GOLDEN LAND THE 1000 PER PERSON

Transcription

1 SPECIAL OFFER - SAVE 1000 PER PERSON THE GOLDEN LAND A captivating journey along Burma s Irrawaddy River aboard the AmaPura 29th September to 14th October 2016 & 8th to 23rd December 2016*

2 Ancient temples and pagodas of Bagan On arriving in Burma today, (renamed Myanmar since 1989) you are likely to be as entranced as our Victorian forefathers by the extraordinarily picturesque landscapes, the magnificent temple complexes and above all the people with their great charm and natural warmth, rich traditions, customs and culture. River life dominates the country and still to this day forms the main system of transportation, irrigation and food source. It is therefore fitting that we should explore this beautiful land by river. Due to continued demand, we are delighted to have chartered the AmaPura, an all-suite vessel, boasting luxurious furnishings, exquisite service and a relaxed and convivial atmosphere for cruises along the Irrawaddy between Pyay and the legendary city of Mandalay. Our cruise combines scenic interest with a study of local life and culture. Whilst cruising along the Irrawaddy, you will witness daily life on the riverbanks offering endless fascination, pass villages of teak and bamboo dwellings with the sounds of children playing and see elegant monasteries rising above the trees and ancient temples revealing a wealth of historic treasures. We will visit some of the country s most prominent pagodas, stupas and temples, including the Shwezigan Pagoda near Bagan and the Myathalun Pagoda in Magway; witness local villagers demonstrating their handicrafts and take time to stroll through the local colourful markets and paths surrounded by lush, green fields, learn some of the fascinating history linked with this often turbulent part of Asia and in turn, look out for much of the endemic wildlife, flora and fauna that this particular part of the world has to offer. We will be privileged to see places remote from the modern world and experience a timeless quality in areas far from the usual tourist track. Myanmar offers the traveller a unique experience, a rare cultural and thought provoking event which will stay with you forever. THE ITINERARY Day 1 London Heathrow to Yangon. Fly by scheduled flight via Bangkok to Yangon. Day 2 Yangon. Arrive into Yangon, a former royal capital known as the Garden City of the East for its lush tropical setting. Transfer to your hotel for a two night stay. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Day 3 Yangon. Today enjoy a full day tour which includes a visit to the city centre and the unusually shaped Sule Pagoda, a photo stop at Kandawgyi Lake and time at Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott s Market), where you can shop for handicrafts, clothing and local delicacies. We will stop for lunch in a local restaurant with an introduction to Myanmar cuisine and continue to the impressive reclining Buddha at Chaukhtautgyi and Shwedagon Pagoda, one of Myanmar s top religious sites. Day 4 Yangon to Mandalay. After breakfast we will check out and transfer to the airport for a short flight to Mandalay, the last royal capital of the Burmese kingdom. It is here we embark our ship the AmaPura and enjoy a Welcome Dinner onboard this evening. Yandabo Bagan Sa lay Irrawaddy River Pha Hto Mingun Mandalay Inwa Sagaing Tan Kyi MYANMAR (BURMA) Magwe Minhla Thayetmyo Pyay Yangon IRRAWADDY DELTA Day 5 Mingun, Mandalay to Sagaing. This morning we visit the village of Mingun, where you will see the famous 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. Alternatively, take a tuk-tuk ride through Mingun to explore the sights. You will also have a chance

3 Myatheindan and Settawaya Pagoda in Mingun Shwedagon Pagoda Local Burmese transport Golden Buddha at Mahamuni Pagoda, Mandalay to visit the Myatheindan Pagoda which was built in 1816 and painted white as a representation of the mythological Buddhist mountain, Mount Meru. Another option today in Mingun allows you to visit the Pathodawgyi, the Mingun bronze bell, and also a chance to climb to the top of Myatheindan Pagoda. After lunch, this afternoon explore the legendary city of Mandalay where our tour will include many of the city s most iconic sights, including the bronze Mahamuni Buddha, covered by the faithful with a thick layer of gold leaf. Visit the workshops of skilled craftsmen making thin sheets of gold. We stop at the 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 wood carvings. Before returning to the ship, we will watch the sun set at the world s longest teak wood footbridge, the U-Bein Bridge. Day 6 Sagaing to Inwa. Today we stop at the former royal capital of Sagaing, famous for its hundreds of monasteries and its tranquil atmosphere. We will visit a local monastic school and Soonuponyashin Pagoda. Continue on to Inwa, the capital of the Burmese kingdom for more than four centuries, where we see the sights in a horse-drawn cart: the Bargaya monastery, built entirely of teak. Day 7 Yandabo to Bagan. Today arrive into Yandabo, a peaceful and picturesque village known for its finely crafted terracotta wares. We witness a pottery making demonstration by local artisans as well as glimpses of typical village life. After lunch onboard, the 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, there will be a choice of tours. You can choose to visit an observation tower where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset and refreshing cocktail followed by a visit to a local temple to participate in a candle lighting ceremony blessed by local monks. Alternatively you may choose to watch the sunset from the top of Guni Temple before meeting your fellow travellers at the temple for the candle lighting ceremony. Day 8 Bagan. Today enjoy a full day in Bagan, where again there will be a choice of excursions. The first is a journey to the 4980 foot tall Mount Popa, legendary home of animist nat spirits. You will have the opportunity to climb to the top, 777 steps take you to the very top, or take 250 steps to reach the observation terrace. Afterwards, stop for lunch Mandalay and the Irrawaddy and enjoy a tasting of Jaggery, palm sugar that is made from the Totty Palm Tree. Alternatively there will be a guided tour to some of the most distinctive pagodas in the Bagan Archaeological Zone. Begin with a visit to the Shwezigan Pagoda, the oldest and most impressive of all followed by some free time in the lively Nyaungoo market, where you can search for local handicrafts, colorful textiles, as well as other unique souvenirs and gifts. Later, visit the 13th century Gubyaulgyi Temple, which is situated near the Wetkyi-inn Village. The tour continues with a stop at the Pyathada Paya temple where there are excellent photo opportunities of Bagan. Day 9 Tant Kyi Taung to Salay. Today we venture up Tant Kyi Taung Mountain to visit the famous pagoda, built in 1059 by King Anawrahta and known to house a sacred Buddha relic. We return to the vessel and cruise to Salay, a small community that boasts more than 50 monasteries. We will visit Yokesonekyaung, built in 1882 and the region s oldest surviving wooden monastery, famous for its wood carvings and collection of religious artifacts. During the tour we will also see a splendid colonialera house and the Man Pagoda, which contains the largest lacquer Buddha in Myanmar. Day 10 Magwe. Today we visit Magwe for a panoramic coach tour to see the Mud Volcano in Minbu, the mythical home of fire breathing dragons living deep beneath the earth. We will also see the General Aung San Bogyoke Statue and the Myathalon Pagoda, situated on the banks of the river. Day 11 Minhla. Our day begins with an exciting trishaw ride through the village of Magwe, after which we stop at a local market. Following lunch onboard we will travel to Minhla, the site of a great battle during the Second Anglo-Burmese War. Our walking tour will include a colonial-era fort, constructed by two Italian brothers in 1860 to keep the British forces at bay. After a series of conflicts, the fort ultimately fell to the British in Day 12 Thayetmyo to Pha Hto. Thayetmyo is a pleasant town that once guarded the border between Royal Burma and British Burma after the Second Anglo-Burmese War of 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.

4 Golden stupas at the Shwedagon, Yangon OPTIONAL INLE LAKE EXTENSION 12th to 17th October 2016 or 21st to 26th December 2016 Female Buddhist monks collecting alms Complete your journey with our optional extension which features the iconic Inle Lake, the second largest lake in Myanmar, a wonderful body of water surrounded by mountains and populated by stilted villages, floating gardens, traditional fishing boats and rich fauna and flora. Spend three nights at the luxurious villas at Inle Lake Myat Min resort, located on the east bank of the beautiful Inle Lake, the perfect setting to stay during our visit. The resort offers 120 spacious rooms contemporary in design and with spectacular views from private balconies, two restaurants located over the lake which offer great views. The resort also features a spa and relaxing swimming pool. THE ITINERARY After lunch we enjoy a glimpse of rural village life in the small town of Pha Hto where we will meet the locals and visit a nearby school. Day 13 Pyay. Today our ship arrives into Pyay where we will enjoy a guided walking tour of this former capital which once served as an important junction between Lower and Upper Burma. Pyay is home to more than 80 gilded pagodas, including the Payagi Pagoda. During our city tour you will also see the ancient Sri Kestra City Gate and enjoy a visit to the Sri Kestra Museum. Back on board this evening, enjoy the Farewell Dinner. Day 14 Pyay to Yangon. After breakfast onboard, enjoy a scenic PRICES PER PERSON Based on double occupancy drive from Pyay to Yangon by coach (approximately 6-hour drive). On arrival, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Day 15 Yangon. After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing day at leisure. Dependent on flight schedules, we will secure day rooms at the hotel for late check-out. This evening transfer to the airport for your return scheduled indirect flight to London. Day 16 London. Arrive this morning. *Please note that the 8th to 23rd December 2016 departure operates in the reverse direction to that shown from Pyay to Mandalay. Full itinerary can be viewed online at SPECIAL OFFER - SAVE 1000 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY Cat Cabin Description Brochure Price Special Offer Price SF Main Deck with French Balcony SE Main Deck with French Balcony SD Main Deck with French Balcony SC Upper Deck with Full Balcony SB Upper Deck with Twin Balcony SA Upper Deck with Full Balcony SF Main Deck with French Balcony for sole use Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, three nights hotel accommodation in Yangon on a bed and breakfast basis, lunch on days 3 and 14, 10 nights aboard the AmaPura on full board basis with complimentary house wine, local beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, bottled water in each cabin, services of a Cruise Director and Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, shore excursions with local English speaking guides, entrance fees, transfers, port taxes, gratuities. Not included: Travel insurance, visas, lunch and dinner on days 2 and 15, dinner on days 3 and 14. N.B. Please note that road conditions can be poor, therefore overland journeys may be slow and at times subject to delays. Excursions, events ashore and ports are subject to change depending on entrance time allocations, venue schedules and river conditions. Day 1 Yangon or Mandalay to Inle Lake. Transfer to the airport for a short flight to HeHo, then onto Inle Lake. Upon arrival, you will visit a Shan paper workshop, where you can see how the delicate paper is made. Afterwards, head to the town of Nyaung Shwe, the gateway to Inle Lake and stop at the Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery and Pagoda and the Red Mountain winery for a vineyard tour. After your visit to Nyanung Shwe, you will be transferred to the Villa Inle Lake Myat Min resort for your three night stay. Day 2 Inle Lake. After breakfast, take a boat excursion to Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery (also known as the Jumping Cat Monastery ) where you will see a fine collection of Buddha images sitting on an elegant throne. Afterwards a boat ride will take you through a nearby floating village and garden before we visit Phaung Daw Oo where you can see the impressive Phaung Daw Oo pagoda. The adventure continues as we visit Pauk Par Village and the homes of local artisans making cheroot cigars, silk weaving and lotus weaving. Day 3 Inle Lake. Today s excursion takes you on an unforgettable journey to Indein. Journey back in time as you sail through meandering creeks around Indein Village, located on the southwestern bank of Inle Lake. The village is famous for picturesque, ancient pagodas that date back to the 16th century. Our excursion continues with a visit to a silversmith workshop and the Padaung tribe, who are famous for wearing brass rings around their necks in order to make them longer. Day 4 Inle Lake to Yangon. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Yangon. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel for your overnight stay. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Day 5 Yangon to London. After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing day at leisure, depending on flight schedules, we will secure day rooms at the hotel for late check out. This evening transfer to the airport for your return scheduled indirect flight to London. Day 6 London. Morning arrival. PRICES PER PERSON Based on double occupancy Twin: 1225 Single: 1695 Price includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, transfers, three nights accommodation at the Villa Inle Lake Myat Min resort (or similar) on breakfast only basis, overnight hotel stay in Yangon, all applicable taxes, shore excursions with local English speaking guides, entrance fees. Not Included: Travel insurance, visa, gratuities, lunch and dinner daily.

5 AMAPURA Built in 2014, the AmaPura is a modern, luxurious vessel designed with a crew of 30, ample space and public areas and a shallow draft enabling it to navigate the Irrawaddy River almost year-round. The name AmaPura takes its name from the former royal capital of Amarapura (Sanskrit for the City of Immortality ). After a full day of sightseeing, there is no greater luxury than to return to a peaceful, comfortable ship and be welcomed aboard with a cool drink and chilled towel by the friendly and resourceful staff. Your Suite Your Space Your Dining The AmaPura accommodates a maximum of 56 guests in 28 suites. All suites feature private balconies (either French, Full or Twin Balconies), spacious accommodations measuring from 285 to 420 square feet, Cat SE/SD well-appointed en-suite bathroom, comfortable sitting area, individually controlled air conditioning, robe and slippers, closet space, spa-quality bath amenities, safe and luxurious linens. The AmaPura is both elegantly furnished and spacious throughout. The main lounge and bar is a relaxing environment to watch the passing scenery, browse the library or enjoy a drink from the bar. The stylish décor was thoughtfully conceived to provide guests with an ultra-comfortable and serene home away from home. There is also a gift shop and spa treatment rooms onboard in addition to a refreshing pool on the sun deck which also features chaise lounges and comfortable, shaded, seating areas. The attentive staff are always available to offer a cool beverage wherever you choose to relax whilst cruising. During your time onboard the AmaPura you can choose from a variety of western favourites as well as delicious, regionally-inspired dishes. All meals are prepared by onboard chefs and served in the main restaurant. Start the day with a delicious breakfast and at lunch select from a variety of dishes including salads, soups, hot entrees and desserts. Dinner is a multi-course meal with a tempting choice of entrees, capped off with a selection of beautifully prepared desserts. Guests also have ample opportunities throughout the voyage to sample Myanmar s flavourful Asian fusion cuisine. Rice is a key part of any meal, usually accompanied by soup, seafood or meat, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a wide variety of condiments.

6 Lounge Pool Restaurant Life Onboard The friendly onboard staff of 30 will provide you with excellent service and do much to contribute to your enjoyment throughout your journey. The atmosphere onboard is relaxed and informal and during your cruise there will be the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Burmese puppet show and other cultural performances or discussions in the Lounge, a fun and memorable way to delve into the heart and soul of Burmese culture. SUN DECK SUN DECK POOL MAIN LOUNGE AND BAR UPPER DECK Cat SF MAIN DECK RESTAURANT LOWER DECK SPA SPA CATEGORY SA CATEGORY SB CATEGORY SC CATEGORY SD CATEGORY SE CATEGORY SF Cat SC 2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0) info@noble-caledonia.co.uk All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: Ubein Bridge, Mandalay _P