Captain’s Choice has released its 2023 international itineraries, offering journeys across Asia and the return of two iconic journeys, Safaris & Spices of Sri Lanka and Heart of Ancient Japan.
From an extraordinary new adventure, Temples and Trails through Bhutan, to the cultural and culinary immersion of Castles, Cuisine & Customs of Japan, Captain’s Choice’s 2023 Asian journeys bring exciting new ways to explore our nearby region.
Temples and Trails through Bhutan
A first for Captain’s Choice, this rare and remote journey for just 24 guests explores the peaks and valleys of the Himalayan kingdom. It comprises five hikes in the finest sections of Bhutan’s wilderness, each day bringing a new adventure.
After a day of rest and settling in, the initial walk is a gentle one to Cheri Gomemba, followed by a day spent trekking along the Divine Madman Trail to Thinleygang Temple. The tour then drives toward Punakha, taking a short detour to visit the Chimi Lhakhang temple, a place seen to be a wellspring of fertility, where blessings are offered by a 15th-century Tibetan saint.
On Days Four and Six, guests explore the striking Trans Bhutan Trail, crossing the famous Punakha suspension bridge across the Pho Chhu River to Shengana, then continuing on to the northern ridge of the Paro Valley. The last day on the journey sees guests hike from the valley floor up to Taktsang monastery, ‘Tiger’s Nest’, built into vertical cliffs above Paro Valley, an experience that will stay with travellers for a lifetime.
After each trek, guests have the chance to unwind at the Six Senses lodges of Bhutan – Six Senses Thimphu, Punakha and Paro, which all boast unrivalled views of their surrounding landscapes, with elegant timber design and stunning hospitality.
The 8-day itinerary departs Paro on 18 March 2023. Prices from $17,600 per person twin share.
Castles, Cuisine & Customs of Japan
A new addition to the Captain’s Choice Asia portfolio, this journey travels through Japan. The trip explores some of Japan’s most extraordinary sights and experiences, from Mt Fuji to Matsumoto, sake tastings to snow monkeys, bamboo groves to bullet trains. Limited to 24 travellers, it is a true immersion, celebrating the contrast of ancient custom and innovation.
Guests begin their adventure in Tokyo, enjoying its cuisine, skylines and shopping, then travel by train to Matsumoto where they venture into the surrounding countryside and see snow monkeys and macaques in the wild. A trip to Kyoto is filled with shrines and temples, Zen gardens and geisha culture.
Along the journey, guests will experience Japan’s culinary highlights – from Tokyo’s time-honoured sushi artisans to the refined restaurants of Gion and even a Buddhist meal in Kankaku-Ji – and stay in hotels and onsens of the highest standard.
The nine-day journey departs Tokyo on 12 October 2023. Prices from $15,650 per person twin share.
Other key itineraries include the 14-day Safaris & Spices of Sri Lanka, from $15,900 per person twin share; and the 16-day Heart of Ancient Japan, from $28,500 per person twin share.
Captain’s Choice has over 25 years’ experience and a global reputation for its curation of incomparable, life-enriching journeys and experiences. See captainschoice.com.au/regions/asia