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Japan Discover the Natural, Ancient & Modern Wonders aboard the MS Caledonian Sky May & June 2019 ms caledonian sky

Deluxe Balcony Suite On Deck The Restaurant

The MS Caledonian Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Hebridean Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world. With a maximum passenger capacity of only 114, a vessel of her size is capable of carrying many more but instead the MS Caledonian Sky has the benefit of unusually large suites, luxuriously appointed public areas and spacious outside decks.

Your Suite Your Dining On board there are 57 exceptionally With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the spacious and well designed suites. cuisine on board the MS Caledonian Sky is of a consistent superior The passenger accommodation is quality that befits such a vessel. In keeping with the informal atmosphere arranged over four decks and all suites on board, when dining you are able to choose your seating arrangements have outside views. All feature a sitting and choice of restaurants at your leisure; whether that be joining a table area and some have private balconies. of four to six other passengers in the elegant à la carte Restaurant or Each affords considerable comfort with outside buffet-style on the Lido Deck in the evening sunshine. In the main en-suite bathroom featuring a country Restaurant, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to style wash basin, heated towel rail, order on request. Lunch and dinner menus offer plenty of choice, often vanity unit and walk-in shower and/ reflecting the daily catch and local delicacies. The Welcome and Farewell or bath tub. Facilities in the suites also dinners are a sumptuous five course affair. To enhance your dining include walk-in or spacious wardrobes, experience further a selection of wines is included with both meals. dressing table with large mirror and stool or desk, mini-fridge, flat Afternoon tea and pre-dinner canapés take place in either the comfort of screen television, telephone, programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, the Lounge or out on the Lido Deck when the weather is favourable. Tea assorted Molton Brown toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. Bottled and coffee are also available 24 hours a day. Special diets can be catered water, dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. for with sufficient notice.

2 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk MS Caledonian Sky

Library Standard Suite The Lounge

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 Lounge on the Panorama Deck which has a bar, library with two computers offering complimentary internet access and further seating ideal for watching the world go by. 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 beauty salon with appointments made on request. Throughout the vessel carefully chosen artwork and photos reflect the destinations we sail to.

Your Comfort Panorama Lounge The MS Caledonian Sky is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilisers to minimise the ship’s motion. During your voyage we hope to offer you the MS CALEDONIAN SKY DECK PLAN opportunity to visit the Captain and Officers on the Bridge to check the vessel’s progress by charts and learn more about your journey. On board you will also find a clinic and Doctor and a lift that serves all decks. When at anchor our nimble Zodiacs will ferry you ashore or, on select cruises, enjoy Zodiac cruises getting you closer to the natural world.

Your Life On Board The atmosphere on board is warm and convivial and more akin to Panorama Deck a private yacht or country hotel in which you can learn more about Panorama Deck the wonderful destinations you are visiting in the company of like- Panorama Lounge minded people. Dress on board is casual and relaxed and there will Panorama Lounge be no “black tie” evenings. On board there is a high ratio of crew to passengers. Our friendly crew of 75 are mainly Filipino and Eastern Bridge Deck

European and our Scandinavian Captains are experienced mariners. Bridge Deck Hotel Buffet Pantry Manager’s 511 509 507 505 Office After a day ashore you will return to the comfort and peace of a well- Hotel Buffet Pantry Manager’s 511 509 507 505 Office Chief run and exceedingly comfortable ship where peace, high quality of Captain 512 510 508 506 Engineer Chief service and attention to detail are the order of the day. A little music in Captain 512 510 508 506 Engineer the Lounge after dinner, Guest Speakers and informative port briefings Promenade Deck from our Expedition Leader or Cruise Director and of course good Promenade Deck food, all contribute to make any voyage aboard this wonderful vessel Hairdresser 433 431 427 425 423 421 419 417 415 a memorable and joyful experience. HairdresserWC433 431 427 425 423 421 419 417 415 Gym WC434 432 428 426 424 422 420 418 416 414

Gym 434 432 428 426 424 422 420 418 416 414

Caledonian Deck

Caledonian Deck 347 345 343 341 339 335 333 331 329

347 345 343 341 339 335 333 331 329 Reception 348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330 Reception 348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330 Castle Deck Castle Deck 261 259 257 255 Hospital Doctor

261 259 257 255 Hospital Doctor 262 260 258 256 254 252 250

262 260 258 256 254 252 250

Standard Suites Premium Suites Premium Balcony Suites

SuperiorStandard Suites Suites DeluxePremium Balcony Suites Suites Owner’Premiums Corner Balcony Suites Suites with Balcony

PleaseSuperior note that Suites all suites on Castle DeckDeluxe feature Balcony a minimum Suites of two portholes.Owner’s Corner Suites with Balcony

Alfresco Dining Please note that all suites on Castle Deck feature a minimum of two portholes.

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 3 Circumnavigation of An exploration of ’s remote island wilderness with Judith Thomas 17th May to 1st June 2019

RUSSIA Korsakov

Rebun Island Shiretoko okkaido, Japan’s northernmost and least developed National Park The Itinerary Rishiri Island island is often considered by the Japanese to be Teuri-Jima H Day 1 London to Sapporo, Japan. Abashiri Fly by scheduled flight via . Otaru Kushiro the country’s last frontier and is a world away from the Sapporo traditional view of Japan. Every year the island emerges Tomakomai Day 2 Otaru. Arrive today in Muroran from a bitter Siberian winter into the warmth of spring, Sapporo and transfer to Otaru Hakodate when the thaw reveals a glorious landscape littered on the west coast of Hokkaido Aomori with wild flowers. Only colonised by Japan in the past Island. Transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay and spend the rest JAPAN 150 years, we won’t find a land of ancient temples and of the day at leisure to explore or Niigata shrines or developed cities with skyscrapers during our relax in the hotel. visit, but what the island lacks in regard to 21st century Bullet train development, it more than makes up for in natural Day 3 Otaru. This morning is at leisure. You may wish to Tokyo wonders with large swathes of wild, open spaces, primeval explore independently and visit forests, crystal clear lakes, beautiful alpine flowers, Sakaimachi Street where you active volcanoes and bubbling hot springs. During our find seafood vendors, cafes, shops selling some of Otaru’s Park and will spend the day circumnavigation of this remarkable island, we will visit famous glassware and the town’s at neighbouring Rebun Island the outlying Rebun and Rishiri Islands, explore nature steam clock situated outside the which is famous for its rich flora, trails, watch for wildlife in the national parks, learn more Music Box Museum. In the early including many alpine flowers, afternoon we will check out of the some of which cannot be found of the indigenous Ainu people and hopefully see the hotel and spend some time at the anywhere else in the world, and multitude of colourful flowers that should be in bloom to Otaru Art Base, a series of former which carpet the island from late coincide with our visit. office buildings that have been April to mid September. Today we renovated to house exhibitions will take a series of walks around More than two million acres on Hokkaido are dedicated of Japanese and Western art, the coastline offering views over to before continuing to the Tanaka Rishiro and Cape Gorota. to national parkland and we will visit some of the most Sake Brewery to learn more about Return to the ship for lunch and remarkable including the Shiretoko National Park located this famous Japanese drink. After sail this afternoon. We will clear on the north eastern tip of the island and which in Ainu our visit we will transfer to the MS immigration formalities from Japan means ‘end of the world’. UNESCO has called it one of Caledonian Sky for embarkation this evening as we sail to Russia. and enjoy Welcome Dinner and the richest integrated ecosystems in the world and in 2005 Drinks as we sail this evening. Day 6 Korsakov, Russia. Arrive designated it as a World Heritage Site. We will have a full this morning at Korsakov where day to explore the national park, home to brown bears, Day 4 Teuri-Jima & Rishiri Island. we will clear into Russia. Once At dawn we arrive at the tiny the formalities are concluded Yezo shika deer and red fox whilst birders can keep an eye island of Teuri Jima, part of the we will explore part of this city out for Steller sea eagles, Blakiston fish owl and white- Shokanbetsu-Teuri-Yagishiri which was founded in 1853 as tailed eagles. Whilst in the Kushiro Marshlands we visit the National Park and an important Sakhalin’s first Russian military sanctuary for nesting seabirds post. From here we drive to home of Hokkaido’s resident red-crowned cranes, Japan’s including common murre and Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, the capital of iconic bird, known as the bird of happiness. We hope you black-tailed gulls. We will use our the island with a population of can join us for this rare circumnavigation of Japan’s most ship to sail by the cliffs and, if time just over 160,000. Founded as a enchanting isle. permits, we will use the Zodiacs for small Russian settlement in the a closer look. Later this morning we 1880s, the city became a Japanese continue our journey to the Rishiri- prefect capital when the southern Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park, half of Sakhalin was declared a arriving at lunchtime. At Rishiri Japanese colony in 1905; after Guest Speaker - Judith Thomas Island the skyline is dominated World War II it was returned to by the dormant volcano of Mount Russia. Highlights include a visit Judith has lived and worked in many countries Rishiri which climbs to 1721 metres. to the Russian Orthodox Church, including the USA, Indonesia, New Zealand, On an afternoon tour we will see the Regional Museum housed in the Middle East and Japan. Her early work as the beautiful scenery and alpine an impressive former Japanese a Management Training specialist for overseas wildflowers in bloom at Himenuma mansion, and the bustling market. assignments developed her interest in globally Pond and Kutsugata Cape Park Return to the ship this afternoon mobile families and the cultural changes they whilst we hope to see Black as we return to Japanese waters. confront. Her experience of Japan dates from the Woodpecker during a walk at the 70’s up to the present day, including two extended periods of living Forest Park. Day 7 Shiretoko National Park, and working there. Her expertise is Japanese Culture; gardens are a Japan. We return to Hokkaido this cultural expression in their own right. Traditional Cultures adapting to Day 5 Rebun Island. We remain at morning at the port of Abashiri the modern world are also of particular interest to her. anchor overnight in the National where we will spend a day and a

4 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Circumnavigation of Hokkaido Lake Toya and Mount Usu

Steller Sea Eagle Rishiri Island

Canal, Otaru

half. From here we will make a full where we can enjoy the scenery and home to the only known their legends and literature and day excursion to the Shiretoko or join a nature walk and maybe population of Japan’s sacred see displays of traditional dancing. National Park which covers the take a dip in one of the hot spring red-crowned cranes. The cranes Alternatively, visit Hokkaido’s majority of the Shiretoko Peninsula. baths. We return to the ship via were thought to have been made capital city of Sapporo where we This remote and untouched park the eight hectare Shibzakura extinct due to overhunting and can explore the colourful botanical combines rivers, forests, mountains Park in Ozora where we hope habitat destruction. However in gardens, visit the small Ainu and waterfalls and is home to an to see it covered in the tiny red, 1926 a group of 20 birds were museum displaying around 2500 array of wildlife including brown pink, white and purple flowers of discovered in this area and with artefacts and enjoy a tour of the bears, Yezo shika deer and red fox spring. Alternatively spend a more conservation efforts now number famous brewery. whilst birders can keep an eye out leisurely morning in Abashiri and more than 1000. We will visit the for Steller sea eagles, Blakiston learn more about the Ainu at the observatory with displays of the Day 11 Muroran. We will spend our fish owl and white-tailed eagles. Hokkaido Museum of Northern fauna and fauna of the region and morning around the Shikotsu-Toya If weather permits we will also Peoples and visit the Okhotski Sea views over the marshlands before National Park, named after the two take the Shiretoko pass offering Ice Museum which offers insight taking the walking trails. Return to lakes which offer wonderful stunning views of Mount Rausu. into the sea ice that surrounds the the ship via the small but excellent scenery and excellent hiking and We will return to the ship via the city during the winter. Return to Kushiro City Museum that offers walking opportunities. This is still Koshimizu Gensai-kaen, an eight the ship for lunch and spend the an insight into Ainu culture and an active area and a geological kilometre long dune covered in afternoon on deck as we sail this natural history of the area. wonder with the volcano Showa over 40 varieties of wildflowers afternoon around the Shiretoko Shin-zan only created in the 1940s. against a backdrop of the Sea of Peninsula and into the Nemuro Day 10 Tomakomai. Spend the Our day will be flexible around the Okutsk. Return to the ship this Channel where we will keep an morning at sea as we arrive into weather but if clear we may take evening as we moor overnight in eye out for wildlife, the abundant Tomakomai in the early afternoon. the cable car to the top of Mount Abashiri. birdlife and minke, orca and sperm Choose to visit Nibutani, one of Usu for the wonderful views to whales who inhabit these waters. the country’s best museums about Lake Toya, visit Jigokudani, “Hell Day 8 Abashiri. There will be a the Ainu people, the indigenous Valley”, a steaming lunar like valley choice of activities this morning. Day 9 Kushiro. Today we will people of Hokkaido. See some of steam vents and sulphurous Chose to take a trip to Lake visit Kushiro Marshlands, Japan’s of the traditional clothing and streams formed over 10,000 years Kussharo, a beautiful caldera lake largest wetland and marsh habitat hunting implements, learn about ago or enjoy scenic walks in the

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 5 Hell Valley, Jigokudani Rebun Island

Red-crowned cranes volcanic peaks that surround Lake metres above sea level and offers fortress. Lotus flowers now fill Temple and the Imperial Palace Shikotsu. Return to the ship for stunning views before continuing the remnants of old moats, and Plaza. We then transfer to our lunch and spend the afternoon at to Lake Towada, a magnificent tree-lined walking trails lead to its hotel for an overnight stay. leisure in Muroran, maybe visit the ancient caldera lake surrounded by watchtower, temple, and shrine. scenic cape and lighthouse or the deciduous forests. Enjoy walking You may also wish to visit the Akita Day 16 Tokyo to London. After active may wish to walk up Mount along the paths and through the Museum of Art which includes a breakfast in the hotel we transfer to Sokuryo offering views to the city woodlands to the viewpoints large collection of work by Fujita the airport for our scheduled flight below. around the lake. Alternatively, visit Tsuguharu including his giant to London. Arrive this evening. the former Feudal town of Hirosaki “Annual Events in Akita” mural. Day 12 Hakodate. Our final day in which was the political capital of Hokkaido will be at the southern the region in the . A Day 15 Niigata to Tokyo. SHIP TO SHORE port of Hakodate. We will make tour of the city will include the Disembark this morning and take The ship will be at anchor at our way to Onuma Park, on the three story castle, which was the the bullet train to Tokyo. On arrival Teuri Jima and Rebun Island and outskirts of the city and known focal point of the old city and we enjoy an afternoon city tour Zodiacs or tenders will be used to for its picturesque, island-dotted the base of the powerful Tsugaru including Shrine, Sensoji transport passengers ashore. lakes and majestic dormant Clan. Surrounding the castle was volcano, Mount Komagatake. We the and merchant district have the option to take a series of where we can visit the preserved walks around the lake’s peninsulas houses and the Fujita Kinen Teien, Prices per person Based on double occupancy and islands, several of which are a Japanese landscape garden built connected with each other by in 1919. SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £500 PER PERSON small bridges and surrounded by for a limited time only birch and maple forests. Return Day 14 Akita. Spend the day in to the ship for lunch and this the , known for its Deck Suite Category Brochure Price Special Offer Price afternoon either relax on board or rice farming, traditional festivals, Castle Standard £7995 £7495 join a city tour including the 19th and treasured dog breed of the Caledonian Superior £8295 £7795 century Fort Goryokaku, built as a same name. This morning we Promenade Premium £8795 £8295 citadel but now a public park. We will drive inland to Kakunodate Bridge Deluxe Balcony £9295 £8795 will remain in Hakodate till late which was established in 1620 by Promenade Premium Balcony £9595 £9095 for anyone who wishes to take an the Lords of Akita as a military Promenade Owners Corner Suite with balcony SOLD OUT SOLD OUT after dinner stroll or perhaps even outpost with a castle built on Castle Standard for sole use SOLD OUT SOLD OUT the cable car up Mount Hakodate Mount Furishiroyama. Two distinct Caledonian Superior for sole use SOLD OUT SOLD OUT for the spectacular night views. areas were then developed, one for samurai and the other for Combination Cruise: If you would like to combine this voyage Day 13 Aomori. This morning we merchants. Today it remains one with our Timeless Japan voyage shown on the following pages, please arrive on the northern coast of of the best examples of a castle refer to www.noble-caledonia.co.uk for further information. Honshu. From our berth in Aomori town in Japan and the Uchimachi we offer a choice of options. samurai quarter maintains a Maybe join the tour to Towada number of the original wooden Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel • Overnight hotel Hachimantai National Park which houses and well maintained accommodation in Otaru and Tokyo on bed and breakfast basis • 12 involves a scenic drive through gardens which we can explore. nights aboard the MS Caledonian Sky on full board basis • House wine, the Kayano plateau, Hakkoda The afternoon is free to explore beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board • Noble Caledonia mountains and scenic Oirase Akita. At the centre lies Senshu onboard team • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Permits • Port taxes • Group Russian Visa. Valley. We will take the Hakkoda Park, built from the ruins of Not Included: Travel insurance. cable car which climbs to 1324 , a former samurai

6 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Akan National Park Christmas and New Year in New Zealand

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 7 Timeless Japan Discover the cultural treasures of Japan & the ancient wonders of South Korea with Judith Thomas 29th May to 11th June 2019

SEA OF JAPAN Niigata apan is a fascinating balance of unique heritage and SOUTH KOREA Kanazawa Bullet train JAPAN culture contrasting with the sprawling metropolises of the Kyongju Urago Haeinsa J Ulsan Tokyo world’s most advanced technological civilisation. Made up Masan Kurashiki Himeji Hagi Miyajima Osaka of 6,852 islands, the perfect way to explore the Land of the Kobe Ube Koraku-en Rising Sun is by sea. During our voyage we will visit the Hiroshima historic and serene castle town of Matsue and the ancient Noh theatre dramas. feudal town of Hagi, experience the tranquility of scared The narrow and Miyajima and discover one of Japan’s most famed gardens, winding cobblestone Daisen-Oki National Park in streets have a quaint 1963 and more recently, in 2013, Koraku-en. Although we will also visit the awe-inspiring photogenic charm with they were classified as a UNESCO contemporary landscape of Tokyo, what makes our itinerary old-fashioned streetlamps and Global Geopark. From the port truly unique is our visits to parts of Japan where relatively wooden-lattice windows hiding of Urago on Nishinoshima we elegant restaurants and craft will offer a choice of tours that few tourists set foot such as the remote and fascinating Oki galleries. Around each bend is a will enable us to fully appreciate Islands and our excursion inland to the picturesque five- traditional house, museum, art this tranquil and stunning part of storied Pagoda of Rurikoji Temple which dates back to 1442. gallery, craft shop, historic samurai Japan. In addition to our partial circumnavigation of Japan, our residence and even a geisha house to explore. The fascinating Day 6 Matsue. Called the course takes us past the south eastern tip of Korea, where we open-air market displays a vast ‘town of water,’ Matsue nestles will spend a day in Kyongju, the ‘Museum Without Walls’ variety of items from flowers to between a scenic lake and a large and also visit the Haeinsa Temple, considered one of the fish and local handicrafts. Next lagoon. We will visit the cultural to the ruins is attractions of the town including three great temples in Korea. one of Japan’s premier highlights, the 17th century the famed Kenroku-en Garden, before enjoying a boat ride on ranked among the country’s top the local canals. This afternoon The Itinerary three gardens. Enjoy a morning is free to relax or explore the Day 1 London to Tokyo, Japan. lunch along the way. On arrival in garden visit and an afternoon city town at leisure. Alternatively join Fly by scheduled flight. Niigata we will transfer to the walking tour. a full day excursion visiting both MS Caledonian Sky. Enjoy Matsue Castle and the Adachi Day 2 Tokyo. Arrive this morning Welcome Drinks and Dinner on Day 5 Urago, Oki Islands. Museum of Art which is set in a and transfer to your hotel for an board. Sail this evening. We have a real treat in store today beautiful natural environment overnight stay. Remainder of the as we will venture off the beaten and well known for both its day at leisure. Day 4 Kanazawa. Kanazawa track and call into the remote superb Japanese gardens and is a thriving centre of the arts, and fascinating Oki Islands. The its collection of contemporary Day 3 Tokyo to Niigata. After long known for its lacquer ware, archipelago is made up of four Japanese paintings, comprising breakfast in the hotel we will enjoy outstanding collectible pottery large inhabited islands and 180 approximately 1500 of the a city tour of Tokyo. Continue of the Kutani style, gold-leaf smaller uninhabited islands. The country’s most highly regarded to the train station to join the workmanship and delicate hand- natural beauty of the islands led paintings produced after the Meiji bullet train to Niigata enjoying painting of silk for kimonos and to them being included in the period.

Haeinsa

8 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Timeless Japan Day 7 Hagi. Hagi was a minor fish and seaweed and try a sample Tokyo fishing port until Mori Terumoto at one of the raw fish restaurants. fortified it in 1604 and it was Mori Samurai that helped spark Day 10 Ube, Japan. After a off the anti-Tokugawa revolt in morning at sea we continue our the mid-19th century. Today it is exploration of Japan and visit better known for its traditional some sites of historic, southern pottery making traditions. On our Yamaguchi prefecture. From our morning tour we will explore the base at the port of Ube we travel Teramachi District with its temples inland to visit the picturesque and shrines, the Jokamachi District, five-storied Pagoda of Rurikoji where we find the old samurai Temple and the surrounding park. houses and also take time to Dating back to 1442 the pagoda Oki Islands explore , Shizuki Park was built in memory of Yoshihiro and Tokoji Temple. Return to the Mori Terumoto who ruled the vessel for lunch and this afternoon area during this period. We also is free to relax or perhaps travel hope to visit the Fujigochi Tea to the outskirts of the city and the Plantation and enjoy a tour of the Yoshika Taibi Memorial Museum tea factory and plantation where which is dedicated to a large the local Ono Tea is produced collection of Hagiyaki pottery from 70 hectares of gentle rolling which was highly prized in the Edo countryside. Period as wares for tea ceremonies. Day 11 Miyajima & Hiroshima. Day 8 Ulsan for Kyongju, South Considered one of Japan’s Korea. Today we embark on a top scenic wonders, Miyajima full-day excursion to magnificent provides a picture postcard vista Kyongju, a World Heritage Site, of the scarlet Torii gate, the giant which is often described as the camphor wood gates at the world’s finest open-air museum entrance to the . embracing ancient Korean We will use the vessel’s Zodiacs history and Buddhist culture. to go ashore and explore the As the ancient capital of the Itsukushima Jinja Shrine, founded Old Merchant Quarter, Kurashiki Shilla Dynasty, Kyongju’s cultural in the 6th century and dedicated heritage dates back to the first to three sea goddesses. The millennium. Today, as we stroll shrine is a designated World through some of the hundreds of Heritage Site. Over lunch we excavated monuments, temples, sail to Hiroshima for our visit to tombs and pagodas, there will the compelling Peace Memorial be time to explore the National Park. The park is dotted with Museum with its exceptional memorials, including the cenotaph collection of finely worked gold which contains the names of all jewellery, metal weapons and the known victims of the A-bomb distinctive pottery. At lunch time, and the permanently lit “Flame we will sample Korean delicacies of Peace”. Just outside the park, and enjoy a cultural performance the A-Bomb Dome is a haunting of traditional dance. reminder of the destructive forces that were unleashed on Matsue Castle Day 9 Masan for Haeinsa. From the city being one of the few our berth in Masan we head inland original buildings to survive. In to the Haeinsa Temple. Regarded the museum we will see photos, as one of the three great temples videos and victim’s personal in Korea, it was first settled in 802 effects relating to the bomb. AD and its name derives from a verse in a Buddhist Sutra as Day 12 Uno-Ko for Koraku- “reflections on a smooth sea”. en & Kurashiki. From the port In the 13th century when Korea of Uno-Ko we will visit one of was at war with the Mongols, the Japan’s most famed gardens, government commissioned the Koraku-en, which translates as Triptaka Koreana, a complete “Garden of pleasure after”. copy of Buddhist scriptures, in the This 17th century formal garden hope of Buddha’s intervention in has 28 acres of walking trails, the war. They were carved onto ponds, plum and cherry trees, 81,258 double sided wooden and a classic teahouse where blocks and stored on floor to we will experience a traditional ceiling shelves in the Janggyeong tea ceremony. After a Japanese Panjeon building. We also visit lunch in a local restaurant we will the Daejokkwangjeon, the main continue to Kurashiki where we worship hall of the temple. After explore the old merchant quarter lunch in a nearby restaurant we and its fine 17th century wooden will return to Masan this afternoon, warehouses painted white with here you may want to visit the traditional black tiles, along a vibrant fish market selling the daily canal framed with weeping willows catch as well as dried and salted and filled with koi. There is also a

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 9

Kenroku-en Garden

chance to visit the Ohara Museum to scale the walls. From the top of of Art which includes rare works the keep there are wonderful views Pre & Post-Cruise Extensions by Matisse, Picasso and Renoir as to the inland sea. Continue to the well as collections from Japan’s Himeji Koko-en, a reconstruction Tokyo Pre-Cruise Extension mingei movement including of the former samurai quarters th th ceramics by Hamada Shoji. containing nine Edo period style 27 to 30 May 2019 homes and gardens including koi If you would like to spend some more time in Today we arrive ponds and intricately pruned trees. Day 13 Himeji. Tokyo we have arranged a two night extension. at Himeji where we will visit the Return to the ship for lunch and recently renovated Himeji Castle. this afternoon is free to explore The Itinerary Built in the 16th century, Himeji further independently. Day 1 London to Tokyo, Japan. Fly by scheduled flight. Castle is a World Heritage Site Day 2 Tokyo. Arrive this morning and transfer to your hotel. The and a national treasure being Day 14 Kobe to London. remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the vibrant metropolis one of the few original feudal era Disembark this morning in Kobe independently. fortresses remaining. The castle’s and transfer to Osaka airport for Day 3 Tokyo. Full day tour of Tokyo, including Hamarikyu garden, name means “white egret,” and the return scheduled indirect flight Edo Tokyo Museum and Tokyo Tower. the gleaming white walls that soar to London. Arrive this evening. Day 4 Tokyo. Day at leisure (main group arrive). high above the plains below justify its name. A guided tour will take us through the castle, past the main SHIP TO SHORE keeps walls featuring “ishiotoshi”, The ship will be at anchor at Prices per person narrow openings that allowed Miyajima and the Oki Islands and Based on double occupancy defending soldiers to fire arrows or Zodiacs or tenders will be used to Twin: Single: pour boiling oil onto anyone trying transport passengers ashore. £695 £985 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation in Tokyo on bed and breakfast basis, full day tour, transfer from airport to hotel. Not Included: Travel insurance.

Prices per person Based on double occupancy

SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £500 PER PERSON Kyoto Post-Cruise Extension for a limited time only 11th to 13th June 2019 Deck Suite Category Brochure Price Special Offer Price If you would like to spend some time in Kyoto after Castle Standard £7495 £6995 your cruise we are offering a two night extension. Caledonian Superior £7795 £7295 Promenade Premium £8295 £7795 The Itinerary Bridge Deluxe Balcony £8995 £8495 Disembark this morning in Kobe and join a tour Promenade Premium Balcony £9295 £8795 Day 1 Kobe to Kyoto. of Kyoto and Nara, before transferring to your hotel for a two Promenade Owners Corner Suite with balcony £10495 £9995 night stay. Castle Standard for sole use £8995 £8495 Day at leisure to explore. Caledonian Superior for sole use SOLD OUT SOLD OUT Day 2 Kyoto. Day 3 Kyoto to London. Check-out this morning and transfer to Osaka airport for the return scheduled indirect flight to London. If you would like to combine this voyage Combination Cruise: Arrive this evening. with our Circumnavigation of Hokkaido voyage shown on the previous pages, please refer to www.noble-caledonia.co.uk for further information. Prices per person Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel • Overnight hotel Based on double occupancy accommodation in Tokyo on breakfast only basis • 11 nights aboard the Twin: £765 Single: £995 MS Caledonian Sky on full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team • Shore excursions Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation in Kyoto on bed and • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes • Airport taxes. breakfast basis, full day tour, transfers. Not Included: Travel insurance. Not Included: Travel insurance, visas.

10 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Itsukushima jinja shrine, Miyajima

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 11 Island Realms of Japan A voyage from Kyoto to Taiwan exploring Japan’s many island groups 8th to 24th June 2019

Kurashiki Koraku-en Kyoto Miyajima Osaka oin the MS Caledonian Sky for this unusual voyage Ube Kobe Takamatsu which focuses on the small islands and ports of Hiroshima J JAPAN before sailing later in the evening, southern Japan. Sailing south from the cultural capital along Japan’s Inland Sea. Aberatsu of Kyoto, we visit Japan’s intriguing and diverse Day 5 Koraku-en & Kurashiki. Yakushima Island islands including the subtropical Amami and Yaeyama From the port of Uno-Ko we will Islands where a slower pace of life is enjoyed and visit one of Japan’s most famed which offer an altogether different experience from Amami Islands gardens, Koraku-en, which translates as “Garden of pleasure Japan’s mainland. Over the course of just Ryuku Islands after”. This 17th century formal twelve nights we will be able to see a garden has 28 acres of walking Miyako Keelung Islands trails, ponds, plum and cherry variety of cultures, natural wonders Taipei and architectural styles. Amongst the trees, and a classic teahouse Yaeyama where we will experience a Hualien Islands The Itinerary many highlights will be the iconic TAIWAN Day 1 London to Osaka, Japan. traditional tea ceremony. After gardens of Koraku-en and Ritsurin, Fly by scheduled indirect flight. a Japanese lunch in a local the shrines and pagodas at Miyajima restaurant we will continue to Day 2 Kyoto. Arrive this morning Kurashiki where we explore the and Rurikoji and which harks back to an era and transfer to our hotel in Kyoto old merchant quarter and its fine dominated by feudal lords. For the natural world enthusiasts for a two night stay. Spend the 17th century wooden warehouses we will explore the natural and underwater worlds of the rest of the evening at leisure to painted white with traditional explore or relax in the hotel. black tiles, along a canal framed southern archipelago and for those who prefer a historical with weeping willows and filled perspective, we will see the Peace memorial at Hiroshima Day 3 Kyoto. After breakfast at with koi. and the remnants of the World War II battle at Okinawa. the hotel discover Kyoto, Japan’s Our expert Guest Speaker and local guides will provide an former historic capital and Day 6 Takamatsu. The MS Emperor’s home for nearly 1000 Caledonian Sky will berth in insight into Japanese culture and history along the way. years. On a morning tour we will Takamatsu located on Shikoki visit Kinkakuji Temple and enjoy Island on the northern shores of Our voyage will end in Taiwan. Sitting between China and an afternoon at leisure to explore the Seto Inland Sea. This morning Japan it is a surprisingly beautiful island about half the size of independently. we visit Kinashi Town preserving Scotland and we will visit one of its natural wonders, the Taroko a rich history of producing bonsai Day 4 Kyoto to Kobe. Depart the for 250 years. We will explore Gorge National Park. Chiang Kai-shek, the Chinese nationalist hotel after breakfast and discover the town, visit a Bonsai nursery leader and Mao’s great adversary crossed the sea from China Nara en-route to embark the and make our way to Ritsurin with a million and more of his followers in 1949, together with MS Caledonian Sky. During the 8th Garden, recognised as one of the century Nara was Japan’s capital most beautiful in Japan and built many great treasures from the Forbidden City. These treasures for 74 years and many of the by feudal lords in the early Edo are now housed in the magnificent National palace Museum temples and shrines from this era Period. With a backdrop against in the nation’s capital of Taipei which we will visit before still remain. We arrive in Kobe to the wooded Mount Shiun, we will embark later in the afternoon and wander along the paths of this returning to London, a wonderful epilogue to a fascinating trip. enjoy Welcome Drinks and Dinner historic landscape garden dotted

Rurikoji Temple Oshima Amami

12 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Island Realms of Japan Torii Gate, Miyajima

Yakusugi Land, Yakushima Island

Koraku-en

with ponds, historic trees and Ube we will travel inland to visit Buddhasugi, Futagosugi and of excursion this morning, either pavilions. Enjoy an afternoon at the picturesque five-storied Sennensugi, which are over 3000 choose to learn more about leisure exploring Takamatsu town. Pagoda of Rurikoji Temple and years old. this significant encounter when the surrounding park. Dating we visit the former Japanese Day 7 Miyajima & Hiroshima. back to 1442, the pagoda was Day 11 Amami Oshima, Amami Navy Underground Head Considered one of Japan’s built in memory of Yoshihiro Islands. We continue sailing Quarters, the Peace Memorial top scenic wonders, Miyajima Mori Terumoto who ruled this south and arrive this morning in Park and Himeyuri Tower, which provides a picture postcard area during this period. We also Amami Oshima, a natural sub- commemorates the fate of female vista of the scarlet Torii gate, hope to visit the Fujigochi Tea tropical, paradise situated in the high school students, who worked the giant camphor wood Plantation and enjoy a tour of the Amami Islands and surrounded in army field hospitals in caves gates at the entrance to the tea factory and plantation where by transparent waters, brightly under horrendous conditions. Shinto Shrine. We will use the the local Ono Tea is produced coloured coral reefs and tropical Alternatively, stretch your legs vessel’s Zodiacs to go ashore from 70 hectares of gentle rolling fish. The island is almost entirely as we walk through the Gangala and explore the Itsukushima countryside. covered in forest and mangrove Valley, a working excavation site Jinja Shrine, founded in the 6th and offers fantastic bird watching with human pre-historic remains century and dedicated to three Day 9 Aberatsu. Today we will visit and wildlife sightings. We have dating back some 18,000 years. sea goddesses. The shrine is a Obi castle in southern Miyazaki, a the whole day to explore and We will walk past the “walking designated World Heritage Site. region off the well beaten tourist will visit the Nature Observation Banyan tree” and see the caves, Over lunch we sail to Hiroshima trail. The castle was ruled by the Park where we can walk through the history of which our guides will for our visit to the compelling Ito Clan for fourteen generations the forest and hope to see the explain. Before returning to the Peace Memorial Park. The park is during the Edo Period (1603-1867). Amami Jay, Ruddy kingfisher, vessel we will see the , dotted with memorials, including We will see the castle and stroll Ryukyu Akashobin, butterflies perched on a hill overlooking the cenotaph which contains the in the grounds known for their and possibly the rare black hare. Naha which used to be a centre Oshima Amami names of all the known victims of serene grove of 140 year old cedar We will also see local industry of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Enjoy the A-bomb and the permanently trees. The nearby town has several and watch the process of making an afternoon of exploring lit “Flame of Peace”. Just outside traditional streets, former samurai tsumugi and kasuri silk-cotton independently. the park, the A-Bomb Dome houses and quarter, as well as fabrics, used for making kimonos, is a haunting reminder of the quaint streams. Enjoy an afternoon at the Oshima Tsumugi Village, a Day 13 Miyako-Jima, Miyako destructive forces that were at leisure. craft complex in a beautiful hillside Islands. After a morning cruising unleashed on the city being one setting amongst flowers. Many of we arrive around midday at of the few original buildings to Day 10 Yakushima Island. We sail the local plants are used in dyeing. Miyako-Jima, the largest of the survive. In the museum we will to the very south of Kyushu and Enjoy an afternoon at leisure eight islands of the Miyako Island see photos, videos and victim’s the island of Yakushima which exploring the local area. Chain. The island bears many personal effects relating to the became Japan’s first UNESCO historical relics and beautiful bomb. World Heritage Site in 1993 and Day 12 Okinawa, Ryuku Islands. white sandy beaches including has a particularly diverse flora. Arrive today in the largest of Maehama, Painagama, Sunakawa Day 8 Ube, Yamaguchi. We We will spend the afternoon on a the Ryuku Island archipelago, and Shigira Beach. For our continue our exploration of Japan choice of nature walks in Yakusugi Okinawa. It is probably best afternoon tour, we will embark and visit some sites of historic, Land, a nature park populated known for the long and bloody on a glass bottom boat ride southern Yamaguchi prefecture. by a number of the island’s battle of World War II which lasted and scenic tour including a walk From our base at the port of ancient cedar trees, such as the 82 days. There will be a choice around the narrow Higashi Henna

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 13 Water Buffalo Cart, Taketomi

Whistling Green Pigeon, Amami Islands

Miyako-Jima

Cape the point where the Pacific Swallow Grotto and the Tunnel of Post-Cruise Extension Ocean meets the South China Nine Turns, a 1.9 kilometre path Sea. We also hope to offer a cut into the cliffs following the Taiwan Post-Cruise Extension snorkelling opportunity. route of the original tracks along rd th the gorge and the Changuang 23 to 27 June 2019 Day 14 Ishigaki & Taketomi, Temple, a Buddhist monastery For those that wish to enjoy more time discovering Yaeyama Islands. Our final call with commanding views of the Taiwan we are offering a three night post-cruise in Japan will be at the Yaeyama river. We will have a local lunch extension in Taipei. Islands, a cluster of coral reefs and before returning to the ship later forested mountains. This morning, in the afternoon. from our base in Ishigaki we take Prices per person the short journey by local ferry Day 16 Keelung to London. Based on double occupancy to neighbouring Taketomi. This Disembark this morning and Twin: £525 Single: £825 tiny island, just 1500 metres at join a tour of Taipei after which its widest point and home to 300 we transfer to the airport for Price Includes: Three nights hotel accommodation on bed and breakfast basis, people still offers a traditional our scheduled indirect flight to full day excursion, airport transfers. Not Included: Travel insurance, visas. Ryuku way of life. We will be London. Our tour will include a transported by traditional buffalo visit to the outstanding National drawn carts to view the traditional Palace Museum, a repository of Prices per person bungalow style houses with low over 600,000 priceless Chinese Based on double occupancy slung terracotta roofs and rocky artefacts which is located in the walls covered in hibiscus and green hills just outside the city SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £500 PER PERSON bougainvillea. Alternatively enjoy a as well as the Chiang Kai-Shek for a limited time only glass bottom boat experience on Memorial Hall. Deck Suite Category Brochure Price Special Offer Price Kabira Bay before visiting Yaima Castle Standard £8295 £7795 village. We return to the ship for Day 17 London. Arrive this Caledonian Superior £8495 £7995 lunch and this afternoon is free to morning. Promenade Premium £8895 £8395 relax on board or ashore. Bridge Deluxe Balcony £9495 £8995 Promenade Premium Balcony £9795 £9295 Day 15 Hualien, Taiwan. From our SHIP TO SHORE Promenade Owners Corner Suite with balcony £10795 £10295 berth in Hualien we will enjoy a The ship will be at anchor Castle Standard for sole use £10495 £9995 full day tour to the Taroko Gorge at Miyajima and Zodiacs or Caledonian Superior for sole use £10695 £10195 National Park. Taroko means tenders will be used to transport “magnificent and beautiful” in passengers ashore. In the event PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Two nights the local Truku language and it that we are unable to anchor off hotel accommodation in Kyoto on bed and breakfast basis • 12 nights is clear to see why the name was due to bad weather we will call aboard MS Caledonian Sky on full board basis • House wine, beer and used. The gorge itself stretches into larger nearby ports where we soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team • for 20 kilometres with marble cliffs are able to berth. Shore excursions • Group transfers • Permits • Port taxes. rising hundreds of metres above Not Included: Travel insurance, visas. the Liwu River. We will see the

14 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Taroko Gorge National Park

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 15 2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0)20 7752 0000 | [email protected] | www.noble-caledonia.co.uk

All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Ports subject to change. Cover image: Torii gate, Miyajima 240118_S