Classic Japan & Treasures of the Mekong

Welcome to the island of Kyushu, Japan. Enjoy your welcome reception at your luxury hotel in the centre of the city. (D)

Begin your exploration of Fukuoka with stops at the Shofukuji Temple, Japan's first Zen Temple, Kushida Shrine and Hakata Machiya Folk Museum. This museum shows the old daily life and culture of Fukuoka city in Meiji and Taisho period, focusing especially on urban houses of that period. (B/L)

Freechoice: This afternoon, choose from one of these Freechoice options.

• Cruise the canals: Drive to Yanagawa, dubbed the ‘Venice of Kyushu' for its 930km of canals. Cruise along the tranquil waterways, learning about the town's history and culture, and stop at Yanagawa Ohana, the villa of the Tachibana family who ruled the town from 1600-1868.
• Old & new Fukuoka: Visit the 234m tall Fukuoka Tower, the tallest seaside tower in Japan, with a 360-degree observation deck. Then explore the Edo Period ruins of Fukuoka Castle in Maizuru Park.

This evening head down to Fukuoka's open air food stalls (Yatai) to help you choose your own meal of Yakitori, Oden or Hakata Ramen dinner.

This morning, drive to Mount Sarakura, which towers more than 600 metres above the city of Kitakyushu. The spectacular vista from the top is often described as the “10 billion dollar view”. Afterwards, visit the iconic TOTO Museum, dedicated to Japan's famed high-tech toilets.

Then travel by Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima on the island of Honshu. (B/D)

Enrich: Experience an emotional visit to the Peace Park and Museum before visiting Orizuru Tower to create your own special origami donation.

Later check into your hotel in Hiroshima for two nights. Tonight, sample Okonomiyaki, a delicious savoury Japanese-style pancake and specialty of the region.

Sail by ferry to Miyajima Island to visit the Daisho-in Temple and the floating Torii Gate at the Itsukushima Shrine. Later enjoy free time in Hiroshima. (B/L)

Enrich: Tonight attend a performance of Kagura, a type of Shinto ritual ceremonial dance.

Travel by Shinkansen to Kobe and continue to the Kirin Beer Factory for lunch, tasting and a tour of the factory. Drive to Osaka to enjoy a two-night Special Stay. Enjoy your Club Floor benefits before transferring to the Umeda Sky Building for 360-degree night-time views of the skyline of Osaka from the Floating Garden Observatory, 170m off the ground. Then settle into your dinner with a view. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: This morning, explore Osaka on one of these Freechoice excursions.

• Shopping & markets: Wander through Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, an icon of the city that dates back almost 400 years. Then explore Kuromon Ichiba Market, known as Osaka's kitchen.
• History of Osaka: Visit the Osaka Museum of History, which chronicles the city from ancient times when it was the capital of Japan. Tour the five-storey Osaka Castle, one of Japan's most famous sites, that has been rebuilt over the centuries.

This afternoon is free at leisure. Enjoy more your Club Floor benefits, including complimentary refreshments and evening cocktails, before catching the Osaka Metro to explore the lively entertainment area of Dotonbori and Hozenji Yokocho food alley. (B)

Drive to the ancient village of Asuka, the birthplace of the Japanese state and cradle of Japanese culture. Wander through the beautiful Inabuchi terraced rice paddy fields; see the ancient Tobiishi stone bridge, famous in Japanese folklore; and visit Ishibutai Tumulus, a seventh century tomb that's largest known megalithic structure in Japan. (B/L)

Enrich: Learn about the history, life and training routine of a sumo wrestler during a private visit to a Sumo Museum in Kehayaza, said to be the birthplace of sumo. After your welcome ceremony, see a demonstration of Jinku (traditional folkloric songs) and watch the wrestlers in action in the dohyo.

Continue to Japan's first permanent capital established in the year 710 as Heijo, the city now known as Nara. Spend the night in Nara.

This morning, visit Todaiji Temple, one of the World Heritage-listed Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara. Constructed in 752, it was the largest wooden building in the world until the end of the 20th century and houses one of Japan's largest statues, a 15-metre tall bronze Buddha.

See the curious deer in Nara Park, then return to Kyoto and visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its corridor of thousands of vermilion torii gates that appeared in the film ‘Memoirs of a Geisha'. Stop at a sake brewery to taste and learn about Japan's most famous tipple.

Begin your memorable three-night stay in Kyoto Brighton Hotel with an authentic teppanyaki dinner. (B/L/D)

Ryokan Upgrade: For a unique insight into Japanese culture, choose to stay tonight in a Ryokan (at additional cost, must be pre-booked before departure). This traditional Japanese Inn has tatami mat flooring with futon beds, sliding shoji paper doors, onsen hot spring baths and private facilities, and includes dinner and breakfast.

This morning, explore the captivating city of Kyoto, a place where old Japan is still alive. (B/D)

Freechoice: Go deeper into the city on one of these Freechoice excursions:

• Historic Districts of Kyoto: Be immersed in the atmosphere of Kyoto's ancient preservation districts, seven historic areas that preserve cultural traditions and traditional architecture.
• Follow the Philosopher's Path: Visit the Silver Pavilion, a 15th century Shogun villa, before strolling along part of the famous Philosopher's Path. This beautiful stone path runs for approximately two kilometres through the northern part of Kyoto's Higashiyama district.

Enrich: Partake in a Japanese tea ceremony while dressed in a traditional Japanese kimono, a great photo opportunity.

This afternoon, enjoy some free time in Nishiki Market. Known as ‘Kyoto's kitchen' it is one of the best traditional markets in the city and home to over 100 stalls selling everything from fresh seafood and tofu to pickled vegetables and sweets, as well as hot food and souvenirs.

Enrich: At tonight's special dinner, you will be able to interact with a Geiko and Maiko as they host your meal. It's an excellent opportunity to learn about what is involved in becoming a Geisha and the art of Japanese hospitality.

Begin the day with a visit Nijo castle, built in 1603 as the residence of Tokugawa leyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period. Later, glide through the otherworldly Arashiyama Bamboo Grove by traditional rickshaw before enjoying a vegetarian meal at the World Heritage listed Tenryu-ji Temple. Then wander the gardens around the famous Kinkaku-ji or Golden Pavilion, so named because it is completely covered in gold leaf.

Freechoice Dining: Enjoy the option of dining at Funatsuru Restaurant, known for its mix of Kyoto cuisine and French dishes or try Japanese Shabu Shabu at Junsei Restaurant. (B/L/D)

Travel by Shinakansen to Hakone. After lunch study the art works and sculptures at the Chokokuno Mori (Hakone Open Air Museum). Afterwards drive to the Fuji Five Lakes district, known locally as Fujigoko, located beneath Mt Fuji. Soak in the views from your hotel for the night. (B/L/D)

Drive to Tokyo for lunch, then spend time at the dazzling teamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum. Wander freely amongst the immersive displays, created by hundreds of projectors, lights and computers. Later check-into your hotel, your Special Stay for the next three nights. With direct access to four subway lines, the hotel was recently rated in the Forbes Travel Guide as Tokyo's exclusive Japanese decor 5-star luxury hotel. Rooms overlook the most picturesque sites in Tokyo, such as the Imperial Palace, the 500-year-old Hie Jinja Shrine and beautiful landscaped Japanese gardens.

Choose from dining at a ninja themed restaurant or culturally immerse yourself in the traditional Japanese evening Izakaya bar scene serving Yaki-tori and Kushiyaki with your Tour Director as they show you their favourite places to go. Alternatively dine in at Nobu Tokyo restaurant. (B/L/D)

Visit the Asakusa district, known as the centre of Tokyo's shitamachi or ‘low city'. Capturing the atmosphere of Tokyo's past, the narrow laneways are lined with traditional shopfronts, food stalls and ancient temples. You can pay your respects at Sensoji temple, the city's oldest Buddhist temple built in 645. (B/L)

Freechoice: This afternoon, explore the city on one of these Freechoice excursions:

• Shrines & Shibuya: Visit the Imperial Shinto Meiji Shrine, before walking across ‘the world's busiest pedestrian crossing' at Shibuya and seeing the famous Hachiko dog statue.
• Exploring Shinjuku: Wander through picturesque Shinjuku-Gyoen Gardens before witnessing the Shinjuku entertainment district come alive at dusk. You can also choose to stay and join the crowds later into the night.

Gather your bearings and get a bird's eye view of Tokyo from above as you take in the panorama from Tokyo Sky Tree, the world's tallest tower at 634 metres.

Enrich: Partake in an interactive, private group demonstration and lesson in playing the Taiko drums, led by renowned Taiko masters.

Afterwards visit the epicentre of Tokyo's teenage youth culture as you wander along Takeshita Street Harajuku, known for its colourful street art, edgy fashion, quirky vintage clothing and cosplay stores. Grab something sweet at one of the many dessert shops and carts that specialise in crêpes, donuts, and bubble tea.

Later take in the bright lights of the city from a yakatabune (traditional houseboat) on Tokyo Bay during your evening farewell dinner cruise with free flow drinks. (B/L/D)

Say farewell to the Land of the Rising Sun, taking with you many wonderful memories. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Vietnam and the next stage of your journey. When you arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, check in to your hotel, located downtown in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Meet your Tour Director and fellow guests at your welcome dinner. (B/D)

After breakfast, travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels and spend the morning learning about the development and establishment of this hidden covered tunnel network that the Viet Cong soldiers hid in for months on end. Return to the city for a Pho lunch with the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

Freechoice Dining: Tonight, choose your Scenic Free Choice dining option from an exhilarating Vespa ride at night as your experienced driver winds in and out the hectic traffic of the streets, stopping at all the best local spots for the most scrumptious Vietnamese cuisines. Sample the best authentic street food and an unlimited supply of drinks and eating however much your stomach desires.

Alternatively, dine at Mandarine Restaurant, designed in the style of the Hue imperial court serving individual Vietnamese dishes. Or for something totally different dine at Noir Dining in the Dark, a restaurant dedicated to helping the blind and visually impaired community. Other choices include experiencing the street food and bars of Saigon on a Vintage Jeep or enjoying the offerings at Buffet 19 at your hotel. (B/L/D)

After breakfast and checkout, visit the War Museum and Reunification Palace. The former Presidential House of South Vietnam become famous in 1975 with images of tanks crashing through its gates leading to the South's surrender and end of the War of Independence.

After lunch, a coach will transfer you to My Tho where the breathtaking Scenic Spirit awaits. Start with a cocktail reception hosted by your Cruise Director. Take a stroll around the decks to orientate yourself as to where all the amenities are. After your welcome dinner, settling into your private suite does not mean you settle for service. At any time, your dedicated personal butler is free to swing by with a nightcap and delivery of your preferred pillows. A calm 4-hour sail brings you to halt off Cai Be where the ship will anchor overnight. (B/L/D)

Start the day with a full gourmet breakfast – complete with champagne – before heading out to explore Cai Be. (B/L/D)

Freechoice:

• Choose to travel via sampan to Tan Phong, a small island located near Cai Be town that is rich in alluvial soil suitable for tropical fruit orchards all year round. With a total area of more than 1,000 hectares, surrounded by silted sandbanks, canals and a mild temperature, Tan Phong has long been a friendly destination for eco-tourism. On arrival, try a hands-on experience at a workshop specialised in weaving water hyacinth into artistic crafts. Board a motorised buggy for a ride through endless fruit orchards, stopping to enjoy the tropical fruits and interact with a farm owner. Reboard the sampan and cruise to Cái Bè town to discover the local cottage industry where families make rice-paper and sweets from pop-corn, pop-rice and coconut.
• Alternatively take a sampan from the Scenic Spirit to savour a delicious afternoon tea at the Le Longanier, a French colonial house restaurant, where staff will welcome you with tea, coffee and a range of local fruit and snacks for your tasting. You can dive into a local experience with a band playing music and performing traditional Vietnamese songs.
• If you would prefer to enjoy the comforts of your ship, our highly skilled bar team is ready to welcome you to a hands-on cocktail/mocktail making class featuring fresh local ingredients.

After your morning activity, head back to the ship for lunch whilst sailing to Sa Dec. Relax and soak in the beauty of the scenery, visit the on-board library to read up on future ports, or head to the Scenic Spirit lounge to unwind with fellow guests over a glass of wine.

Later, upon arrival in Sa Dec, board your sampan once again to explore the lively wet market where you can meet the sellers and marvel at their wares, including live fish, frogs and even snakes. This two-hour exploration will take you deep into the local lifestyle. You can also see the grand home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, a Chinese merchant who inspired Marguerite Duras' novel L'Amant. Your expert guide will reveal the secrets behind this passionate tale of tragic love.

After returning to the ship, and before dinner, marvel at a lion dance performed by locals on the expansive Sundeck. The ship will then set sail for the 6-hour journey to Tan Chau.

You may want to start with some exercise in the on-board gym, try stretching at the early morning yoga class or relax in the sauna. Then set off to discover the areas surrounding Tan Chau. (B/L/D)

Freechoice:

• You could leave the city life behind at Tra Su Bird Sanctuary in Tra Su Forest. Travel by sampan through endless tranquil waterways, flanked by mangroves and lush greenery. This eco reserve spans 850 hectares and is an ecological haven for fauna and flora, home to more than 100 species of waterbirds.
• Or experience a traditional way of life on Evergreen Island, joining local farmers for a morning of discovery. Back in Tan Chau, ride in a xe loi, a three-wheeled bicycle rickshaw that was introduced by the French in the 19th century and is a common form of transportation in rural Vietnam. Visit the recently renovated, brightly coloured Cao Dai temple. Caodaism is a new religion, established in 1926 in the southern Vietnamese city of Tây Ninh, and brings together beliefs and practices from Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism and Confucianism. Here, you will learn more about the mix of ideas that form the basis of this fascinating religion.
• For your third choice, board a speedboat to visit Chau Doc, a major city in the Mekong Delta, and Tay An temple. Set at the foot of Sam Mountain, this elaborate temple is a mixture of Indian and Islamic architecture. Afterwards, board another sampan to visit Vinh Te canal and view life along the riverfront of Chau Doc, before stopping at a family-operated fish farm on your way back to Scenic Spirit.

After lunch upon your arrival back on board, enjoy sailing to the Vietnamese and Cambodian border. Some down time is a great way to relax and what better way to do that than heading to the Wellness Centre or Beauty Salon for a bit of pampering. After the ship clears immigration into Cambodia at the border, settle in for an overnight sail towards Phnom Penh, bidding farewell to Vietnam.

Welcome to Cambodia, arriving into the capital of Phnom Penh early this morning. After breakfast, it will be time to head out and explore the city. (B/L/D)

Freechoice:

• You can choose to journey to the infamous Killing Fields and take a tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, housed inside a former prison. These sites are a sobering reminder of the terrors unleashed by the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s. This moving tour will give you a deeper insight into the tumultuous history of Cambodia and the resilience of its people.
• Passionate foodies may like to choose a hands-on cooking class. Take a trip to the bustling market with a local chef to purchase your ingredients, then head back to the kitchen to cook your own lunch, testing out the styles and flavours of Cambodian cuisine.
• Alternatively, travel by remok, a local style of tuk tuk, to explore the French architecture and history of Phnom Penh. Finish the tour with shopping at the Central Market, famed for its unique Art Deco design and bright yellow façade.

At the conclusion of your tour, return to Scenic Spirit for lunch. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

Sunset Drinks: Later this evening, revel in our Phnom Penh by City Lights tour. You'll get to witness the nightlife of the capital before stopping at a local rum distillery for your exclusive Scenic Sundowners experience, including a private tour and tasting.

Board a bus this morning for the short drive to the ancient capital of Cambodia, Oudong. Here, experience the life of the monks and nuns who reside at the peaceful monastery. If you are lucky, you may be able to partake in one of the many festivals and traditional rituals often held here.

After you return to the city, discover the opulence of Phnom Penh's Royal Palace and the famous Silver Pagoda within. Set on the riverfront, this dazzling palace was built in the 1860s and still serves as the official residence of the King of Cambodia. After returning to the ship and before setting sail, enjoy a cultural performance by the Cambodian Student and Children's Organisation.

Sunset Drinks: Get an outfit ready for an evening of style with a Sundowner cocktail reception on the sundeck against the backdrop of Phnom Penh's lights and stunning scenery as the ships sets sail towards Oknha Tey, commonly known as Silk Island. (B/L/D)

This morning, you will explore the island of Oknha Tey, dedicated to the art of silk weaving. Travel by traditional tuk tuk to the farm, meet the workers and learn about silk production. Return to Scenic Spirit for lunch and some free time. This could be the perfect opportunity to escape the heat of a South East Asian afternoon with a swim in the pool and a refreshing cocktail.

After lunch, you will call at Angkor Ban, a small settlement where time stands still. Explore its historic wooden houses, which date back over 100 years and survived the destruction of the Khmer Rouge. You can also visit a local school that teaches English to the students alongside their regular lessons. Back on board, learn the many ways to wear a krama, the traditional Cambodian scarf, as the ship sails towards Kampong Cham. (B/L/D)

Meet the novice monks at Wat Hanchey, an ancient hilltop pagoda and monastery. Walk (or drive) to the top and soak in some of the best elevated views of the cruise. (B/L/D)

Enrich: Receive a traditional blessing from a monk and learn how to pray in a Buddhist pagoda before partaking in an alms ceremony, which contributes to the daily meal of the resident monks.

Sail back to Kampong Cham.

Freechoice:

• This afternoon, explore Kampong Cham and its surrounds. Choose to learn about local folklore at Phnom Pros, a mountaintop pagoda that has long been part of a traditional legend. Tragically, in more modern times, the site was used as a Killing Field by the Khmer Rouge. The temple now features a Buddha Garden and is home to a local troop of monkeys. Afterwards, visit Wat Nokor Bachey, a unique architectural experiment that blends an Angkorian era temple with a new temple built inside it.
• Alternatively, explore Kampong Cham's history and industry with a drive past shop houses, remnants of the French colonial era, and the large Central market. Visit a local rubber plantation established by the French before stopping at a village known for growing betel nut, an important part of Cambodian culture.
• Your third option today is a visit to Kho Penh Village. Located on Pen (Bamboo) Island, it's only accessible by local remork after crossing by bamboo bridge or ferry from Kampong Cham. This remote village gives you a fascinating insight into the simple, rural lifestyle of farmers in Cambodia.

Back on board you will have time to relax and overlook the gorgeous sunset of the Cambodian skyline before your engaging farewell dinner with the crew.

Today we journey to Siem Reap via stops at Kampong Tom and the Angkorian bridge in Kampong Kdei. Siem Reap is a split in time with ancient and traditional architecture weaved between the modern developments. Step back in time at your hotel, a definition of luxury and your historical home for the next three nights in Siem Reap. This brilliantly appointed accommodation is styled with a mix of French inspired architecture, local interior furnishings, the attentive staff provide a service beyond expectations, and brilliant amenities fit for royalty.

This evening head to the colourful Cambodian Phare Circus where your VIP premium reserved seating awaits you. Beautifully dressed performers style a stunning show that is more than just a circus. The performers use theatre, music, dance and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories; historical, folk and modern. (B/L)

The second day of your Siem Reap exploration starts with a delicious champagne buffet breakfast at the hotel. (B/L)

Freechoice: As part of Scenic's Freechoice you have multiple options to choose from.

• Explore the 10th-century Banteay Srei Temple, a temple commonly referred to as the Ladies Temple because of its pinkish sandstone and dedication to the Hindu god Shiva. Afterwards visit the Landmine Museum, founded in 1997 with the aim to make the country safe through the removal of mines.
• On another option visit Senteurs d'Angkor workshop to try your hand at producing your own local souvenir. Through different hands-on workstations, discover how the artisans make by hand soap with coconut oil, natural cosmetics, subtly scented balms, aromatic candles and local spices in traditional ways.
• Alternatively, if you have enjoyed being on the water, sail on Tonle Sap Lake (July to February), a picturesque UNESCO biosphere reserve and dive deep into discovery when visiting and experiencing the life of a floating village.
• Or take flight in a tethered balloon to discover the aerial beauties of the combination between traditional and modern Siem Reap. Enjoy the fresh air and take some remarkable photographs of the skyline as you lift into the skies of Siem Reap overlooking Angkor Wat below before visiting a Lotus Flower workshop.

Later this afternoon explore Angkor Wat itself, the largest religious monument in the world. Originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire, it was gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century. An afternoon visit provides the perfect light for those idealic pictures of this colossal structure. After the day of adventure, tonight is free to shop away at the night markets of Siem Reap or venture to Pub Street, both in walking distance or a short tuk tuk ride from your hotel.

Enrich: Begin the day with an early morning Scenic Enrich, marvel at the sunrise over the magnificent Angkor Wat before moving to a special location near a temple for a scrumptious champagne breakfast with food prepared by a Scenic sponsored, NGO supported local bakery school.

After breakfast, visit the atmospheric, jungle covered Ta Prohm Temple, before stopping at Angkor Thom and the multi-faced Bayon Temple. Fortunately, you have the remainder of the afternoon to discover more of the Siem Reap markets or relax at your luxury hotel after your early morning start. (B/D)

Enrich: The final Scenic Enrich is truly a special and exclusive one, one that is best experienced first-hand to fully appreciate it's scale. Your tour directors and Scenic team will leave you in awe as you enter a private magical gala themed dinner at Prasat Kravan, a small 10th-century temple consisting of five reddish brick towers on a common terrace. Including free flow drinks and a show featuring Apsara dancers in front of the candle lit temple ruins, this evening brings a most incredible end to what is a remarkable trip.

It is time to bid farewell to your fellow travellers and Scenic team as you get ready to depart Cambodia for your homeland or extended travels. Transfer to the airport and leave with a full camera and stunning memories to treasure.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. Disruptions to cruising and alteration to itinerary arrangements may occur. Hotels are indicative and are subject to change. (B)