SAPPHIRE PRINCESS: THE PEARL OF THE FAR EAST – JAPAN & SOUTH KOREA - EID AL-FITR (04.03.2027)

We will meet our valued guests at the Qatar Airways counter in front of the Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal at 17:00. After passport, ticket, and baggage procedures, we will depart for Doha Airport on Qatar Airways flight QR2461 at 20:10.

 

Arrival in Doha at 00:10 local time. From here, with a layover, we will depart for Tokyo on Qatar Airways flight QR 806 at 02:15. Arrival in Tokyo at 17:55 local time. Transfer to our hotel via our private vehicle waiting at the airport. After check-in procedures, we will settle into our rooms and have free time.

 

After breakfast at the hotel early in the morning, we will complete our departure procedures and transfer to the Sapphire Princess ship via our private vehicle waiting for us. After the ship check-in procedures, we will settle into our cabins and have free time. Guests who wish may join the "Tokyo City Tour" organized by our guides as an extra activity. 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 from all four directions cross at the same time, creating what looks like a human flood. The Hachiko Statue, located in one corner of the intersection, was built in honor of the famous Akita dog known for his loyalty, which has become one of Japan's symbols. After seeing the Hachiko Statue, we will reach the Asakusa district, one of Tokyo's oldest residential areas, and visit Sensoji Temple, considered the city's most important religious structure. On the way to the temple, along Nakamise shopping street, you can find many options ranging from traditional Japanese products to souvenirs. After some free time here, our ship will depart from the port at 15:00. Dinner and overnight on board.

 

Our ship will dock at Toba port at 07:00 in the morning. After breakfast, there will be free time for personal activities and shopping. Guests who wish may join the "Shima Peninsula & Ise Shrine Tour" organized by our guides as an extra activity. In this enjoyable tour where we will discover the natural beauties and cultural richness of the Shima-Hanto Peninsula, we will depart from Toba and first reach the Uji-Tachi area, home to the Ise-Jingu Shrine Complex, which is accepted as one of Japan's holiest and most important religious centers. Here, the Naiku (Inner Shrine), dedicated to the Sun Goddess Amaterasu and one of the holiest structures of the Shinto faith, will be visited. The shrine buildings, dating back to the 7th century, are entirely constructed from cypress trees and joined using traditional Japanese carpentry techniques without nails. Afterwards, we will ascend to the famous Yokoyama Observation Point, located approximately 200 meters high on Yokoyama Mountain, offering breathtaking views of Ago Bay. Subsequently, we will join an enjoyable boat tour exploring 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 on board.

 

Our ship will dock at Kochi port at 09:00 in the morning. After breakfast, there will be free time for personal activities and shopping. Guests who wish may join the "Kochi Castle & Kochi City Tour" organized by our guides as an extra activity. While visiting the two most respected symbols of the city, learn how Kochi became the center of pro-imperial ideology at the end of the feudal period. We head from the pier to Kochi Castle. The "donjon" or main tower, built over 400 years ago by feudal lord Yamanouchi Kazutoyo, is worth climbing to the top to enjoy the famous panoramic views of the entire city. Your tour will take you through the beautifully restored Tsumemon Gate, which connects the castle's second keep to the inner sanctuary, and you cannot say your visit is complete without seeing the living quarters or "honmaru" that house local and historical treasures. After a walk on the castle grounds, you will board your bus and head to the beautiful Katsurahama Beach. Here stands a statue of Sakamoto Ryoma, one of Japan's most beloved historical figures known for 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 on board.

 

On this day spent cruising at sea, our ship will offer you many alternatives. Those who wish can enjoy the ship's open and indoor pools, jacuzzis, and sunbathing areas. Others can shop at duty-free stores, try their luck in the casino, or enjoy various music and entertainment programs performed in dozens of bars. Various food alternatives will also be waiting for you throughout the day.

 

Our ship will dock at Busan port at 07:00 in the morning. After breakfast, there will be free time for personal activities and shopping. Guests who wish may join the "Busan City Tour" organized by our guides as an extra activity. 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 owned by South Korea. Later, we will visit Haeundae Dalmaji-gil Road, famous for its blue ocean, white sandy beach, Camellia forest, and pine tree forest views, Haeundae Beach, Dongbaekseom Island, and the Mermaid Statue representing the legendary heart-wrenching love story of the princess of Naranda country. Afterwards, we will visit the UN Memorial Cemetery, where soldiers from 16 countries lost their lives during the Korean War between 1950-1953, including the Turkish Martyrs' Cemetery and monument within it. Busan Gamcheon Culture Village is also known as "Busan's Machu Picchu." Busan Tower is located in Nampodong, Busan's old central district, where besides various brands, there are also reasonably priced local shops. Among the streets, there is a paradise of street foods. Afterwards, we will visit Gukje Market, which has become Busan's largest market. After free time given in the market, we will return to our ship. Our ship will depart from the port at 16:00 in the evening. Dinner and overnight on board.

 

Our ship will dock at Nagasaki port at 07:00 in the morning. After breakfast, there will be free time for personal activities and shopping. Guests who wish may join the "Nagasaki City Tour" organized by our guides as an extra activity. Nagasaki is the capital and largest city of Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. Historically, Nagasaki was the second and last city to suffer a nuclear attack. At the first stop of our city tour, we will visit the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum to remember the nuclear war, which is among the most painful memories in history. Afterwards, we will visit Glover Garden, located inside the oldest surviving Western-style house in Japan, built by Scottish merchant Thomas Blake Glover. Finally, we will take a tour of Nagasaki Chinatown, have free time in the city center, and then return to our ship. Our ship will depart from the port at 16:00 in the evening. Dinner and overnight on board.

 

Our ship will dock at Kagoshima port at 07:00 in the morning. After breakfast, there will be free time for personal activities and shopping. Guests who wish may join the "Kamikaze & Senganen Japanese Garden Tour" organized by our guides as an extra activity. In this impressive tour, our first stop will be the Chiran Peace Museum, which tells the story of Kamikaze pilots and their planes who, during World War II, knew they were on their final mission and went to death without blinking for their country, despite the Americans being unable to reveal this information to the public until the end of the war. Afterwards, we will enjoy a pleasant walk at Senganen, considered one of the most beautiful traditional Japanese gardens in the country, to better understand this fine art. Inside this garden, we will visit the residence loved by the Shimadzu family for generations. We will enjoy the special views of Kagoshima Bay and the Sakurajima volcano while admiring the Japanese gardens. We will learn about the lifestyle of Prince Shimadzu Tadayoshi. We will see how distinguished guests from both Japan and overseas countries were welcomed by the Shimadzu family at Sengan-en. Sengan-en and Shoko Shuseikan Museum were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. Shoko Shuseikan Museum is located in the building of Japan's oldest stone factory, built in 1865. This museum, just at the entrance of the gardens, allows us to follow the 800-year journey of the Shimadzu family and see how the international relationships they established led to the development of industrial modernization in Kagoshima, Kyushu, and Japan. We will return from the main street to the port in Kagoshima. Our ship will depart from the port at 16:00. Dinner and overnight on board.

 

Our ship will dock at Matsuyama port at 10:00 in the morning. After breakfast, there will be free time for personal activities and shopping. Guests who wish may join the "Doge Onsen Hot Springs & Matsuyama Castle Tour" organized by our guides as an extra activity. In Matsuyama, the past always continues to live. Historical structures rising amidst the modern and dynamic city fabric shed light on the region's deep-rooted past. In this comprehensive tour, we will first visit the magnificent Matsuyama Castle, dating back to the 17th century, which was used as the administrative center of the Matsudaira Clan that ruled the region during the Edo Period. After reaching the castle located on Katsuyama Hill, approximately 132 meters high, via cable car, we will see samurai swords, armor, and historical artifacts belonging to the Matsudaira family exhibited inside the castle, which is recognized as one of Japan's Important Cultural Properties. Afterwards, we will visit Ishiteji Temple, a large Buddhist temple complex famous for its treasury displaying valuable historical artifacts. After having lunch at a local restaurant, we will move to the famous Dogo Onsen area, accepted as Japan's oldest hot spring center, and have 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 on board.

 

Our ship will dock at Miyazaki port at 07:00 in the morning. After breakfast, there will be free time for personal activities and shopping. Guests who wish may join the "Miyazaki Obi Castle and Sacred Shrines Tour" organized by our guides as an extra activity. In this comprehensive tour where we will discover the historical and cultural richness of Miyazaki, we will first visit the Obi Castle Area, which has a history of approximately 567 years. Located in a Samurai town that is among Japan's Protected Historical Settlement Areas and was once the administrative center of the Shimazu Shogunate, we will have the opportunity to explore its traditional streets and historical structures. Guests will also be given a special Ayumi-chan Map providing discounts at certain restaurants and souvenir shops in the area. After having a Japanese-style lunch at a local restaurant, we will head to 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 move to Udo Jingu Shrine, accepted as one of Japan's most impressive sacred sites with a history of approximately 2,000 years. This colorful shrine, located in a natural cave within steep cliffs overlooking the ocean, captivates its visitors with its unique scenery and spiritual atmosphere. In the final part of our tour, we will stop 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 on board.

 

Our ship will dock at Kobe Port at 09:00 in the evening. After dinner, there will be free time for personal activities and shopping. Guests who wish may join the "Osaka & Kobe Night Tour Under Lights" organized by our guides as an extra activity. We start our tour by heading to Osaka. When we arrive in Osaka, the city's magnificent lights will be dizzying. 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 enter inside. After taking photos in the surrounding area, garden, and outer courtyard of the castle, we will begin sightseeing. Our second stop will be the Dotonbori area. In this area famous for its brightly lit streets, you will be able to feel all the energy of Osaka thanks to neon signs, the joy of walking along the canal, and restaurants full of street foods. At the end of our tour, we return to our ship. Then we return to Kobe. Our first stop in Kobe is Mt. Maya Kikuseidai. This place has one of Japan's three great night views. You can watch the magnificent lights of both Kobe and Osaka. After free time given in Kobe city center, we set off towards our ship. Our ship will depart from the port at 23:00. Dinner and overnight on board.

 

On this day spent cruising at sea, our ship will offer you many alternatives. Those who wish can enjoy the ship's open and indoor pools, jacuzzis, and sunbathing areas. Others can shop at duty-free stores, try their luck in the casino, or enjoy various music and entertainment programs performed in dozens of bars. Various food alternatives will also be waiting for you throughout the day.

 

Our ship will dock at Tokyo Port at 06:30 in the morning. After breakfast and disembarkation procedures from the ship, we will depart for the 'Hakone & Fuji View Ashi Lake Tour' via our private vehicle waiting for us. After approximately 2 hours of travel, our first stop will be Owakudani Valley, formed by an eruption 3000 years ago and still showing active volcanic gas emissions. Here, we will have the chance to see the famous 'Black Eggs' and photograph the unique view of Mount Fuji from above (depending on weather conditions). After a lunch break in the area, we will take a boat tour on Lake Ashi, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the leisurely cruise in the peaceful atmosphere of the crater lake, there will be free time. We will transfer to Tokyo Narita Airport via our private vehicle waiting for us. After passport and check-in procedures, there will be free time until our flight time.

 

Departure for Doha on Qatar Airways flight QR813 at 01:25. Arrival in Doha at 06:40 local time. With a layover here, we will depart for Istanbul on Qatar Airways flight QR 239 at 07:45. Arrival at Istanbul Airport at 12:20 local time. End of our tour.