The best of China & Japan

Arrive at your departure airport, ready to board your flight* to China. Night on board.*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Arrive at Beijing Airport and transfer to your hotel.* As the capital of China, Beijing is undoubtedly one of the world’s most historic and culturally rich cities. Overnight stay in Beijing.*Standard hotel check-in is from 2:00 p.m. If you arrive earlier, you can leave your luggage at reception and enjoy some free time to explore the city.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you’ll visit a Jade Factory to learn about the importance and cultural significance of this stone in China. Then head to the fascinating Great Wall at Juyongguan. Construction on this section began in the 7th century to protect the Chinese Empire from invaders, and it remains a must-see attraction to this day.Afterwards, enjoy free time to relax or continue exploring at your own pace. We also recommend joining our optional visit to the Shichahai Hutongs with a nighttime tour of Qianmen.* Overnight stay in Beijing.*Optional visit to the Shichahai Hutongs with a nighttime tour of Qianmen: Explore the historic Shichahai Hutongs by rickshaw—a network of ancient, traditional alleys in Beijing where courtyard homes known as siheyuan are still preserved. This tour offers a glimpse into life in the old city as you stroll past centuries-old houses and narrow streets steeped in history. Visit an authentic traditional courtyard, where you can chat with locals and learn the delicate art of Chinese paper cutting. Afterwards, enjoy a pleasant walk through the lively Houhai area and conclude the experience with a nighttime stroll along historic Qianmen Street, where old Beijing comes to life amid lights, aromas, and tradition.Important note: Visits may be rescheduled due to weather, operational or political events. We suggest you not to book tours with third parties in case of any penalty due to cancellation.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you’re free to explore at your own pace. We recommend joining our optional full-day Beijing tour* for a closer look at the city. Overnight stay in Beijing.*Optional full-day tour of Beijing: Start at Tiananmen Square and continue to the Forbidden City, an impressive palace complex that was once home to the emperor. Visit the Summer Palace, where the imperial family escaped the heat. And finish with a delicious dinner featuring traditional Peking duck!The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays, so the order of the itinerary may be changed to accommodate this closure.Important note: Visits may be rescheduled due to weather, operational or political events. We suggest you not to book tours with third parties in case of any penalty due to cancellation.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, you’ll head to the Temple of Heaven, where emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties once worshipped the Gods of Heaven. If possible, your guide will take you to a part of the park where locals practise morning activities like tai chi or traditional dances.Afterwards, visit the Traditional Chinese Medicine Centre to learn how herbal treatments and ancient practices have helped people for thousands of years.Later, transfer to the train station to take the bullet train to Shanghai. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Shanghai.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a walking tour along Nanjing Street and the Bund to take in Shanghai’s modern views. Then visit a Silk Factory to see how these beautiful fabrics are made. Next, head to the Old City Bazaars near Yuyuan Garden, where you’ll find plenty of interesting souvenirs and spots serving typical Shanghai dishes.We recommend joining our optional afternoon Shanghai city tour.* In the evening, you could also enjoy a fantastic acrobatic show.** Overnight stay in Shanghai.*Optional visit to Shanghai Museum and Pudong: This includes a visit to the Shanghai Museum, famous for its extensive cultural collection. Afterwards, explore the Pudong area with included entry to Jinmao Tower or Shanghai Tower.**Optional Chinese acrobatic show: Experience one of the world’s oldest performing arts and immerse yourself in a night of culture and entertainment.Important note: Visits may be rescheduled due to weather, operational or political events. We suggest you not to book tours with third parties in case of any penalty due to cancellation.

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day exploring at your own pace. We recommend joining our optional visit to the Gardens of Suzhou* and a night cruise on the Huangpu River.** Overnight stay in Shanghai.Please note: Today’s optional activities can be combined.*Optional Suzhou day tour: Discover the timeless charm of Suzhou, known as the “Venice of the East.” Visit the elegant Lingering Garden, a masterpiece of classical Chinese landscaping, then wander at your own pace through the lively and historic Shantang Street. Enjoy a scenic canal boat ride surrounded by traditional architecture and local life before continuing to the iconic Tiger Hill, one of Suzhou’s most celebrated landmarks, with the possibility of arriving by boat for a truly authentic experience.**Optional Huangpu River night cruise: Take in the city skyline from the comfort of a river cruise and enjoy a night with spectacular views of Shanghai.Important note: Visits may be rescheduled due to weather, operational or political events. We suggest you not to book tours with third parties in case of any penalty due to cancellation.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the designated time, transfer to the airport for your flight to Japan.Arrival at Tokyo Airport where you will be welcomed by an English-speaking representative holding an EXOTICCA signboard. They will provide a physical copy of your travel documents, offer useful information, and address any last minute questions you may have before providing clear directions to your vehicle or public transportation. **Clarification on Important Notes.Then, transfer on your own* to the hotel. If you do not include a private transfer service, we recommend that you use Japan’s public transportation, which is one of the best in the world: reliable, clean, and extremely punctual. Take some time to settle in and relax after your journey before your adventure begins. Overnight stay in Tokyo.*You'll have the option to book a private transfer from and to the airport in the next step of the booking process.**The meet and greet service won't be included for Land only bookings (without booked flights).

Today you have free time during the morning to further explore Tokyo at your own pace. Consider visiting the serene Onden Shrine, nestled in a tranquil area near Harajuku, or take a walk through the stylish streets of Omotesando for architecture and boutique shopping.Afterwards, enjoy a guided tour of Shibuya to experience the essence of Tokyo through one of its most iconic neighborhoods. Begin at Shibuya Station with “The Myth of Tomorrow,” a powerful mural by Taro Okamoto. Feel the energy at Shibuya Crossing, the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world. Walk to Meiji Shrine. Stroll through Nonbei Yokocho (Drunkard’s Alley) to get a glimpse of local life and post-war history. Take a break in Miyashita Park, a multi-level urban oasis, and soak in the youthful vibe of Center Gai. Explore the historic streets of Maruyama-cho, now a hotspot for nightlife. End the tour at the famous Hachiko Statue, a beloved symbol of loyalty. Overnight stay in Tokyo.Please note the order of the activity may vary depending on the weather or logistical reasons.

Enjoy a full day to explore Tokyo at your own pace, discovering the city’s endless attractions and hidden gems. For an added adventure, we recommend you to join our optional Mount Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi tour.* This excursion offers stunning views of Japan’s iconic peak and the serene beauty of Lake Kawaguchi, making for an unforgettable experience. Overnight stay in Tokyo.*Optional Mount Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi tour: set off on a full-day tour to explore Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy panoramic views from the 5th Station, take in the scenic beauty of Lake Kawaguchi and Oishi Park, learn about local traditions at Arakurayama Sengen Shrine, and visit the five-story Chureito Pagoda. Overnight stay in Tokyo.Please note: Lunch is not included but you'll have free time in the picturesque village of Oishana Hakkai, where you can enjoy a meal at a local restaurant and try the region's noodles.If road conditions or unforeseen circumstances restrict the ascent to the 5th station, you will instead travel the highest elevation possible considering the circumstances.If any location is closed, a similar alternative will be visited. The order of the itinerary may vary due to traffic, weather conditions, or operational reasons.

Board the bullet train (Shinkansen) to Kyoto*, Japan’s ancient capital. The trip takes only around 2 hours and 15 minutes, and the train can reach speeds of 300 km/h! Enjoy the rest of the day exploring Kyoto at your own pace. Wander through serene streets, visit hidden temples, or unwind at a local onsen.Kyoto was Japan’s capital for over a thousand years and is one of the best-preserved cities in the country. It’s a vibrant blend of modern life and traditional culture, surrounded by the mountains of Western Honshu and that offers a wide variety of restaurants, and is easy to navigate. Overnight stay in Kyoto.*The transfer between the hotel and the train station is not included.Note: An optional upgrade to Green Car (first-class style seating) on bullet train journeys is available for an additional fee.

Enjoy the morning exploring Kyoto at your own pace. Visit the impressive Nijo Castle or, for a more interactive experience, explore the Samurai & Ninja Museum to learn about Japan’s legendary warriors.In the evening, take part in a guided walking tour of Gion, Kyoto’s most iconic geisha district. This is the time when geishas—known locally as geiko—and maiko (apprentices) begin to appear as they head to evening appointments, offering a rare and authentic glimpse into this refined world of traditional arts and entertainment.Wander through atmospheric alleyways lined with teahouses and wooden machiya townhouses, as your expert guide shares stories and insights into Kyoto’s unique cultural heritage. You'll also visit the famous Yasaka Shrine, where you'll learn about Shinto and its traditions. Overnight stay in Kyoto.

Enjoy a free day to explore Kyoto at your own pace. Wander through the city's peaceful streets, browse traditional craft shops, or visit one of its many charming teahouses. For a deeper cultural experience,we highly recommend joining our optional Kyoto & Nara Full-Day Tour*—an exceptional and comprehensive coach excursion that offers incredible value. Overnight stay in Kyoto.*Optional Kyoto & Nara full-day tour: Begin with a visit to Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stunning three-story temple is covered in gold leaf on its upper floors and reflects beautifully in the surrounding Mirror Lake. Next, walk through the famous Senbon Torii at Fushimi Inari Taisha, where thousands of deep red torii gates form a captivating tunnel through the forest. In the afternoon, explore Nara Park, a vast area home to cultural treasures such as Todai-ji Temple (housing the Great Buddha), Kofuku-ji Temple, Kasuga Shrine, the Nara National Museum, and the ancient Kasugayama Primeval Forest. The park is also known for its approximately 1,300 friendly wild deer that roam freely among the trees, gardens, and historic landmarks.

Travel to Osaka aboard the Shinkansen (bullet train)* for a short 15-minute ride to the final city on your itinerary: vibrant, modern Osaka. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to explore the city at your own pace.Osaka is Japan’s third-largest city and the central hub of the Kansai region. The city has two main districts: Kita (north), a bustling business and shopping area, and Minami (south), known for its entertainment and nightlife. Among Osaka’s top attractions are its impressive, fully restored castle and the world-renowned Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan). Osaka also boasts bold modern architecture, a thriving nightlife scene, and some of Japan’s most beloved local cuisine—don’t miss the street food in Dōtonbori, packed with neon lights, restaurants, and bars. Overnight stay in Osaka.*The transfer between the hotel and the train station is not included.

It’s time to say goodbye to Japan, taking with you unforgettable memories. For a smooth departure, you may choose to book an optional private airport transfer, or make your own way to the airport. Arrive in your home city and end this extraordinary journey.