iExplore Empires of the East(Trip #66139)

Tour Overview

Empires of the East: Hong Kong, Taiwan, Okinawa and Japan: Experience a unique cultural adventure on our expedition cruise to the ancient empires of the east. Tour the glittering mega-metropolises of Hong Kong and Taipei as we cruise toward Japan. Visit remote Okinawa Island, the venerable Shinto Shrine of Miyajima, the Peace Memorial Park at Hiroshima, and view amazing museum collections of textile arts, and exquisite pottery and painting. In the company of expert leaders and lectures, we visit sub-tropical islands and sub-alpine forests to watch for wildlife and rare endemic birds. In Kyoto, sightseeing includes lovely Japanese gardens and temples.

Day by Day Itinerary

Days 1 & 2: April 9-10, 2010
USA/Hong Kong
Depart the USA on your independent flight to Hong Kong. Arrive in Hong Kong on the 10th and transfer to our hotel for our first overnight.
Overnight: Hong Kong

Day 3: April 11, 2010
Hong Kong
In the morning we set out to explore this magnetic cosmopolitan city and its environs. We visit Hong Kong’s most popular temple complex, the colorful Wong Tai Sin Temple, on the lower slopes of the Kowloon Hills; the dazzling Jade Market; and Tung Choi Street, known locally as “Ladies Market.” Or visit the Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve, cleared of trees in the early 20th century and then replanted with native plants in 1946, this park is wonderful example of reforestation. During our visit we search for birds like the fork-tailed sunbird and the scarlet minivet among flora species such as the lovely Hong Kong rose.
Overnight: Hong Kong

Day 4: April 12, 2010
Hong Kong- Embark Clipper Odyssey
After the morning at leisure, we enjoy lunch before riding the famous Peak Tram, one of the world’s oldest funicular railways, then take in the spectacular views of Hong Kong and its harbor from the rooftop Sky Gallery of the Peak Tower. We continue to Repulse Bay, whose white sandy beaches stretch along the South China Sea. We end our tour at Stanley Market, a dizzying, international shopping mecca. Or, choose an all day visit to Mai Po, whose salt marshes are teeming with migratory birds. World Wildlife Fund manages the site, where more than 60,000 birds converge; among them: the rare Asian dowitcher, spoonbilled sandpipers, and Nordmann’s greenshank. Late this afternoon embark the Clipper Odyssey.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 5: April 13, 2010
At Sea
Take in the first of our lecture series, an introduction to the history and culture of Taiwan and Japan. Passing offshore islands, we watch for Asian seabirds such as black-naped and roseate terns and streaked shearwaters.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 6: April 14, 2010
Keelung- Taipei, Taiwan
A solitary island off the southeast coast of mainland China, Taiwan also borders the western edge of the Pacific Ring of Fire, endowing the landscape with volcanic peaks and a beautiful coastline. We dock at the northern tip of the island at Keelung and, after breakfast, board motor coaches for a tour of Taipei. Highlights include the Presidential Office Building; the Taipei Flower Market; Chiang Kai-Check Martyr’s Shrine; the Handicraft Center and Taipei 101—the world’s tallest skyscraper. Birders set out for the fringes of the city to look for such species as crested goshawk, Taiwan hwamei, and the Formosan magpie. After lunch at a local restaurant we drive to the National Palace Museum and Zhishan Garden. Ranked as one of the world’s top four museums, it houses the largest single collection of Chinese artifacts in existence, over 700,000 pieces in all.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 7: April 15, 2010
Ishigaki- Yaeyama Islands, Japan
Okinawa’s Yaeyama Islands comprise Japan’s southernmost archipelago. Exotic flora and fauna, lush forests, sandy beaches, and emerald waters fringed in coral reefs offer an alluring setting. We begin with a walk to the traditional house of an Okinawa samurai, built in 1819, followed by a visit to the Yaeyama Museum, dedicated to the cultural history of the island. Birders keep an eye out for the endemic Ryukyu serpent eagle and local purple heron. After lunch at a local restaurant we drive to the Hirakubozaki Lighthouse to take in sweeping views. Back in town we visit the Mineya Minsa Weaving Center. We return to the ship and sail north to the Kerama Islands.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 8: April 16, 2010
Kerama Islands
The lush chain of 22 subtropical islands lie just 20 miles southwest of Okinawa and were used as a staging area for the assault on that island during World War II. In these idyllic islands life continues much the way it did centuries ago. Today we explore the area by foot, and possibly on bike, navigating the small villages with the ease of a local. Migrating humpback whales have been known to congregate in the surrounding waters, offering superb photographic opportunities from the ship.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 9: April 17, 2010
Naha, Okinawa Island- Motobu Port
The capital and largest city on Okinawa Island, Naha is also the Ryukyu cultural center. We begin our day at the bustling Makishi Public Market, affectionately called “Okinawa’s kitchen,” exuding a wonderful old world charm and energy. Next we visit Shuri Castle, the seat of the Ryukyu kingdom for several centuries, and the impressive Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum. This museum honors the Battle of Okinawa, the largest-scale campaign of the Asia-Pacific War and site of the only ground fighting on Japanese soil. Birders have the option to explore the region’s estuaries whose rich mangrove forests attract migrant shorebirds. During lunch on board we cruise to the island’s northern Motobu Port and set out for the ruins of Nakijin Castle, built during the 13th century. Walk along ancient stone paths and take in the dramatic setting of this World Heritage Site.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 10: April 18, 2010
Naze, Amani Islands, Koniya
The subtropical Amami Islands are known for a unique form of textiles, made from pongee fabric, a special product of the islands. Several tour options include: birding in the sub-tropical forests of Amami Urban Sanctuary to search for such endemics as Lidth’s jay, the local Owston’s woodpecker, and the Ryukyu robin or a visit to Amami Park, the island’s cultural center; demonstrations at the famous island textile centers; and the Amami Museum. We reunite at the ship for lunch and set sail for the port of Koniya, set in a gorgeous fjord-like waterway. Here we have a choice of activities, including a drive to the Mt. Kochiyama Lookout; a glass-bottom boat ride through the area’s translucent waters to view the brilliantly colored coral reefs; or a kayaking adventure through the world’s northernmost-occurring mangroves.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 11: April 19, 2010
Yakushima (Yaku Island
Fewer than 200 square miles in area, Yakushima boasts 40 peaks higher than 3,200 feet. The vast difference in altitude between the coast and the highlands produces a wildly varying climate—from subtropical to sub alpine. Forests of ancient Yaku cedars cover much of the island and more than 1,300 plants grow here. This remarkable botanical biodiversity within such a small area led UNESCO to name Yakushima a World Heritage Site. The Clipper Odyssey anchors off Yakushima early in the morning, and we spend the day in this splendid natural wonderland. We begin with a visit to the Yakushima Island Environmental and Cultural Village for an IMAX presentation on the island’s natural attributes. Choices for the day’s activities include a birding and photographic excursion around Yakushima or hikes in the ancient cedar forest.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 12: April 20, 2010
At Sea
As we cruise through Japan’s Inland Sea National Park, our lecturers introduce us to the art, history, and culture of mainland Japan.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 13: April 21, 2010
Hiroshima- Miyajima
This morning we visit the compelling Peace Memorial Park, located in the heart of the city. A World Heritage Site, the park and its monuments are dedicated to the hope for world peace; an arch-shaped cenotaph includes the names of all the known victims of the first atomic bombing. We return to the ship for lunch and make our way to Miyajima. Considered one of Japan’s premier scenic wonders, Miyajima, “Shrine Island,” offers a superb vista of the scarlet Torii, the giant camphor wood gate at the entrance to the Itsukushima Shrine, a sacred site of pilgrimage. At high tide it appears to float in the surrounding waters. We go ashore to explore the World Heritage Site shrine, sacred both to Shintoism and Buddhism.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 14: April 22, 2010
Omishima- Hiroshima
Early this morning we arrive at Omishima Township. A short walk brings us to the Oyamazumi Shrine, surrounded by giant camphor trees, and dedicated to a god of the seas and child of the legendary creators of Japan. Over the centuries, emperors and warriors worshipped at the shrine, leaving armor and weapons in thanks for prayers answered. Today, housed in an on-site museum, this collection is the finest of its kind in Japan. During lunch on board we sail for Hiroshima, arriving late this afternoon. Those who wish may go ashore for independent dining and exploration.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 15: April 23, 2010
Okayama
We disembark this morning in the port of Uno-ko and go ashore to visit one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, Koraku-en. Completed in 1700, the formal garden covers 28 acres and includes running streams, plum and cherry trees, walking trails, bamboo groves, and a classic tea house. We also visit the superb Ohara Museum of Art and the Kurashiki Folklore Museum.
Clipper Odyssey

Day 16: April 24, 2010
Kobe- Disembark Clipper Odyssey- Kyoto
After breakfast we disembark the Clipper Odyssey in Kobe, back-dropped by the Rokko Mountains. The city has been entirely rebuilt since the 1995 earthquake and international trade and commerce continue, as it has for centuries, with an eye toward the future. We board motor coaches for a drive to the spectacular city overlook on the verdant slopes of Mount Rokko. In town we learn about brewing sake at the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum and enjoy a tasting, then visit the Kobe City Museum where exhibits focus on international cultural exchange between East and West. After lunch in town we take the train to Kyoto, arriving in the late afternoon. After time at leisure we enjoy dinner and two nights at our hotel.
Overnight: Kyoto

Day 17: April 25, 2010
Kyoto
Founded in the 8th century, Kyoto was the Emperor’s residence for more than one thousand years. Today, its historic shrines, art, and architectural landmarks represent nearly 20 percent of Japan’s national treasures. Among today’s tour highlights is a walk through the serene Sagano Bamboo Grove. We also visit the Heian-jingu Shrine and its gardens, built in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto; the 12th-century Sanjusangen-do Temple, housing the Thousand-Armed Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy; and the exquisite Kiyomizu-dera Temple with its sacred waterfall. After lunch in the city we return to our hotel with the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. This evening celebrate our journey with farewell cocktails and dinner.
Overnight: Kyoto

Day 18: April 26, 2010
Kyoto- Osaka- Depart
After breakfast at our hotel transfer to the Osaka airport for your independent flight homeward.

WHAT TO EXPECT
For most activities, a moderate level of exertion is required. You will need to climb into and out of Zodiacs and tenders for diving and snorkeling activities and nature walks (staff and crew members will be on hand to assist). Snorkeling and diving activities may begin from the Zodiacs or from beaches. Opportunities for drift snorkeling and diving offer an exhilarating but challenging way to experience the underwater realm. You must be able to walk moderate distances, unaided, over beaches and sometimes rough terrain. Temperatures will range from the low 70s to the high 80sºF, with the possibility of some days reaching the low 90sºF.

As on all Zegrahm voyages, you will travel with experienced leaders and a renowned lecture team of naturalists and historians who will add insight to both the cultural and natural riches you will encounter. We will mail you a complete list of recommended clothing and a suggested reading list approximately five months prior to departure. Participants will most enjoy the remarkable opportunities these expeditions offer if they travel with a spirit of adventure.

Departure Dates

2010 Departure: April 9th

Prices

2010 Prices:
Category 1: $11,980 per person, double occupancy.
Category 2: $12,580 per person, double occupancy.
Category 3: $13,180 per person, double occupancy.
Category 4: $13,780 per person, double occupancy.
Category 5: $14,380 per person, double occupancy.
Category 6: $14,980 per person, double occupancy.
Suite: $17,380 per person, double occupancy.
Single/cat. 2: $20,980
Single/Cat. 3: $21,980

Limited singles available at the quoted rate above. Additional singles may be available at 1.7 times the share rate. (Not applicable to Suites)

Inclusions: Accommodations in our hotels and on board the Clipper Odyssey as outlined in the itinerary; all onboard meals; all group meals on land; group transfers; services of the expedition staff, including lectures, briefings, slide/film shows; all group activities and excursions; landing and port fees; all gratuities.

Exclusions:All air transportation; excess baggage charges; airport arrival and departure taxes; transfers for independent arrivals and departures; passport and/or visa fees; travel insurance; items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar charges, alcoholic beverages, e-mail/fax/Internet/telephone charges.

Trip Information

CLIPPER ODYSSEY

The Clipper Odyssey is a 110-passenger luxury vessel, ideally suited for expedition cruising. She carries a fleet of Zodiacs, which allows us to land anywhere nature or curiosity dictates, and a glass-bottom boat, giving us a topside-look at the undersea world. All cabins have an ocean view, safe, minibar, individually controlled heat/air conditioner, in-room music system, and sitting area with sofa. Passengers can track the progress of their voyage on the Global Positioning System broadcast in each cabin. Beds can be configured for twin or queen-size sleeping arrangements. All cabins have an en suite bathroom with shower. The Clipper Odyssey maintains a gourmet kitchen, providing American and international specialties. Facilities on board the Clipper Odyssey include a dining room, lounge, small library and gym, outdoor pool, massage room, and gift shop. An elevator services all passenger cabin decks. The Clipper Odyssey has an infirmary staffed by a registered physician and a sophisticated telecommunications system permitting Internet access and telephone and fax communication with any location around the world. Ship registry: Bahamas.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION ON BOARD THE CLIPPER ODYSSEY

Accounts Onboard
Upon embarkation, a shipboard account is automatically opened for your convenience. The "chit" system is used for all onboard purchases, including bar charges, gift shop purchases, laundry, medical services, communication, etc. You will sign a chit for each purchase, and the amount will be debited to your shipboard account, which is presented for settlement at the end of the voyage. The U.S. dollar is the currency used on board. Cash, traveler's checks, and Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted for payment of shipboard accounts.

Air Conditioning and Heating
The ship is fully air-conditioned and heated throughout with individual controls in each cabin.

Baggage
Baggage is restricted only per the airlines' regulations (See Baggage Allowance section under General Information). We do recommend that you travel with soft luggage, as this is less bulky to store and storage space aboard the ship is limited. Please ensure that your baggage is clearly labeled with your name and home address and attach yellow Zegrahm Expeditions luggage tags, which will be provided with your final documents packet, to each piece of luggage. Our staff will use these tags for easy identification of group passengers and baggage.

Bar
There will be a bar on board stocked with liquor, beer, and wine. Please check the daily program for hours of bartender service. The ship carries a small, but varied, supply of fine wines and champagnes. Upon request, the service staff will be happy to retain unused portions of bottled wines ordered with your meals for consumption at subsequent seatings.

Bridge Visits
The bridge is available to visit most times throughout the day. However, the bridge will be closed to visitors during maneuvers in port, when anchoring, during periods of inclement weather, and at the captains' discretion.

Cabins and Service.
Cabins are serviced daily by your cabin attendant. If you require additional housekeeping service, please advise the reception desk.

All cabins feature an ocean view, two twin lower beds that can be made into a queen-size bed, sitting area with sofa, bathroom with tub and shower, in-room music system and intercom system for announcements, ample wardrobe space, three-sided mirror, personal safe, minibar and small refrigerator, television, and hair dryer.

Contact Information
There are three computers available for use in the Library, which have an Internet connection, via satellite, and can be used to access the web and personal e-mail accounts online. Personal laptops may also be used to access this service. The Library is the only area of the ship that has a wireless Internet connection. Cards can be purchased at Reception to utilize this service. Facilities for incoming and outgoing phone calls and faxes are also available. You will be charged for all personal communication to and from the ship.

Please be aware that due to our often remote location, all communications are subject to the availability of our satellite connection.

Daily Programs
The daily program is distributed to all cabins and posted in common areas every evening on board. The program announces the cruising schedule, lectures, and shore excursions. Weather conditions may, of course, alter the day's intended program.

Dietary Needs
Special dietary foods can be provided, but we must be notified in writing on the Personal Information Form. The galley is equipped to prepare or serve most special dietary foods except kosher cuisine.

Dining and Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the dining room on the A-Deck. A light buffet breakfast and lunch are also served in the Lido Lounge on the Lido Deck, with limited seating available in the adjacent Lido Bar during pleasant weather for passengers wishing to dine outside. Dinner is served only in the dining room on the A-Deck, and all dinners are prepared individually. The dining room accommodates all passengers in one seating. Table service is provided for all evening meals, and all of our meals will be open seating. Coffee, tea, and juice are available 24 hours a day in the Lido Lounge.

Electricity
The electricity on board runs at 110 volts, and outlets take standard, U.S. flat-prong plugs.

Elevator
An elevator services all passenger decks from the A-Deck to the Sun Deck.

Exercise Facilities
A gym is located on the Bridge Deck. Current equipment consists of a universal exercise machine, free weights, elliptical trainer, stationary bikes (one recumbent, one normal), and a treadmill. A 70-meter, dedicated jogging track is located on the uppermost Sun Deck.

Gift Shop
A shop stocked with gift items and toiletries is located adjacent to the Lido Lounge on the Lido Deck. There is a limited range of goods mainly local items, T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, souvenirs, film, and basic toiletries. Hours of operation are posted in the daily program, and purchases will be debited to your shipboard account.

Gratuities
All gratuities for onboard staff and crew are included in the cost of the expedition.

Hair Dryer
Each cabin is equipped with a hair dryer.

Hair Salon
The ship does not offer hair cutting or hair styling services.

Identification Badges
Electronic ID badges with your name and a barcode will be provided for all participants. Upon embarkation, a digital photograph will be taken and matched to your barcode number. This identification badge all you will need to disembark and reboard the ship. When disembarking for landings or Zodiac cruises, your pass must be scanned. Upon return to the ship, your card will be scanned again and your identity verified. Passengers will not be allowed to embark the ship without a badge.

In addition to verifying that all passengers are safely on board before sailing to our next destination, this system assists us in ensuring that no unauthorized individuals board the ship.

Laundry
Basic laundry service is available on board. Please allow 24 hours turn-around time, although laundry picked up in the morning will usually be available the afternoon of the same day. Prices will be posted on board, and charges will be debited to your shipboard account, payable at the end of the voyage.

Lectures
Our onboard staff will present a series of informative lectures during the voyage. We plan to provide a lecture series that will cover all features of our expedition and the surrounding environment. These presentations are an integral part of this expedition and are designed to lend greater depth and understanding to your travel experience.

Library
A library is located on the Main Deck with books and games available for public use.

Mail
The purser handles the mailing of passengers' letters and postcards during the voyage. Postage rates and mailing instructions will be posted at reception. Mail will be sent when the ship is in port. Postage fees will be debited to your shipboard account, payable at the end of the voyage.

Massage
There is a massage therapist onboard offering personalized massages. Hours and prices will be posted onboard.

Medical Services and Special Needs
Facilities may not be available for the physically challenged traveler. If you have special needs, please contact our office directly.

A qualified physician will be on board throughout the voyage. Any applicable fees for services rendered on board will be debited to your shipboard account and presented for settlement at the end of the voyage.

Passengers requiring special medications should bring sufficient quantities to last the duration of the expedition. If you are under regular treatment for any ailment or disease, you should bring a summarized medical history as well.It is essential that persons with any medical problems and related dietary restrictions inform us well before departure so we may brief the ship's staff accordingly.

If you use a hearing aid that might be turned off at night or would otherwise require special assistance in case of an emergency, please advise the reception desk at the time of boarding.

Passports
Passports will be collected upon embarkation and returned at the end of the voyage. Please bring a photocopy of your passport's information page with you to be used for currency exchange and identification on our landings.

Safety at Sea
Safety at sea is of utmost importance aboard this ship. All officers are trained in emergency procedures, and regular drills are held to instruct the crew in their emergency duties. By international law, passengers must participate in a lifeboat drill within 24 hours of sailing. Upon embarkation, all passengers will be requested to locate their life jacket in their cabin and note their lifeboat and muster station. This mandatory lifeboat drill will be scheduled as soon as is convenient for the expedition leader and captain.

Life preservers are mandatory on Zodiac excursions. All passengers must have their life preserver secured properly before leaving the ship to board the Zodiac.

While the ship is your temporary home, it is also a mobile one, and it is essential that you take certain safety precautions. Here are some basic rules:

· Always turn on lights before moving about in a dark cabin.
· Walk, never run, aboard the ship, and be extra careful when walking on wet or icy decks.
· Wear shoes with slip-resistant soles, especially when walking on deck.
· Avoid large, open areas during rough weather, especially outside decks and the bridge. Do not move about unnecessarily.
· During particularly rough weather hold on to handrails in stairways, be very careful in the bathroom, never hold a door by its frame in case the ship's movement causes the door to close on your hand, and secure all baggage in your cabin and any loose items in your bathroom or on shelves, bureaus, or desks.

Shipboard Amenities
Shipboard facilities include a small library, gym, outdoor swimming pool, lounge, infirmary, and gift shop.

Smoking Policy
Smoking is permitted outside on deck in designated areas only. There is a no-smoking policy throughout the interior of the ship. When smoking on outside decks, please do not throw cigarettes over the side of the ship.

Valuables
Please try and leave any nonessential valuables at home. Zegrahm Expeditions is not responsible for the loss or theft of any jewelry, cash, etc. You are encouraged to use the personal safe is provided in each cabin.

Water
The ship's water supply provides potable water, but passengers are asked to practice conservation at all times.

Zodiacs
Zodiacs are the favored means of transportation, and the ship has a fleet that will be used for landings in suitable areas. Their flat-bottom design permits these craft to land directly onto beaches. You can expect, nonetheless, to wade through shallow surf to reach the shore during wet landings.

Zodiacs cruise at an approximate speed of four knots and in windy weather can make for rather splashy rides. We therefore recommend wearing wet-weather gear for Zodiac transfers, and life preservers are absolutely mandatory. You will be given a briefing on the safe use of these boats. Please see the section Proper Use of Zodiacs for further information about procedures during Zodiac landings.