zHidden Wonders of Myanmar Land and Cruise

Welcome to Yangon, former capital of Burma and known as the “Garden City of the East” for its lush tropical setting. Transfer to your hotel for check-in and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Check out of your hotel after breakfast and transfer to the airport for a short flight to Mandalay, the last royal capital of the Burmese kingdom. After boarding the AmaPura, meet your fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner. Meals B+L+D

Today we will depart for nearby Mingun, site of a 12-foot high bronze bell and the massive ruins of Pathodawgyi (the “unfinished pagoda”), originally intended to be 499 feet high. Although only a third of it was ever completed, it remains the world’s largest brick pagoda. You will also see Myatheindan Pagoda, built in 1816 and painted white as a representation of the mythological Buddhist mountain, Mount Meru. This afternoon, your Mandalay city tour includes some of the city’s top sights, including the bronze Mahamuni Buddha, now covered by the faithful with a thick layer of gold leaf. Visit the workshops of craftsmen making thin sheets of gold, and stop at Kuthodaw Pagoda (said to contain the world’s largest book, Buddhist scriptures inscribed on 729 marble slabs) and Shwenandaw monastery, an architectural masterpiece filled with woodcarvings. Later, take an excursion to see the world’s longest teak bridge, the U Bein Bridge in nearby Amarapura. Meals B+L+D

The ship stops today at the former royal capital of Sagaing, famous for its hundreds of monasteries and tranquil atmosphere. Visit Soonuponyashin Pagoda and a local monastic school. Continue on to Inwa (Ava), capital of the Burmese kingdom for more than four centuries, where you will see the sights in a horse-drawn carriage. Highlights include the Bagaya monastery, built entirely of teak. Meals B+L+D

Arrive in Yandabo, a peaceful village known for its finely crafted terracotta wares. See a pottery-making demonstration by local artisans as well as glimpses of typical village life. Later, your ship’s Sun Deck offers the perfect vantage point for your first glimpse of the plain of Bagan, one of the world’s most awe-inspiring archeological sites. Upon arrival in Bagan, you will have two tour options. Choose to visit an observation tower where you will enjoy a beautiful sunset while sipping on a refreshing cocktail. Afterwards, transfer to a local temple and participate in a candle lighting ceremony blessed by local monks. Or you may choose to watch the sunset from the top of Guni Temple instead, and then meet with your fellow travelers at the temple for the candle lighting ceremony. Meals B+L+D

Your full day in Bagan offers you three sightseeing choices. The first is climbing to the observation deck (250 steps) or the top (777 steps) of Mount Popa, legendary home of animist nat spirits. Afterwards, stop for lunch and enjoy a tasting of Jaggery, a palm sugar that is made from the Totty Palm Tree. Alternatively, you may enjoy free time to shop and explore other attractions at the Mount Popa Resort. Your third option is an excursion to some of the most distinctive pagodas in the Bagan Archaeological Zone, like Shwezigan Pagoda and the Ananda temple. Afterwards, you will spend some time at the lively Nyaungoo market, where you can search for local handicrafts, colorful textiles and other unique souvenirs. Later, visit the 13th century Gubyaulgyi Temple, which is situated near the Wetkyi-inn Village, and the Pyathada temple. Meals B+L+D

Join your fellow passengers for an excursion up Tant Kyi Taung Mountain to visit its famous pagoda, built in the year 1059 by King Anawrahta and known to house a sacred Buddha relic. The ship then cruises on to Salay, a small community that boasts more than 50 monasteries. Visit Yokesonekyaung, built in 1882 and the region’s oldest surviving wooden monastery, famous for its wood carvings and collection of religious artifacts. You will also see a splendid colonial-era house and the Man Pagoda, which contains the largest lacquer Buddha in Myanmar. Meals B+L+D

Further downstream today, you will visit MaGwe and take a panoramic coach tour to see the Mud Volcano in Minbu, the mythical home of fire breathing dragons living deep beneath the earth. You’ll also see the General Aung San “Bogyoke” Statue and the Myathalon Pagoda, situated on the banks of the river. Meals B+L+D

Your day begins in Minhla, the site of a great battle during the Second Anglo-Burmese War. A short walk brings you to a Colonial Fort, built by Italian engineers to keep British forces out of Burma. Continue on to Tha Yet Myo, a pleasant town that once guarded the border between Royal Burma and British Burma after the Second Anglo-Burmese War of 1855. It has a number of well-preserved colonial-style houses and buildings dating from the mid-1800s, as well as one of the oldest golf courses in all of Myanmar. Take a walk through the greens of this historic golf course and enjoy a visit to one of the oldest post offices in the region.

After the ship arrives in Pyay, take a walking tour of this former capital that once served as an important junction between Lower and Upper Burma and home to more than 80 gilded pagodas. During your city tour you will see the ancient Sri Kestra City Gate, enjoy a visit to the Sri Kestra Museum and the Payagi Pagoda. Meals B+L+D

As the ship departs this morning, enjoy wonderful views of the Akauk Mountains and their river-facing cliff carvings. Later today you will arrive in Myan Aung, a quiet riverside town filled with well-preserved colonial-era houses. Admire the town’s Colonial Dyke, a great example of 19th century British engineering. The region’s rice production relies heavily on this flood control and irrigation system. You’ll also enjoy a walking tour through a nearby rice paddy. Meals B+L+D

The ship cruises through the Ayeyarwady Delta region today, stopping to visit the small town of Aing Ta Lote. Here you will have a great opportunity to explore rural Myanmar. Take a walking tour of the charming village, visit with locals and catch a glimpse of unspoiled country life.

Today you will explore the town of Da Nyu Phyu, site of a Burmese uprising during the First Anglo-Burmese war, on a trishaw ride. You will visit a local monastery and the tomb of General Bandoola, commander of the Royal Burmese Armed Forces. Afterwards, head out to a cheroot workshop and learn about this distinct cigar making trade. Meals B+L+D

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Maubin, a small delta village and the birthplace of Myanmar’s first head of state, Dr. Ba Maw. You will also have time to visit the local market before departing for Yangon where you will visit Shwedagon Pagoda, one of Myanmar’s most beautiful and revered religious sites. Meals B+L+D

Your full-day tour begins with a visit to the city center and Sule Pagoda, followed by a photo stop at scenic Kandawgyi Lake. Shop for handicrafts, clothing and local delicacies at Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott’s Market), and explore the massive reclining Buddha at Chaukhtautgyi Temple. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner on board with your fellow travelers. Meals B+L+D

After breakfast on board, bid farewell to Myanmar and prepare for your homeward journey or your optional post-cruise extension to Inle Lake. Meals B