Your Itinerary
Days 1-2: Arrive in Chengdu
Fly overnight to Chengdu, home to China's most adorable resident, the giant panda. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and refresh, or to begin exploring.
This morning is dedicated to Chengdu's most famous resident, the lovable giant panda. Visit the Dujiangyan Panda Base, located outside the city at the foot of the mountains that are the bears' natural habitat, to learn all about pandas and to see them relaxing, playing, and chomping on bamboo. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Take the super-fast bullet train to Xian. On arrival, soak up the sights, sounds and atmosphere of the lively Muslim Quarter then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
This morning, come face to face with the Terracotta Warriors, an army created to protect China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife, and one of the greatest archaeological of the 20th century. Continue to a workshop to see artisans modelling smaller warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Later, stroll Xian's beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls, before a dumpling demonstration, a delicious dumpling banquet and a Tang Dynasty show.
Transfer to the train station and board a bullet train to Pingyao, a living museum and home to beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls.
Embark on a tour of Pingyao, wandering the old, cobbled streets before a visit to the Rishengchang Financial House Museum. Transfer to the station and board a bullet train bound for China's capital city, Beijing.
Day 8: Walk the Great Wall
Travel out of the city to the magnificent Great Wall of China, learning a little about its long history before taking a short walk to fully appreciate this world-famous structure. Stop off at a jade factory before visiting the Sacred Way and Ming Tombs. Return to Beijing where this evening, you'll enjoy a thrilling acrobatic show.
Walk through Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City, a complex full of imperial riches. Then, find harmony in the symmetry of the Temple of Heaven. This evening, dine on local delicacy, Peking Duck.
Bid farewell to China and board a flight to Tokyo, capital of Japan. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure.
Embark on a full day tour of Tokyo, beginning at the atmospheric Sensoji, the oldest Buddhist temple in the city. Then, ascend the close by Tokyo Skytree to admire panoramic views over Tokyo's urban sprawl before preparing your own lunch in a hands-on sushi making class, where you can pick up tips and tricks from a chef. Later stroll around the Imperial Palace Park followed by a visit the serene Meiji Shrine. Finally, taste local snacks at Takeshita Street and and pause for a photo op at the famous Shibuya Crossing.
Day 12: Board the Celebrity Millennium
After breakfast you will be transferred to Yokohama cruise terminal to board your cruise. The rest of the day is free to explore the ship's facilities and settle in. Throughout your cruise, when your ship comes into port, there will be a range of excursions available to help you explore each destination. These excursions are at your own expense and are bookable on your cruise reservation.
Day 13: Cruise – Explore Shimizu
Port at Shimizu, a city of medieval castle ruins, ancient pine groves and traditional gardens. Here, you are ideally located for viewing Mount Fuji (weather dependent) or exploring the series of fascinating cultural sights around its base.
Day 14: Cruise – Explore Kyoto
Arrive in Osaka, the closest port to the timeless city of Kyoto, Japan's capital for over 1,000 years and a treasure trove of history and culture. Spend the day exploring among ancient architecture, soaking up a rich, age-old culture or sampling some of the city's culinary delights.
Spend a second day at port in Osaka, making the most of the excellent range of facilities onboard your cruise ship or continuing your explorations of Kyoto.
Day 16: Cruise – Explore Kochi
Port at Kochi. A surfer hang out with a UNESCO Global Geopark coastline, plentiful great outdoors and bags of rustic charm, Kochi is a wonderful place to while away a day.
Day 17: Cruise – At Sea
Spend the day enjoying the plentiful activities and facilities that are available onboard the Celebrity Millenium as you cruise across the Sea of Japan.
Day 18: Cruise – Explore Busan
Hello, South Korea! Port at the bustling city of Busan. Boasting mountains, beaches, and hot springs, this is a city full of small-town charm.
Day 19: Cruise – Explore Nagasaki
Head back to Japan, porting at Nagasaki. Like Hiroshima, Nagasaki is best known for the events of the 9th of August 1945 but there is so much more to it. Backed by rolling hills and forested islands, with unspoilt beaches, European-style architecture, and ancient roots, it is a delight to explore.
Day 20: Cruise – Explore Kagoshima
Arrive at Kagoshima, a city at the southern tip of the island of Kyushu. Watched over by the active Sakurajima volcano and rich in history and delicious food, and surrounded by glorious nature, there is plenty to discover here.
Day 21: Cruise – At Sea
Make the most of your cruise ship facilities today – you could relax by the pool, try out the restaurants and bars, and enjoy the range of activities and shows.
Day 22: Cruise – Explore Tokyo
Arrive back in Yokohama. Today you are free to enjoy a final day on the cruise ship, or head out to explore Tokyo or the surrounding area on an excursion.
Day 23: Disembark the Celebrity Millenium
Bid farewell to the Celebrity Millenium. Met by a guide, you will be transferred to your hotel in Tokyo, and have the rest of the day at leisure.
Fly to New Zealand, arriving home the following day.
