Page 15 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! – September/October 2016

TRAVEL AGENCY
Far East Voyage
AAA
TM
Exotic ports lead to peaceful gardens, high-rise neon, and insights to Asia
Edited with additional content by Craig Haberle, CTC
As travelers look to fulfill their dreams of a vacation in far-off corners of the globe, the Far East remains attractive for its cultural allure, historic significance, and treasure chest of sightseeing. Cruises are one of the best ways to experience this region of the world as your ship provides predictably comfortable accommodations and fine dining with convenient access to enticing destinations. Longer layovers in ports provide ample time to explore on an extensive choice of tours to historic landmarks and remarkable scenic locales to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Asia. Let’s take
a look at just one of Holland America Line’s Far East voyages on a 14-day itinerary featuring China,
South Korea and Japan aboard the much-beloved ms Volendam in early Spring 2017.
Hong Kong is a spectacular port for boarding Holland America’s ms Volendam, docked in this deep water harbor surrounded by high-rise buildings aglow at night in neon and LED light displays. Some traditional sampans and junks still ply the placid waters of the harbor of this ultra-cosmopolitan city offering both old world market stands and new world boutique malls.
After a few days at sea to introduce yourself
to the welcoming staff, outstanding amenities
and delightful dining on board the luxurious
ms Volendam, your first port of call is Shanghai, China. You have two days in this modern center of commerce and culture, technology and transport, finance and fashion. The Yuyuan Gardens are an island of serenity in the Old City area. For glimpses of old Shanghai, drive along The Bund for its historic buildings and shops built in the elegant 1920s.
Xingang is your port for visits to Beijing, an ancient place of inhabitation and influence. Today, it is the center of culture, education and politics in China. Fortunately, you have two days here to take guided tours to the must-sees of Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the 2008 Olympics’ National Stadium (nicknamed “The Bird’s Nest”), and a trip to the Great Wall of China.
Sail to South Korea to dock at Jeju City for the resort life on Jeju Island (also known as Cheju) just off the mainland’s south coast. Relax on the idyllic beaches ringing the base of a cloud-kissed dormant volcano blanketed by pine forests and waterfalls.
Cruise to Japan, with a port call in Nagasaki, home of “Madame Butterfly” and a Peace Park. Sail on to Kagoshima and its beautiful bay for a walk through its classic Japanese garden, Sengan-en, dating from 1650; along its manicured pathways, plum and cherry blossoms envelop you in their fragrances.
Nothing quite prepares you for the pulsing sensations of Tokyo. Easily reached from the port of Yokohama, this thoroughly modern city is a network of neon canyons. Guided tours feature the gardens of the Imperial Palace, the Meiji shrine, the temples of Asakusa. Shop the ritzy Ginza district
or duck into a
boutique or café
along Takeshita-
dori, a funky
and fashionable
pedestrians-only
street. Attending a
traditional Japanese
tea ceremony
or a bonsai
demonstration will
slow your pace and
engender memories
of these cultural
icons.
One of the surprising advantages of a cruise vacation, especially in the Far East, is the incredible value these voyages provide. Contact a AAA Travel Agent to secure your AAA members’ benefits and savings when cruising with Holland America.
14-Day China & Japan
Hong Kong to Yokohama
ms Volendam
03-26-2017
Interior Stateroom/category K Ocean-view Stateroom/category E Ocean-view Stateroom/category D Vista Suite/category BB
Vista Suite/category AA Vista Suite /category A
$4,319 $4,579 $4,669 $5,799 $5,899 $6,099
SEE INSIDE THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD
Go further with Holland America Line
For more information or reservations please call AAA Central Penn at 800-717-4222
Terms & Conditions *Featured fares are per person based on double occupancy, cruise only. Fares are in U.S. dollarsand include non-commissionable fares. Taxes of $255 per person are additional. Subject to availability. Offers are capacity controlled, and may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice. Restrictions may apply. Please refer to the appropriate Holland America Line brochure for full terms and conditions. Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
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Now!