Highlights of the stay
- A luxury cruise of 10 nights aboard Explora III, between Japan and South Korea.
- 8 exclusive musical experiences, featuring world-renowned artists including Maxim Vengerov, Marina Rebeka, Arturo Chacón-Cruz and Bomsori.
- An exceptional concert by Maxim Vengerov at Higashi Hongan-ji Temple in Kyoto, featuring works by Bach and Mozart, alongside traditional Japanese artists.
- A concert by the Sea & Music Japanese Orchestra in Shimonoseki, featuring works by Mozart.
- An exclusive experience at the Itsukushima Shrine, departing from Hiroshima.
- Exclusive opportunities to meet the artists: conversations, autograph sessions and private encounters.
- A fascinating itinerary through Japan’s major cities, traditions and landscapes, including a stopover in Busan, South Korea.
- The refinement of a luxury cruise, featuring private suites and terraces, with premium dining and beverages included.
Aboard Explora III, enjoy a truly unique travelling music festival as you discover Japan, exploring its age-old traditions, fascinating landscapes and cultural highlights.
Eight exclusive musical experiences will bring together some of the world’s finest international performers, including Maxim Vengerov, Marina Rebeka, Jan Lisiecki and Bomsori. Highlights include an exceptional concert at Higashi Hongan-ji Temple in Kyoto, where the works of Bach and Mozart will meet the rich traditions of Japanese music.
With concerts, exclusive opportunities to meet the artists, refined gastronomy and relaxation on board, this cruise promises a truly unique journey in which music elevates every discovery of Japan.
Please note: This cruise takes place in an English-speaking environment. All visits and excursions are conducted in English, with no French-speaking guide or assistance.
Program
- Tuesday, 26 October 2027: Embarkation in Tokyo and Sea & Music welcome cocktail
- Wednesday, 27 October 2027: Port of call in Nagoya and piano recital by Jan Lisiecki
- Thursday, 28 October 2027: Port of call in Osaka, visit to Kyoto and exceptional concerts at Higashi Hongan-ji Temple featuring Maxim Vengerov and traditional Japanese musicians
- Friday, 29 October 2027: Port of call in Kochi and vocal recital by Marina Rebeka
- Saturday, 30 October 2027: Port of call in Hiroshima and exclusive visit to Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island
- Sunday, 31 October 2027: Port of call in Beppu and violin recital by Bomsori
- Monday, 1 November 2027: Port of call in Busan, South Korea
- Tuesday, 2 November 2027: Port of call in Nagasaki and concert by the Vengerov Trio
- Wednesday, 3 November 2027: Port of call in Shimonoseki and concert by the Sea & Music Japanese Orchestra, featuring works by Mozart
- Thursday, 4 November 2027: Day at sea and two closing concerts featuring cellist Chu Yi-Bing and tenor Arturo Chacón-Cruz
- Friday, 5 November 2027: Arrival in Tokyo and disembarkation
The remaining recitals and musical encounters will be scheduled throughout the cruise, subject to the final programme.
Your musical cruise begins in Tokyo, Japan’s fascinating capital, where tradition and modernity come together.
- Embarkation aboard Explora III between 12:00 pm and 1:30 pm.
- Settle into your suite and discover the ship’s facilities.
- 4:30 pm: Departure from Tokyo.
- Sea & Music welcome cocktail, the first opportunity to meet fellow guests, the organising team and, potentially, some of the artists.
- Overnight on board.
A port of call in Nagoya, a vibrant city with a rich historical heritage. Its iconic castle, Atsuta Shrine and lively neighbourhoods reflect the diversity of Japanese culture.
- Port of call from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
- Free time to explore Nagoya or take part in an optional excursion.
- Piano recital by Jan Lisiecki in the intimate atmosphere of the Journeys Lounge.
- Overnight on board.
From Osaka, set off to discover Kyoto, the former imperial capital, renowned for its magnificent temples and well-preserved traditions.
- Port of call from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
- Excursion to Kyoto, including a city tour and lunch.
- At Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, a traditional Japanese music performance featuring Nobutaka Yoshizawa and Junya Okochi.
- An exceptional concert by Maxim Vengerov, featuring Bach’s Chaconne and a work by Mozart, performed alongside a Japanese violist.
- Overnight on board.
Discover Kochi, a coastal city on the island of Shikoku, renowned for its historic castle, temples and unspoilt natural landscapes.
- Port of call from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Free time or optional excursion.
- Vocal recital by soprano Marina Rebeka, featuring great opera arias, in the exclusive setting of the Journeys Lounge.
- Overnight on board.
Hiroshima, a city of remembrance and peace, offers a particularly moving stop. Nearby, the sacred island of Miyajima is home to one of Japan’s most iconic shrines.
- Port of call from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.
- Exclusive included excursion to Miyajima Island, featuring a visit to Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- A special welcome for the group by the shrine’s chief Shinto priest.
- Overnight on board.
A port of call in Beppu, Japan’s famous hot spring resort, where natural hot springs and volcanic landscapes create a breathtaking spectacle.
- Port of call from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm.
- Free time or optional excursion to discover Beppu.
- Violin recital by South Korean violinist Bomsori, an artist acclaimed for her virtuosity and expressiveness.
- Overnight on board.
Discover Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, renowned for its coastal scenery, Buddhist temples and traditional markets.
- Port of call from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.
- Free time or the opportunity to take optional excursions and discover the region’s cultural treasures.
- Overnight on board.
Nagasaki reveals a distinctive heritage shaped by centuries of historical exchanges between Japan and the West. Its gardens, historic districts and Peace Memorial bear witness to its rich history.
- Port of call from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
- Free time or optional excursion.
- Concert by the Vengerov Trio, bringing together Maxim Vengerov and his daughters for a special family musical performance.
- Overnight on board.
Located at the meeting point of two seas, Shimonoseki captivates visitors with its maritime heritage and traditions. This port of call coincides with Culture Day, celebrated throughout Japan.
- Port of call from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
- An exceptional concert by the Sea & Music Japanese Orchestra at Umi no Hall, featuring a programme dedicated to Mozart. An ensemble specially brought together for this cruise under the artistic initiative of musician Mikio Unno.
- Overnight on board.
Make the most of this final day at sea to enjoy Explora III’s refined facilities, wellness spaces and exceptional culinary experiences.
- A relaxing day at sea.
Recital by cellist Chu Yi-Bing, accompanied by piano.
Concert by tenor Arturo Chacón-Cruz, bringing this exceptional musical cruise to a close.
Final overnight on board.
Return to Tokyo after eleven days of cultural discoveries and musical highlights.
- 8:00 am: Arrival at Tokyo port.
- Disembarkation between 9:15 am and 10:30 am.
Accommodations
Ship : Explorer III
Elegant and light-filled, the Ocean Terrace Suite offers a refined 28 m² space, extended by a 7 m² private terrace with ocean views. It features a comfortable sitting area, a dressing room and an elegant bathroom. Its large floor-to-ceiling windows invite you to make the most of the seascapes. A true haven of comfort and tranquillity where you can savour every moment of your cruise.
Tarifs
Programmes and prices are subject to change made by venues and providers.Availability has to be confirmed at the time of booking.
Ship : Explorer III
Elegant and light-filled, the Ocean Terrace Suite offers a refined 28 m² space, extended by a 7 m² private terrace with ocean views. It features a comfortable sitting area, a dressing room and an elegant bathroom. Its large floor-to-ceiling windows invite you to make the most of the seascapes. A true haven of comfort and tranquillity where you can savour every moment of your cruise.
Tarifs
Ocean Grand Terrace Suite (2 pers)
€13,950 / pers.Programmes and prices are subject to change made by venues and providers.Availability has to be confirmed at the time of booking.
Ship : Explorer III
Elegant and light-filled, the Ocean Terrace Suite offers a refined 28 m² space, extended by a 7 m² private terrace with ocean views. It features a comfortable sitting area, a dressing room and an elegant bathroom. Its large floor-to-ceiling windows invite you to make the most of the seascapes. A true haven of comfort and tranquillity where you can savour every moment of your cruise.
Tarifs
Penthouse (2 pers)
€15,250 / pers.Programmes and prices are subject to change made by venues and providers.Availability has to be confirmed at the time of booking.
The price includes
- Accommodation
- Show seats
- Drinks and Meals
- Restaurant
The price does not include
- Transfers
- Excursions
- Flights
Practical information
SERVICES INCLUDED
- 10 nights' accommodation in the cabin category booked
- SILVER cabin categories: separate embarkation in German ports, welcome surprise, fresh flowers, chocolates, 1 bottle of sparkling wine, captain's reception. - Premium full board with bottled water, table wine, champagne, beer and soft drinks from 8:00 to 24:00.
- Breakfast for early risers and late risers, snack at 11 a.m., afternoon tea and coffee with pastries.
- Hamburgers, Hot Dogs and Pizza will be served in all Bars or in your cabin between 10am and midnight.
- Cabin service available with breakfast and snacks
- Doctor on board
- Free use of sports and wellness facilities: gym, sauna, Jacuzzi, pools and deck chairs.
- Daily music program, concerts as listed (ticket category depends on cabin booked).
- Round-trip transfers to concerts and show presentations in English and German
- Autograph sessions, Meet & Greet with artists
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes travel advice sheets for each country on its website (http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs). You'll find the latest recommendations on safety, formalities and health. We strongly recommend that you consult these sources of information regularly, right up to the day before your departure.