10 night itinerary at a glance:

May 21, 2012

June 20, 2012 (reverse)

Day 1 Kobe, Japan
Day 2 Uno Ko, Honshu Island
Day 3 Hiroshima, Honshu Island Miyajima, Inland Sea
Day 4 Uwajima, Shikoku Island
Day 5 Nagasaki, Kyushu Island
Day 6 Busan, South Korea
Day 7 Sakai Ko, Honshu Island
Day 8 Kanazawa, Honshu Island
Day 9 Cruise Sea of Japan
Day 10 Otaru, Hokkaido (overnight onboard)
Day 11 Otaru, Hokkaido

8 night itinerary at a glance:

***NOT OFFERED FOR 2012***

Day 1 Kobe, Japan
Day 2 Uno Ko, Honshu Island
Day 3 Hiroshima, Honshu Island Miyajima, Inland Sea
Day 4 Uwajima, Shikoku Island
Day 5 Nagasaki, Kyushu Island
Day 6 Busan, South Korea
Day 7 Sakai Ko, Honshu Island
Day 8 Sado Island, Sea of Japan, Cruise Sea of Japan
Day 9 Niigata, Japan

10 night detailed itinerary

Day 1 Kobe, Japan
Your cruise begins or ends in this bustling cosmopolitan port city. If you are disembarking, you will have the option to purchase a coach transfer from the port in Kobe to hotels in Osaka and Kyoto or to Kansai International Airport. There are regular flights from Tokyo airport to Kobe airport.

Day 2 Uno Ko, Honshu Island
From the port of Uno Ko, we will take a coach to visit Okayama and Kurashiki. In Okayama we will spend time walking through the serene and beautiful 17th century Korakuen gardens and will enjoy a traditional tea ceremony in the gardens. In Kurashiki we will visit a traditional family house dating back to the 17th century and also visit the Ōhara Museum of Art, which displays works by El Greco, Monet, Matisse, Gauguin, and Renoir as well as fine examples of Asian and contemporary art. We will have free time in Kurashiki to explore the cobblestone streets and the boutique shops lining the river, and will enjoy a formal Japanese lunch in Kurushiki.

Day 3 Hiroshima, Honshu Island Miyajima, Inland Sea
Our visit to Hiroshima revolves around the Peace Park, Peace Museum and the A-Bomb Dome. The Peace Park, and the A-Bomb dome (one of the only buildings to survive the horrific blast), stand in peaceful contrast to the images displayed inside the museum. Visiting the Peace Museum is quite an emotional experience for most people, and truly, no trip to Japan is complete without it.

As Orion II crosses the misty sea, we slowly approach the sacred island of Itsukushima, more commonly known as Miyajima and its holy mountain of Misen San.The large vermillion-colored O-Torii that marks the entrance gate to the shrine is one of the most recognizable images of Japan as it appears to float on the water during high tides. Several other shrines and temples are dotted around the island and you will have an opportunity to explore those as well after we land our Zodiacs on the beach.
Besides the main shrine, vendors sell freshly shucked oysters and Sika Deer wander freely around the shrine and through the town. Note that the order in which we visit Hiroshima and Miyajima today is tide dependent.

Day 4 Uwajima, Shikoku Island
Uwajima on Shikoku Island is a window into Japan's rural past. After our dockside welcome you will have the choice in participating in one of two experiences. You may opt to climb to the top of the mountain to see Uwajima Castle, an authentic and traditional example of one of these former mountaintop strong holds. This excursion offers an excellent opportunity for birdwatching as well as a visit to the Date Museum, named after one of the former feudal lords of the area. You will also be able to visit Tenshaen Garden.

 

As an alternative, you are invited to ride on a coach to Dairakuji Temple, where nocturnal flying squirrels have made their home. Our visit will be hosted by the local priest, who will also show us his amazing personal garden. On this tour, we will also visit the Doi Pearl Farm where we will see first hand the Japanese way of running a pearl farm as well as have an opportunity to make some purchases. Our excursion also includes stops at a local gourmet shopping area that features local produce and yet more pearls.

As a third option, you may spend the day exploring the charming city center of Uwajima.

Day 5 Nagasaki, Kyushu Island
Today we will use the local street cars to transport us to the Nagasaki Peace Park and Ground Zero and also to Dejima, a designated Japanese history site. During Japan's self-imposed period of isolation, Dejima was created as a man made island to "contain" Portuguese traders in 1634. From 1641 to 1851 it became a Dutch trading base up until the point it was integrated into the rest of the city as the isolationist period came to an end. We will also visit Glover Garden, the one time home of Thomas Glover, a Scottish business man who helped to establish ship building and other industries in Nagasaki, as well as the Ouru Catholic Church of the 26 Martyrs. A complimentary shuttle into the city area will also be available today. Please note, Orion II guests will be split into different groups to part

Day 6 Busan, South Korea
Busan, South Korea, the world's fifth busiest seaport, is located on the Southeasternmost tip of the Korean Peninsula and is our destination today.
A shuttle bus from the port to the central shopping area and fish markets will be available all day as well as an included expedition that visits several local attractions. We will visit Tongdosa Temple, a colorful Korean Buddhist temple where we can participate in a Korean tea ceremony with the Monks. We will briefly stop to see the popular and extremely crowded Haeundae beach. Next, we'll travel to the UN Memorial Cemetery to pay our respects to those who served and lost their lives during the Korean War. And finally, we will visit the world renowned Jalgachi Fish Market, arguably the best of its kind in the world, where every kind of edible sea creature is for sale.

Day 7 Sakai Ko, Honshu Island
Sakai Ko is the port in Miho Bay, serving the city of Sakaiminato. Today we visit the Adachi Museum of Art, where we'll see an impressive collection of Japanese art from many eras. It is also home to one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan, regularly voted as the best in Japan. Traveling further west we will take a boat ride on the moat surrounding the imposing Matsue Castle. We will visit the house of the writer Lafcadio Hearn, and as we head back closer to port we will see over 100 bronze statues depicting characters from a popular animated cartoon series called Ge Ge Ge no Kitaro. We'll finish the day with a visit to Sakai's Sake brewery for some sampling of their fine product.


Day 8 Kanazawa, Honshu Island
Kanazawa means "marsh of gold", and the name is suitable for this city where gold leaf plays a major role in the city's culture, and even ice cream is served with flecks of gold. Kanazawa is also one of the few places where the geisha culture still thrives, and today's excursion includes an opportunity to take part in a geisha experience. You will also have the opportunity to visit Kenrokuen Gardens and its traditional samurai residences.

Day 9 Cruise Sea of Japan

Day 10 Otaru, Hokkaido (overnight onboard)
Otaru is one of Hokkaido's key ports, primarily servicing the nearby city of Sapporo. Otaru is famous, among other things, for its excellent - though expensive - sushi! It is also known for its glasswork and its welcoming and picturesque shops along the restored canal. It is also home to one of the world's few working steam clocks, which uses steam to play chimes every hour.

Day 11 Otaru, Hokkaido

8 night detailed itinerary

Day 1 Kobe, Japan
Your cruise begins or ends in this bustling cosmopolitan port city. If you are disembarking, you will have the option to purchase a coach transfer from the port in Kobe to hotels in Osaka and Kyoto or to Kansai International Airport. There are regular flights from Tokyo airport to Kobe airport.

Day 2 Uno Ko, Honshu Island
From the port of Uno Ko, we will take a coach to visit Okayama and Kurashiki. In Okayama we will spend time walking through the serene and beautiful 17th century Korakuen gardens and will enjoy a traditional tea ceremony in the gardens. In Kurashiki we will visit a traditional family house dating back to the 17th century and also visit the Ōhara Museum of Art, which displays works by El Greco, Monet, Matisse, Gauguin, and Renoir as well as fine examples of Asian and contemporary art. We will have free time in Kurashiki to explore the cobblestone streets and the boutique shops lining the river, and will enjoy a formal Japanese lunch in Kurushiki.

Day 3 Hiroshima, Honshu Island Miyajima, Inland Sea
Our visit to Hiroshima revolves around the Peace Park, Peace Museum and the A-Bomb Dome. The Peace Park, and the A-Bomb dome (one of the only buildings to survive the horrific blast), stand in peaceful contrast to the images displayed inside the museum. Visiting the Peace Museum is quite an emotional experience for most people, and truly, no trip to Japan is complete without it.
As Orion II crosses the misty sea, we slowly approach the sacred island of Itsukushima, more commonly known as Miyajima and its holy mountain of Misen San.The large vermillion-colored O-Torii that marks the entrance gate to the shrine is one of the most recognizable images of Japan as it appears to float on the water during high tides. Several other shrines and temples are dotted around the island and you will have an opportunity to explore those as well after we land our Zodiacs on the beach.
Besides the main shrine, vendors sell freshly shucked oysters and Sika Deer wander freely around the shrine and through the town. Note that the order in which we visit Hiroshima and Miyajima today is tide dependent.

Day 4 Uwajima, Shikoku Island
Uwajima on Shikoku Island is a window into Japan's rural past. After our dockside welcome you will have the choice in participating in one of two experiences. You may opt to climb to the top of the mountain to see Uwajima Castle, an authentic and traditional example of one of these former mountaintop strong holds. This excursion offers an excellent opportunity for birdwatching as well as a visit to the Date Museum, named after one of the former feudal lords of the area. You will also be able to visit Tenshaen Garden.

As an alternative, you are invited to ride on a coach to Dairakuji Temple, where nocturnal flying squirrels have made their home. Our visit will be hosted by the local priest, who will also show us his amazing personal garden. On this tour, we will also visit the Doi Pearl Farm where we will see first hand the Japanese way of running a pearl farm as well as have an opportunity to make some purchases. Our excursion also includes stops at a local gourmet shopping area that features local produce and yet more pearls.

As a third option, you may spend the day exploring the charming city center of Uwajima.

Day 5 Nagasaki, Kyushu Island
Today we will use the local street cars to transport us to the Nagasaki Peace Park and Ground Zero and also to Dejima, a designated Japanese history site. During Japan's self-imposed period of isolation, Dejima was created as a man made island to "contain" Portuguese traders in 1634. From 1641 to 1851 it became a Dutch trading base up until the point it was integrated into the rest of the city as the isolationist period came to an end. We will also visit Glover Garden, the one time home of Thomas Glover, a Scottish business man who helped to establish ship building and other industries in Nagasaki, as well as the Ouru Catholic Church of the 26 Martyrs. A complimentary shuttle into the city area will also be available today. Please note, Orion II guests will be split into different groups to part

Day 6 Busan, South Korea
Busan, South Korea, the world's fifth busiest seaport, is located on the Southeasternmost tip of the Korean Peninsula and is our destination today.
A shuttle bus from the port to the central shopping area and fish markets will be available all day as well as an included expedition that visits several local attractions. We will visit Tongdosa Temple, a colorful Korean Buddhist temple where we can participate in a Korean tea ceremony with the Monks. We will briefly stop to see the popular and extremely crowded Haeundae beach. Next, we'll travel to the UN Memorial Cemetery to pay our respects to those who served and lost their lives during the Korean War. And finally, we will visit the world renowned Jalgachi Fish Market, arguably the best of its kind in the world, where every kind of edible sea creature is for sale.

Day 7 Sakai Ko, Honshu Island
Sakai Ko is the port in Miho Bay, serving the city of Sakaiminato. Today we visit the Adachi Museum of Art, where we'll see an impressive collection of Japanese art from many eras. It is also home to one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan, regularly voted as the best in Japan. Traveling further west we will take a boat ride on the moat surrounding the imposing Matsue Castle. We will visit the house of the writer Lafcadio Hearn, and as we head back closer to port we will see over 100 bronze statues depicting characters from a popular animated cartoon series called Ge Ge Ge no Kitaro. We'll finish the day with a visit to Sakai's Sake brewery for some sampling of their fine product.

Day 8 Sado Island, Sea of Japan, Cruise Sea of Japan
Sado is a great summer getaway with rugged coastlines, mountainous interior green hills and quaint fishing ports. The island is famous for Japanese traditional Taiko drumming, and today we will visit Kodo's Taiko Centre for an interactive traditional drumming experience. We will also have the chance to experience a short traditional boat ride in the waters off Sado in Taraibune "barrel" boats. These round barrel boats were traditionally used to collect Abalone and other molluscs from narrow coves formed by earthquakes. Their small size and unique shape were perfect for getting in and out of these narrow rock crevices.
During the second half of our visit to Sado we will learn to make Soba noodles, followed by a visit to the local Sake brewery where you can try various grades of sake and numerous other local products.

Day 9 Niigata, Japan

2012 Departures May 21, 2012 and June 20, 2012

Orion II is a private yacht-like expedition cruise ship built by Cantieri Navale Ferrari of Italy. After a number of years as a private yacht, Orion II was relaunched in 2009 following an extensive technical refit. Little expense was spared with this stylish, Italian built, all-suite Mega Yacht. Orion II now offers the finest standards in small-ship cruise travel. She is fitted with stabilisers and the expedition equipment includes Zodiacs to deliver the Orion expedition experience. Combining luxury and service will require staffing by 70 offices and crew to serve Orion II's capacity of 100 guests. Excellence of design, craftsmanship and quality materials combined with Orion II's spaciousness and intimate ambience make her ideal for distinctive cultural and expedition voyages.

Technical Information:

• Length: 88 metres
• Beam: 15.3 metres
• Draft: 4.5 metres
• Hull: Ice- strengthened hull for voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic
• Gross Tonnage: 4,077
• Engines: MAN B&W Diesel 2 x 2520 KW
• Speed: 14 knots. Cruise speed 13.5 knots
• Stabilisers: Retractable fin stabilisers
• Manoeuvrability: Bow thrusters
• Built: January 1991. Refitted 2009
• Builder: Cantieri Navale Ferrari (Italy)
• Suites: 50
• Guest Capacity: 100 (twin occupancy).
• Crew: 70
• Elevator: Yes
• Classification: Lloyds
• Regulations: Orion II is built according to the latest international safety regulations, including those of the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Public Health, Canadian Arctic Shipping, and St. Lawrence Seaway.
• Additional Craft: 9 Zodiac Heavy Duty MK5
• Communications: Direct-dial satellite telephones; fax; e-mail; Internet access; internal telephone system.
• Registry: Malta