Your Itinerary
Days 1-2: Arrive in Seoul
Fly overnight to South Korea's lively, fast-paced capital city, Seoul. On arrival, transfer to your hotel where the rest of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring.
Spend the day seeing the sights of Seoul. Start at Gwanghwamun Square where you can begin to discover the city's long history before passing through the magnificent gate of the Gyeongbok Palace complex to watch the Changing of the Guards ceremony. You'll then change into traditional Korean clothes to explore Bukchon Hanok Village, a neighbourhood of restored traditional houses, for a fascinating step back in time. After lunch at a local restaurant, take part in a kimchi making demonstration, then take a guided stroll along the picturesque Cheonggyecheon Stream. The day ends in Myeongdong, an area renowned for its fashion boutiques and street food stalls, where you'll be able to get a feel for contemporary Seoul.
Day 4: Board the Celebrity Millennium
After breakfast you will be transferred to Seoul's Incheon 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.
Spend the day getting to know the Celebrity Millennium and all the plentiful ways you can be active or relax onboard as you cruise across along South Korea's coastline.
Day 6: Cruise – Jeju Island
Port at Jeju Island, South Korea's favourite holiday spot. A volcanic island of rugged peaks, lush forest and white sand beaches, it is an excellent place to not only enjoy a bit of all out relaxation, but to explore a wealth of unique ancient traditions.
Day 7: Cruise – Nagasaki
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 8: Cruise – Kagoshima
Today's port of call is the sunny city of Kagoshima, nestled at the foot of Sakurajima Volcano. While the city itself has historic castles and traditional gardens to explore, there are also volcanic hot springs to soak in and delicious local food to try.
Relax onboard your way – sitting by the pool, enjoying the bars and restaurants, or taking part in a sport or activity.
Day 10: Cruise – Hiroshima
Arrive at Hiroshima. Best known as the first city in the world to feel the power of the atomic bomb in 1945, Hiroshima has emerged for the ashes as a cosmopolitan and peaceful place. Consider visiting the tranquil Peace Memorial Park to learn about and reflect on the past.
Port at Kochi. A surfer hang out with a UNESCO Global Geopark coastline, plentiful outdoor activities and bags of rustic charm, Kochi is a wonderful place to while away a day.
Day 12: Cruise – Osaka (Kyoto)
Arrive in Osaka, the closest port to the timeless city of Kyoto. Spend the day exploring ancient architecture, soaking up a rich, age-old culture or sampling culinary delights.
Day 13: Cruise – Osaka (Kyoto)
Spend a second day at port in Osaka, continuing your explorations, perhaps with a visit to Osaka Castle or simply make the most of the excellent range of facilities onboard your cruise ship.
Day 14: 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 15: Cruise – Mount Fuji (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 16: Disembark the Celebrity Millenium
Bid farewell to the Celebrity Millenium and transfer to your Tokyo hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Embark on a full day exploration of Tokyo, start at vibrant Sensoji, the city's oldest temple before taking a stroll down Nakamise Shopping Street to browse the souvenirs and locals snack foods. Then, ascend the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views over the city. Enjoy a sushi making masterclass and dine on your creations for lunch. Later, wander through the Imperial Palace then explore Meiji Jingu Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji. Experience Shibuya crossing before dinner tonight at a local restaurant.
Day 18: Tokyo - Mt Fuji - Nagano
Travel to Lake Ashi for a picturesque cruise, before soaring high on the Komagatake Ropeway to a spectacular viewpoint with views of Mount Fuji (weather dependent). Then visit Oishi Park on Lake Kawaguchi for more beautiful Fuji views. Next, travel on to your traditional ryokan accommodation in Nagano, where you can enjoy the onsen facilities and a traditional Kaiseki dinner this evening.
Day 19: Snow Monkeys - Kyoto
Transfer to Jigokudani Monkey Park, home to the famous hot spring bathing Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys. After a walk through a forest, you'll come across the monkey's pool where you can watch them relax and play. Next, visit the 7th-century Zenkoji before boarding a bullet train to Kyoto, a city that is the very essence of ancient Japan.
Soak up Kyoto's rich history with a wander through the beautiful Kiyomizu temple complex, from where you'll get beautiful views over the city. Lunch will be a traditional sukiyaki (hotpot) before an exploration of brewing techniques and the cultural significance of sake plus a tasting. Then, climb the forested slopes of Fushimi Inari Shrine, passing through the many vermilion red torii gates.
Spend another day discovering the treasures of the timeless city of Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital. You'll begin at the enchanting Kinkaku-ji, also known as the 'Golden Pavilion', before contemplating the famous Zen Garden at Ryoanj-ji, the 'temple of the peaceful dragon'. In the afternoon, wander through the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and admire the old Togetsukyo Bridge. This evening, enjoy dinner with a Maiko (apprentice Geisha) Performance.
Days 22-23: Fly Osaka to Australia
This morning is free at leisure before transferring to Osaka Kansai airport for your return flight home, arriving home the same or the following day.
