Icons of China & Japan - Sep 2027

Fly to Beijing, China's historical capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Just outside of Beijing, a true bucket-list sight snakes its way across the landscape – the Great Wall of China. Today you'll get to walk on this iconic structure, climbing to one of its many watchtowers if you're feeling energetic. Visit a jade factory (there is an opportunity to shop for a small, handcrafted piece), then spend the afternoon wandering the gardens of the Summer Palace, the Qing lakeside retreat, famous for its exquisite architecture.

Start the day in the vast and emblematic Tiananmen Square, before delving into the imperial treasure trove of the Forbidden City and its 250-acre maze of halls, palaces and gardens, filled with priceless artefacts. Later, admire the Confucian design and soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven. Tonight, dine on a delicious local delicacy, Peking duck.

Transfer to the train station and board a bullet train to Pingyao. A living museum and home to China's best preserved ancient city walls, walk the characterful streets to see the Qing Dynasty Yamen building and the Rishengchang Financial House Museum.

This morning is at leisure, with the option of taking part in a fun, hands-on noodle making class (additional expense). Board a bullet train to Xian, capital city of multiple bygone dynasties and terminus of the ancient Silk Road trading route.

One of the 20th century's greatest archaeological discoveries, the enigmatic Terracotta Warriors stand ready for battle around the, as yet unexcavated, tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Spend the morning viewing their ranks then visit a workshop to see where they are intricately recreated. Stroll the beautifully preserved city walls that encircle Xian's old town. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling making class followed by those dumplings for dinner and accompanied by a Tang Dynasty dancing show.

Take a walking tour of the lively Muslim Quarter, a heaven for foodies and knick-knack lovers, while gaining insight into the fascinating culture and significance of being a city on the Silk Road. Board a bullet train to Chengdu.

This morning is dedicated to Chengdu's most famous resident, the lovable giant panda. Visit the Dujiangyan Panda Base, located outside the city at the foot of the mountains that are the bears' natural habitat, to learn all about pandas and to see them relaxing, playing, and chomping on bamboo. Choose to take part in a panda volunteer experience while you're here (additional expense).

Transfer to Chongqing and board your Yangtze River cruise vessel. From the city, as you cruise downstream nature takes over, revealing some of the world's most dramatic scenery. Over the next days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another, including the Three Gorges themselves, small boat trips down attractive side streams and the massive feat of engineering that is the Three Gorges Dam.

Arrive at Yichang and disembark your cruise vessel. The board a bullet train to whizz you away to Shanghai.

Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Today's explorations include the Yu Garden and the quaint old town before admiring the colonial architecture along the Bund. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise.

Transfer to Baoshan cruise terminal to board your cruise. The rest of the day is free to explore the ship's facilities and settle in. Throughout your cruise, when your ship comes into port, there will be a range of excursions available to help you explore each destination. These excursions are at your own expense and are bookable on your cruise reservation.

Spend today making the most of the plentiful activities available aboard the Spectrum of the Seas.

Welcome to South Korea! Dock in Incheon, gateway to the dynamic capital of Seoul, where gleaming skyscrapers sit alongside grand palaces, bustling markets and fascinating historic sights. Whether you choose to delve into the city's rich heritage, sample its excellent cuisine or simply soak up the atmosphere, there is plenty to discover.

Make the most of your cruise ship facilities today – you could relax by the pool, try out the restaurants and bars, and enjoy the range of activities and shows.

Port at Sakaiminato, Japan. This small fishing town is the birthplace of anime legend Shigeru Mizuki, so is a pilgrimage site for manga lovers, as well as being surrounded by spectacular nature.

Relax onboard your way – sitting by the pool, enjoying the bars and restaurants, or taking part in a sport or activity.

Today you can visit the historic city of Hakodate, famous for its star-shaped fort. Soar up to the observation deck by gondola or wander the streets to browse the market or taste a kaisen-don, a seafood rice bowl.

Port at Muroran, a coastal city on the southern tip of Hokkaido. Surrounded by dramatic scenery, fresh sea air and some of Japan's most beautiful natural landscapes, it is an excellent base from which to explore the distinctive culture and wild beauty of the country's northernmost island.

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea, with plenty of time to make the most of your ship's restaurants, bars, entertainment and facilities, or simply sit back and watch the ocean drift by.

Arrive at Yokohama cruise port, the gateway to the greater Tokyo area. Japan's cutting-edge capital city, Tokyo is a fascinating city of contrasts, where neon-lit cityscape meets peaceful shrines and manicured gardens. Begin exploring the city today or use the time to make the most of the ship's facilities.

Disembark the Royal Caribbean, Spectrum of the Seas. You'll be met by a guide and transferred to your hotel, where the rest of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring.

Tokyo may seem a thoroughly modern cityscape at first glance but look beyond the soaring towers and neon signs and you'll find deeply rooted tradition and peaceful pockets of the past. Start at vibrant Senso-ji, the city's oldest temple before ascending Tokyo Skytree for magical views. Enjoy a sushi making masterclass before dining on your creations for lunch. Explore Meiji Jingu Shrine and sample the local treats sold on Takeshita Street before stopping at the world-famous Shibuya Crossing.

Fly home to Australia, arriving home the same or the following day.