Hidden Myanmar by Luxury Cruise - 14 days

23 August 2019 / 01 September 2020. Welcome to Myanmar. Upon arrival in Mandalay, you'll be met a representative and escorted to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Mandalay

Mandalay - Irrawaddy River Cruise. This morning transfer from your hotel to your luxury river cruiser. Today sail leisurely towards Nwe Nyien, famous for it's pottery making. Sit back and relax today, taking in the scenery or enjoying one of the spa treatments available on board. This evening enjoy a champagne reception followed by a welcome dinner.
Overnight: Irrawaddy River Cruise  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning visit a pottery factory in the village of Nwe Nyein, you'll watch the craftsmen ply their trade, creating beautiful pots. Rejoining the boat you will have an afternoon of talks and demonstrations on local life in Myanmar as we continue down the Irrawaddy. There will be the opportunity to try on a traditional Longyi (Sarong) and learn about the thanaka make-up technique, used by locals to protect their skin from the hot sun. Meandering through beautiful riverscapes the boat reaches it's overnight point of Kyar Nyet.
Overnight: Irrawaddy River Cruise  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Continuing down river this morning you'll arrive into the ancient city of Taguang. After a sumptuous breakfast you'll visit archaeological sites of this area, dating back to the Pyu Dynasty, including some of the well preserved city walls. The Pyu Dynasty existed from the 2nd to the 11th century and formed a number of city states throughout modern day Myanmar. This afternoon and overnight sail upstream to Katha. After dinner there will be a lecture on Myanmar's past, present and future.
Overnight: Irrawaddy River Cruise  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a meditation class on the sun deck to start the day before enjoying more of the scenery along the banks of the Irrawaddy. After Lunch the boat will reach Katha. Fans of George Orwell will recognise Katha as one of the settings of his book 'Burmese Days'. Here you'll take a tuk tuk to the British Club and the former home of George Orwell during his time here.

Sailing further upstream your boat will moor overnight in Shwe Gu. This evening enjoy one of the most famous films about the now democratically elected leader of Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi, 'The Lady'.
Overnight: Irrawaddy River Cruise  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today relax onboard, as you sail southwards toward Bhamo. Morning and afternoon lectures will be provided on various aspects of Myanmar's culture and history. This evening enjoy a traditional Kachin dance performance onboard before dinner.
Overnight: Irrawaddy River Cruise  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arriving into Bhamo this afternoon, you will step of the boat to explore this interesting town, located only 65kms from China it is seen as a gateway between the two countries. The first stop is a local market before continuing to Shwe Kyi Na Pagoda. Later we will visit a number of important Catholic Churches including St.Patrick’s Cathedral Church. The boat will then sail to Moeda Village and past the 'spirit rock' which has been sculpted into the shape of a parrot.

This afternoon visit a logging camp before returning to the boat to enjoy a cocktail demonstration class. You will learn how to make Golden Land and Chindwin cocktails before enjoying a sample or 2.
Overnight: Irrawaddy River Cruise  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today offers the opportunity to relax on the sun deck or partake in a number of lectures being offered which will offer further insight into the history of Myanmar.

This afternoon head onto land to visit the small village of Kyar Nyat. A guided walking tour of the village will showcase some of the archaeological treasures located in this remote part of the country.
Overnight: Irrawaddy River Cruise  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sailing south this morning, a cooking demonstration of Asian cuisine will be held by the on board chef. Later sit and watch as riverside pagodas such as Anya Thi Ha Thaw fill come in to view on this particularly beautiful stretch of water.

This afternoon visit Sin Kyun Village, supported by Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy. With a population of around 1,000, the village specialises in farming and hat making. There is an option to take a tour of this unspoiled village, seldom seen by outsiders.
Overnight: Irrawaddy River Cruise  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy breakfast this morning as the boat cruises towards Mingun, home to the monumental 90 tonne Mingun bell, one of the worlds largest and heaviest bells.

This afternoon visit Amarpura, a former capital of Myanmar and often referred to as the 'City of Immortals'. Today Amarpura is know for it's textile production, a visit to a workshop will show the traditional fabrics being woven. The next stop is the Ubein Bridge, a sunset visit shows the specatuclar scenery of this simple teak structure that across the Taungtam Lake. Back on board this evening enjoy a Marionette puppet show.
Overnight: Irrawaddy River Cruise  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning visit Mahamuni Pagoda, which houses a very significant statue which over the years has been enveloped in tons of gold leaf. Continue to Shwenandaw Monastery, a fantastic teak building built in 1878 by King Thibaw Min. Next visit Kuthodaw Pagoda, a large stupa which is home to hundreds of age-old marble slabs which some argue to be the worlds largest book.

This afternoon sail downstream to Bagan. With an option to go behind the scenes of your boat the Sanctuary Ananda, to see the engine control room to the wheel house. Later tonight there will be a screening of the film 'Rangoon' with canopes being served throughout.
Overnight: Irrawaddy River Cruise  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After sailing down river this morning the boat reaches Bagan after lunch. Heading onto land, transfer to Bagan to visit some of the most iconic places in Myanmar. First stop is the Nyaung-U local market, offering many local products as well as fruit and vegetables. Next pay a visit to the remarkable, golden Shwezigon Pagoda first completed in 1102 before continuing to the Ananda Temple, one of the best preserved and most beautiful temples in Bagan.

The day ends with quiet reflection on the terraces of the Pyathatgyi Temple. This large 13th Century temple is a fantastic place to watch the sun set, with the changing light casting different hues and shadows over the temple. This evening enjoy a local performance on board before your delectable dinner.
Overnight: Irrawaddy River Cruise  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Irrawaddy River Cruise - Yangon. This morning disembark the Sanctuary Ananda and head for the airport for your flight to Yangon. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel before setting out on a walking tour through colonial city centre. Next visit Sule Pagoda, with over 2,000 years of history, it's often the focal point for many events in the city. Nearby you have the Maha Bandula Park & the Independence Monument. Continuing through the vibrant little India the next highlight today is the Chauk That Gyi, which houses a impressive reclining Buddha. Subsequently visit the Karaweik Hall, with the illusion of a large floating barge, it is flanked by two large birds from Burmese mythology.

Later visit the sizable Bogyoke (Scotts) Market, where gemstones, art and handicrafts can be found among other things in this throng of colour. Finish the day by visiting one of the worlds most spectacular monuments, the Swedagon Pagoda. This great golden stupa is iconic symbol of Myanmar.
Overnight: Yangon  |  Breakfast