24 days Classic Cruise & Tour
Our Best of China & Japan by land & sea tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.
One of Beijing's must-see shows, enjoy a Chinese acrobatic spectacular featuring many forms of dramatic arts such as contortionism, juggling and plate spinning and full of edge-of-your-seat action.
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!
A Sichuan hot pot is the perfect introduction to the food of China's west. A big bubbling pot of flavourful oil is placed in the centre of the table, with a variety of raw meat and vegetables, in small pieces, which diners skewer and cook in the oil. A delicious, and fun experience!
Fly overnight to Chengdu, home to China's most adorable resident, the giant panda. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and refresh, or to begin exploring.
This morning is dedicated to Chengdu's most famous resident, the lovable giant panda. Visit the Dujiangyan Panda Base, located outside the city at the foot of the mountains that are the bears' natural habitat, to learn all about pandas and to see them relaxing, playing, and chomping on bamboo. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Take the super-fast bullet train to Xian. On arrival, soak up the sights, sounds and atmosphere of the lively Muslim Quarter then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
This morning, come face to face with the Terracotta Warriors, an army created to protect China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife, and one of the greatest archaeological of the 20th century. Continue to a workshop to see artisans modelling smaller warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Later, stroll Xian's beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls, before a dumpling demonstration, a delicious dumpling banquet and a Tang Dynasty show.
Transfer to the train station and board a bullet train to Pingyao, a living museum and home to beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls.
Embark on a tour of Pingyao, wandering the old, cobbled streets before a visit to the Rishengchang Financial House Museum. Transfer to the station and board a bullet train bound for China's capital city, Beijing.
Travel out of the city to the magnificent Great Wall of China, learning a little about its long history before taking a short walk to fully appreciate this world-famous structure. Stop off at a jade factory before visiting the Sacred Way and Ming Tombs. Return to Beijing where this evening, you'll enjoy a thrilling acrobatic show.
Walk through Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City, a complex full of imperial riches. Then, find harmony in the symmetry of the Temple of Heaven. This evening, dine on local delicacy, Peking Duck.
Bid farewell to China and board a flight to Tokyo, capital of Japan. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure.
Embark on a full day tour of Tokyo, beginning at the atmospheric Sensoji, the oldest Buddhist temple in the city. Then, ascend the close by Tokyo Skytree to admire panoramic views over Tokyo's urban sprawl before preparing your own lunch in a hands-on sushi making class, where you can pick up tips and tricks from a chef. Later stroll around the Imperial Palace Park followed by a visit the serene Meiji Shrine. Finally, taste local snacks at Takeshita Street and and pause for a photo op at the famous Shibuya Crossing.
After breakfast, be met by an English-speaking assistant and transfer from your hotel to the Tokyo (Yokohama) cruise port. Upon arrival, board the Celebrity Millennium, where your cruise adventure begins! The rest of your day on the cruise ship is at leisure. Please note, your National Escort will not be accompanying you for the duration of your cruise.
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.
Today you will arrive in Osaka. Disembark the cruise ship to enjoy a day exploring Kyoto before returning to your ship later for an overnight stay in port. Here you can enjoy a range of excursions here at your own expense, bookable on your cruise reservation. Please note, if you dine off the cruise ship, these meals will be at your own expense.
Spend a second day at port in Osaka, making the most of the excellent range of facilities onboard your cruise ship or continuing your explorations of Kyoto.
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.
Spend the day enjoying the plentiful activities and facilities that are available onboard the Celebrity Millenium as you cruise across the Sea of Japan.
Hello, South Korea! Port at the bustling city of Busan. Boasting mountains, beaches, and hot springs, this is a city full of small-town charm.
Head back to Japan, porting at Nagasaki. Like Hiroshima, 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.
Arrive at Kagoshima, a city at the southern tip of the island of Kyushu. Watched over by the active Sakurajima volcano and rich in history and delicious food, and surrounded by glorious nature, there is plenty to discover here.
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.
Arrive back in Yokohama. Today you are free to enjoy a final day on the cruise ship, or head out to explore Tokyo or the surrounding area on an excursion.
Bid farewell to the Celebrity Millenium. Met by a guide, you will be transferred to your hotel in Tokyo.
Fly to home, arriving home the same or the following day.
The best times to visit China are in spring, April to May and autumn, September to October, when the days are warm and rainfall and humidity low.
We have a selection of dedicated departures for solo travellers. These departures feature a maximum group size of 18 and a single room throughout your tour.
I am optimistic, easy going and dedicated. I know China and I am excited to share my knowledge with you; you are part of my family when you come to China. To know more about the fast-developing country, China and its super long history and tradition, come and join us Wendy Wu Tours. I promise you will reach home culturally fully loaded and ready to go again.
George was exceptional in his care of us all, nothing was too much trouble, he genuinely cared that we were having a great holiday. His knowledge and that of the local guides at each province gave us great insight into the history of the location and various sightseeing spectacles we were there to see.Mr and Mrs Brown
"Happiness can be infectious". As a friendly, caring and easy-going guide I can ensure you will have a worry-free and most rewarding trip, with a knowledgeable, professional and light-hearted guide.
Our National Guide, Alice, was excellent and very caring and thoughtful for all the group. Our local guides were also very good and provided lots of information and were flexible to allow us enough time to see everything and even arrange extra trips.Mr Andrew Charles
From my passion and knowledge of my country, you will experience a cross-cultural charm, full of stories and laughter on tour with me. You will be left with great memories and knowledge of China.
The success of this tour was due largely to our wonderful National Escort, Amanda, who guided our small “family” throughout and made this trip a "holiday of a lifetime". If you have the opportunity, try to arrange for Amanda to be your Tour Manager!Mr Edward Ayling
This is an experience of a lifetime. If I am your guide, you will have my knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to make this an unforgettable journey.
Our tour guide Jason was brilliant & a credit to your company. He was funny, intelligent, informative, always available and would go the extra mile when neededMrs Carrick
Relax, enjoy and leave the rest to me. See the different, touch the culture and explore the beautiful, wonderful and real China with me. "Do what you love, and love what you do!" This is my slogan, and I am Tony Li, come and join the Wendy Wu Tours with me!
Our National Escort Tony we couldn't speak highly enough. He was very well conversant with the English language and very knowledgeable in the history of the great country of China. Tony catered to our every need which made our holiday stress free.Mrs Diane Foley
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