19 September - At sea

20 September

United States: Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a great introduction to Alaska’s natural attractions, situated at the foot of towering Deer Mountain and within easy reach of the Misty Fjords. The colourful wooden buildings of Creek Street, the old red light district, are a reminder of Ketchikan’s former status as a rough and ready frontier town; these days, things are rather more civilised!

21 September

United States: Klawock

Klawock, on Prince of Wales Island - the USA's third-largest island home to a vast temperate rainforest and abundant wildlife include bears and whales - is known for its deep Tlingit culture embodied in the Klawock Totem Park, home to 21 carved poles representing the heritage of the Heenya Kwaan people. Visit the heritage centre and carving shed to watch local artists at work and learn about Tlingit traditions, alongside opportunities for fishing, kayaking and hiking.

22 September

United States: Sitka

Sitka was founded by Russian fur traders in 1799 as the city of New Archangel, and there is still a discernible Russian influence here, including the distinctive St Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral. The town also enjoys spectacular natural surroundings, facing the Pacific Ocean and dramatic Mount Edgecumbe.

23 September to 24 September - At sea

25 September

United States: Kodiak

Kodiak is known as Alaska’s ‘Emerald Isle’ thanks to the lush green countryside, a landscape crisscrossed by gushing salmon-filled streams that provides a home to around 3,000 Kodiak bears, the world’s largest. Ships dock in Kodiak city, an important fishing port with a fascinating Russian heritage.

26 September - At sea

27 September

United States: Dutch Harbor

Dutch Harbor is the port that serves the city of Unalaska, and is known for the hardy fishermen who brave the turbulent, icy seas off the Aleutian Islands. Points of interest include the remains of defensive fortifications built during the Second World War and the striking Russian Orthodox church.

28 September to 4 October - At sea

5 October

Japan: Kushiro

The misty fishing port of Kushiro, on the east coast of Hokkaido, is the gateway to the protected marshlands of Kushiro Mitsugen National Park. These extensive wetlands are the only place in Japan where you can still find the endangered Japanese crane, a graceful bird with a distinctive red crown.

6 October

Japan: Miyako (Iwate)

Cave exploring, kayaking, and coastal hiking is what visitors to Miyako, on Honshu's eastern shore can expect, with its dramatic, rocky shoreline of bays, cliffs and coves along the 300-km Sanriku Coast. Don't miss the stunning white pebbled shores of Jodogahama Beach, punctuated by jagged, rocky islands.

7 October

Japan: Sendai

Sendai is the largest city in the Tohoku region, founded in the 16th century by the powerful samurai lord Date Masamune. His legacy lives on in the ruins of Sendai Castle, heavily damaged by Allied bombing during the Second World War. The city also plays host to the colourful Tanabata Matsuri festival every summer.

8 October

Japan: Hitachinaka

The city of Hitachinaka is situated on the east coast of Japan’s main island, Honshu, in an area known for its long sandy beaches and busy fishing ports. Don’t miss the famous Hitachi Seaside Park, which lights up with pale blue nemophilia flowers during the spring and crimson kochia bushes in autumn.

9 October

Japan: Shimizu

Shimizu is one of the most spectacular ports in Japan, a sweeping bay in the shadow of the iconic Mount Fuji. You can spend some time admiring the views and wandering through peaceful pine groves, or visit the unique Shimizu Sushi Museum at the S-Pulse Dream Plaza shopping mall.

10 October

Japan: Tokyo

In a state of constant renewal and forever looking to the future, densely populated Tokyo is a dazzling introduction to Japan and its utterly unique culture. With more neon than Las Vegas and more Michelin stars than Paris, it’s a real assault on the senses.

11 October - At sea

12 October

Japan: Miyako (Iwate)

Cave exploring, kayaking, and coastal hiking is what visitors to Miyako, on Honshu's eastern shore can expect, with its dramatic, rocky shoreline of bays, cliffs and coves along the 300-km Sanriku Coast. Don't miss the stunning white pebbled shores of Jodogahama Beach, punctuated by jagged, rocky islands.

13 October

Japan: Hakodate

Situated at the southern tip of Hokkaido, Hakodate was one of the first Japanese ports to open up to international trade in the 19th century, and a scattering of European-style buildings remain. Take a ride on the historic streetcar, tuck into delicious seafood or enjoy a revitalising dip in an onsen (hot spring).

14 October

Japan: Aomori

The city of Aomori, at the northern tip of Honshu island, is best known for its summer Nebuta Matsuri festival, which lights up the streets every August. There is still plenty to see during the rest of the year, including elegant Hirosaki Castle, pretty Lake Towada and the Seiryu-ji Temple, home of the largest Buddha statue in Japan.

15 October

Japan: Akita

16 October

Japan: Niigata

Set amongst snowy mountains on the west coast of Honshu, the city of Niigata is known for its ski resorts, seafood and hot springs, and produces some of the finest sake in Japan. Other attractions nearby include Shibata’s impressive castle and the town of Murakami, renowned for its traditional wind-dried salmon.

17 October

Japan: Kanazawa

Kanazawa rivals Kyoto for historical significance, though the city is far less overrun with tourists. The 17th-century Kenroku-en garden is the jewel in Kanazawa’s crown, filled with pretty ponds and waterfalls, and the city is also home to exceptionally well preserved samurai and geisha districts.

18 October - At sea

19 October

South Korea: Sokcho

The fishing port of Sokcho is the gateway to the mountainous Seoraksan National Park, home to wildlife including the rare Korean goral, musk deer and Tristram’s woodpecker. Sokcho is also less than 40 miles from North Korea, with the possibility of visiting the fascinating DMZ Museum at the border.

20 October - At sea

21 October

Japan: Kochi

The small, laid back city of Kochi is situated on the south coast of Shikoku island, an important place of pilgrimage for Japanese Buddhists. Three of the 88 temples on the pilgrimage route are in Kochi, and the city is also known for its elegant 17th century hilltop castle.

22 October

Arriving in Osaka

Osaka, Japan’s third largest city, is a pulsating commercial hub, famous for its food, and the cityscape rivals Tokyo for neon-lit futurism. If you need respite from the urban sprawl seek out Osaka Castle and the surrounding Nishinomaru Garden, a particularly pretty spot during the cherry blossom season.