Day 1 Osaka, JapanArrive Seoul

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Fairmont Ambassador Seoul, Conrad Seoul or Four Seasons Seoul. A transfer is included upon arrival from Incheon International Airport or Gimpo International Airport to the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul, Conrad Seoul or Four Seasons Seoul, premier hotels ideally located in the heart of the city. Join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner at your hotel.

Enjoy a panoramic orientation drive through the city past landmark sites. Visit the National Folk Museum of Korea and the ornate 14th-century Gyeongbokgung Palace, meaning "Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven." An enduring symbol of Korea's rich history and the Joseon Dynasty, the palace offers a glimpse into Seoul's royal heritage and cultural traditions. Enjoy a different perspective on life during the Joseon Dynasty when you visit an open-air museum to view a typical hanok village. Dinner is included at leisure at your hotel this evening.

Sightseeing today begins at the War Memorial of Korea, where thought-provoking multimedia exhibits, monuments, military equipment, and historical artifacts offer a moving perspective on the Korean War and the nation's military history. Continue to Namsangol Hanok Village, an open-air museum showcasing beautifully preserved traditional Korean homes that provide a glimpse into Seoul's architectural and cultural heritage. Following lunch at a local restaurant, the remainder of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure. Note: Sightseeing on days 2 and 3 may alternate, schedule permitting; however, all included visits will be featured.

Board a high-speed KTX train this morning for the journey to the vibrant port city of Busan. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the UN Memorial Cemetery and the UN Peace Memorial Hall, poignant tributes honoring the United Nations forces who served during the Korean War and the enduring legacy of international cooperation. Later this afternoon, transfer to the port to embark your small ship and begin your voyage to Sakaiminato, Japan. Enjoy dinner onboard at your leisure this evening. Please note: Today's sightseeing schedule may be adjusted based on final train departure and arrival times.

Spend the morning at sea before arriving in Sakaiminato. Disembark for a choice of activities, including a visit to Matsue's Black Castle, a striking 17th-century fortress surrounded by a peaceful moat, offering panoramic views of the city and Lake Shinji. Or explore the Adachi Museum, renowned for its modern art and breathtaking Japanese gardens, meticulously designed to harmonize with each season and ranked among the finest in Japan. Set sail for Hagi as you enjoy the Captain's welcome dinner.

Experience the charms of coastal Hagi today. A choice of excursions includes a walking tour through its former castle town and a visit to a wealthy merchant's mansion, followed by an opportunity to see prized Hagi pottery at the Yoshiga Taibi Museum with a visit to a workshop where you can see how the pottery is made completely by hand. Alternatively, visit a Shinto shrine and take part in a traditional calligraphy lesson, with tastings of fugu (puffer fish).

Dock in Beppu this morning, home to more than 2,000 onsen (hot springs), for your choice of activities. View two of the "Hells of Beppu" on a locally guided walking tour; experience the healing baths at a local onsen; or drive to Usuki town for a walking tour with a visit to a former samurai residence and an opportunity to see the Usuki Stone Buddhas, a national treasure. Cruise toward Uwajima this evening.

Visit Uwajima today and enjoy a choice of excursions. Visit a family-owned pearl farm and tour an open-air museum, or, enjoy a guided walk through Nanrakuen Garden, including a calligraphy demonstration and a tea experience. Your ship charts a course for Miyajima Island this evening.

Disembark ship in Miyajima for a locally guided excursion to Itsukushima Shrine. Board a ferry to the mainland and drive to Hiroshima. After a traditional okonomiyaki lunch, choose a visit to the Atomic Bomb Museum and the Peace Memorial, embark on a panoramic tour of the city with a photo stop at the A-Bomb Dome, or tour the Museum of Fude Art for an informative brush making experience.

Dock in Tamano today and choose from a selection of included excursions. Journey to Kurashiki for a guided orientation walk through its picturesque district of white-walled storehouses, willow-lined canals, and stone bridges, followed by free time to explore the renowned Ohara Museum of Art and enjoy lunch at your leisure. Alternatively, discover the contemporary art and architecture of Naoshima, including visits to the Benesse House Museum and Valley Gallery. Or, opt for a guided bicycle excursion through Tamano, cycling along the waterfront and city streets with scenic stops along the way. Return to the ship this afternoon and enjoy dinner onboard as your voyage continues this evening.

Enjoy a choice of excursions when you dock in Kobe today. Visit Kobe's Carpentry Tools Museum and ropeway to the Nunobiki Herb Garden; drive to the ancient capital of Nara for a visit to Todaiji Temple, followed by lunch; or journey to Kyoto to see the Golden Pavilion and Sanjusangendo, with lunch at a local restaurant. All excursions include a hands-on lesson in taiko drumming.

Disembark ship in Osaka and board the Shinkansen bullet train bound for a two-night stay in Tokyo. Enjoy a traditional bento box lunch aboard as you travel. Arrive mid-afternoon and check into your ideally located city center hotel. The evening is free for you to explore the sights and have dinner on your own.

Visit Meiji Shrine this morning, set in a serene forested setting, on a locally guided tour, and enjoy an insightful tour of the newly renovated Edo Museum, schedule permitting. Enjoy time at leisure for lunch and independent exploration, before joining us for a farewell reception and dinner featuring traditional music and a sumo wrestling demonstration.

Tour ends: Tokyo. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, the Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo or the Palace Hotel, Tokyo to Narita International Airport or Haneda Airport. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in at the airport.