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Overview
Dates Apr 25 — May 09, 2009
DEPARTURE DATES FOR SIMILAR TRIPS:May 04 — May 18, 2009
Activity Level Moderately active
Gain a broad perspective on the aesthetics, culture, history, economy, and people of Japan and China on a memorable 15-day tour aboard the comfortable expedition ship, the Clipper Odyssey. Begin in Kyoto, the ancient imperial capital of Japan, known for its temples, shrines, and gardens, and the tradition of the geisha. See the samurai town of Hagi, the floating scarlet torii gate of Miyajima, the Peace Memorial Park of Hiroshima, and the castle known as the “White Egret” in Himeji. In Shanghai, admire the treasures in the Shanghai Museum and the futuristic architecture of the city’s Pudong district.
To download a full brochure for this program, click the PDF button at the top right side of this page.
Map
Itinerary
- Days 1 & 2 - U.S. / Osaka, Japan / Kyoto
- Day 3 – Kyoto
- Day 4 – Kyoto
- Day 5 – Kyoto / Nara / Kyoto
- Day 6 – Kyoto / Kobe / Himeji / Embark
- Day 7 – Okayama / Kurashiki
- Day 8 – Hiroshima / Miyajima
- Day 9 – Hagi
- Day 10 – At Sea
- Day 11 – Putuo Shan, China
- Day 12 – Wuxi
- Day 13 – Shanghai / Disembark
- Day 14 – Shanghai / Suzhou option
- Day 15 – Shanghai / U.S.
Highlights
- Stroll through Koraku-en, one of Japan's top three landscape gardens, and enjoy springtime blooms.
- Witness the grace and beauty of Kyoto's maiko (geisha in training).
- Admire architectural gems of China and Japan, including the Pudong district in Shanghai, and the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaju-ji.
- Participate in hands-on activities including calligraphy, flower arrangement, and tea and sake tastings.
- Admire treasures of jade, porcelain, and bronze and priceless paintings in the Shanghai Museum.
Pre-Tour Extension
Tokyo
April 22-25
Spend three nights in Tokyo, including a day trip to Hakone. Details and rates will be sent to confirmed participants.
Post-Tour Extension
Beijing
May 9-13
Explore Beijing, visiting highlights such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. Details and rates will be sent to confirmed participants.
Program Leaders
Michele Marincovich
Michele Marincovich is the Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Stanford University. She holds a PhD in East Asian history from Georgetown University. Marincovich collaborates on many projects with universities in Japan and China, and her lectures will focus on modern Japanese and Chinese history.
Marjorie Williams
Marjorie Williams is an art historian and the Director of the Division of Education and Public Programs at the Cleveland Museum of Art. She is also an adjunct professor with Case Western Reserve University and has led many Smithsonian travel programs over the past ten years. She will share her expertise on the arts of Japan and China as an expression of religion and culture.
Sponsors
Stanford Travel / Study
Smithsonian Journeys
Accommodations
Cruise Ship
The Clipper Odyssey
The 128-passenger Clipper Odyssey is ideally suited for exploring the coasts of Japan and China. Its small size allows access to remote islands and stretches of coast otherwise inaccessible by land or a larger cruise ship, and its informal style accommodates the casual atmosphere and dress suitable for adventure cruising. All cabins are outside, with a separate seating area, abundant storage space, twin or queen beds, bathrooms with hair dryers and shower/bathtub combinations, individual temperature controls, TVs, and mini-refrigerators. Public areas include two lounges, a bar, and a dining room where all guests are accommodated at a single, unassigned seating. Among the ship’s amenities are a 70-meter jogging track on the Sun Deck, shaded areas on the Lido Deck for comfortable observation of scenery, a pool, gym, library/game room, boutique, hairdresser, and clinic with full-time physician. The ship is fitted with the latest in telecommunications, navigation, and stabilization systems for smooth sailing. A fleet of motorized Zodiacs allows guests to enjoy close-up looks at wildlife and make beach landings for shore walks.
Program Rates
Airfare
International and U.S. domestic airfare is not included in the program rates. Please call for assistance with your air travel arrangements.
Program Rates
From $9,590 per person, double occupancy