The Irrawaddy Exclusive Cruise - 10 Days / 9 Nights

Day 1 - Arrival in Yangon

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by our guide who will assist you through the immigration procedures. Transfer in style to the Governor's Residence via the luxurious Elephant Coach, a restored vintage Chevrolet bus. Spend the afternoon exploring Bogyoke Market before enjoying high tea at the legendary Strand Hotel.

End your day at Shwedagon Pagoda, and take in views of the illuminated chedi covered with more than 40 tons of gold leaves.

Overnight in Yangon.

Day 2 - Yangon - Heho - Inle (B,D)

Today you will fly to Heho and enjoy the one-hour scenic drive to beautiful Inle Lake with a visit to the Shwe Yanpyay Monastery en-route. A private local motorboat will transfer you to your hotel for check in. You will have time to relax before we take you to explore the many sites around the lake, such as Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the Jumping Cats Monastery, floating gardens and the Inthar fishermen who row their boats with one leg.

Overnight on Inle Lake.

Day 3 - Inle - Indein - Heho - Mandalay (B,L,D)

Your day begins with a visit to a vibrant morning market on the lake before heading down a small canal to the Pa-Oh village in In Dein and the beautiful Alaung Sitthou area, where ancient stupas are partly covered by vegetation. Enjoy a traditional private lunch at an Inthar house before transferring to the airport for your flight to Mandalay. Finish the day with a sunset view of this former royal capital from Mandalay Hill.

Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 4 - Mandalay (B,L,D)

After breakfast, your sightseeing tour of Mandalay begins with a visit to the Mahamuni

Pagoda, famous for its venerable gold leaf covered Buddha statue, and handicraft workshops to learn about Myanmar's rich artisanal heritage. Transfer to Gaewin Jetty to embark on the elegant Pandaw 1947 ship with its fine service and facilities. Sail upstream and moor overnight at a river village north of Mandalay.

Overnight onboard.

Day 5 - Onboard Pandaw1947 (B,L,D)

Today, your luxurious journey aboard the Pandaw 1947 continues, making stops at the fascinating pottery village of Kyauk Myaung and at Mingun to see the unfinished pagoda which houses the largest working bell in the world. Continue cruising downstream to Mandalay and travel by coach to Amarapura, the penultimate Burmese royal capital, and visit U-Bein Bridge at sunset and silk-weaving factories. Back on your ship, enjoy a traditional Burmese dance and theatre performance on the sundeck. Moor overnight at Sagaing.

Overnight onboard.

Day 6 - Onboard Pandaw1947 (B,L,D)

It is a day of cultural discovery starting with Sagaing, a hill dotted with many pagodas and monasteries filled with rich wood carvings and religious art. Then travel by coach to the ancient capital of Ava and explore the city's ruins by horse-cart. Head back to the ship and cruise to Yandabo, a picturesque river village specializing in pottery. Continue sailing until late night before mooring overnight at a river village.

Overnight onboard.

Day 7 - Bagan (B)

Your journey on the luxurious Pandaw1947 comes to an end in Bagan. Disembark from the boat and transfer to your hotel. After freshening up, you will have a chance to explore the splendor of Bagan, famous for its thousands of ancient stupas and temples that make it one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Asia. Your day of cultural exploration comes to a close with a relaxing horse carriage tour through the temples, giving you a chance to take in even more of Bagan's breathtaking surroundings.

Overnight in Bagan.

Day 8 - Bagan (B)

Begin your day with a visit to the bustling Nyaung Oo Market before heading for the picturesque countryside village of Minnanthu with its unique temples. This afternoon, attend a Burmese tea ceremony in a monastery near Myinkabar village and sample local snacks and drinks before taking a leisurely horse carriage ride. After visiting some of the village's cultural sites, including mural painting and lacquer ware production huts, sit back and enjoy the sunset from the open upper terrace of one of Bagan's temples.

Overnight in Bagan.

Day 9 - Bagan - Yangon (B,D)

Enjoy your morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for your domestic flight back to Yangon. Your exploration of this fascinating city resumes with a visit to the residence of Gold-ash U Shein, famous for his traditional medicine and faith healing practices in Europe, before taking a short walking tour around the downtown area. Your day concludes with a special farewell dinner at Le Planteur, a fine dining restaurant.

Overnight in Yangon.

Day 10 - Departure Yangon (B)

After breakfast, enjoy your day at leisure with the car & guide at your disposal, until your transfer to Yangon International Airport for your onward flight.