Atlas Cruises and Tours Travel Blog

Enjoy Japan’s culture, food  & traditional performing arts. Here are some of the things you can experience

Take a moment and simply admire the sheer beauty of Kinkakuji, the Golden Temple, in Kyoto, Japan.  Surrounded by water, rock gardens & manicured trees, its still reflection is certain to make a lasting impression on you.

Experience the traditional values or wabi (elegant stillness,) and sabi (antiquated elegance with calm,) which is essential to Japanese art.  a Tea ceremony is a means of training concentration or spirit and of learning manners. There are a number of school in Japan, each presenting their own style of tea ceremony. The kimono is the traditional dress of Japan. It is common to be asked to remove your shoes before entering a tea ceremony. 

Visit the Kiyomizu Temple, which is famous for its principal sanctuary built on a steep cliff. The Temple was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1994. The 139 zelkova pillars that support the balcony are over 12 meters tall. It commands a wonderful view of the city of Kyoto. Expect a considerable amount of walking from the parking lot to the temple.

Geisha have to undergo intensive training. Geisha are trained in a number of skills: traditional Japanese dance, singing, playing instruments like shamisen (three stringed instrument), flower arrangement, wearing kimono, Japanese tea ceremony, calligraphy, conversation, alcohol serving manners and more.

Japanese Kaiseki is a traditional, multi-course dinner.  Kaiseki-ryori uses the fresh ingredients of the season and are cooked in ways that enhance the original taste of the ingredients, and include anywhere from 6 to 15 different types of food including soup, vegetables, grilled fish, rice and dessert.

Shabu-Shabu is a popular beef dish in Japan.  It is basically boiling meat in a broth…healthier than using oil at the Melting Pot! Some restaurants offer a Maiko performance during dinner.

Vist our Asia website for a selection of Japan travel packages.

Chongqing  is a large, hilly city on the banks of the Yangtze.  It is a popular stop on Yangtze River cruises.

Among Chongqing’s attractions are the three-story wood River View Pavilion, the Sichuan Fine Arts Academy, Renmin Hotel which was built in the style of Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, Wangjianglou Park and the Chongqing Zoo.

Chongqing Zoo is famous for its Panda Bears.   You see plenty of Giant pandas, Lesser pandas, Golden hair monkeys & the rare South China Tigers.

Hotpot is Chongqing’s culinary specialty.  Meats such as beef, pork, duck and vegetables are cooked in a spicy broth.

Many itineraries spend two nights in Chongqing, so there is time to travel to Dazu, which is listed as a UNESCO World cultural heritage site.  Dazu is a series of Chinese religious sculptures and carvings dating back to an estimated 7th century A.D.

Xi-an is one of China’s 7 ancient national capital, so there are several relics and historical sites to visit.

One of the most popular attractions is to visit the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, home of the world renowned Terracotta Army. The Army figures lied underground for more than 2000 years. This is an archeological site of unimaginable size & importance. No doubt thousands of statues still remain to be unearthed at this archaeological site, which was not discovered until 1974.

Qin (d. 210 B.C.), the first unifier of China, is buried, surrounded by the famous terracotta warriors, at the centre of a complex designed to mirror the urban plan of the capital, Xianyan. The small figures are all different in facial features, clothing, hairstyle and gestures; with their horses, chariots and weapons, they are masterpieces of realism and also of great historical interest.

The statues remain where they were uncovered, protected by a large hangar-like hall. Individual soldiers can be studied more closely in a museum exhibit in an adjacent building.

In 1987 UNESCO ranked the Tomb of the First Emperor including the Terracotta Army vaults, into the list of World Cultural Heritages.

Travel fact: China has 35 listed world heritage sites made up of both cultural and natural sites.

The Eclipse phenomenon is a natural wonder, unparalleled in its spectacle!

Cruise Highlights:

• A series of lectures about the region, the eclipse and astronomy. There will be two sessions (morning and afternoon) every At Sea day of the cruise.
• We will, likely, be the only group, in the world, to see this eclipse at greatest eclipse – 6 Minutes 38.9 seconds.
• Cheju, South Korea - the major port for the South Korean Island of Cheju-Do located off the southern tip of South Korea.
• Kagoshima - Kyushu’s southernmost, major city and the capital of Kagoshima Prefecture.
• Kobe, Japan – the capital of Hyogo-ken - an historic port and distinct city. With the option to take an excursion to Kyoto or Tokyo.
• Tianjin (Beijing), China – the cultural and political center of China.
• Optional pre- and post-tours in China including Beijing, Shanghi and Xian.
• All the features & activities normally included in a cruise:
  • Stateroom accommodations featuring all the comforts of home
  • Personalized service
  • Dining options
  • Opulent Casino
  • Onboard Activities
  • Kids Club programs
  • 24-hour Room Service
  • State-of-the-art Fitness Facility
  • Library and Card Room
  • A variety of Nightclubs and Broadway Style Shows

General Tours’  small group escorted tour to exotic Southeast Asia is a rich & leisurely way to explore this distant land. Its unique inclusions are visiting Singapore with a private guide, a deluxe overnight cruise on Ha Long bay, two full days of expertly guided sightseeing at Angkor Wat, and a night on the Mekong Delta.

Visions of Vietnam & Angkor Wat with Singapore is a 17 day package starting from $5,999 pp land only. Price includes luxury hotel accommodations, overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay, most meals, all sightseeing & on-tour transportation including flights within Vietnam & Cambodia.

Exclusive offer: Book by December 31st, & receive a complimentary lunch at The Line, a restaurant at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore.  A 14 day itinerary is available without Singapore from $3,599 pp

In South America, discover the rich cultural legacy & sophisticated charms of two of the continent’s great capitals. Explore Mendoza, Argentina’s best wine region, and staisfy your lust for magnificent scenery with a spectacular overland journey across the mighty peaks of the Andes. Excursions include wine tastings, a tango lesson, and a cooking class will provide an insider’s point of view.

Traditions & Flavors of South America is an 8 day package from $2,379 pp Rates include deluxe hotel accommodations, many meals, sightseeing at 2 estate wineries in Mendoza & all on-tour transportation & internal flights.

Exclusive offer: Booking by December 31st and receive complimentary private airport transfers on land-only bookings.

AARP Members receive up to $200 off per couple.

Jonathan Siskin, one of America’s most widely published travel writers, recently wrote an article for our travel consortia, Ensemble Travel on Yangtze River Cruises.  He noted that there is an old Chinese saying states “If you haven’t traveled the Chang Jian (Long River,) you haven’t been anywhere.” Jonathan added that a Yangtze river cruise ranks high on the A-list of “must do” cruises.

The third largest river in the world, the Yangtze River winds 3,900 miles through the country from west to east cutting through 10 provinces before disgorging its water into the Yellow Sea. The Upper Reaches are the most attractive part to cruise with wild mountain ranges, unbroken ravines, and charming landscapes. Along this 130 mile stretch, the river passes through the Three Gorges. There’s plenty of time to unwind and plenty of opportunities to see the sights and the history of Magical China.

We suggest at least 12 days to enjoy a few nights before and after a Yangtze cruise in cities such as Shanghai, Xian & Beijing, although the cruises are normally only 3 or 4 nights.  Prices begin as low as $2,400 per person, not including airfare. There are trips as long as 23 days, but this is to spend more time in Asia, not a longer cruise experience. Visit www.escortedasiatours.com to see a great selection of packages.
Great video overview of Yangtze River Cruising.