Burma River Cruising, Myanmar tours, Irrawaddy River Cruise, Mandalay, U Bein Bridge, Inle Lake
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42 Freedom of Choice TM – Sightseeing Freedom of Choice TM – Dining Signature Experience ARRIVE IN BURMA (MYANMAR) Day 1. Arrive Mandalay, Embark Ship. On arrival in Mandalay, be met at the airport and transferred to the Irrawaddy River. Here, board your luxury river ship for the start of your Irrawaddy River cruise. 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 Day 2. Mandalay. During a full-day tour, visit Mahamuni Buddha Temple, one of Burma's most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, home to a six-tonne statue of Mahamuni Buddha. After, explore a selection of local workshops; visit Kuthodaw Pagoda; take in lovely panoramic views from Mandalay Hill; and tour Shwenandaw Monastery. Later, visit the U Bein Bridge. BLD Day 3. Sagaing, Inwa. Arrive in Sagaing, home to hundreds of Buddhist monasteries. During a tour, visit a local silversmith's workshop then explore Soon U Ponya Shin and Kaunghmudaw pagodas. Later, cruise to Inwa and enjoy a tour by horse-drawn cart before visiting the 'Leaning Tower of Inwa' – 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, enjoy an intimate look at village life and see a pottery-making demonstration. BLD THE FAMED ANCIENT CITY OF BAGAN Day 5. Bagan. This morning, the RV sAmAthA's Sun Deck offers a sublime vantage point from which to capture your first glimpse of Bagan, thus beginning your discovery of one of the world's truly awe-inspiring archaeological sites. Disembark your ship and head for the Bagan Archaeological Zone. Here, climb to the top of a pagoda for views over the plains, then enjoy time at Nyaung-U Market, Ananda Temple and Shwezigon Pagoda. Later, stop by Gubyaukgyi Temple, then visit a lacquer-ware workshop and a local village. BLD Day 6. Tantkyi Hill, Salay. Enjoy a final sunrise over Bagan then head up Tantkyi Hill to visit Tantkyitaung Pagoda. Later, cruise to Salay. Here, visit Yoke Sone Kyaung, the region's oldest surviving wooden monastery, then continue to Shinbin Maha Laba Man Paya, home to the country's largest lacquer Buddha image. BLD Day 7. Magwe. On arrival in Magwe today, head to the Mya Tha Lun Pagoda, located atop a hill overlooking the Irrawaddy River. Take in the views and explore the pagoda. BLD Day 8. Minhla, Thayetmyo. In Minhla, visit the site of a significant battle during the Third Anglo-Burmese War. Take a small boat to visit Gwechaung and Minhla forts, built in 1860 to keep British forces out of Burma. Later, continue on to the port town of Thayetmyo. Here, step out to wander the streets, see the colonial-era houses and visit the local market. BLD Day 9. Pyay (Prome), Sri Ksetra. On a tour of Pyay today, you'll see a selection of the many gilded pagodas in and around the town, including the imposing Shwesandaw Pagoda, one of the country's most revered religious sites. Afterwards, enjoy a trip to the ancient ruins at the old Pyu kingdom capital, Sri Ksetra. BLD Take in sweeping views from Mandalay Hill 35 Day Hidden Wonders of Burma with Vietnam & Cambodia 21 Nights Luxury River Cruising | 2 Nights Ha Long Bay | 11 Night Land Journey www.aptouring.com.au