Also known historically as Peking, Beijing is regarded as a must-see destination when visiting China, transforming over the ages from ancient capital to dazzling megacity. In Beijing you will be told a whirlwind tale of achievement, tragedy, resilience and innovation like no other destination.
Things to do in Beijing - City Tour:
Forbidden City
The Forbidden Palace, constructed between 1406 and 1420 by Ming Emperor Yongle, is a masterwork combining military and artistic design. The ceremonial halls and parade grounds, which take up the major axis of the complex's outer court, will take your breath away. The true delight though, comes from exploring the maze of courtyards and rooms on each side of the central axis, which will leave you wanting to stay forever.
Ming Tombs
The Ming Tombs are a collection of temple-like monuments and burial mounds that house the bones of 13 of China's 16 monarchs during the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644). Visitors travel from all over the world to view the imperial splendour of this UNESCO World Heritage site and to learn about the cultural significance of ancestor worship.
Tiananmen Square
The Square is an excellent location to capture the iconic Tiananmen Gate (the "Gate of Heavenly Peace"). From here you can also visit the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China and Mao Zedong's Mausoleum.
Beijing - Great Wall Tour
DAY 4
Dominating the dramatic landscapes of Northern China since the 7th Century BC, it's not hard to see why this Wonder of the World and UNESCO heritage site is a must on anybody's visit to China today. With over 5,500 miles of the Great Wall weaving its way from the Gobi Desert in the north west to the sea coast of far eastern China, the Great Wall is a truly breathtaking, one-of-a-kind experience.
Beijing to Xian
DAY 5
The 'Terracotta Army,' regarded as the World's Eighth Wonder, is a life-size army of terracotta soldiers and horses that had been buried and hidden for nearly 2,000 years guarding Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China's tomb and only discovered by farmers in 1974. Today the warriors have been unveiled in all their glory for everybody to enjoy.
Xian Hotel Stay - 2 Nights
DAY 5
Xian - Terracotta Warriors Tour
DAY 6
The 'Terracotta Army,' regarded as the World's Eighth Wonder, is a life-size army of terracotta soldiers and horses that had been buried and hidden for nearly 2,000 years guarding Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China's tomb and only discovered by farmers in 1974. Today the warriors have been unveiled in all their glory for everybody to enjoy.
Xian to Beijing
DAY 7
Beijing Hotel Stay - 1 Night
DAY 7
Beijing (Tianjin)
DAY 8
Also known historically as Peking, Beijing is regarded as a must-see destination when visiting China, transforming over the ages from ancient capital to dazzling megacity. In Beijing you will be told a whirlwind tale of achievement, tragedy, resilience and innovation like no other destination.
Things to do in Beijing (Tianjin):
Forbidden City
The Forbidden Palace, constructed between 1406 and 1420 by Ming Emperor Yongle, is a masterwork combining military and artistic design. The ceremonial halls and parade grounds, which take up the major axis of the complex's outer court, will take your breath away. The true delight though, comes from exploring the maze of courtyards and rooms on each side of the central axis, which will leave you wanting to stay forever.
Ming Tombs
The Ming Tombs are a collection of temple-like monuments and burial mounds that house the bones of 13 of China's 16 monarchs during the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644). Visitors travel from all over the world to view the imperial splendour of this UNESCO World Heritage site and to learn about the cultural significance of ancestor worship.
Tiananmen Square
The Square is an excellent location to capture the iconic Tiananmen Gate (the "Gate of Heavenly Peace"). From here you can also visit the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China and Mao Zedong's Mausoleum.
At Sea
DAY 9-10
You will be at sea on day 9-10 while travelling from Beijing (Tianjin) to Busan.
Busan
DAY 11
Nagasaki
DAY 12
Located on the island of Kyushu, Nagasaki has grown to become one of Japan's most attractive cities in spite of the nuclear attack in 1945 it is unfortunately famous for. Without a doubt, this tragedy in the city's history still bares its mark, with the Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park being must-see cultural stops during your visit. Nowadays though Nagasaki looks to the future, with charming streets just waiting to be explored.
Things to do in Nagasaki:
Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum
Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum is one of Japan's major tourist sites and is essential to comprehending Nagasaki's post-war life as well as the impact of atomic weapons. It provides a vivid look at the impact of the "Fat Man" atomic bomb that fell on Nagasaki 9th August 1945.
Nagasaki Peace Park
Nagasaki Peace Park, which was built to commemorate the atomic bombing of Nagasaki City in 1945, is a powerful reminder of the consequences of atomic weapons and stands as a icon for the longing of peace. The complex includes two parks and a museum dedicated to the souls lost in the blast.
Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium
180 penguins from nine distinct species call the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium home. Here you'll be able to partake in the "Feed the Penguins" event and visit the Petting Zoo to meet them. Additionally, the "Experience Nature Zone" within the facility allows visitors to get up close and personal with some of the aquatic critters that reside in the area.
At Sea
DAY 13
You will be at sea on day 13 while travelling from Nagasaki to Shanghai.
Shanghai
DAY 14
At Sea - 2 days
DAY 15-16
You will be at sea on day 15-16 while travelling from Shanghai to Hong Kong.
Hong Kong
DAY 17
At Sea
DAY 18-19
You will be at sea on day 18-19 while travelling from Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City.
Ho Chi Minh City
DAY 20
At Sea
DAY 21
You will be at sea on day 21 while travelling from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok (Laem Chabang).
Bangkok (Laem Chabang)
DAY 22
At Sea
DAY 23-24
You will be at sea on day 23-24 while travelling from Bangkok (Laem Chabang) to Singapore.
Singapore
DAY 25
Singapore, officially the Republic of Singapore, is an exotic yet easy-to-navigate cruise destination. Singapore has long been Asia's crown jewel, with a plethora of glitzy shopping malls, rooftop cocktail bars and fine dining opportunities. It's modern, classy and blessed with lots of sun for a day of exploring.
Things to do in Singapore:
Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is a haven for nature lovers, located near the Marina Bay Waterfront in the heart of Singapore. Gardens by the Bay has hidden gems such as unique plantlife, calm gardens and unique spots to relax in, as well as its expansive conservatories.
Merlion Park
Merlion Park, named after the water-spouting Merlion statue, is an essential Singaporean landmark. The Merlion is Singapore's national symbol, with a lion's head and fish's body. The park is popular with tourists and locals alike, who come to take photos of the outstanding scenery, the famous statue and relax by the water.*
Mint Museum of Toys
The Mint museum houses a collection of the best toys from across many ages. Learn about its history and the significance of the museum to academics, artists and students on a guided tour. With so many toys to see, you'll be reliving your childhood in a wave of nostalgia.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
The Agri-Horticultural Society, in 1859, transformed plantation property into a massive botanical garden for recreational use. It has become a major element of Singapore throughout the years, to the point where it has been designated as the country's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. The National Orchid Garden is a highlight, as is the ample room for jogging dining or simply relaxing.
We have just returned from Japan and South Korea. Iglu arranged everything for us , Hotels, transfers, cruise ,and flights. It transpired whilst away that or return flight was the wrong day, we contacted iglu and they sorted everything out for us without delay. Could not have had better service.
Was disappointed didn't get free upgrade for stateroom. Food particularly in the buffet restaurant Horizon Court very good.Huge choice. Was able to take part in some activities. Not enough time to try all. Expensive internet on board could not always get free on shore! While disembarkation was well organised, we were bussed to Narita airport 5/6 hours before could check in. Sorry not a fan of airport shopping and wait was frustrating!
After spending a most enjoyable 4 days in Tokyo, We took a 9 day cruise around Japan. The itinerary was good and the shore excursions interesting. For those who did not want to join the ship's own excursions, there was a shuttle from the ship into the local town. The cost varied from 10 US dollars to 20 dollars depending on the distance involved. We think this service should have been free. The Diamond Princess was an excellent ship - one of the best we have sailed on. The ship itself was well-designed in terms of layout and the very large TV screen on deck 14 was good for relaxing and watching a film etc. There were so many things happening onboard during the day, it was hard to decide which one to attend. The staff were all very attentive and there was no pressure to purchase things, particularly drinks, which has not been the case on other cruises we have been on. The trip was organised by IGLU and every aspect of it worked as planned. So all in all a very enjoyable holiday. In fact we are off with IGLU in December to the Antarctic.
The cruise was very nice indeed and with great staff. The only negative really is the rip-off prices for some of the ships tours some of which were reported as deplorable particularly one which stopped in Korsakov in Russia. Also balconies were very dirty and we could not sit out on them. Great organisation however by Iglu
Good destinations and itinerary, ship was generally not bad , however, some areas with thin deck-plates showing need for attention. Ship air conditioning in several locations too cold!!
Good destinations and itinerary, ship was generally not bad , however, some areas with thin deck-plates showing need for attention. Ship air conditioning in several locations too cold!!
Just returned from an eight day cruise around Japan on Diamond Princess. Cruise was good but could have been better. Princess Cruise spent a lot of staff time trying to sell you extras while on board which did get a little annoying. We did two of their excursions the first in Busan which was ok the second in Miyako which was poor and Very Very expensive.
We have just returned from a cruise (April 11th to 19th) that took in both the north and south islands of Japan and which saw us visit ports of call that were in the various throes of the Blossom season. In terms of Diamond Princess, she is a large ship that hold c3000 passengers and is a well balanced, comfortable vessel. We had an ocean-view cabin towards the front of the ship on deck 8 and were very pleased with its layout - which is a typical Princess cabin with plenty of storage space and a very large queen size bed and a large TV and functional shower and bathroom. Everything in the cabin looked in good condition and we were very pleased with the steward service in keeping the cabin clean and tidy. We were allocated fixed dining because the Japanese market prefer a more formal dining structure - we would normally choose flexible dining - but were very fortunate to be seated with John and Andrew who were excellent company for dinner each evening. Food on the ship was a little variable, improving markedly in the second half of the cruise having been a little disappointing in terms of choice and cuts of meats to start. On this particular cruise there was also no International Café, which we have always used on the other Princess ships for its excellent range of croissants and pastries for breakfast/snacks. However, when we ventured to the Horizon buffet, it was better than I can recall from previous cruises and seemed to have more variety. Evening entertainment was chiefly the normal array of singers, illusionists and production shows and on the whole were fine, but because we were dining at 7.45pm there was only really one option for entertainment in any event - if we were on flexible dining I suspect we may have felt the entertainment options were a little light. Overall, with the excellent ports of call (and early starts) available on this cruise we went to bed relatively early compared to what we would normally do on a cruise, but we didn't feel short changed in any way. Besides, there was always a good choice of recent movie releases to watch in the cabin if we anted to stay up a little later. Overall, an excellent ship to have cruised on and a thoroughly enjoyable cruise itinerary too.
great trip food not the best we have had not great and getting off and back on ship but staff all very nice boat had lot of leaks all over ship as well
Food and service good but embarkation chaotic. There was a major delay when embarking but no information was given to customers for the 3 hour delay! Numerous bars on ship but all very noisy with no where to go for a quiet drink t drink. Disembarkation for trips also disorganised - all trip seemingly dispatched at same times. Really disliked use of plastic crockery in the buffet!
All offers and prices are subject to change and availability at time of enquiry. Prices are based on two passengers sharing unless otherwise stated and are subject to the Tour Operator's terms and conditions. Cabin and Flight supplements may apply. Other supplements may apply in addition to the price shown above. Flight details, timings and routing may be subject to alteration. Other tour operator charges may also apply. Any Onboard Spending money or drinks package value shown will be per cabin, again based on two sharing.
Note: On 13 January 2018, new European legislation is being adopted in the UK which as result will mean that we may change our required method of payment at our discretion, irrespective of how any deposit or prior payment was made.