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Highlights: Reach the wonders of Burma in unrivalled comfort and style and visit the sublime gorges of the north which ply through the scenic Ayerwaddy River. A truly memorable 11 night cruise discovering the hidden gems of Burma.
CRUISE ITINERARY
Day 1: Yangon - Mandalay - Mingun
Board the Road To Mandalay berthed on the Ayeyarwady River opposite the Sagaing Hills studded with numerous white pagodas. The ship sets sail on its voyage to northern Myanmar through the unique gorges that characterise this stretch of the river. At Mingun you visit the world's largest brick-built pagoda and uncracked bell. An evening cocktail party allows you to get to know your fellow travellers.
Day 2: Mingun - New Nyein
The ship makes an early start entering the first of three gorges around midday. Anchor off New Nyein for a walking tour and to see traditional clay pot sculpting. Later, sail past the picturesque island pagoda of Thihadaw.
Day 3: Kyan Hnyat - Katha
An early morning stroll around the delightful village of Kyan Hnyat where school children greet you and the morning market bustles with activity. Sailing north, vast stretches of the river spread out before you with interesting rural villages dotted on its shores. As the sun sets, the ship anchors off the old market town of Katha, famous as the site where the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company scuttled its fleet in 1942. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board.
Day 4: Katha - Shwegu
Visit Katha by trishaw in the early morning and visit the market place made famous by George Orwell in "Burmese Days". Back on board the ship continues its journey north through the expansive scenery, with the distant mountains marking the second defile coming into view in the afternoon. The ship anchors off the splendid island pagoda of Shwe Paw, just north of the town of Shwegu. Boats will take you ashore to explore the ancient site. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board.
Day 5: Zinbon - Bhamo
This morning the ship passes through the splendid second gorge with its green-clad mountains reaching down to the narrowing channel. Sail past logging camps and the old colonial village of Zinbon towards the challenging first gorge. The ship sails as far north as possible and then turns around to drop anchor off Bhamo where you may take a stroll and meet the locals. The scenery in this unspoilt area is spectacular.
Day 6: Bhamo - Katha
Morning visit to Bhamo, barely 50 miles from the Chinese border in the foothills of Yunnan. Local transport carries you into the countryside, past paddy fields and towards the mountains before returning to the ship for an early afternoon departure.
Day 7: Katha - Tigyaung
In the early morning board the train to the forest station of Naba and experience a journey into thick Kachin jungle and teak forests. Later the ship sails for the beautiful river port of Tigyaing, where you can walk in the early evening.
Day 8: Tigyaing - Mogok
At Thabeikkyin you take the road that winds towards Mogok past a forestry reserve where many precious botanical specimens are grown for their essential oils. Various attractions await. Return to the ship to head south again.
Day 9: Mandalay
Mandalay comes into view early morning. Disembark for a varied tour of Burma's second city. Rejoin the ship at the quaint Burmese village of Shwe Kyet Yet and enjoy a tribal dance display in the evening. Breakfast and dinner on board.
Day 10: Bagan
The ship sets sail early morning for Bagan. Along the way you see many villages with women doing the household chores by the river and waving children. Witness sunset over the marvellous Bagan plain to whet your appetite for the tours next day. Traditional Bagan artists perform for you this evening.
Day 11: Bagan - Mt Popa
On your final day, visit the ancient sites in and around Bagan with the experienced guide, or take a horse-drawn cart or bicycle to explore on your own. Optional afternoon tour to Mount Popa, legendary sacred home of the Nats, with its impressive summit monastery.
Day 12: Bagan - Yangon
An early departure this morning to Bagan airport for your flight to Yangon.
Every Wednesdays (August 11, 25 - 2010; September 8 2010 )
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Pre and Post of The Cruise |
Check out selected pre and post cruise short or long packages which accommodation either included or excluded with Signatures of Asia Co., Ltd's by browsing the at top of the homepage. These packages can be customized and personalized at your own requirements to make great add-ons to an River Cruise Vacations. Extend your stay in our country or follow up your cruise holiday with a grand journey into the Indochina. Call us for details or to personalize your pre-post cruise vacation package.
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