ANCESTRAL JAPAN (LE LAPEROUSE) - small cruise ships

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01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com ANCESTRAL JAPAN (LE LAPEROUSE) PONANT takes you to the crossroads of three cultures and religions during an exceptional sea voyage between the Philippines, Taiwan and Japan. Aboard Le Laperouse from Manila to Osaka, this 13-day cruise will have you discovering stunning scenery, places which have significant history as well as traditional villages and crafts. From Manila, a city full of contrasts, you will join Hualien on the lush island of Taiwan, before heading towards the Japanese islands in the country's south. Okinawa, famous for having been the theatre of one of the bloodiest battles of World War II, is also known for its centenarians, who may just reveal to you the secret of their longevity! Le Laperouse will then sail to Hiroshima, now proclaimed "City of Peace": Facing the Inland Sea, only the Hiroshima Peace Memorial stands as a reminder of past events. You will also be able to admire the remarkable Shukkeien Garden, which stretches out over some 4 hectares. Miyajima, the island where people and gods live together, is also accessible from Hiroshima. The Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto sanctuary listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fine example of exceptional artistic and technical ability. You will then cruise to Osaka, the second largest city in Japan

Transcript of ANCESTRAL JAPAN (LE LAPEROUSE) - small cruise ships

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01432 507 280 (within UK)

[email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com

ANCESTRAL JAPAN (LE LAPEROUSE)

PONANT takes you to the crossroads of three cultures andreligions during an exceptional sea voyage between thePhilippines, Taiwan and Japan.

Aboard Le Laperouse from Manila to Osaka, this 13-day cruisewill have you discovering stunning scenery, places which havesignificant history as well as traditional villages and crafts.

From Manila, a city full of contrasts, you will join Hualien on thelush island of Taiwan, before heading towards the Japaneseislands in the country's south.

Okinawa, famous for having been the theatre of one of thebloodiest battles of World War II, is also known for itscentenarians, who may just reveal to you the secret of theirlongevity!

Le Laperouse will then sail to Hiroshima, now proclaimed "Cityof Peace": Facing the Inland Sea, only the Hiroshima PeaceMemorial stands as a reminder of past events. You will also be able to

admire the remarkable Shukkeien Garden, which stretches out over some 4 hectares. Miyajima, the island where people and gods live together, is also accessible from Hiroshima. The Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto sanctuary listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fine example of exceptional artistic and technical ability. You will then cruise to Osaka, the second largest city in Japan

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which is home to a fortified castle dating back to the 16thcentury.

ITINERARY

Day 1 MANILA

On first sight, the Philippines' capital shows its highlyAmericanised Asian megalopolis side, with ultramodernskyscrapers set all along the waterfront. But when you strollthrough the cobbled streets of the Intramuros district, you'lldiscover a different side of Manila, one that's full of old-worldcharm. An enchanted pause in the middle of urban bustle, RizalPark's 60 hectares of magnificent green parkland is perfect forrecharging your batteries. To see the city from a different angle,take a walk along Roxas boulevard, a popular seasidepromenade.

Days 2 - 3 AT SEA

During your day at sea, make the most of the many servicesand activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxationin the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending onthe season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or aspot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also bean opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed onboard, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet thePONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers ofthe open sea, they will be able to visit the ship's upper deck toadmire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be luckyenough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude,combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Day 4 HUALIEN

Nicknamed "the beautiful island" by Portuguese sailors, 70% ofthe island of Taiwan is covered in lush, subtropical vegetation.When your ship stops in Hualien discover the stunning TarokoGorge, one of the island's must-see sites. This naturalmasterpiece, sculpted by the pure waters of the Liwu River, isknown for its 1,200 metre-high marble cliffs, from which aunique panorama unfolds. During your stop here, discover theEternal Spring Shrine, a complex clinging to the side of amountain, made up of several small temples and overlooking aglistening waterfall. Then, along the Tunnel of Nine Turns, youwill be able to admire the spectacular gorges which wind theirway through deep canyons over some twenty kilometres.

Day 5 ISHIGAKI

Located to the south of the main island of the Yaeyamaarchipelago, Ishigaki boasts all the aspects of an authenticpiece of paradise. Youメve guessed it, you donメt come here for itsskyscrapers but for its pure emerald waters and idyllic beaches.Explore pristine coral reefs on a scuba-dive or snorkellingsession,ᅠyou may witness the 'flight' of a manta ray. The watersoff Shiraho, on the island's south-west coast, have one of thelargest areas of blue coral in the world.

Day 6 MIYAKOJIMA

Day 7 NAHA, OKINAWA

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Capital of Okinawa Prefecture, the town of Naha is located onthe south-west of the island. You'll love its lively atmosphere,particularly along Kokusai Dori, otherwise known as'international street'. The picturesque Makishi Public Market,nicknamed 'Naha's kitchen' offers a profusion of colourful fish,Okinawan foodstuffs and local spices and you can sampledelicacies cooked on the spot . For an insight into the island'sheritage, which combines Japanese and Taiwanese influences,visit Shuri Castle, a medieval building protected by UNESCOand surrounded by lovely gardens.

Day 8 AMAMIOSHIMA

Day 9 MIYANOURA, YAKUSHIMA

Yakushima is a striking island in the South of Japan, covered inforest and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hikers arevery fond of this destination because of the lush vegetation,Mount Miyanoura, the waterfalls and cascades. But without adoubt, the symbol of the island remains its many age-old cedartrees which is said to have inspired some of the scenes in theanimated film Princess Mononoke. On this island, you will alsofind wildlife including the Japanese macaque, the sika deer,and green sea turtles which lay their eggs on the magnificentsandy beaches here.

Day 10 UWAJIMA

Located on the west coast of Shikoku island, Uwajima will delight lovers of history and traditional customs. The magnificent Uwajima Castle was built in the 17th-century by the

powerful Date clan and has a beautiful ornamental garden andbridge. The much-visited Taga Shrine is dedicated to fertility andis full of phalluses. Another interesting tradition is togyu, aJapanese variant of bull-fighting where two bulls are pittedagainst each other without a toreador. As for eating, you musttaste jakoten, a local delicacy based on fried fish.

Day 11 HIROSHIMA & MIYAJIMA ISLAND

Visiting Hiroshima is a moving experience. The town spreadsalong Honshu Island, along the inside coasts of Seto. Whilefirmly focused on the future, Hiroshima doesn't forget its past,and a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Genbaku Dome is amust. You'll enjoy the city's modern, cosmopolitan atmosphereand effervescent nightlife just as much as the peaceful stillnessof its natural parkland areas such as splendid Shukkei-en, thetown's historic garden. At the heart of the Inland Sea, Miyajima,the "island sanctuary" will reveal its treasures. In thebackground you will see the Shinto Grand Sanctuary, whoseentrance is guarded by a magnificent vermillion "Torii".Considered to be one of the most beautiful sites in theJapanese islands, you will be transported by the uniquecharacter and the serenity of this sacred site.

Day 12 TAMANO

Located on the island of Honshu, hugging the banks of the Sento Inland Sea, Tamano is a popular destination thanks to its sun-drenched climate. Upon arrival, marvel at the way in which the city has been built along the coast at the foot of a deep, dark forest. In the area surrounding Tamano, stroll down the

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streets of Kurashiki, known as the 'white-walled city' in a nod tothe pretty façades of the houses that line the streets of thisancient Edo-period trading town. Another major regionalattraction is the Seto Ohashi bridge. Its 12.5 kilometres make itthe world's longest double-decker bridge.

Day 13 OSAKA

Like its big sister Tokyo, Osaka is the product of ancestraltraditions and amazing technological innovations. And despiteits size, its location on the Pacific Ocean give it a sense ofserenity.ᅠ The main historic landmark is the 16th-century OsakaCastle, which stands proud in the midst of majestic skyscrapers.The lively streets of Dotomburi and the bizarre Shinsekai districtattract thousands of locals and visitors. A multitude ofrestaurants offer menus full of regional specialities: takoyaki,made with octopus, and other succulent dishes such askushikatsu kebabs.

Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

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YOUR SHIP: LE LAPEROUSE

YOUR SHIP: Le Laperouse

VESSEL TYPE:

LENGTH:

PASSENGER CAPACITY:

BUILT/REFURBISHED:

Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment,elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows,and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this newlimited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins and suites willoffer you a truly unique cruising experience.Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experiencethe incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with thepossibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinationsin an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service.Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is onauthenticity and passion for travel.RESTAURANTSAs it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy willnaturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. Through itstwo restaurants, Le Laperouse will invite you on a journey toelegance and epicureanism.In a relaxed atmosphere, a first dining area located on Deck 3and able to seat 70 will serve grilled meats daily, along with avariety

of salads and desserts. To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals. PUBLIC AREAS Le Laperouse has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger. A 140 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship's administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides: Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding.

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A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equippedwith a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium,An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas. A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of ourpassengers to share convivial moments and to host activitiesorganised during the day or evening. Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latestsound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stagebackdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images andvideos. Please click the following links to read more about Ponant andthe other Ponant cruise ships.

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INSIDE YOUR SHIP

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PRICING

ADDITIONAL CHARGES: Port taxes. From 530 GBP pp