Japan, Singapore & Thailand: East Asia Meets Southeast Asia

Your flight arrives in Tokyo, where our representative meets you and helps you to your hotel in the atmospheric Asakusa district by private transfer. The evening is free to rest, or for a first gentle wander to the lantern-lit Senso-ji temple gate nearby.

A full day across the world's greatest city. The Senso-ji temple and Nakamise shopping street in old Asakusa in the morning; the Meiji Shrine, the crossing at Shibuya and the views from a skyscraper observation deck in the afternoon. Distances are kept gentle, with Tokyo's flawless metro doing the work.

A morning train to the hot-spring valley of Hakone, in the foothills of Mount Fuji. A circuit of the area by mountain railway, cable car and the pirate-ship cruise on Lake Ashi, with views of Fuji on a clear day. Tonight, a traditional ryokan inn with a kaiseki dinner and your own hot-spring bathing.

Back to the mainline and aboard the shinkansen to Kyoto, gliding past the countryside (and, weather permitting, Mount Fuji) in reserved comfort. Afternoon in Japan's ancient capital: the golden pavilion of Kinkaku-ji and the Zen rock garden of Ryoan-ji, with their raked gravel and centuries of stillness.

A full day in Kyoto. The thousand vermilion torii gates of Fushimi Inari in the cool morning, the Kiyomizu-dera temple and its wooden terrace, and the lanes of the Gion geisha district in the late afternoon, when you may glimpse a geiko or maiko hurrying to an appointment.

A short train to Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, to see the Great Buddha of Todai-ji — one of the world's largest bronze statues, housed in a vast wooden hall — and the tame deer that roam the surrounding park. Afternoon free in Kyoto for the Nishiki food market or a tea ceremony.

A short train to Osaka and an afternoon flight south to Singapore. Our representative meets you and transfers you to your hotel in the stylish heart of the city. A free evening — perhaps a first drink overlooking the illuminated Marina Bay skyline.

A full day in Asia's most sophisticated city. The Gardens by the Bay with their towering Supertrees and cooled conservatories in the morning; the colonial Civic District, the Raffles Hotel and a stroll through the old quarters in the afternoon. An evening hawker-centre dinner introduces Singapore's legendary food culture.

A morning exploring Singapore's cultural quarters — the temples and shophouses of Chinatown, the colour and spice of Little India, and the Arab Street district. The afternoon is free for the shops of Orchard Road, the Botanic Gardens, or rest before the onward journey to Thailand.

A flight north to Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of northern Thailand, cradled by forested mountains. Our representative transfers you to your hotel in the old walled city. A gentle late-afternoon orientation among the moat, the ancient gates and the lively night bazaar.

A morning drive up the mountain to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the glittering golden temple that watches over Chiang Mai, with sweeping views across the valley. The afternoon visits the ancient temples within the old walls — Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh — at a gentle pace.

A day in the hills at an ethical elephant sanctuary, where rescued elephants are cared for rather than ridden. You'll feed and walk alongside them, learn their stories, and see them bathe in the river — a gentle, deeply moving day. Return to Chiang Mai in the late afternoon.

A relaxed day. Visit the craft villages famous for silk, silver and umbrella-making, or join an optional northern-Thai cookery class. The afternoon is free for a traditional Thai massage or the hotel pool before a final stroll through the Sunday walking-street market (or the night bazaar).

A final, unstructured day to enjoy Chiang Mai at your own pace — a temple you wish to revisit, a last massage, the cafés of the Nimman district, or simply rest in the courtyard of your hotel. A gentle close to a richly varied journey.

A transfer to Chiang Mai airport for your onward flight, with the assistance of our representative. The end of a journey from the temples of Japan to the warmth of the Thai hills.