Manila is the heartbeat of the Philippines. Multi-faceted, multi-layered, lusty and lively, it is the seat of government and center of arts and education. It is a city of contrasts and contradictions. Here streets pulsate with life at all hours; within its boundaries live the richest and poorest in the country. Occupied over decades by Spanish, Americans, British and Japanese, East meets West, giving the city a unique character. The Walled City, a medieval fortified town, was the heart and soul of the country for more than 300 years. This city fortress, surrounded by moats and turreted walls 30 feet thick, was known as Intramuros and comprises Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church - suggested priorities on any visitor’s itinerary. Manila attracts migrants who arrive from throughout to study or seek work. The cosmopolitan air in this fascinating city comes from its substantial Chinese and other foreign communities, busy port, multi-national corporations and constant flow of tourists. Other sights to see include Manila Cathedral, the Coconut Palace, and the National Museum.
In keeping with the philosophy of PONANT and the PONANT EXPLORERS, Le Jacques-Cartier combines the desire for adventure with five-star travel. A modern ship with slender, tapered lines, it is environmentally friendly and equipped with innovative technology. Tastefully decorated, Le Jacques-Cartier reflects the universe so dear to PONANT, with its light tones and open-to-the-sea design providing soft light and luminosity at every instant of the day. Its ethnic chic ambiance pays homage to the destinations visit. Located below the waterline, the Blue Eye, the first ever multisensorial lounge, offers a unique experience: the opportunity to enjoy undersea views and the sounds of the marine world whilst sharing a glass together.
Feb 26, 2028 - Manila
Manila is the heartbeat of the Philippines. Multi-faceted, multi-layered, lusty and lively, it is the seat of government and center of arts and education. It is a city of contrasts and contradictions. Here streets pulsate with life at all hours; within its boundaries live the richest and poorest in the country. Occupied over decades by Spanish, Americans, British and Japanese, East meets West, giving the city a unique character. The Walled City, a medieval fortified town, was the heart and soul of the country for more than 300 years. This city fortress, surrounded by moats and turreted walls 30 feet thick, was known as Intramuros and comprises Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church - suggested priorities on any visitor’s itinerary. Manila attracts migrants who arrive from throughout to study or seek work. The cosmopolitan air in this fascinating city comes from its substantial Chinese and other foreign communities, busy port, multi-national corporations and constant flow of tourists. Other sights to see include Manila Cathedral, the Coconut Palace, and the National Museum.
Feb 27, 2028 - Hundred Islands
Feb 28, 2028 - Currimao
Feb 29, 2028 - Claveria
Mar 01, 2028 - Batanes
Mar 02, 2028 - Hualien
Many visitors find this city to be one of the most appealing cities in Taiwan. Visitors come here to enjoy the scenery and fresh air and also to tour the famous Taroko Gorge, which is located a few miles north of the city. Not to miss is the Hualien Ocean Park, which features a ferris wheel, cable car, and eight different zones that introduce aspects of ocean and marine life. Hualien is an excellent place to purchase hand woven cloth in traditional aboriginal designs. Dining options are endless, and visitors will want to try Muaji, a rice dish filled with sweet sesame paste and various fruits.
Mar 03, 2028 - Taipei (Keelung)
Keelung is situated along East China Sea on Taiwan's northeast tip and has been an important Taiwanese seaport. It is gateway to the island's most magnificent coastal scenery and a convenient location to begin a journey overland to Taipei.
Mar 04, 2028 - At Sea
Mar 05, 2028 - Okinawa (Naha)
Naha is the port for Okinawa Island lying southwest of the main Japanese islands. Landmarks in the city include the Commodore Perry Memorial, the 16th-century Sogen-ji Ishimon Gates and Tsuboya pottery quarter. Explore Shuri the 500 year old former capital that contains various shrines, temples and ceremonial gates including the famous Shurei Gate. The island, tropical and encircled by coral reefs, also houses Japan's largest sub tropical park (Okinawa Memorial Park) that includes an Aquarium, Museum and amusement park. It is also possible to visit the Okinawa Battle Sites and a number of war memorials recording the American victory in 1945.
Mar 06, 2028 - Motobu
Mar 07, 2028 - Yakushima (Miyanoura)
Yakushima Island became Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993, and its natural wonders will astound you. Yakushima has a particularly diverse flora, with some 1,900 species and subspecies, including ancient specimens of the sugi (Japanese cedar). It also contains a remnant of a warm-temperate ancient forest that is unique in this region.
Mar 08, 2028 - Uwajima
The town of Uwajima is located 60km north of Sukumo. It is surrounded by the beautiful Uma-Sea and steep mountains. Uwajima is famous for its sumo-style bullfights and the Uwajima Castle which is the symbol of the city. The town boasts peaceful backstreets with old wooden houses and temples. The Tenshaen Garden is over 280 years old and is famous for spring and Japanese wistarias.
Mar 09, 2028 - Kochi
Kochi has beautiful lagoons and lakes and offers travelers an extraordinary setting for a stay of a few nights.
Mar 10, 2028 - Yaizu
Mar 11, 2028 - Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan, presents a different view at every turn. It's one of the world's main economic centers and its most populous agglomeration. The business of Tokyo is business, but you can still find harmony and small-scale gardens on back streets. Around the corner from neon and concrete, you may find the bonsai-lined courtyard of a traditional inn.
Tokyo was nearly destroyed by bombs and fires during World War II, and by earthquakes at other times, but it has always rebuilt itself. As a result, there is little left of Old Japan in the city, but there's plenty of New Japan to take its place.
The streets are a confusing maze, so a map is essential. The transit system is excellent, however, and there are kobans (police boxes) throughout the metropolis, as well as a populace generally willing to answer questions.
Visitors to Tokyo represent both business and leisure travelers. And despite its past reputation, Tokyo is no longer fearsomely expensive. It's relatively easy to visit Tokyo on a budget.