Essentials of Japan and Maldives Getaway

You'll depart from Europe to Osaka on an overnight flight, so get ready for the adventure that awaits.

You'll arrive at Osaka Kansai Airport, from where you have a transfer by bus or shared taxi to your hotel in Kyoto. If you have the energy, visit Kyoto's Gion District and grab dinner at one of its picturesque izakayas and restaurants.

Today, we recommend you visit the famous Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and the ancient samurai castle Nijo Castle. After lunch, take a local train to Arashiyama Station and walk to Togetsukyo bridge (over Katsura river) for an impressive view of the hills of Arashiyama. Later, continue on foot to another famous attraction, the atmospheric Sagano Bamboo Forest.

Take plenty of time to walk around the forest, enjoy the views on central Kyoto and make sure to visit Tenryu-ji (with breathtaking gardens) and Daikakuji temples (with adjacent Ozawa Pond). Early evening, take a bus or train back from Arashiyama to central Kyoto.

After breakfast, head to Higashiyama (eastern hills) district and spend an entire day exploring this wonderfully fascinating Kyoto area.

Start by visiting the Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto's most famous Buddhist temples (dating back to the 17th century), which offers impressive views of Kyoto city.

After your visit, continue on to Maruyama Park, an atmospheric park in central Kyoto with the famous Yasaka Shrine. From Maruyama Park, take the bus towards Ginkaku-ji in northern Kyoto.

Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavillion) is home to one of the most fascinating landscape gardens in Japan. It's also the starting point of the Philosopher's Path, a trail leading you to the stylish Nanzenji temple.

Today you say goodbye to Kyoto ancient city and embark on the bullet train from Kyoto Station to Mt. Fuji/Hakone National Park. The park is an exquisite onsen retreat and the area has many interesting sights which you can access with a Hakone Free Pass, which covers both the transport from Tokyo and provides unlimited access to most buses, trains, cable cars and sailboats throughout the park.

So, relax and take the mountain railway through the beautiful valleys, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Ashi and a cable car ride up the still-active volcano Owakudani - all the while with the 3,776-metre-high Mt. Fuji proudly towering on the horizon.

You stay one night at a ryokan - a traditional Japanese inn - in the heart of the national park. Enjoy the baths and after a delicious traditional dinner which is included in the stay.

After breakfast, it is time to take the bus or taxi to Odawara station (30-50 minutes) and board the shinkansen (bullet train) to Tokyo.

Have a quick lunch set menu at one of the many inner-city restaurants and head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building top floor observatory for beautiful city views. Finish the day with dinner and some drinks at an izakaya (Japanese pub).

This day is dedicated to exploring the delights of Tokyo. We suggest a visit to Harajuku, the youth-centric, colourful neighbourhood located right by the tranquil Shinto Meiji Jingu shrine and Yoyogi Park.

In neighbouring Shibuya, wander the vibrant backstreets, visit the Shibuya Sky Observatory and enjoy dinner at a kaiten (revolving) sushi restaurant.

Get up early and visit the outer fish market in Tsukiji, where you can have a delicious sushi breakfast.

Then, continue to the anime and manga paradise Akihabara, where you can buy cheap electronics, visit a maid-café and experience geek culture in all its glory.

Afterwards, it is time to continue to one of Tokyo's older classical neighbourhoods, Asakusa, where a visit to the impressive Senso-ji temple should be a top priority. On Nakamise Street, leading up to the temple, many nice small shops buy souvenirs.

Finally, continue on foot or by subway to Tokyo Skytree, a 634-metre high television tower and the city's tallest building!

One more day in Tokyo, and it's time for a day trip. Take a train from the Asakusa area to Nikko, in Tochigi prefecture, 150 kilometres north of Tokyo.

Nikko is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Toshogu Shrine, a mausoleum for shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, the great military leader (and country unifier) of the early 17th century. Near Nikko, you will also find the picturesque Lake Chuzenji and adjacently the mighty Kegon Falls.

Back in Tokyo, head to the Roppongi Hills complex for an excellent farewell dinner at one of the many good restaurants (Japanese or western-style), then enjoy a spectacular night city view from the Roppongi Hills observation deck.

It is time to leave the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. You will have a transfer by airport bus or shared taxi to Tokyo Haneda International airport, from where you will board an international flight to the city of Male. From here, our hotel partners will assist you in organising your transfer by speedboat or seaplane to your selected hotel.

Forget about time and live some carefree days dedicated to you and your wellbeing: private islands, amazing ocean floors and reefs. Indulgence in top quality food and the best care treatments.

Take the chance to enjoy the sunset, considered the most beautiful sunset in the world, from your room deck or on a cruise.

Enjoy the paradise beaches, rest on the beautiful sand shorelines and take a bath in the crystalline sea waters. We also recommend you take the chance and enjoy some water sports and activities! Your hotel will offer you all the equipment necessary for snorkelling, and other water sports.

Forget about time and live some carefree days, dedicated to you and your wellbeing: private islands, amazing ocean floors and colourful reefs. Indulge yourself with delicious local food and wellness treatments.

Don't miss the famous Maldives sunset, considered the most beautiful in the world. From the balcony of your room or cruising on a boat whilst sipping a cocktail, it's a spectacle that will leave you breathless.

It's your last day in the Maldives so make it memorable. If you want more than just the beach why not take part in one of the activities offered by your hotel, such as learning the Maldivian fishing technique, doing some paddle boarding, or visiting some of the nearby desert islands in the archipelago?

Today it's time to leave. We'll inform you about your transfer schedule the day before departure. Embark in your speedboat or seaplane to go back to Male Airport to board your return flight.