Irrawaddy River Cruise Itinerary
Experience life on board a luxury cruise ship on the Irrawaddy River, visiting Myanmar's ancient temples and pagodas and witnessing scenes of rural life.
8 days from £ On request pp plus international flights.
Full itinerary
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Call: 01473 890499
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Day 1
Bagan
You'll be welcomed on board Sanctuary Ananda moored near Bagan and shown to your suite where you can make yourself at home. You'll meet fellow travellers over lunch after which you'll travel to Bagan by coach for a guided tour of some of the most important temples and pagodas. Your last stop will be Pyathatgyi, where you'll watch the sun setting behind the hills on the far side of the Irrawaddy River. You'll then head back to Sanctuary Ananda in time to shower and change for dinner. Lunch, dinner
Lunch, dinner
Day 2
Bagan
This morning you'll have a choice of activities. Subject the season and weather conditions, you can take a balloon ride over Bagan, a magical experience, offered for an extra charge. Should this not be possible you'll be taken to one of the temples to witness the sunrise. Alternatively, you can visit Shwezigon Pagoda, which contains a bone and tooth of the Lord Buddha, continuing to Gubyaukgyi Temple and the farmers market at Nyaung-U. After watching a lacquer ware demonstration in Myinkaba village you'll return to the boat, to a choice of lectures and demonstrations, as well as time to relax, maybe enjoying a dip in the pool, before cocktails and dinner.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3
Ava
If you rise early you can join a yoga or meditation class, this morning. Otherwise enjoy a leisurely start to the day with a late breakfast as the ship cruises to Ava, a former capital. After lunch you'll disembark for a tour of the pagodas and will then be driven to the 'City of the Immortals', Amarapura, to see skilled silk weavers at work. By sunset you'll be at the famous U Bein Bridge, which looks stunning silhouetted against the reddening sky. Dinner will be served on a sandbank overlooking Mingun and will be followed by a performance of local music.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4
Mandalay And Sagaing
This morning you'll reach Mandalay, the last royal capital of Burma. You'll tour Mahamuni Pagoda and its 13-foot-tall seated Buddha, believed to be one of just five likenesses created in Buddha's lifetime. You'll also see the beautiful teak carvings at Shwenandaw Monastery and the pagoda at Kuthodaw. After lunch on board you'll be driven into the Sagaing Hills with its many monasteries and fine views. You'll witness the craftsmanship of a local silversmith and pay a visit to a convent. You'll have dinner overlooking the temples of Mingun.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5
Mingun
This morning you'll have the chance to visit the village of Sin Kyun, a rare and privileged opportunity to observe life in rural Burma. You'll then travel by a traditional ox cart to Mingun, so see Mingun Pagoda, the huge Mingun Bell and the distinctive white Myatheindan Pagoda. You'll be back on board for lunch as the ship begins the journey back downstream. This afternoon there are lectures, cultural demonstration and cookery classes for your entertainment. Later cocktails will be served on a sandbank before dinner.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6
Pakokku
After breakfast you can ride in a trishaw to Pakokku where you'll have time to stroll around the local vegetable market and visit a shoe-maker and a cigar factory. After lunch on the ship you'll see lacquer ware workshops in Myinkaba village and visit several temples in the area. Dinner on board will be followed by a music performance.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7
Bagan
There's a chance to take a balloon ride high above the temples of Bagan this morning (at extra charge and subject to conditions), or to travel to a temple to watch the sunrise. Back on board you'll enjoy a hearty breakfast as Sanctuary Ananda cruises south to Sale. Here you'll take a trishaw to Yoke Sone Monastery and the wooden monastery of Tha-ta-na Kyaung. Lunch will be served on board as the ship continues south to Bagan, giving you time to relax on deck. This evening, on your final night of the cruise, you'll be joined by the captain for a traditional Shan dinner, accompanied by a live musical performance.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8
Bagan
You'll have breakfast on the ship and, having packed your bags, will bid farewell to the crew before being transferred to the airport in Bagan for your onward flight. If you have a later flight, you'll have time to visit a local weavers' village and jaggery workshop before travelling to the airport.
Breakfast
Call: 01473 890499
Start planning your tailor-made holiday now. Tell us what you want, and we will tailor make your perfect trip.
Enquire
