China & Japan from Hong Kong, 21 March 2021 (16 nights)

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.

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.

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.

Shinjuku Gyoen was built on the foundations of Lord Naito's private residence. A mixture of a few different gardens, including French, English and Japanese, the park's varied and well-kept gardens are ideal for strolling around, photographing or even enjoying an afternoon picnic.

The Edo-Tokyo Museum is a portal to the past with its exhibitions describing both visually and through historical text, the history of Edo (now known as Toyko). Here visitors can learn about and experience numerous aspects of Edo, such as people's daily lives, Edo Period architecture, cultural heritage, political climate and much more. 

Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple, houses a statue of the goddess of mercy, Kannon. Sensoji is a must-see location in Japan, surrounded by imposing gates, a five-storey pagoda and the vibrant market of Nakamise Dori.