Burma River Cruising, Myanmar tours, Irrawaddy River Cruise, Mandalay, U Bein Bridge, Inle Lake
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28 Experience the many amazing temples, pagodas and monasteries of Bagan ARRIVE IN BURMA (MYANMAR) Day 1. Arrive Mandalay, Embark Ship. On arrival in Mandalay, Burma's last royal capital, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to the Irrawaddy River. Here, board your luxury river ship, the RV Samatha, for the start of your incredible 14-night Irrawaddy River cruise. Completely sheltered from any western influence and untouched by tourists for an entire generation, the culture here remains gloriously intact – this will become apparent from the moment you arrive in this beautiful untouched oasis. Veiled in mystery, Burma is a land where traveller's dreams are made, where life goes on as it always has. As you settle into your luxurious suite and mingle with your fellow passengers this evening during your Welcome Reception, excitement is sure to build in anticipation of this remarkable adventure. 14 Night Stay: aboard APT's brand-new boutique river ship, the RV Samatha. LD CRUISING THE IRRAWADDY RIVER Day 2. Mandalay. After a serene first evening on board you'll begin to slip into the peaceful rhythm of life here in Burma. Enjoy breakfast on board then set out on a full-day tour of Mandalay which will take you to many of the city's major attractions and hidden gems. Visit Mahamuni Buddha Temple, one of Burma's most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites and home to a six-tonne Mahamuni Buddha statue. While you're here, you may witness male pilgrims paying their respects to the Buddha by adding sheets of gold leaf to the statue. Afterwards, explore a range of workshops in which thin sheets of gold, marble carvings and tapestries are produced. Then head for Kuthodaw Pagoda at the foot of Mandalay Hill to see what is thought to be the world's largest book. Here, Buddhist scripture has been inscribed on some 729 marble slabs, each contained in its own stupa. Later, ascend Mandalay Hill for views over the city before a tour of Shwenandaw Monastery, an architectural masterpiece known for the carvings of Buddhist myths that adorn its roof and walls. This evening, visit the U Bein Bridge near Amarapura. Thought to be the world's oldest and longest teak-wood bridge, U Bein spans 1.2 kilometres across Taungthaman Lake. It is a supremely beautiful sight, particularly during the early evening when the sun is beginning to set. BLD Day 3. Sagaing, Inwa. Arrive today at another former capital, Sagaing, home to hundreds of beautiful Buddhist monasteries and pagodas. During a guided tour of this peaceful city, you'll be taken to a silversmith's workshop for an intriguing insight into how local silverware is produced by hand. You'll then visit a range of temples and monasteries, including the city's central pagoda, Soon U Ponya Shin, as well as the unusually egg-shaped Kaunghmudaw Pagoda, built in 1636. After the tour, continue on to Inwa, an ancient imperial capital of Burmese kingdoms from the 14th to 19th centuries. Rebuilt several times throughout history, the city was abandoned as a capital after it was all but destroyed by earthquakes in 1839. Here, set out on a tour by horse-drawn cart, taking in Maha Aung Mye Bon Zan Monastery and the teak-wood Bagaya Monastery, built in 1593. You'll also have the opportunity to get up close to the 'Leaning Tower of Inwa' – a magnificent watchtower that was damaged by an earthquake in 1838. BLD Day 4. Yandabo. Your ship will arrive today in Yandabo, a charming village known for its finely crafted terracotta wares. Here, disembark and enjoy an intimate look at village life and attend a pottery-making demonstration by local artisans. Re-board your river ship and take in the scenery as you continue cruising onwards to mystical Bagan. As you meander along this section of the Irrawaddy River, the beauty of this country becomes apparent. Watch on as you pass lush green vegetation, fisherman casting their nets and homes that sit close to the riverbank. BLD 18 Day Hidden Wonders of Burma with Inle Lake 14 Night Irrawaddy River Cruise | 3 Nights Inle Lake Signature Experience www.aptouring.com.au