Singapore to Yokohama, Japan

Modern Singapore is a fascinating mélange of cultures. Browse the shop-houses of Little India, perfumed with fragrant spices and flowers. Have tea in Chinatown where medicine shops and calligraphers line the narrow streets. Meander through the worlds largest collection of orchids in the Botanic Garden, and walk through Raffles Landing, the old colonial district with its restored British-style buildings.

A stretch of coastline quite unlike any other in the South China Sea. Passing coastal sand dunes, beautiful green hills and paddy fields, you sail to the historic Vietnamese cities of Hue and Da Nang. Your guide to Hue and Da Nang. A port call to Chan May offers the chance to experience white sand beaches, historic tombs and one of Vietnam’s most famous waterways: the Perfume River. Whether you choose to travel to Hue or Da Nang you’ll be met with a wealth of sights to see, not to mention scenes of indescribable beauty. Both cities are the gateways to some of Vietnam’s most illustrious treasures; from the Ancient Emperor tombs outside of Hue to the spectacular cave labyrinth of Da Nang’s Marble Mountains. Prepare to find your senses piqued, your soul nourished and your heart captivated by otherworldly sights and spellbinding scenery.

Contradiction is part of Hong Kong’s attraction. While the city buzzes with modern commerce, soaring skyscrapers and sophistication, it remains a place of ancient beliefs and intriguing local customs. Your guide to Hong Kong. Few cities balance old and new like Hong Kong. A city as fiercely modern as it is traditional, life here pulses with vigour and vitality while still honouring ancient customs and beliefs. Market traders hawk steaming dumplings on neon-lit streets. Sacred temples stand in the shadow of skyscrapers and luxury boutiques populate glossy shopping centres. Contradiction is all part of Hong Kong’s appeal, the city’s dynamic personality a complementary blend of Chinese and British influences. Heralded as one of the world’s foremost culinary, cultural and commercial capitals, a port call here provides myriad ways to satisfy your stomach, your senses and your suitcase.

Contradiction is part of Hong Kong’s attraction. While the city buzzes with modern commerce, soaring skyscrapers and sophistication, it remains a place of ancient beliefs and intriguing local customs. Your guide to Hong Kong. Few cities balance old and new like Hong Kong. A city as fiercely modern as it is traditional, life here pulses with vigour and vitality while still honouring ancient customs and beliefs. Market traders hawk steaming dumplings on neon-lit streets. Sacred temples stand in the shadow of skyscrapers and luxury boutiques populate glossy shopping centres. Contradiction is all part of Hong Kong’s appeal, the city’s dynamic personality a complementary blend of Chinese and British influences. Heralded as one of the world’s foremost culinary, cultural and commercial capitals, a port call here provides myriad ways to satisfy your stomach, your senses and your suitcase.

The Philippines’ sprawling capital city is a bustling hub of diverse cultures and heritage. Manila’s heady assortment of historical influences combine to give the city its unique identity. A long and varied history stretches back as far as 5,000 years, with human life occupying the area from around 3000 BC. The city first flourished during the Ming Dynasty due to trade relations with China, before experiencing invasions by Indian, Bruneian and further Chinese empires and then becoming the seat of the colonial government of Spain.

Charming Hualien has a laid back, small-town vibe and one of the most scenic and naturally beautiful areas in Taiwan. It also provides access to the magical Taroko Gorge. Hualien boasts an old-fashioned island culture with a friendly blend of ethnic minorities. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the imposing Central Mountain Range, it’s also home to some of the most stunning scenery in Taiwan.

Keelung is the port city of Taiwan, just 20 minutes ride from capital Taipei. Its long, deep harbour provides ample berth for the impressive number of cruise and container ships that keep it thriving. You’ll find most of Keelung’s highlights in the central areas of the city, or within three miles of the downtown area. A walking tour really helps you develop affection for this beguiling port.

On the southern tip of Kyushu lies Kagoshima, a place of spectacular scenery. Why not enjoy the rugged mountain vistas, the rivers and bubbling hot springs, and the unexpected palm tree lined streets.

The Japanese port city of Yokohama to the south of Tokyo on the main island of Honshu. It is a starting point for excursions to Tokyo, Mount Fuji or the Hakone National Park, but the local attractions are worth a visit as well.In addition to bars and restaurants, the former lighthouse at the port of Yokohama has an observation deck which offers a beautiful view of the city and the surroundings. If weather permits, you can even see Mount Fuji in the distance.

Savour the natural landscapes in Japan’s Aomori Prefecture of Honshu, the largest and most populous island of Japan. Aomori sits between the southern end of Mutsu Bay and the fine Hakkōda Mountains. At the heart of the Tōhoku region, Aomori charms you with its unique blend of ultramodern architecture and sleepy fairytale castles, amid scented cherry blossoms.

Home of the famous Manga ghost author, Mizuki Shigeru, hauntingly beautiful Sakaiminato suggests many fascinating ways to spend time ashore. Begin by visiting Izumo Taisha’s grand shrine to marriage. Then enjoy an invigorating outdoor natural spa, bathing in the Kaike Onsen hot springs. Or maybe visit one of the many museums and the rare original Japanese Matsue Castle

Busan is South Korea’s second largest city and seaport, and its a laid-back, metropolitan destination. Its pace is slower, and its diversity more pronounced, than the countrys capital city of Seoul. Busan has an intriguing medley of culture and history, beautiful natural settings and exciting adventures. It’s also near South Korea’s cultural capital, Gyeongju, and the fortress of Jinju.

Japan’s first real contact with the West was through Portuguese explorers and Jesuit missionaries, and then Dutch merchants. Apprehensive Shoguns thus closed Japan to foreign trade except at Nagasaki. Stop by Peace Park for a moment of serenity, or visit the Confucian Shrine to see the influence that the Chinese community has on Nagasaki.

Shimizu is a bustling modern port with ancient roots and many a revered shrine to visit. You’ll no doubt find your gaze repeatedly drawn to the beautiful snow-capped cone of nearby Mount Fuji. A fitting starting point here is Sumpu Castle, where you can contemplate the moats, remaining stone walls and restored buildings dotted around this 400-year-old site. After all, this is the building that, to some degree, put Shimizu on the map. In becoming shogun, or supreme military dictator in 1603, Tokugawa Ieyasu established the Tokugawa shogunate which would last until the Meiji Restoration of 1868; this was known as the Edo Period. Tokugawa Ieyasu himself built Sumpu Castle, then retired there in 1605, even though he remained leader of Japan until his death in 1616.

The Japanese port city of Yokohama to the south of Tokyo on the main island of Honshu. It is a starting point for excursions to Tokyo, Mount Fuji or the Hakone National Park, but the local attractions are worth a visit as well.In addition to bars and restaurants, the former lighthouse at the port of Yokohama has an observation deck which offers a beautiful view of the city and the surroundings. If weather permits, you can even see Mount Fuji in the distance.