Orient Explorer Cruise

We depart for Singapore via Hong Kong.

Upon arrival in Singapore we transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

This morning our guided tour will take us past the Civic District, the Padang, Singapore Cricket Club, historic Parliament House and the National Gallery. We will stop at the Merlion Park for impressive views of Marina Bay, and then visit Thian Hock Keng Temple - one of Singapore’s oldest Buddhist / Taoist temples. Driving through Chinatown we proceed to the National Orchid Garden located in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, which boasts a display of 60,000 orchid plants. The final stop will be in Little India followed by lunch. This evening we ride on a trishaw (a one man powered pedal vehicle) which will take us through Chinatown. After dinner we will ride on a ‘bumboat’, for a cruise along the Singapore River to see Singapore lit up at night.

We transfer to our cruise ship, and enjoy our first delicious dinner onboard.

A day at sea to familiarize yourself with the ship and fellow passengers.

We dock at Phu My and an optional excursion will be offered to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), Vietnam’s largest city. The lively street life includes street markets, wheel stands and vendors selling their wares spread out on sidewalks.

One of Vietnam’s most popular seaside resorts, Nha Trang has white sand beaches and azure waters. The tourist district consists of colonial era beachfront hotels and sidewalk cafes. This city was a popular spot for US servicemen during the Vietnam war.

Hue is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it was the home and Imperial City for the last ruling family of Vietnam. The city showcases such historic treasures as the Imperial Citadel and the Tombs of the Emperors. Da Nang was America's major strategic base at the height of the Vietnam War. Visit Marble Mountain Village to see the five striking limestone and marble hills that mark the sites of pagodas and caves.

Visit the health club for a workout, join an exercise class, wine tasting or just relax in the library.

One of the world’s most exciting cities, Hong Kong is famous for its duty-free shopping and open-air markets. You may want to visit Stanley Market, ride to the top of Victoria Peak for a view of the city, mountains and sea, or visit Aberdeen Fishing Village where generations have lived and worked on junks for centuries.

Another day to explore Hong Kong.

The bustling capital of Taiwan is home to the National Palace Museum - housing the world’s most impressive collections of Chinese treasures, and Taipei 101 - the world’s 2nd tallest skyscraper which combines high-tech and traditional elements. Optional excursions include Martyr’s Shrine, Yang Ming Shan Hot Springs and the Confucius Temple.

Historic monuments here include the immense Osaka Castle and Sumiyoshi Shrine – one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines. The city is also the gateway to Kyoto – Japan’s ancient imperial capital and the nation’s cultural and spiritual center.

This coastal city is home to Ise Shrine - dating back to the 7th Century AD it is one of the most important in Japan. You may want to join the optional excursion to see the world-renowned Toba Aquarium which hosues Japan’s only dugong.

After disembarkation we will enjoy a city tour of Tokyo, including visits of the Imperial Palace and Ginza. After lunch at a local restaurant we will visit Senso-ji (Asakusa Kannon Temple) - Tokyo’s oldest temple, and Nakamise shopping arcade consisting of various traditional garments, folding fans and other traditional Japanese items. Afternoon at leisure.

Today we enjoy a full day tour to Nikko, and the Nikko Toshogu shrine which is a part of the “Shrines and Temples of Nikko” - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will also see the Kegon Waterfall and Lake Chuzenji - a scenic lake in Nikko National Park created 20,000 years ago when Mount Nantai erupted.

We fly back to Canada via Hong Kong.