Max group size: 110

Itinerary

Friday & Saturday, April 9 & 10

USA/Hong Kong

Depart the USA on your independent flight to Hong Kong. Arrive in Hong Kong on the 10th and transfer to our hotel for our first overnight.

Sunday, April 11

Hong Kong

In the morning we set out to explore this magnetic cosmopolitan city and its environs. We visit Hon Kong's most popular temple complex, the colorful Wong Tai Sin Temple, on the lower slopes of the Kowloon Hills; the dazzling Jade Market; and Tung Choi Street, known locally as "Ladies Market." Or visit the Tai Po Kau Natural Reserve, cleared of trees in the early 20th century and then replanted with native plants in 1946, this park is a wonderful example of reforestation. During our visit we search for birds like the fork-tailed sunbird and the scarlet minivet among flora specias such as the lovely Hong Kong rose.

Monday, April 12

Hong Kong / Embark Clipper Odyssey

After the morning at leisure, we enjoy lunch before riding the famous Peak Tram, one of the world's oldest furnicular railways, then take in the spectacular views of Hong Kong and its harbor from the rooftop Sky Gallery of the Peak Tower. We continue to Repulse Bay, whose white sandy beaches stretch along the South China Sea. We end our tour at Stanley Market, a dizzying, international shopping mecca.

Or, choose an all day visit to Mai Po, whose salt marshes are teeming with migratory birds. World Wildlife Fund manages the site, where more than 60,000 birds converge; among them: the rare Asian dowitcher, spoonbilled sandpipers, and Nordmann's greenshank. Late this afternoon embark the Clipper Odyssey.

Tuesday, April 13

At Sea

Take in the first of our lecture series, an introduction to the history and culture of Taiwan and Japan. Passing offshore islands, we watch for Asian seabirds such as black-naped and roseate terns and streaked shearwaters.

Wednesday, April 14

Keelung, Taipei, Taiwan

A solitary island off the southeast coast of mainland China, Taiwan also borders the western edge of the Pacific Ring of Fire, endowing the landscape with volcanic peaks and a beautiful coastline. We dock at the northern tip of the island at Keelung and, after breakfast, board motorcoaches for a tour of Taipei. Highlights include the Presidential Office Building; the Taipei Flower Market; Chiang Kai-Check Martyr's Shrine; the Handicraft Center and Taipei 101 - the world's tallest skyscraper. Birders set out for the fringes of the city to look for such species as crested goshawk, Taiwan hwamei, and the formosan magpie.

After lunch at a local restaurant we drive to the National Palace Museum and Zhishan Garden. Ranked as one of the world's top four museums, it houses the largest single collection of Chinese artifacts in existence, over 700,000 pieces in all.

Thursday, April 15

Ishigaki, Yaeyama Islands, Japan

Okinawa's Yaeyama Islands comprise Japan's southernmost archipelago. Exotic flora and fauna, lush forests, sandy beaches, and emerald waters fringed in coral reefs offer an alluring setting. We begin with a walk to the traditional house of an Okinawa samurai, built in 1819, followed by a visit to the Yaeyama Museum, dedicated to the cultural history of the island. Birders keep an eye out for the endemic Ryukyu serpent eagle and local purple heron.

After lunch at a local restaurant we drive to the Hirakubozaki Lighthouse to take in sweeping views. Back in town we visit the Mineya Minsa Weaving Center. We return to the ship and sail north to the Kerama Islands.

Friday, April 16

Kerama Islands

The lush chain of 22 subtropical islands lie just 20 miles southwest of Okinawa and were used as a staging area for the assault on that island during World War II. In these idyllic islands life continues much the way it did centuries ago. Today we explore the area by foot, and possibly on bike, navigating the small villages with the ease of a local. Migrating humpback whales have been known to congregate in the surrounding waters, offering superb photographic opportunities from the ship.

Saturday, April 17

Naha, Okinawa Island / Motobu Port

The capital and largest city on Okinawa Island, Naha is also the Ryukyu cultural center. We begin our day at the busting Makishi Public Market, affectionately called "Okinawa's kitchen," exuding a wonderful old world charm and energy. Next we visit Shuri Castle, the seat of the Ryukyu kingdom for several centuries, and the impressive Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum. This musem honors the Battle of Okinawa, the largest-scale campaign of the Asia-Pacific War and site of the only ground fighting on Japanese soil. Birders have the option to explore the region's estuaries whose rich mangrove forests attract migrant shorebirds.

During lunch on board we cruise to the island's northern Motobu Port and set out for the ruins of Nakijin Castle, built during the 13th century. Walk along ancient stone paths and take in the dramatic setting of this World Heritage Site.

Sunday, April 18

Naze, Amami Islands / Koniya

The subtropical Amami Islands are known for a unique form of textiles, made from pongee fabric, a special product of the islands. Several tour options include: birding in the subtropical forests of Amami Urban Sanctuary to search for such endemics as Lidth's jay, the local Owston's woodpecker, and the Ryukyu robin or a visit to Amami Park, the island's cultural center; demonstrations at the famous island textile centers; and the Amami Museum. We reunite at the shop for lunch and set sail for the port of Koniya, set in a gorgeous fjord-like waterway. Here we have a choice of activities, including a drive to the Mt. Kochiyama Lookout; a glass-bottom boat ride through the area's translucent waters to view the brilliantly colored coral reefs; or a kayaking adventure through the world's northernmost-occurring mangroves.

Monday, April 19

Yakushima (Yaku Island)

Fewer than 200 square miles in area, Yakushima boasts 40 peaks higher than 3,200 feet. The vast difference in altitude between the coast and the highlands produces a wildly varying climate - from subtropical to subalpine. Forests of ancient Yaku cedars cover much of the island and more than 1,300 plants grow here. This remarkable botanical biodiversity within such a small area led UNESCO to name Yakushima a World Heritage Site.

The Clipper Odyssey anchors off Yakushima early in the morning, and we spend the day in this splendid natural wonderland. We begin with a visit to the Yakushima Island Environmental and Cultural Village for an IMAX presentation on the island's natural attributes. Choices for the day's activities include a birding and photographic excursion around Yakushima or hikes in the ancient cedar forest.

Tuesday, April 20

At Sea

As we cruise through Japan's Inland Sea National Park, our lecturers introduce us to the art, history, and culture of mainland Japan.

Wednesday, April 21

Omishima / Hiroshima

Early this morning we arrive at Omishima Township. A short walk brings us to the Oyamazumi Shrine, surrounded by giant camphor trees, and dedicated to a god of the seas and child of the legendary creators of Japan. Over the centuries, emperors and warriors worshipped at the shrine, leaving armor and weapons in thanks for prayers answered. Today, housed in an on-site museum, this collection is the finest of its kind in Japan.

During lunch on board we sail for Hiroshima, arriving late this afternoon. Those who wish may go ashore for independent dining and exploration.

Thursday, April 22

Hiroshima / Miyajima

This morning we visit the compelling Peace Memorial Park, located in the heart of the city. A World Heritage Site, the park and its monuments are dedicated to the hope for world peace; an arch-shaped cenotaph includes the names of all the known victims of the first atomic bombing. We return to the ship for lunch and make our way to Miyajima.

Considered one of Japan's premier scenic wonders, Miyajima, "shrine island," offers a superb vista of the scarlet Torii, the giant camphor wood gate at the entrance to the Itsukushima Shrine, a sacred site of pilgrimage. At high tide it appears to float in the surrounding waters. We go ashore to explore the World Heritage Site shrine, sacred both to Shintoism and Buddhism.

Friday, April 23

Okayama

We disembark this morning in the port of Uno-ko and go ashore to visit one of Japan's most beautiful gardens, Koraku-en. Completed in 1700, the formal garden covers 28 acres and includes running streams, plum and cherry trees, walking trails, bamboo groves, and a classic tea house. We also visit the superb Ohara Museum of Art and the Kurashiki Folklore Museum.

Saturday, April 24

Kobe / Disembark Clipper Odyssey / Kyoto

After breakfast we disembark the Clipper Odyssey in Kobe, back-dropped by the Rokko Mountains. The city has been entirely rebuilt since the 1955 earthquake and international trade and commerce continue, as it has for centuries, with an eye toward the future. We board motorcoaches for a drive to the spectacular city overlook on the verdant slopes of Mount Rokko. In town we learn about brewing sake at the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum and enjoy a tasting, then visit the Kobe City Museum where exhibits focus on international cultural exchange between East and West. After lunch in town we take the train to Kyoto, arriving in the late afternoon. After time at leisure we enjoy dinner and two nights at our hotel.

Sunday, April 25

Kyoto

Founded in the 8th century, Kyoto was the Emperor's residence for more than one thousand years. Today, its historic shrines, art, and architectural landmarks represent nearly 20 percent of Japan's national treasures. Among today's tour highlights is a walk through the serene Sagano Bamboo Grove. We also visit the Heian-jingu Shrine and its gardens, built in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto; the 12th century Sanjusangen-do Temple, housing the Thousand-Armed Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy; and the exquisite Kiyomizu-dera Temple with its sacred waterfall. After lunch in the city we return to our hotel with the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. This evening celebrate our journey with farewell cocktails and dinner.

Monday, April 26

Kyoto / Osaka / USA

After breakfast at our hotel transfer to the Osaka airport for your independent flight homeward.

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