Zuiderdam - February 28, 2024

Huge department stores brim with shoppers, neon flashes from dusk to dawn, and the entire world pays heed to the slightest fluctuation on the Nikkei Index. From the Imperial Palace and Meiji Shrine to the fabled Ginza district, 21st-century Tokyo is an intriguing composite of East and West. Japanese houses of wood and paper stand in the shadow of towering steel and mortar. Not far away, one of the world's most impressive sights soars 12,388 feet to its snow-clad peak: Mount Fuji, the majestic symbol of Japan.

Huge department stores brim with shoppers, neon flashes from dusk to dawn, and the entire world pays heed to the slightest fluctuation on the Nikkei Index. From the Imperial Palace and Meiji Shrine to the fabled Ginza district, 21st-century Tokyo is an intriguing composite of East and West. Japanese houses of wood and paper stand in the shadow of towering steel and mortar. Not far away, one of the world's most impressive sights soars 12,388 feet to its snow-clad peak: Mount Fuji, the majestic symbol of Japan.

Famous for its succulent Kobe beef and cosmopolitan flair, this booming port town sits between the Rokko Mountains and Osaka Bay. Home to many foreigners, this commercial center is the most international in western Japan, containing a remarkable architectural mix of Swiss chalets, Muslim mosques, and Russian Orthodox churches, tucked between traditional Japanese buildings.

Famous for its succulent Kobe beef and cosmopolitan flair, this booming port town sits between the Rokko Mountains and Osaka Bay. Home to many foreigners, this commercial center is the most international in western Japan, containing a remarkable architectural mix of Swiss chalets, Muslim mosques, and Russian Orthodox churches, tucked between traditional Japanese buildings.

Shanghai's reputation as a center of unrestrained commerce and intrigue has drawn adventures since the time of the Opium Wars. Modern Shanghai will surprise you with its sprawling landscape of towering offices, beautifully contrasted by calm lakes and graceful pagodas dating from the 10th century. Take a trip to Wuxi and visit a silk factory, or serene Jichang Gardens.

Shanghai's reputation as a center of unrestrained commerce and intrigue has drawn adventures since the time of the Opium Wars. Modern Shanghai will surprise you with its sprawling landscape of towering offices, beautifully contrasted by calm lakes and graceful pagodas dating from the 10th century. Take a trip to Wuxi and visit a silk factory, or serene Jichang Gardens.

The mystery surrounding the port city of Dalian may stem from the fact that it has been known by many different names, including Lu-ta, Dalny (Russian), Dairen (Japanese), and Ta-lien. Today, Dalian is an industrial city revolving around chemical production, light manufacturing, and heavy industry. Some say that a natural rock formation at Golden Pebble Beach resembles the silhouette of Beethovena

Beijing has served as the political headquarters and cultural center of China for over eight centuries. In this land of living history, visit the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace, and the largest imperial garden in existence. Travel to The Forbidden City, with its winged-roof pavilions, magnificently carved lions, stretching courtyards, and streams crossed by marble bridges.

Beijing has served as the political headquarters and cultural center of China for over eight centuries. In this land of living history, visit the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace, and the largest imperial garden in existence. Travel to The Forbidden City, with its winged-roof pavilions, magnificently carved lions, stretching courtyards, and streams crossed by marble bridges.

One of the most popular destinations in Asia, Hong Kong offers a plethora of options: some of the world's best cuisine, first-class entertainment, and of course, shopping! For a more relaxing afternoon, watch the sun set over Victoria Harbour or take a stroll downthe beach, alongside the green mountains and the South China Sea.

One of the most popular destinations in Asia, Hong Kong offers a plethora of options: some of the world's best cuisine, first-class entertainment, and of course, shopping! For a more relaxing afternoon, watch the sun set over Victoria Harbour or take a stroll downthe beach, alongside the green mountains and the South China Sea.

Vietnam's third-largest city, Da Nang serves as a main port for neighboring Laos, once the capital of the kingdom of Champa. Near Da Nang are the Marble Mountains, the five peaks of which are named after the elements: water, earth, metal, fire, and wood. The mountains are complete with caves and secret passages containing Buddha images and shrines.

Lai Chau Province, in the far west, shares borders with China in the north and Laos in the west. Dien Bien Phu is situated almost at the border with Laos on an immense gorge 20 km long and 3 km wide. It is in Dien Bien Phu that the Vietnamese fought the decisive battle on May 7, 1954 that brought French colonial rule to an end.

One of Asia's great success stories, this island republic has merged diverse cultures into a dynamic and thriving nation. Clean, modern and full of green gardens, its neighborhoods reflect the Chinese, Malay, Indian, Arab and European backgrounds of its past. After sampling the legendary shopping, retire to Raffles Hotel's famous bar and toast Maugham, Kipling and Noel Coward with a Singapore Sling.

One of Asia's great success stories, this island republic has merged diverse cultures into a dynamic and thriving nation. Clean, modern and full of green gardens, its neighborhoods reflect the Chinese, Malay, Indian, Arab and European backgrounds of its past. After sampling the legendary shopping, retire to Raffles Hotel's famous bar and toast Maugham, Kipling and Noel Coward with a Singapore Sling.

Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka means "Resplendent Land," an apt description for this beautiful island. Sri Lanka lies fifty-five miles north of the equator, just off the southern tip of India. With its unique beauty, warm climate and near-perfect beaches, Sri Lanka is one of Asia's most adored destinations. Since the sixteenth century, the Portuguese, Dutch and British have all left their architectural and cultural marks in Sri Lanka's capital of Colombo. Yet despite its colonial architecture, Sri Lanka has always remained Oriental in spirit, with colorful bazaars, dancing elephants, graceful women in saris, and many Buddhist shrines and temples.

Mumbai (also called Bombay), the capital of the state of Maharashtra, is the Gateway to India, signified by the Apollo Bunder, Mumbai's most famous monument and landmark. Visit the Hanging Gardens for a great panoramic view of Bombay. The ancient Mahalaxmi Temple, the shrine of the goddess of wealth, is also a popular destination.

Mumbai (also called Bombay), the capital of the state of Maharashtra, is the Gateway to India, signified by the Apollo Bunder, Mumbai's most famous monument and landmark. Visit the Hanging Gardens for a great panoramic view of Bombay. The ancient Mahalaxmi Temple, the shrine of the goddess of wealth, is also a popular destination.

Fujairah city, the capital of the emirate, is characterized by the jagged Hajar mountains, which border the fertile coastal plain where most settlement has taken place. Blessed with dramatic scenery, Fujairah attractions include some excellent diving sites, the natural beauty of the mountains and coastline, cultural and historic attractions and of course, reliable winter sunshine.

Dubai is a popular destination for a relaxing beach holiday, an adventurous desert experience, wild nightlife or a weekend away to shop in the electronics and gold markets. Dubai has beautiful white beaches, clear blue seas, first class international hotels, and fine restaurants. In fact, Dubai has everything you could wish for to have a memorable getaway.