Grand Voyage Asia

A city where you’ll find centuries-old culture jostling for position next to cutting-edge technology – a fabulous blend of history and modernity that has to be seen to be believed.

The Japanese city of Kobe needs no introduction. The name is synonymous with its home grown superstar. We are not talking of its stunning shrines, cherry trees laden with blossom during sakura or effervescent city, buzzing with life 24/7. We are of course talking of a much more grass roots hero – its eponymous beef. The delicacy might have put the city on the map, but there is far more to Kobe than its meat. Naturally, Kobe wears its cuisine as a badge of honour. View less Its port history has given it a gastronomy that is quite different from its neighbours. Seafood and sushi is naturally some of the freshest and most diverse you can find, but Kobe’s multi-cultural nature (the city is home to 98 different nationalities) means that it has one of the most diverse gastronomic cultures in Japan. Bread and bakeries are also an (unexpected) delicacy. Additionally, Sake is taken very seriously – Kobe even has its own museum dedicated to the national spirit. Historically, Kobe has always been a key city for Japan. Renamed in 1889, it was known as Owada no Tomari during the Nara Period (710-784 C.E.). Kobe’s location on the calm Inland Sea between Osaka and Kyoto has proven to be pivotal in Japanese history; it is mentioned in famous literary works such as The Tale of Genji (from approximately late 9th century) and the Taiheiki (14th century). The city and region are home to many attractions including the Himeji Castle (widely considered to be Japan's most beautiful feudal castle), a short ride away.

Busan is South Korea’s second largest city, and its principal port. It is also the only major South Korean city to have escaped capture by the communists during the Korean War, when its population was increased by an unbelievable four million refugees. Although the city is nestled between mountain ridges and peaks, its port has given it an outward orientation, and a certain cosmopolitan ambience has resulted from the constant exposure to sailors from all over the world. Lovely beaches, scenic cliffs, mountain panoramas, and hot springs are all found within the city. Under the new Romanisation system promulgated in 2000, Pusan, as the city was formerly called, is now spelled Busan.

Explore Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan from the base of Hakodate or fall in love with the city itself.

A city where you’ll find centuries-old culture jostling for position next to cutting-edge technology – a fabulous blend of history and modernity that has to be seen to be believed.

Hugging the shore of Kinko Bay, this southernmost city of Kyushu is warm, sunny and relaxed. It features palms, flowering trees and bushes, and broad avenues. With the ominous volcano of Sakurajima overlooking Kagoshima across the bay, the city is often called the Naples of Japan. Kagoshima's history was dominated by a single family, the Shimazu clan, who ruled over the city for nearly 700 years. As an important trading center for China, outside contact played a significant part in this port city. The arrival of St. Francis Xavier in 1549 brought further outside influence, and a number of Japanese converted to Christianity. In the mid-19th century, the Tokugawa shogunate began to lose strength, and the Shimazu family was beginning to look toward the future. They built the first Western-style factory and smuggled 19 young men out of the country so they could learn foreign languages and technology in Britain. On their return, these men played an important part in the Meiji Restoration and the modernization of Japan. An important local figure during the Meiji Restoration was a samurai by the name of Saigo Takamori. He was an educator, scholar, philosopher, and poet, and played a major role in the restoration of the Emperor Meiji and the advancement of technology. When the ancient rights of the samurai class were rescinded, Takamori became disillusioned. He led a brief and unsuccessful rebellion, and eventually committed ritual suicide. To this day, he is remembered by many Japanese who visit the spot on Shiroyama Hill where he died.

China’s second most populous city embraces its history, future – and visitors – in an equally delightful fashion. Architectural treats from centuries past remain, with influences from all corners of the globe.

From the exceptional views across its famous harbour to the sizzling dishes in its glamorous restaurants, you’re sure to fall in love with Hong Kong.

The 3,000-mile Mekong River runs throughout Asia and affords an experience of the continent like no other.

Diamond-shaped Pulau Ujong is Singapore's main island and it's bursting with colour, energy and culture.

Beautiful Bali is everything you imagine it will be; humbling temples, tranquil lakes, traditional villages, idyllic sands and thriving paddy fields.

One of 17,000 islands in Indonesia, Komodo Island is famous for its bright blue waters, steep sloping hills, and the four thousand giant lizards who call the island home.

Nestled on the northern coastline of Australia, Darwin stands as a vibrant gateway to the country's untamed wilderness and a testament to resilience.

A friendly city loved by residents and popular with tourists. More than just a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns offers plenty to do.

Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of North Queensland, Townsville is a vibrant coastal city that effortlessly balances a relaxed tropical lifestyle with modern urban charm.

Part of the Great Barrier Reef near the Whitsundays, Hardy Reef’s kaleidoscopic beauty is well documented. Warm waters house a technicolour world so flamboyant that it is no wonder that it has been toping travellers’ wish list for years. Considered one of the seven wonders of the natural world, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is one of the greatest natural beauties there is. Composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands it stretches for over 2,300 kilometres. View less Larger than the Great Wall of China, greater in size than the United Kingdom, Holland and Switzerland combined (and roughly half the size of Texas), it is the only living thing on earth that can be seen from outer space. So suffice to say, that the Great Barrier Reef is big both above and beneath the water. And Hardy Reef is one of the jewels in its crown. Located off Airlie Beach, the stretch of the Reef is home to trevally, Coral Trout, snapper and a host of smaller marine life as well as Giant Maori Wrasse and a massive Giant Queensland Groper. Naturally, divers and snorkellers will find their watery nirvana here and anyone who goes in will be rewarded with turtles, reef sharks and barracuda amongst a plethora of other strange and wonderful reef species. But there is one thing that makes Hardy Reef stand head and shoulders above its other coastal counterparts - Reefworld. The floating pontoon, moored 39 nautical miles off the mainland allows for non-divers to enjoy the prismatic beauty of the reef, while keeping their feet dry.

Cosmopolitan Brisbane attracts millions of visitors each year thanks to its eclectic mix of attractions, beautiful skyline and climate.

Nestled on the northeastern coast of New Zealand's North Island, the Bay of Islands beckons with its pristine beauty and rich history.

Stretched over a volcanic field on New Zealand’s North Island is the country’s largest city, multicultural Auckland.

Nestled on the sun-drenched shores of New Zealand's North Island, Tauranga welcomes visitors with its blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.

Nestled on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island, Gisborne is a charming coastal city renowned for its laid-back atmosphere, stunning beaches and rich Maori heritage.

Nestled on the eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island, Napier stands as a vibrant testament to resilience and renewal.

New Zealand’s capital city is a veritable hotspot of food, fun and culture situated in one of the planet’s most beautiful countries.

Picton, a scenic gem in the heart of New Zealand’s Marlborough Sounds, is a tranquil port town where the serene rhythm of the sea meets lush, forested hills.

Tucked right into the very top of New Zealand’s South Island, Nelson is easy to miss. Yet, it would be foolish to do so; overlooking Nelson would be overlooking a fabulous town with friendly people, gorgeous scenery and no shortage of superlative food and wine. The city has long held a magnetic pull for creatives of all types: it's known for artisanal craft shops and diverse art galleries. View less In fact, with one of the largest numbers of working artists and galleries in the country, you’ll find an array of talented craftspeople living in the region; from traditional, to contemporary to Māori. Not only is Nelson one of the sunniest cities in New Zealand, but it is the oldest on the South Island (and second oldest in the country). The land was bought in 1840 by the British for £800, with the intention of providing a place to live to settlers. By 1843 almost 2,000 adults had relocated to the province, yet lack of funds thwarted their dreams of becoming landowners. Thus Nelson has been largely left alone by industry. Population has swelled in recent years due to the town’s stunning natural landscapes, but this is a place for young families and lovers of the Great Outdoors. Set on the Able Tasman Coast Track, and on the border of the Nelson Lakes National Park, there is much to your eyes – and legs! – occupied. Kayak alongside dolphins, penguins and seals in the Tonga Island Marine Reserve, bathe in the crystal waters of the Kahurangi National Park or a low tide beach walk – or ride – in Wharariki.

From the Sydney Opera House to Bondi Beach, man and Mother Nature contribute in equal measure to this splendid city.