Philippines to Japan Cultural Discovery Cruise

Itinerary

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Arrive in Manila today. The capital of the Philippines is a teeming, sprawling metropolis. Its flaws are no match for its creative, exciting energy, which infused everything from its art to food. There’s so much to see and do here: the city’s museums, Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church and the Chinese Cemetery are some of the highlights. Intramuros – the old Spanish walled town at the heart of the city – is unmissable. Explore if timings allow and be sure to sample some Filipino cuisine in all its bold sour, sweet and tangy glory. Alternatively, head straight to your home for the next several days. After a seamless check-in, settle into your cabin or stateroom and take time to explore your ship’s luxurious facilities.

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Hundred Islands National Park in the Lingayen Gulf of the Philippines has 124 islands known for their unique mushroom shapes, formed from ancient seabeds influenced by shifting sea levels. Conservation efforts like giant clam replanting aim to protect the marine environment, once traversed by Spanish galleons. Governor's Island has a deck with a statue of St. Joseph and is the jump point for the 546m island-to-island zipline.

Panoramic Tour & Giant Clam Sanctuary Snorkeling

Optional

02 h 30 m

From Quezon Island board a boat for a panoramic tour around Hundred Island National Park islets
Admire the coral reefs while snorkelling at at Giant Clam Sanctuary
See the abundant marine life of Hundred Islands

Quezon Island and Pilgrimage Island Tour

Included

04 h 00 m

Cruise Hundred Islands National Park islets onboard a motor boat
Stop at the Pilgrimage Island, home of the 55-foot statue of Jesus Christ the Savior
Enjoy the beach in Quezon Island and go snorkeling

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the Philippines' best preserved colonial town, the UNESCO-listed 16th century Vigan City lies an hour south of Salomague port. Vigan's unique fusion architecture blending Philippine, Chinese and European elements has "no parallel in East and Southeast Asia" per UNESCO. Cobblestoned Calle Crisologo is the lively main street of the Mestizo district, with its broad promenade (malecón), horse-drawn carriages and rustic mansions.

Vigan Historical Walking Tour

Included

06 h 30 m

Explore the must-see landmarks in Vigan such as St. Vincent Ferrer Parish and Calle Crisologo
Take a ride on the two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage (Kalesa) around Vigan
Enjoy a meal at the Hidden Garden

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Batanes, the Philippines’ northernmost province with capital Basco, was first occupied by Japan in WWII, leaving behind the hand-carved Dipnaysuhuan Tunnel, cut from volcanic rock. Today, Batanes is celebrated for its Ivatan heritage, with a resilient culture shaped by isolation and storms, reflected in its century-old stone houses. Diura Fishing Village showcases this enduring spirit, where traditional Ivatan fishing rituals continue today.

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A small island with a rustic vibe, Sabtang is one of four main inhabited islands of Batanes and features peaceful sandy beaches backed by verdant cliffs. Browse traditional products like woven baskets and the local berry wine. For a moderate hike, wind your way up occasionally steep, grassy ridges to breathtaking seascapes at the Chamantad-Tinyan Viewpoint. On Morong Beach, photogenic Mahayao Arch is a massive natural rock formation.

Sabtang Cultural and Scenic Journey

Included

02 h 15 m

Discover the charm of Sabtang Island with a scenic tricycle ride, heritage village walk, and breathtaking coastal views
Experience Ivatan culture firsthand, from traditional stone houses to live weaving demos of the iconic vakul and kanayi
Capture unforgettable moments at Chamantad Viewpoint and savour local refreshments in the heart of Batanes

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Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

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Miyakojima, Okinawa Prefecture's fourth largest island, is almost entirely ringed by a vibrant fringing coral reef, which protects its celebrated coastlines and provides a paradise for marine life. The island's jewel is Yonaha-Maehama Beach, a 7km stretch of pristine white sand, consistently ranked among Japan's finest. Its calm, clear waters are perfect for swimming and watersports. On the opposite side of the island in the southeast, Yoshino Beach attracts snorkellers with colourful fish and an equally magnificent coral reef.

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Naha is the capital of the Okinawa prefecture, part of an archipelago of more than 160 islands that formed part of the independent Ryukyu Kingdom, ruled by monarchs from the 1400s, until it became part of Japan in 1879. Ryukyu attractions include Shuri Castle, once home to Ryukyu royalty, and Naminouegu shrine. This seaside city also offers one of Japan’s best museums - the Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum.

The Best of Naha

Included

04 h 30 m

Visit Okinawa Prefectural Museum, and get an overview on the history and tradition of Ryukyu, now Okinawa
Walk Kokusai Street, the ideal place for souvenir shopping!
Visit Shuri Castle, the residence of the king of the Ryukyu Kingdom and the center of the government

The Battle of Okinawa

Optional

04 h 30 m

Visit the Peace Memorial Museum, which gives a sobering overview of the lead up to the battle, the battle itself and the reconstruction
Walk through the several hundred meters of underground corridors and rooms that served as the Japanese navy's headquarters during the war, the Former Navy Underground Headquarters
Read over two hundred and forty thousand people's names who lost their lives inscribed on the memorial "Cornerstone of Peace" at the Peace Memorial Park

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Dreamy beaches, mangroves and cerulean seas make up the Amami Islands. The largest, Amami Oshima, was part of the Ryukyu Kingdom before brief US control after WWII. The Tanaka Isson Memorial Museum in Amami Park displays works by the late painter who lived here. Pristine beaches like Tomori have colourful marine life, while in the south, rivers weave round the Mangrove Primeval Forest, and rugged cliffs and giant pebbles hug the Honohoshi Coast.

Highlights of Amami

Included

04 h 00 m

Enjoy delightfully unspoiled scenery as you stop for photos at Cape Ayamaru
At Amami Park, learn about the natural environment, history and culture of the area
Visit Tanaka Isson Memorial Museum of Art

Nature of Amami and Local Products

Optional

04 h 30 m

Explore the lush beauty of Amami Oshima, a UNESCO-listed paradise rich in biodiversity and tropical charm
Witness the artistry of Oshima Tsumugi silk weaving and discover centuries-old traditions in a vibrant cultural village
Savor the smooth taste of brown sugar shochu with a behind-the-scenes look at Amami’s signature spirit

Mangrove Forest Exploration by Kayak

Optional

04 h 45 m

Explore by Kayak the Mangrove forest of Kuroshio-no-mori Mangrove Park - one of the island’s greatest treasures, which contains an immense 700,000 square meters of mangrove trees.
Gliding peacefully through the waters, on the lookout for indigenous flora and fauna
On the way, stop at the scenic Honohoshi Beach, on the Pacific Ocean side of the island

Kurasaki Beach Snorkeling

Optional

04 h 00 m

Travel to Kurasaki Beach, which is considered to be the best marine blue sea in Amami, with calm waves and shallow waters
Thorough safety briefing conducted
Enjoy an hour of snorkeling and see colorful corals and tropical fish

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Sakitsu Village, on the Amakusa Islands in western Kumamoto, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site tied to Japan’s Hidden Christian history. Once a secret hub of worship during prohibition, it’s home to Sakitsu Church, known as the “Church of the Sea,” with a European Gothic exterior and rare tatami-mat interior. The village’s story is further told at the Minato-ya Museum, which displays artefacts used to practice the faith in secret.

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Kagoshima, on the southwest tip of Japan’s Kyushu Island, is home to several glassmakers and potteries where artisans specialise in making Satsuma pottery and delicately cut Kiriko glassware. This city is a mix of classic Japanese architecture, modern high-rises and a spattering of Art Deco buildings. Observation points around the city provide dramatic views of Mount Sakurajima, an active volcano on a nearby island that regularly smokes.

Highlights of Kagoshima

Included

04 h 40 m

Travel to Karasujima Observatory in Sakurajima wich offers a stunning view of both Sakurajima Mountain and Kinko Bay
Stroll through the picturesque 17th century Sengan-en (Iso) Garden, designed for a samurai lord, where you can find the best views of Sakurajima
Visit the Shoko Shuseikan Museum, housed in the oldest stone factory building in Japan, built in 1865 and part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining”

Senganen Japanese Garden Tour with Specialist Gardener

Optional

04 h 30 m

Discover Kagoshima's renowned Edo-era stroll garden
Enjoy the most impressive feature of Sengan-en, its stunning views of Sakurajima, the smoking volcano just across the bay
Feel the relaxing atmosphere at Senganen which has a variety of plants, which make the garden interesting in all four seasons

Chiran Samurai Town & Peace Museum

Optional

04 h 30 m

Discover the history of Japan’s Kamikaze pilots at the Chiran Peace Museum
Visit Chiran Samurai Residence, known as Kagoshima’s “Little Kyoto.” where you will find 7 traditional style houses designated as national scenic spots
Walk through the gardens and go back in time to feudal Japan

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Uwajima, a bustling coastal city, is anchored by the elegant Uwajima Castle, one of twelve Edo-period survivors, with spectacular cityscapes for hikers ascending to its keep. The Tensha-en Garden is a tranquil space with bamboo groves, towering culms and seasonal blooms. In the nearby village of Uchiko, the Old Quarter's streets are lined with well-preserved wooden houses and merchant buildings, frozen in time from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Old Town Yokaichi and Ozu

Optional

06 h 30 m

Visit the rustic, yet elegant villa along the river, the Garyu Sanso Villa
Step back in time in Yokaichi’s old town and admire the beautiful streets lined with large stylish Meiji Period house
Enjoy a traditional Japanese meal

Kengo Kuma’s unique architectures and local tradition

Optional

04 h 30 m

Admire several distinct buildings designed by world-renowned Japanese architect, Kengo Kuma in Yusuhara
Visit the unique edifice which made Kengo Kuma choose Yusuhara to house so many of his works, the Yusuhara-za Theater
Enjoy a traditional Tsunokami Kagura show

Highlights of Uwajima

Included

04 h 00 m

Learn about Japan's highest quality pearl cultivation at Doi Pearl
See dry stone walls that support row upon row of two-meter-wide fields, stacking up to the skies at impressive 45-degree angles, The Yusumizugaura Terraced Fields, the true marvels of human resourcefulness
Discover the former retreat of Date Munenori, the 7th lord of Uwajima Domain, the Tensha-en Garden

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Hiroshima is a city of peace and resilience. The Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, vividly portrays the aftermath of the atomic bombing. Designed by Kenzō Tange and inaugurated in 1955, the museum serves as a global symbol of peace, featuring a solemn cenotaph bearing the victims' names and the Flame of Peace, lit in 1964. The Genbaku Dome stands as the sole original structure left at the blast site.

Hiroshima Castle and Shukkei-en Japanese Garden

Included

03 h 30 m

Hiroshima Castle, built in 1589 by the powerful feudal lord Mori Terumoto, was an important seat of power in western Japan
Stroll through Shukkeien Gardens, it is said to have been modeled on the iconic Lake Xihu ("West Lake") in Hangzhou, China where Lake Takue-chi is at the center, with 14 islets floating on the water

This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

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YOUR SUITE TYPE

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Oceanview D4

20 m²

Oceanview Staterooms measure 20m2 (215ft2) and can accommodate two guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

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Oceanview M4

20 m²

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Balcony D5

25 m²

Balcony Staterooms measure 25m2 (269ft2) – including a 5m2 (54ft2) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

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Balcony M5

25 m²

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Balcony D6

25 m²

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Suite

40 m²

Suites feature a king size bed, and have a separate living room, with a flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and walk-in shower – and a 10m2 (108ft2) private balcony.

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Premium Suite

47 m²

Premium Suites have a king size bed, separate living room, and flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and shower – walk-in wardrobe, and a 12m2 (129ft2) private balcony.