DAY 01 ISTANBUL AIRPORT – DOHA 04.03.2027
Meeting with you, our esteemed guests, at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal in front of the Qatar Airways counter at 17.00 in the evening. After passport, ticket, and baggage procedures, departure for Doha Airport at 20.10 with Qatar Airways flight QR2461.
DAY 02 DOHA – TOKYO 05.03.2027
Arrival in Doha at 00.10 local time. With our connecting flight here, departure for Tokyo via Qatar Airways flight QR 806 at 02.15. Arrival in Tokyo at 17.55 local time. Transfer to our hotel with our private vehicle waiting for us at the airport. Check-in procedures, settling into the rooms, and free time.
DAY 03 TOKYO 06.03.2027
Following breakfast at the hotel in the early morning, we complete our check-out procedures and transfer to our Sapphire Princess ship with our private vehicle waiting for us. After ship check-in procedures, settling into the cabins and free time. Guests who wish may join the optional “Tokyo City Tour” organized by their guide. Our first stop is Shibuya “Scramble Crossing”, one of the city's most iconic spots. At this famous intersection, when the traffic lights turn green simultaneously, pedestrians coming from all four directions cross the street at the same time, creating almost a human flood. The Hachiko Statue located at one corner of the intersection is dedicated to the famous Akita breed dog that has become one of Japan's symbols with its loyalty. After seeing the Hachiko Statue, we reach the Asakusa district, one of Tokyo's oldest residential areas, and visit the Sensoji Temple, considered the city's most important religious structure. On Nakamise shopping street leading to the temple, you can find many options from traditional Japanese products to souvenirs. After a short free time here, our ship will depart from the port at 15.00. Dinner and overnight stay on board.
DAY 04 TOBA 07.03.2027
Our ship will dock at the port of Toba at 07.00 in the morning. After morning breakfast, free time for personal activities and shopping. Guests who wish may join the optional “Shima Peninsula & Ise Shrine Tour” organized by their guide. On this delightful tour where we will discover the natural beauty and cultural riches of the Shima-Hanto Peninsula, departing from Toba, we will first reach the Uji-Tachi area where the Ise-Jingu Shrine Complex, considered one of Japan's most sacred and important religious centers, is located. Here, Naiku (Inner Shrine), dedicated to the Sun Goddess Amaterasu and one of the most sacred structures of Shinto belief, will be visited. Dating back to the 7th century, the shrine buildings are constructed entirely of cypress wood and assembled using traditional Japanese carpentry techniques without nails. Afterwards, we will ascend to the famous Yokoyama Observation Deck, located at an altitude of approximately 200 meters on Mount Yokoyama, offering breathtaking views of Ago Bay. Following this, we will take a delightful boat tour where we will explore the impressive coastline around Kashikojima, the largest island in Ago Bay. After lunch at a local restaurant, we will return to Toba and complete our tour. Our ship will depart from the port at 16.00. Dinner and overnight stay on board.
DAY 05 KOCHI 08.03.2027
Our ship will dock at Kochi port at 09.00 in the morning. After morning breakfast, free time for personal activities and shopping. Guests who wish may join the optional "Kochi Castle & Kochi City Tour" organized by their guide. While touring the city's two most revered symbols, learn how Kochi became the center of pro-imperial ideology at the end of the feudal era. We head from the pier to Kochi Castle. Built over 400 years ago by feudal lord Yamanouchi Kazutoyo, the "donjon" or main tower offers famous panoramic views of the entire city, making the climb to the top well worth it. Your tour will take you through the beautifully restored Tsumemon Gate connecting the castle's second bailey to its inner citadel, and no visit would be complete without seeing the living quarters or "honmaru", which house local and historical treasures. After a walk through the castle grounds, you will board your bus and head to the beautiful Katsurahama Beach. Here stands the statue of Sakamoto Ryoma, one of Japan's most beloved historical figures, credited with transforming feudal Japan into a modernized, unified nation. At the end of our tour, we return to our ship. Our ship will depart from the port at 17.00 in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay on board.
DAY 06 DAY AT SEA 09.03.2027
On this day spent cruising at sea, our ship will offer you many alternatives. Those who wish can make use of the ship's indoor and outdoor pools, jacuzzis, and sunbathing areas. Those who want can shop at duty-free stores, try their luck at the casino, or enjoy various music and entertainment performances held in dozens of bars. Various dining alternatives will also await you all day long.
DAY 07 BUSAN 10.03.2027
Our ship will dock at Busan port at 07.00 in the morning. After morning breakfast, free time for personal activities and shopping. Guests who wish may join the optional “Busan City Tour” organized by their guide. In this city that has witnessed temples, royal tombs, the Japanese occupation, and the Korean War, we will first visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, one of the few coastal Buddhist temples in South Korea. Afterwards, we will see the Haeundae Dalmaji-gil Road famous for its blue ocean, white sandy beach, camellia forest, and pine tree forest scenery, Haeundae Beach, Dongbaekseom Island, the Mermaid Statue representing the legendary heart-breaking love story of the princess of the country of Naranda, and then we will visit the UN Memorial Cemetery where soldiers from 16 nations who lost their lives in the Korean War between 1950-1953 rest, along with the 2 Turkish Martyrdoms and monuments inside. Busan Gamcheon Culture Village is also known as the "Machu Picchu of Busan". In Nampodong, Busan's old center area, Busan Tower as well as various brands and reasonably priced local shops can be found. Among the streets lies a paradise of street food. Afterwards, we visit Gukje Market, which has become Busan's largest market. Following free time in the market, return to our ship. Our ship will depart from the port at 16:00 in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay on board.
DAY 08 NAGASAKI 11.03.2027
Our ship will dock at Nagasaki port at 07.00 in the morning. After morning breakfast, free time for personal activities and shopping. Guests who wish may join the optional “Nagasaki City Tour” organized by their guide. Nagasaki is the center and largest city of Nagasaki Prefecture in Japan. Nagasaki became the second and last city in history to be subjected to a nuclear attack. At the first stop of our city tour, we remember the nuclear war, which is among the most painful memories in history, with a visit to the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. Afterwards, we will visit Glover Garden, located inside the oldest surviving Western-style house in Japan built by Scottish merchant Thomas Blake Glover. Finally, after doing our Nagasaki Chinatown tour, free time in the city center and return to our ship at the end of our tour. Our ship will depart from the port at 16.00 in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay on board.
DAY 09 KAGOSHIMA 12.03.2027
Our ship will dock at Kagoshima port at 07.00 in the morning. After morning breakfast, free time for personal activities and shopping. Guests who wish may join the optional “Kamikaze & Sengan-en Japanese Garden Tour” organized by their guide. On this impressive tour, our first stop will be the Chiran Peace Museum, which recounts the Kamikaze pilots and their planes who went to their deaths without hesitation for their country during World War II, knowing it was their final mission, even though the Americans could not make public announcements until the end of the war. Afterwards, we will take a delightful walk in Sengan-en, considered one of the country's finest traditional Japanese gardens, to better understand this beautiful art. We will visit the beloved home of the Shimadzu family across generations inside this garden. We will enjoy Japanese gardens and the special view of Kagoshima Bay and the Sakurajima volcano. We will learn about the lifestyle of Prince Shimadzu Tadayoshi. We will see how elite guests coming from both Japan and overseas at that time were welcomed by the Shimadzu family at Sengan-en. Sengan-en and the Shoko Shuseikan Museum were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. The Shoko Shuseikan Museum is housed in Japan's oldest stone factory building constructed in 1865. This museum is right at the entrance of the gardens, and inside we will trace the course of the Shimadzu family for over 800 years and see how the international relations they forged led to the development of industrial modernization in Kagoshima, Kyushu, and Japan. Return from the main street to the port in Kagoshima. Our ship will depart from the port at 16.00. Dinner and overnight stay on board.
DAY 10 MATSUYAMA 13.03.2027
Our ship will dock at Matsuyama port at 10.00 in the morning. After morning breakfast, free time for personal activities and shopping. Guests who wish may join the optional “Dogo Onsen Hot Springs & Matsuyama Castle Tour” organized by their guide. In Matsuyama, the past always continues to live on. Historical structures rising among the modern and bustling city texture shed light on the region's deep-rooted history. On this comprehensive tour, we will first visit the magnificent 17th-century Matsuyama Castle, used as the administrative center of the Matsudaira Clan who ruled the region during the Edo Period. After reaching the castle, located on Katsuyama Hill at an elevation of approximately 132 meters, via ropeway, we will see the samurai swords, armor, and historical artifacts belonging to the Matsudaira family exhibited inside the castle, which is considered among Japan's Important Cultural Properties. Afterwards, we will visit Ishiteji Temple, a vast Buddhist temple complex famous for its treasury displaying valuable historical artifacts. Following lunch at a local restaurant, we will proceed to the famous Dogo Onsen area, recognized as Japan's oldest hot spring resort, and find the opportunity to experience this historical and cultural atmosphere up close. At the end of our tour, we will return to our ship. Our ship will depart from the port at 19.00. Dinner and overnight stay on board.
DAY 11 MIYAZAKI 14.03.2027
Our ship will dock at Miyazaki port at 07.00 in the morning. After morning breakfast, free time for personal activities and shopping. Guests who wish may join the optional "Miyazaki Obi Castle and Sacred Shrines Tour" organized by their guide. On this comprehensive tour where we will discover the historical and cultural riches of Miyazaki, we will first visit the Obi Castle District, which has a history of approximately 567 years. In this samurai town, which is among Japan's Preserved Historical Settlements and was once used as the administrative center of the Shimazu Shogunate, we will have the opportunity to explore traditional streets and historical buildings. Our guests will also be given a special Ayumi-chan Map providing discounts at selected restaurants and souvenir shops in the region. After enjoying a Japanese-style lunch at a local restaurant, we will depart for the small Aoshima Island, one of the symbols of the Miyazaki coast. Here, we will visit the famous Aoshima Shrine, which has existed since the 9th century and is protected as a National Natural Monument. Afterwards, we will proceed to Udo Jingu Shrine, considered one of Japan's most impressive sacred sites with its history spanning approximately 2,000 years. Located in a natural cave inside steep cliffs facing the ocean, this colorful shrine fascinates visitors with its unique view and spiritual atmosphere. In the final part of our tour, we will pause for shopping and free time, then return to the port to complete our trip. Our ship will depart from the port at 16.00. Dinner and overnight stay on board.
DAY 12 KOBE 15.03.2027
Our ship will dock at Kobe Port at 09.00 in the evening. After dinner, free time for personal activities and shopping. Guests who wish may join the optional “Osaka & Kobe Night Tour Under the Lights” organized by their guide. We begin our tour by first departing for Osaka. When we arrive in Osaka, the magnificent lights of the city will make your head spin. Our first stop will be the garden area of Osaka Castle. Since the last entry time to the castle is 17:00, we will not be able to go inside. After giving a photo break at the surrounding area of the castle, the garden section, and the outer courtyard, we start exploring the city. Our 2nd stop will be the Dotonbori district. In this region famous for its brightly lit streets, you will be able to feel all the energy of Osaka thanks to neon signs, the pleasure of walking along the canal, and restaurants full of street food. At the end of our tour, we return to our ship. Afterwards, we return to Kobe. Our first stop in Kobe is Mt. Maya Kikuseidai. This place features one of Japan's three major night views. You can watch the magnificent lights of both Kobe and Osaka. Then, after free time we will give in Kobe city center, we set off towards our ship. Our ship will depart from the port at 23.00. Dinner and overnight stay on board.
DAY 13 DAY AT SEA 16.03.2027
On this day spent cruising at sea, our ship will offer you many alternatives. Those who wish can make use of the ship's indoor and outdoor pools, jacuzzis, and sunbathing areas. Those who want can shop at duty-free stores, try their luck at the casino, or enjoy various music and entertainment performances held in dozens of bars. Various dining alternatives will also await you all day long.
DAY 14 TOKYO 17.03.2027
Our ship will dock at Tokyo Port at 06.30 in the morning. Following breakfast and ship disembarkation procedures, we depart with our private vehicle waiting for us for the 'Hakone & Lake Ashi Tour with Mt. Fuji Views'. After a journey of approximately 2 hours, our first stop is Owakudani Valley, formed as a result of an eruption 3,000 years ago, where active volcanic gas vents can still be seen. Here, we will find the chance to see the famous 'Black Eggs' and photograph the unique view of Mount Fuji from above (depending on weather conditions). Following our lunch break in the region, we embark on a boat tour on Lake Ashi, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Free time after our stroll in the peaceful atmosphere of the crater lake. We transfer to Tokyo Narita Airport with our private vehicle waiting for us. Free time until our flight time after passport and check-in procedures.
DAY 15 TOKYO – DOHA – ISTANBUL AIRPORT 18.03.2027
Departure for Doha at 01:25 with Qatar Airways flight QR813. Arrival in Doha at 06.40 local time. With our connecting flight here, departure for Istanbul via Qatar Airways flight QR 239 at 07.45. Arrival at Istanbul Airport at 12.20 local time. End of our tour.
