Martin H. Petrich, Asia expert: "Asia is a synthesis of the traditional and the modern, great culture and moving history. Between major cities and magical temples, neon signs and party placards, commercial and natural wonders, your knowledge of Vietnam and China will be expanded and your thinking given new dimensions."

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TRIP
? Vietnam ? a land of contrasts
? Imperial city Hue*
? Ha Long Bay*
? China ? the Middle Kingdom

Right at the start of this diverse ?Expedition Knowledge?, you will see the striking cultural contrasts of Asia. In Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, French colonial architecture alternates with Far Eastern pagodas and temples. An entire district has been shaped by Chinese immigrants, whose heritage our Asia expert Martin H. Petrich will detail in the expert excursion: Cholon ? visit to Saigons Chinese quarter*. A sad chapter in the city?s history is disclosed in the expert excursion: the Vietnam War ? search for traces in Saigon*, in which you will visit historical sites such as the Reunification Palace and the Rex Hotel. For an even more in-depth historical insight, you will visit the Tunnels of Cu Chi*, once the hideout of Vietnamese resistance fighters. You can admire Vietnam?s softer side ? green paddy fields and little villages ? while travelling in the Mekong-Delta*, a quintessential tropical landscape.

Your knowledge will be expanded by degrees of latitude in Chan May. The expert excursion: Imperial city Hue* brings Vietnamese Buddhism spectacularly to life ? for instance, with a visit to the Thien Mu Pagoda, the highest in the country. Your trip along the Hai Van Pass brings you closer to the traditional Vietnamese way of life and mythology in the ancient port city of Hoi An*.

One of the most beautiful landscapes in the world will enchant you as the HANSEATIC travels through the first foothills of Ha Long Bay. You will be immersed even deeper in this magical world of limestone rocks while cruising through Ha Long Bay* on a traditional junk.

The vibrant region of Hong Kong spectacularly combines the traditional with the modern. In the expert excursion: by junk to Joss House Bar*, you will experience the metropolis from a surprising perspective. Life on water in the former fishing village of Aberdeen, Stanley market and Victoria Peak are more highlights of Hong Kong* that you will discover. This is a city where no one sleeps, as you will see on an evening tram ride and visit to the night market*. Alternatively you can take in Hong Kong a different way*: on foot through the bustling streets to the financial centre and on a visit to the lively vegetable market. On your expert excursion: Hong Kong, a reflection of the time* with a visit to the Museum of History, the contrasts of the city will culminate in new insights.

Another illustrious commercial metropolis is Xiamen. The cleanest city in China has been a special economic zone since 1980 and is regarded as a symbol of progress. In contrast, the Round houses of Hakka*, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, embody China?s origins.

*These arrangements are not covered by the cruise price. The on-shore activities listed are in the planning stage. Subject to changes.