Wendy Wu Osaka to Seoul with Celebrity Cruises

Depart New Zealand and fly to Osaka

Fly overnight to the vibrant city of Osaka. On arrival at the airport, you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to the hotel in Kyoto. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Japan's capital for over 1,000 years, Kyoto is a treasure trove of history and timeless culture. Your explorations will include Kyoto's landmark sights - beautiful Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavilion), the Zen Garden of Ryoanji, the pathways of vermilion red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine and the Gion district, an area famous for its geisha. Between explorations, enjoy a kaiseki dinner and sukiyaki lunch.

Japan's capital for over 1,000 years, Kyoto is a treasure trove of history and timeless culture. Your explorations will include Kyoto's landmark sights - beautiful Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavilion), the Zen Garden of Ryoanji, the pathways of vermilion red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine and the Gion district, an area famous for its geisha. Between explorations, enjoy a kaiseki dinner and sukiyaki lunch.

Board a bullet train and be whisked off to Mount Fuji. Pause at Oishi Park for incredible views (weather dependent) before a mini cruise on the picturesque Lake Ashi. Fly up to the heights of Mount Komagatake by cable car for more beautiful views before heading to Nagano to relax in an onsen – hot spring baths – dine on a traditional kaiseki dinner and stay at a traditional ryokan.

Travel to Jigokudani Monkey Park, walking through the forest to reach the hot spring pool where a community of Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, bath in the warm waters. Visit the 7th-century Zenkoji before transferring to Tokyo, Japan's capital since 1868 and one of the world's largest cities.

Tokyo may seem a thoroughly modern cityscape at first glance but look beyond the soaring towers and neon signs and you’ll find deeply rooted tradition and peaceful pockets of the past. Start at vibrant Sensoji, the city's oldest temple before ascending the Tokyo Sky Tree for magical views. Enjoy a sushi making masterclass before dining on your creations for lunch. Make a photo stop at the world-famous Shibuya Crossing then explore Meiji Jingu Shrine.

After breakfast you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to Yokohama cruise terminal to board your cruise. The rest of the day is free to explore the ship's facilities and settle in. Throughout your cruise, when your ship comes into port, there will be a range of excursions available to help you explore each destination. These excursions are at your own expense and are bookable on your cruise reservation.

Port in Shimizu, a city of medieval castle ruins, ancient pine groves and traditional gardens. Here, you are ideally located for viewing Mount Fuji (weather dependant) and a series of fascinating cultural sights.

Port in Kyoto, Japan's cultural heart.

Spend today at port in Kyoto, enjoying what your cruise ship has to offer.

Port at Kochi. A surfer hang out with a UNESCO Global Geopark coastline, plentiful great outdoors and bags of rustic charm, Kochi is a wonderful place to while away a day.

Arrive at Hiroshima. Best known as the first city in the world to feel the power of the atomic bomb in 1945, Hiroshima has emerged from the ashes as a cosmopolitan and peaceful place. Visit the tranquil Peace Park to learn about and reflect on the past.

Relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer as you sail along Japan's coastline.

Arrive at Kagoshima, a city at the southern tip of the island of Kyushu. Watched over by the active Sakurajima volcano and rich in history and delicious food, and surrounded by glorious nature, there is plenty to discover here.

Port at Nagasaki. Like Hiroshima, Nagasaki is best known for the events of the 9th of August 1945 but there is so much more to it. Backed by rolling hills and forested islands, with unspoilt beaches, European-style architecture, and ancient roots, it is a delight to explore.

Port at Fukuoka, the alluring, and largest city, on Kyushu Island. The gateway to a mountainous interior that offers excellent hiking, and really, really good ramen to sample, the city itself has plenty of historic and cultural attractions to enjoy.

Depart Japan and arrive in South Korea, porting at the bustling city of Busan. Boasting mountains, beaches, and hot springs, this is a city full of small-town charm.

Relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer as you sail up South Korea's coastline.

Arrive at Seoul's cruise port and disembark the Celebrity Millenium. You will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure.

Spend the day exploring the sights and sounds of Seoul, South Korea's capital. A city that contrasts a high-tech, cutting-edge frontage with a deeply traditional, even spiritual vibe, you'll get swept up in its wonders as you visit Gyeongbok Palace, the UNESCO-listed Jongmyo Royal Shrine and the N Seoul Tower

Fly to New Zealand, arriving home the following day.

Arrive in New Zealand