Europa, A Kaleidoscope of Japanese Culture ex Hong Kong to Shanghai – 02 Mar 2021

18 Night Cruise sailing from Hong Kong to Shanghai aboard Europa.

Please note that your choosen cruise is conducted in German only. All printed matters are available in German. Nevertheless our crew is fluent in English.

Discover the fascinating contrasts of East Asia’s huge, vibrant cities and Japan’s artistic gardens and temple complexes. Enjoy futuristic views and tranquil moments and experience fascinating Japan for yourself.

Highlights of this cruise:

Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a city-state situated on China’s south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour. It is a major tourist destination as well as being one of the world’s major business centres. It is also a bustling port and commercial centre with many luxury hotels and a highly developed transport system.

Places worth visiting include Tsimshatsui complex – shops, restaurants and a space museum, the harbour and its magnificent skyline, The Peak – take a tram to the ‘top’ of Hong Kong Island for exceptional views and the Peak Tower, night markets, Ocean Park, with performing dolphins and killer whales, the floating restaurants, Repulse Bay, with the Tin Hau Temple overlooking the beach, Stanley Market, the New Territories countryside, the Chinese markets; Miu Fat Monastery, Chinese temples, Aberdeen, Lantau Island and the splendid Po Lin Monastery. There are delightful beaches on the islands of Lantau, Lamma and Cheung Chau.

Tokyo
Tokyo is the capital city of Japan and one of its 47 prefectures. It is located on the eastern side of the main island Honshū and includes the Izu Islands and Ogasawara Islands. Tokyo is a huge metropolis spanning the city, mountains to the west and subtropical islands to the south. It is made up of central Tokyo, Old Tokyo, 23 central special wards, 26 more cities, five towns and eight villages.

The metropolis blends high-tech industries, many exciting tourist attractions and cultural heritage sights that have been preserved in a variety of forms including beautiful temples, nature reserves, and parks. On the agenda of most visitors are the temples of Asakusa, the gardens of the Imperial Palace (in Chiyoda) and the Meiji Shrine (明治神宮, in Harajuku).

There are many unique areas to visit such as as dazzling Shinjuku, youthful Shibuya and upmarket Ginza. Akihabara, Tokyo’s Electric Town, is now also the unquestioned center of its otaku community, and the stores along Chuo-dori are packed to the rafters with anime (animation) and manga (comics). Another popular district for all things manga/anime is the Nakano ward and its Broadway Shopping arkade.

Kobe
Kobe is the sixth-largest city in Japan and is the capital city of Hyōgo Prefecture on the southern side of the main island of Honshū, approximately 500 km (310.69 mi) west of Tokyo. Kobe is a prominent port city located in the Kansai region of Japan.

Kobe is most famous for its Kobe beef and Arima Onsen (or “hot springs”). Notable buildings include the Ikuta Shrine as well as the Kobe Port Tower. It is well known for the night view of the city, from mountains such as Mount Rokkō, and Mount Maya as well as the coast.

Kobe also features many serene gardens, ponds and ancient shrines. Historical museums house myriad ceramics, artifacts and Namban – a collection of barbarian art. Kobe also hosts many festivals amidst a labyrinth of futuristic towers, skyscrapers, trendy restaurants, shopping outlets and the Akashi Kaiyo – the world’s longest suspension bridge.

Shanghai
Shanghai, situated on the banks of the Yangtze River Delta in East China, is the largest city of the People’s Republic of China and the eighth largest in the world. Widely regarded as the citadel of China’s modern economy, the city also serves as one of the most important cultural, commercial, financial, industrial and communications centers of China. Shanghai is also one of the world’s busiest ports, and became the largest cargo port in the world in 2005.

Shanghai is known as the ‘Paris of the East’ with the best skyline in Asia, reflecting both Oriental and European influences. In recent years, a number of modern buildings have been added to the city, such as the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Library, Shanghai Stadium, Shanghai Grand Theatre, Shanghai Circus City, Shanghai City-Planning Exhibition Hall and Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai Science & Technology Museum.