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Tour Info

Leave Mon. Oct. 17
Return Thu. Nov. 03

$9,690 - Total Package
$4,950 - Single Room

$85 - Port Tax

$372 - Globus Journeys Club Discount

$100 - DWJ sign up discount available

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2016 Irrawaddy River Cruise, Myanmar 18 days

Including fascinating Inle Lake

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 Honolulu Departure.

Our adventure to the "Golden Land" of Myanmar begins today with an overnight departure for the Orient. Once the preliminary flight schedule is ready it will be displayed online at doldworldjourneys.com under the journey's web page and distributed to those already signed up.

Day 2 Orient Overnight.

Depending on our airlines and flight connections, we may need to overnight in the Orient. This hotel stay will be included in our airfare. Sorry UA fans, this one will not be United Airlines.

Day 3 Myanmar Arrival.

Welcome to Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, the Myanmar's largest city and former capital. We touchdown in the mid-morning, clear customs and immigration, and are met by our Globus local guide who takes us to the Sule Shangri-La Hotel, our home for the next two nights. Our day is at leisure to rest or start exploring this dynamic city. Alex, our Hawaii host, and our local guide will be available with suggestions.

Day 4 Exploring Yangon.

Begin with a guided stroll featuring many of the city's famous and historic landmarks, including the High Court, City Hall, Central Railway Station, and Sule Pagoda, built during the time of Buddha. Stop along the way at a Local Tea Shop for a cup of tea/coffee with the locals. After lunch, visit Chaukhtatgyi to see the massive reclining Buddha measuring in at 213 feet. Then continue to Shwedagon Pagoda, the most important religious site in the country and a national symbol. Here, a truly enchanting scene unfolds as the sunsets on the golden stupa and locals come to pay their respects. Tonight, our welcome dinner is in one of Yangon's best restaurants. (B), (L), (D)

Day 5 Experience Bhamo (Embarkation) and the Dramatic Second Defile.

Our day starts with a transfer to the airport for our flight to Bhamo. Upon arrival, we explore Bhamo by local trishaw and by foot, and then transfer to the port and board the Avalon Myanmar to begin our 10-night deluxe cruise on the spectacular Irrawaddy River. In the afternoon, get acquainted with the ship and sail through the limestone rocks of the Dramatic Second Defile with its magnificent cliffs reaching down the narrow channel. (B), (L), (D)

The all-suite Avalon Myanmar was launched in 2015. The ship reflects the traditions of Myanmar while offering all the comforting modern features. Carrying only 36 guests the ship offers an unrivaled small-ship cruise experience ensuring we engage with locals, experience their culture, and revel in the unique sights along the majestic Irrawaddy. It is built as long and wide as other ships that carry twice as many guests. From the spacious dining room and open-air observation lounge to the Sky Deck and air-conditioned Panorama Lounge there are plenty of places to sit and relax. Anywhere you sit you will have a great view of the passing scenery. In addition, there's a gym and two spa rooms offering relaxing massages. And with a crew to guest ratio of nearly 1:1 we will experience personalized service throughout the journey.

The hotel-style Avalon Suites features an expansive 245 square feet of living space. The innovative Open-Air Balcony is a floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall panoramic window measuring a massive 14 feet across. The doors slide open a full 9 feet, creating the feeling of sitting outside. And when the window is closed the space transforms into a comfortable sitting room as you watch the passing scenery. You'll also appreciate the thoughtful design of the bathroom. with its enlarged showers, marble countertops, premium fixtures, and a rain shower head. It's a luxurious hotel room on a ship.

With all meals included on board, every dining experience brings our destination to life. Try authentic cuisine from Myanmar or more familiar Western alternatives. The breakfast buffet offers a wide variety of dishes to start our day off right. Lunch features a buffet and a live cooking station showcasing local specialties served by our Head Chef. In the evening, a four-course à la carte dinner awaits with choice of salads, soups, entrées, dessert or cheese, and complimentary wine, local beer/spirits, soft drinks, coffee & tea. Vegetarian options are available with all meals.

Day 6 Kyun Daw.

This morning we a visit to the fascinating island village of Kyun Daw, where over 7,000 stupas surround the monastery. Take a guided walk for memorable encounters with the villagers. Visit a Fisherman's Home to learn more about daily life here and a School to interact with the children. We also experience a Nunnery to present the nuns with food purchased the day before at the market in Bhamo. Unlike monks, they have to collect and cook their own food. As we sail south this afternoon, with some luck, we may catch a glimpse of the rare Irrawaddy dolphin with its distinctive round forehead. (B), (L), (D)

Day 7 Via Katha to Tigyang.

After breakfast we explore a Local Market and observe the locals buying and selling fish, meat, produce, and more. Then, journey a short distance outside the city to an Elephant Camp in the teak forest. Skilled mahouts will explain how they have worked with elephants for centuries, and give us the opportunity to ride an elephant through the forest. Then sail to the small village of Tigyang for an afternoon guided stroll through its narrow lanes and to visit the pagoda and reclining Buddha on a hilltop with stunning views. (B), (L), (D)

Day 8 Kya Hnyat.

Today explore the village of Kya Hnyat with its many Buddhist monasteries. Here we will interact with the monks at a local monastery. Each morning they don their distinctive saffron-colored robes and walk through the streets to collect alms, offerings of food, like cooked rice and curry. This is a truly memorable experience as we present alms to the monks and witness their lunch ritual. (B), (L), (D)

Day 9 Kyauk Myaung.

Begin the day walk with our guide through the captivating pottery-making village of Kyauk Myaung. Along the way learn more about the pot-making process and see how they are formed, fired, and glazed. Most interesting is the eye-catching 50-gallon variety, often referred to as Martaban or Ali Baba jars in colonial times. These pots could transport large quantities of liquor, fish sauce, peanut oil, and more, and have played an important part of maritime trade throughout Asia for centuries. (B), (L), (D)

Day 10 Via Mingun to Mandalay and excursion to Amarapura.

This morning a guided tour on foot through the village of Mingun to witness its bronze bell, considered the largest working bell in the world. Then stop at the famous unfinished pagoda, where construction was abandoned at 160 feet, only a third of the planned height. Afterward, sail a short distance to Mandalay. We visit nearby Amarapura, former capital of Myanmar. Here our focus is on the famous U Bein Bridge, a three-quarter-mile-long bridge built in 1783 from reclaimed teakwood from the old royal palace in Inwa. The bridge is still a cornerstone of the community as locals and monks use it daily to cross Taungthaman Lake while fishermen and farmers go about their daily work below. In the late afternoon we take a Sampan Ride on the lake for memorable views of the sunset behind the iconic bridge. (B), (L), (D)

Day 11 Discovering Mandalay.

Our morning starts with a visit to a Tapestry & Woodcarving Workshop to learn more about these cottage industries and see the skilled artisans at work. Then, stop at a Gold Leaf Workshop to learn how it is made. Lastly, experience Mahamuni Pagoda, the most revered shrine in Mandalay, to see its impressive gold-leaf Buddha. Due to the continual application of gold leaves, officials estimate the gold is approximately six inches thick.

In the afternoon, explore Kuthodaw Pagoda and Shwenandaw Monastery, the only remnant of former King Mindon's "Golden City" to survive the bombing of World War II. Originally this was the king's living quarters, but the building was moved after his death to its current location and converted into a monastery. Today, the original gilding has faded, but the intricate wood carvings endure, giving us a sense of how extravagant the original teak palace complex was. This evening, enjoy a Traditional Dance Performance featuring local song and dance. (B), (L), (D)

Day 12 Sagaing.

Today our highlight is a visit to Sagaing, an important religious site with countless pagodas dotting the surrounding hillsides. Here, stop to see Kaunghmudaw Pagoda with its golden egg-shaped dome - unique among more traditional pagodas in Myanmar. Next, on to a Silversmith Workshop to learn how the local artisans turn silver into beautiful works of art. Lastly, explore Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda at the top of Sagaing Hill for stunning views of the Irrawaddy and across to Mandalay. (B), (L), (D)

Day 13 Shwe Pyi Thar.

Relax this morning and take in the sights from one of the ship's lounges or our suite. This afternoon, take a guided stroll through Shwe Pyi Thar, a typical village along the Irrawaddy. Here we will experience a Local Farmer's Home to learn more about daily life here and see the locals making palm candy, a sweet and smoky candy, from the sap of the toddy palm. To harvest the sap, a climber scales the toddy palm and hangs an earthen pot under a slit he cuts in the tree. The sap is then cooked in an iron pan over an open wood fire until it thickens and can be formed into small pieces by hand. After dinner, enjoy a Traditional Puppet Show presented in one of the lounges. (B), (L), (D)

Day 14 Exploring Bagan.

Today we discover Bagan, capital of Myanmar from the 9th to the 13th centuries. It is estimated that during this time over 13,000 temples, monasteries, and pagodas were built in the plains surrounding the city - an area of about 40 square miles. Many of these structures have been lost over time, but around 2,300 still stand today, making this one of the world's greatest archaeological sites. Early risers can visit one of the temples with a Local Guide to witness sunrise.

Our morning excursion starts with a visit to a Local Market selling handicrafts, fabrics, and longyis - a versatile sheet of cloth worn around the waist by most local men and women. Then, stop at the ornate Shwezigon Pagoda, one of the country's most important shrines. We will also visit a Lacquer Workshop to learn more about this ancient craft. After lunch, our sightseeing centers on the Bagan Archaeological Zone. Highlights include Ananda, considered by many to be the most beautiful temple, and Dhammayang Yi, the best preserved monument left standing. Also admire the exquisite and well preserved fresco paintings at Sulamani. End our day with an Ox Cart Ride to a temple, where we will ascend to the top as the sun sets. Tonight, join our Cruise Director and ship's crew for a Farewell Reception and special Farewell Dinner. (B), (L), (D)

Day 15 Disembarkation, then via Heho to Inle Lake.

Amazing thoughts of the Irrawaddy are with us as we transfer to the airport for our flight to Heho, the gateway to Inle Lake, a tranquil lake surrounded by mountains. We pause at Red Mountain Estate to bask in the beautiful scenery as we savor a lunch of authentic fare and wine produced from the vineyards here. Then we continue to the lakeside Villa Inle Resort & Spa, our home for the next two nights. (B), (L), (D)

Day 16 Inle Lake.

A fascinating excursion experiencing life around the lake is in store for us today. Stilted houses dot the shorelines and the local Intha use the famous one-legged rowing technique to fish and tend their floating gardens of tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergine, and more. These clever gardens are made from weeds lashed together and mud from the lake bottom, then anchored using bamboo poles, allowing them to rise and fall with the water level of the lake. Along the way we will stop at a Silk Workshop, where they use the fibers of the lotus plant to weave garments. Also visit a Silversmith Workshop and a Cheroot Workshop, where young girls roll the cigars at a dizzying pace. Before dinner, attend a Music & Dance Performance by the Padaung long-necked women who live in this area. (B), (L), (D)

Day 17 Via Heho to Yangon.

Before noon we head to Heho for our flight back to Yangon where transfer to a First-Class airport hotel for the rest of the afternoon. In the late evening we say "Aloha" to our newly made friends as we head to the airport to begin our flight home. (B)

Day 18 To Honolulu.

Fabulous memories of an amazing experience are with us as make our way home today.