Anawrahta

11:00 AM: EMBARKATION FROM BAGAN

Around noon you embark on the luxurious Anawrahta, berthed at the quay of Bagan. After a warm welcome by our staff offering some refreshments, you move into your “home” for the next few days.

PM: Enjoy a leisurely lunch as the ship sails towards Pakkoku. Pakkoku is an old trading town on the western riverbank of the Ayeyarwady. Right before the arrival, you see the longest bridge of Myanmar, the Pakokku Bridge. Onshore the tour takes us to some of the small industries in this area, such as a cheroot-rolling factory and a producer of ‘Burmese slippers’ (“flip-flops”). Local handicraft vendors try to make their living selling these. A visit at the thriving market gives us insights into local goods and trading. Pakokku is also well-known for the production of tobacco. If you are interested in buying Burmese cigars, this is the place.

We continue our tour to the Shwegu Temple. This temple features incredible, intricate carvings made from rare Yamanei wood. It also houses a unique Buddha image seated on a lotus throne. Back on board, Anawrahta continues her journey northwards on the Ayeyarwady. As the evening approaches and the Burmese sun immerse everything in a golden light, a special event will take place at the Kipling’s Bar. Dress up in style as we send “A toast to the past” at our British club gathering where gents may whiff cigars and ladies sip on tasty gins with tonic. Share some tales of the old (British-Burmese) days. Isn’t sometimes the time to lose time. Dinner is served at the Hintha Hall. Join our open-air cinema under the stars on the sun deck showing classic movies (depending on weather conditions).

AM: For early morning risers there is a special opportunity to participate in a yoga session on the sun deck. Strengthen your muscles and ease your mind by merging with the Ayeyarwady and its therapeutical slow flow upstream. We leave in the morning from Pakkoku for our next stop, Yandabo. While having breakfast the ship passes the confluence of the Ayeyar- wady and its greatest tributary, the Chindwin River.

We arrive at the quiet, small riverside village of Yandabo. A unique and fascinating gem of a village wherein 1826 the King of Ava signed the Treaty of Yanderbo, signaling the end of the First Anglo-Burmese War. Nowadays the villagers produce a type of water pot, which is reputed to keep water cooler than pots from anywhere else in the country. Anawrahta’s broad-knowledge guides will offer you an explanation of this phenomenon. By foot, we explore the village. You quickly notice that the villagers here are extremely friendly, charming and open for chit-chats. You will definitely take back home some enchanting memories. Their techniques and skills to produce a variety of pots and utensils are perplexing. Try to work on one of these pots. Back onboard a delicate lunch buffet awaits you. The ship continues its journey northwards. Gaze on the river banks of this eternal stream from your bench on the sun deck or alternatively, a spa treatment would have the same recreation effects.

PM: In the afternoon we learn more about some of the long-lasting traditions (Longyi and Thanaka demonstration). A fascinating presentation about the history and culture of Myanmar follows afterward. Before dinner, you may like to enjoy one of our various treatments in the Thazin Spa. Dinner is served at the Hintha Hall restaurant. Feel free to join our open-air cinema under the stars on the sun deck showing a classic movie (depending on weather conditions).

DISEMBARKATION IN MANDALAY

AM: Join our Yoga class in the morning to start your day with a powerful exercise. Then, you can enjoy breakfast as the ship sails northward, and eventually, we arrive in Ava. In Ava, we disembark for a wonderful discovery of the highlights of this former royal capital. By horse-drawn carriage we explore this area, sprinkled with many kinds of distinguished ancient monasteries and fanes: Bagaya Kyaung, a jaw-dropping teak monastery built in 1834, which nowadays continues to be a monastic school; Maha Aung Mye Bonzan Monastery or the Nanmyint watch tower come both in different art and creation. It is the peace of Ava which you will then hopefully absorb during a laid-back apéritif at a secret place in the middle of this sacred spot on Earth.

PM: Back onboard our lunch buffet is served and Anawrahta continues the cruise northwards, eventually arriving at the utmost highlight of this journey - Mandalay. Take time to observe the beautiful Sagaing Hills when the ship passes by the myriads of scattered pagodas on the hills. We will dock at Mandalay in the early afternoon (approx. 3 PM).

AM: For early morning risers there is a special opportunity to participate in a yoga session on the sun deck. Strengthen your muscles and ease your mind by merging with the Ayeyarwady and its therapeutical slow flow upstream. We leave in the morning from Pakkoku for our next stop, Yandabo. While having breakfast the ship passes the confluence of the Ayeyar- wady and its greatest tributary, the Chindwin River.

We arrive at the quiet, small riverside village of Yandabo. A unique and fascinating gem of a village wherein 1826 the King of Ava signed the Treaty of Yanderbo, signaling the end of the First Anglo-Burmese War. Nowadays the villagers produce a type of water pot, which is reputed to keep water cooler than pots from anywhere else in the country. Anawrahta’s broad-knowledge guides will offer you an explanation of this phenomenon. By foot, we explore the village. You quickly notice that the villagers here are extremely friendly, charming, and open to chit-chats. You will definitely take back home some enchanting memories. Their techniques and skills to produce a variety of pots and utensils are perplexing. Try to work on one of these pots. Back onboard a delicate lunch buffet awaits you. The ship continues its journey northwards. Gaze on the river banks of this eternal stream from your bench on the sun deck or alternatively, a spa treatment would have the same recreation effects.

PM: In the afternoon we learn more about some of the long-lasting traditions (Longyi and Thanaka demonstration). A fascinating presentation about the history and culture of Myanmar follows afterward. Before dinner, you may like to enjoy one of our various treatments in the Thazin Spa. Dinner is served at the Hintha Hall restaurant. Feel free to join our open-air cinema under the stars on the sun deck showing a classic movie (depending on weather conditions).

AM: Join our Yoga class in the morning to start your day with a powerful exercise. Then, you can enjoy breakfast as the ship sails northward and eventually we arrive in Ava. In Ava, we disembark for a wonderful discovery of the highlights of this former royal capital. By horse-drawn carriage we explore this area, sprinkled with many kinds of distinguished ancient monasteries and fanes: Bagaya Kyaung, a jaw-dropping teak monastery built in 1834, which nowadays continues to be a monastic school; Maha Aung Mye Bonzan Monastery or the Nanmyint watch tower come both in different art and creation. It is the peace of Ava which you will then hopefully absorb during a laid-back apéritif at a secret place in the middle of this sacred spot on Earth.

PM: Back onboard our lunch buffet is served and Anawrahta continues the cruise northwards, eventually arriving at the utmost highlight of this journey - Mandalay. Take time to observe the beautiful Sagaing Hills when the ship passes by the myriads of scattered pagodas on the hills. We will dock at Mandalay in the early afternoon (approx. 2 PM).

(At this time we bid goodbye to the guests of our 3D/2N cruise)

Further into the afternoon, our tour leads us to the most interesting sights of Mandalay. Observe the incredible process of the gold-leaf beating, visit a silk-weaving manufacturer and finally have a stroll through the amiable streets that host several marble carving workshops. The ultimate highlight of the day is a sunset sailing in a small rowing boat around the famous 200-year-old U-Bein Bridge, a true Kodak moment. After some refreshing time on board, you are invited to watch a traditional dance and music performance by students and teachers of the Mandalay Art School. After dinner, our nightly open-air cinema will play another classic movie on the sun deck (depending on weather conditions).

DISEMBARKATION IN MANDALAY

AM: Wake up early in the morning to watch the river life on the Ayeyarwady before breakfast will be served. Following breakfast, you will disembark in Mandalay at 9:00 AM.

EMBARKATION FROM MANDALAY

11:00 AM: Before noon you board the luxurious Anawrahta, berthed at the quay of Mandalay’s riverside.

After a friendly welcome by our staff offering some refreshments, you move into your “home” for the next few days. The ship sets sail towards Sagaing, one of the ancient capitals of Myanmar. Please find your way to the restaurant “Hinta Hall” for lunchtime. After feel free to enjoy your time at the open-air Kipling’s Bar or on the sun deck while Anawrahta is approaching Saigaing.

PM: We disembark for a wonderful discovery of some very highlights of Sagaing and the former royal capital of Ava. We cross the well-known 16 span cantilever “Ava bridge”, built in 1934 by the British, which connects the two old capitals. Ava (also called Innwa) was the metropolis of the Burmese kingdoms between the 14th to 19th centuries. By horse-drawn carriage we explore this area, sprinkled with many kinds of distinguished ancient monasteries and fanes: Bagaya Kyaung a jaw-dropping teak monastery built in 1834, which nowadays continues to be a monastic school; Maha Aung Mye Bonzan Monastery or the Nanmyint watch tower come both in different art and creation. It is the peace of Ava which you by then hopefully absorb during a laidback picnic teatime at a secret place in the middle of this sacred spot on earth.

Back on board, we learn more about some of the long-lasting traditions (Longyi and Thanaka demonstration). A fascinating presentation about the history and culture of Myanmar follows afterward. Before your first dinner onboard you are warmly invited by our cruise manager to a cocktail gathering at Kipling’s Bar.

AM: For early morning risers there is a special opportunity to participate in a yoga session on the sun deck. Strengthen your muscles and ease your mind by merging with the Ayeyarwady and its therapeutical flow downstream. Our next stop is Yanderbo. After breakfast, a lecture about Bagan’s history is offered at the Mandalay Lounge. We have some cruising relaxation time during the morning. Gaze on the river banks of this eternal stream from your bench on the sun deck or alternatively, a spa treatment would have the same recreation effects.

PM: After lunch on board the ship arrives at the quiet, small riverside village of Yanderbo. A unique and fascinating gem of a village wherein 1826 the King of Ava signed the Treaty of Yanderbo, signaling the end of the First Anglo-Burmese war. Nowadays the villagers produce a type of water pot which is reputed to keep water cooler than pots from anywhere else in the country. Anawrahta’s broad-knowledge guides will offer you an explanation for that. On foot, we explore the village. You quickly notice that the villagers here are extremely friendly, charming and open for chitchats. You will definitely take back home some enchanting memories. Their techniques and skills to produce a variety of pots and utensils are perplexing. Try to work on one of these pots.

We return to the ship for the afternoon high tea. As we sail on to the next overnight spot Pakokku, we pass the confluence of the Ayeyarwady and its greatest tributary, the Chindwin River. As the evening approaches and the Burmese sun immerse everything in a golden light a special event will take place at the Kipling’s Bar. Dress up in style as we send “A toast to the past” during a British club where gents may whiff cigars and ladies sip on tasty gins with tonic. Share some tales of the old (British-Burmese) days. Isn’t sometimes the time to lose time. Adjacent dinner is served at the Hintha Hall. If you feel like it, you can join our open-air cinema under the stars on the sun deck showing classic movies (depends on weather conditions).

AM: In the morning our yoga class will help to get in the right form for another day of great explorations. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the ship sails some more miles southwards before we arrive in Pakkoku. Pakkoku is an old trading town on the western riverbank of the Ayeyarwady. Right before the arrival, you see the longest bridge of Myanmar (Pakokku Bridge).

Onshore the tour takes us to some of the small industries in this area, such as a cheroot-rolling factory and a producer of ‘Burmese slippers’ (“flip-flops”). Local handicraft vendors try to make their living with it. A visit to the thriving market gives us an insight into local goods and trading practices. Pakokku is also well known for the production of Tobacco. If you like to buy some Burmese cigars, this is the place.

PM: We continue touring to the Shwegu Temple. This temple features incredible, intricate carvings made from rare Yamanei wood. It also houses a unique Buddha image seated on a lotus throne. Back onboard lunch is served and Anawrahta continues her journey southwards, eventually arriving at the utmost highlight of this journey - Bagan. The ship will dock at Bagan in the early afternoon (approx. 2PM).

(At this time we bid farewell to our 3D/2N cruise guests)

PM: In the afternoon magnificent temple serendipity starts. Over 2000 temples, stupas and pagodas can be found in an area of just 30 square kilometers. We explore the most remarkable ones as the Ananda Temple or the Sulamani Pagoda. As final blowoff during dusk, we will enjoy a breathtaking view from a pagoda “summit” to marvel at the temple-strewn plains. We wistfully return to the boat. After some refreshing time, you are invited to watch a traditional Bagan dance performance at the Mandalay Lounge before dinner starts. After dinner, our nightly open-air cinema is playing another classic movie on the sun deck (depending on weather conditions).

AM: DISEMBARKATION IN BAGAN

In the morning we provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sign up for a sunrise balloon flight over the Bagan area (on extra cost, pre-booking required, subject to season). After breakfast, you will disembark in Bagan at 9:00 AM.

EMBARKATION FROM MANDALAY

11:00 AM: Before noon you board the luxurious Anawrahta, berthed at the quay of Mandalay’s riverside.

After a friendly welcome by our staff offering some refreshments, you move into your “home” for the next few days. The ship sets sail towards Sagaing, one of the ancient capitals of Myanmar. Please find your way to the restaurant “Hinta Hall” for lunchtime. After feel free to enjoy your time at the open-air Kipling’s Bar or on the sun deck while Anawrahta is approaching Saigaing.

PM: We disembark for a wonderful discovery of some very highlights of Sagaing and the former royal capital of Ava. We cross the well-known 16 span cantilever “Ava bridge”, built in 1934 by the British, which connects the two old capitals. Ava (also called Innwa) was the metropolis of the Burmese kingdoms between the 14th to 19th centuries. By horse-drawn carriage we explore this area, sprinkled with many kinds of distinguished ancient monasteries and fanes: Bagaya Kyaung a jaw-dropping teak monastery built in 1834, which nowadays continues to be a monastic school; Maha Aung Mye Bonzan Monastery or the Nanmyint watch tower come both in different art and creation. It is the peace of Ava which you by then hopefully absorb during a laidback picnic teatime at a secret place in the middle of this sacred spot on earth.

Back on board, we learn more about some of the long-lasting traditions (Longyi and Thanaka demonstration). A fascinating presentation about the history and culture of Myanmar follows afterward. Before your first dinner onboard you are warmly invited by our cruise manager to a cocktail gathering at Kipling’s Bar.

AM: For early morning risers there is a special opportunity to participate in a yoga session on the sun deck. Strengthen your muscles and ease your mind by merging with the Ayeyarwady and its therapeutical flow downstream. Our next stop is Yanderbo. After breakfast, a lecture about Bagan’s history is offered at the Mandalay Lounge. We have some cruising relaxation time during the morning. Gaze on the river banks of this eternal stream from your bench on the sun deck or alternatively, a spa treatment would have the same recreation effects.

PM: After lunch on board the ship arrives at the quiet, small riverside village of Yanderbo. A unique and fascinating gem of a village wherein 1826 the King of Ava signed the Treaty of Yanderbo, signaling the end of the First Anglo-Burmese war. Nowadays the villagers produce a type of water pot which is reputed to keep water cooler than pots from anywhere else in the country. Anawrahta’s broad-knowledge guides will offer you an explanation for that. On foot, we explore the village. You quickly notice that the villagers here are extremely friendly, charming and open for chitchats. You will definitely take back home some enchanting memories. Their techniques and skills to produce a variety of pots and utensils are perplexing. Try to work on one of these pots.

We return to the ship for the afternoon high tea. As we sail on to the next overnight spot Pakokku, we pass the confluence of the Ayeyarwady and its greatest tributary, the Chindwin River. As the evening approaches and the Burmese sun immerse everything in a golden light a special event will take place at the Kipling’s Bar. Dress up in style as we send “A toast to the past” during a British club where gents may whiff cigars and ladies sip on tasty gins with tonic. Share some tales of the old (British-Burmese) days. Isn’t sometimes the time to lose time. Adjacent dinner is served at the Hintha Hall. If you feel like it, you can join our open-air cinema under the stars on the sun deck showing classic movies (depends on weather conditions).

AM: In the morning our yoga class will help to get in the right form for another day of great explorations. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the ship sails some more miles southwards before we arrive in Pakkoku. Pakkoku is an old trading town on the western riverbank of the Ayeyarwady. Right before the arrival, you see the longest bridge of Myanmar (Pakokku Bridge).

Onshore the tour takes us to some of the small industries in this area, such as a cheroot-rolling factory and a producer of ‘Burmese slippers’ (“flip-flops”). Local handicraft vendors try to make their living with it. A visit to the thriving market gives us an insight into local goods and trading practices. Pakokku is also well known for the production of Tobacco. If you like to buy some Burmese cigars, this is the place.

PM: We continue touring to the Shwegu Temple. This temple features incredible, intricate carvings made from rare Yamanei wood. It also houses a unique Buddha image seated on a lotus throne. Back on board, lunch is served and Anawrahta continues her journey southwards, eventually arriving at the utmost highlight of this journey - Bagan. The ship will dock at Bagan in the early afternoon (approx. 2PM).

(At this time we bid farewell to our 3D/2N cruise guests)

PM: In the afternoon magnificent temple serendipity starts. Over 2000 temples, stupas and pagodas can be found in an area of just 30 square kilometers. We explore the most remarkable ones as the Ananda Temple or the Sulamani Pagoda. As final blowoff during dusk, we will enjoy a breathtaking view from a pagoda “summit” to marvel at the temple-strewn plains. We wistfully return to the boat. After some refreshing time, you are invited to watch a traditional Bagan dance performance at the Mandalay Lounge before dinner starts. After dinner, our nightly open-air cinema is playing another classic movie on the sun deck (depending on weather conditions).

AM: In the morning we provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sign up for a sunrise balloon flight over the Bagan area (on extra cost, pre-booking required, subject to season).

(After breakfast we say goodbye to our 4D/3N guests)

The morning tour starts with a visit to the bustling Nyaung-U market. A truly Burmese market where almost everything is offered. The tour around the market provides the best photo-moments of local life and people. Afterward we visit the revered Shwezigon Pagoda. This prototype of a Burmese stupa consists a circular gold leaf-gilded stupa surrounded by many smaller temples and shrines. We stop at a lacquerware workshop. This is a must-see of a long-standing, traditional craftsmanship. We complete our morning tour with a visit to the fine frescoes inside the Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi Pagoda before returning to the ship for lunchtime.

PM: The afternoon holds two options to choose from. The first is a visit to the sacred Mount Popa monastery which sits picturesquely on an extinct volcano (some mobility and fitness are required to reach the top). Burmese people believe that this place is home to their animist spirits - the Nats. The trip ends en route at a palm sugar plantation where we can have an insight look over the shoulders of a typical local candies manufacturer.

The second option includes the exploration of Myinkaba Village. We visit the Manuha Pagoda, dating from 1059 where King Anawrahta imprisoned the Mon King, Manuha. Nearby is the beautiful architecture of the Gubyaukyi temple. You can take some individual time to explore the village of Minnanthu at your own pace. Back on board after some refreshing time, dinner is served. Afterward the crew is happy to invite you to some farewell entertainment in the lounge.

AM: DISEMBARKATION IN BAGAN

After breakfast, your stay in your floating, luxury home regrettably ends. The Anawrahta crews wish you a wonderful onward journey in the land of Ancient Capitals Myanmar. You will disembark after breakfast in Bagan at 9:00 AM.

11:00 AM: EMBARKATION FROM BAGAN

Around noon you embark on the luxurious Anawrahta, berthed at the quay of Bagan. After a warm welcome by our staff offering some refreshments, you move into your “home” for the next few days.

PM: Enjoy a leisurely lunch as the ship sails towards Pakkoku. Pakkoku is an old trading town on the western riverbank of the Ayeyarwady. Right before the arrival, you see the longest bridge of Myanmar, the Pakokku Bridge. Onshore the tour takes us to some of the small industries in this area, such as a cheroot-rolling factory and a producer of ‘Burmese slippers’ (“flip-flops”). Local handicraft vendors try to make their living selling these. A visit to the thriving market gives us insights into local goods and trading. Pakokku is also well-known for the production of tobacco. If you are interested in buying Burmese cigars, this is the place.

We continue our tour to the Shwegu Temple. This temple features incredible, intricate carvings made from rare Yamanei wood. It also houses a unique Buddha image seated on a lotus throne. Back on board, Anawrahta continues her journey northwards on the Ayeyarwady. As the evening approaches and the Burmese sun immerse everything in a golden light, a special event will take place at the Kipling’s Bar. Dress up in style as we send “A toast to the past” at our British club gathering where gents may whiff cigars and ladies sip on tasty gins with tonic. Share some tales of the old (British-Burmese) days. Isn’t sometimes the time to lose time. Dinner is served at the Hintha Hall. Join our open-air cinema under the stars on the sun deck showing classic movies (depending on weather conditions).

AM: For early morning risers there is a special opportunity to participate in a yoga session on the sun deck. Strengthen your muscles and ease your mind by merging with the Ayeyarwady and its therapeutical slow flow upstream. We leave in the morning from Pakkoku for our next stop, Yandabo. While having breakfast the ship passes the confluence of the Ayeyar- wady and its greatest tributary, the Chindwin River.

We arrive at the quiet, small riverside village of Yandabo. A unique and fascinating gem of a village wherein 1826 the King of Ava signed the Treaty of Yanderbo, signaling the end of the First Anglo-Burmese War. Nowadays the villagers produce a type of water pot, which is reputed to keep water cooler than pots from anywhere else in the country. Anawrahta’s broad-knowledge guides will offer you an explanation of this phenomenon. By foot, we explore the village. You quickly notice that the villagers here are extremely friendly, charming and open for chit-chats. You will definitely take back home some enchanting memories. Their techniques and skills to produce a variety of pots and utensils are perplexing. Try to work on one of these pots. Back onboard a delicate lunch buffet awaits you. The ship continues its journey northwards. Gaze on the river banks of this eternal stream from your bench on the sun deck or alternatively, a spa treatment would have the same recreation effects.

PM: In the afternoon we learn more about some of the long-lasting traditions (Longyi and Thanaka demonstration). A fascinating presentation about the history and culture of Myanmar follows afterward. Before dinner, you may like to enjoy one of our various treatments in the Thazin Spa. Dinner is served at the Hintha Hall restaurant. Feel free to join our open-air cinema under the stars on the sun deck showing a classic movie (depending on weather conditions).

AM: Join our Yoga class in the morning to start your day with a powerful exercise. Then, you can enjoy breakfast as the ship sails northward and eventually we arrive in Ava. In Ava, we disembark for a wonderful discovery of the highlights of this former royal capital. By horse-drawn carriage we explore this area, sprinkled with many kinds of distinguished ancient monasteries and fanes: Bagaya Kyaung, a jaw-dropping teak monastery built in 1834, which nowadays continues to be a monastic school; Maha Aung Mye Bonzan Monastery or the Nanmyint watch tower come both in different art and creation. It is the peace of Ava which you will then hopefully absorb during a laid-back apéritif at a secret place in the middle of this sacred spot on Earth.

PM: Back onboard our lunch buffet is served and Anawrahta continues the cruise northwards, eventually arriving at the utmost highlight of this journey - Mandalay. Take time to observe the beautiful Sagaing Hills when the ship passes by the myriads of scattered pagodas on the hills. We will dock at Mandalay in the early afternoon (approx. 2 PM).

(At this time we bid goodbye to the guests of our 3D/2N cruise)

Further into the afternoon, our tour leads us to the most interesting sights of Mandalay. Observe the incredible process of the gold-leaf beating, visit a silk-weaving manufacturer and finally have a stroll through the amiable streets that host several marble carving workshops. The ultimate highlight of the day is a sunset sailing in a small rowing boat around the famous 200-year-old U-Bein Bridge, a true Kodak moment. After some refreshing time on board, you are invited to watch a traditional dance and music performance by students and teachers of the Mandalay Art School. After dinner, our nightly open-air cinema will play another classic movie on the sun deck (depending on weather conditions).

AM: Wake up early in the morning to watch the river life on the Ayeyarwady before breakfast will be served.

(After breakfast we will say goodbye to our guests from the 4D/3N cruise)

Today, we take our guests on a discovery of the most impressive pagodas of Mandalay during our morning tour. First, we visit the Kuthodaw Pagoda, which is known as “the world’s largest book”. This pagoda comprises a gilded pagoda, hundreds of shrines housing inscribed marble slabs and several pavilions. We continue to the Mahamuni Pagoda, which is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Burma and houses the highly revered Buddha image in the country. Last but not least, the atmospheric Shwenandaw Monastery, which is the finest example of traditional 19th-century wooden monastery buildings. It used to be part of King Mindon’s Mandalay Royal Palace.

PM: From this elevated point we can have a fantastic look over the entire city of Mandalay. We return to the ship and have lunch while Anawrahta sets sail to the site of Mingun. Mingun showcases the monumental, unfinished stupa of King Bodawpaya. It has never been completed, due to an astrologer who stated: once the temple is completed, the king will die. On a relaxed walking tour, we reach the world’s biggest un-cracked bell, weighing 90 tons.

Upon returning to the ship, our cruise manager will invite us for High Tea with cocktails, sweets and treats. Anawrahta sails gently back to Mandalay and dinner is served in the restaurant. Afterward, the crew offers some farewell entertainment in the lounge before you can retrieve it for your last night on board.

DISEMBARKATION IN MANDALAY

AM: After breakfast, your stay on your floating home ends. The Anawrahta crews wish you a wonderful onward journey in the Golden Land - Myanmar. You will disembark after breakfast at 9:00 AM.

EMBARKATION FROM MANDALAY

9:00 AM: Morning embarkation in Mandalay and sailing north, through the Dolphin Sanctuary. There will be a morning lecture on Myanmar culture entitled “Myanmar Ways of Life” and a Myanmar traditional dress demonstration early in the afternoon.

PM: In the cooler air of late afternoon we will embark on a tour to the pottery village of Nwe Nyein. Here you can see the traditional techniques still being used to produce a wide variety of decorative pots. At night, a Longyi Cocktail Party will break the ice with your fellow guests.

AM: In the morning, we offer yoga and meditation on the sun deck. Today’s sailing is through the rolling hills of the Third Defile. Passing by bamboo villages and small fishing settlements, you will realize how tranquil these lives can be. Join our chef for a cookery demonstration in the morning and attend an informal Burmese language lesson in the afternoon.

PM: We will reach Taguang for another late afternoon tour, which will show life on the riverbank and introduce you to this small town with its ancient fortifications, archeological area and famous nat or spirit shrines.

AM: Have a relaxing morning, perhaps enjoying the facilities of our spacious spa (including the only Swedish-style sauna on the Ayeyarwady) or our 8-meter Jacuzzi swimming pool which enables you conveniently observe the passing scenery while lying in the water as we sail towards Katha.

PM: Early afternoon we reach the enchanting colonial town of Katha, a setting of George Orwell’s Burmese Days. Little has changed since then. Of interest are the collections of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company’s ship's bells taken from sunken ships in the Second World War. Katha was the final resting place for many of the old flotillas as over a hundred ships were scuppered here in 1942 - an act of denial before the advancing Japanese.

Our tour will take you around all the places that appear in the novel including George Orwell’s house, and give you the opportunity to really imagine how life was in this far-flung corner of the British Empire. Our special lecture will be hosted at the former British Commissioner House by the Katha historian Nyo Ko Naing. Join an afternoon tea picnic in the garden of the British Commissioner House before we head back on board. After dinner, we welcome Shan tribes who settled at a village near Katha. Enjoy the traditional Shan dance and music on the sun deck.

AM: In the morning, we will take an oriental train ride from Katha towards Naba through the thick Kachin jungle and teak forest. Enjoy a journey back in time to the old colonial days on this scenic train ride passing through hidden villages in the forest. Eventually, we transfer back to Katha for our Katha Market visit. It’s time for some shopping at the colorful local market of Katha, where you can practice your Burmese language skills during a market rally (no worries, language lessons, an assistant and change is provided for shopping).

PM: In the afternoon you may relax on the sun deck while we continue sailing upstream to Shwe Gu. Afternoon tea will be served right before our guide gives a lecture on Myanmar history and current affairs. As the evening approaches and the Burmese sun immerses everything in a golden light, a special event will take place at the Kipling’s Bar. Dress up in style as we send “a toast to the past” during a British Club where gents may whiff cigars and ladies sip on tasty gins with tonic. Share some tales of the old British-Burmese days. This is the perfect time to lose time. Join us for a movie under the stars on the sun deck after dinner.

AM: In the early morning, be prepared on the sun deck as we make our first passing through the impressive Second defile. It will take about two hours depending on the force of the current. Enjoy your breakfast on the sun deck while passing through the dramatic Second Defile. Once on the other side, we will turn at the Sinkan Bridge and begin our return journey by plunging again into the fast-flowing waters of the Defile. It may take as little as 25 minutes to reach the other end! We sail on, passing by Kyun Daw Island where we visit countless small pagodas, local villages and river nomads who live on the river banks of the Ayeyarwady.

PM: We return to the ship for lunch and continue our journey southwards the Ayeyarwady River. After dinner, enjoy the entertainment of our crew with their talent for Myanmar’s traditional dance.

AM: In the morning we offer yoga and meditation on the sun deck. Those wishing for some mental stimulation can join a lecture on ‘Religion in Myanmar’ and another Burmese language lesson before lunch. Afterward, a demonstration of Traditional Burmese Cigar and Chewing Betel Nut takes place.

PM: In the early afternoon, we reach the picturesque fishing village of Hsithe. The village is home to fishermen who conduct co-operative fishing with the critically endangered Ayeyarwady River Dolphin. The village is a developing community based on tourism with guidelines and support of the Darwin Initiative Project and the Harrison Institute. We will take you on a village tour, see the traditional agriculture products and teach you how to cast a traditional fishing net. Afternoon tea will be served at the visitor center of the village with a presentation about the river, the wildlife and the people. We return to the boat for dinner. Afterward, you can join our outdoor cinema at the village together with the friendly villagers of Hsithe.

AM: Today you have the last opportunity to simply relax and enjoy the luxurious facilities on board and the passing scenery as we sail towards Mandalay. Be prepared on the sun deck as we pass by Mingun, a showcase of the monumental and unfinished stupa of King Bodawpaya. It has never been completed due to an astrologer that stated: once the temple will be completed, the king will die.

PM: We reach Mandalay in the late afternoon, right in time to visit Amarapura which is known for its traditional silk weaving, silver and bronze casting, and to see the sunset at the famous “U Bein’s Bridge”, the longest teak bridge in Myanmar. After a farewell dinner, you can enjoy this evening’s entertainment: a Ramayana show that is a legendary story and performance accompanied by traditional music instruments.

DISEMBARKATION FROM MANDALAY

AM: Bid farewell to the crew as you check-out after your final delicious breakfast on board. You will disembark in Mandalay at 9:00 AM.

EMBARKATION FROM MANDALAY

9:00 AM: Board the majestic Anawrahta, berthed at the quay of Mandalay’s riverside and enjoy a warm welcome by our staff with some refreshments and a short safety briefing as you move into your “home” for the next few days. Leisurely unwind on a relaxing sailing day. Take a swim in the 360-degree view pool on the sundeck or try out the fine treatments of our Thazin Spa while sailing towards Sagaing.

PM: Our lecture today will be on “Myanmar’s ways of life” followed by a cultural demonstration on “Traditional Longyi and Thanakha”, Myanmar’s traditional costumes and a natural paste applied on the face and body. Kindly join the afternoon tea served in the Kipling’s Bar while gazing at the vast river view of the Ayeyarwady River. Tonight a longyi Cocktail Party will break the ice with your fellow guests.

AM: An early morning yoga session will be held on the sundeck to strengthen your muscles and ease your mind before Anawrahta enters the Chindwin river. Our morning excursion will take us to the historical village of A Myint, which endured almost all of Myanmar’s dynasties. Explore the village life and their ancient pagodas built in 11-13 AD. Back on board, we will sail a short distance to Monywa while lunch is served on board.

PM: After lunch, we go by bus to Monywa where a spectacular styled Than- buddhay Pagoda (Thambuddhei Paya) with over 500,000 Buddha images and hundreds of golden spires can be found. Further down the road is the second tallest Buddha statue in the world, measuring 116 meters. It’s located behind a tremendous religious site with Bodhi trees, gardens with hundreds of sitting Buddhas, and a huge lying Buddha. The whole interior features depictions of Buddhist teachings on several floors. Back on board, we continue sailing up the river. Enjoy BBQ dinner tonight and a “Yamayana” dance performance on the sundeck.

AM: Today we disembark for a morning visit to Moktaw, a typical riverside village, to see their traditional way of life. If we are lucky we may witness a special ceremony at the local monastery.

PM: In the afternoon you will have the chance to join a ship tour with our cruise general manager exploring the fascinating Anawrahta. As the evening approaches and the Burmese sun immerses everything in a golden light, a special event will take place at the Kipling’s Bar. Dress up in style as we send “A toast to the past” during a British Club gathering where gents may whiff cigars and ladies sip on tasty gins with homemade tonic while listening to music and poems of a by-gone era.

AM: Start your day with a morning walk through the small village of Maukkadaw, which once was a busy teak port. We will show you their remaining teak enterprises before visiting the local school and walking through this old village. Back on board, we continue cruising upstream passing small villages amid rolling hills at the riverbanks.

PM: In the afternoon a “Burmese Speaking Lesson” will be held in the Mandalay Lounge to be prepared for our market rally the next day. Tonight we arrive at the river-side port of Kalaywa passing by its bridge that connects the mainland with the Indian border for trade.

AM: This morning we will take a tour around Kalaywa by local tuk-tuk. Visit the Pagoda on a hilltop to have a vast view over the Kalaywa Town and Chindwin River.

PM: We continue to the Kalaywa Market. Do some shopping at the bustling colorful local market of Kalaywa, where you can practice your Burmese language skills during a market rally (no worries, language lesson, assistant and small cash is provided for shopping).

AM: Join a lecture by our guide this morning or lounge around watching the passing sceneries of jungled cladded gorges.

PM: In the afternoon we arrive in the small Sittaung village, with its 28 houses and only 200 inhabitants. Today’s tour takes us to the ships of Irrawaddy Flotilla Company (the greatest river fleet that was ever assembled worldwide). Many of these were scuppered by the retreating British in 1942, rather than leaving them for the advancing Japanese Army. Back on board, we keep sailing upstream and afternoon tea will be served at the Kipling’s Bar.

AM: Time for an early morning yoga session on the sundeck while the ship sails towards the most beautiful part of the upper Chindwin River. After breakfast, you can join a demonstration about the ancient habit of betel-chewing as well as smoking cheroots cigars. Tasting is optional!

PM: On our afternoon excursion, we will visit the town Homalin, the end of the 400 navigable miles on the Chindwin river for us. Here we will take a tour of the stunning views from the high vantage point of the Buddha Lotus Garden before starting our downstream voyage. Our guide will explain the significance of the various statues depicting scenes from the life of Buddha. On the way back from this viewpoint, you have a great chance to visit the village of the Naga tribe; one of Myanmar’s minorities that still have their own lovely culture and customs. Join their traditional tribal dance and to enjoy their traditional cuisine and drinks.

AM: Today you have another opportunity to simply relax, enjoy the passing scenery and enjoy the facilities onboard our beautiful ship. We will sail around 142.25 miles. You may appreciate the power of the river as we now sail with the force of the current on our side. In the late morning, there will be a cooking demonstration by our Executive Chef who will show you the preparation of local dishes. The recipes will be provided for you to try at home!

PM: In the afternoon a presentation about “Buddhism in Myanmar” will be lectured by our onboard guide. Tonight a BBQ dinner will be served together with an entertaining performance by our crew. We will moor near the city Mawlaik.

AM: Mawlaik has been used as the administrative capital of the British and many of the colonial-era house built by the Bombay-Burma Trading Company still remains nowadays. Our colonial heritage tour will take you to the post office, former British administrative buildings, the house of a former British commissioner, and the Mawlaik Golf Course which was built in the old colonial times. The tour ends with a fun mini-golf match at the greens of the Mawlaik Golf Course. Afterward, we return to the ship and enjoy lunch on board.

PM: If today’s sailing goes well, we will have the time to visit the small village of Kyi Taung Oo where we can discover the only surviving (and still-working) wooden monastery that pre-dates the Konbaung Dynasty’s Foundation in 1752. “Kyi Taung Oo” means “Great Sacred Hill”, as you might expect there will be some astonishing views over the river and its surrounding area. Our ship’s free medical service will be included for the village people.

AM: This morning you can simply relax and enjoy the passing scenery as well as our facilities on board.

PM: Our afternoon excursion will take you on a 45 minutes bus ride to Pho Win Taung to discover the cave-temple complexes outside of the city and the Shwe Ba Taung mountains. The caves are believed to be around 500-years-old containing many sandstone carvings of Buddha images, animals, plants, demons and ogres. In the evening a group will perform a “Puppet Show” on board in the lounge.

AM: This morning you can simply relax and enjoy the last sailing hours on board and observe the passing scenery.

PM: In the afternoon we will arrive at our final destination - Bagan, the ancient city of King Anawrahta. On an orientation tour, we explore the magnificent Ananda Temple and Shwe San Daw Temple. Our evening ends at one of the “sunset “pagodas or a high plain ground to watch the breath-taking vista of the sun setting over the temple-strewn plain.