About This Journey

China and Japan: two modern countries with thousands of years of history. Skyscrapers tower above ancient temples, bullet trains speed by rice paddies and local street markets neighbor Michelin-starred restaurants. On this comprehensive tour of China and Japan, you will visit historical monuments, countryside landscapes, animal sanctuaries and modern cities. Start your tour in China, where you will walk along the Great Wall of China in Beijing, visit the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, tour the Panda Breeding Center in Chengdu and visit the Jade Buddha Temple in Shanghai. Along the way, you will learn how to make traditional dumplings, try your hand at Chinese calligraphy, enjoy a Kung Fu performance and more! Then, travel to Tokyo and learn the ancient Japanese traditions of Taiko drumming and sushi rolling. Throughout this program, you will learn the region’s customs, enjoy the flavorful dishes of each city and try your hand at local art. Then, board the Celebrity Millennium and explore the islands of Japan, including Mt. Fuji, Kobe, an overnight stay in Kyoto and more. This Journey is certainly an immersive experience you won’t want to miss!

Visits: Celebrity, Celebrity Millennium, China, Japan, Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Shanghai, Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, Busan, Hakodate, Aomori, South Korea, Sichuan, Suzhou, Jixi, Great Wall of China, Terracotta Warriors, Panda, Pandas, Tokyo, SPID 35063

Included Features

• International airfare, transfers and baggage handling
• 12-night pre-cruise land program in China
  • Beijing, China – 3-night hotel stay
    • Welcome Dinner
    • Full-day city tour of Beijing
    • Full-day tour to the Great Wall of China
    • Dinner and Kung Fu performance
  • Xi’an, China – 3-night hotel stay
    • Welcome Dinner
    • Full-day tour of Terracotta Warriors and Big Wild Goose Pagoda
    • Tang Dynasty Dancing Show and Dinner
    • Full-day tour of City Wall, Provincial Museum and Tang Dynasty Arts Museum
  • Chengdu, China – 3-night hotel stay
    • Hotpot Dinner and Sichuan Folklore Show
    • Full-day tour of Sichuan Culinary Museum and the ancient streets of Chengdu
    • Half-day visit to the Panda Breeding Center
  • Shanghai, China – 3-night hotel stay
    • Dinner and Acrobatic Show
    • Full-day tour of Suzhou and Jixi
    • Full-day city tour of Shanghai
    • Farewell Dinner
• 3-night pre-cruise land program in Japan
  • Tokyo, Japan – 3-night hotel stay
    • Welcome Dinner
    • Full-day cultural tour
• Tour Leader throughout China land program and Local Tour Hosts during included tours
• Most meals while on tour (see itinerary highlights) and all meals while onboard
• 12-night sailing aboard Celebrity Millennium
  • Drinks, Wi-Fi and Tips are All Included on Celebrity Cruises

• Special Offer for Journeys on Celebrity Cruises—Ends 12/5!
  • Sail with up to $2,050 Onboard Credit, up to $650 Off per stateroom and up to a $200 Visa Gift Card with Exclusive Tips on 2024 Sailings + Drinks and Wi-Fi—All Included. Learn More ➤

What to Expect on Your Trip

Pacing

Most days during the land portion will include full-day tours. The overall pace is rather quick, as there is much to see in these regions, however there is a healthy mix of both visits to historical sites and time to enjoy the landscape and scenery. Most days include two meals, allowing the third meal to be at your leisure. All hotels will have a restaurant on property where you may dine, then have the rest of the evening to relax. If you wish to go out, your guide is available to make suggestions for nearby dining. During the cruise you will have a mix of relaxing days at sea and exciting days on land to explore the port cities. You may choose from optional shore excursions, which will allow for cultural immersion, exotic meals and numerous activities.

Physical Activity

The land portion of the trip should be considered active and includes a considerable amount of walking. Enrichment Journeys will do everything in our power to ensure comfort through our third-party providers, including air-conditioned buses and comfortable accommodations where applicable. However, some areas cannot be accessed by coach, so our drivers will get you as close to sites as is legally allowed. Sensible, rubber-soled walking shoes are strongly recommended. Historical sites often do not have elevators, escalators or ramps due to the age of the building/structure. Steps can be steep and uneven. Wheelchair access at many sites is limited to extremely limited. Based on crowds and traffic, order of visits may be changed. A fold-up wheelchair may be able to be stored on the bus but requires prior arrangements. Motorized wheelchairs and scooters cannot be accommodated on this group program. Guests must be able to transfer from their chair to the transportation.  Guides/drivers are not allowed to lift or push wheelchairs, so guests requiring physical assistance must travel with a companion who can assist. For the cruise portion of the trip, passengers will board and leave the ship up stairways and gangways, and you may have to walk a moderate distance to transfer to train, bus and car stations. Time spent on the road and traveling can be long, so you will need to be prepared for stretches of down time in between destinations.

Cultural Focus

A trip of a lifetime through mainland China is not to be missed. The pre-cruise program will include instrumental music on instruments you may have never heard of, artistry of silk and net production, historic architecture including The Great Wall and several other UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Then, in Japan you will learn about another unique culture, including a variety of traditional and cultural activities during your tour in Tokyo. You will encounter dishes and ingredients typical to the region that you may not have encountered before, and you will be introduced to local artistry of the region. Enrichment Journeys encourages an open mind when in unique situations and meeting people abroad. Sometimes the attractions, beaches and cities themselves can be crowded, especially while on the cruise.

Unique Factors

If you have special needs or physical limitations, you will need to check in with your personal vacation manager before booking the trip. The temperature can vary between day and night, so pack accordingly with items that can be layered. Some guests may wish to have a light sweater or windbreaker with them.

Transportation

Included airfare is from select airports only. To inquire about a different airport, please contact your Personal Vacation Manager.

Enrichment Journeys is committed to providing remarkable experiences at extraordinary value. As a result, airlines and routes are selected to maximize that value and may involve multiple stops and extended layovers versus non-stop or direct flights. Passengers wishing to utilize specific carriers, direct/non-stop flights, Business Class upgrades, or to extend their time in any of our beginning or ending destination cities may do so by contacting Enrichment Journeys and inquiring about the Custom Airfare Program. There is a $50 per person charge for this service, however this charge will be applied toward any flights or upgrades you choose to purchase. The $50 charge must be paid prior to receiving a custom air quote.

Transportation while on tour:

Beijing–Xi’an: 2 Hour Flight

Xi’an–Chengdu:  2 Hour Flight

Chengdu–Shanghai: 2.5 Hour Flight

Shanghai–Tokyo: 3 Hour Flight

Ask about receiving 10% off all shore excursions from Shore Excursions Group!

Special Offer for Journeys on Celebrity Cruises—Ends 12/5!

All guests must choose the same package type. View Celebrity Terms and Conditions. Offer expires Dec 5, 2023 or when sold out.

1-night Beijing Extension (pre-cruise)

Want an extra day to adjust to the new time zone? With this optional extension you will arrive to Beijing a day early and have one extra day to relax at the hotel before the tour starts. Note: tours are not included. Price of $160 per person, based on double occupancy, includes:

• 1-night hotel accommodations in Beijing with daily breakfast
• Private transfer from airport to hotel

The following hotel list is preliminary and subject to change. Although we contract for hotels a year or more in advance, unforeseen circumstances do occasionally require a change of hotel. Should it be necessary to change a hotel, one of equal quality or value will be substituted and you will receive confirmed hotel information with your final itinerary.

Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing

97 Jinbao St Dongcheng Distrt, Beijing, China, 100005
Telephone: +86 10 8522 1999

Park Plaza Wangfujing Hotel is a modern oasis with 216 rooms. Centrally located in the heart of Beijing’s bustling and developing cultural, commercial, business and entertainment district, the hotel is within walking distance of the Tian’anmen Square, Wangfujing shopping street. Rooms all feature stunning views of the city skyline and complimentary high-speed Internet access.

Grand Mercure Xi’an

Tel：+86 29 87928888
319 Dongxin Street, Shaanxi Province 710004, Xi’an, China

The Grand Mercure Xi’an on Renmin Square is surrounded by serene courtyards and enchanting gardens which encapsulate the historic riches of the region. Fifty years of Renmin Square history is reflected on the magnificent décor of the hotel’s 194 guestrooms and suites. Combining chic Chinese design with modern touches, the rooms are fully equipped for comfort and convenience: room safe, satellite television and Wi-Fi access.

Sofitel Chengdu Taihe

Tel：+86 28 66669999
15 Binjiang Middle Road Sichuan Province, 610016 Chengdu, China
E-mail: sofiteltaihe@sofitelchengdu.com

Each Sofitel is a unique blend of the French art de vivre and local refinement. Sofitel Chengdu Taihe welcomes you to the Land of Heaven, where Chinese modernity meets Sichuan tradition – all mingled with French passion and abundant hospitality.

Sofitel Chengdu luxury hotel is ideally located in the center of the city on the picturesque Jinjiang River. The hotel is a 20-minute drive from Chengdu International Airport and a 15-minute walk to Tianfu Square and the city’s commercial centers.

Hotel Equatorial Shanghai

Tel：+86 21 6248 1688
No.65 Yan’an West Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai 200040, China

Hotel Equatorial Shanghai is strategically located at Jing’an in the heart of downtown Shanghai. The 506 guest rooms and suites offer stunning city views, and have been beautifully furnished to ensure guests a comfortable and relaxing stay. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Themed specialty restaurants provide delicious Chinese and western cuisine skillfully prepared by supremely qualified chefs.

The well-recognized Shanghai International Club Fitness Centre is situated on the 4th floor, easily accessible to all patrons. The centre offers a range of top-of-the-line fitness facilities from Life Fitness, a tennis hard court, the Fei Spa and an indoor heated pool which boasts a breathtaking view of Jing’an.

Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba Hotel

Tel：+81 3-5500-6711
2-6-1 Daiba, Minato 135-8701, Tokyo, Japan

Located not far from both the Haneda Airport and the heart of Tokyo, the Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba Hotel is conveniently located and has all the amenities a traveler could want. Lounge by the pool, make an appointment at the spa, or take a run at the gym during your down time. The Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba also has a beautiful view of the Tokyo Bay and Rainbow Bridge. It’s only a few miles from the center of Tokyo and the Imperial Palace.

Celebrity Millennium

Cruise Line: Celebrity

Since its inception in 1989, Celebrity has held true to its original commitment of taking the very best aspects of classic, elegant cruising and updating them to reflect current lifestyles. In 1997, they merged with Royal Caribbean International to form Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. What sets Celebrity apart from other vacation choices today is the cruise line’s passionate dedication to providing guests with a cruise experience that embodies modern luxury. This has become the definition of Celebrity Cruises and has set the worldwide standard for today’s expression of what first made cruising famous—high quality, superior design, spacious accommodations, grand style, attentive service and exceptional cuisine. Celebrity Cruises’ iconic “X” is the mark of contemporary spaces that are at once coolly sophisticated and warmly inviting. Where the culinary experience is influenced by global cuisines and designed by their Michelin-starred chef. Where their staff provides seamless and intuitive service that’s both personal and unobtrusive. Where everything is designed to provide an unparalleled Relaxed Luxury^sm resort at sea experience. Celebrity’s 15 award-winning ships offer unique experiences in more than 300 destinations on all seven continents.

Ship: Celebrity Millennium^®

Celebrity Millennium® is making even more waves in the cruise world with its breathtaking upgrades, and now as one of the first cruise ships in the world to receive a Four-Star Rating by Forbes Travel Guide. From adding brand new staterooms and elevating design concepts and technology across the ship to adding The Retreat®, an exclusive experience including The Retreat Sundeck and The Retreat Lounge, the change is phenomenal. These new venues combined with our award-winning Luminae are sure to please. Slip into new eXhale® bedding featuring Cashmere™ Mattresses that will surround you in luxury—literally. Marvel at completely new bathroom modernizations. Wine and dine in reimagined restaurants and lounges, including the main dining room, Oceanview Café, Sunset Bar, and Rendezvous Lounge. Surrender your senses in the newly redesigned spa. Shop in new retail boutiques. Change the way you experience the world aboard Celebrity Millennium.

Celebrity Millennium is sailing with Starlink—the world’s most advanced broadband satellite internet—to bring you high-speed connectivity for a better onboard experience.

Before You Go

Money Matters

How you handle your currency and financials while on the trip is up to you. Some people prefer to exchange all their money in advance, while others will rely solely on credit cards. Consider calling your bank ahead of time to make them aware of your international travel, especially when using cards or withdrawing money.

ATM Machines

These are often readily available, especially in major cities. Some will charge fees on top of what your hometown bank may charge for using ATMs abroad. Look for well-marked machines that have the Visa or MasterCard symbols.

Foreign Banks

Currency can be exchanged at most banks, if needed. Ask a local host or tour manager if there is a nearby bank that is open.

Credit Cards

During your trip, you’ll find that most major credit cards are accepted. Call your specific card issuer ahead of time to find out its limitations and benefits overseas.

Incidentals

Do be aware that some additional charges for mini-bars, laundry and room service will not be included in the tour package. Plan accordingly for these extra charges.

Packing Guidelines

Pack as simply as possible for easy transfers and customs screenings. Check with your domestic and international carriers regarding baggage guidelines, allowances, and check for additional fees. All bags will be screened before boarding flights and the cruise ship.

What to pack

Basics and layers are key to a comfortable Journey. Be sure to check the weather in the destinations you will visit, and pack accordingly. There are always unpredictable variables as well, so make sure you have one sturdy jacket and an outfit for a formal occasion too, just in case.

Here are a few key items to take on your trip:

• Raincoat/poncho
• Hooded jacket/fleece pullover
• Pants with pockets
• Skirt with pockets
• Hat with visor & sunscreen/bug spray
• Warm socks
• Sturdy sandals
• Practical shoes for walking/easy hiking
• Extra pair of prescription sunglasses and/or glasses (if needed)
• Camera(s)

Have back-ups for everything to avoid disappointment. Charge batteries in advance and bring extra film or digital memory cards. If bringing a high-end camera, consider investing in insurance to protect your asset.

Luggage Screening Process

To pass through screening, have liquids either in small containers and bagged, or in checked luggage. All valuables necessary for the trip should be on your person at all times, if possible. This includes medications and documentation. We recommend one main bag and a carry-on, per airline guidelines for weight and size.

Labeling

Have all your bags labeled with your name and address clearly marked. Add something to you luggage that is recognizable in the event your bags are misplaced. You may also consider marking your bags with “Enrichment Journeys” for efficiency.

Carry-on items

In many countries, including the US, large liquid containers are not allowed in carry-ons. On the way back into The States, food or agriculture items are prohibited. If you have questions about a certain item, visit www.tsa.gov for a list of items that cannot be packed.

Airport transfers

Airport transfers are included as part of your Enrichment Journey. Local representatives will advise you of the departure time from your hotel the night before departure. Generally speaking, arrangements have been made to have you at the airport approximately three hours in advance of departure, though this may vary depending on local circumstances. At the end of the cruise, an airport transfer will also be provided. Please advise your Personal Vacation Manager if you do not require transfer arrangements at the time of booking your Journey.

Cell phones

Some cell phones will work overseas, but incur additional charges for the use. Choose whether you would like to add an international plan by calling your carrier, or consider purchasing a pay-as-you-go phone overseas. However, in some destinations, many smartphones and tablets can pick up wireless Internet for free.

Protecting the Value of Your Travel Investment

Enrichment Journeys offers a comprehensive travel insurance package you can purchase alongside your trip. It eases the mind and lets you cancel your trip for a covered reason up until the departure date with a full refund of the Journey.

The insurance covers a wide variety of incidents, including travel delay, emergency medical services, and even baggage delay. You will also receive a pre-existing medical conditions waiver if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of your initial deposit. For a full list of coverage provided, visit the FAQ section of the website.

Medical Issues and Handicaps

As with any extensive trip abroad, our excursions with Enrichment Journeys will require some physical capabilities, including transfers from cruise ships, walking on cobblestone streets and navigating through some busy cities with guides. Although we encourage all types of travelers to join us, we do ask you are aware of your own physical limitations. Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual care to those who may have walkers, wheelchairs or other aids. Enrichment Journeys also cannot accommodate pregnant women past their six month gestation period. Please speak with one of our Personal Vacation Managers to see if certain itineraries are suitable for you and your needs. We are happy to suggest other viable options for you that are more accessible.

Per the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, travelers have the right to be reasonably accommodated in terms of tours in public situations. However, the laws do not apply for trips and outside the United States. So you must let Enrichment Journeys know ahead of time of any physical limitations, including information added to our questionnaire that needs to be filled out by all passengers. Failure to inform Enrichment Journeys of these limitations could result in refusal to participate, whether it be at the airport through the airline, on board the ship or at the accommodations booked.

If you have any sort of prescription medication, this should be a number one priority in packing. Bring extra, just in case. A small medical kit is also advisable for quick access to remedy minor aches and pains.

Briefing sessions

A local host or tour manager will be happy to guide you through the trip and answer all of your questions. Upon arrival to your destination, an Enrichment Journeys representative will meet with the group and go over items such as the daily schedule, weather and local customs.

Hotels

All hotels booked by Enrichment Journeys are held to a high standard of comfort and quality, in accordance to international accommodation standards and rating systems. However, each accommodation varies so you may experience various types of properties throughout your excursions.

Regional Information

eJourney Guide

• Detailed Destination Information
• Day-by-Day Itinerary
• Preparing for Your Trip
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Local Cultural Information
• Recommended Readings
• And so much more!

As always, our friendly and dependable Personal Vacation Managers are committed to assisting you every step of the way.