Oceania Cruises: Regatta

Huge department stores brim with shoppers, neon flashes from dusk to dawn, and the entire world pays heed to the slightest fluctuation on the Nikkei Index. From the Imperial Palace and Meiji Shrine to the fabled Ginza district, 20th-century Tokyo is an intriguing composite of East and West. Yuppies sporting Walkmen bow formally in greeting. Women in kimonos and Dior suits stroll side-by-side. Geishas play samisens while disc jockeys play the Top Forty. Japanese houses of wood and paper stand in the shadow of towering steel and mortar. Not far away, one of the world's most impressive sights soars 12,388 feet to its snow-clad peak: Mount Fuji, the majestic symbol of Japan.

Nagoya is located at the head of Ise Bay on the south eastern coast of central Honshu. Sights of interest include Nagoya Castle (1610 rebuilt 1959), one of the largest of the Edo period, Tokugawa Art Museum, Citizen Hall, Aichi Cultural Centre, Chunichi Hall, and Misono Theatre. You can also visit the zoological and botanical gardens in Higashiyama Park. Further afield, the Atsuta Shrine and the Grand Shrine of Ise are the oldest and most highly esteemed Shinto shrines in Japan.

This large, bustling port is the starting point for tours to the ancient cities of Kyoto and Nara, the cultural fountainheads of classical Japan. Kyoto's Old Imperial Palace and the shogunal Nijo Castle remain glorious symbols of the power the city held for over 1,000 years. Until 1868, Kyoto was the capital of Japan, filled with elegant timber buildings and, perhaps more than any other Japanese city, imbued with Kami, the divine spirit. You'll sense it everywhere, for there are hundreds of Shinto shrines and over a thousand Buddhist temples, as well as sacred treasure-houses of religious sculpture, painting and exquisite gardens. Nara, City of the Seven Great Temples, lies in an idyllic setting.

This large, bustling port is the starting point for tours to the ancient cities of Kyoto and Nara, the cultural fountainheads of classical Japan. Kyoto's Old Imperial Palace and the shogunal Nijo Castle remain glorious symbols of the power the city held for over 1,000 years. Until 1868, Kyoto was the capital of Japan, filled with elegant timber buildings and, perhaps more than any other Japanese city, imbued with Kami, the divine spirit. You'll sense it everywhere, for there are hundreds of Shinto shrines and over a thousand Buddhist temples, as well as sacred treasure-houses of religious sculpture, painting and exquisite gardens. Nara, City of the Seven Great Temples, lies in an idyllic setting.

Hiroshima in southwestern Honshu has grown rapidly as a commercial city, and after 1868 it was developed as a military base. Every August 6 since 1947, thousands participate in multidenominational services in the Peace Memorial Park built on the site where the bomb exploded. After the war the city was largely rebuilt, and commercial activity gradually resumed. Visit the Peace Park but also explore Miyajima Island and its colourful shrines and mysterious forests.

One of Japan's most historic cities, Nagasaki was a major port, trading with the Portuguese and Dutch in the 16th century. You can still see this colonial legacy in the brick buildings, old forts, canals and curving cobblestone streets. On a hill overlooking the bay, beautiful Glover Mansion, the setting of Madame Butterfly, is typical of the fine homes built by wealthy foreign residents. But Nagasaki's ties with Korea and China are equally apparent in the famous Chinese temple, a large Chinese colony and the numerous fine Korean and Chinese restaurants.

No information currently available.

Shanghai is a teeming metropolis of 11 million, bustling with energy, towering skyscrapers, art deco buildings, honking traffic, and shopping crowds. Once here, visitors will find Eastern ways abound: Tai Chi along the Bund, the serenity of exquisite ponds and gardens, and an endless flotilla of sampans edging along the Huangpu River. Explore Shanghai old and new: the busy bazaars and alleyways of the Old Town, Yu Garden, Wuxingting Tea House, Long Hua Temple and more.

Suggested Private Excursions

Shanghai: Yu Garden & Old Town Tour (4 hours)

Shanghai: French Concession & The Bund (4 hours)

Shanghai: Jewish Quarter Tour (4 hours)

Shanghai: Museum Tour (4 hours)

Shanghai: Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour (4 hours)

Shanghai: Disposal Tour (4 hours)

Shanghai City Tour (8 hours)

Shanghai: Disposal Tour (8 hours)

Shanghai is a teeming metropolis of 11 million, bustling with energy, towering skyscrapers, art deco buildings, honking traffic, and shopping crowds. Once here, visitors will find Eastern ways abound: Tai Chi along the Bund, the serenity of exquisite ponds and gardens, and an endless flotilla of sampans edging along the Huangpu River. Explore Shanghai old and new: the busy bazaars and alleyways of the Old Town, Yu Garden, Wuxingting Tea House, Long Hua Temple and more.

Suggested Private Excursions

Shanghai: Yu Garden & Old Town Tour (4 hours)

Shanghai: French Concession & The Bund (4 hours)

Shanghai: Jewish Quarter Tour (4 hours)

Shanghai: Museum Tour (4 hours)

Shanghai: Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour (4 hours)

Shanghai: Disposal Tour (4 hours)

Shanghai City Tour (8 hours)

Shanghai: Disposal Tour (8 hours)

No information currently available.

Xiamen - a city in southern China on Amoy Island - is strategically situated near Quemoy Islands and Taiwan. It is a fishing and manufacturing center. Originally known as Jiahe Yu, the history of the island of Amoy dates back to the 12th century, when agriculture was the way of life. During the 14th century's Ming Dynasty, the island was renamed Xiamen and trade began. Foreign visitors, who were not permitted on the island until 1980, are now welcomed and delighted by the scenic beauty and historical treasures of Xiamen.

As Asia’s premier gateway to China and Southeast Asia, Hong Kong offers a great travel experience. Visitors will find everything from hiking, horse racing and sailing to internationally renowned art galleries and lively art festivals. Some of the best hotels, dining and shopping in the world are found in this metropolis. Hong Kong is one of the world’s great cities and a delightful realm of natural wonders and serene rural villages. With its wealth of cultural attractions, Hong Kong invites exploration and inspires interest to even the most experienced traveler. Sights include Museum of History – which houses a collection of archaeological finds and historic photographs providing an introduction to Hong Kong’s history. Cultural Center is the city’s newest performing arts venue. The Space Museum’s dome, where Omnimax shows and astronomy exhibits are featured, is nearby. Adjacent is the Museum of Art. Stanley Market is an open-air market for browsing and finding bargains in fashions, leather, porcelain, and linens. Jade Market is a specialty market featuring 450 stalls with jade items.

Suggested Private Excursions

Hong Kong Heritage Tour - 4.5 hours - Hong Kong

Lamma Island Tour - 8.5 hours

Hong Kong Highlights Tour with Lunch – 6 hours - Hong Kong

Treasures of Kowloon (private tour) - 4 hours - Hong Kong

Macau Excursion – 8 hours - Hong Kong

Hong Kong - Full Day Macau Tour by jetfoil (10 Hours)

Hong Kong Island Tour (4 hours)

Hong Kong: Kowloon Market Tour (4 hours)

Hong Kong: New Territories Tour (4 hours)

Hong Kong: Lantau Island Tour (5 hours)

Hong Kong: Disposal Tour (4 hours)

Hong Kong Island Tour (8 hours)

Hong Kong: Disposal Tour (8 hours)

As Asia’s premier gateway to China and Southeast Asia, Hong Kong offers a great travel experience. Visitors will find everything from hiking, horse racing and sailing to internationally renowned art galleries and lively art festivals. Some of the best hotels, dining and shopping in the world are found in this metropolis. Hong Kong is one of the world’s great cities and a delightful realm of natural wonders and serene rural villages. With its wealth of cultural attractions, Hong Kong invites exploration and inspires interest to even the most experienced traveler. Sights include Museum of History – which houses a collection of archaeological finds and historic photographs providing an introduction to Hong Kong’s history. Cultural Center is the city’s newest performing arts venue. The Space Museum’s dome, where Omnimax shows and astronomy exhibits are featured, is nearby. Adjacent is the Museum of Art. Stanley Market is an open-air market for browsing and finding bargains in fashions, leather, porcelain, and linens. Jade Market is a specialty market featuring 450 stalls with jade items.

Suggested Private Excursions

Hong Kong Heritage Tour - 4.5 hours - Hong Kong

Lamma Island Tour - 8.5 hours

Hong Kong Highlights Tour with Lunch – 6 hours - Hong Kong

Treasures of Kowloon (private tour) - 4 hours - Hong Kong

Macau Excursion – 8 hours - Hong Kong

Hong Kong - Full Day Macau Tour by jetfoil (10 Hours)

Hong Kong Island Tour (4 hours)

Hong Kong: Kowloon Market Tour (4 hours)

Hong Kong: New Territories Tour (4 hours)

Hong Kong: Lantau Island Tour (5 hours)

Hong Kong: Disposal Tour (4 hours)

Hong Kong Island Tour (8 hours)

Hong Kong: Disposal Tour (8 hours)