CHINA / S. KOREA / JAPAN • JULY 11TH – 17TH, 2009
Tianjin's name means "the place where the emperor crossed the river." It is the home port for MacMania 9. If you'd like a more extensive look at China while you're in the neighborhood, you may want to consider a pre-cruise tour of China, or one of two post-cruise land-based adventures. We have arranged an eight-day pre-MacMania tour of China spanning Beijing, Xi'an, and Guilin with Imperial Tours (details in column 2). Post-cruise, we have arranged for guests who would like to see Shanghai and the total solar eclipse to do so through a six-night trip with our colleagues at TravelQuest International (details in column 2). We are also preparing a one-night Beijing-based post-cruise excursion to The Great Wall (details to come).
The only pre-cruise tour option we offer is described in column 2. There will be two post-cruise tours: The Great Wall of China one-night stayover and a separate six-night Solar Eclipse trip in and around Shanghai (details in column 2).
Cheju (or Jeju) island a UNESCO World (Natural) Heritage site because of its Volcanic nature and extensive network of Lava Tubes (or "lateral volcanoes"). The island has many caves which are sites of scientific research and tourism. Hallasan, the highest mountain in Korea, is the site of hiking and nature activities. Jeju's white beaches and cobalt waters (populated by many species of exotic fish), the marvellous Chunjeyun and Chungbang waterfalls, and the agricultural countryside complete the breathtaking scenery of this wonderful paradise island.
Fukuoka, you say? It's widely recognized as a lively place, owing to its position as a hub of shipping and business, its young population (on average 38) and abundance of cultural and recreational attractions. Fukuoka is said to be the oldest city in Japan, with a documented history going back more than 1400 years. Kublai Khan invaded the area in the 13th century. But the kicker for MacMania's stop in Fukuoka? We visit the day before the climax of the annual Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival. Fifteen days of celebration — part religious observance, part endurance test, part culminating race — whose central feature is the city-wide display of multi-ton floats, followed by a race run by teams of men carrying the multi-ton floats. The floats depict key historic and legendary tales, the event is considered an important intangible aspect of Japanese culture, and you'll get a sampling of an authentic slice of Japanese life on Mac Mania 9.
»» Fukuoka Excursion Details »»
Nagasaki resonates on many levels. Of course, it is the site of a nuclear bomb in World War II, and offers visitors the Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park for reflection. Nagasaki has other faces, too. It played a pivotal role in the modernization of Japan, as a central focus of the 16th century interaction between the Japanese, the Spanish, and the Portuguese. Japan encountered Westerners and Christianity in that era. Fast forward 200 sequestered years, and Nagasaki is the focus of Commodore Perry's fleet, and the setting for Puccini's Madame Butterfly. Whether World War II history, early globalization, or the city's numerous gardens are your theme, Nagasaki offers a day of action and new understandings.
Costa Cruises offer an excursion to "Huis ten Bosh", the Dutch-themed resort park along the coast of Omura Bay; this popular tourist attraction includes tens of thousands of trees and enormous flower beds, restaurants, theatres, and museums. In addition, Costa offers tours to Glover Garden and the Museum of History and Culture.
»» Nagasaki, Japan Excursion Details »»
Off the ship and transfer to Beijing.
A fabulous, definitive, high-end eight-day excursion through China taking in Tian'anmen Square, the Summer Palace, and the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Great Wall; Xi'an and its Terra Cotta warrior; Guilin and a look at rural village life. This tour was designed specifically for MacMania guests and is provided by our colleagues at Imperial Tours
»» Tour Beijing, Xi'an, and Guilin »»
After enjoying a fabulous, authentic dinner at one of Beijing's best retaurants and then spending the night in a five-star hotel in Beijing, we'll take you to The Great Wall. The day concludes with a bus trip to the Beijing airport for your return flight home. Pricing and other details will be available this summer.
An indepth total Solar Eclipse experience with the editors of Sky and Telescope magazine, along with an extended look at historic Shanghai, and a trip to "the silk city", Suzhou. This tour is provided by our colleagues at TravelQuest International. This excursion will sell out quickly.
»» Solar Eclipse and Shanghai Adventure Excursion Details »»
Cruise prices vary from $949 for an Inside Stateroom to $1,309 for a Better Outside, per person. (Cruise pricing is subject to change.) For those attending our PROGRAM, there is a $995 fee. Taxes are $164 per person. There's a $42 fuel surcharge applied to the first two passengers in a booking. Gratuities are $10 per person per day. All prices and fees are detailed on the BOOK NOW page.
For a detailed listing of the cruise itinerary please review our ITINERARY page.
Use our PRICING CALCULATOR for a quick price quote! For questions, please don't hestitate in calling Neil Bauman at InSightCruises.com (650-787-5665) or emailing Neil.
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