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Japan’s Coastal Discovery With Tokyo & Hokkaido (Caledonian Sky)

Japan’s Coastal Discovery With Tokyo & Hokkaido (Caledonian Sky)

From NZD $30,395

Description

Your Boutique Expedition Ship. APT’s MS Caledonian Sky offers the ultimate expedition cruising experience with exclusive access to remote locations.

Bullet Train. Enjoy a travel experience like no other and gaze out your window to the passing landscapes aboard a Bullet Train.

All Inclusive Experience. Our prices cover everything as detailed, including transfers, port charges, gratuities, meals and sightseeing.

Trip Name
Japan’s Coastal Discovery With Tokyo & Hokkaido (Caledonian Sky)
Days
20
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 90 metres Passenger Capacity: 114 (in 57 suites) Built: 1991 / refurbished 2012 The MS Caledonian Sky accommodates a maximum of 114 passengers in 57 spacious outside suites. Many have walk-in wardrobes and some feature tub baths. There will be seven categories of suites and sixteen suites will have private balconies. For those familiar with the MS Island Sky she will feel like a second home, although there are some differences. The dining room, lounge, Lido Deck and bar are all similar. However, the ‘Club’ on the MS Caledonian Sky has been transported to the very top deck. Here, there is a library and bar which leads out on to a lovely forward deck. The ‘Club’ has wonderful views with ceiling to floor windows. If you like the MS Island Sky, we are sure you will also approve of her sister. And, of course it is important that we offer the very best of facilities. However, equally as important are the staff on board whether they are the vessel’s crew or our own expedition staff. Noble Caledonia’s reputation has been built on providing the very best in all areas. Their crew of 74 not only offer an excellent service they are also noted for their kindness and attention to detail. A well run ship with a warm atmosphere is what we are known for, and it is because most of our crew have been with us for many years that we are able to engender such an atmosphere. Your Suite Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. The passenger accommodation is arranged over four decks and all suites have outside views. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring a country style wash basin, hot towel rack and vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower and/or bath tub. Facilities in the suites also include walk-in or spacious wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool or desk, mini-fridge, flat screen television, telephone, programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Your space The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. In addition there is the Club Lounge on the Panoramic Deck which features a bar. The onboard travel library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. Outside there is a rear Lido deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade. On the top deck there is a further observation and sun deck with bar service and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. There is also a small gymnasium onboard and hairdressers with appointments made on request. Your dining With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the quality of cuisine will be of a consistent superior quality. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, our accomplished chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast, a buffet-style lunch and dinner are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. With sufficient notice, most diets can be catered for on board. For your comfort, safety and security The vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilisers to minimise the ship’s motion. The Captain and officers operate an open-bridge policy that allows passengers onto the bridge at most times with the exception of arrival and departure from port and during times of complicated navigation. Here you can check the ship’s progress by charts and learn more from the officers about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical information and estimated times of arrival and departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to outside decks only. Gratuities Unlike many other cruise vessels, onboard the MS Caledonian Sky you do not need to worry about tipping staff as we have included them in your holiday price. In addition we tip all their guides and drivers along the way, thereby taking away the hassle of always having to remember to have some small change with you.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 Arrive Tokyo
We meet and transfer you to your hotel. There’s time to head out on your own before dinner.
Day 2 - DAY 2 Tokyo
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCEMaster the art of sushi making, creating three types of the delicacy and enjoying your efforts for lunch. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.Sink your teeth into Tokyo today, visiting Meiji Shrine, Sensoji Temple and the Imperial Palace Plaza. Later, enjoy your first Signature Experience for this trip. Enjoy free time afterwards.
Day 3 - DAY 3 Tokyo, Hakone
Spend most of the day out of the city in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, home to the instantly recognisable Mt Fuji. On the way to Hakone, stop in at Honma Yosegi Museum. The journey then takes you along the Hakone Skyline road to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. On a clear day, you might see Mt Fuji along the way.
Day 4 - DAY 4 Tokyo, Hakodate
Make the trip north to Hakodate aboard a bullet train. After arriving, head straight for Fort Goryokaku, then ascend the ropeway to the top of Mt Hakodate. The views of the city while the sun is setting are not to be missed.
Day 5 - DAY 5 Hakodate, Sapporo
Visit volcanic Lake Toya in Shikotsu-Toya National Park and look for the steady trail of white smoke from Mt Usu. Enjoy the local cuisine before travelling to Sapporo.
Day 6 - DAY 6 Sapporo
Get to know Sapporo, taking in the Clock Tower, Hokkaido Shrine and more. After lunch, you’ll appreciate a visit to the Sapporo Beer Museum, which includes tastings.
Day 7 - DAY 7 Otaru, Sapporo
Travel to Otaru where you’ll take a guided tour of the canal area. Visit a whisky distillery, one of the country’s most celebrated, before returning to Sapporo for the night.
Day 8 - DAY 8 Sapporo, Niigata, Embark Ship
Fly to Niigata, where your ship is waiting with drinks and dinner to welcome you aboard.
Day 9 - DAY 9 Sado Island
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCEExperience a live performance from Sado Island’s world-famous Kodo group of taiko drummers.Your time on Sado Island is enhanced by a Signature Experience. See the Edo-period homes in the village of Shukunegi and ride in the tarai-bune boats used for abalone fishing.
Day 10 - DAY 10 Kanazawa
Taste your way through Omicho Ichiba Market before visiting Kenroku-en Gardens. After lunch, see if you can spot geisha as you take a walk through the Higashi Chaya Gai area.
Day 11 - DAY 11 Oki Islands
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - SightseeingOpt to cliff walk along the coast, or explore the island on a panoramic tour.The Oki Islands are blessed with rugged coastlines and ancient forests. From Nishinoshima, the day is yours to explore.
Day 12 - DAY 12 Matsue
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - SightseeingExplore the castle and its grounds and watch a samurai performance, then cruise along the castle’s moat. Or, head to the town of Daisen for a hike through the forests around Mt Daisen.Back on the mainland, Matsue is the next stop. Discover Matsue how you like with your choice of sightseeing. Reconvene in the afternoon for a visit to Yuushien Garden, the region’s largest Japanese-style garden.
Day 13 - DAY 13 Hagi
Arrive in Hagi in time for a tour. Walk through streets lined with merchant houses to the ruins of Hagi Castle in Shizuki Park.
Day 14 - DAY 14 Masan, Haeinsa (Evening Departure/Overnight)
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCETravel to the Haeinsa Temple, one of the country’s three great temples.Wake up to South Korean shores. You’ll experience an entirely new culture today in Masan with a Signature Experience. Back at Masan, wander through the lively fish market.
Day 15 - DAY 15 Ulsan, Gyeongju (Evening Departure/Overnight)
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCEDiscover the World Heritage-listed city of Gyeongju on South Korea’s southern shores.Another day in South Korea brings you to the city of Gyeongju. Try typical South Korean fare over lunch and watch a traditional dance performance.
Day 16 - DAY 16 Ube
From Ube, your first stop is the five-storied Pagoda of Rurikoji Temple. Later, at the Fujigochi Tea Plantation, see where the local Ono Tea is produced.
Day 17 - DAY 17 Miyajima, Hiroshima
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - SightseeingYou may choose to visit the Peace Memorial Park or hike up to Sandankyo Gorge.You’ll spend the first half of the day on Miyajima Island. It’s then onto Hiroshima where you’ll have a choice of sightseeing.
Day 18 - DAY 18 Uno-Ko (Evening Departure/Overnight)
Visit the tea garden of Koraku-en and try matcha green tea. Continue to Kurashiki and explore the old merchant quarter and canals. Finish the day at the Ohara Museum of Art.
Day 19 - DAY 19 Himeji
Venture inside the walls of World Heritage-listed Himeji Castle. Later, at the Koko-en Japanese garden, stroll across bridges arching over koi-filled ponds.
Day 20 - DAY 20 Kobe, Disembark Ship, Osaka
At Kobe, you’ll be transferred to Osaka airport where the journey comes to an end.
Day 21 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
21-04-202010-05-2020NZD $30,395Castle Standard Suite
21-04-202010-05-2020NZD $36,545Promenade Owner's Corner Suite
21-04-202010-05-2020NZD $30,945Caledonian Superior Suite
21-04-202010-05-2020NZD $32,145Promenade Premium Suite
21-04-202010-05-2020NZD $33,895Bridge Deluxe Balcony Suite
21-04-202010-05-2020NZD $34,895Promenade Prem. Balcony Suite

Inclusions

    • Mt Fuji. Journey along the Hakone Skyline road where you may, if the sky is clear, see iconic Mt Fuji dominate the horizon.
    • Japan's Wild North. Discover the natural beauty of Hokkaido and the energy of the island's city, Sapporo, with a three-night stay.
    • Taiko Drum Performance. On Sado Island, the rhythms of a traditional taiko drum performance elevates your dining experience.

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