SPE OFFE CIAL R - sa v 500 PER PERS ON e Treasures of G olden Myanmar A river cruise along the Irrawaddy aboard the luxurious RV Irrawaddy Explorer 22nd January to 4th February & 9th February to 22nd February 2019
Bagan Female Buddhist monks Boats on the Irrawaddy Myanmar is without doubt one of the most endlessly fascinating and most beautiful lands on the planet. The mighty Irrawaddy River which flows from the head to the toe of the country offers the seasoned traveller one of the greatest travel experiences possible. Visually the country is unique: in no other land is the eye so constantly delighted by scenes of casual, almost unintended beauty and there is no better way to enjoy this picture than to travel by river along the Irrawaddy River. From the anonymous vantage point of the deck or your cabin, you can absorb the essence of the country: a background of soft browns, wooden ploughs following patient oxen across broad fields, the dazzling green paddies, noble tamarind trees and above all white and golden pagodas strewn across the hills and fields like a cascade of jewels. Our cruise aboard the luxurious Irrawaddy Explorer which features just 28 suites, combines scenic interest with a study of local life and culture. Simply witnessing the everyday life, rituals and routines of the people and encountering their great charm and natural warmth adds a special touch to this wonderful trip. During our exploration we will visit bustling Yangon, observe daily life of the riverbanks and Monywa Mingun Mandalay Amarapura Yandabo Ava Bagan Hnaw Gone Magwe Minhla Yangon IRRAWADDY DELTA discover the sheer beauty of the 2000 standing monuments at Bagan. We will also explore local markets and picturesque villages and travel to Amarapura to visit the iconic U-Bein Bridge. It is true to say that Myanmar is still a country of a different age. Here, time moves at a different speed. It is a country of quiet eccentricity and gentle charm, but a country on the threshold of great change so now is the time to see the many wonders of this Golden Land. Salay Irrawaddy River Prome MYANMAR (BURMA) The Itinerary Day 1 London Heathrow to Mandalay, Myanmar. Fly by scheduled indirect flight to Mandalay. Day 2 Mandalay. Arrive this morning into the Gem city Mandalay. Transfer to the Mandalay Hill Resort (or similar) for your overnight stay. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Lunch and dinner will be under your own arrangements today. Day 3 Mandalay. After breakfast enjoy a morning tour of Mandalay Hill and Mahamuni Pagoda. Nearby we will visit the Kuthodaw Paya, which contains the world s largest book. We continue onto visit a gold leaf workshop commonly used to adorn Buddha images at temples throughout Myanmar. This afternoon we transfer to the RV Irrawaddy Explorer and embark. After lunch on board, we visit Amarapura, the penultimate Burmese Royal Capital to admire U-Bein Bridge, the world s longest teak bridge, at sunset. This evening enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travellers. Day 4 Mingun to Ava. After breakfast, we will enjoy a leisurely walk through the town of Mingun. We will view King Bodawpaya s unfinished stupa and one of the heaviest working bells in the world. Our next visit is to the Mya Thein Tan Pagoda which was built in 1816 and designed in seven concentric terraces to represent the seven mountain ranges going up to Mount Meru according to Buddhist mythology. After lunch, we will explore the town of Ava by horse cart visiting the beautiful 200 year old teak Bagaya Kyaung Monastery. After exploring the incredible carvings, ornamentations and other artistic works of the Inwa Era, we rejoin our horse carts for the ride to www.noble-caledonia.co.uk
Shwedagon pagoda, Yangon Buddha statue, Bagan U-Bein Bridge, Amarapura the impressive Mei Nu Oak Kaung Brick Monastery. Day 5 Monywa to Hpowindaung Caves. This morning we will depart early for Monywa to visit the Hpowindaung Caves where hundreds of Buddha Statues are placed inside niches decorated with wonderful mural paintings. After enjoying our packed lunch we will visit the Thanboddhay Pagoda which features more than 500,000 Buddha statues. Day 6 Yandabo to Hnaw Gone Village. This morning we arrive at Yandabo, a picturesque village famous for its pottery. We will go ashore for a walk stopping at family homes and workshops to witness their craft and interesting way of firing their pottery. We hope to continue on to visit a local school to meet the children. This afternoon we sail to Hnaw Gone Village for a leisurely walk. Hnaw Gone is a typical, rural, river village and during our exploration we will stop to see the local handicraft of bamboo cane basket weaving. Day 7 Bagan. This morning, using local oxcart for transportation we will enjoy a visit to the most significant Pagodas and Temples of the 2000 listed around Bagan. Following lunch, we will continue to a workshop to see the ancient technique of Burmese lacquerware making. Our day will end at Shwe San Daw where we have the opportunity to view the beautiful sunset over the pagodas and stupas of Bagan. Day 8 Bagan. Today explore some of Bagan s largest local markets, selling wood carvings, fabrics, longyis and rattan products. After our walk through the market we continue onto the gilded Shwezigon Pagoda. This important religious site dates to the reign of King Anawrahta, founder of the Bagan Empire. Alternatively explore Bagan at your own leisure or enjoy a splendid optional excursion an early morning hot air balloon flight. Day 9 Salay. This morning we walk ashore in Salay, a 7,000 resident village founded in the 13th century with Bagan-era shrines, a beautiful 19th century teak monastery and preserved British colonial buildings. We visit the Salay House, a restored 1906 colonial trading company warehouse on the bank of the Irrawaddy and the huge Youqson Kyaung wooden monastery designed as a copy of the Crown Prince House of Mandalay. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a scenic cruise towards Magwe. Day 10 Magwe.This morning we venture out into the district capital city of Magwe by trishaws. We ride through the city to the local market where there will be some time to explore and shop before we visit Mya Tha Lun stupa, set on a hilltop with beautiful views of the river. After lunch, we visit the fortress of Minhla, built by Italian architects to repel the British during the third Anglo-Burman War. Day 11 Prome. Enjoy a leisurely morning on board cruising towards Prome. Once controlled by the Mon tribe during the Bagan Era and then conquered by the Burmese King Alaungpaya in the 1754, Prome boomed along with the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company in the 1890 s and it is now an important trading post. This afternoon, we visit Thayekhittaya (also known as Sri Ksetra, the Fabulous City in the Pali language), an ancient Pyu city that ruled in this area between the 5th and the 9th century. We visit the Sri Ksetra Museum which contains maps and artifacts including Hindu deities and Buddha images from the 6th century. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner this evening with your fellow travellers on board. Day 12 Prome to Yangon. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Sule Shangri-La Prices per person Based on double occupancy Hotel (or similar) in Yangon (approximately 6 hour drive) with the remainder of the day at leisure. Lunch and dinner will be under your own arrangements. Day 13 Yangon. After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full day tour which includes a visit to the city centre and Sule Pagoda, the landmark of downtown Yangon. We stop for lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Chaukhtatgyi, the colossal reclining Buddha and also enjoy a sunset viewing at Shwedagon Pagoda, an inspiring golden stupa. Dinner will be under your own arrangements this evening. Day 14 Yangon to London Heathrow. After breakfast at the hotel we will transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London. SPECIAL OFFER - SAVE 500 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY Cat Cabin Description Brochure Price Special Offer 4 Maugham Suite twin with French Balcony 5495 4995 3 Orwell Suite twin with Balcony 5695 5195 2 Kipling Suite with King sized bed with Balcony 5995 5495 1 Mandalay Suite with King sized bed with Balcony 6295 5795 4 Maugham Suite twin with French Balcony for sole use 7695 7195 3 Orwell Suite twin with Balcony for sole use 7975 7475 Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, overnight hotel accommodation in Mandalay and two nights in Yangon with breakfast, nine nights aboard the RV Irrawaddy Explorer on full board basis, drinks with meals (wine is only included with dinner), shore excursions, entrance fees, transfers, port taxes, gratuities. Not Included: Travel insurance, optional excursion hot air balloon ride ( 295 per person), dinner on days 2, 12 & 13, lunch on days 2 & 12.
Pre & Post-Cruise Extensions Inle Lake Temple Fishermen Pre-Cruise Inle Lake Extension 19 th to 23 rd January & 6 th to 10 th February 2019 Enhance your journey with our optional pre-cruise extension which features the iconic Inle Lake, a wonderful body of water surrounded by mountains and populated by stilted villages, floating gardens, traditional fishing boats and rich fauna and flora. The Itinerary Day 1 London Heathrow to Mandalay. Fly by scheduled indirect flight. Day 2 Mandalay. Arrive this morning and transfer to the Mandalay Hill Resort for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day will be at leisure. Day 3 Mandalay to Inle Lake. After breakfast this morning we will take a short flight to Heho and upon arrival will drive to Nyaung Shwe for lunch at a local restaurant. We will continue by local long tail boat to the Villa Inle Resort & Spa Hotel, for a two night stay. Enjoy dinner this evening at the hotel. Day 4 Inle Lake. After breakfast, explore the south part of the lake by boat, stopping at Indein Village to view its old and very picturesque pagodas. You will also have a chance to see the ingenious one-legged rowing technique used by local fishermen. We will stop for lunch this afternoon to taste some traditional local produce before continuing to visit Phaungdawoo Pagoda and the famous NgaPheKyaung monastery. Later return to the hotel where you can relax and enjoy dinner. Day 5 Inle Lake to Mandalay. After breakfast travel by flight to Mandalay and transfer to the Mandalay Hill Resort. Continue with the main itinerary from Day 2. Prices per person Based on double occupancy Twin: 895 Single: 1295 Price Includes: Scheduled return flight between Mandalay and Heho, overnight accommodation at the Mandalay Hill Resort and two nights accommodation at the Villa Inle Resort & Spa Hotel with breakfast, two lunches, two dinners, shore excursions with local English speaking guides, transfers, all applicable taxes. Not Included: Travel insurance, visa, gratuities, lunch and dinner on day 2. Restaurant Beach front cottages Pool Post-Cruise Ngapali Beach Extension 4 th to 8 th & 22 nd to 26 th February 2019 A 45 minute flight from Yangon, and with a 20 minute transfer journey from Thandwe airport you reach the beautiful Sandoway Resort on Ngapali Beach. A small town on the remote west coast of Burma (Rakhine State) facing the Bay of Bengal. This area is a magical little gem with a beautiful coastline, interesting local villages to explore and a rustic charm. Yet to be discovered by mass tourism, this isolated beach resort is the perfect way to complete your time in Myanmar with a few days of relaxation before returning to the UK. The Sandoway Resort is nestled amongst coconut palms on the pristine beach front where its 59 villas and cottages are scattered throughout the six acres of 450 metres long beach frontage and tropical gardens, most with ocean views. The resort s design concept is based on traditional South East Asia elegance, with the use of local materials of various kinds of hard wood, stone carving and marble. The Itinerary Day 1 Yangon to Thandwe. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your internal flight to Thandwe, upon arrival transfer to your hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure. Days 2 & 3 Ngapali Beach. Enjoy two days at leisure. Day 4 Thandwe to London. Check out after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your domestic flight from Thandwe to Yangon. Continue onto the international departures for your indirect flight from Yangon to London. Day 5 London. Arrive today. Prices per person Based on double occupancy Deluxe Room: Twin: 735 Single: 1095 Village Cottage: Twin: 845 Single: 1295 Beach Front Cottage: Twin: 925 Single 1495 Price Includes: Scheduled return air travel between Yangon and Thandwe, three nights hotel accommodation at Sandoway Beach Resort on half board basis, transfers. Not Included: Travel insurance, gratuities, lunches. +44 (0)20 7752 0000
RV Irrawaddy Explorer For this exploration of Myanmar we have chartered the all-suite, luxurious river vessel the RV Irrawaddy Explorer. Launched in September 2014, the vessel features 28 spacious suites and is the perfect vessel for our exploration. The friendly onboard staff of 33 will provide you with excellent service and do much to contribute to your enjoyment throughout your journey and the atmosphere on board will be relaxed and informal. Your Suite The 28 suites range in size from 273 to 409 square feet and are attractively furnished and embody the grace and style of the British colonial era, incorporating modern conveniences and luxuries that rival the finest hotels of Asia. All suites feature panoramic floor to ceiling glass doors and beds can be configured as twin or double (not applicable to Mandalay Suite & Kipling Staterooms), a flat screen television with on-demand movie system, hairdryer, generous closet space and under-bed storage, individually controlled air-conditioning, in-room electronic safe and a private shower and toilet (the Kipling Suite has a spacious Mandalay Suite bath with rain style shower, the Mandalay Suite has Spacious Spastyle bath with soaking tub and separate shower). Bottled water is replenished daily in the suites and there is a welcome flower arrangement and fresh fruit upon arrival. The Irrawaddy Explorer subscribes to an international news service that provides summaries of the day s news. These are complimentary, and will be delivered to suites each morning. In addition, guests in the Mandalay Suites will have the added advantage of a complimentary, one-hour spa treatment and complimentary laundry. Your Space The RV Irrawaddy Explorer is both elegantly furnished and spacious throughout the public areas. The Writers Lounge on the Sun Deck is a relaxing environment to watch the passing scenery, browse the library or enjoy a drink from the bar. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, fine wines, and onboard entertainment in a relaxing environment a fitting end to a perfect day on board your home on the Irrawaddy. The spacious observation and sun deck area features chaise lounges and comfortable, shaded, seating areas. The onboard attentive staff are always available to offer a cool beverage, whether you prefer fresh-squeezed juice as you enjoy the warm breeze watching an incredible sunrise, or a favorite cocktail while photographing a dramatic sunset. The Explorer Spa is an oasis to relax, rejuvenate and truly pamper yourself. Guests may enjoy the traditional massage of Myanmar along with oils and creams made with the ground bark of the Thanaka tree. Western spa treatments utilising all-natural products are also available while enjoying the serenity of the passing landscape. There is a small fitness centre with panoramic views of the landscape. E-mail/internet is available in all public areas of the vessel, free-of-charge for passengers that bring their own Wi-Fi-capable devices (please note that Wi-Fi will only be available in certain areas and can be very weak in remote areas.
Sun deck Maugham Suite Writer s Lounge Spa Your Dining The Restaurant seats all passengers in one sitting and is located on the Colonial Deck. With a cuisine as diverse as the region, the Culinary Director has innovatively created a menu which highlights the diverse cuisine of Myanmar, as well as Western favourites that will be reflected in sumptuous buffets and artfully prepared, multi-course dinners. Complimentary coffee, water, tea, soft drinks, local beer and free flow house wine (wine with dinner only) are also offered. The culinary team will offer an occasional shopping excursion to local markets taking every opportunity to utilize the fresh, local fruits and vegetables throughout the voyage. DECK PLAN SUN DECK OBSERVATION DECK & SUN BEDS BAR LOUNGE SPA /GYM WHEEL HOUSE IMPERIAL DECK 317 315 313 311 309 307 305 303 301 318 316 314 312 310 308 306 304 302 COLONIAL DECK Reception 209 207 205 203 201 DINING ROOM GALLERY 210 208 206 204 202 CATEGORY 1 CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 3 CATEGORY 4 Dining room 2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0)20 7752 0000 info@noble-caledonia.co.uk 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: Bagan 300817_S