Name: A Journey of Natural Grandeur & Cultural Riches
Brand: Explora Journeys

Overview

The EXPLORA III leaves Shanghai behind as she sets course for China and Japan on this 15-night Explora Journeys sailing. Ports of call include Miyako Islands, Tokyo, and Ishigaki, giving you the chance to explore some of China and Japan's most captivating destinations. There's a pleasing rhythm to this cruise - days spent exploring ashore, and time on board to relax and recharge between ports. Prices start at £7,374 per person for this 15-night Explora Journeys voyage.

Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys aim to create a relaxed energy within their passengers. Through exemplary service and high-quality surroundings, their itineraries are specifically designed to inspire exploration and discovery, broaden your horizons and trigger new connections. Your journey will be characterised by calm, unity, elegance, and joy – also known as The Ocean State of Mind, an elusive and sought-after mantra.

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1

Shanghai

Shanghai's humid subtropical climate ushers in hot summers and cool winters, a perfect metaphor for the city itself: a place of contrasts where tradition meets cutting-edge modernity. This bustling metropolis offers an authentic Chinese urban experience, blending art deco architecture with futuristic skyscrapers like the Shanghai Tower. It's a city that never sleeps, yet you can find tranquility in the classical Yu Garden or the quietude of ancient Longhua Temple. A quip that sums up Shanghai? Its where every alleyway tells a story, and every skyscraper imagines the future.

Day 2

At sea

Day 3

Miyako Islands

Days 4-5

Naha, Okinawa

Day 6

Naze, Amani Oshima

Day 7

At sea

Day 8

Nagoya

Nagoya, where tradition and innovation intersect, is ideal for travelers who relish the blend of historical depth and modern technology. This hub of Japans manufacturing legacy, known for the samurai heroics of Oda Nobunaga, enjoys a humid subtropical climate, providing clear, distinct seasons that frame its iconic cherry blossoms and fiery autumn leaves in the vast Atsuta Shrine grounds. The citys commitment to future technologies, displayed in its world-class robotics at the Toyota Museum, mirrors a past deeply rooted in craftsmanship, offering a truly authentic insight far from the tourist mainstream. Notably, Nagoya Castles golden shachihoko statues proclaim its regal history and resilience.

Day 9

Tokyo

Tokyo, a city that masterfully blends the ultramodern with the traditional, offers a vibrant urban tapestry that is a treasure trove for explorers and cultural enthusiasts alike. Known for its dynamic climate with distinct seasonal changes, Tokyo provides a unique backdrop for the cherry blossoms of spring and the fiery leaves of autumn. This city goes beyond the neon lights and skyscrapers; its a place where ancient temples stand in the shadows of towering buildings, offering a true slice of Japanese life. Fun fact: Tokyo's Sumida River hosts one of the oldest and most spectacular fireworks festivals in Japan.

Day 10

At sea

Day 11

Kobe

Kobe, known globally for its luxurious beef but cherished locally for its scenic harbor and multicultural heritage, is a haven for travelers who relish both culinary excellence and serene cityscapes. The city's temperate climate, marked by crisp, cool winters and warm, humid summers, complements its relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for those seeking a blend of urban exploration and natural beauty. From the vibrant Nankinmachi Chinatown to the tranquil Nunobiki Herb Gardens, Kobe is a tapestry of diverse influences and green escapes, crowned by its panoramic night views from Mount Rokko.

Day 12

Kochi

Day 13

At sea

Day 14

Naha, Okinawa

Day 15

Ishigaki

Day 16

Keelung (Chilung)

Day 1