Mystical Irrawaddy

Fly from Birmingham, London Heathrow or Manchester with Qatar. Alternatively, you can choose to fly with Singapore Airlines from London Heathrow or Manchester via Singapore at no extra cost.

Welcome to Myanmar. Settle into your hotel for a two night Special Stay in Yangon.

Hunt for gifts and handicrafts at Bogyoke Aung San Market. Alternatively, embark on a guided tour of Yangons thriving art scene, or ride a ferry across the Yangon River to Dhala village.

Drive to Pyay, stopping in Htaukkyant to visit the Allied War Cemetery. In Pyay board Scenic Aura and raise a toast to the journey ahead..

Start with a visit to Shwesandaw Pagoda before heading to Sri Ksetra, the ancient Pyu Kingdoms capital and also Myanmars first World Heritage-listed Site. Later commence your cruise north into the heart of Myanmar.

A morning of exploration awaits in Thayetmyo. Try your hand at putting on the oldest golf course in Myanmar, admire the regions old colonial buildings and explore the gems at the local market before returning to the ship to continue to Magwe.

In Magwe, explore the town by traditional trishaw, similar to a side car. Visit Mya Tha Lun Pagoda, a mesmerising architectural vision set on Naguttama Hill. Enjoy the remainder of the day cruising to Salay.

On your morning walking tour of Salay admire a beautiful teak monastery and look inside the largest lacquer Buddha in Myanmar.

Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight – Take a hot air balloon flight over the majestic temples of Bagan. Must be purchased prior to your cruise. (Plese note: available only from late-October to mid-March; all flights weather permitting).

Rise early to attend morning alms for the local monks before being invited to eat mohinga, a traditional breakfast with the local people.

Sail to 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 craftsmen honing their craft and observe their unusual way of firing the pottery.

In the ancient capitals of Sagaing and Inwa, spiritual enlightenment awaits.

Cruise to Mingun to discover the stories behind a massive unfinished brick pagoda. Admire the famous un-cracked Mingun Bell and the all-white Hsinbyume Pagoda. Sail to Mandalay to visit Amarapura.

After disembarkation, marvel at the intricate artistry of Shwenandaw, a beautiful wooden monastery covered internally in gold leaf. Equally as impressive are the sights at Kuthodaw Pagoda, where the Worlds Largest Book is housed. Later walk through the rebuilt Mandalay Palace, destroyed during World War II.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home with either Emirates or Singapore Airlines.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home with either Qatar or Singapore Airlines.