Wonderful Japan & the Maldives 2026-27
NEWOSAKA - KYOTO - NARA - TOKYO - MALDIVES
Wonderful Japan & the Maldives 2026-27 is a Guiness Travel escorted group tour in Japan: 15 days by plane, with a tour leader from Italy. 4 departures scheduled, from 12 October 2026 to 5 April 2027. Participation fee from 7.100,00 € per person. Required document: INDIVIDUAL PASSPORT + VISIT JAPAN WEB.
Wonderful Japan & the Maldives 2026-27
OSAKA - KYOTO - NARA - TOKYO - MALDIVES

15 days starting from
7.100,00 €
Departures
Legend
Plus Guiness
- 4-star hotels in Japan
- 4-star resort on a half-board basis in the Maldives
- 6 dinners in traditional restaurants in Japan
- Shinkansen high-speed bullet train Kyoto/Tokyo
- all scheduled admissions included
- tasting of local specialities
- individual wireless audio-guide system
- tour leader from Italy for the whole tour
- travel in exclusive style with a maximum of 20 people
Why this tour?
- to immerse yourself in Japan’s perfect balance of modernity and tradition
- to be amazed by the vibrancy of Tokyo, between futuristic skyscrapers and ancient temples
- to end the journey with a dream stay on the unspoilt beaches of the Maldives
Description
A journey of culture, modernity and tropical paradise, perfect for those who wish to discover the allure of Japan without forgoing a finale of pure relaxation in the crystal-clear waters of the Maldives. The itinerary is designed to offer total immersion in Japanese culture, starting from the vibrant energy of Osaka and Tokyo, with their futuristic skyscrapers and high-tech districts, through to the timeless magic of Kyoto and Nara, guardians of ancient temples and age-old traditions. Every day brings a discovery: from the iconic Dotonbori district lit up by neon signs to the mystical silence of the Shinto shrines, from the wonder of the Arashiyama bamboo forest to the thrill of walking through the famous red torii gates of Fushimi Inari. The journey leaves nothing out, offering a perfect balance of cultural visits, moments of exploration and free time to savour local life. And after the intensity and dynamism of Japan, the itinerary ends in a true corner of paradise: the Maldives. Here time slows down and gives way to nothing but absolute relaxation, among white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and breathtaking sunsets. An unforgettable journey, able to satisfy both the thirst for discovery and the desire for well-being in a single, extraordinary experience.
The Maldives: a tropical dream of luxury and unspoilt nature. After the intensity and dynamism of Japan, the final part of this journey is a total immersion in the timeless beauty of the Maldives, an earthly paradise where time seems suspended between sky and sea. Here the watchword is relaxation: the days drift gently by among beaches of the whitest sand, crystal-clear waters and the discreet luxury of a resort offering every comfort, with an all-inclusive formula that makes for a carefree experience. The Maldives are far more than a simple beach destination: they are a journey into the purest colours of nature, an encounter with the most spectacular marine life in the world. For those who love adventure there is no shortage of unique experiences, such as snorkelling among coral gardens, meeting manta rays and sea turtles, or boat trips to admire the sunset over the ocean. Those who simply wish to recharge can indulge in wellness treatments with a sea view or just lie on a private beach, lulled by the sound of the waves. The pace slows, the body relaxes and the mind is set free: the Maldives are not just a destination but a true state of mind, a sensory experience that restores and recharges. After the emotions of Japan, this stay is the perfect finale, an interlude of pure happiness in one of the most extraordinary places on the planet.
Itinerary
Day 1
ITALY - JAPAN
Departure on scheduled Emirates flights to Osaka – meals on board – overnight flight.
Day 2
OSAKA
Arrival at Osaka Kansai airport – transfer to the hotel – dinner in a restaurant – after dinner, Osaka by night: a stroll with the tour leader around the Dotonbori area – overnight stay.
Day 3 · 70 km.
OSAKA “modern technology” - KYOTO
Breakfast at the hotel – in the morning, visit of Osaka with a local guide, taking in the Castle and the Umeda Sky Building (in the northern Kita district, home to the largest underground shopping centre in Japan and a remarkable concentration of offices, banks and hotels. The “Floating Garden” Observatory, 173 m up, offers breathtaking views over the city) - transfer to Kyoto by private coach – lunch at leisure - in the afternoon, visit of Kyoto with a local guide – Kiyomizu Temple and the lanes of Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka (a complex of temples built from 1633 onwards, a place of worship where pilgrims venerate the eleven-headed effigy of Kannon and drink the water of the sacred spring) - dinner in a traditional restaurant – after dinner, Kyoto by night: a stroll with the tour leader, using public transport, through the Gion quarter (with its typical narrow streets and low wooden houses that take us back 300 years) and along the streets of the Pontocho district, well known for its geishas - return to the hotel – overnight stay.
Day 4
KYOTO & ARASHIYAMA
Breakfast at the hotel – full-day excursion with a local guide – in the morning, visit of Arashiyama with a walk through the bamboo forest, Tenryuji Temple (one of the principal temples of the Rinzai school of Zen), Kinkakuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (of particular interest is the Golden Pavilion, the only original structure) - Fushimi Inari Shrine (the best known in Japan and the most visited by pilgrims, the head shrine of the three thousand dedicated to the god Inari), Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (built by Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate) - lunch at leisure - return to the hotel in the evening - dinner in a restaurant – evening at leisure – tour leader on hand – overnight stay.
Day 5 · 100 km.
NARA “the ancient capital” & UJI - KYOTO
Breakfast at the hotel – full day devoted to visiting Nara & Uji with a local guide – visit of Todaiji Temple (one of the most important monuments of Nara, the ancient capital from 710 to 794, housing the Great Buddha and architectural masterpieces designated National Treasures), Kasuga Shrine (its vermilion-lacquered buildings make a magnificent contrast with the green of the surrounding virgin forest, and the three thousand lanterns lining the approach to the shrine are a unique sight), Nara Park (with its famous resident deer) - Byodo-in Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (built in 1052 by the Emperor’s Chief Adviser) - lunch at leisure – return to Kyoto in the late afternoon – dinner in a restaurant – evening at leisure – tour leader on hand – overnight stay.
Day 6
KYOTO – TOKYO
Breakfast at the hotel – transfer to the station – departure on the Shinkansen bullet train, reserved seats, for Tokyo – on arrival, city visit with a local guide to the Tokyo Tower (333 m tall and built after the war at the government’s behest, as a symbol of the country’s economic rebirth) – lunch at leisure – in the afternoon the visit of Tokyo with a local guide continues – Asakusa Kannon Temple(the oldest and most impressive temple in Tokyo) and the charming nearby market of fans, kimonos and souvenirs, Akihabara Electric Town (the world’s largest retail area for new and second-hand electronics and computers) - transfer to the hotel – dinner in a restaurant – after dinner, Tokyo by night: a stroll with the tour leader, using public transport, around Shinjuku and night-time Tokyo at Omoide Yokocho, Kabukicho and Shibuya crossing – overnight stay.
Day 7
TOKYO “the capital”
Breakfast at the hotel - full day devoted to visiting Tokyo with a local guide – Meiji-jingu Shrine (the largest Shinto shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji), the boutiques of Omotesando (an area known as the Champs-Élysées of Tokyo), the Ginza and Shibuya districts – lunch at leisure – dinner in a restaurant - after dinner, Tokyo by night: a stroll with the tour leader, using public transport, to Odaiba, crossing the Rainbow Bridge with spectacular views over Tokyo Bay – overnight stay.
Day 8
TOKYO – MALDIVES
Breakfast at the hotel – day at leisure for individual sightseeing and/or shopping – lunch at leisure - tour leader on hand - transfer to the airport – evening departure from Tokyo on scheduled Malaysia Airlines flights to Malé - overnight flight.
Day 9
MALDIVES
Arrival in Malé - speedboat transfer to the resort - tour leader on hand - lunch at leisure - dinner at the hotel – overnight stay.
Day 10
MALDIVES
Breakfast at the hotel, day at leisure for rest, relaxation and beach activities – tour leader on hand - lunch at leisure - dinner at the hotel – overnight stay.
Day 11
MALDIVES
Breakfast at the hotel, day at leisure for rest, relaxation and beach activities – tour leader on hand - lunch at leisure - dinner at the hotel – overnight stay.
Day 12
MALDIVES
Breakfast at the hotel, day at leisure for rest, relaxation and beach activities – tour leader on hand - lunch at leisure - dinner at the hotel – overnight stay.
Day 13
MALDIVES
Breakfast at the hotel, day at leisure for rest, relaxation and beach activities – tour leader on hand - lunch at leisure - dinner at the hotel – overnight stay.
Day 14
MALDIVES-DUBAI
Breakfast at the hotel – day at leisure - speedboat transfer to the airport – evening departure from Malé on a scheduled Emirates flight to Dubai.
Day 15
DUBAI-ITALY
Departure from Dubai on scheduled Emirates flights for the return to Italy - arrival in Italy.
Prices
- return journey Italy/Osaka-Malé/Italy on scheduled Emirates flights
- journey Tokyo/Malé on scheduled Malaysia Airlines flights
- journey on the Shinkansen bullet train Kyoto/Tokyo with reserved second-class seats
- airport/hotel transfers and vice versa
- hotel/station transfers and vice versa
- airport/resort transfers in the Maldives by speedboat and vice versa
- tour of Japan by luxury coach
- accommodation in 4-star hotels on a half-board basis in Japan
- accommodation in a 4-star resort on a half-board basis during the stay in the Maldives, in Deluxe Sky or Deluxe Beach rooms
- buffet breakfasts
- guided visits as indicated, with an Italian-speaking guide
- separate luggage transfer on the Kyoto/Tokyo leg
- individual wireless audio-guide system for the whole tour in Japan
- admission to all sites and museums indicated in the programme during the tour in Japan
- taxes, VAT
- tour leader from Italy, departing from Rome
- tour leader Dubai/Dubai for those departing from other airports
tips, drinks of any kind and anything not expressly mentioned. N.B. any change to the menu due to allergies or dietary restrictions notified directly on the spot will incur a charge
of ¥1,000 to cover operating costs. This amount is to be paid by clients directly to our tour leader.
Our hotels
OSAKA
HOTEL SHERATON MIYAKO OSAKA or similar 4-star
KYOTO
HOTEL RIHGA ROYAL KYOTO or similar 4-star
TOKYO
HOTEL METROPOLITAN IKEBUKURO or similar 4-star
MALDIVES
FIHALHOHI ISLAND RESORT or similar 4-star
Info and schedule
N.B. The order of the planned visits may be switched between days according to the opening hours of the sites visited or for technical reasons, but the programme remains unchanged.
- Required document: INDIVIDUAL PASSPORT + VISIT JAPAN WEB
Flight times
Countries
Frequently asked questions
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 15 days by plane, with a Guiness tour leader from Italy.
When does it depart?
4 departures scheduled, from 12 October 2026 to 5 April 2027.
How much does it cost?
The individual participation fee starts from 7.100,00 € by plane.
What does the price include?
return journey Italy/Osaka-Malé/Italy on scheduled Emirates flights; journey Tokyo/Malé on scheduled Malaysia Airlines flights; journey on the Shinkansen bullet train Kyoto/Tokyo with reserved second-class seats; airport/hotel transfers and vice versa; hotel/station transfers and vice versa; airport/resort transfers in the Maldives by speedboat and vice versa; tour of Japan by luxury coach; accommodation in 4-star hotels on a half-board basis in Japan; accommodation in a 4-star resort on a half-board basis during the stay in the Maldives, in Deluxe Sky or Deluxe Beach rooms; buffet breakfasts; guided visits as indicated, with an Italian-speaking guide; separate luggage transfer on the Kyoto/Tokyo leg; individual wireless audio-guide system for the whole tour in Japan; admission to all sites and museums indicated in the programme during the tour in Japan; taxes, VAT; tour leader from Italy, departing from Rome; tour leader Dubai/Dubai for those departing from other airports
What is not included in the price?
tips, drinks of any kind and anything not expressly mentioned. N.B. any change to the menu due to allergies or dietary restrictions notified directly on the spot will incur a charge; of ¥1,000 to cover operating costs. This amount is to be paid by clients directly to our tour leader.
Which documents are required?
INDIVIDUAL PASSPORT + VISIT JAPAN WEB
Can I cancel?
Cancel without penalty up to 45 days in advance
How do I book a Guiness tour?
You can request a quote directly from each tour page with the “Get your quote” button, save it and send the booking request: we will get back to you. How to book
How do I pay for the tour (deposit and balance)?
Payment terms (deposit and balance) are set out in the quote; we accept the main payment methods. Terms and conditions


