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Road Scholar World Academy Segment 3: Japan, Taiwan & the Philippines

Program Number: 21084RJ
Start and End Dates:
2/2/2014 - 2/19/2014;
Duration: 17 nights
Location: China/Taiwan/Philippines
Price starting at: $4,996.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Ocean Cruises
Meals: 47; 16 Breakfasts, 15 Lunches, 16 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Experience Road Scholar World Academy 2014 on this segment of the voyage that brings you to Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines.




Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles per day. Uneven terrain and stone stairs without railings will be common. Conditions can vary from hot and humid to quite cool.



Itinerary At-a-Glance

Tokyo (Japan), 1 night; aboard Voyager, 14 nights; Manila (Philippines), 1 night.



Day 1: Overnight flight from the U.S.A.


Days 2-4: Arrival Tokyo (Japan) / embark Voyager:

Journey to Mount Fuji to experience this icon of Japan. Explore some of the highlights of Tokyo with visits to Meiji Jingu Shrine and Sensoki. Lodging: Comfortable hotel near airport.



Day 5: Nagoya:

At the Toyota Museum in Nagoya glimpse the company’s technologies of the future.



Days 6-7: At Sea / Kagoshima:

Learn about the active Sakura Island stratovolcano.



Day 8: Nagasaki:

Meet with a survivor of the August 9, 1945 atomic bomb attack on this city.



Days 9-11: At Sea / Naha:

On lovely Okinawa Island, discover the palace and gardens of the independent Ryukyu royal family.



Day 12: Ishigaki:

Learn about the beautiful Yaeyama palm trees, which only grow on this island.



Day 13: Hualien (Taiwan):

Sail south to Taiwan then go ashore to marvel at the spectacular gorges of Taroko National Park.



Day 14: Kaohsiung:

Learn about the lives of Buddhist monks at the Fo Guang Shan monastery.



Days 15-18: At Sea / Manila (Philippines) / disembark / departure:

Continue south to Manila, capital of the Philippines, where you explore the old walled Spanish city and learn about the World War II history of Corregidor. Lodging: Elegant Manila Bay hotel.



Voyager

Sail aboard the 540-guest Voyager, Voyages of Discovery’s newest flagship.. Newly upgraded in 2012, Voyager boasts all the amenities and facilities of a large ocean liner while offering the convenience, flexibility, and intimate ambience of a small ship. It features spacious public areas, comfortable staterooms and balcony suites, a choice of open seating restaurants and al fresco dining, a variety of lounges and bars including the elegant Scott’s Lounge, a library and internet center, a swimming pool, two whirlpools, a beauty center and a gym. Voyager is your home at sea and you will be welcomed back warmly each time you return to the ship.
Meals and Lodgings
   Hilton Tokyo Narita Airport Hotel
  Tokyo, Japan 1 night
   MV Voyager
  Aboard the MV Voyager, USA 14 nights
   Diamond Hotel
  Manila, Philippines 1 night
 Hilton Tokyo Narita Airport Hotel
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: Welcome to the Hilton Tokyo Narita Airport Hotel, conveniently located only 10 minutes from Narita International Airport and one hour from downtown Tokyo. Situated on the eastern side of Tokyo Bay, this Narita, Japan hotel is ideally placed for Guests to explore the scenic Boso Peninsula. Admire the stunning sights and soak up a taste of Japanese culture. The excellent central location of the hotel also provides easy access to all the energy and excitement of downtown Tokyo.
  Ship Information: NA
  Contact info: 456 Kosuge
Narita,  286 0127 Japan
phone: +81 -476-331121
web: www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/chiba/hilton-tokyo-narita-airport-hotel-NRTHIHI/index.html
  Room amenities: •Air Conditioning •Lever Door Handles •Non-Smoking •TV-Premium HBO,CNN,ESPN •TV-Standard Network •Alarms - Audible •Electronic Locks •Electronic Smoke Detector •Secondary Locking Device •Wide Angle Door Viewer •Bathroom Amenities •Efficiency •Hairdryer •Hand Held Shower •Mini Bar •Mini Refrigerator •Telephone - Auto Wakeup •Telephone - in Bath •Telephone - with Dataport
  Facility amenities: •Baggage Storage •Beauty Salon •Clothing Store •Elevators •Florist •Foreign Currency Exchange •Gift Shop •Local Area Transportation •Lounge •Luggage Hold •Multi-Lingual Staff •News Stand •On-Site Convenience Store •Room Service •Safety Deposit Box •Shoe Shine Stand •Bicycle Rental •Fitness Room •Jacuzzi •Pool •Tennis Court
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: TBA TBA
  Check in time: 3:00 PM

 MV Voyager
Type: Cruise Ship
  Description: Voyager, built by Spanish yard Union Navale le LeVante, is a spacious and well-appointed vessel offering 278 cabins, 86% of which are outside, 35 suites, 30 of which have balconies, open seating dining in three restaurants and the personal service and comfort levels that have been the hallmark of our cruises since 2003. Carrying just 550 passengers, Voyager has all the amenities and facilities of a larger liner while offering the convenience and flexibility of a small ship. She is able to visit and berth alongside where others have to pass by, yet is able to traverse the world's oceans with ease. On board, passengers will be able to relax in the comfortable public lounges, enjoy a drink in atmospheric Harry's Bar, in the sunshine on deck, at the Lido Bar. Alternatively, read a book in the well-stocked library.
  Ship Information: Owner / Operator: All Leisure Group Year Built: 1990 Builder: Union Navale de LeVante, Spain Former Names: Crown Monarch, Walrus, Jules Verne, Alexander von Humboldt Gross Tonnage: 15,271 Length: 152.5 meters (500.2 ft) Beam: 20.6 meters (67.6 ft) Passengers: 550 Crew: 215 Service Speed: 18.0 knots
  Contact info: Voyages of Discovery - North America
1800 S E 10th Avenue, Suite 205
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 USA
phone: 866-623-2689
web: www.voyagesofdiscovery.com
  Facility amenities: Three restaurants with option for open dining Al-fresco dining (Veranda) Third restaurant within Discovery Restaurant (Explorer Grill) Two lounges - Atlantic Lounge and Vista Lounge Four bars (Vista Lounge, Harry's Bar, Pacific Lounge, Lido Bar) Card/Function room Medical Centre Internet Centre Two Shops Swimming pool Two whirlpools Beauty Centre Gym
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Diamond Hotel
Type: Hotel
  Description: Set against the magnificent golden sunset of exceptional beauty is Diamond Hotel Philippines. Located along the scenic Manila Bay area, Diamond Hotel is only minutes away from the international and domestic airports, and the Makati business district. Also within the vicinity are Manila's famous historical landmarks, cultural and convention centers, shopping malls, and Malate's spectacular night life. Guests are guaranteed of a wonderful experience of luxury, comfort, and impeccable service in every visit to Diamond Hotel.
  Contact info: Roxas Boulevard cor. Dr. J. Quintos St.,
Manila,  1000 Philippines
phone: (+632) 528-3000
web: www.diamondhotel.com/
  Room amenities: Free selected items in the mini bar, Free internet access in all guest rooms for the first three (3) hours, Free wireless internet access in public areas for three (3) hours, Free use of swimming pool and outdoor whirlpool.
  Facility amenities: Outdoor Pool, SPA, Tennis Court, several dining rooms, meeting space and gym.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after: TBA Please contact RS Travel Services.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Day 2 in the late evening with a light dinner at the program hotel in Tokyo/Narita, Japan. You will be staying at Hilton Tokyo Narita Airport Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
Day 18 in the early morning after breakfast at the program hotel in Manila, Philippines. You will be staying at Diamond Hotel the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. **IMPORTANT: REGISTERING FOR YOUR CRUISE ONLINE** Voyages of Discovery requires all guests to provide full passport details, including address and telephone number. They also require next of kin contact information in case of an emergency. This information must be received no later than 60 days prior to departure. Passengers must visit the website at www.voyagesofdiscovery.com - click on “Already Booked” then “Required Passenger Information” to enter your details. Furnished data will be provided to foreign government immigration officials and is required for on-board administration. PLEASE NOTE: Your cruise documents will not be issued prior to your online registration, and embarkation onto the ship may be denied. If you need assistance registering online, please contact our program department at 1.866.359.5966 and someone will assist you.
  Parking availability:
Driving is not recommended for this program.
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
To Start of Program
  Location:  Tokyo
  Transportation to site: The program hotel is located near the airport. There is a complimentary shuttle that you can take to the program hotel. For the group flight, there will be a representative at the airport waiting to take you to the hotel shuttle and transferring you to the program hotel.
  From End of Program
  Location:  Manila
  Transportation from site: There will be one transfer from the program hotel to the airport at the end of the program. The group flight will depart in the morning of Feb 19, 2014 and there will be a group transfer that corresponds to the group flight.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Depart for overnight flight to Tokyo, Japan.
(Sunday, February 2)
   
 Depart From: Depart from home for overnight flight toTokyo, Japan.

Day 2: Late Evening Arrival to Tokyo
(Monday, February 3)
   
 Arrive To: Late evening arrival to Narita International Airport. Transfer to the program hotel.
 Dinner: Light dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hilton Tokyo Narita Airport Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 3: Tokyo, Japan / Mount Fuji
(Tuesday, February 4)

Note: This is a 3 hour transfers one way. You will be joining a group that has been on the program for the past 33 days.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Join your group leader and the rest of the group for a trip to Mt Fuji. Coach to the based of Mount Fuji to see this icon of Japan. Perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone, the mountain is a near-mythical national symbol immortalized in countless works of art, including Hokusai's 36 Views of Mt. Fuji.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Transfer to the ship to check in and get your cabins.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Tokyo Discovery
(Wednesday, February 5)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Discover the highlights of Tokyo starting with a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Emperor Shoken, the great-grandparents of the present emperor. The shrine spread over 700,000 square meters covered by the forest of 120,000 trees and 365 species donated by people from all over Japan. Continue to Sensoki, the oldest and most impressive temple in Tokyo. The main was hall was first built in 645 to houses a tiny golden statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy that had been repeatedly hauled up in fishing nets despite being thrown back into the water.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Free afternoon on your own.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Nagoya, Japan / Toyota Factory
(Thursday, February 6)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: This morning take a visit to the Toyota Kaikan Museum, where Toyota's new models and technologies are displayed to the public and robot shows are held periodically.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Free afternoon to explore Nagoya port.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: At Sea / Presentation
(Friday, February 7)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 3, Presentation #1: Natural History
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 3, Presentation #2: Natural History
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Kagoshima, Japan
(Saturday, February 8)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Discover Mt Sakurajima, a mildly active volcano that rises above Kinko Bay facing Kagoshima. Continue to Senganen Garden, a fine specimen of Japanese landscape gardening with Sakurajimand Kinko Bay forming its background. Then explore Shoko Shuseikan Museum that displays 700 year of Shimazu family history.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Rest of the afternoon is on your own to explore Kagoshima.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Nagasaki, Japan / Peace Memorial Park
(Sunday, February 9)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Explore the Peace memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum. Hear first hand from a survivor. Continue to Glover Gardens home of an expatriate Scots businessman, Thomas Glover, living in Japan during the late Edo and early Meiji, modern state, period. The gardens, which provide great views over the sea inlet, now contain period houses of other foreign traders brought here from around Nagasaki.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Free time to explore Nagaski on your own.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: At Sea / Presentation
(Monday, February 10)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 3, Presentation #3: Natural History.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 3, Presentation #4: Natural History.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Naha (Okinawa), Japan
(Tuesday, February 11)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Discover Shuri Castle which has a stong influence of Chinese architecture. Continue on a short walking through Kokusai Street which ends in Shikinaen Garden, the Ryukyu royal family's largest country retreat.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Continue exploring Okinawa island.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Naha (Okinawa), Japan
(Wednesday, February 12)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Free morning on your own to explore Okinawa island. Join a ships shore excursion or take a walk on Kokusai dori street.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 3, Presentation #6: Natural History
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Ishigaka, Japan
(Thursday, February 13)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Explore Tojin-baka (chinese tomb). Then transfer to Kabira Bay for a view of Ishigaka Island, known for the cultavation of black pearl. Then see the Yaeyama Palm tree Groves, a rate palm tree that only grows on this island and designated as a National treasure monument.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Free time this afternoon to explore the island.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Hualien, Taiwan / Taroko Gorge National Park
(Friday, February 14)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Visit Taroko National Park Information Center, Eternal Spring Shrine, Swallow’s Grotto, Marble Bridge, and Tien Shiang.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Free time this afternoon to explore Hualien town.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Kaoshiung, Taiwan / Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Monastery
(Saturday, February 15)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Drive to Fo Guang Shan Buddist Monastery. Explore main Shrine, Great Budda Land , Buddist culture Museum.
 Lunch: Lunch at the monastary.
 Afternoon: Continue exploring Fo Guang Shan Monastary before returning to the ship.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: At Sea / Presentation
(Sunday, February 16)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 3, Presentation #6: Natural History.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Time to enjoy the ship's amenities.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Manila, Philippines
(Monday, February 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 3, Presentation #7: Natural History.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Visit Rizal park and Intramuros (the old spanish walled city, with SanAugustin church, Manila cathedral, Fort Santiago and Rizal museum). Continue to Makati, a WW2 American cemetery, for a wreath laying ceremony.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17: Manila, Philippines / Corregidor
(Tuesday, February 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Explore Corregidor is known in the world for its role in war, bravery, and history; it's strategic location was vital in the defense of Manila during World War II. It was from Corregidor that General Douglas MacArthur left for Australia.
 Lunch: Lunch on Corregidor Island.
 Afternoon: Continue your exploration of Corregidor. Afterwards transfer to your hotel for an overnight.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Diamond Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18: Manila, Philippines / Departure
(Wednesday, February 19)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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