Itinerary

Day 1: DEPART USA

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Depart the USA.

Day 2: BEIJING

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Arrive Beijing for one pre-cruise night. Gather this evening for an orientation and welcome dinner. (D)

Accommodation: THE PENINSULA BEIJING (view website)

Day 3: BEIJING - TIANJIN

Friday, July 17, 2009

Tour Beijing’s Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Following lunch, proceed to the port city of Tianjin and embark the COSTA CLASSICA to cast off at 5:00 p.m. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: COSTA CLASSICA (view website)

Day 4: AT SEA

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Relax on board and enjoy a series of lectures. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: COSTA CLASSICA (view website)

Day 5: CHEJU, SOUTH KOREA

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Call at the port of Cheju. This small island off the southern tip of South Korea is volcanic in origin, with Mt. Halla rising 6,500 above the sea, making it the highest peak in South Korea. Mt. Sanbang is a volcano with a beautiful grotto overlooking the sea, a highlight also with other fascinating rock formations along the stunningly beautiful coastline. Our excursion explores the coast and visits the Natural History and Folk Museum. Displays reveal cultures that have lived on this island for thousands of years and displays the island’s flora and fauna, and geologic history. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: COSTA CLASSICA (view website)

Day 6: KAGOSHIMA, JAPAN

Monday, July 20, 2009

Disembark in Kagoshima for a day of sightseeing. Iso Garden is the enormous grounds of a 17th-century villa with artificial rivers, mountains and a waterfall. A walk through a bamboo grove and nature trail provides exquisite views of the bay and Mt. Sakurajima, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. A short ferry ride takes us to Sakurajima Island, a volcano park. Sail this afternoon. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: COSTA CLASSICA (view website)

Day 7: AT SEA

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

The day is spent cruising to the location on the path of totality projected to have the longest duration and optimum weather. Lectures continue. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: COSTA CLASSICA (view website)

Day 8: ECLIPSE DAY!

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

We will, likely, be the only group in the world to see this eclipse at its maximum duration, 6 minutes and 38.9 seconds. For fun we're going to use the forward motion of the ship along the center line of the eclipse to push the length of totality to 6 minutes and 39 seconds - a "silly" tenth of a second longer. Why? Because it’s fun and we can. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: COSTA CLASSICA (view website)

Day 9: AT SEA

Thursday, July 23, 2009

The lecture series continues as we relive the events of yesterday. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: COSTA CLASSICA (view website)

Day 10: KOBE - NARA - KYOTO

Friday, July 24, 2009

Disembark the ship and board a chartered motorcoach for a half-day excursion to Nara en route to Kyoto. Visit Todaiji Temple ("Great Eastern Temple"), one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples, which houses Japan’s largest Buddha statue (Daibutsu). It is also the world's largest wooden building, even though the present reconstruction of 1692 is only two thirds of the original temple's size, built in 792 AD. We also see Nara Park, the Kasuga Taisha shrine and the Horyuji Temple. Continue to Kyoto and enjoy dinner on your own at a local restaurant or in the hotel. (B,L)

Accommodation: KYOTO OKURA HOTEL (view website)

Day 11: KYOTO

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Today’s full-day excursion focuses on the craftsmanship of the Japanese temple. We begin in the simple serenity of the temple Ryoanji’s Garden of Emptiness, perhaps the world’s finest Zen garden. Then, experience the opulence of the famous gold-leafed Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) and stop at the 17th-century Nijo Castle and its gardens. Make a special visit to Saihoji Temple, an ancient temple said to have been established by the monk Gyoki during the Nara Period, and restored and converted into a Zen temple by the monk Muso Soseki in 1339. The moss gardens are covered by more than 120 types of moss, resembling a beautiful green carpet - thus its other name, Kokedera Temple, which literally means "Moss Temple." Visit Nanzenji, perhaps the most important Zen temple in the world. Finally, see Sanjusangendo, a 12th-century temple with an incredible display of gilt carvings. Thirty three bays house 1001 statues of Kannon-Bosatsu, covered in gold leaf. Then gather for a festive dinner at a local restaurant, complete with geisha/maiko show. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: KYOTO OKURA HOTEL (view website)

Day 12: KYOTO - KIYOSATO KOGEN

Sunday, July 26, 2009

This morning board the Shinkansen, or bullet train, to Nagoya and transfer to an express train for the trip into the mountains. Proceed by motor coach to Nobeyama National Astronomical Observatory for a special welcome by Professor Turner’s colleagues. Then continue to the lovely village of Kiyosato Kogen and our charming inn. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: KIYOSATO KOGEN INN

Day 13: KIYOSATO KOGEN - TOKYO

Monday, July 27, 2009

Today’s journey out of the mountains is dramatically beautiful and a part of Japan few American travelers ever see. Explore the spectacular Shosenkyo Gorge, where steep rock walls contain a raging torrent of water. Walk to scenic view points amid the beautiful forest vegetation. Also visit Takeda Shrine, a former family manor house dedicated to commemorate a distinguished general, Takeda Shingen. The Treasure Hall displays many relics including armor, swords, and historic documents. Arrive in Tokyo this afternoon. (B,L)

Accommodation: IMPERIAL HOTEL (view website)

Day 14: TOKYO

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Spend a full day in Tokyo with visits to the Imperial Palace, 7th-century Asakusa Kannon Temple, Nakamise Shopping Arcade and the Tokyo International Forum. After lunch visit the extensive Edo-Tokyo Museum, followed by an excursion to the trendy areas of Roppongi Hills and Omotesando. This evening, gather for a festive farewell dinner. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: IMPERIAL HOTEL (view website)

Day 15: RETURN USA

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Following breakfast, proceed to the airport for a flight to the USA, arriving the same day. (B)