Far East 29 days from Hong Kong to Tokyo

Day 1

hong kong, china

Departure: 16:00

According to the report of Hong Kong archaeological society, there were people settled in Tsuen Wan as early as two thousand years ago. In earlier days, it was known as Tsin Wan (淺灣) which means shallow bay, and later renamed to Tsuen Wan. Another name Tsak Wan (賊灣, Hakka dialect pronunciation: tshet wan), pirate bay, indicates the presence of pirates nearby long ago. In fact, the area around Rambler Channel was known as Sam Pak Tsin (三百錢), literally meaning three hundred coins. There was a legend that pirates would collect three hundred coins should one pass through the area. In 1911, there were approximately 3000 villagers living in Tsuen Wan. In the 20th century, factories moved in gradually due to its proximity to Kowloon. With the construction of Castle Peak Road in 1917, motor vehicles could reach the town in addition to access on foot and by boat. Regular bus services did not begin until 1933. Early industries relied on the ample local water supply to make incense sticks, preserved fruit and farming, while post-war industries included metalwares and textiles.

Read more

Read less

1

Day 4

puerto princesa - philippines

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 17:00

Puerto Princesa, officially City of Puerto Princesa is a city located in the western rovincial island of Palawan, Philippines. Puerto Princesa is the location of the Philippines' Western Command headquarters. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. With its crystalline waters and spectacular cave formations, the Underground River is possibly Puerto Princesa's most popular attraction. The site was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. The winding path of the river is navigable via small boats that depart from Sabang Beach. • Honda Bay. Consisting of several islets with beautiful beaches, Honda Bay is the place to go to for swimming, snorkeling as well as beach and island hopping. • Iwahig Penal Colony. A good example of a true correctional institute, the Iwahig Penal Colony is more of a farming community rather than a prison. • Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center. • Butterfly Garden. • Our Lady of Immaculate Conception. A very beautiful church that is decorated in blue and white. • Palawan Museum. • PSU Museum. This is a one room museum located inside a university building.

Read more

Read less

2

Day 5

boracay - philippines

Arrival: 10:00 - Departure: 18:00

Boracay is a small island in the Philippines located south of Manila and the northwest tip of Panay Island in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. The island comprises the barangays of Manoc-Manoc, Balabag, and Yapak in the municipality of Malay, in Aklan Province. Boracay is also famous for being one of the world's top destinations for relaxation. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • White Beach. • Puka Beach. • Baling Hai Beach. This is a quiet little cove just north of Diniwid Beach, where you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling and dining in a relaxed, peaceful environment. • Bulabog Beach. • The Bat Cave. The cave is on the western-end of the island and down several dirt roads. The mouth of the cave is littered with large boulders, and is difficult to enter and walk down.

Read more

Read less

3

Day 6

manila, phillipines

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 18:00

Manila is the largest city and the financial and commercial capital of the Philippines. It is located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay on Luzon, the country's largest island. Manila is a modern metropolis with Filipino heritage and Spanish, Chinese and American cultures creating a unique atmosphere. Spread throughout the city there are many temples and places of worship of different religions. Baroque colonial churches, Buddhist and Taoist temples and the beautiful Golden Mosque are an example of the city’s multi-cultural heritage. Rizal Park, also known as the Luneta, is the city’s main attraction. Inside the park there are many important sites to explore such as the Chinese and Japanese Gardens, the National Museum of the Philippines, The National Library of the Philippines, the Planetarium, an Orchidarium, an open-air auditorium for cultural performances, and the monument and final resting place of the country’s hero, José Rizal. At the northern end of Manila Bay lies the old walled Spanish settlement of Manila, Intramuros, meaning within the walls. Sadly much of it was destroyed during the war but it still contains some of the city's most interesting museums, ruins, and churches including the Manila Cathedral, the most important church in the country. Colorful and energetic, Manila is a city full of history, edgy galleries, exciting nightlife, delicious restaurants and modern shopping malls. Once known as the Pearl of the Orient, Manila still is a tourist attraction all by itself.

Read more

Read less

4

Day 8

kaohsiung, taiwan, china

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 16:00

Kaohsiung City is a special municipality in Taiwan. Located in southern-western Taiwan and facing the Taiwan Strait, it is by area the largest municipality, at 2,951.85 km2 (1,139.72 sq mi), stretches from Mt. Jade to Taiping Island, and second most populous (by city proper) with a population of approximately 2.77 million. Since its start in the 17th century, Kaohsiung has grown from a small trading village, into the political, economic, transportation, manufacturing, refining, shipbuilding, and industrial center of southern Taiwan. It is a global city with sufficiency as categorized by Globalization and World Cities Research Network in 2012. The Kaohsiung International Airport is the second largest airport in Taiwan. The Port of Kaohsiung is the largest harbor in Taiwan, but not officially part of Kaohsiung City. The southern terminal of the Freeway 1 is in Kaohsiung. For north-south travel on railway, the city is served by the Taiwan Railways Administration stations of TRA Western Line and Pingtung Line. The Taiwan High Speed Rail also provides fast and frequent railway connection to Taipei. The Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit, the city's subway system, was launched in early 2008. Kaohsiung was the host city of the World Games 2009, a multi-sport event primarily composed of sports not featured in the Olympic Games. The city is also home to the Republic of China Navy fleet headquarters and academy.

Read more

Read less

5

Day 9

taipei(keelung),taiwan,china

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 17:00

Keelung, officially known as Keelung City, is a major port city situated in the northeastern part of Taiwan. It borders New Taipei with which it forms the Taipei–Keelung metropolitan area, along with Taipei itself. Nicknamed the Rainy Port for its frequent rain and maritime role, the city is Taiwan's second largest seaport (after Kaohsiung). Keelung has a humid subtropical climate. It has long been noted as one of the wettest and gloomiest cities in the world; the effect is related to the Kuroshio Current. Although it is one of the coolest cities of Taiwan, winters are still short and warm, whilst summers are long, relatively dry and hot. One of the most popular festivals in Taiwan is the mid-summer Ghost Festival. The Keelung Ghost Festival is among the oldest in Taiwan, dating back to 1851 after bitter clashes between rival clans, which claimed many lives before mediators stepped in.

Read more

Read less

6

Day 10

ishigaki - japan

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 16:00

Ishigaki Island (石垣島 Ishigaki-jima, Yaeyama: Ishanagï, Okinawan: Ishigachi), also known as Ishigakijima, is a Japanese island south-west of Okinawa Hontō and the second-largest island of the Yaeyama Island group. It is within the City of Ishigaki in Okinawa Prefecture. The city functions as the business and transport center of the archipelago. The island is served by New Ishigaki Airport, the largest airport in the Yaeyamas.

Read more

Read less

7

Day 11

Naha

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 17:30

Naha is the capital city of Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. Naha is a city on the East China Sea coast of the southern part of Okinawa Island, the largest of Okinawa Prefecture. Naha is the political, economic and education center of Okinawa. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • huri Castle. This castle is the former seat of the Ryukyu Kingdom, built in the Okinawan • The town of Itoman lies south and southeast of Naha. • Himeyuri Peace Museum. • Okinawa Peace Park. This park has a beautiful view overlooking the ocean, and features several open-air memorials including theC ornerstone of Peace • Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum. • Okinawa Peace Memorial Hall. • Okinawa World.

Read more

Read less

8

Day 13

osaka, japan

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 23:00

Osaka is a big modern city in Japan. It is the central metropolis of the Kansai region and the largest of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto trio. It is a lively and exciting place that exudes a definite charm. Its history is rich, its scenery is gorgeous, and it's well-located close to the major cultural centers of Kyoto and Nara, and just a few hours by bullet train to Tokyo. Osaka has two major city centers, Kita, north side, and Minami, south side. Kita is a large shopping and business area, Minami is Osaka's most famous entertainment district. Osaka’s major attractions are the impressive, beautifully restored, castle and the truly wonderful aquarium. Osaka has some striking modern architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene and tasty local cuisine. To experience the city’s nightlife head to bustling Dōtonbori, a street jammed with restaurants and bars. There are also some beautiful places to visit just outside of the city. Minoo is a suburb of Osaka which offers pleasant woodland, an impressive waterfall, hiking opportunities and a relaxing spa. Osaka combines historical, cultural and artistic attractions with all the delights of a modern Japanese metropolis. Japan's third-largest city offers an exciting atmosphere, with fantastic connections to some of the most historic cities in Japan.

Read more

Read less

9

Day 15

tokyo (yokohama)

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 19:00

Tokyo is the capital of Japan and one of the largest urban area in the world. Tokyo is the financial center of Japan and a blend of high-technology and tradition. Tokyo is huge and a well-organized modern city. The city landscape of Tokyo consists of temples and shrines, quiet nature reserves, historical buildings, futuristic architecture and neon lights. The core of the city includes Chiyoda and Chuo. This area features the impressive Imperial Palace, the national government buildings, the famous shopping area of Ginza, Tsukiji fish market, Akihabara electronics market and the historic Tokyo Station. The quiet neighborhood of Asakusa has some must-see attractions such as the Sensoji Temple, the Nakamise-dōri shopping arcade, and the Golden Poo. Nearby is the Ueno area, including the Ameyoko market. A perfect spot to shop for traditional gifts and see a great Buddhist temple. Another major attraction of the city is the Meiji Shrine, located in Shibuya. Tokyo is a unique city that has something for everyone, busy shopping areas, famous nightlife, historical sights, quiet parks, and amazing scenery.

Read more

Read less

10

Day 16

shimizu

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 16:00

Mishima is a city located in the east of Shizuoka Prefecture, at the base of the Izu Peninsula and at the foot of Mount Fuji in Japan. The city offers a wide variety of sights and activities. If there is one thing that characterises Mishima, it is its parks, most notably Mishima Rakujuen Park, Kakita River Park and Suehirosan Park. Mishima is also home to a number of cultural attractions such as the Taisha Temple of Mishima, the ruins of Yamanaka Castle and Madoromi Shrine.

Read more

Read less

11

Day 17

osaka, japan

Arrival: 10:00

Osaka is a big modern city in Japan. It is the central metropolis of the Kansai region and the largest of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto trio. It is a lively and exciting place that exudes a definite charm. Its history is rich, its scenery is gorgeous, and it's well-located close to the major cultural centers of Kyoto and Nara, and just a few hours by bullet train to Tokyo. Osaka has two major city centers, Kita, north side, and Minami, south side. Kita is a large shopping and business area, Minami is Osaka's most famous entertainment district. Osaka’s major attractions are the impressive, beautifully restored, castle and the truly wonderful aquarium. Osaka has some striking modern architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene and tasty local cuisine. To experience the city’s nightlife head to bustling Dōtonbori, a street jammed with restaurants and bars. There are also some beautiful places to visit just outside of the city. Minoo is a suburb of Osaka which offers pleasant woodland, an impressive waterfall, hiking opportunities and a relaxing spa. Osaka combines historical, cultural and artistic attractions with all the delights of a modern Japanese metropolis. Japan's third-largest city offers an exciting atmosphere, with fantastic connections to some of the most historic cities in Japan.

Read more

Read less

12

Day 18

osaka, japan

Departure: 21:00

Osaka is a big modern city in Japan. It is the central metropolis of the Kansai region and the largest of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto trio. It is a lively and exciting place that exudes a definite charm. Its history is rich, its scenery is gorgeous, and it's well-located close to the major cultural centers of Kyoto and Nara, and just a few hours by bullet train to Tokyo. Osaka has two major city centers, Kita, north side, and Minami, south side. Kita is a large shopping and business area, Minami is Osaka's most famous entertainment district. Osaka’s major attractions are the impressive, beautifully restored, castle and the truly wonderful aquarium. Osaka has some striking modern architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene and tasty local cuisine. To experience the city’s nightlife head to bustling Dōtonbori, a street jammed with restaurants and bars. There are also some beautiful places to visit just outside of the city. Minoo is a suburb of Osaka which offers pleasant woodland, an impressive waterfall, hiking opportunities and a relaxing spa. Osaka combines historical, cultural and artistic attractions with all the delights of a modern Japanese metropolis. Japan's third-largest city offers an exciting atmosphere, with fantastic connections to some of the most historic cities in Japan.

Read more

Read less

13

Day 20

kagoshima, japan

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 17:00

Kagoshima is the capital of Kagoshima prefecture on the island of Kyushu. It has been nicknamed the "Naples of the Eastern world" for its bay location (Aira Caldera) and its hot climate. There are infinite ways to enjoy Kagoshima: the grand natural landscape of the active volcano Sakurajima, the rich history of men who contributed to the modernisation of Japan, the liberating zoo and aquarium, bubbling hot springs, Kinko Bay cruising. Islands belonging to Kagoshima Prefecture include about 30 islands far to the south, among which is Yakushima Island, an island registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tokara Islands, a chain of twelve islands of varying in size and stretching over a distance of 162 km, and Amami Oshima, the second largest isolated in Japan.

Read more

Read less

14

Day 21

nagasaki, japan

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 20:00

Nagasaki is the capital of Nagasaki prefecture on the island of Kyushu. On the west side of Shimabara Castle, the samurai residences have been carefully preserved, complete with clear spring water flowing in canals down the center of the streets. The Nagasaki Peace Park is a commemorating site to the atomic bombing and the Glover Garden is an open air park exhibiting Western mansions, and the Confucian Shrine is dedicated to Confucius.

Read more

Read less

15

Day 22

busan

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 21:00

Busan is the second largest city of South Korea and is located in the south-eastern province of South Gyeongsang. Busan was the host city of the 2002 Asian Games and APEC 2005 Korea. Busan tourism is increasing very fast in the last years and its tourist attractions are very interesting. One of them is the famous Centum Shopping Zone. It is also an entertainment complex zone equipped with various facilities for shopping, spa, and movies etc. The streets in the zone are lined with restaurants which allow you to try different foods, and see various types of exhibitions and performances. These exhibitions and performances are held in BEXCO, a multi-cultural exhibition center. Another big tourist attraction is the Busan Cinema Center that is the first video multi-cultural space in the world where films and performance arts are integrated. It is the symbol of Busan and a film city. It is also the venue for the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). The building is equipped with three movie theatres and a multi-purpose performance hall. The building also contains over 120,000 LED lights under the world's largest roofed stage providing a fantastic sight at night. In Igidae Galmaet-gil is possible to do a beautiful tour of 3 hours. The coastal walking path passes along gentle cliffs which look down over the ocean. The course covers a 3.95-km stretch running through from Dongsaengmal, Eoulmadang, Nong Rock to Oryuk Islets Sunrise Park. Where Gwangan Bridge ends, there is Bunpo, which used to be a salt farm. Over Bunpo, you see the green mountain ahead of you at Igidae Park. Some spectacular views from Nong Rock to Oryuk Islets are the essence of Igidae Park.

Read more

Read less

16

Day 23

yeosu, south korea

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 17:00

Yeosu-Suncheon Rebellion, also known as the Yeo-Sun Incident (Yeo-Sun an abbreviation of the area names Yeosu and Suncheon), was a rebellion that began in October 1948 and mostly ended by November of the same year. However, pockets of resistance lasted through to 1957, almost 10 years later. It is often called a " rebellion incident, " but it is used as a case of " Yeosu and Suncheon incident " or " Yeosu, Suncheon 10.19 incident " since 1995 because the residents of the area may have mistaken it as the main object of the uprising. The rebellion took place in Yeosu, Suncheon, and various surrounding towns in the South Jeolla province of South Korea. Rising anti-government sentiment towards the Syngman Rhee regime ignited in rebellion as 2,000 left-leaning soldiers based in the Yeo-Sun area raised arms in opposition to the Rhee government's handling of the Jeju Uprising, which occurred just months earlier in April. Park Chung-hee, who would later become a president of South Korea, participated in the rebellion, although he was allegedly given leniency in exchange for aiding in the hunt for others involved in the rebellion.

Read more

Read less

17

Day 24

fukuoka, japan

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 21:00

Fukuoka is the capital of Fukuoka prefecture and the largest city on the island of Kyushu and one of Japan's ten most populated cities. Fukuoka is evaluated as the best city in Asia in which to live. Some of the important tourist attractions in Fukuoka are the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, which is one of the most interesting festivals in Japan; the Shofukuji Temple; the Canal City and the Yatai (Food Stalls).

Read more

Read less

18

Day 25

Scenic Cruising Kanmon Strait

19

Day 26

hiroshima, japan

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 18:00

Hiroshima is an industrial city of wide boulevards and cross-crossing rivers, located along the coast of the Seto Inland Sea. Although many only know it for the horrific split second on August 6, 1945, when it became the site of the world's first atomic bomb attack, it is now a modern, cosmopolitan city with excellent cuisine and a bustling nightlife. There are two World Heritage Sites in Hiroshima. One is Itsukushima Shrine and the other is the A-Bomb Dome of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. There are several historical places in Hiroshima. The Hiroshima castle stands in the center of Hiroshima-city. You can see the old town which was formed in Edo era at Tomonoura in Fukuyama-city and in Takehara-city, but in Hiroshima-city there are few old buildings as lots of buildings were destroyed by the atomic bomb. But some are still showing their toughness – for example, the Old Bank of Japan Hiroshima Branch, the Rest House and so on. Around the peace memorial park, you can see many kinds of statues for praying the victims of the atomic bomb. The whole of Hiroshima can be a textbook of Hiroshima’s history.

Read more

Read less

20

Day 27

kochi - japan

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 17:00

Kōchi is the capital city of Kōchi Prefecture located on the island of Shikoku in Japan. Kōchi is the main city of the prefecture with over 40% of its population. A symbol of the city is its most famous dish, katsuo tataki, made by lightly searing and seasoning tuna.

Read more

Read less

Day 29

tokyo (yokohama)

Arrival: 08:00

Tokyo is the capital of Japan and one of the largest urban area in the world. Tokyo is the financial center of Japan and a blend of high-technology and tradition. Tokyo is huge and a well-organized modern city. The city landscape of Tokyo consists of temples and shrines, quiet nature reserves, historical buildings, futuristic architecture and neon lights. The core of the city includes Chiyoda and Chuo. This area features the impressive Imperial Palace, the national government buildings, the famous shopping area of Ginza, Tsukiji fish market, Akihabara electronics market and the historic Tokyo Station. The quiet neighborhood of Asakusa has some must-see attractions such as the Sensoji Temple, the Nakamise-dōri shopping arcade, and the Golden Poo. Nearby is the Ueno area, including the Ameyoko market. A perfect spot to shop for traditional gifts and see a great Buddhist temple. Another major attraction of the city is the Meiji Shrine, located in Shibuya. Tokyo is a unique city that has something for everyone, busy shopping areas, famous nightlife, historical sights, quiet parks, and amazing scenery.

Read more

Read less

Far East 29 days from Hong Kong to Tokyo

Need help?

Balcony

Inside

Outside

Suite

Photo gallery

test 1

test 3

Other cruises available aboard the Westerdam