Icons of China & Japan

Fly to Beijing, China's historical capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Just outside of Beijing, a true bucket-list sight snakes its way across the landscape – the Great Wall of China. Today you'll get to walk on this iconic structure, climbing to one of its many watchtowers if you're feeling energetic. Visit a jade factory (there is an opportunity to shop for a small, handcrafted piece), then spend the afternoon wandering the gardens of the Summer Palace, the Qing lakeside retreat, famous for its exquisite architecture.

Start the day in the vast and emblematic Tiananmen Square, before delving into the imperial treasure trove of the Forbidden City and its 250-acre maze of halls, palaces and gardens, filled with priceless artefacts. Later, admire the Confucian design and soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven. Tonight, dine on a delicious local delicacy, Peking duck.

Transfer to the train station and board a bullet train to Pingyao. A living museum and home to China's best preserved ancient city walls, walk the characterful streets to see the Qing Dynasty Yamen building and the Rishengchang Financial House Museum.

This morning is at leisure, with the option of taking part in a fun, hands-on noodle making class (additional expense). Late board a bullet train to Xian, capital city of multiple bygone dynasties and terminus of the ancient Silk Road trading route.

One of the 20th century's greatest archaeological discoveries, the enigmatic Terracotta Warriors stand ready for battle around the, as yet unexcavated, tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Spend the morning viewing their ranks then visit a workshop to see where they are intricately recreated. Stroll the beautifully preserved city walls that encircle Xian's old town.

In the evening, enjoy a dumpling making class followed by those dumplings for dinner and accompanied by a Tang Dynasty dancing show.

Take a walking tour of the lively Muslim Quarter, a heaven for foodies and knick-knack lovers, while gaining insight into the fascinating culture and significance of being a city on the Silk Road. Board a bullet train to Chengdu.

This morning is dedicated to Chengdu's most famous resident, the lovable giant panda. Visit the Dujiangyan Panda Base, located outside the city at the foot of the mountains that are the bears' natural habitat, to learn all about pandas and to see them relaxing, playing, and chomping on bamboo. Choose to take part in a panda volunteer experience while you're here (additional expense).

Transfer to Chongqing and board your Yangtze River cruise vessel. From the city, as you cruise downstream nature takes over, revealing some of the world's most dramatic scenery. Over the next days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another, including the Three Gorges themselves, small boat trips down attractive side streams and the massive feat of engineering that is the Three Gorges Dam.

Arrive at Yichang and disembark your cruise vessel. Then board a bullet train to whizz you away to Shanghai.

Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Today's explorations include the Yu Garden and the quaint old town before admiring the colonial architecture along the Bund. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise.

Transfer to Baoshan 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.

Spend today making the most of the plentiful activities available aboard the Spectrum of the Seas.

Welcome to South Korea! Port at Jeju Island, South Korea's favourite holiday and honeymoon spot. A volcanic island of rugged peaks, lush forest and white sand beaches, it is an excellent place to not only enjoy a bit of all out relaxation, but to explore a wealth of unique ancient traditions.

On the north coast of the island of Kyushu, the city of Fukuoka is not only full of fascinating history, it is also the gateway to plenty of natural beauty, historic sights, and some wonderful local food.

Make the most of your cruise ship facilities today – you could relax by the pool, try out the restaurants and bars, and enjoy the range of activities and shows.

Arrive in Kobe, a port city nestled between mountains and sea, and the first place in Japan to open up to foreign trade after the collapse of the shogunate in 1868. The city is perhaps best known for its world-renowned Kobe beef – where better to try it?

Relax onboard your way – sitting by the pool, enjoying the bars and restaurants, or taking part in a sport or activity.

Port at Shimizu, a city of medieval castle ruins, ancient pine groves and traditional gardens. Here, you are ideally located for viewing Mount Fuji or exploring the series of fascinating cultural sites around its base.

Disembark to Royal Caribbean, Spectrum of the Seas. You'll be met by a guide and transferred to your hotel, where the rest of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring.

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 Senso-ji, the city's oldest temple before ascending Tokyo Skytree for magical views. Enjoy a sushi making masterclass before dining on your creations for lunch. Explore Meiji Jingu Shrine and sample the local treats sold on Takeshita Street before stopping at the world-famous Shibuya Crossing.

Fly home to Australia, arriving home the same or the following day.