Hidden Wonders of Myanmar

Upon arrival into Yangon, board an included flight to Mandalay. Here you'll be met on arrival and transferred to the Irrawaddy River where your luxurious ship awaits. Head out on a city discovery and visit the Kuthodaw Pagoda. Afterwards, visit the Shwenandaw Monastery, filled with wood carvings. Tonight, get to know your cruise director and fellow travellers as you come together to share a welcome dinner and enjoy an onboard cultural show from the Mandalay Fine Art School. Stay Seven Nights: Irrawaddy River, RV Samatha (L/D)

Cruise to Mingun and explore the massive ruins of Pathodawgyi (Unfinished Pagoda). Originally intended to be 150 metres high, only a third of it was ever completed due to multiple earthquakes in the 1830s. Afterwards, see the towering bronze bell, then continue to Myatheindan Pagoda. Back in Mandalay, visit the Mahamuni Buddha. This afternoon, travel to Amarapura to visit a silk workshop, as well as the famed U-Bein Bridge. (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:

• Built around 1850 and thought to be the world's oldest and longest teak-wood bridge, U-Bein spans 1.2 kilometres across Taungthaman Lake. Enjoy a sunset sampan cruise with a drink in hand as you watch local villagers and monks cross the bridge while the sun sinks behind them.

Disembark in the former Royal capital of Sagaing, famous for its monasteries. Visit the gilded Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda, where you can take in breathtaking views over Sagaing. Afterwards, visit a silversmith workshop where items such as jewellery, bowls, and Buddha images are made. (B/L/D)

Disembark in Yandabo, a village known for its terracotta wares. See a pottery-making demonstration by local artisans and gain a glimpse into village life. After lunch on board, travel to the village of Pakokku and explore a series of local workshops consisting of cheroot (cigar) and textiles, including the famous Burmese sarong – the longyi. (B/L/D)

Rise early to capture your first glimpse of World Heritage-listed Bagan. Scattered across its lush plains lie more than 2,200 sacred stupas, many dating as far back as the 11th and 13th centuries. This morning, journey to New Bagan and experience a traditional elephant dance before visiting a lacquerware workshop. You'll then explore some of the stunning temples including the well-preserved Ananda Temple, affectionately known as the ‘Westminster Abbey of Myanmar'. Later this afternoon, enjoy your Signature Experience. (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:

• Head to a viewing tower to observe a stunning sunset over Bagan. During this special experience, enjoy free-flowing drinks, delicious canapes, and the famed Burmese hospitality. Make sure you have your camera ready to capture some sunset memories over this dramatic landscape.

You have the option to experience a bird's-eye view of the stunning plains of Bagan aboard a hot air balloon (own expense). The morning offers a choice of included sightseeing for you to enjoy. Re-board your ship and cruise towards Salay, a religious village that boasts more than 50 monasteries. Take in the views of the Irrawaddy River while your ship cruises downstream, or sit back and read a book on the Sun Deck. On arrival after lunch this afternoon, visit Yoke Sone Kyaung. Built in 1882, it's the region's oldest surviving wooden monastery. Continue to Man Paya Pagoda, home to Myanmar's largest lacquer Buddha image dating back to the 13th century. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:

• If you're feeling active, jump on your electric bicycle and journey through the archaeological wonders of Bagan. Alternatively, visit the most well-known pagoda in the area, the golden Shwezigon Pagoda, followed by a visit to the lively Nyaung U Market, which offers a great chance to mingle with the local people and learn about how they conduct their daily lives.

Enjoy a morning at leisure. This afternoon in Magwe, visit Mya Tha Lon Pagoda, located atop a hill overlooking the Irrawaddy River. Take in the views and explore the pagoda, constructed with thousands of solid gold bricks and home to numerous shrines devoted to nats (Buddhist spirits). On the riverbank you will also see a statue of General Aung San ‘Bagyoke', founder of the modern Burmese army. You will also get to visit a Buddhist nunnery before experiencing the downtown area. (B/L/D)

Disembark your ship and board your included charter flight to Yangon. Take a short stroll to Sule Pagoda, followed by a visit to the colonial architecture of Pansoden Street. Tonight's dinner is served at a local restaurant. Stay Two Nights: Yangon, Sule Shangri-La Hotel (B/L/D)

Take a short ferry ride to the small rural village of Dala. Situated in the heart of Yangon, this village allows you to experience an authentic way of life for the local Burmese people. Hop on a trishaw, where your driver will to take you to a candle-making workshop to observe this traditional art. You'll also see how the villagers make crafts by utilising materials from a recycling workshop. After lunch, you will have a choice of included sightseeing. Later, one of the world's most famous pagoda awaits – the Shwedagon Pagoda. No visit to Yangon is complete without gazing in awe at this 99-metre tall golden masterpiece. Tonight, dinner is at your hotel. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:

• Perhaps delve further into the history of Yangon with a visit to the Secretariat Building. Alternatively, search for that perfect gift on a shopping tour which includes a visit to the Bogyoke Markets.

After breakfast, be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)