Everyone will have their own reasons for remembering D-Day and their own ways of honoring the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who gave their lives on June 6, 1944. But all will agree that later generations owe them eternal gratitude for preserving freedom and democracy.

Your tour includes Colleville-sur-Mer, home to the World War II Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. The majority of the nearly 10,000 American soldiers killed at Omaha Beach are buried in this 170-acre cemetery on land given to the United States by France as a token of gratitude. 9,386 marble crosses and Stars of David are aligned on a plateau above the beach. A memorial contains the Tablets of the Missing, and a map outlines the battle sites of the Normandy beaches.

The nearby Overlord Museum features an extensive collection of artifacts, vehicles, and exhibits depicting the Allied invasion and its impact on the Normandy Region.

Following a stop at a site overlooking Omaha Beach, you will arrive at Pointe du Hoc, a crucial part of the story told in Darryl F. Zanuck's 1962 film epic, The Longest Day. Located between Omaha Beach and Utah Beach, Pointe du Hoc was a strategic element of the German Atlantic Wall. Three companies from the 2nd Ranger Battalion scaled the 100-foot cliffs on D-Day to capture this critical position. The Ranger Memorial towers above the 30-acre battlefield, where one of the toughest battles of the Normandy Landings was fought: of the 225 Rangers who began the assault, only 90 were able to continue the fight for France's Liberation.

·        The walking on this tour is largely at your discretion and covers approximately a mile and is over mostly even ground with some uneven spots. You should wear comfortable shoes and bring layers, as the wind on the coast can be quite chilly. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.

Fall under the spell of the breathtaking panoramas to be found in the charming villages of Oia and Fira. Nestling on the Santorini caldera, they are renowned for their delightful whitewashed architecture.

First port of call: Oia. After passing through various villages perched above the Aegean Sea, admire the sumptuous scenery offered by the successive lava flows that shaped these panoramas over the centuries. Oia, a little gem posed on the cliffside, dominates the ancient caldera on the northwestern tip of the island. With its white houses squeezed against each other, the village has architecture that is characteristic of the Cyclades as well as sumptuous views.

In Fira, visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, which exhibits pieces discovered during excavations in Akrotiri - an ancient settlement of Santorini - including a gold ibex figurine as well as many frescoes. You will reach the port of Fira by cable car and embark on a tender to access your moored ship.

·        This excursion involves approximately 2h30 of walking, with a few stairs. We recommend you wear walking shoes and sun protection. The return ticket for the cable car to the port is included in the price of this excursion.

There are two important treasures on the most famous, and perhaps the most spectacular, Greek island. First, the rare prehistoric site of Akrotiri and its city, which were buried under ashes during an eruption. Then, Oia, a gem of a village suspended above Santorini’s iconic caldera.

Nicknamed the “Pompeii of the Aegean Sea”, the Akrotiri site is famous for its ruins dating back to the Neolithic age, i.e. 5,000 years before our era. Destroyed by a volcanic eruption and buried beneath the ashes, the city, probably one of the oldest known in the Mediterranean to this day, was rediscovered in 1967, during archaeological excavations that continue to attract researchers and scientists fascinated by the mysteries surrounding this site.

As you take the road to Oia, an immaculate and labyrinthine village perched on a cliff and plummeting into Greece’s most famous caldera, you will be able to admire the lava flows that have shaped the scenery. Then, once you reach this jewel of the Cyclades, amidst its typical architecture, you can take the measure of the forces that were at work here, opposite the crater forming the northwestern tip of the island.

Finally, you will arrive in Fira and make the most of its cable car to get to the port, with breathtaking views over the azure Mediterranean below.

·        The return ticket for the cable car to the port is included in the price of this excursion. This excursion involves walking more than two and a half hours on cobbled streets and uneven ground. We recommend you wear comfortable non-slip walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. In addition to the extensive amount of walking on this tour, there is a 5 to 10-minute walk from the bus parking area in Oia and a lengthy walk from the bus stop to the cable car station in Fira.

The village of Oia, on the northernmost tip of Santorini, is one of the most beautiful—and therefore most photographed—spots in the Cyclades. Lovingly restored following a devastating earthquake in 1956, it offers breathtaking views of the Aegean from its perch high atop a ridge of red rock.

 

Arriving in Oia after a short journey by boat and coach, you will enjoy a walking tour through this once important center of Eastern Mediterranean trade. Notice two very different sorts of dwellings: cave houses, dug into the volcanic rock of the cliffsides, where ships' crew and their families lived, and the neo-classical mansions of the ship captains and owners on the terraces above. Both are intriguing, and many of both types have been converted into charming guest houses.

 

Your tour continues with a visit and tasting at the Venetsanos Winery. Built in 1947, it was the first winery on Santorini to export internationally and remains among the largest producers on the island. A brief introduction to the history of the buildings and the surrounding vineyards is followed by a sampling of three award-winning wines—the white Santorini Asyrtiko, the red Mandilaria, and the sweet dessert wine, Vinsanto.

At the end of the tour, disembark your coach in Fira, where you may take the cable car down to the port, or spend some time browsing the shops in town and take a later cable car.

 

·        This is a moderate excursion involving about an hour and a half of walking over cobblestone streets, some uphill and downhill and some steps. Wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun.

In the 2nd millennium B.C., volcanic eruptions shrouded Santorini in a blanket of pumice and ash, preserving many buildings, much as Vesuvius preserved buildings at Pompeii and Herculaneum. At the time of the eruptions, Santorini was inhabited by a Bronze Age civilization sophisticated enough to support the large and prosperous town of Akrotiri.

 

Your excursion begins with a visit to the archaeological site of Akrotiri, discovered in 1967 and the subject of nearly continuous excavation since. The two- and three-story houses you will see as you stroll through the site were decorated with marvelous wall paintings and furnished with bronze vessels for cooking and storing foodstuffs, as well as tools and weapons and the other accoutrements one would expect from a well-organized and flourishing society.

 

From Akrotiri, travel to the village of Oia, on the northernmost tip of Santorini, one of the most beautiful—and therefore most photographed—spots in the Cyclades. Lovingly restored following a devastating earthquake in 1956, it offers breathtaking views of the Aegean from its perch high atop a ridge of red rock.

 

You will enjoy a walking tour through this once important center of Eastern Mediterranean trade. Notice two very different sorts of dwellings: cave houses, dug into the volcanic rock of the cliffsides, where ships' crew and their families lived, and the neo-classical mansions of the ship captains and owners on the terraces above. Both are intriguing, and many of both types have been converted into charming guest houses.

 

At the end of the tour, disembark your coach in Fira, where you may take the cable car down to the port, or spend some time browsing the shops in town and take a later cable car.

 

·        This is a moderate excursion with a total of perhaps two hours of walking. The tour of Akrotiri involves walking on wooden platforms above the work floor of the site, and the streets in Oia and Fira are mostly cobblestone with some incline. Wear comfortable shoes and as always be sure to protect yourself from the sun.

Visit two estates to discover and taste two foods that are typical of Istria: olive oil and truffles. 

Departing from Fažana, you will head to the Chiavalon Estate. Learn the art of making olive oil and sample the distinct flavours of the oils during a tasting.

Next, the bus will take you to the picturesque village of Grožnjan. This peaceful artistic haven will seduce you with its cobbled streets and its cultural atmosphere. After a guided tour of the town, enjoy some free time to continue your exploration, purchase some local arts and crafts, or simply enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

You will continue on your journey in the direction of Motovun, with a stop at the Karlic Tartufi estate. Feel the magic of Istria’s truffle region. At the estate, you will enjoy a tasting-lunch of this much sought-after delicacy.

At the end of this beautiful day of discovery, you will return to the port of Pula.

·        This is a moderate day out, with a walking distance of around 1.5 km on fairly level ground, paved at Grožnjan. There will be around 30 steps along the way. we advise to wear comfortable shoes and sunglasses.

The island of Brac has many assets. Between its villages teeming with delights and the breathtaking views, discover this Croatian pearl in a Pinzgauer, a vintage all-terrain military vehicle, which will plunge you into the island’s scenery and best-kept secrets.

From Bol, a very popular seaside resort on the island of Brac, head off in a Pinzgauer towards wilder sites. First stop: Vidova Gora, the island’s summit, from which you will be able to admire - as far as the eye can see - the pretty little ports and constellations of crystal-clear coves that border enchanting and infinite landscapes.  

Through the maquis scrub, the olive groves, cliffs and quarries famous for their white stone used since Antiquity, you will drive towards the village of Škrip, for a delicious visit of the Olive Oil Museum followed by a tasting.  

Further on, the Jakšic Gallery will unveil some of the island’s other jewels with its collection of incredible artwork.  

The last stop will be the Stina Estate, to enjoy a tasting celebrating the island’s mineral terroir through exquisite wines. 

·        This excursion involves very little walking on mainly flat and cobbled surfaces. We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and shoes.  

 

Ålesund, the largest town on the Northwest coast, boasts a beautiful setting, built on three islands close to the ocean and with a backdrop of impressive mountain peaks. A large part of Ålesund was destroyed by fire in 1904 and rebuilt in the so-called Jugend (Art Nouveau) style, typical of the first decade of the 20th century. Today it is a bustling town where the fish and furniture industries are the main sources of income.

Board your coach and drive approximately 2 miles to the Atlantic Ocean Park, a unique aquarium dedicated to marine life along the Atlantic coast of Norway, where tanks are built to resemble coastal environments. The largest tank contains over one million gallons of seawater, where you can view marine life through an acrylic panel that is over 10 inches thick, 60 feet long, and 13 feet high. The Park also features an outdoor pool with penguins. The aquarium is in a lovely setting, looking straight out towards Breisundet – the wide sound surrounded by islands and reaching far out the open ocean. Here seals come in regularly to be fed. The Park is currently undergoing renovation, and as of 2022, it will have status as a Marine Science Center with emphasis on how to manage ocean resources.  

On the way back to the ship, you can see some of the fine details of the Art Nouveau architecture before heading up to Hessa Viewpoint, where you stop to take in the spectacular view over many islands towards the ocean. After a short drive through the streets of Ålesund, stop at the bustling pedestrian street of Kongens gate before returning to the pier.

·        This tour includes approximately 0.25 miles of walking over flat and even surfaces. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.

Discover the marine riches of the island on a tour dedicated to the research and observation sharks in Moorea. You will have an opportunity to slip into the water and swim with these graceful and curious animals and realize that man and these predators can live in harmony. Some dolphins are visible in the passes, at the entrance of the bays, others in the open ocean. On the other side of the barrier reef on the oceanic drop you can evolve with Gray sharks, lemon sharks and turtles always supervised by your guides. Refreshments will be available during the tour.

 

·        Wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, and bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel and snorkel gear from the ship. Participation is limited to 6 guests maximum

 

Set in a luscious native forest within a picturesque valley is an ancient ceremonial site where Marquesans prayed to their gods to provide abundant water for their crops. Trekking up to the site you will pass an old chief's paepae upon which is a small tiki carved in the famous ke'etu stone of the islands.

Ascending inland you will see a number of sites whose functions will be explained to you by your on-board guide. Finally, you will arrive on the crest of a ridge featuring important petroglyphs, or rock art. The images depict anthropomorphic images of men, concentric circle eyes of magical tikis and even an ancient sailing canoe. However, the most impressive petroglyph and one of the largest in the Marquesas is that of the famous paoa, which looks like a huge tuna fish, carved into the rock.

See also the grinding, polishing and sharpening stones used in ancestral working of adzes and other tools. Enjoy the magnificent scenery surrounding the site as sharp mountain peaks pierce the sky. This excursion provides a wonderful chance to visit the interior of Fatu Hiva's beautiful Omoa Valley.

·        The hike is medium to difficult and involves uphill walking in hot and humid conditions. Participants should be physically fit, carry a bottle of water and wear a hat. Sturdy footwear appropriate to trekking is recommended.

 

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Take advantage of four unforgettable days between Kyoto and Nara to discover the ancient imperial capitals. Immerse yourself in traditional Japan, between temples, meditation, Geisha dances and tea ceremony. This programme, rich in experience, will be the perfect prelude to your embarkation.

Day 1 - Osaka/Nara/Kyoto

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.

The tour will take you first to meet the monumental bronze Buddha, who takes centre stage in the heart of the Todai-ji Temple. The building rises majestically in Nara Park. Commissioned in 743 by Emperor Shômu when Nara was the imperial capital of Japan, it took eight years to build and was restored during the Edo era. Standing 47 metres (150 feet) high and with enormous wooden pillars , the ancestral Great Buddha Hall remains the world's largest wooden building, earning its inclusion on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Then you will stroll through the Isuien Garden, a traditional Japanese garden created at the end of the 17th century as the private garden of a rich merchant and opened in the middle of the 19th century. Meticulously planned and maintained, it reveals the art of Japanese garden design, seeking balance and harmony while paying homage to the beauty of nature. It consists of two spaces: Minami Shin-en, in the heart of which you will discover a pond, a waterfall and a tea house; and Kita Shin-e, consisting of a bamboo grove, a small stream and a variety of flowering cherry trees and Japanese maples.

Enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant.

After lunch, you will visit Nara's most celebrated shrine, Kasuga Taisha. Established in 768 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its vermilion-red lacquered buildings form a striking contrast with the surrounding vegetation. Nearly two thousand bronze and stone lanterns line the sanctuary, and a thousand metal lanterns hang along the corridors.

You will be transferred to your hotel Good Nature Kyoto 4* selected by PONANT.

Check in and set up in your room.

Enjoy dinner in your hotel's restaurant.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 - Kyoto

Breakfast.

The tour will take you first to take part in Zazen, seated Zen meditation. Zazen is a way of training for monks to obtain enlightenment. It is considered the heart of Zen Buddhist practice. You will sit in the silent room separated from the ordinary life. Also, you will have a chance to experience Japanese tea ceremony. The tea ceremony is one of the most representative forms of Japanese beauty, and participating in a ceremony is one of the best ways to come into contact with the Japanese sense of spirituality.

Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

Then, you will proceed to Kiyomizu Temple; "kiyoi mizu" means "pure water" or "spring water". Kiyomizu Temple is noted for its cliff top Main Hall with a broad wooden veranda offering a panoramic view of Kyoto and environs. The veranda is supported on a towering scaffold of wood. The Main Hall has been designated a National Treasure.

Enjoy some time at leisure to purchase souvenirs in the nearby shopping streets.

After your visit, you will return to your hotel to freshen up.

Before your transfer to enjoy a Japanese kaiseki dinner (consisting up of several small courses), you will stop in Gion, one of Kyoto's historic districts, with beautiful traditional houses. It is the city's Geiko district (geisha are known as Geiko in Kyoto).

Enjoy a Kaiseki dinner which is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, with a Maiko (an apprentice geisha in Kyoto) and a Geiko (a full-fledged artist known as Geisha outside of Japan) who will perform.

 

You will then be transferred back to your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3 - Kyoto

The tour will take you first to Kinkakuji Temple, or the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. It is a temple dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third of the Ashikaga Shoguns, built a retirement estate there in 1398. After his death in 1419, the grounds were turned into a Buddhist temple for the Rinzai sect. The only building to remain standing of Yoshimitsu's estate was the Golden Pavilion. The upper stories are covered in gold leaf and the roof is topped by a bronze phoenix. It was listed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1994.

You will then arrive at Ryoan-ji Temple, literally "The Temple of the Dragon at Peace". It belongs to the Myoshin-ji school of the Rinzai branch of Zen Buddhism. The name of the temple evokes its famous 15th-century rock garden, considered one of the masterpieces of Japanese Zen culture. It is the country's most-visited rock garden.

Enjoy a Japanese style lunch served in a local restaurant.

After lunch, you will proceed to Arashiyama region, located on the western outskirts of Kyoto, and the Tenryuji Temple, founded by Ashikaga Takauji in 1339. As a temple related to both the Ashikaga family and Emperor Godaigo, the temple is held in high esteem. It was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as part of the « Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto ». The garden created by Muso Soseki, features a circular promenade around Sogen Pond.

You may appreciate to stroll along a bamboo path admiring the beauty of the area. Stroll through the 14th Century landscape garden, featuring Ryumon Falls and a stone bridge. This garden is part of part of the « Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto » and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Legend has it that if one day a fish were to swim up the Ryumon Falls, it would turn into a dragon. Enjoy a stroll through the bamboo groves, a natural beauty that is one of the region's main attractions.

Transfer back to your hotel for a short break to freshen up.

Enjoy a Japanese Shabu-shabu dinner served in a local restaurant. For your meal, a pot of boiling water to cook food will be placed on your table. You will dip thin slices of beef and fresh vegetables into a pot of broth several times for few seconds. "Shabu-shabu" is the sound of the meat swished in the broth.

You will then be transferred back to your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4 - Kyoto

You will start your day with an immersion in Japanese tradition. Through the transcendent thumping rhythms, you will discover the art of the taiko, the large drum sculpted from elm or keyaki (zelkova or Japanese elm) wood. The word "taiko" also designates the way of playing the drum, meaning that the instrument and the way of playing its music are thus inextricably linked. Legend has it that the divinity of mirth, Uzume, helped the gods bring light to earth by drawing the goddess of sun, Amaterasu, out of her cave. To do this, she danced on a barrel, thus creating the taiko.

Then, dressed in kimono, a symbol of Japanese culture, you'll enjoy Japanese calligraphy, considered the art of achieving longevity and mastery of body and mind. Buddhist monks use calligraphy as a form of meditation. Dressed in kimono, symbol of Japanese culture.

A lunch will be served in a local restaurant (Japanese menu).

Optional activity (additionnal supplement): Fushimi-inari Shrine and dinner - limited to 35 participants.

Dinner will be at leisure if you have not chosen the optional activity.

Extend your day of discovery by letting yourself be tempted by an all-new experience that will plunge you into traditional Japan.

You will leave the hotel with your guide by private car.

First, you will arrive at Fushimi-Inari Shrine. This is the site where you can see hundreds of vermillion torii gates lining up, making a tunnel, one of the most iconic views in the country. Fushimi-Inari is the head shrine of some 40,000 Inari shrines located throughout the land. It was founded in 711 and is dedicated to five Shinto deities.

Then, you will be transferred to a restaurant for your Tempura dinner.

You will be drive back to your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5 - Kyoto

After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.

You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

Your hotel:
 
The Good Nature Kyoto, located in the heart of Kyoto, is a true oasis of well-being. Each room is carefully designed to offer a space of tranquility, with a breathtaking view of the city or surrounding gardens.

Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

Your programme includes:

·        4-night accommodation in Standard room at the Good Nature Kyoto 4* hotel selected by PONANT, local standards (or similar), breakfast included.

·        Meals as mentioned in the programme.

·        Beverages package during meals (water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 glass of wine + 1 Japanese tea).

·        Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.

·        The services of a local English-speaking guide.

·        Hospitality desk at the hotel, the day of your departure.

Your programme does not include:

·        Dinner on day 4.

·        Personal expenses.

·        Visa if necessary.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

·        Late check out depending on your flight schedule.

Please note:

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m. 

·        Official hotel check-out time is 12:00 a.m.

·        The local currency is the yen. We recommend that you bring the amount of money you will need for the trip, or you can use your credit card to withdraw yen from the cash machines (note that only Japan Post Bank & Seven Eleven machines accept foreign credit cards).

·        You will have to take off your shoes before entering any of the temples. During visits, it is advisable to respect dress codes (covering the upper body and legs below the knees).

·        There will be long walk on unpaved and bumpy roads with some stairs. Many steep steps involved. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties.

·        Baggage allowance: 1 piece of baggage with a maximum of weight of 20 kg for the regular flight. We have included 3 extra kg, so you are allowed to check-in 1 piece of baggage of a maximum weight of 23 kg. Hand baggage: 1 piece with a maximum weight of 10 kg for which we have included 2 extra kg, so you are allowed to take a hand baggage of a maximum weight of 12 kg, and the sum of three dimensions shall not exceed 115 cm (45in) (55 x 40 x 25 cm) or (22 x 16 x 10 inches).

Contact of your hotel:

Hotel Good Nature Kyoto

318-6 Inari-cho, kawaramachidori shijosagaru,

Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan

Telephone : (+81) 75 352 6730

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

 

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Take advantage of four unforgettable days between Kyoto and Nara to discover the ancient imperial capitals. Immerse yourself in traditional Japan, between temples, meditation, Geisha dances and tea ceremony. This programme, rich in experience, will be the perfect prelude to your embarkation.

Day 1 - Osaka/Nara/Kyoto

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.

The tour will take you first to meet the monumental bronze Buddha, who takes centre stage in the heart of the Todai-ji Temple. The building rises majestically in Nara Park. Commissioned in 743 by Emperor Shômu when Nara was the imperial capital of Japan, it took eight years to build and was restored during the Edo era. Standing 47 metres (150 feet) high and with enormous wooden pillars , the ancestral Great Buddha Hall remains the world's largest wooden building, earning its inclusion on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Then you will stroll through the Isuien Garden, a traditional Japanese garden created at the end of the 17th century as the private garden of a rich merchant and opened in the middle of the 19th century. Meticulously planned and maintained, it reveals the art of Japanese garden design, seeking balance and harmony while paying homage to the beauty of nature. It consists of two spaces: Minami Shin-en, in the heart of which you will discover a pond, a waterfall and a tea house; and Kita Shin-e, consisting of a bamboo grove, a small stream and a variety of flowering cherry trees and Japanese maples.

Enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant.

After lunch, you will visit Nara's most celebrated shrine, Kasuga Taisha. Established in 768 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its vermilion-red lacquered buildings form a striking contrast with the surrounding vegetation. Nearly two thousand bronze and stone lanterns line the sanctuary, and a thousand metal lanterns hang along the corridors.

You will be transferred to your hotel Good Nature Kyoto 4* selected by PONANT.

Check in and set up in your room.

Enjoy dinner in your hotel's restaurant.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 - Kyoto

Breakfast.

The tour will take you first to take part in Zazen, seated Zen meditation. Zazen is a way of training for monks to obtain enlightenment. It is considered the heart of Zen Buddhist practice. You will sit in the silent room separated from the ordinary life. Also, you will have a chance to experience Japanese tea ceremony. The tea ceremony is one of the most representative forms of Japanese beauty, and participating in a ceremony is one of the best ways to come into contact with the Japanese sense of spirituality.

Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

Then, you will proceed to Kiyomizu Temple; "kiyoi mizu" means "pure water" or "spring water". Kiyomizu Temple is noted for its cliff top Main Hall with a broad wooden veranda offering a panoramic view of Kyoto and environs. The veranda is supported on a towering scaffold of wood. The Main Hall has been designated a National Treasure.

Enjoy some time at leisure to purchase souvenirs in the nearby shopping streets.

After your visit, you will return to your hotel to freshen up.

Before your transfer to enjoy a Japanese kaiseki dinner (consisting up of several small courses), you will stop in Gion, one of Kyoto's historic districts, with beautiful traditional houses. It is the city's Geiko district (geisha are known as Geiko in Kyoto).

Enjoy a Kaiseki dinner which is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, with a Maiko (an apprentice geisha in Kyoto) and a Geiko (a full-fledged artist known as Geisha outside of Japan) who will perform.

 

You will then be transferred back to your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3 - Kyoto

The tour will take you first to Kinkakuji Temple, or the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. It is a temple dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third of the Ashikaga Shoguns, built a retirement estate there in 1398. After his death in 1419, the grounds were turned into a Buddhist temple for the Rinzai sect. The only building to remain standing of Yoshimitsu's estate was the Golden Pavilion. The upper stories are covered in gold leaf and the roof is topped by a bronze phoenix. It was listed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1994.

You will then arrive at Ryoan-ji Temple, literally "The Temple of the Dragon at Peace". It belongs to the Myoshin-ji school of the Rinzai branch of Zen Buddhism. The name of the temple evokes its famous 15th-century rock garden, considered one of the masterpieces of Japanese Zen culture. It is the country's most-visited rock garden.

Enjoy a Japanese style lunch served in a local restaurant.

After lunch, you will proceed to Arashiyama region, located on the western outskirts of Kyoto, and the Tenryuji Temple, founded by Ashikaga Takauji in 1339. As a temple related to both the Ashikaga family and Emperor Godaigo, the temple is held in high esteem. It was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as part of the « Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto ». The garden created by Muso Soseki, features a circular promenade around Sogen Pond.

You may appreciate to stroll along a bamboo path admiring the beauty of the area. Stroll through the 14th Century landscape garden, featuring Ryumon Falls and a stone bridge. This garden is part of part of the « Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto » and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Legend has it that if one day a fish were to swim up the Ryumon Falls, it would turn into a dragon. Enjoy a stroll through the bamboo groves, a natural beauty that is one of the region's main attractions.

Transfer back to your hotel for a short break to freshen up.

Enjoy a Japanese Shabu-shabu dinner served in a local restaurant. For your meal, a pot of boiling water to cook food will be placed on your table. You will dip thin slices of beef and fresh vegetables into a pot of broth several times for few seconds. "Shabu-shabu" is the sound of the meat swished in the broth.

You will then be transferred back to your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4 - Kyoto

You will start your day with an immersion in Japanese tradition. Through the transcendent thumping rhythms, you will discover the art of the taiko, the large drum sculpted from elm or keyaki (zelkova or Japanese elm) wood. The word "taiko" also designates the way of playing the drum, meaning that the instrument and the way of playing its music are thus inextricably linked. Legend has it that the divinity of mirth, Uzume, helped the gods bring light to earth by drawing the goddess of sun, Amaterasu, out of her cave. To do this, she danced on a barrel, thus creating the taiko.

Then, dressed in kimono, a symbol of Japanese culture, you'll enjoy Japanese calligraphy, considered the art of achieving longevity and mastery of body and mind. Buddhist monks use calligraphy as a form of meditation. Dressed in kimono, symbol of Japanese culture.

A lunch will be served in a local restaurant (Japanese menu).

Optional activity (additionnal supplement): Fushimi-inari Shrine and dinner - limited to 35 participants.

Dinner will be at leisure if you have not chosen the optional activity.

Extend your day of discovery by letting yourself be tempted by an all-new experience that will plunge you into traditional Japan.

You will leave the hotel with your guide by private car.

First, you will arrive at Fushimi-Inari Shrine. This is the site where you can see hundreds of vermillion torii gates lining up, making a tunnel, one of the most iconic views in the country. Fushimi-Inari is the head shrine of some 40,000 Inari shrines located throughout the land. It was founded in 711 and is dedicated to five Shinto deities.

Then, you will be transferred to a restaurant for your Tempura dinner.

You will be drive back to your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5 - Kyoto

After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.

You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

Your hotel:
 
The Good Nature Kyoto, located in the heart of Kyoto, is a true oasis of well-being. Each room is carefully designed to offer a space of tranquility, with a breathtaking view of the city or surrounding gardens.

Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

Your programme includes:

·        4-night accommodation in Standard room at the Good Nature Kyoto 4* hotel selected by PONANT, local standards (or similar), breakfast included.

·        Meals as mentioned in the programme.

·        Beverages package during meals (water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 glass of wine + 1 Japanese tea).

·        Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.

·        The services of a local English-speaking guide.

·        Hospitality desk at the hotel, the day of your departure.

Your programme does not include:

·        Dinner on day 4.

·        Personal expenses.

·        Visa if necessary.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

·        Late check out depending on your flight schedule.

Please note:

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m. 

·        Official hotel check-out time is 12:00 a.m.

·        The local currency is the yen. We recommend that you bring the amount of money you will need for the trip, or you can use your credit card to withdraw yen from the cash machines (note that only Japan Post Bank & Seven Eleven machines accept foreign credit cards).

·        You will have to take off your shoes before entering any of the temples. During visits, it is advisable to respect dress codes (covering the upper body and legs below the knees).

·        There will be long walk on unpaved and bumpy roads with some stairs. Many steep steps involved. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties.

·        Baggage allowance: 1 piece of baggage with a maximum of weight of 20 kg for the regular flight. We have included 3 extra kg, so you are allowed to check-in 1 piece of baggage of a maximum weight of 23 kg. Hand baggage: 1 piece with a maximum weight of 10 kg for which we have included 2 extra kg, so you are allowed to take a hand baggage of a maximum weight of 12 kg, and the sum of three dimensions shall not exceed 115 cm (45in) (55 x 40 x 25 cm) or (22 x 16 x 10 inches).

Contact of your hotel:

Hotel Good Nature Kyoto

318-6 Inari-cho, kawaramachidori shijosagaru,

Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan

Telephone : (+81) 75 352 6730

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

 

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

 

Day 1 - Hong Kong

 

Meet at Hong Kong Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

 

You will be driven to the Regent Hong Kong 5* hotel.

 

Afternoon and dinner at leisure.

 

Overnight at the hotel.

 

Day 2 - Hong Kong

 

Breakfast and check-out.

 

You will start your day by discovering the essence of well-being and serenity with Tai Chi, a subtle and ancient martial art rooted in Taoist philosophy: legend has it that it was created by Zhang Sanfeng, a Taoist monk from Mount Wudang in the 13th Century. Each movement will bring you closer to ancient wisdom and ultimate tranquility.

 

Then, you will continue with a visit to Nan Lian Garden. Nestled in the Diamond Hill district, this traditional Chinese garden offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. You will stroll along paved pathways lined with beautiful bonsai trees, lotus ponds and picturesque waterfalls while the soothing sounds of nature envelop you in an atmosphere of calm and serenity.

 

Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

 

After lunch, you will proceed to the majestic Chi Lin Nunnery, a gem of architecture inspired by the Tang dynasty. You will wander through its beautifully landscaped gardens, where tranquil ponds, sculptural bonsai trees, and delicate flowers create a visual symphony of colors and shapes.

 

You will then be taken to Mei Ho House, an iconic landmark of urban development and social history in Hong Kong. This complex, once public housing for residents affected by a fire in 1953, has been beautifully restored to preserve its old-world charm while incorporating modern amenities.

  

You will then be transferred to the pier of Hong Kong to embark on board your ship.

 

Your hotel:

 

The Regent Hong Kong is an iconic hotel situated in the heart of Hong Kong, renowned for its refined luxury and exceptional hospitality. Located in the prestigious district of Tsim Sha Tsui, it offers direct access to the waterfront of Victoria Harbour and numerous major attractions. The hotel features a range of sumptuous rooms, elegantly decorated and equipped with the latest technologies. Staying at the Regent Hong Kong guarantees an unforgettable experience, blending the charm of Asian hospitality with the demands of international luxury in a spectacular setting overlooking one of the world's most famous harbors.

 

Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

 

Your programme includes:

 

·        1-night accommodation in Deluxe room at Regent Hong Kong 5* hotel (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.

·        Meals as mentioned in the programme.

·        Beverage package during meals (mineral water + a glass of local alcohol).

·        Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.

·        The services of a local English-speaking guide.

 

Your programme does not include:

 

·        Dinner on day 1.

·        Personal expenses.

·        Visa if necessary.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Early check-in and late check-out.

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

 

Please note:

 

·        A minimum number of participants is required in order to operate. Rate and itinerary may be subject to change based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum required number not be obtained, an alternative option may be offered.

·        If you selected a different flight than the flight selected by PONANT: it is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m.

·        Official hotel check-out time is 11:00 a.m.

·        Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.

·        This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

·        During the programme, we recommend wearing discreet and lightweight clothing covering the upper body and legs below the knees and sun protection.

·        Baggage allowance: 1 piece of baggage with a maximum of weight of 20 kg for the regular flight. We have included 3 extra kg, so you are allowed to check-in 1 piece of baggage of a maximum weight of 23 kg. Hand baggage: 1 piece with a maximum weight of 10 kg for which we have included 2 extra kg, so you are allowed to take a hand baggage of a maximum weight of 12 kg, and the sum of three dimensions shall not exceed 115 cm (45in) (55 x 40 x 25 cm) or (22 x 16 x 10 inches).

 

Contact of your hotel:

 

Regent Hong Kong

18 Salisbury Road, Kowloon

Hong Kong SAR

China
Telephone number: (852) 2721 2111

 

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

 

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Take advantage of four unforgettable days between Kyoto and Nara to discover the ancient imperial capitals. Immerse yourself in traditional Japan, between temples, meditation, Geisha dances and tea ceremony. This programme, rich in experience, will be the perfect prelude to your embarkation.

Day 1 - Kobe/Nara/Kyoto

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.

The tour will take you first to meet the monumental bronze Buddha, who takes centre stage in the heart of the Todai-ji Temple. The building rises majestically in Nara Park. Commissioned in 743 by Emperor Shômu when Nara was the imperial capital of Japan, it took eight years to build and was restored during the Edo era. Standing 47 metres (150 feet) high and with enormous wooden pillars , the ancestral Great Buddha Hall remains the world's largest wooden building, earning its inclusion on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Then you will stroll through the Isuien Garden, a traditional Japanese garden created at the end of the 17th century as the private garden of a rich merchant and opened in the middle of the 19th century. Meticulously planned and maintained, it reveals the art of Japanese garden design, seeking balance and harmony while paying homage to the beauty of nature. It consists of two spaces: Minami Shin-en, in the heart of which you will discover a pond, a waterfall and a tea house; and Kita Shin-e, consisting of a bamboo grove, a small stream and a variety of flowering cherry trees and Japanese maples.

Enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant.

After lunch, you will visit Nara's most celebrated shrine, Kasuga Taisha. Established in 768 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its vermilion-red lacquered buildings form a striking contrast with the surrounding vegetation. Nearly two thousand bronze and stone lanterns line the sanctuary, and a thousand metal lanterns hang along the corridors.

Before your transfer to your 4* hotel Good Nature Kyoto selected by PONANT, you will stop in Gion, one of Kyoto's historic districts, with beautiful traditional houses. It is the city's Geiko district (geisha are known as Geiko in Kyoto).

Check in and set up in your room.

Enjoy dinner in your hotel's restaurant.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 - Kyoto

Breakfast.

The tour will take you first to take part in Zazen, seated Zen meditation. Zazen is a way of training for monks to obtain enlightenment. It is considered the heart of Zen Buddhist practice. You will sit in the silent room separated from the ordinary life. Also, you will have a chance to experience Japanese tea ceremony. The tea ceremony is one of the most representative forms of Japanese beauty, and participating in a ceremony is one of the best ways to come into contact with the Japanese sense of spirituality.

Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

Then, you will proceed to Kiyomizu Temple; kiyoi mizu means "pure water" or "spring water". Kiyomizu Temple is noted for its cliff top Main Hall with a broad wooden veranda offering a panoramic view of Kyoto and environs. The veranda is supported on a towering scaffold of wood. The Main Hall has been designated a National Treasure.

Enjoy some time at leisure to purchase souvenirs in the nearby shopping streets.

After your visit, you will return to your hotel to freshen up.

You will be transferred in a local restaurant to enjoy a Japanese kaiseki dinner (consisting up of several small courses.

Enjoy a Kaiseki dinner which is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, with a Maiko (an apprentice geisha in Kyoto) and a Geiko (a full-fledged artist known as Geisha outside of Japan) who will perform.

You will then be transferred back to your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3 - Kyoto

The tour will take you first to Kinkakuji Temple, or the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. It is a temple dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third of the Ashikaga Shoguns, built a retirement estate there in 1398. After his death in 1419, the grounds were turned into a Buddhist temple for the Rinzai sect. The only building to remain standing of Yoshimitsu's estate was the Golden Pavilion. The upper stories are covered in gold leaf and the roof is topped by a bronze phoenix. It was listed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1994.

You will then arrive at Ryoan-ji Temple, literally "The Temple of the Dragon at Peace". It belongs to the Myoshin-ji school of the Rinzai branch of Zen Buddhism. The name of the temple evokes its famous 15th-century rock garden, considered one of the masterpieces of Japanese Zen culture. It is the country's most-visited rock garden.

Enjoy a Japanese style lunch served in a local restaurant.

After lunch, you will proceed to Arashiyama region, located on the western outskirts of Kyoto, and the Tenryuji Temple, founded by Ashikaga Takauji in 1339. As a temple related to both the Ashikaga family and Emperor Godaigo, the temple is held in high esteem. It was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as part of the « Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto ». The garden created by Muso Soseki, features a circular promenade around Sogen Pond.

Transfer back to your hotel for a short break to freshen up.

Enjoy a Japanese Shabu-shabu dinner served in a local restaurant. For your meal, a pot of boiling water to cook food will be placed on your table. You will dip thin slices of beef and fresh vegetables into a pot of broth several times for few seconds. "Shabu-shabu" is the sound of the meat swished in the broth.

You will then be transferred back to your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4 - Kyoto

You will start your day with an immersion in Japanese tradition. Through the transcendent thumping rhythms, you will discover the art of the taiko, the large drum sculpted from elm or keyaki (zelkova or Japanese elm) wood. The word "taiko" also designates the way of playing the drum, meaning that the instrument and the way of playing its music are thus inextricably linked. Legend has it that the divinity of mirth, Uzume, helped the gods bring light to earth by drawing the goddess of sun, Amaterasu, out of her cave. To do this, she danced on a barrel, thus creating the taiko.

Then, dressed in kimono, a symbol of Japanese culture, you'll enjoy Japanese calligraphy, considered the art of achieving longevity and mastery of body and mind. Buddhist monks use calligraphy as a form of meditation. Dressed in kimono, symbol of Japanese culture.

A lunch will be served in a local restaurant (Japanese menu).

Optional activity (with extra fees): Fushimi-inari Shrine and dinner.

Dinner will be at leisure if you have not chosen the optional activity.

Extend your day of discovery by letting yourself be tempted by an all-new experience that will plunge you into traditional Japan.

You will leave the hotel with your guide by private car.

First, you will arrive at Fushimi-Inari Shrine. This is the site where you can see hundreds of vermillion torii gates lining up, making a tunnel, one of the most iconic views in the country. Fushimi-Inari is the head shrine of some 40,000 Inari shrines located throughout the land. It was founded in 711 and is dedicated to five Shinto deities.

Then, you will be transferred to a restaurant for your dinner.

You will be drive back to your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5 - Kyoto

After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.

You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

Your hotel:
 
The Good Nature Kyoto, located in the heart of Kyoto, is a true oasis of well-being. Each room is carefully designed to offer a space of tranquility, with a breathtaking view of the city or surrounding gardens.

Your programme includes:

·        4-night accommodation in standard room at a Good Nature Kyoto 4* hotel selected by PONANT, local standards (or similar), breakfast included.

·        Meals as mentioned in the programme.

·        Beverages package during meals (water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 glass of wine + 1 Japanese tea).

·        Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.

·        The services of a local English-speaking guide.

·        Hospitality desk at the hotel, the day of your departure.

Your programme does not include:

·        Dinner on day 4.

·        Personal expenses.

·        Visa if necessary.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Early check-in and late check-out.

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m.  

·        Official hotel check-out time is 11:00 a.m.

·        Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.

·        The local currency is the yen. We recommend that you bring the amount of money you will need for the trip, or you can use your credit card to withdraw yen from the cash machines (note that only Japan Post Bank & Seven Eleven machines accept foreign credit cards).

·        You will have to take off your shoes before entering any of the temples. During visits, it is advisable to respect dress codes (covering the upper body and legs below the knees).

·        There will be long walk on unpaved and bumpy roads with some stairs. Many steep steps involved. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties.

·        Baggage allowance: 1 piece of baggage with a maximum of weight of 20 kg for the regular flight. We have included 3 extra kg, so you are allowed to check-in 1 piece of baggage of a maximum weight of 23 kg. Hand baggage: 1 piece with a maximum weight of 10 kg for which we have included 2 extra kg, so you are allowed to take a hand baggage of a maximum weight of 12 kg, and the sum of three dimensions shall not exceed 115 cm (45in) (55 x 40 x 25 cm) or (22 x 16 x 10 inches).

Contact of your hotel:

Hotel Good Nature Kyoto

318-6 Inari-cho, kawaramachidori shijosagaru,

Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan

Telephone : (+81) 75 352 6730

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

 

Take advantage of four unforgettable days between Kyoto and Nara to discover the ancient imperial capitals. Immerse yourself in traditional Japan, between temples, meditation, Geisha dances and tea ceremony. This programme, rich in experience, will be the perfect prelude to your embarkation.

 

Day 1 - Osaka/Kyoto

 

Meet at Kansai International airport. You will be greeted by our local representative off your flight provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent.

 

Transfer from the airport to the Good Nature Kyoto 4* hotel selected by PONANT.

Lunch, afternoon, and dinner at leisure.

 

Overnight at the hotel.

 

Day 2 - Kyoto

 

Breakfast.

 

The tour will take you first to take part in Zazen, seated Zen meditation. Zazen is a way of training for monks to obtain enlightenment. It is considered the heart of Zen Buddhist practice. You will sit in the silent room separated from the ordinary life. Also, you will have a chance to experience Japanese tea ceremony. The tea ceremony is one of the most representative forms of Japanese beauty, and participating in a ceremony is one of the best ways to come into contact with the Japanese sense of spirituality.

 

Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

 

Then, you will proceed to Kiyomizu Temple; kiyoi mizu means "pure water" or "spring water". Kiyomizu Temple is noted for its cliff top Main Hall with a broad wooden veranda offering a panoramic view of Kyoto and environs. The veranda is supported on a towering scaffold of wood. The Main Hall has been designated a National Treasure.

 

Enjoy some time at leisure to purchase souvenirs in the nearby shopping streets.

 

After your visit, you will return to your hotel to freshen up.

 

Before your transfer to enjoy a Japanese kaiseki dinner (consisting up of several small courses), you will stop in Gion, one of Kyoto's historic districts, with beautiful traditional houses. It is the city's Geiko district (geisha are known as Geiko in Kyoto).

 

Enjoy a Kaiseki dinner which is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, with a Maiko (an apprentice geisha in Kyoto) and a Geiko (a full-fledged artist known as Geisha outside of Japan) who will perform.

 

You will then be transferred back to your hotel.

 

Overnight at the hotel.

 

Day 3 - Kyoto

 

Breakfast.

 

 You will start your day with an immersion in Japanese tradition. Through the transcendent thumping rhythms, you will discover the art of the taiko, the large drum sculpted from elm or keyaki (zelkova or Japanese elm) wood. The word "taiko" also designates the way of playing the drum, meaning that the instrument and the way of playing its music are thus inextricably linked. Legend has it that the divinity of mirth, Uzume, helped the gods bring light to earth by drawing the goddess of sun, Amaterasu, out of her cave. To do this, she danced on a barrel, thus creating the taiko.

 

Then, you will enjoy Japanese calligraphy, considered the art of achieving longevity and mastery of body and mind. Buddhist monks use calligraphy as a form of meditation. Dressed in kimono, symbol of Japanese culture.

 

You will also wear the traditional kimono, with movements carefully and meticulously orchestrated, reflecting the beauty and harmony of ancient Japan.

 

Enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant.

 

Then, you will proceed to Arashiyama region, located on the western outskirts of Kyoto, and the Tenryuji Temple, founded by Ashikaga Takauji in 1339. As a temple related to both the Ashikaga family and Emperor Godaigo, the temple is held in high esteem. Stroll through the 14th Century landscape garden, featuring Ryumon Falls and a stone bridge. This garden is part of part of the « Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto » and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Legend has it that if one day a fish were to swim up the Ryumon Falls, it would turn into a dragon. Enjoy a stroll through the bamboo groves, a natural beauty that is one of the region's main attractions.

 

Transfer back to your hotel for a short break to freshen up.

 

Enjoy a Japanese Shabu-shabu dinner served in a local restaurant. For your meal, a pot of boiling water to cook food will be placed on your table. You will dip thin slices of beef and fresh vegetables into a pot of broth several times for few seconds. "Shabu-shabu" is the sound of the meat swished in the broth.

 

You will then be transferred back to your hotel.

 

Overnight at the hotel.

 

Day 4 - Kyoto

 

Breakfast.

 

The tour will take you first to Kinkakuji Temple, or the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. It is a temple dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third of the Ashikaga Shoguns, built a retirement estate there in 1398. After his death in 1419, the grounds were turned into a Buddhist temple for the Rinzai sect. The only building to remain standing of Yoshimitsu's estate was the Golden Pavilion. The upper stories are covered in gold leaf and the roof is topped by a bronze phoenix. It was listed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1994.

 

You will then arrive at Ryoan-ji Temple, literally "The Temple of the Dragon at Peace". It belongs to the Myoshin-ji school of the Rinzai branch of Zen Buddhism. The name of the temple evokes its famous 15th-century rock garden, considered one of the masterpieces of Japanese Zen culture. It is the country's most-visited rock garden.

 

A lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

 

 

Optional activity - additional supplement: "Fushimi-inari Shrine and dinner" - limited to 35 participants.

Dinner will be at leisure if you have not chosen the optional activity.

 

For an even more exclusive and unique experience, we also offer the optional package as an additional supplement.

 

You will arrive at Fushimi-Inari Shrine. This is the site where you can see hundreds of vermillion torii gates lining up, making a tunnel, one of the most iconic views in the country. Fushimi-Inari is the head shrine of some 40,000 Inari shrines located throughout the land. It was founded in 711 and is dedicated to five Shinto deities.

 

Then, you will be transferred to a restaurant for your dinner.

 

You will be drive back to your hotel.

 

Overnight at the hotel.

 

Day 5 - Kyoto/Nara/Osaka

 

Breakfast before check-out.

 

To start your day, you will set off to meet the monumental bronze Buddha, who takes centre stage in the heart of the Todai-ji Temple. The building rises majestically in Nara Park. Commissioned in 743 by Emperor Shômu when Nara was the imperial capital of Japan, it took eight years to build and was restored during the Edo era. Standing 47 metres (150 feet) high and with enormous wooden pillars , the ancestral Great Buddha Hall remains the world's largest wooden building, earning its inclusion on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

  

Before lunch, you will stroll through the Isui-en Garden, a traditional Japanese garden created at the end of the 17th century as the private garden of a rich merchant and opened in the middle of the 19th century. Meticulously planned and maintained, it reveals the art of Japanese garden design, seeking balance and harmony while paying homage to the beauty of nature. It consists of two spaces: Minami Shin-en, in the heart of which you will discover a pond, a waterfall and a tea house; and Kita Shin-e, consisting of a bamboo grove, a small stream and a variety of flowering cherry trees and Japanese maples.

 

Enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant.

 

Then, you will continue with a visit of Nara's most celebrated shrine, Kasuga Taisha. Established in 768 and listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site, its vermilion-red lacquered buildings form a striking contrast with the surrounding vegetation. Nearly two thousand bronze and stone lanterns line the sanctuary, and a thousand metal lanterns hang along the corridors.

 

You will then be transferred to the port of Osaka to embark on board your ship. It is approximately a one-and-a-half-hour drive.

 

Your hotel:

 

The Good Nature Kyoto, located in the heart of Kyoto, is a true oasis of well-being. Each room is thoughtfully designed to provide a tranquil space, featuring breathtaking views of the city or the surrounding gardens. Experience serenity and comfort in a setting that embraces both nature and culture.

 

Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

 

Your programme includes:

·        4-night accommodation in Standard room at the Good Nature Kyoto 4* hotel selected by PONANT, local standards (or similar), breakfast included.

·        Meals as mentioned in the programme.

·        Beverages package during meals (mineral water + a glass of local alcohol + a Japanese tea or a coffee).

·        Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.

·        The services of a local English-speaking guide.

 

Your programme does not include:

 

·        Lunch and dinner on day 1, dinner on day 4.

·        Personal expenses.

·        Visa if necessary.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.  

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

·        Early check-in upon arrival at your hotel.

 

Please note:

 

·        A minimum number of participants is required in order to operate. Rate and itinerary may be subject to change based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum required number not be obtained, an alternative option may be offered.

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m.  

·        Official hotel check-out time is 11:00 a.m.

·        Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.

·        The local currency is the yen. We recommend that you bring the amount of money you will need for the trip, or you can use your credit card to withdraw yen from the cash machines (note that only Japan Post Bank & Seven Eleven machines accept foreign credit cards).

·        You will have to take off your shoes before entering any of the temples. During visits, it is advisable to respect dress codes (covering the upper body and legs below the knees).

·        There will be long walk on unpaved and bumpy roads with some stairs. Many steep steps involved. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties.

·        Please be aware that a double room with a king size bed is not common in Japan. Most of the hotels do offer double rooms with twin beds. The double room king size bed is not guaranteed at the hotel.

 

Contact of your hotel:

 

Hotel Good Nature Kyoto

318-6 Inari-cho, kawaramachidori shijosagaru,

Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan

Telephone : (+81) 75 352 6730

 

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.