Avalon Irrawaddy 2015

introducing our new

36-passenger suite ship®

w w w . c r u i s e . c o . u k

RiveR CRuiseiRRawaddy

w w w . c r u i s e . c o . u k / r i v e r - c r u i s e s

myanmar

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To travel to Myanmar, formerly Burma, is to step back in time…to a place that has changed little since the British colonial era. Ruled by the British starting in 1885, Myanmar regained its independence in 1948. In the 1960s, the country essentially shut its borders to the Western world after the sitting government was overthrown and socialist policies were instituted by the new regime.

Seeds of change were planted in the late 1980s as Aung San Suu Kyi, a national hero and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, helped to form the National League for Democracy. In 1990, the first multi-party elections since 1960 were held, but the sitting government refused to accept the results. During these elections Aung San Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest, where she remained for 15 of the next 20 years. Mounting international pressure and democratic reforms

MyanMar & the

Irrawaddy rIver

finally led to her release in 2010, followed by a dramatic shift by the government to a more democratic style of rule. While there is still work to be done, Myanmar is carving a peaceful and more prosperous path to the future. Along with these changes, the borders were reopened to Western visitors for the first time in more than 50 years. While Yangon, formerly Rangoon, is growing rapidly, much of the rest of the country is virtually unchanged and traditions are still a way of life. Young women wear fragrant thanaka to protect their faces from the sun, horse and ox carts transport goods to the market, and the monastery is still the centre of the village. The culture is as diverse as it is colourful, with more than 130 ethnic groups calling Myanmar home. Over 90% of the population practices Buddhism, and intricate

pagodas and temples, many of them glimmering in gold, dot the landscape. At the centre of it all is the unquestioned historical, cultural, and economic heart of the country: the majestic Irrawaddy River. Flowing for more than 1,300 miles through the country from its glacial origins in the soaring Himalayas, it meanders peacefully through jungle-shrouded highlands and sun-seared plains to its mangrove-dotted delta at the Andaman Sea. Known as the “Road to Mandalay,” the river is a gateway to untouched villages, ancient cities, remarkable culture, and captivating panoramas. Visiting this “Golden Land” now affords an incomparable opportunity to experience Myanmar before Western influence alters the culture, land, and the people.

CALL uS ON 0330 303 8507 OR VISIT www.cruise.co.uk/river-cruises

Included Is the naMe of the gaMeAt Avalon, “included” is one of our favourite words. Spacious outside Avalon Suites with sitting area and huge 14-foot wall-to-wall window: included. unique Local FavouritesSM, designed to immerse you in the culture: included. Complimentary local beer/spirits and soft drinks throughout the day: included. The most shore excursions, led by Certified Local Guides and complete with audio headsets: included. VIP entrance into the must-see sites: included. Expansive panoramic views throughout the ship: included.

INCLUDED FOR EVERY AVALON GUEST

• Intimate cruise experience on the all-suite Avalon MyanmarSM with no more than 36 passengers

• Spacious outside Avalon Suite measuring 245 square feet

• Large wardrobes with shelves for ample storage & in-room safe

• Comfort Collection BedsSM with premium mattress toppers

• Large private bathrooms with hairdryer, premium bath amenities & full shower with glass door

• Large desk with convenient power outlets

• Individual climate control

• Minibar with complimentary local beer, soft drinks & bottled water

• Plush bathrobes & slippers

• Professional Cruise Director and staff to help throughout your cruise

• Included sightseeing accompanied by Certified Local Guide

• Selection of Local FavouritesSM offering unique cultural activities & interactions with locals (look for the icon on itinerary pages)

• Fascinating destination talks and demonstrations by your Cruise Director, Local Guides, and ship’s crew

• Headsets for all guided shore excursions

• Bottled water on all excursions

• Fresh fruit & refreshing drink after all ship excursions

• Complimentary wine, local beer/spirits, soft drinks, coffee & tea at dinner

• Bar serving premium spirits & complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks, and local beer/spirits throughout the day

• Fitness room

• Gratuities for your Cruise Director and crew

pERSONAL ChAUFFEUR SERVICE

• Start and finish your holiday in style with our included return personal chauffeur service in an executive car, to and from your chosen departure airport. This service is automatically included if you live within 100 miles of your chosen international departure airport.If you live further away, you can still enjoy the same service for a supplement of £1.70 per car per extra mile.

wE’RE AbTA bONDEDAll flight-inclusive holidays in this brochure are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions on page 118 for details or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLcertificate

FLExIbLE pRICESWe know that the cost of your cruise is just as important as the choices and options you have, which is why in order to offer you the best value for money at the time of booking, our pricing is now aligned with prices coming directly from our airline partners. This means as they change, we are able to pass savings directly on to you as we get them. If you’d like to discuss today’s prices for your cruise, or find out if there are any flight sales which you could take advantage of, call our

Specialists or visit our website.


on the

Irrawaddy More than 90% of the Burmese population follows the

Buddhist religion, so it’s unsurprising that the graceful form

of the pagoda is a natural part of the landscape. With Avalon,

you’ll visit some of the most important pagodas in the country,

including golden Shwezigon in Bagan. Here you will explore

some of the 2,300 majestic temples that dot the plains of

Bagan - including Ananda, one of the most beautiful of all the

remaining temples - and will ascend to the top of a temple for

an unforgettable view of sunset.

In Mandalay, visit Mahamuni Pagoda, as well as Shwenandaw

Monastery, the only surviving building from the original royal

palace complex. In nearby Amarapura, visit u Bein Bridge for

a memorable sampan ride at sunset. Beyond the must-see

sights, Avalon delivers hands-on activities and encounters with

local people that allow for a truly immersive local experience.

Cruise north of Mandalay on the most scenic part of the river

- past traditional riverside villages, teak forests, lavish shrines,

and a host of bird and animal life. If you are lucky, you may

even catch a glimpse of the rare Irrawaddy dolphin.

As you cruise along, each day is a tapestry of exotic flavours,

captivating panoramas, and bustling river activity. Watch

villagers make candy from the sap of the toddy palm tree, and

wander through a pottery-making village to see the process

from start to finish. Visit a monastery, where you will present

alms to the monks and observe their daily lunch ritual, and

interact with children at a village school. Other highlights

include a visit to a farmer’s home to learn more about his work

and life. You’ll even have a chance to ride an elephant!

Beyond the Irrawaddy you will visit Yangon, formerly known

as Rangoon, the country’s largest city. Take a walking tour

of the city’s monuments, mix with locals at a tea shop, and

stop at stunning Shwedagon Pagoda, the national symbol of

Myanmar and considered by many to be the oldest pagoda in

the world. Here, watch as monks gather and the sun sets on

the magnificent golden stupa.

All this and more await on this incredible adventure.


Joining our family of remarkable Suite Ships®, the meticulously crafted all-suite Avalon MyanmarSM carries a a maximum of just 36 passengers so you can truly engage the locals, experience their culture, and revel in the unique sights along the majestic Irrawaddy. Built by local craftsmen, the ship reflects the character, symbols, and traditions of Myanmar while offering all the modern features today’s travellers expect. Time on board centres around a refreshing outdoor experience, as all suites open to the outside and the large Panorama Lounge and open-air lounge offer a variety of expansive views.

The innovative design also allows the Avalon MyanmarSM to cruise the spectacular upper Irrawaddy throughout the season - a feat not possible on a larger ship.

See page 22 for deck plan.

sMall shIp, BIg experIences

Cruise along the sCeniC

upper irrawaddy

NOTE: Artist renderings are correct as of the publication date but are subject to change.

AvAlon MyAnMArSM FeAtureS:

•Builtin2015

•Air-conditionedPanoramaLounge

•Open-airobservationloungewithshadesystem&premiumloungechairs

•Spacious,open-seatingdiningroom

•Barservingpremiumspirits&complimentarycoffee,tea,softdrinks,andlocalbeer/spiritsthroughouttheday

•ComplimentaryWi-Fiaccessinloungeareas(wheresignalisavailable)

•Spatreatmentroom

•FitnessCentre

•Library&games

•Non-smokinginterior

sMall shIp, BIg experIences

Panorama Lounge

Open-air observation lounge


Our well-appointed Avalon Suites were designed with you inmind.DecoratedtoexudetheveryspiritofMyanmar,eachsuiteisaspacious245squarefeet.Whileothersusevaluablespaceontiny balconies, we offer an experience suitable for any weathercondition-thatdoesn’tsacrificeyourindoorspace.OurinnovativeOpen-Air Balcony® is a floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall panoramicwindowmeasuring14feetwidewitharetractablescreensystem.

Thedoorsslideopenafull9feet,creatingthefeelingofsittingoutside.Relaxinyourprivatesittingarea,completewithloveseat,chairsandtable,asyoucruisepastfascinatingscenesofdailylife.

YourAvalonSuitedeliversanotherremarkablefeature:abedthatfacesthewindow,sothepassingsceneryisthefirstthingyouseeinthemorningandthelastthingyouseeatnight.Ouramazing

lIve the

suIte lIfe

NOTE: Artist renderings are correct as of the publication date but are subject to change.

AMENITIES•ComfortCollectionBedsSM,

featuringpremiummattresscovers

•Egyptiansuper-combedcottonlinens,woollenblankets&European-styleduvets

•Soft&firmpillows

•Choiceofbedconfiguration(twotwinsoroneking)

•Nightlyturn-downservice

•Bedsidetableswithreadinglamps

•Wall-to-WallPanoramicwindowmeasuring14-feetwide,withretractablescreensystem,thatopenstotransformthelivingspaceintoalargeOpen-AirBalcony®

•Largeprivatebathroomfeaturingfullshowerwithglassdoor,hairdryer,andpremiumbathamenities

•Spaciouswardrobeswithshelvesforamplestorage

•Easyunder-bedluggagestorage

•Alarmclock

•Writingdesk/vanitywithmirror&comfortablechair

•In-housetelephone

•Bathrobes&slippers

•Complimentarybottledwater

•In-roomsafe

•Individualclimatecontrol

ComfortCollectionBedsSMaretoppedbypremiummattresscovers,Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, European-style duvets, andsoftandfirmpillows.

You’llalsoappreciatethelargeprivatebathroom,featuringafullshowerwith glass door and premium bath products. There is even sound-dampeninginsulation,soit’slesslikelyyou’llhearyourneighbours.


taste the

culture

ON bOARDWith Avalon, every dining experience brings your destination to life. We start with fresh, quality ingredients...and delicious recipes that are crafted by our culinary experts. Try authentic cuisine from Myanmar - or more familiar Western alternatives. The breakfast buffet offers a wide variety of dishes to ensure you start your day off right. Dinner is served at your table with complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks.

ON LAND Your day starts with breakfast at your hotel. You will also join your travelling companions for a welcome dinner at one of Yangon’s finest restaurants. If you choose to join our Inle Lake extension, we even include a meal at one of the few wineries in Myanmar, featuring a relaxing atmosphere and stunning views over the lake.


extend your cruIseCustomise your cruise with optional extensions before,after-orboth!Bangkokbustleswithactivity,andaboatridethroughtheklongsandvisitstotheGrandPalaceandthehuge Reclining Buddha won’t disappoint. Home to manydifferentnativetribes,freshwaterInleLakeisafascinatingdestination where you’ll enjoy an indigenous music anddanceperformance,anexcursiononthelaketoseescenesofdailylife,andvisitstothebeautifulfloatinggardensandavarietyofworkshops.

14

superIor hotelsEvery Avalon hotel has been carefully selected by our regional experts. With high-quality service, desirable amenities, spacious guestrooms, and central locations, each is sure to exceed your expectations.

1 Yangon - Traders hotel, Yangon

Located in the heart of the city, the Traders Hotel, Yangon blends elegance and true Myanmar hospitality, creating a distintive and pleasing atmosphere. The well-appointed guestrooms are spacious and offer great views of the city.

2 bangkok extension - InterContinental bangkok

Located in the heart of the commercial district, the hotel is walking distance from shops and restaurants, and is adjacent to the BTS Skytrain station for easy access to the rest of the city. You will appreciate the impeccable service and authentic Thai hospitality.

3 Inle Lake extension - Villa Inle Resort & Spa

The resort enjoys an idyllic setting on the eastern shore of Inle Lake. With local farmers working their fields nearby, this is perfect for those seeking a serene escape. Each secluded lakeside bungalow featuress a private deck with lake view, sitting area, and a spacious bathroom with separate shower and tub.

For a full list of hotels and amenities, visit Avaloncruises.co.uk.

1 23


Golden MyanMaR & The alluRinG iRRawaddy

INCLuDED FEATuRESCRuISE

Deluxe 10-night cruise from Bagan to Bhamo in an outside suite with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection BedsSM. Enjoy an intimate cruise experience with a maximum of 36 guests on board.

SIGHTSEEING

Your day-by-day itinerary indicates in uPPERCASE all inside visits, special features, and guided sightseeing. All included guided sightseeing is conducted by a Certified Local Guide.

LOCAL FAvOuRITESSM

Special experiences by local entertainers, artisans, and experts, designed to enrich your experience. Just look for the icon to see what we’ve included for you.

MEALS

• B: American breakfast daily L: 10 lunches D: 11 dinners including a welcome dinner in Yangon

• Bangkok Extension: breakfast (B) daily, 1 lunch (L)

• Inle Lake Extension: breakfast (B) daily, 1 lunch (L), 2 dinners (D)

SuPERIOR HOTELS

Yangon Traders Hotel, Yangon (MD) bangkok Extension InterContinental Bangkok (D) Inle Lake Extension Villa Inle (SF)

OTHER INCLuDED FEATuRES

• Your personal Avalon chauffeur service by executive car to and from the airport (within 100 miles of the airport)

• Flights from Heathrow. - regional flights are available at a supplement

• Gratuities for Cruise Director and crew

• Complimentary wine, local beer/spirits, and soft drinks with all dinners on board

• Complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks, local beer/spirits on board throughout the day

• Audio headsets on all shore excursions• Bottled water on all shore excursions• Fresh fruit and refreshing drink after all

shore excursions

Personal chauffeur service

IrrawaddyRiver

MANDALAYAMARAPURA

SAGAINGKYAUK MYAUNG

TIGYANGKYA HNYAT

KATHA

BHAMO

Second DefileKYUN DAW

2 1

MYANMAR(BURMA)

YANGON

BAGANSHWE PYI THAR

THAILAND

10

Andaman Sea

ExtensionBANGKOK

INLE LAKEExtension

Extension

Start/End City

CRuISE - NORTHBOuND14 DAYS • YAnGon to YAnGon

DAY CITY / HIGHLIGHT

1-2 Arrive Yangon: welcome to Myanmar

3 Yangon: walking tour of the city’s landmarks; visit a local tea shop, Chaukhtatgyi, and Shwedagon Pagoda; welcome dinner in local restaurant

4 Yangon–bagan (Embarkation): fly to Bagan; welcome reception with ship’s crew; traditional puppet show

5 bagan: watch sunrise from temple; sightseeing including a local market, Shwezigon Pagoda, lacquer workshop, Ananda Temple, Dhammayangyi Temple, upali Thein, Abeyadana Temple; oxcart ride to temple for sunset

6 Shwe pyi Thar: walking tour through this typical river village to see palm candy being made

7 Sagaing–Amarapura: visit Kaunghmudaw Pagoda and Soon u Ponya Shin Pagoda in Sagaing; visit u Bein Bridge and take a sampan ride at sunset in Amarapura

8 Mandalay: sightseeing including Mahamuni, Kuthadaw and Shwenandaw Pagodas; visit tapestry, woodcarving, and gold leaf workshops; traditional dance performance

9 Kyauk Myaung: walking tour through a pottery-making village

10 Kya hnyat: visit a monastery and present alms to the monks and see their lunch ritual

11 Tigyang: walking tour through village and walk to hilltop pagoda

12 Katha: visit to local market; excursion to elephant camp with elephant ride

13 Kyun Daw–Second Defile: visit a farmer’s home, local school, and nunnery in Kyun Daw; cruise through the dramatic second defile

14 bhamo (Disembarkation)–Yangon: explore Bhamo by trishaw and foot; fly to Yangon

15-16 Yangon - UK.

CRuISE - SOuTHBOuND 14 DAYS • YAnGon to YAnGon

DAY CITY / HIGHLIGHT

1-2 Arrive Yangon: welcome to Myanmar

3 Yangon: walking tour of the city’s landmarks; visit a local tea shop, Chaukhtatgyi, and Shwedagon Pagoda; welcome dinner in local restaurant

4 Yangon–bhamo (Embarkation)–Second Defile: fly to Bhamo and explore the town by trishaw and foot; cruise through the dramatic second defile; welcome reception with ship’s crew

5 Kyun Daw: visit a farmer’s home, local school, and nunnery

6 Katha–Tigyang: visit a local market and excursion to elephant camp with elephant ride in Katha; walking tour through village and walk to hilltop pagoda in Tigyang

7 Kya hnyat: visit a monastery and present alms to the monks and see their lunch ritual

8 Kyauk Myaung: walking tour through a pottery-making village; traditional dance performance

9 Mingun–Mandalay–Amarupura: see unfinished pagoda & bronze bell in Mingun; visit u Bein Bridge and take a sampan ride at sunset in Amarapura

10 Mandalay: sightseeing including Mahamuni, Kuthadaw and Shwenandaw Pagodas; visit tapestry, woodcarving, and gold leaf workshops

11 Sagaing: visit Kaunghmudaw Pagoda and Soon u Ponya Shin Pagoda

12 Shwe pyi Thar: walking tour through this typical river village to see palm sweets being made; traditional puppet show

13 bagan: watch sunrise from temple; sightseeing including a local market, Shwezigon Pagoda, lacquer workshop, Ananda Temple, Dhammayangyi Temple, upali Thein, Abeyadana Temple; oxcart ride to temple for sunset

14 bagan (Disembarkation)–Yangon: fly to Yangon

15-16 Yangon - UK.

Plains of Bagan


Shwedagon Pagoda at sunset

DAY 1 -2 Arrive in Yangon, Myanmar. Welcome to Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, the country’s largest city and former capital. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

DAY 3 Yangon. This morning, take a WALKING TOuR 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. Afterwards, continue to SHWEDAGON PAGODA, the most important religious site in the country and a national symbol. Here, a truly enchanting scene unfolds as the sun sets on the golden stupa and locals come to pay their respects. Tonight, your welcome dinner is in one of Yangon’s best restaurants. (B,L,D)

DAY 4 Yangon–Bagan (embarkation). Late this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bagan. upon arrival, transfer to the port and board the Avalon Myanmar to begin your CRuISE up the Irrawaddy. Get acquainted with the ship before your welcome reception this evening. After dinner, a TRADITIONAL PuPPET SHOW will be presented in one of the lounges. (B,D)

DAY 5 Bagan. Today, explore 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. After breakfast, your 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. You will also visit a LACQuER WORKSHOP to learn more about this ancient craft. After lunch, your sightseeing centres on the BAGAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL

ZONE. Highlights include ANANDA, considered by many to be the most beautiful temple, and DHAMMAYANGYI, the best preserved monument left standing. Also stop to see the exquisite and well preserved fresco paintings at uPALI THEIN and ABEYADANA. Your day ends with an OXCART RIDE to a temple, where you will ascend to the top as the sun sets. (B,L,D)

DAY 6 shwe Pyi Thar–cruising. This morning, take a WALKING TOuR through Shwe Pyi Thar, a typical village along the Irrawaddy. Here you will 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. This afternoon, enjoy time on board the ship as we sail north for Mandalay. (B,L,D)

Golden MyanMaR & The alluRinG iRRawaddy

Enjoyatraditionalpuppetshowonboard.

Your day-by-day itinerary indicates all inside visits, special features, and guided sightseeing in UPPERCASE. All included guided sightseeing is conducted by a Certified Local Guide.

Monks in Bagan

DAY 7 sagaing–Amarapura. Relax this morning and take in the sights from one of the ship’s lounges or your suite. In the afternoon, visit 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 SOON u PONYA SHIN PAGODA at the top of Sagaing Hill for stunning views of the Irrawaddy and across to Mandalay. Cross the Ava Bridge to Amarapura, former capital of Myanmar. Your visit focuses 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. Take a SAMPAN RIDE on the lake for

memorable views of the sunset behind the iconic bridge. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 Mandalay. This morning, visit a TAPESTRY & WOODCARVING WORKSHOP to learn more about these cottage industries and see the skilled artisans at work. Then, stop at 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. This afternoon, visit KuTHODAW PAGODA and SHWENANDAW MONASTERY, the only remnant of former King Mindon’s “Golden City” to survive the bombing of World War II. Originally the king’s living quarters, 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 you a sense of how extravagant the original teak

palace complex was. Lastly, stop at a GOLD LEAF WORKSHOP to see how it is made. This evening, enjoy a TRADITIONAL DANCE PERFORMANCE by firelight on a sand bank just north of Mandalay. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 kyauk Myaung. Today, take a WALKING TOuR through the captivating pottery-making village of Kyauk Myaung. Here you will learn more about the pot-making process and see how they are formed, fired, and

Irrawaddy dolphinShwezigon Pagoda

Meals are indicated by breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D)Your day-by-day itinerary indicates all inside visits, special features, and guided sightseeing in UPPERCASE. All included guided sightseeing is conducted by a Certified Local Guide.


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 kya Hnyat. This morning, visit the village of Kya Hnyat with its many Buddhist monasteries. Here you will

INTERACT WITH THE MONKS at a local monastery. Each morning they don their distinctive saffron-coloured robes and walk through the streets to collect alms, offerings of food, like cooked rice and curry. This is a truly memorable experience as you present alms to the monks and witness their lunch ritual. (B,L,D)

DAY 11 Tigyang. Visit the small village of Tigyang for a WALKING TOuR through its narrow lanes and to visit the pagoda and reclining Buddha on a hilltop with stunning views. (B,L,D)

DAY 12 katha. This morning, visit a LOCAL MARKET, where you will see 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 show you how they have worked with elephants for centuries, and you will have the opportunity to

RIDE AN ELEPHANT through the forest. As you sail north this afternoon, with some luck, you may catch a glimpse of the rare Irrawaddy dolphin with its distinctive round forehead. (B,L,D)

DAY 13 kyun Daw–second Defile–Bhamo. This morning, visit the fascinating island village of Kyun Daw, where over 7,000 stupas surround the monastery.

Take a WALKING TOuR for memorable encounters with the villagers. Visit a FARMER’S HOME to learn more about daily life here and a SCHOOL to interact with the children. You will also visit a NuNNERY to present the nuns with food purchased the day before at the market in Katha. unlike monks, they have to collect and cook their own food. This afternoon, sail through the DRAMATIC SECOND DEFILE with its magnificent cliffs reaching down the narrow channel. Continue to Bhamo, the northernmost point ships can navigate the Irrawaddy. Tonight, join your Cruise Director and ship’s crew for a FAREWELL RECEPTION and special FAREWELL DINNER. (B,L,D)

DAY 14 Bhamo (Disembarkation)–Yangon.After breakfast, disembark the ship and EXPLORE BHAMO by local trishaw and by foot. Afterward, transfer to the airport for your flight to Yangon. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)

DAY 15-16 Yangon. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the uK. (B)

START YOuR HOLIDAY IN BANGkOk

• CruISE — 19 DAYS FROM BANGKOK TO YANGON

DAY 1-2 Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand.Welcome to Bangkok! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

DAY 3 Bangkok. This morning your sightseeing begins with a BOAT RIDE through the klongs, Bangkok’s canals, to see family homes, temples, and the way of life that give this city the nickname “Venice of the East.” Stop at the stunning GRAND PALACE, featuring the TEMPLE OF THE EMERALD BuDDHA. Also visit the TEMPLE OF THE RECLINING BuDDHA, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It houses more than 1,000 Buddha images, including the 49-foot-high and 151-foot-long massive Reclining Buddha. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B,L)

DAY 4 Bangkok. Enjoy a full day at your leisure. (B)

DAY 5 Bangkok–Yangon, Myanmar. Today, fly to Yangon to join Day 2 of the main cruise. (B)

Farmers in Kyun Daw

Rideanelephantthroughateakforestnearkatha.

Your day-by-day itinerary indicates all inside visits, special features, and guided sightseeing in UPPERCASE. All included guided sightseeing is conducted by a Certified Local Guide.

Martaban pots, Kyauk Myaung

ADD INLE LAkE TO YOuR HOLIDAY

• CruISE 18 DAYS FroM YANGON TO YANGON

DAYS 1 TO 13 Like main Cruise.

DAY 14 Bhamo (Disembarkation)–Yangon–Heho–inle Lake. Transfer to the airport and fly to Heho (via Yangon), the gateway to Inle Lake, a tranquil lake surrounded by mountains. Pause at Red Mountain Estate to bask in the beautiful scenery as you enjoy a dinner of authentic fare and wine produced from the vineyards here. Continue to your lakeside resort, where you will spend the next two nights. (B,D)

DAY 15 inle Lake. Today, a fascinating excursion to see scenes of life around the lake. 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 you will stop at a SILK WORKSHOP, where they use the fibers of the lotus plant to weave garments. You will 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 part of the country. (B,L,D)

DAY 16 inle Lake–Heho–Yangon. Today, transfer to Heho for your flight back to Yangon for an overnight. (B)

DAY 17-18 Yangon. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the uK. (B)

ADD BANGkOk & INLE LAkE TO YOuR HOLIDAY

• CruISE — 21 DAYS FROM BANGKOK TO YANGON

Meals are indicated by breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D)Your day-by-day itinerary indicates all inside visits, special features, and guided sightseeing in UPPERCASE. All included guided sightseeing is conducted by a Certified Local Guide.


Prices are based on 2 adults sharing, flying from London Heathrow with Malaysian Airlines and are directly aligned to the latest prices from our airline partners. Generally the earlier you book the lower the flight price. Therefore prices shown are a guide; they may increase or decrease and are subject to availability. The correct prices will always be confirmed to you before you book. Please see our Booking Conditions for further information.

Alternative airlines are available from Heathrow and regional flights via Heathrow are available from Manchester, Leeds Bradford, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh. For sole occupancy prices, pre or post nights, holidays without flights, please contact us on 0800 440 2679.

Golden Myanmar & the Irrawaddy

WBK - Northbound

2015 Departures

Category BIrrawaddyDeck from

September £5369October £5369November £5369December £5775

WKB - Southbound

2015 Departures

Category BIrrawaddyDeck from

September -October £5369November £5369December £5429

Stateroom Upgrades fromCategory A Mandalay Deck £224.

Northbound - Ship: Avalon IrrawaddyEx UK Departure Dates: September 28; October 18; November 7, 27; December 17.Start Yangon: September 29; October 19; November 8, 28; December 18

Southbound - Ship: Avalon IrrawaddyEx UK Departure Dates: October 8, 28; November 17; December 7, 27.Start Yangon: October 9, 29; November 18; December 8, 28.

Z:/Clients/Cosmos/Products/Avalon/2872/xlt/Avalon-Mini-Mekon.3d page 2Colour: avalon_gray – Proof: 1 – Grid Page: 002

Irrawaddy River

AvALoN MYANMArsM

side-view

AVALON SUITES

King-SizeBed

Wall-to-WallPanoramic WindowCreating an Open-Air Balcony

AMeNiTies·ComfortCollectionBedssM,featuringpremiummattresscovers

·Egyptiansuper-combedcottonlinens,woollenblankets&European-styleduvets

·Soft&firmpillows

·Choiceofbedconfiguration(twotwinsoroneking)

·Nightlyturn-downservice

·Bedsidetableswithreadinglamps

•Wall-to-WallPanoramicwindowmeasuring14-feetwidethatopenstotransformthelivingspaceintoalargeOpen-AirBalcony®

·Largeprivatebathroomfeaturingfullshowerwithglassdoor,hairdryer,andpremiumbathproducts

·Spaciouswardrobeswithshelvesforamplestorage

·Easyunder-bedluggagestorage

·Alarmclock

·Writingdesk/vanitywithmirror&comfortablechair

·In-housetelephone

·Bathrobes&slippers

·Complimentarybottledwater

·In-roomsafe

·Individualclimatecontrol

Technical Data Built: 2015

Length: 200 ft.Crew members: 24Staterooms: 18

Deck Plan 1 Navigation Bridge2 Spa treatment room3 Gym4 Premium lounge chairs5 Open-air observation lounge

with premium lounge chairs

6 Panorama Lounge7 Bar8 Reception9 Dining Room10 Galley

245sq.ft.

sky Deck

irrawaddy Deck

Cat. A

Cat. B

Mandalay Deck

Irrawaddy Deck

categories

irrAwADDY & MANDALAY Decks- category A & B

NOTE: Deck plan and artist renderings are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change.

4

3

2

Mandalay Deck

10 9

8

7

65

1


foR MoRe ChoiCe, also see ouR vieTnaM, CaMbodia & The MekonG

RiveR CRuise bRoChuRe

WeareamemberofABTAandourflight-inclusivepackagesarefully

bondedwiththeCAA’sATOLscheme,whichmeansyourholidayis

completelyprotected.ABTA No.V3031

COSMOS TOURS LTD

also see our other worldwide holidays:

• Mekong • Yangtze • Amazon • Galápagos

PleaseseeourwebsiteforfullBookingConditions.

w w w . c r u i s e . c o . u k

visit us at

www.cruise.co.uk/river-cruises

to book call us on

0330 303 8507

inassociationwith

Avalon Irrawaddy 2015

Documents

Transcript of Avalon Irrawaddy 2015