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Pure East Asia – between Zen and Zeitgeist Small Ship Cruise

Pure East Asia – between Zen and Zeitgeist Small Ship Cruise

From EUR €10,420

Description

On the coasts of China, South Korea and Japan, there is no limit to the wonders: from the venerable splendour of ancient cultural treasures to futuristic metropolises, a fascinating panorama of tradition and modernity unfolds.

Trip Name
Pure East Asia – between Zen and Zeitgeist Small Ship Cruise
Days
18
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Cruise Ship Length: 198.60 /651 ft Passenger Capacity: 400 Built: 1999 MS EUROPA is an award-winning luxury cruise ship renowned for setting global standards in refined small-ship cruising. Accommodating a maximum of just 400 guests, the ship offers an intimate and highly personalised experience, supported by an almost one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio. Designed around the concept of casual luxury, EUROPA combines spacious surroundings, attentive service, and elegant all-suite accommodation, with all suites featuring ocean views and most offering private verandas. Onboard, guests can enjoy five exceptional restaurants, including fine dining concepts created in collaboration with acclaimed chefs, alongside world-class entertainment, wellness facilities, and thoughtfully curated enrichment experiences. The ship’s smaller size allows access to unique itineraries and exclusive ports beyond the reach of larger vessels, while recent EUROPA Refresh enhancements have introduced updated fitness and wellness concepts for an even more elevated onboard experience. Blending sophistication, comfort, and flexibility, MS EUROPA delivers a truly premium voyage to destinations worldwide.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Hong Kong/China, departure 22.00 hrs
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Day 2 - Day 2 Relaxation at sea
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Day 3 - Day 3 Xiamen/Fujian/China, 08.00 – 18.00 hrs
Xiamen owes its name, meaning “door to the house”, to its centuries-old role as the gateway to China’s treasures. It features an impressive contrast between the vibrant urban life of a metropolis and charming Gulangyu: a pedestrian-only island with idyllic scenery including green parks, beaches and picturesque streets with colonial architecture. The former 19th-century tea trading port has maintained its importance as an international hub, while the sleek urban parks along the coast of Xiamen ensure a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere today.
Day 4 - Day 4 Relaxation at sea
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Day 5 - Day 5 Shanghai/China, arrival 22.00 hrs
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Day 6 - Day 6 Shanghai/China, departure 24.00 hrs
Shanghai is the leading industrial city in the People’s Republic of China and one of the biggest cities in the world. It produces state-of-the art technology, is a global financial centre and presents itself with a breathtakingly futuristic skyline. The city underwent a Golden Age in the 1920s and 1930s, which today is reflected in impressive colonial architecture and art deco buildings. These days, Shanghai offers a unique interplay between luxury and modern, with exclusive hotels, as well as the main shopping streets Nanjing Lu and Huaihai Lu, which are an inviting place for a stroll. Enjoy the atmosphere until the evening thanks to a long lay time.
Day 7 - Days 7 - 8 Relaxation at sea
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Day 8 - Day 9 Tianjin (Beijing)/China, arrival 07.00 hrs
Tianjin, one of China’s most prosperous and modern cities, is famous for its diverse cultural scene – and is your starting point for exploring the megacity of Beijing. The cultural and political centre of China fascinates visitors with a multitude of sights from different periods of the imperial era. The Forbidden City with its countless palaces, the legendary Temple of Heaven and the sprawling Tiananmen Square bear witness to Beijing’s imperial past. You will encounter the modern face of this metropolis of millions in the trendy 798 Art District, in architectural masterpieces such as the CCTV Tower, or along the luxurious shopping boulevards. Thanks to an overnight stay, you can look forward to plenty of time for in-depth discoveries.
Day 9 - Day 10 Tianjin (Beijing)/China, departure 24.00 hrs
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Day 10 - Days 11 - 12 Relaxation at sea
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Day 11 - Day 13 Busan/South Korea, 08.00 – 20.00 hrs
Busan stood in Seoul’s shadow for a long time, before becoming a popular destination in its own right. Today, South Korea’s second-largest city attracts visitors with its idyllic coastline, busy markets and vibrant way of life. Highlights include the 1.5 km (just under a mile) long Haeundae Beach and Geumjeongsan Mountain. From the mountain range’s highest peak, Godangbong, you can enjoy breathtaking views over Busan. The famous Haedong Yonggungsa Temple also offers some fascinating insights and outlooks thanks to its spectacular location on the edge of a cliff. Art enthusiasts will find what they are looking for in the vibrant Gamcheon Culture Village, where local artists sell their works in colourful houses.
Day 12 - Day 14 Fukuoka/Japan, 07.00 – 18.00 hrs
In lively Fukuoka, you can experience the fast pace of Japanese civilisation, whose origins date back to 300 BC. The authentic atmosphere is particularly apparent at the rustic Yatai street stalls, where locals slurp ramen and tell each other the latest news. Fukuoka is an attractive city with modern highlights including the enormous Canal City shopping and entertainment centre, which has an artificial canal flowing through it. Cultural and historic gems like the Dazaifu Temple stand as testament to the city’s importance in the seventh century, when it was the political and cultural centre of Kyushu Island. The history of the Futsukaichi Onsen hot springs go back just as far and still today offer a great place for a relaxing bath.
Day 13 - Day 15 Hiroshima/Japan, 08.00 – 18.00 hrs
Hiroshima symbolises a very eventful period in modern history – your exploration of the area will be shaped by memorials. Tracing the tragic events of 1945 will take you to the Peace Memorial Park, designed by star architect Kenzo Tange. Experience Hiroshima as an impressive place of historic reflection as well as a symbol of hope and new beginnings. Hiroshima Castle, also known as Rijo, will take you back to times long past. It is a perfect example of Japanese architecture in the traditional pagoda style and its museum tells the story of the samurai. With its variety of miniature landscapes, the Shukkeien Garden displays Japanese landscape gardening as an art form: pause for a while at the tea houses and koi carp ponds to find inner peace and serenity.
Day 14 - Day 16 Uno Port (Tamano)/Japan, 08.00 – 22.00 hrs
In a picturesque location on the Seto Inland Sea, Uno Port welcomes you with a lively harbour atmosphere and a distinctive creative flair. Enjoy the view across the expansive waters with Japan’s famous “art islands” of Naoshim, Teshima and Shodoshima as you stroll along the promenade and soak up the ambience. Original sculptures can be found here as well as boutiques selling local designs, while restaurants serving regional fish specialities invite you to enjoy yourself and while away some time. Thanks to the long lay time, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the maritime atmosphere and explore the sights of the surrounding area until the evening hours.
Day 15 - Day 17 Kobe/Japan, arrival 08.00 hrs
Kobe is a modern, international city with many unique attractions to offer. These include settlements in Kitano with its former foreign residences, the lively Nankinmachi Chinatown and the Nada Sake district. The Rokko mountain range attracts hikers with spectacular views, while Arima Onsen is known for its thermal springs. A cable car takes visitors up to the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden with its beautiful plants and flowers and in the port district, visitors can find the Kobe Daibutsu, one of Japan’s three great Buddha statues. You can gather exciting impressions until the evening and during the next day, because your ship has an overnight lay time here.
Day 16 - Day 18 Kobe/Japan, departure 18.00 hrs
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Day 17 - Day 19 Relaxation at sea
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Day 18 - Day 20 Yokohama/Japan, arrival 06.00 hrs
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Day 19 - Please note:
* The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
01-03-202818-03-2028EUR €0Suite With Panorama Window
01-03-202818-03-2028EUR €0Veranda Suite Cat. 4-5
01-03-202818-03-2028EUR €0Veranda Suite Cat. 6-7
01-03-202818-03-2028EUR €0SPA Suite
01-03-202818-03-2028EUR €0Penthouse Deluxe Suite
01-03-202818-03-2028EUR €0Penthouse Grand Suite

Inclusions

    • In-depth experiences of Shanghai, Beijing and Kobe – thanks to an overnight lay time
    • Shanghai is captivating with its art deco flair and Zhujiajiao Water Town*
    • Explore Beijing and the Great Wall of China on an overland excursion*
    • From Busan, discover the temples of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Gyeongju*
    • Visit the imperial city of Kyoto* as well as Nara* from Kobe

Map