- Description
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Exclusions
- Gallery
- Dates & Prices
- 13 nights
- 8th - 20th May 2027
- Crystal Serenity
- From £4013.00 per person*
*Price correct at time of publication 23/12/2025
(Embark) Day 1: Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan
Day 2: Hitachinaka, Japan
Day 3: Sendai, Japan
Day 4: Hakodate (Hokkaido), Japan
Day 5: Aomori, Japan
Day 6: Kushiro, Japan
Days 7 & 8: At Sea
Day 9: Date Line gain a day
Days 10 - 12: At Sea
Day 13: Kodiak Island, Alaska, United States of America
Day 14: Seward (Anchorage, Alaska), United States of America
Itineraries
Day 1 (Embark)
Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan
Japan's capital, Tokyo, and its bustling port of Yokohama form a vast urban complex that boasts a unique combination of energy and orderliness. Fusing the vitality of a modern metropolis with the stately elegance of yesteryear, Tokyo is truly unique. From the timeless beauty of the Meiji Shrine to the glittering Ginza district and impressive Tokyo Tower, this international giant is a complex blend of East and West. Houses of wood and paper stand beside towering steel skyscrapers, while kimono-clad women stroll beside teenagers who have created a fashion all their own. The timeless Imperial Palace bears testament to Japan's enduring traditions. Despite encroaching urban development, it continues to exist in a verdant parkland of isolation. Images of the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo, which is home to more than 11 million people, will create memories of a lifetime.
Day 2
Hitachinaka, Japan
This young city on the shores of the Pacific was created from two former towns just 30 years ago. Yet it has already won hearts, especially for the Hitachi Seaside Park, a heart-sighing vision of blossoms – carpets of delicate “baby blue eyes” in spring and fiery red kochia, or “burning bush”, in autumn, roses, tulips and more floral spectacles throughout the year. While you're by the ocean, take a stroll on the golden sands of Ajigaura and Hiraisio beaches or go crabbing on the rocky shore a little further north, where you'll also find plenty of fossils amid the geological layers dating back 75 million years. It's all about the sea here, so it's no surprise the city is home to a renowned fish market, Nakamitano, where chefs prepare spanking fresh sashimi and sushi from the daily catch. Yet there's one local snack that comes from the land, slices of sun-dried sweet potato – an irresistible souvenir.
Day 3
Sendai, Japan
Sendai is the largest city in Japan’s Tōhoku region, known as the “City of Trees” for its wide, leafy boulevards and relaxed atmosphere. Blending modern urban life with rich history, Sendai was founded in the early 17th century by the powerful samurai lord Date Masamune, whose legacy can still be seen at Sendai Castle ruins overlooking the city. It’s a gateway to stunning natural scenery, from coastal Matsushima Bay—one of Japan’s most celebrated landscapes—to nearby mountains and hot springs. Sendai is also famous for its food culture, especially gyūtan (grilled beef tongue), and for vibrant festivals like the Sendai Tanabata, one of Japan’s most colourful summer events.
Day 4
Hakodate (Hokkaido), Japan
When Japan ended two centuries of self-imposed silence, Hakodate, was one of the first ports to open to the outside world. That was in 1859 – fast-forward to today and you'll find a modern metropolis capitalising on its prime location at the southern edge of Hakkaido, just across the water from Honshu. Yet this city values its heritage, especially the impressive 19th- and 20th-century buildings that blend Japanese and Western styles in the Motomachi district, such as the grandiose Old Public Hall of Hakodate and the Former British Consulate, where you can sip tea looking out at a rose garden. Flavors are more authentic at the Morning Market, where chefs from the surrounding cafés pluck fresh seafood from the stalls – try ikameshi (rice-filled squid). And those snow monkeys you see photos of bathing in steaming mineral waters – they're here in the botanical garden. To put it all in perspective, trek up the well-kept paths to the 334m summit of Mount Hakodate.
Day 5
Aomori, Japan
With its apple orchards, cherry trees and backdrop of the Hakkoda Mountains, this city on the northern tip of Honshu island is a gateway to some of Japan's most beautiful landscapes. About 30 miles south is UNESCO World Heritage Site Shirakami Sanchi, a mountainous area with the last of East Asia' virgin beech forests. Walking trails here lead to waterfalls and lakes, and you may spot golden eagles, black woodpeckers, Japanese macaques and even shy black bears as you go. Some 40 miles southeast, deep-blue Lake Towada is serenely breathtaking and offers gentle activities from walking to canoeing and boat rides. The Aomori area also enjoys a vibrant contemporary arts scene, from the gleaming white Aomori Museum of Art, complete with a colossal dog statue by Yoshitomo Nara, to the Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art, strikingly set in a former brewery, and Towada Art Center with eye-popping sculpture.
Day 6
Kushiro, Japan
If Japan conjures up images of sprawling mega-cities and neon-decked skyscrapers, the northernmost island of Hokkaido offers a very different experience. Kushiro, on the east coast, is most famous for its natural landscapes, particularly the Kushiro Marsh – home to deer, sea eagles, and the iconic Japanese crane, which overwinters on the island. The city has much to offer, too, from the bustling Fisherman's Wharf, which is dominated by the EGG (Evergreen Garden), and a spectacular dome-shaped greenhouse filled with indigenous plants and trees, to a bowl of kattedon at the Washo Fish Market – a bowl of rice, topped with seafood of your choice.
Days 7 & 8
At Sea
Rich in history, La Fortaleza is the oldest governor's mansion in the western hemisphere; be sure to see the mahogany clock which stopped in time when the last Spanish governor of Puerto Rico struck it with his sword on his way out, heralding the last moment of Spanish rule in the New World.
Day 9
Date Line - Gain A Day
Marigot, a charming town on the French side of the dual-nation island of St. Martin, is a delightful fusion of Caribbean and European influences. Nestled along a picturesque bay, Marigot boasts colorful Creole-style buildings, bustling local life, and a relaxed, take-it-easy ambiance. Visitors can explore the quaint streets, indulge in French pastries, and shop for local crafts at the vibrant markets. Fort Louis offers a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding turquoise waters, and is an unmissable view for visitors whether it is your first or fiftieth time on the island! With its unique blend of cultures and stunning coastal beauty, Marigot remains a captivating destination for travelers seeking an authentic Caribbean experience with a touch of French sophistication.
Days 10 - 12
At Sea
Day 13
Kodiak Island, Alaska
If you're going on a bear hunt, there are few better places to do – the 3,500 Kodiak bears on this island equates to one every 0.7 square mile. You'll find this unique sub-species of brown bear and mainland grizzly reaching a paw into a salmon-rich river or ambling about the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge – its pristine forests and meadows explain why Kodiak's moniker is the Emerald Isle. This could equally be called the fishing island, with halibut, salmon, and king crab all found in the waters lapping its shores. And don't forget the whales – this is one of Alaska's best places to watch them.
Day 14
Seward (Anchorage, Alaska)
Embark on a journey to the breathtaking wilderness of Seward, Alaska. This charming coastal town, nestled at the edge of the Kenai Peninsula, offers a rare and unforgettable experience for nature lovers. Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of Kenai Fjords National Park, featuring towering glaciers, and pristine coastal fjords. Explore the rich history of the area, including the legacy of the indigenous Alutiiq people, and visit the Alaska SeaLife Center to witness the abundance of marine life in the Gulf of Alaska.
- Cruise only
- Flights
- Transfers
From £4,013 pp
Price correct at time of publication (23/12/2025)
Related Trips
-
16 Day(s) 15 Night(s) -
14 Day(s) 13 Night(s) -
12 Day(s) 11 Night(s)