View the landmarks of Hiroshima, some commemorating the atomic bomb blast here in 1945 and others reflecting the city’s celebration of peace. At the poignant Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, you will behold the ruins of some of the few concrete buildings left after the atomic bomb was dropped. One of them, the Atomic Bomb Dome, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and has become a symbol of Hiroshima. You will also browse the Peace Memorial Museum whose exhibits show Hiroshima before and after the bombing and personal artifacts from the victims that humanize the devastating event. The museum encourages visitors to make a vow for universal peace. While the mood there is somber, serenity is the overarching theme at Shukkei-en Garden. Besides being a wonderful respite from the hubbub of the city, the garden is a visual delight, as plants are always in bloom. Although the atomic bomb destroyed the garden, it has been fully restored.

Delve into the history of the surrounding Aichi Prefecture by browsing an open-air museum and a 16th-century castle that is remarkably intact. Dozens of buildings from the Meiji Period have been carefully reconstructed at the Meijimura museum, and you will easily recognize the Western influence in the architecture. This short period in Japanese history ended in 1912 and marked the end of samurai rule and the beginning of Japan’s modernization.

The nearby Inuyama Castle is even more impressive architecturally as it is one of the few castles in Japan that survived wars and natural disasters without being severely damaged. As you meander through this official national treasure, you will see artifacts relating to the Naruse family that once owned the castle. The armory of samurai weapons and the hidden doors for the guards are of particular note, as they shed light on the fact that the castle was under constant threat of attack.

Discover two traditional and ancient sights that coexist in stark contrast with tall futuristic skyscrapers and bustling city streets. Depart the pier for the drive to the Meiji Shrine, surrounded by a dense forest glade at the very heart of Tokyo. The Meiji Shrine and its large park are dedicated to Emperor Meiji, who saw the transformation of this country from a medieval to a modern state. It was during his reign (1868 - 1912) that Edo became Japan's new capital and was renamed Tokyo. Enter the Shrine through the 40-foot-high Torii gate, one of the largest in Japan. After visiting the shrine, continue to Hama Rikyu Garden, an Edo Period Japanese garden surrounded by the Shiodome district's futuristic skyscrapers; a great example of how Japan is the land of contrasts. The garden was originally built as a feudal lord's Tokyo residence and duck hunting grounds during the Edo Period, but later served as a strolling garden and as an imperial detached palace before eventually being opened to the public in its current form. Hama Rikyu Gardens offer something beautiful at any season, as you'll find golden foliage during the fall, plum blossoms in late winter and cherry blossoms in spring. After enjoying Japanese traditional sites in Tokyo, your coach will bring you back to the port.

An eye-opening study in contrasts, this tour presents the extravagant world of Brunei's sultan, followed by a look at life in a village built on stilts in the river. Starting off from the pier, you will first travel inland toward the majestic Jame Mosque, Brunei's largest, and the Prime Minister Office where you will pause briefly for photos. Continuing on, you will arrive at the white-domed Royal Regalia where you can wander through exhibits of luxurious items from the Sultan's lavish coronation and other celebrations. Some of the items you may have the opportunity to see here are His Majesty's royal chariot, ceremonial swords, a model of the palace and various gifts from foreign dignitaries. But as you will soon see, there's more to Brunei than the extravagances afforded by its abundant oil and natural gas. Making your way to a nearby jetty, you will board a boat and cruise to Water Village where you will witness firsthand a much different side of life. More than 30,000 people live here in thousands of structures built on stilts in the Brunei River. The village is an amazing assortment of homes, restaurants, mosques, shops and hospitals, all connected by wooden boardwalks. Surprisingly, some of the homes are quite elaborate, and you will have the unique opportunity of stopping by one for a cup of tea. Amazingly, people have lived in the Water Village for more than 1,300 years, making it one of the most historic areas in Brunei. Following your time at the Water Village, you will retrace your route as you make your way back to the pier.

Behold the architecture in two isolated villages that UNESCO found so unusual that it deemed them World Heritage sites. The villages of Shirakawago and Gokayama are in the remote Shogawa River Valley surrounded by high rugged mountains, a location that made them difficult to access for centuries.

To cope with the abundance of snow that falls there, the residents constructed farmhouses with steeply pitched thatched roofs to reduce the amount of snow that accumulates on them. The roof design also allows for large attics, in which the residents rear silkworms, which they feed leaves from the surrounding mulberry trees. Only one other nearby village boasts this type of architecture, known as gassho-zukuri, a style that means “constructed like hands in prayer.”

Following free time in both villages, you will watch a demonstration of paper-making in Gokayama. The specialized washi paper is exceptionally colorful and patterned. The fiber for it comes from mulberry trees.

Gain an overall understanding of Saigon through landmark architecture that reflects the changing face of the metropolis known as Ho Chi Minh City since 1976. In the lively district of Cholon, you will browse the bustling Binh Tay Market and a Buddhist temple dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu. For a more contemporary perspective, you will view Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, a modernistic white building that was home to the president of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon presents a glimpse into colonial life, as the French constructed it in the mid-1800s. The ornate Central Post Office is another French-built colonial gem. If not for the large portrait of Ho Chi Minh inside, you might think you were in Paris. Saigon is also known for its artisans, especially those that make lacquerware, a traditional skill that you will observe in a workshop.

Explore a Shinto shrine and other attractions in the foothills of Mt. Yahiko before driving to the summit to take in the extraordinary views.

Although a shrine was first established there in the 8th century, the Yahiko Shrine that stands today was constructed in 1916. Highlights include its bright vermilion torii gate and two guardian lion dogs carved by one of the great stonemasons of the Edo Period. Nearby, you will find the Teradomari Fish Market, where the bounty of the sea will be on display. It is an inspiring setting to enjoy lunch on your own and an authentic slice of life.

As you proceed up Mt. Yahiko, you will follow a winding road with outstanding views of the fertile Niigata Plains and the Sea of Japan. The vistas will be even more spectacular at the summit, where you will stand atop the rotating Panorama Tower, an aptly named lookout that offers 360-degree views of the natural beauty below.

Experience the beauty of one of Bangkok's lesser-known treasures during this full-day visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya.

Depart the pier for the 3-hour drive to historic Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya was founded in 1350 AD, and remained the kingdom's capital for 417 years until 1767 AD, when it was conquered and destroyed by the Burmese. Visit the exquisite Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, formerly a popular summer retreat for Thai kings. The Palace includes one of the most photographed buildings in the kingdom, a charming Thai pavilion built over a pond.

Drive to the historic center of Ayutthaya and visit the Historical Park to explore some of Ayutthaya's most famous and interesting ruins. A part of the park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the day, you’ll enjoy lunch at a local hotel.

Explore the Kujukushima Islands by land and sea, an enlightening experience that will highlight their extraordinary natural beauty. As you will see, the best view of Kujukushima’s islands is from the Tenkaiho Observatory Tower, which offers a 180-degree perspective of dozens of the more than 200 islands that make up the archipelago.

For a closer look at the islands, you will board a boat at the Kujukushsima Pearl Sea Resort and cruise through the archipelago, which is a national park. Only four of the islands are inhabited, which has kept the area pristine and environmentally sound. The islands are so undeveloped and photogenic that they were shown in the opening scenes of the movie “The Last Samurai,” which was set in 1876.

Back on land, you will stop to observe the sea from Saikai Bridge, which connects Sasebo to Nagasaki. It is a magnificent setting as more than 1,000 cherry trees surround the bridge.