Japan To Greece Grand Voyage

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.

Azamara Pursuit is the perfect place to spend a sea day, learn about the destinations and immerse yourself in the world in The Den. Treat yourself to something in the Pursuit Shop or something beautiful jewellery from Indulgences. For a taste of Italian, head to Aqualina, a speciality restaurant with an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, this is included for suite guests.

Found on Japan’s main island, Honshu, Aomori City spends most of the year offering visitors a taste of a sleepy, seaside city mixed with forward-looking developments and modern art. Combining the history of an established port town with modern facilities and attractions, the city has been called the economic and cultural center of the area.

Akita Prefecture is situated in the north-eastern part of the Japanese main land, east of the Sea of Japan, flowing rivers, and expanses of fertile farmland. Majestic mountain ranges, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Shirakami - Sanchi Mountains, surround the northern, southern, and eastern sides and make for incredible views.

A perfect contrast of old and new, where ancient traditions meet modern experiences—you’ll find Niigata prefecture, the largest city on Honshū's Sea of Japan coast. Start your journey with a relaxing stroll through Niigata’s first citizen park, Hakusan-kōen. Well-manicured gardens, two large koi ponds, the most vibrant cherry blossoms, and the ancient Hukasan Shrine. An inviting space—you’ll find no reason to be “koi” here. Make your way to the bustling Bandai City where you can catch a 360-degree view Niigata and its distant snow-capped mountains from the 20th floor of the Nippō observation deck.

Tucked in between the Sea of Japan and the Japanese Alps, flanked by the Sai and Asano rivers, Kanazawa might be an unfamiliar destination, but it’s sure to become an unexpected favorite. Translated literally Kanazawa means "marsh of gold," and the city produces approximately 98% of the gold leaf in Japan. Find a small jar to take home or try it sprinkled on ice cream. Gold aside, Kanazawa is also a jewel in Japan’s historical crown. Founded in the late 1500s as a castle town, the city has been relatively untouched from the ravages of World War II and natural disasters. Once a powerful and strategic city for the Maeda clan, it is now a comparatively small city with a calm, comfortable feel.

Sakaiminato’s history is steeped in fishing tradition. Now the base of Western Japan’s fishing industry, Sakaiminato has been an open trading port with the U.S. and U.K. since 1899. Today the port town continues to be a haven for seafood lovers with fish markets and world-class restaurants scattered along its streets, making it the perfect place for visitors to taste the catch of the day.

It is Pusan's premier trading port, adjacent to the Korean Straits and Japan, that makes it an international metropolis but its beautiful sea vistas that make it a charming place to unwind. Experience the serenity of Beomeo-sa Temple, climb the Busan Tower in Yongdusan Park and rejuvenate at Hushimchung Spa.

Historically rich Nagasaki features beautiful seaside scenery and fabulous nighttime views from its mountain slopes. Secluded hot springs, fascinating museums, and ornate temples live side by side in this exciting city. Ten natural parks grace the area, and unique festivals can be experienced throughout the year. Walk through streets influenced by both Chinese and European cultures in fascinating Nagasaki.

Merged from five smaller cities in 1963, Kitakyushu is the gateway between the islands of Honshu and Kyushu—where the city sits on its northern tip. During WWII, the fate of the city could have been forever changed, if not for bad weather and smoke from the previous day’s bombing. It was the intended target of the Fat Man atomic bomb, but was passed over due to poor visibility in favor of Nagasaki.

This "city of water and peace" is built in one of the most sheltered harbors on the Seto Inland Sea and is much more than the painful past it both honors and defies. Reflect and ring the bell of peace at Peace Memorial Park, then ferry to the holy island of Miyajima, famed for its Itsukushima Shrine and floating torii.

Azamara Pursuit is the perfect place to spend a sea day, learn about the destinations and immerse yourself in the world in The Den. Treat yourself to something in the Pursuit Shop or something beautiful jewellery from Indulgences. For a taste of Italian, head to Aqualina, a speciality restaurant with an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, this is included for suite guests.

On the Seto Inland Sea, looking out over the Sanuki mountain range, sits the island of Shikoku and the old castle town of Takamatsu, Japan. Now a vibrant city, Takamatsu has been an economic hub of the region since the Edo period. To get a sense of its history, visit Tamamo-koen Park. The 16th century Takamatsu Castle had been destroyed, but there’s still plenty to explore: ruins, water moats, and classic Japanese-style yagura or turrets.

Osaka is a large port city and commercial center on the Japanese island of Honshu. It's known for its modern architecture, nightlife and hearty street food. The 16th-century shogunate Osaka Castle, which has undergone several restorations, is its main historical landmark. It's surrounded by a moat and park with plum, peach and cherry-blossom trees. Sumiyoshi-taisha is among Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines.

Azamara Pursuit is the perfect place to spend a sea day, learn about the destinations and immerse yourself in the world in The Den. Treat yourself to something in the Pursuit Shop or something beautiful jewellery from Indulgences. For a taste of Italian, head to Aqualina, a speciality restaurant with an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, this is included for suite guests.

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.

Azamara Pursuit is the perfect place to spend a sea day, learn about the destinations and immerse yourself in the world in The Den. Treat yourself to something in the Pursuit Shop or something beautiful jewellery from Indulgences. For a taste of Italian, head to Aqualina, a speciality restaurant with an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, this is included for suite guests.

The Nguyen Dynasty founded this former capital in the 17th century on the banks of the Perfume River. Today it sits as a massive open-air museum of temples, pagodas, palaces and tombs. Explore the Imperial Citadel, then take a river cruise for a view of the Tombs of the Emperors and Thien Mu Pagoda.

Azamara Pursuit is the perfect place to spend a sea day, learn about the destinations and immerse yourself in the world in The Den. Treat yourself to something in the Pursuit Shop or something beautiful jewellery from Indulgences. For a taste of Italian, head to Aqualina, a speciality restaurant with an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, this is included for suite guests.

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

Azamara Pursuit is the perfect place to spend a sea day, learn about the destinations and immerse yourself in the world in The Den. Treat yourself to something in the Pursuit Shop or something beautiful jewellery from Indulgences. For a taste of Italian, head to Aqualina, a speciality restaurant with an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, this is included for suite guests.

A busy, cramped and frenetic city, Bangkok has a reputation of bombarding your senses. Centuries of history collide with a fast-paced modern lifestyle.

Azamara Pursuit is the perfect place to spend a sea day, learn about the destinations and immerse yourself in the world in The Den. Treat yourself to something in the Pursuit Shop or something beautiful jewellery from Indulgences. For a taste of Italian, head to Aqualina, a speciality restaurant with an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, this is included for suite guests.

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

Azamara Pursuit is the perfect place to spend a sea day, learn about the destinations and immerse yourself in the world in The Den. Treat yourself to something in the Pursuit Shop or something beautiful jewellery from Indulgences. For a taste of Italian, head to Aqualina, a speciality restaurant with an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, this is included for suite guests.

The southern coast of Sri Lanka is still largely untouched and unchanged by tourism, but with the New York Times and Forbes naming it a Top Destination, it won't be overlooked much longer. One of the top biodiversity hotspots in the world, there is much to see and Hambantota is the gateway to most of it. Yala National Park, it is said, brings The Jungle Book to life. Ironically, it was once a hunting ground for the elite under British rule - today it holds the world’s largest concentration of leopards and elephants. Bundala National Park is an important wintering ground for migratory water birds in Sri Lanka, the highlight being the greater flamingo. With herds of elephants, wild buffalo, sambar deer and leopards, Uda Walawe National Park rivals the savannahs of Africa. Head there for a tropical safari.

Sri Lanka's naturally wonderful landscape has been shaped by Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and European influences for a fascinating multicultural heritage.

Azamara Pursuit is the perfect place to spend a sea day, learn about the destinations and immerse yourself in the world in The Den. Treat yourself to something in the Pursuit Shop or something beautiful jewellery from Indulgences. For a taste of Italian, head to Aqualina, a speciality restaurant with an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, this is included for suite guests.

Azamara Pursuit is the perfect place to spend a sea day, learn about the destinations and immerse yourself in the world in The Den. Treat yourself to something in the Pursuit Shop or something beautiful jewellery from Indulgences. For a taste of Italian, head to Aqualina, a speciality restaurant with an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, this is included for suite guests.

This history-rich Jordanian city boasts impressive scuba diving and water sport options, plus nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Luxor, often referred to as the "world's greatest open-air museum," is an Egyptian treasure trove of ancient wonders and rich history.

Azamara Pursuit is the perfect place to spend a sea day, learn about the destinations and immerse yourself in the world in The Den. Treat yourself to something in the Pursuit Shop or something beautiful jewellery from Indulgences. For a taste of Italian, head to Aqualina, a speciality restaurant with an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, this is included for suite guests.

Azamara Pursuit is the perfect place to spend a sea day, learn about the destinations and immerse yourself in the world in The Den. Treat yourself to something in the Pursuit Shop or something beautiful jewellery from Indulgences. For a taste of Italian, head to Aqualina, a speciality restaurant with an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, this is included for suite guests.

History is very much alive in Iraklion. The Fountain of the Lions, built by Morozini in 1628 during the Venetian occupation of Crete, dominates the central square. Today, the city's Town Hall is located in the Venetian Loggia, a building from the same era. Stroll among the shops and cafes surrounding the central square, or follow the old Venetian walls to Koules, a bastion overlooking the old harbor. Explore the archaeological site at Knossos and walk among Minoan findings displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Iraklion. Don't miss the Historical Museum of Iraklion, which houses findings from the early era of the Christian religion.

Piraeus, often referred to as the "Port of Athens," stands as Greece's maritime gateway to the world.

Santorini, the jewel of the Aegean Sea, is a Greek island renowned for its stunning beauty and captivating allure.

Known for having “three faces to the sea”, this port on Crete’s east coast seamlessly blends the charm of a small fishing village with the glamor of a chic resort town. With a diverse range of dining, shopping, and nightlife options, you can find your own personal paradise in Agios Nikolaos. At the center of town sits Lake Voulismeni, the deep waters of which have inspired many a local folk tale. Here you’ll find residents and visitors chatting over coffee, sipping ouzo at authentic tarvernas, or savoring lunch at a fine dining restaurant. For a taste of the beach life, you wont have to travel far. Several beaches are just a short walk from the town center and they are popular hangouts for fashionable young Greeks.

Rhodes, the radiant jewel of the Aegean Sea, beckons travellers with its compelling blend of history, culture and natural beauty.

Patmos, a serene gem in the Aegean Sea, is a sacred haven of spirituality and natural beauty.

Chios, nestled in the northeastern Aegean Sea, is a Greek island that invites travellers to immerse themselves in a blend of ancient history, picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture.

Istanbul, the enchanting metropolis straddling two continents, is a city where history and modernity converge in a seamless fusion.

Touching both the shores of Asia and Europe, Canakkale sits on the Black and Mediterannean Seas. Visit the ancient city of Troy to see the inspiration for Homer's Iliad and a replica of the Trojan Horse. Once you do, you'll understand why people have been passing through here for centuries.

Kavala, a hidden gem nestled along the northeastern coast of Greece, beckons with its blend of history, natural beauty and Mediterranean charm.

Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, is a captivating blend of history, culture and modernity.

Nestled on the eastern coast of mainland Greece, Volos is a vibrant coastal city that marries tradition with modernity.

Mykonos, the radiant star of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea, lures travellers with its alluring blend of cosmopolitan charm and timeless beauty.

Nafplion, a picturesque jewel nestled along the Peloponnese coastline, beckons travellers with its timeless charm and rich history.

Piraeus, often referred to as the "Port of Athens," stands as Greece's maritime gateway to the world.