Meet experts, staff, and fellow travelers for a welcome reception and dinner at our hotel, located in the heart of downtown near Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum, and the Space Needle. The next day, depart for Japan, and lose a day crossing the international date line.

Four Seasons Hotel Seattle (B, L, D daily)

Meet experts, staff, and fellow travelers for a welcome reception and dinner at our hotel, located in the heart of downtown near Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum, and the Space Needle. The next day, depart for Japan, and lose a day crossing the international date line.

Four Seasons Hotel Seattle (B, L, D daily)

After landing in Osaka, travel to Kyoto, home to UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples, shrines, and gardens that vividly recall the glory of Old Japan. Visit Kinkaku-ji golden pavilion, the wooden temple of Sanjusangendo, the striking torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the palaces and gardens of Nijō Castle. In ancient Nara, an imperial capital of Japan, see the Tōdai-ji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building, and peruse an outstanding collection of sacred Buddhist art at Kōhfukuji National Treasure Museum. Stroll along an enchanting path to the Kasuga Grand Shrine, passing by 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel or Hiiragiya, Kyoto (B, L, D daily)

After landing in Osaka, travel to Kyoto, home to UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples, shrines, and gardens that vividly recall the glory of Old Japan. Visit Kinkaku-ji golden pavilion, the wooden temple of Sanjusangendo, the striking torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the palaces and gardens of Nijō Castle. In ancient Nara, an imperial capital of Japan, see the Tōdai-ji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building, and peruse an outstanding collection of sacred Buddhist art at Kōhfukuji National Treasure Museum. Stroll along an enchanting path to the Kasuga Grand Shrine, passing by 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel or Hiiragiya, Kyoto (B, L, D daily)

After landing in Osaka, travel to Kyoto, home to UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples, shrines, and gardens that vividly recall the glory of Old Japan. Visit Kinkaku-ji golden pavilion, the wooden temple of Sanjusangendo, the striking torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the palaces and gardens of Nijō Castle. In ancient Nara, an imperial capital of Japan, see the Tōdai-ji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building, and peruse an outstanding collection of sacred Buddhist art at Kōhfukuji National Treasure Museum. Stroll along an enchanting path to the Kasuga Grand Shrine, passing by 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel or Hiiragiya, Kyoto (B, L, D daily)

Our next stop is the land of Genghis Khan, where one of the world’s last nomadic cultures lives amid the stark beauty of the steppe. In Ulaanbaatar, explore the Gandan Monastery, one of the few monasteries to survive the communist religious purges in the 1930s. Then take a private local flight to the majestic Gobi, where we’ll spend two nights at a traditional ger (tent) camp. In addition, visit with a nomad family and experience their way of life firsthand. At the fossil quarries of Bayanzag, also known as the Flaming Cliffs, hunt for dinosaur fossils with a local paleontologist. Or discover the stunning landscapes of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park.

The Blue Sky Hotel and Tower, Ulaanbaatar; Terelj Hotel or Three Camel Lodge (B, L, D daily)

Our next stop is the land of Genghis Khan, where one of the world’s last nomadic cultures lives amid the stark beauty of the steppe. In Ulaanbaatar, explore the Gandan Monastery, one of the few monasteries to survive the communist religious purges in the 1930s. Then take a private local flight to the majestic Gobi, where we’ll spend two nights at a traditional ger (tent) camp. In addition, visit with a nomad family and experience their way of life firsthand. At the fossil quarries of Bayanzag, also known as the Flaming Cliffs, hunt for dinosaur fossils with a local paleontologist. Or discover the stunning landscapes of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park.

The Blue Sky Hotel and Tower, Ulaanbaatar; Terelj Hotel or Three Camel Lodge (B, L, D daily)

Our next stop is the land of Genghis Khan, where one of the world’s last nomadic cultures lives amid the stark beauty of the steppe. In Ulaanbaatar, explore the Gandan Monastery, one of the few monasteries to survive the communist religious purges in the 1930s. Then take a private local flight to the majestic Gobi, where we’ll spend two nights at a traditional ger (tent) camp. In addition, visit with a nomad family and experience their way of life firsthand. At the fossil quarries of Bayanzag, also known as the Flaming Cliffs, hunt for dinosaur fossils with a local paleontologist. Or discover the stunning landscapes of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park.

The Blue Sky Hotel and Tower, Ulaanbaatar; Terelj Hotel or Three Camel Lodge (B, L, D daily)

After the Decembrist Revolt in 1825, exiled nobility settled in Siberia, bringing culture and infrastructure to cities like Irkutsk. Follow their footsteps on a walk through the central square, where traditional wooden houses stand out in bright shades of blue and green—the colors of Siberia. Visit the Church of Our Saviour, the oldest stone structure in Irkutsk, and wander among the tombs of famous Siberians at the Znamenskaya cathedral. Delve into the city’s pivotal role in Russian history at the Monument to Russian Pioneers of Siberia. The next day, cruise Lake Baikal, a UNESCO World Heritage site as well as the world’s oldest and deepest lake. In the evening, enjoy a classical concert at the Volkonsky Manor, once the center of social life for the exiled Decembrists.

Courtyard by Marriott, Irkutsk City Center (B, L, D daily)

After the Decembrist Revolt in 1825, exiled nobility settled in Siberia, bringing culture and infrastructure to cities like Irkutsk. Follow their footsteps on a walk through the central square, where traditional wooden houses stand out in bright shades of blue and green—the colors of Siberia. Visit the Church of Our Saviour, the oldest stone structure in Irkutsk, and wander among the tombs of famous Siberians at the Znamenskaya cathedral. Delve into the city’s pivotal role in Russian history at the Monument to Russian Pioneers of Siberia. The next day, cruise Lake Baikal, a UNESCO World Heritage site as well as the world’s oldest and deepest lake. In the evening, enjoy a classical concert at the Volkonsky Manor, once the center of social life for the exiled Decembrists.

Courtyard by Marriott, Irkutsk City Center (B, L, D daily)

Designed by Peter the Great in the 18th century to rival the cities of Europe, elegant St. Petersburg still entices travelers with its magnificent palaces, superb art collections, and riveting history. At the lavishly restored Catherine Palace, marvel at the magnificent Amber Room, then delve into the world-renowned art collection at the State Hermitage Museum and examine jewels and the works of Fabergé at its Treasure Galleries. Stroll through the gardens of Peterhof, the tsar’s homage to Versailles. Tour Peter and Paul Fortress, the city’s oldest structure, to see the stunning grounds and historic cathedral, topped with a needle-thin spire. Attend a performance at one of St. Petersburg’s grand theaters, or discover the Neva and its tributary canals during an evening boat cruise before a gala dinner.

Hotel Astoria, St. Petersburg (B, L, D daily)

Designed by Peter the Great in the 18th century to rival the cities of Europe, elegant St. Petersburg still entices travelers with its magnificent palaces, superb art collections, and riveting history. At the lavishly restored Catherine Palace, marvel at the magnificent Amber Room, then delve into the world-renowned art collection at the State Hermitage Museum and examine jewels and the works of Fabergé at its Treasure Galleries. Stroll through the gardens of Peterhof, the tsar’s homage to Versailles. Tour Peter and Paul Fortress, the city’s oldest structure, to see the stunning grounds and historic cathedral, topped with a needle-thin spire. Attend a performance at one of St. Petersburg’s grand theaters, or discover the Neva and its tributary canals during an evening boat cruise before a gala dinner.

Hotel Astoria, St. Petersburg (B, L, D daily)

Designed by Peter the Great in the 18th century to rival the cities of Europe, elegant St. Petersburg still entices travelers with its magnificent palaces, superb art collections, and riveting history. At the lavishly restored Catherine Palace, marvel at the magnificent Amber Room, then delve into the world-renowned art collection at the State Hermitage Museum and examine jewels and the works of Fabergé at its Treasure Galleries. Stroll through the gardens of Peterhof, the tsar’s homage to Versailles. Tour Peter and Paul Fortress, the city’s oldest structure, to see the stunning grounds and historic cathedral, topped with a needle-thin spire. Attend a performance at one of St. Petersburg’s grand theaters, or discover the Neva and its tributary canals during an evening boat cruise before a gala dinner.

Hotel Astoria, St. Petersburg (B, L, D daily)

In the 19th century, Tromsø was the cosmopolitan jewel in northern Norway’s crown, provisioning Russian, British, Dutch, and German ships before they departed on Arctic hunting expeditions. Take a short tour of the city and sample some traditional Norwegian specialties for lunch before embarking on a cruise through the fjords and bays of the Tromsø archipelago. End your journey with dinner at the old fishing village of Sommarøy. The next day, drive along the rugged coastline and enjoy a delectable lunch at a local restaurant. Ride a cable car to the summit of Mount Storsteinen, where you can admire the views over the city, fjords, and islands with icy peaks rising in the distance. Or travel into the mountains for an easy hike.

Scandic Ishavshotel, Tromsø (B, L, D daily)

In the 19th century, Tromsø was the cosmopolitan jewel in northern Norway’s crown, provisioning Russian, British, Dutch, and German ships before they departed on Arctic hunting expeditions. Take a short tour of the city and sample some traditional Norwegian specialties for lunch before embarking on a cruise through the fjords and bays of the Tromsø archipelago. End your journey with dinner at the old fishing village of Sommarøy. The next day, drive along the rugged coastline and enjoy a delectable lunch at a local restaurant. Ride a cable car to the summit of Mount Storsteinen, where you can admire the views over the city, fjords, and islands with icy peaks rising in the distance. Or travel into the mountains for an easy hike.

Scandic Ishavshotel, Tromsø (B, L, D daily)

In Iceland’s vibrant capital of Reykjavík, explore the Old City and the traditional wooden houses of the Árbær Open Air Museum. Relax in the geothermic hot springs of the Blue Lagoon, whose warm, mineral-rich waters have long eased the muscles and raised the spirits of travelers. At Thingvellir, stand astride the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. See the geothermal fields of Geysir, home to hot springs, mud pots, and boiling pools; and feel the mist on your face at the majestic Gullfoss. You’ll also have time to choose your own adventure, including visiting a geothermal power plant, hiking through a nature reserve, or snowmobiling on a glacier.

Hotel Borg, Reykjavík (B, L, D daily)

In Iceland’s vibrant capital of Reykjavík, explore the Old City and the traditional wooden houses of the Árbær Open Air Museum. Relax in the geothermic hot springs of the Blue Lagoon, whose warm, mineral-rich waters have long eased the muscles and raised the spirits of travelers. At Thingvellir, stand astride the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. See the geothermal fields of Geysir, home to hot springs, mud pots, and boiling pools; and feel the mist on your face at the majestic Gullfoss. You’ll also have time to choose your own adventure, including visiting a geothermal power plant, hiking through a nature reserve, or snowmobiling on a glacier.

Hotel Borg, Reykjavík (B, L, D daily)

In Iceland’s vibrant capital of Reykjavík, explore the Old City and the traditional wooden houses of the Árbær Open Air Museum. Relax in the geothermic hot springs of the Blue Lagoon, whose warm, mineral-rich waters have long eased the muscles and raised the spirits of travelers. At Thingvellir, stand astride the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. See the geothermal fields of Geysir, home to hot springs, mud pots, and boiling pools; and feel the mist on your face at the majestic Gullfoss. You’ll also have time to choose your own adventure, including visiting a geothermal power plant, hiking through a nature reserve, or snowmobiling on a glacier.

Hotel Borg, Reykjavík (B, L, D daily)

Our next stop is Kangerlussuaq, a town of about 500 residents in western Greenland founded as a military base during World War II and now a hub of scientific research. Continue by charter flight north to the remote town of Ilulissat, which abuts the massive Ilulissat Icefjord, the source of many of the icebergs in Greenlandic waters. Cruise through the mist among craggy icebergs at the mouth of the fjord, take an easy walk along the ice fjord, and meet a dogsled team. Or take a longer guided hike alongside the massive glacier to the Inuit village of Sermermiut, or visit the brightly colored houses and church of a tiny hunting and fishing settlement.

Arctic Hotel, Ilulissat (B, L, D daily)

Our next stop is Kangerlussuaq, a town of about 500 residents in western Greenland founded as a military base during World War II and now a hub of scientific research. Continue by charter flight north to the remote town of Ilulissat, which abuts the massive Ilulissat Icefjord, the source of many of the icebergs in Greenlandic waters. Cruise through the mist among craggy icebergs at the mouth of the fjord, take an easy walk along the ice fjord, and meet a dogsled team. Or take a longer guided hike alongside the massive glacier to the Inuit village of Sermermiut, or visit the brightly colored houses and church of a tiny hunting and fishing settlement.

Arctic Hotel, Ilulissat (B, L, D daily)

Fly to Boston and celebrate with a festive farewell dinner. The next day, connect with your commercial flight home.

Four Seasons Hotel Boston (D)

Fly to Boston and celebrate with a festive farewell dinner. The next day, connect with your commercial flight home.

Four Seasons Hotel Boston (D)