Luxury Irrawaddy (Start Yangon, End Mandalay) 11 Days

Enjoy a leisurely morning familiarizing yourself with the amenities of the Scenic Aura, the river's most opulent vessel. In the afternoon, you'll reach Magwe, where you can discover the town aboard a traditional trishaw. Ascend to Mya Tha Lun Pagoda, an architectural marvel perched on Naguttama Hill, for stunning panoramic views. The ship will remain docked overnight, allowing you time for personal exploration.

This morning, we resume our journey downriver to Minhla, known for its Italian-designed forts, where the British takeover marked the end of an independent Burma. After exploring the fort, immerse yourself in the local culture by shopping at the market. Following this, we'll set sail upstream toward Salay.

Take advantage of the ship's luxurious amenities by relaxing with a cocktail by the pool, participating in an onboard demonstration, or enjoying some peaceful moments on your private balcony as you spend the day sailing upstream along the Irrawaddy River to Salay.

Arriving early this morning, you'll embark on a walking tour of this charming colonial riverside town, where you can admire the blend of traditional Burmese and British architecture. A visit to Youqson Kyaung, a stunning teak monastery that has been transformed into a museum, is a highlight. Immerse yourself in the river's atmosphere and the town's colonial vibe while savoring traditional Burmese tea and snacks in a beautifully restored villa from 1906.

As you continue sailing upstream to Bagan, unwind on the sundeck with a cocktail, taking in the impressive temples and pagodas that line the river on your way to this ancient site. Upon arrival, explore the iconic Ananda Temple, the most famous landmark of this mesmerizing area. You'll also have the opportunity to travel by horse and cart through a local village, witnessing the enchanting landscape filled with temple ruins as the sun sets. Later, enjoy a captivating string puppet show on board.

For those who wake up early, you can participate in the morning alms for the local monks. You have a choice: visit a toddy farm on your way to Mount Popa, known for being home to Myanmar’s nats, or enjoy lunch with a view of the temple. Alternatively, you can cross the river to Tant Kyi Tuang for stunning panoramic views of Bagan. If you prefer, delve deeper into the Temple Circuit or explore the historic sites of Old Bagan.

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by an exclusive magical-themed dinner hosted by Scenic, featuring free-flowing drinks and a cultural performance set against the backdrop of candlelit temple ruins in Bagan.

Optional Hot Air Balloon Experience Over Bagan - From October 1 to March 31, you have the opportunity to soar in a hot air balloon above the stunning temples of Bagan. It's essential to book this in advance to ensure your spot. After departing from Bagan, we will sail to Pakkoku. Once we arrive in the afternoon, take a local tuk-tuk to visit a cheroot cigar workshop, explore the local market, and check out a longyi and blanket factory—ideal for some shopping.

Following a leisurely morning on the water, we reach Yandabo, the site where the peace treaty concluding the First Anglo-Burmese War was signed in 1826. Renowned for its pottery, take a stroll through the village to watch artisans at work and learn about their unique pottery firing techniques. Afterward, we’ll continue our journey to Mingun.

In Mingun, uncover the fascinating tales surrounding a massive unfinished brick stupa and the pristine Hsinbyume Pagoda, often referred to as Myanmar’s Taj Mahal. Also, take a moment to appreciate the remarkable Mingun Bell, which remains uncracked.

Enjoy breathtaking views from the sundeck as you approach Sagaing, Myanmar’s spiritual heart, adorned with countless gilded pagodas and monasteries. Engage with novice monks, nuns, and orphans during a unique visit to a monastic school, followed by a tranquil stop at a nunnery where you can participate in rituals and make a donation to the resident nuns before their midday meal. Don’t miss the panoramic views over the Irrawaddy River from Sagaing Hill before continuing to Mandalay and Amarapura. In Amarapura, unwind with evening drinks on boats beneath U-Bein Bridge, the longest teak bridge in the world, capturing unforgettable sunset silhouettes. Conclude your day with a special farewell from the crew of Scenic Aura.

After disembarking, take in the exquisite craftsmanship of Shwenandaw, a wooden monastery adorned internally with gold leaf. The sights at Kuthodaw Pagoda, which houses the ‘World’s Largest Book,’ are equally breathtaking. Next, stroll through the reconstructed Mandalay Palace, which was damaged during World War II. Enhance your experience by learning how to create gold leaf at a local workshop. At Mahamuni Pagoda, male guests will have the opportunity to apply gold leaf to the iconic Buddha statue. After lunch, you will be transferred to the airport or your hotel. Please note that this itinerary is a guideline and may be adjusted for operational reasons such as changes in water levels. Consequently, the cruise may operate differently than described above. Additionally, the pre-release itinerary is subject to change.