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Ancestral Japan

Ancestral Japan

From $4,540 AUD

Description

Travel to the crossroads of three cultures and religions during an exceptional sea voyage between Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines.

Aboard L’Austral, this 10-day cruise will have you discovering stunning scenery from Osaka to Manila, as well as places, such as Hiroshima, which have significant history.

Trip Name
Ancestral Japan
Days
10
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship Length: 142 metres Passenger Capacity: 264 (200 in Antarctica) Built: 2011 This superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins is the result of the expertise of the Italian Fincantieri shipyard and French sophistication, as interpreted by designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. L'Austral has a unique atmosphere, a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being. A sleek silhouette softened by elegantly smooth contours and large, arched windows opening up to the sea and the light: so many features come together to give L’Austral her distinctive shape. Precious materials, discreet elegance and a perfect balance between chic and casual, combine to make you feel as if you are on your own private yacht. A design blending tradition and innovation, where a nautical mood has been subtly recreated. Precious materials in smoothing neutral tones are brought to life with splashes of cheerful reds. So many personal touches create the spirit of a “private yacht”. Cuisine Loyal to the great French tradition, the haute cuisine on board is worthy of the finest restaurants, where discreet, attentive service is the hallmark. Our two restaurants welcome you for breakfasts, lunch and dinner. The Gastronomic Restaurant, with a capacity of 268 persons, is situated on Le Liberté Deck and serves you French and international cuisine accompagnied by fine wine. On the Grill Restaurant, you will have the opportuniny to eat outside and enjoy buffet lunch and themed dinner. Life On Board Whether you want to join other guests in the theatre or games area (Wii™ consoles, etc), or relax on your own in a quiet corner of the library, L'Austral has been designed to meet the needs of every guest. Everything has been done to preserve the independence of each guest to suit their personal tastes: lounges for lectures and shows, a spa in partnership with Sothys™, but also more intimate spaces such as the library and internet corner. Comfortable cabins, nearly all with private balcony, are available for families either as triples or as communicating cabins. There is also a games area with Wii™ consoles, children’s menus, and a baby-sitting service. Just as if you were on a private yacht, your time is your own to do as you please. Fitted with the latest equipment (Kinesis Wall, running machine) and in partnership with the famous Sothys™ brand, the Beauty Centre on L'Austral welcomes you for some unforgettable moments of relaxation and pampering (beauty treatments, hairdresser).

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Osaka
Like its big sister Tokyo, Osaka is the product of ancestral traditions and amazing technological innovations. And despite its size, its location on the Pacific Ocean give it a sense of serenity.ᅠ The main historic landmark is the 16th-century Osaka Castle, which stands proud in the midst of majestic skyscrapers. The lively streets of Dotomburi and the bizarre Shinsekai district attract thousands of locals and visitors. A multitude of restaurants offer menus full of regional specialities: takoyaki, made with octopus, and other succulent dishes such as kushikatsu kebabs.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Hiroshima
Visiting Hiroshima is a moving experience. The town spreads along Honshu Island, along the inside coasts of Seto. While firmly focused on the future, Hiroshima doesnメt forget its past, and a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Genbaku Dome is a must. Youメll enjoy the city's modern, cosmopolitan atmosphere and effervescent nightlife just as much as the peaceful stillness of its natural parkland areas such as splendid Shukkei-en, the townメs historic garden.
Day 3 - Day 3 - At Sea
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Day 4 - Day 4 - Yakushima
A splendid sub-tropical, mountainous island listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, Yakushima is one of the most beautiful islands in the Japanese archipelago. Its extensive yakusugi forest contains some of Japanメs oldest living trees ヨ cedars that are over 1000 metres tall and up to 7,000 years old. The Senpiro and Toroki waterfalls, each one several dozens of metres high, are equally impressive. A feast for the eyes.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Naha
Capital of Okinawa Prefecture, the town of Naha is located on the south-west of the island. Youメll love its lively atmosphere, particularly along Kokusai Dori, otherwise known as モinternational streetヤ. The picturesque Makishi Public Market, nicknamed モNahaメs kitchenヤ offers a profusion of colourful fish, Okinawan foodstuffs and local spices and you can sample delicacies cooked on the spot . For an insight into the islandメs heritage, which combines Japanese and Taiwanese influences, visit Shuri Castle, a medieval building protected by UNESCO and surrounded by lovely gardens.
Day 6 - Day 6 - Ishigaki
Located to the south of the main island of the Yaeyama archipelago, Ishigaki boasts all the aspects of an authentic piece of paradise. Youメve guessed it, you donメt come here for its skyscrapers but for its pure emerald waters and idyllic beaches. Explore pristine coral reefs on a scuba-dive or snorkelling session ᅠヨ ᅠyou may witness the モflightヤ of a manta ray. The waters off Shiraho, on the islandメs south-west coast, have one of the largest areas of blue coral in the world.
Day 7 - Day 7 - Hualien
Nicknamed “the beautiful island” by Portuguese sailors, 70% of the island of Taiwan is covered in lush, subtropical vegetation. When your ship stops in Hualien discover the stunning Taroko Gorge, one of the island’s must-see sites. This natural masterpiece, sculpted by the pure waters of the Liwu River, is known for its 1,200 metre-high marble cliffs, from which a unique panorama unfolds. During your stop here, discover the Eternal Spring Shrine, a complex clinging to the side of a mountain, made up of several small temples and overlooking a glistening waterfall. Then, along the Tunnel of Nine Turns, you will be able to admire the spectacular gorges which wind their way through deep canyons over some twenty kilometres.
Day 8 - Days 8 & 9 - At Sea
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Day 9 - Day 10 - Manila
On first sight, the Philippinesメ capital shows its highly Americanised Asian megalopolis side, with ultramodern skyscrapers set all along the waterfront. But when you stroll through the cobbled streets of the Intramuros district, youメll discover a different side of Manila, one thatメs full of old-world charm. An enchanted pause in the middle of urban bustle, Rizal Parkメs 60 hectares of magnificent green parkland is perfect for recharging your batteries. To see the city from a different angle, take a walk along Roxas boulevard, a popular seaside promenade.
Day 10 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
08-06-201817-06-2018AUD$8,510Prestige Suite - Deck 5
08-06-201817-06-2018AUD$5,640Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
08-06-201817-06-2018AUD$5,290Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
08-06-201817-06-2018AUD$8,780Prestige Suite - Deck 6
08-06-201817-06-2018AUD$9,260Owners Suite
08-06-201817-06-2018AUD$4,950DeLuxe Stateroom
08-06-201817-06-2018AUD$7,840Deluxe Suite
08-06-201817-06-2018AUD$4,540Superior Stateroom
08-06-201817-06-2018AUD$5,460Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5

Inclusions

    • Facing the Inland Sea, in “the City of Peace” where only the Hiroshima Peace Memorial stands as a reminder of past events, you will be able to admire the remarkable Shukkeien Garden, which stretches out over some 4 hectares.
    • Visit Miyajima, the island where people and gods live together. The Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto sanctuary listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fine example of exceptional artistic and technical ability.
    • Set sail to Okinawa, an island famous for its centenarians, who may just reveal to you the secret of their longevity!
    • Cruise to the Philippines and its idyllic islands. You will discover the bustling capital, Manila, and its city centre full of contrasts, where old districts and modern skyscrapers mingle.

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