Japan is a land of sharp contrasts and incredible beauty. The seasons are quite distinct with cherry blossom heralding the arrival of Spring , hot Summers, the amazing changing colours of Autumn and harsh Winters. In the midst of the modern skyscraper cities you can still witness the rich cultural heritage in the parks, gardens and temples and in the customs and traditions of daily life, which is still largely governed by ancient ritual.

As a tourist there’s plenty of choice. Western-style cuisine is commonplace and in the restaurants and shops you will find English-speaking people. Alternatively, you can eat sushi at a tatami table, enjoy the national sport of sumo wrestling or join the locals at one their favourite modern haunts – the karaoke bar! However you spend your time away from the track you will be made very welcome. The first race back at the Fuji circuit in 2007 was, to say the least, eventful and an amazing, if confusing, spectacle. The first 19 laps were run behind the pace car during which strategies, pit stops and fuel loadings had to be reexamined. It was largely down to luck as to who would benefit in the given conditions. As racing started for real, Hamilton left teammate Alonso and the rest of the field behind him, where things were already going horribly wrong! He didn’t have it all his own way though as, during a pit stop, he was overtaken by Sebastien Vettel in the Toro Rosso, who led the race for a considerable period. Normality resumed eventually as Hamilton claimed another victory in his debut year. Join us in Japan or take full advantage of your trip east and travel on to Beijing and to Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix the following weekend. You will be accompanied throughout the tour by our representative and local guides and there will be plenty of time for sightseeing.

Wednesday 8 October
Fly from London Heathrow Airport on the 1300h Virgin Atlantic flight to Tokyo.

Thursday 9 October
Arriving at 0900h you will be met and taken by coach to your hotel where accommodation is reserved for you for four nights on bed and buffet breakfast basis.

Friday 10 October
At leisure to enjoy as you wish or to join an optional full day sightseeing tour of some the fascinating areas of this sophisticated city or to Mount Fuji travelling by coach and by bullet train.

Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 October
Leave the hotel after an early breakfast for the Fuji Speedway for practice, qualifying, supporting events and the Grand Prix. Return by coach to Tokyo at the end of each day’s events.

Monday 13 October
After an early breakfast leave for the airport and the 1100h flight to London arriving at 1530h local time.

Wednesday 8 October - Fly from London Heathrow Airport on the 1300h Virgin Atlantic flight to Tokyo.
Thursday 9 October - Arriving at 0900h you will be met and taken by coach to your hotel where accommodation is reserved for you for four nights on bed and buffet breakfast basis.
Friday 10 October - Free in Tokyo to explore at leisure. Alternatively you can take a full day city tour or a tour to Mount Fuji, travelling by coach and by bullet train.
Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 October - Leave the hotel after an early breakfast for the Fuji Speedway for practice, qualifying, supporting events and the Grand Prix. Return by coach to Tokyo at the end of each day’s events.
Monday 13 October - Leave the hotel early for the airport for the Air China flight to Beijing arriving early afternoon. You will be taken to the Hotel Jinglun where accommodation is reserved for you for four nights on bed and buffet breakfast basis. Beijing is catching up fast with 21st century consumerism but is still full of historic treasures and the traditional ways. During your stay optional tours will be available to the many sights. A trip to the north of Beijing and the Great Wall is a highlight but you can also visit Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City and Imperial Palace. There are modern shopping malls and markets galore – the pearl market is particularly fascinating. In the Hutong district it is fun to hire a rickshaw for a ride through the maze of narrow alleyways and courtyards where the old men gather over a game of chess. Restaurants cater for all tastes. Our four star hotel is just ten minutes from the Forbidden City and offers a choice of restaurant, coffee shop, indoor swimming pool and sauna. Bedrooms are elegantly furnished and have bathroom, TV, minibar and telephone.
Tuesday 14 to Thursday 16 October - Free in Beijing for personal shopping and sightseeing and to join us on optional guided tours.
Friday 17 October - We will leave today late morning for the airport and the flight to Shanghai. On arrival you will be taken to the Holiday Inn where accommodation is reserved for you for four nights on bed and buffet breakfast basis.
Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 October - At leisure in Shanghai or take our coach to the circuit for practice, qualifying and the Grand Prix. The coach will return to your hotel at the end of each day’s events.
Monday 20 October - A free day for sightseeing and shopping.
Tuesday 21 October - Check out after an early breakfast. Our coach will take you to the Eastern train station where you will board the famous Maglev and experience the rush of travelling at 268mph. The journey time to the airport is just under eight minutes! Your flight with Virgin Atlantic is scheduled to depart at 1025h with arrival into Heathrow at 1545h.

Price per person: £2239, single supplement £450.
Chinese Visa approximately £78 – please ask for details see our Holiday Information pages for details.

Grandstand S £440
Grandstand A1 £350
Grandstand A2 £380
Grandstand B £285
Grandstand C £380
Grandstand D £255
Grandstand F £285
Grandstand M £225
Grandstand N £195
General Admission £85