Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to the hotel. After check-in, you’ll have time to get settled in before joining your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

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Note: If you wish to spend more time in Singapore, ask your Personal Vacation Manager about the optional hotel extension—which will add a night to your hotel stay.

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Enjoy the morning at leisure to adjust to the new time zone and enjoy the hotel’s facilities. This afternoon, join your guide for a tour of Singapore’s highlights. We will drive past the Parliament House and the National Gallery, landmarks of Singapore’s colonial past and journey to independence, and the Padang field at the Cricket Club, one of the world’s more picturesque sports grounds. We will then stop at the Merlion Park for great views of Marina Bay and a picture-taking opportunity with the Merlion, a mythological creature that is part lion and part fish.

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We will explore the Kampong Glam, a Malay enclave with a blend of history, culture and trendy lifestyle. Your last stop will be at the Long Bar inside the fully restored historic Raffles Hotel for a taste of Singapore’s unofficial national drink that was invented here in 1915, the “Singapore Sling.” As the saying goes, “If you have not been to Raffles, you have not been to Singapore”. Conclude the tour with dinner at a local restaurant.

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Today will continue our tour of Singapore. Spend the morning at the National Orchid Garden, located within the Singapore Botanic Gardens (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The Botanic Gardens boast a sprawling display of 60,000 orchid plants comprising of 400 species and more than 2,000 hybrids. We will then visit Little India where you will be enthralled with the scent of spices, jasmine, orchid garlands and exotic fruits.

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After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy the breathtaking views from the Skypark observation deck, located 57 stories above the city, atop the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel. We will then venture to Chinatown with its traditional turn-of-the-century shophouses and a visit to the Thian Hock Keng Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist-Taoist temples on the island. We will end the day with a traditional tea ceremony demonstration, as your host expertly creates an experience of aroma and flavor. Enjoy the rest of your evening at your leisure.

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After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the port, where you will board the Celebrity Millennium for a 13-night cruise to Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan.

Ports of call include Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My), Vietnam; Hong Kong, China (Overnight); Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan; Nagasaki and Kagoshima, Japan

Enjoy breakfast onboard, then disembark the Celebrity Millennium and set off on your tour of Hakone, a famous day-trip destination for Tokyo’s city dwellers. Upon arrival, we’ll take a cable car up the mountain to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills, forests, and lakes. We will then proceed to Owakudani Valley, a result of volcanic activity over thousands of years. Here you’ll observe the steam vents from the geothermal areas while enjoying scenic views of the surrounding mountains. After lunch, we will continue our visit to Hakone with a relaxing boat ride along the Ashi Lake. The lush greenery of the surrounding hillsides and the imposing image of Mt. Fuji in the distance (weather permitting), is a captivating scene. During the cruise you’ll view the famous Torii Gate from Hakone Shrine, which stands in the water, and take in the natural beauty of the area. Finish the day at the Okada Museum, known for its extensive collection of Japanese and East Asian art and its architectural design that harmoniously blends in with the natural surroundings. Immerse yourself in the beauty and creativity of the region at the museum. We will then make our way to our hotel in Tokyo for check in.

Begin the day with a visit to Asakusa Sensoji Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo. Travel back in time as you enter through the iconic gate at the entrance, stroll through the sacred grounds, explore the enormous temple and marvel at the intricately carved five-story pagoda. Then, head to a special venue to learn about Taiko, a traditional Japanese drum which has been used in festivals for over 2,000 years. You will learn how to play Taiko from a professional performer while learning about its origin and influence on Japanese culture.

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After lunch at a local restaurant, board a river boat and enjoy an afternoon cruise along the Sumida river, providing you with a new perspective from which to appreciate the ancient and modern aspects of the city. We will then take a stroll in the peaceful setting of a traditional Japanese garden. In the evening, visit the Roppongi Hills Observatory to take in a breathtaking view of the city skyline. Then, finish the night with a special dinner with savory Japanese food.

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This morning we will start our tour at the Meiji Jingu Shrine, Japan’s most famous Shinto shrine. Nestled within a lush forest in the middle of the city, this peaceful oasis will make you forget that you’re in bustling Tokyo. Back in the city, we will witness Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing, and explore the upscale Aoyama district. Our next stop is a renowned culinary studio, where you’ll try your hand at making traditional Japanese sushi. After this fun, interactive experience, sit down to a delicious lunch of your own creations. We will then visit Ginza, Tokyo’s upscale shopping and entertainment district, before returning to the hotel to enjoy the evening at your leisure.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

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Note: If you wish to spend more time in Tokyo, ask your Personal Vacation Manager about the optional hotel extension—which will add one or two nights to your hotel stay.

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