2016/17 - TM Burma

20 Day 1. Arrive Mandalay, Embark Cruise. Be met on arrival in Mandalay and transfer to the RV Princess Panhwar – your beautiful home for the next 14 nights. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner on board. Stay (14 Nights): RV Princess Panhwar. LD Day 2. Mandalay. Today, tour Mandalay, Burma's last royal capital. Like a Local – visit Mandalay's Mahamuni Buddha Temple, where you may be able to add your own sheet of gold leaf to a statue of the Mahamuni Buddha. Then explore a range of workshops. Later, tour Shwenandaw Monastery; visit Kuthodaw Pagoda to see what is thought to be the world's largest book; and ascend Mandalay Hill for views out over the city. Like a Local – later, go for a stroll along U Bein Bridge. BLD Day 3. Sagaing, Inwa. In Sagaing, visit a silversmith's workshop then explore Soon U Ponya Shin and Kaunghmudaw pagodas. Later, you'll arrive in Inwa, an ancient imperial capital. Like a Local – enjoy a tour by horse-drawn cart, taking in Maha Aung Mye Bon Zan Monastery and the teak-wood Bagaya Monastery. BLD Day 4. Yandabo, Bagan. Today tour Yandabo, the site of where the Treaty of First Anglo-Myanmar War was signed. It's also famous for its terracotta pots, made from the riverbank clay. Arrive later in Bagan, one of the world's awe-inspiring archaeological sites. Visit Ananda Temple, known by many as 'the Westminster Abbey of Burma'. Then head to the golden Shwezigon Pagoda. BLD Day 5. Bagan. Today begins with a visit to Nyaung-U market. Then on a tour of Bagan, visit Gubyaukgyi Temple, a 13th-century 'cave temple' with an Indian-style spire, before heading to a lacquerware workshop and a local village. Later, enjoy a special sunset viewing at Pyathat Gyi or Dhamayazaka. Enhance Your Journey: At sunrise or sunset, perhaps ride a hot air balloon over the pagodas of Bagan (see page 26 for details). BLD Day 6. Tantkyi Hill, Salay. This morning, climb Tantkyi Hill to visit Tantkyitaung Pagoda, encircled by 32 elephant statues. Then cruise to Salay, a colourful religious centre. Visit Yoke Sone Kyaung, the region's oldest surviving wooden monastery. Then continue to Shinbin Maha Laba Man Paya, home to Burma's largest lacquer Buddha image from the 13th century. BLD Day 7. Magwe. In Magwe, head to the Mya Tha Lun Pagoda, located atop a hill overlooking the Irrawaddy River. Tonight enjoy a puppet show on board. BLD Day 8. Minhla, Thayetmyo. Today you'll disembark in Minhla, the site of a significant battle during the Third Anglo- Burmese War. Take a boat to visit Gwechaung and Minhla forts, built to keep the British forces out of Burma. Afterwards, continue on to Thayetmyo, where you'll enjoy time to explore. BLD Day 9. Pyay (Prome), Sri Ksetra. Arrive in Pyay today and disembark for a guided tour. Take in a selection of gilded pagodas, Majestic Burma and Inle Lake 18 Days | Mandalay | Inwa | Yandabo | Bagan | Minhla | Maubin | Yangon | Inle Lake Keep a watch for the local Intha fishermen on Inle Lake YOUR HOLIDAY PRICE INCLUDES 15 days cruising the Irrawaddy River on the brand-new RV Princess Panhwar, visiting rural towns and villages Three nights at the pretty Inle Lake Services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director Flights within Burma Airport transfers and tipping Complimentary drinks with lunch and dinner on board 48 fine meals – 17 full breakfasts (B), 15 lunches (L) and 16 dinners (D) INSIDER EXPERIENCES Visit Mahamuni Buddha Temple Go for a stroll along U Bein Bridge, located just outside Mandalay Tour Inwa by horse-drawn cart and see the 'Leaning Tower of Inwa' Ascend Singuttara Hill in Yangon and visit the 99 metre-high gilded Shwedagon Pagoda Enjoy three nights at Myanmar Treasure Resort, with your own private balcony overlooking the water OTHER HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS Enjoy a range of onboard entertainment, including a Burmese puppet show Experience Bagan – one of the world's most incredible archeological sites – www.travelmarvel.com.au –

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