and cruises to the fascinating ports of Kobe, Tokyo (Yokohama) and beyond.
Step into China’s history in Beijing as you explore Tiananmen Square and either the Forbidden City’s Imperial Palace or picturesque Temple of Heaven (subject to availability). Delight in an authentic Peking Duck lunch before a visit to the iconic Great Wall of China. Along the way, you’ll be intrigued by traditional Chinese medicine, artisans working with jade, pearl and silk and gain insights into China’s tea culture. Visit Hangzhou’s picturesque West Lake and the serene beauty of Suzhou before arriving among the skyscrapers of modern Shanghai.
Board a 7-night Royal Caribbean cruise to Japan aboard 'Spectrum of the Seas'. Experience luxurious cabins, dine on world-class menus, dazzling entertainment and thrilling activities like skydiving simulators, bumper cars, and rock climbing (additional charges may apply).
Your first port of call is Kobe, renowned for next-level Wagyu beef and the impressive Mt. Rokko which dominates its skyline. Make your journey a full foodie mission with a visit to Osaka to indulge in the local tradition of kuidaore (eat until you drop). Kyoto is easily accessible by rail where you could discover classic temples and Fushimi Inari‘s rows of red torii gates. Sail on to Yokohama, gateway port to Tokyo, where you can stroll the Rainbow Bridge, visit the serene Imperial Palace gardens and admire the futuristic neon-lights of Shibuya Crossing.
This once-in-a-lifetime tour-cruise package includes return international full-service flights & one-way internal flight (or high-speed train), 7-night Japan cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s 'Spectrum of the Seas', 8 nights 4-star hotel accommodation, enjoy 30 meals, including all meals while cruising and more.
Please note: Extra charges may apply. See the Important Info section and checkout cart for fees and details.
Today depart Australia on your flight to Beijing, China. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the airport to transfer you to the hotel.
Please note:
• Some travellers may depart on Day 0.
• Some travellers may have an overnight layover in China with accommodation and transfers provided by the airline.
• Some travellers may have an overnight layover in an Australian city with airport accommodation provided (excluding transfers).
Overnight: Chunhuiyuan Resort or similar, Beijing
Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight
After breakfast, visit Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, followed by a visit to either the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City, or The Temple of Heaven (subject to availability).
The Forbidden City
Known officially as the Imperial Palace Museum, was originally constructed by Emperor Yong Le, the third Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. The palace was built between 1406 and 1420, but was burnt down, rebuilt, sacked and renovated countless times, so most of the architecture you can see today dates from the 1700s and onwards.
The Temple of Heaven
Founded in the first half of the 15th century, is a dignified complex of fine cult buildings that are set in gardens and surrounded by historic pine woods. In its overall layout, it symbolises the relationship between earth and heaven which stands at the heart of Chinese cosmogony and also recognises the special role played by the emperors within that relationship.
Optional Tour: The Golden Mask Dynasty - 380 RMB per person
Tonight, take the opportunity to attend an optional large-scale dramatic musical, ‘The Golden Mask Dynasty’ (not included - booked and paid on tour with the operator).
Please note:
• There is a daily visitor limit for the Forbidden City and tickets cannot be held in advance, therefore there is a possibility that entry tickets may not be secured. Should this occur, The Forbidden City will be replaced with The Temple of Heaven.
• While in Beijing, the order of activities and landmarks visited may vary.
Overnight: Chunhuiyuan Resort or similar, Beijing
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, as you travel to the Great Wall this morning, stop at a Jade Museum to learn the history of jade. In Chinese, jade is pronounced as “Yu” and has a history of at least four thousand years in China. Observe skilled artisans at work as they create their intricate designs.
Afterwards, you'll take a scenic drive through the countryside and mountains to reach China’s most renowned monument - the Great Wall of China. Along the way you will enjoy a stop for a delicious Peking Duck lunch, one of Beijing's most famous dishes (vegetarian options will be available also).
On arrival at the Great Wall, you will visit the original Juyong Pass. The Great Wall meanders through China’s northern mountain ranges from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi Desert, a distance of more than 5,650 kilometres.
Optional Tour: Hutong Pedicab Tour & Dinner - 360 RMB per person
In the afternoon, take the opportunity to join an optional tour (booked and paid on tour with the operator) of Beijing’s 700-year-old Hutongs (narrow lanes) by old-fashioned pedicab. You will also visit a local family living in a courtyard-style home to experience the local customs, including a delicious home-cooked dinner. The optional tour also includes a visit to Shichahai, a historic scenic area consisting of three lakes (Qianhai which means Front Sea, Houhai which means Back Sea and Xihai which means West Sea). You'll also get to admire surrounding places of historic interest, scenic beauty and remnants of old-style hutong and courtyard local residences.
Please note:
• While in Beijing, the order of activities and landmarks visited may vary.
• It is possible that the Hutong Pedicab Tour & Dinner may be suspended. Should this occur, a replacement optional tour will be offered.
Overnight: Chunhuiyuan Resort or similar, Beijing
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch
After breakfast, make a stop at ‘Tongrentang’ to learn more about traditional Chinese medicine. Next, travel to the airport for your onward flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you and transfer you to Suzhou (approximately 150 kilometre journey) where you will check into your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Please note:
• A high-speed rail journey may be provided in place of a domestic flight. This will be confirmed in your travel documentation which will arrive 4-6 weeks prior to your departure date. In some cases, the information may be provided by your tour guide on arrival in China.
• High-speed train seating location cannot be guaranteed, however we will endeavour to seat you close to your companions. To ensure you are seated near your companions in the same carriage, you must provide your passport details at least 60 days prior to departure.
• Should incorrect passport details be provided, you may need to purchase new tickets at your own expense upon arrival.
• While in Beijing, the order of activities and landmarks visited may vary.
• The days on which Suzhou, Wuxi, Hangzhou & Shanghai are visited may vary.
Overnight: Snowy Sea Hotel or similar, Suzhou
Meals included: Breakfast
Often called the ‘Venice of the East’, Suzhou has a history dating back to 514BC. Here you'll get the chance to visit the famous Lingering Garden, recognised along with other classical Suzhou gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll then visit a fascinating silk spinning factory to see China's renowned and exquisite silk production.
This afternoon drive to Wuxi (approximately 1 hour drive) and visit Lihu Park, a serene oasis nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Lihu. You will find lush greenery, scenic walking paths and charming bridges. Admire the peaceful views as you spot locals cycling around the lake, fishing and boating along the water.
Optional Tour: Suzhou Grand Canal Cruise - 220 RMB per person
Take the opportunity to cruise along the Grand Canal (not included - booked and paid on tour with the operator) to view life along China’s ancient waterway.
Please Note:
• The days on which Suzhou, Wuxi, Hangzhou & Shanghai are visited may vary.
Overnight: Mingdu Hotel or similar, Wuxi
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning gain an insight into China’s enormous manufacturing and production capabilities with a visit to a Pearl Factory to learn about freshwater pearls, a key export commodity with great cultural significance since the Han dynasty.
Afterwards, drive to Hangzhou (approximately 190 kilometres). Upon arrival check into your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Please Note:
• The days on which Suzhou, Wuxi, Hangzhou & Shanghai are visited may vary.
Overnight: Fubang International Hotel or similar, Hangzhou
Meals included: Breakfast
Hangzhou is considered the tea capital of China so a visit to a local tea house is a must. Today you'll make a special visit to the Tea House at Meijiawu Tea Village in the hinterland of West Lake Park, considered one of the most important Longjing Tea productions in China. Enjoy the beautiful village scenery while learning about China’s special tea culture and how to appreciate the sophisticated taste and aroma of Longjing Tea. At the Tea House, you'll also learn how to make Longjing Tea including tea leaf picking, frying and tasting. Afterwards, you'll enjoy a small boat ride on the UNESCO-listed West Lake to admire the ethereal beauty of Hangzhou’s willow-draped islands.
Next, drive to Shanghai (approximately 2 hours) to visit the famous Bund. Shanghai is divided by the Huang Pu River into eastern and western sections. Modern mega-high rises are seen on the eastern side while traditional European style architecture may be seen on the western side. The Bund is a five-block riverfront promenade with many of Shanghai's banks and trading houses. Tonight there is an optional activity to watch a superb and thrilling Chinese Acrobatic Show “ERA: The Intersection of Time”.
Optional Activity: ERA and The Intersection of Time - 390 RMB per person
Tonight there is an optional activity to watch a superb and thrilling Chinese Acrobatic Show “ERA: The Intersection of Time” (or similar), (booked and paid on tour with the operator).
Please Note:
• The days on which Suzhou, Wuxi, Hangzhou & Shanghai are visited may vary.
Overnight: Courtyard by Marriott Jiading or similar, Shanghai
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning, step back in time at the Shanghai History Museum. Shanghai History Museum is a landmark museum that comprehensively reflects the local history of Shanghai.
Enjoy some free time at leisure this afternoon or join an optional half-day tour of Shanghai (not included - booked and paid on tour with the operator).
Optional Activity: Half-Day Shanghai Tour - 240 RMB per person
Join a half-day tour of Shanghai including a visit to Yu (Jade) Garden, believed to have been built more than 400 years ago with exquisite architecture that has made the garden one of the highlights of Shanghai. You'll see other attractions including Xintiandi, Old Town and Nanjing Road (booked and paid on tour with the operator).
Optional Tour: Huangpu River Night Cruise - 280 RMB per person
In the evening, take the opportunity to join an optional night cruise on the Huangpu River.
Please Note:
• Should the Shanghai History Museum be closed, Suzhou Museum will be visited when in Suzhou.
• The days on which Suzhou, Wuxi, Hangzhou & Shanghai are visited may vary.
Overnight: Courtyard by Marriott Jiading or similar, Shanghai
Meals included: Breakfast
Depart 16:30
Today you will transfer to the Port of Baoshan where you will board the Royal Caribbean 'Spectrum of the Seas’ ship for your 7-night cruise to Japan.
Overnight: Royal Caribbean's 'Spectrum of the Seas'
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
Today is free at leisure whilst cruising at sea onboard the 'Spectrum of the Seas'.
Overnight: Royal Caribbean's 'Spectrum of the Seas'
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive 14.30
Perched on a hill sloping down to the sea, Kobe is a maritime gateway to one of Japan's most metropolitan cities. Mt. Rokko dominates the skyline - from the summit, you can glimpse one of the best views in all Japan. Of course, Kobe's also famous for breeding Wagyu cows that produce some of the highest-quality beef in the world. The stuff is so delicious that almost every restaurant in the area stocks it. Cruise to Japan and make your visit a full foodie mission and stop off at Osaka to indulge in the local tradition of kuidaore - "eat until you drop."
Please note: The days on which Kobe and Kyoto are visited may be reversed, and port times may vary, depending on your sailing.
Overnight: Royal Caribbean's 'Spectrum of the Seas'
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Depart Kobe 04:00 - Arrive Osaka 07:00 and Depart Osaka at 15:30
Why not make your journey a full foodie mission in Osaka indulging in the local tradition of kuidaore (eat until you drop) or seek out the 16th-century shogunate Osaka Castle and Osaka’s many ancient temples and shrines.
Nearby Kyoto is easily accessible by rail where you could discover Japan's ancient capital city. Today, it remains the country's unofficial capital of culture, history and cuisine. Explore the centuries-old Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple, perched a top a hill surrounded by cherry trees. Center yourself at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shinto shrine, with its long, meditative rows of red torii gates. Cruise to Osaka and stroll through mysterious gardens of raked gravel at Ryoan-ji temple, or roam through a bamboo forest at Arashiyama, called the Philosopher's Path for its peaceful, reflective vibe. Then, see the bustling side of Kyoto at the Higashiyama District, where narrow streets lined with shops and restaurants wind up the side of picturesque Mount Otowa.
Please note: The days on which Kobe and Kyoto are visited may be reversed, and port times may vary, depending on your sailing.
Overnight: Royal Caribbean's 'Spectrum of the Seas'
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive 13:30 - Depart 23:00
Yokohama is the central gateway to exploring Tokyo, a once-humble fishing village that is now one of the world’s biggest, most densely populated cities.
You'll find an eclectic mix of traditional shrines and soaring skyscrapers lining these neon-lit streets. Walk the Rainbow Bridge over Tokyo Bay alongside the Yurikamome Rail Line, a futuristic, operator-less train system. Then, see old Tokyo at the Imperial Palace, an Edo Castle surrounded by moats and gardens perfect for strolling. Cruise to Tokyo and head to iconic Sensoji Buddhist Temple and pass below the massive red paper lantern of the Thunder Gate. Then, unwind in Yoyogi Park, a literal forest in the heart of the city, complete with Zen gardens and a gingko tree forest.
Overnight: Royal Caribbean's 'Spectrum of the Seas'
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Relax and enjoy a sea day aboard 'Spectrum of the Seas'.
Overnight: Royal Caribbean's 'Spectrum of the Seas'
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Relax and enjoy a sea day aboard 'Spectrum of the Seas'.
Overnight: Royal Caribbean's 'Spectrum of the Seas'
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive Shanghai 07:00
Arrive back at the Port of Baoshan and make your own way to the airport for your return flight home to Australia/New Zealand.
Please note:
• Some travellers may be required to depart a day later. For passengers departing after 02:00 on the following day, additional accommodation and transfers will be provided free of charge.
Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight
Please note: Some travellers may arrive +1 day (Day 18).