Asia
Mon 30 Mar : Meet with the tour leader at the Malta International Airport at 12:30. Check in for our flight EK110 to Dubai departing at 15:30. Lunch on board.
Tue 31 Mar : Arrive in Dubai at 01:05 (Local time). At 03:00 we fly to Osaka (breakfast on board) on EK316 and arrive at 17:15 (local time). Transfer to our 4 stars Hotel Almont in Kyoto.
Wed 01 Apr: After breakfast, we transfer to Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its historical significance and stunning architecture. Depart from Nijo Castle and proceed to Maruyama Park, one of Kyoto's most famous public parks, known for its seasonal beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Continue to Arashiyama and take a scenic walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, a breathtaking pathway lined with towering bamboo groves — one of Kyoto's most iconic experiences. After an exciting day of sightseeing, return to the hotel to rest and relax.
Thu 02 Apr: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of Kyoto’s most celebrated landmarks. Explore the temple's wooden stage with panoramic views of the city and visit the Otowa Waterfall, and stroll through the surrounding historic streets of Higashiyama. Travel to the Gion area for an afternoon excursion. Stroll through Kyoto’s historic geisha district, visit Yasaka Shrine, and experience the unique atmosphere of traditional tea houses and old wooden machiya houses. Proceed to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), one of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks. Admire the stunning golden temple reflected in the surrounding pond and enjoy the peaceful temple gardens. After today’s beautiful experience, return to the hotel to relax and unwind.
Fri 03 Apr: Following breakfast, we will check out and proceed to Fushimi Inari, one of Kyoto’s most iconic and culturally significant sites. Renowned for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that form scenic walking trails up the mountain, Fushimi Inari Shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, prosperity, and business. You can enjoy both the spiritual ambiance and the opportunity for scenic photography while exploring the expansive grounds and historic structures. Afterward, we will continue to Nara Park and Todaiji Temple, where you can experience the renowned deer park and visit Todaiji, home to the impressive Great Buddha statue and a UNESCO World Heritage site. We will then proceed to Naramachi Street, known for its traditional merchant houses and charming atmosphere. Following this, we will depart for Osaka, where we will check in at the Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu 4 stars and conclude the day’s journey.
Sat 04 Apr: After breakfast, we will make our way to Universal Studios for a full day of immersive entertainment. Renowned for its thrilling rides, world-class attractions, and themed zones based on popular films and franchises, Universal Studios offers you an exciting experience. From heart-pounding roller coasters to captivating live shows and interactive exhibits, you can enjoy a dynamic blend of adventure, technology, and storytelling in a vibrant park setting. We will return to our hotel to rest and recharge following such a thrilling experience.
Sun 05 Apr: Happy Easter. Today, after breakfast, we will visit Osaka Castle, a historic landmark renowned for its impressive architecture and rich history as a symbol of Japan’s unification in the 16th century. Next, we will explore Dotonbori, Osaka’s vibrant entertainment district famous for its dazzling neon lights, bustling atmosphere, and a variety of street food and shopping options. Following this, we will visit the Umeda Sky Building, an architectural marvel featuring an open-air observatory that offers panoramic views of the city skyline. After an enriching day of sightseeing, we will return to our hotel to relax and unwind.
Mon 06 Apr: After breakfast today, we will depart for Himeji to visit Himeji Castle, widely regarded as Japan’s finest surviving example of traditional feudal architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Following the castle tour, we will travel to Kobe Harbourland, a lively waterfront district known for its shopping, dining, and picturesque views of the harbor. After a day of exploration, we will return to our hotel to rest and prepare for the next day’s activities.
Tue 07 Apr: After breakfast, we will check out of the hotel and depart for Hiroshima. Along the way, we will visit the picturesque Kurashiki Canal, known for its charming historic district lined with traditional warehouses and willow trees. We will then make a brief photo stop at Okayama Castle, an iconic landmark often referred to as “Crow Castle” due to its striking black exterior. Continuing our journey, we will arrive in Hiroshima and check in at the Oriental Hotel Hiroshima 4 stars to conclude the day’s travel.
Wed 08 Apr: After breakfast at the hotel, our first stop will be Hiroshima Peace Park, where we will visit the Peace Memorial Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome, both poignant reminders of the city’s resilience and commitment to peace. We will then continue to Miyajimaguchi and take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island to visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, renowned for its floating torii gate and serene coastal beauty. After a day of meaningful exploration, we will return to our hotel to conclude today’s journey.
Thu 09 Apr: After breakfast, we will check out of the hotel and proceed to Hiroshima Station to board the Nozomi Shinkansen 10, one of Japan’s fastest and most comfortable bullet trains, for our journey to Odawara Station. Upon arrival, we will head to Lake Ashi, a scenic crater lake in the Hakone area, known for its serene waters and views of Mount Fuji on clear days. Here, we will enjoy a relaxing cruise across the lake, offering picturesque landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere. We will then take the Komagatake Ropeway, which ascends Mount Komagatake and provides breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Ashi, the surrounding mountains, and, weather permitting, Mount Fuji. After a day of scenic exploration, we will travel to Lakeland Hotel Mizunosato 4 stars in the Hakone area for check-in and an overnight stay.
Fri 10 Apr: Today, after breakfast, we will check out and travel by coach to Kamakura, a historic coastal city known for its rich cultural heritage and ancient temples. Our visit will include the iconic Kōtoku-in, home to the Great Buddha of Kamakura—a majestic 13-meter bronze statue dating back to the 13th century, symbolizing peace and spiritual strength. We will then continue to Yokohama, where we’ll explore Minato Mirai, a vibrant waterfront district featuring modern architecture, shopping, and entertainment with scenic harbour views. Our next stop is Yokohama’s Chinatown, the largest in Japan, where you can enjoy a lively atmosphere, colourful streets, and a wide variety of Chinese cuisine. After our sightseeing, we will make our way to Tokyo, where we will check in at the Hotel East 21 Tokyo 4 stars and conclude the day’s journey.
Sat 11 Apr: After enjoying breakfast, we will depart the hotel and begin the day with a visit to Tokyo Skytree, one of the tallest towers in the world, offering stunning panoramic views of the city skyline from its observation decks. Next, we will explore Asakusa, where we will visit the historic Sensō-ji Temple—Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple—followed by a stroll along Nakamise Street, known for its traditional shops and local snacks. We will then head to Ginza, Tokyo’s premier shopping district, renowned for its luxury boutiques, flagship stores, and sophisticated atmosphere. Our final sightseeing stop will be Odaiba, a futuristic waterfront area, where we will make a photo stop at the replica Statue of Liberty with scenic views of Tokyo Bay. After a full day of exploration, we will return to the hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Sun 12 Apr: Savor your final morning in Tokyo with a delightful breakfast before checking out at 10:30. Today’s highlights include an immersive visit to Team Lab Planets, followed by a scenic photo stop at the Odaiba Statue of Liberty and a leisurely exploration of Odaiba Diver City. In the evening, we transfer to Narita Airport for our return journey. We depart on flight EK319 to Dubai at 22:30, arriving at 04:50 the next morning.
Mon 13 Apr: We will board flight EK 109 at 07:55, with an expected arrival in Malta at 14:00. As we conclude this unforgettable trip, we reflect on the incredible experiences we have shared.
