Luxury Irrawaddy

Welcome to Myanmar. Meet your guide at Mandalay Hill Resort at 3:00pm and transfer to the luxurious Scenic Aura. Enjoy a welcome on board reception whilst cruising to Mingun. (D)

This morning in Mingun, discover the stories behind a huge unfinished brick pagoda and the all-white Hsinbyume Pagoda, Myanmar’s Taj Mahal. Nearby, admire the un-cracked Mingun Bell. Sail to Mandalay to visit Amarapura. Sundowners In Amarapura, relax with evening drinks in boats under U-Bein Bridge, the world’s longest teak bridge, to capture that memorable photo of the bridge’s silhouette at sunset. (B/L/D)

Take in the amazing views from the sundeck during the dazzling approach to Myanmar’s spiritual capital Sagaing, dotted with hundreds of gilded pagodas and monasteries. Enrich: Interact with novice monks, nuns and orphans during a special visit to a monastic supported school before continuing to a quiet nunnery where you will partake in the ritual and our donation to the resident nuns before their midday meal. Also take in the views over the Irrawaddy River from Sagaing Hill before sailing to the pottery village of Yandabo. (B/L/D)

Arrive in Yandabo where in 1826, the peace treaty ending the First Anglo-Burmese war was signed. Now famous for its pottery, stroll through the village and witness the artisans honing their craft and observe their unusual way of firing the pottery. Later cruise to Pakkoku and travel by local tuk tuk to a cheroot cigar workshop, the local market and longyi and blanket factory – perfect for shopping. (B/L/D)

Arrive into Bagan early this morning. After breakfast, visit the most iconic sight of this hypnotic region, the Ananda Temple. Continue travelling by horse and cart through a local village and the surrounding plain filled with temple ruins. Afterwards learn all about the production of Burmese lacquerware, a Bagan specialty. Enrich: Tonight, be wowed by a Scenic exclusive magical themed dinner, with included free flow drinks and a cultural show played out in front of candle lit Bagan temple ruins. (B/L/D)

Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight Balloons over Bagan - Between 01 October and 31 March, take a hot air balloon flight over the majestic temples of Bagan. Flights last approximately 45 minutes and must be purchased prior to your cruise to guarantee availability. This morning continue cruising downstream to Salay. On your exploratory walking tour of this colonial riverside town, admire the mix of old Burmese and British architecture and visit Youqson Kyaung, a beautiful teak monastery now converted to a museum. Enrich: Soak up the ambience of the river and the colonial feel of the town whilst enjoying traditional local Burmese tea and snacks in a restored colonial villa dating from 1906. Remain alongside Salay overnight. (B/L/D)

This morning continue cruising downstream to Minhla and it’s Italian built forts where their capture by the British brought to an end to an independent Burma. Explore the fort before accepting the challenge to shop as a local in the market. Afterwards begin sailing back upstream towards Magwe. (B/L/D)

This morning discover the town of Magwe, exploring the town by traditional trishaw. Take in the elevated views from Mya Tha Lun Pagoda, a mesmerising architectural vision set on Naguttama Hill. This afternoon relax on board and watch the changing scenery go by as you sail towards Bagan. (B/L/D)

Make use of the ship’s luxury and take the time to sip a cocktail by the pool, attend an on board demonstration or enjoy some solitude on your private balcony whilst sailing upstream towards Bagan. Relax on the sundeck with a cocktail in hand viewing the many temples and pagodas that line the river as you approach this ancient location. (B/L/D)

For the early risers, attend and partake in morning alms for the local monks. Freechoice: Visit a toddy farm en-route to Mount Popa, home to Myanmar’s nats or nature spirits, before enjoying lunch overlooking the temple or cross the river to Tant Kyi Tuang to take in the expansive elevated views of Bagan. Alternatively, either explore the Temple Circuit in more depth, or enjoy a visit to the sites of Old Bagan. Relax on board for the remainder of the day before your farewell dinner tonight. (B/L/D)

Disembark and fly to Yangon and take lunch at the historical House of Memories Restaurant, once the office of General Aung San. After lunch continue onto Yangon airport where your adventure ends later this afternoon. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. (B/L)