AmaWaterways river cruise programme on Burma’s Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River

Award-winning river cruise line AmaWaterways has announced a new ship and new river cruise programme on Burma’s Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River, starting in November 2014.

Two itineraries will be on offer: the 10-night Golden Treasures of Myanmar and 14-night Hidden Wonders of Myanmar, both detailed in a new brochure. All voyages start in Yangon and include pre-cruise hotel accommodation in the city. The first departure, Hidden Wonders of Myanmar, is November 24, 2014.

One of the world’s most secretive, mysterious and fascinating places, Burma has a unique, centuries-old culture and spectacular architectural wonders, including sacred structures gilded with gold leaf and encrusted with precious gems. AmaWaterways’ river cruises are carefully designed to take in all the highlights:

·         Bagan – A cultural treasure trove of more than 2,200 temples, stupas and pagodas, on par with Cambodia’s massive Angkor Wat temple complex.

·         Mandalay – The country’s last royal capital and second largest city, the “Golden City” of Mandalay is regarded as Myanmar’s cultural heart, renowned for its master craftsmen and its patronage of the arts.

·         Mount Popa – The stunning shrine perched at the top of Mt. Popa is considered the legendary home of spirit gods worshipped by Burmese Buddhists.

·         Ancient Royal Cities – Inwa (Ava) was the capital of the Burma for more than 400 years. Amarapura has the world’s longest teak bridge, Sagaing is famous for its tranquil atmosphere and Mingun has many historic sites to explore.

·         Yangon (Rangoon) – The “Garden City of the East,” retains much of its colonial charm with cobblestoned streets, tree-lined avenues and Victorian architecture.

Guests will cruise the Ayeyarwady aboard the all-suite AmaPura, a 56-passenger vessel furnished with a combination of modern and traditional motifs. All 28 spacious suites feature a balcony (a French balcony, step-out full balcony, or twin balconies), a well-appointed en suite bathroom and many other deluxe amenities. The ship’s elegant public areas include a restaurant, main lounge and bar, gift shop, spa, refreshing pool and a Sun Deck perfect for lounging, enjoying a cool drink, or simply gazing out at the passing scenery.

An optional four-night post-cruise land extension is available on both itineraries, featuring three nights in Inle Lake and one further night in Yangon.

“We have so many exciting developments in the works, especially our new programme and new ship in Myanmar,” said Kristin Karst, Executive Vice President and Co-Owner. “My own trip there was an amazing experience. Our Myanmar cruises will immerse our guests in a place that has long been shut off from the rest of the world, and that’s an opportunity no world traveller should ever pass up.”

The Golden Treasures of Myanmar itinerary costs from £4999pp, including return UK flights from London, two nights pre-cruise and one night post-cruise stay in Yangon, transfers to and from the ship, ten nights on board the ship, all tours, all meals, complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, on-board entertainment including cultural shows and lectures, and port charges.

For more information about AmaWaterways’ luxury river cruises contact AmaWaterways on freephone 0808 223 5009,www.amawaterways.co.uk