EXCLUSIVE INTRODUCTORY OFFERS BO OK BEF O RE 29 F E B ‘16 • F R E E M E E T & G R E E T A I R PO RT PA R K I N G*
YOUR PERFECT
FIRST RIVER CRUISE
Book early to secure your chosen cabin cabins are limited
Take advantage of the early booking discount prices will increase
(on average 60 cabins per ship)
Only pay deposit at time of booking
Budapest
7 8 0 2 4
Call us now on 0330 303 8326
T H E B R I T I S H R I V E R C RUI S E L I N E Riviera Travel tailor their river cruises to the British market. As standard, you will find: 99Return travel from the UK is included in your cost; flights and no-fly options are available 99Excursions and tours are included and are in english 99Tipping is entirely at your discretion
Published in June 2015, Which?, probably the country’s most respected not-for-profit consumer organisation, voted Riviera Travel one of the UK’s finest Holiday Companies awarding us their coveted ‘Recommended Provider’ for a fourth year in a row
99Tea & coffee making facilities in every cabin* exclusively with Riviera 99All port charges, taxes & transfers are included in your cruise fare 99All meals & snacks are included 99Services of an experienced Riviera Travel tour manager 99Once the ship is moored, you are free to go ashore at your leisure *excluding Swiss Sapphire & Douro Spirit
Lido Bar onboard Lord Byron
RH INE & M OSEL L E YOUR I T I N E R A RY Day 1
Cologne Enjoy a guided tour & visit the stunning Gothic Cathedral.
Day 2
Day 3
Cochem
WH AT ’S I N C LU D E D : 99 Standard class reserved seat on Eurostar from London St. Pancras or return flights from selected airports (at a supplement) 99 Return rail connections on selected dates from more than 30 regional stations
Trier
99 Visit to Boppard, the picturesque ‘Pearl of the Rhine’
Day 4 Bernkastel Wander the ancient streets to the delightful cobbled market square surrounded by some of the finest, most ornate half-timbered houses you will ever see - many dating from the 15th century.
Koblenz Take a guided walk around the historic centre, discovering ancient squares, admiring beautifully restored historic house frontages and quaint hidden passageways.
Day 6
7 Nights • 18 Aug ‘16 Available May - Oct ‘16 • 5 Riviera Travel Ship
In times gone by the centre of the Moselle wine trade, with unrivalled views of the castle crowning a mound covered in vineyards. Enjoy a guided tour during which you learn all about the historical significance of the city through Roman times.
Day 5
Swiss Sapphire Restaurant
Lord Byron
99 Time to explore the hillside town of Rüdesheim - the most famous of the Rhine’s wine towns 99 Stop in Cochem – the historic centre of the Moselle wine trade 99 Tour of Trier – once a key capital of the Roman Empire 99 Guided tour of Cologne – and see the stunning Gothic Cathedral
Boppard Also known as the ‘Pearl of the Rhine’, a classically picturesque village, located on a long, sweeping, looping bend of the river
Day 7
Rüdesheim A visit to the Asbach brandy distillery is rewarding (tasting assured of course) or you could perhaps take a trip on the unusual gondola lift with its spectacular views across the river.
Day 8
Cologne Disembark and return to the UK
Fares from (£pp)Price based on 18 Aug ‘16
Cologne
from £1199 PP
7 Nights • Available May - Oct ‘16 5 Riviera Travel Ship
R H INE CR UI SE TO SWI TZ E R L A N D
MS Jane Austen
YOUR I T I N E R A RY Day 1
Fly to Dusseldorf
You fly to Düsseldorf from where a coach will take you to the ship. Or you can take a late morning Eurostar from London St. Pancras International arriving in Brussels approximately two hours later and transfer to the ship. Day 2 Koblenz Firstly you see the forested Siebengebirge (seven mountains), the inspiration for the Grimm’s many legends including ‘Snow White’. We pass the famous ruined bridge at Remagen, captured intact by the allies in a bold action towards the end of WWII, before finally crumbling into the waters below. Day 3 Rudesheim After lunch you berth and visit Rüdesheim. Take a stroll through the vineyards or maybe a cable car ride to the great statue of Germania, strikingly overlooking the river’s exit from the gorge. After dinner this evening, why not end the day with a small Asbach - the brandy locally distilled here in Rüdesheim. Day 4 Speyer Today the ship berths in delightfully medieval Speyer. You can visit the neo-gothic Gedächtniskirche; a huge, richly decorated Basilica, one of the finest Romanesque buildings in existence which when it was built was widely acclaimed as one of the finest in Christendom. You also have some free time to explore as you wish before rejoining the ship. Day 5 Strasbourg This afternoon, you will have a walking tour of its unique and picturesque 16th century old town, bisected by canals and a maze of narrow streets lined with timber-framed houses and sculptured portals plus the superb cathedral. This evening, the ‘Captain’s Dinner’ will take place on board, serving delicious specialities of the countries and regions we visit during our cruise.
W HAT ’S IN C LU D E D : 99Standard class reserved seat on Eurostar from London St. Pancras or return flights from selected airports (at a supplement) 99Price includes full-board from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day
99The services of a cruise director and tour manager 99Includes All Meals & Snacks 99Transfers to and from the port 99Services of an experienced Riviera Travel Tour Manager
IN C LU D E D TOU R HIGHLIGHTS: • Explore medieval Koblenz • Visit to the pretty, romantic town of Rüdesheim - centre of the Rhineland wine trade • Cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge • An evening in Speyer - dominated by the imposing basilica • Guided tour of Strasbourg - amazingly rich in a wealth of sights • Visit to the old walled town of Breisach • Tour of the beautiful Black Forest and lakeside town of Titisee • Tour of some of the finest Swiss Alpine scenery, seeing the Jungfrau and the Eiger, Interlaken and the stunning lakeside town of Lucerne
French Balcony
Day 6 Titisee Glide between the ancient forested outcrops of the Vosges and the Black Forest, through the great rift valley, formed many millennia ago by massive geological forces. We arrive at the ancient town of Breisach whose historic heart is surrounded by immense stone ramparts. This afternoon, you visit the archetypical town of Titisee, nestling on the shores of its crystal clear lake. Day 7 Lucerne, Bernese Oberland & Interlaken Take the short drive to Lucerne. Take an invigorating stroll along the Chapel bridge - symbol of the city, a unique covered wooden walkway crossing the lake supported by stilts, lined with flowerfilled window boxes and a superb way to absorb Lucerne’s rather regal atmosphere. Day 8 This morning, take the TGV (France’s famous high-speed train) to Paris, connecting with the Eurostar service to London St. Pancras International. Should you be returning by air, you will be taken to the airport for your homeward flight.
BOOK NOW FOR FREE MEET & GREET AIRPORT PARKING* Cabin FARES from (£pp)
River View
French Balcony
1249
1549
Upper Deck
1649 Price based on 28 Jul ’16
10 REASONS 1
SO MUCH IS INCLUDED!
6
Many of the leading cruise lines include so much in their prices from drinks with lunch and dinner to free coach travel to shore excursions which is why river cruising is such good value for money. All the river cruise lines include accommodation and food as standard; however the likes of Viking River Cruises and Avalon Cruises also include daily excursions visiting sites including UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The excursions on offer are well worth attending to ensure you get the very best from each destination. These will no doubt make your river cruise an exceptional experience.
2
S M A L L & F R I E N D LY
Many of the tours led by river cruise companies use microphones and provide passengers with their own headphones to ensure that you can hear what there is to know about where you are in the world, without the distraction from a crowd of people around you. You never need to miss a thing this way; even in churches and cathedrals where your guide will need to be a quiet as possible. What makes this even better is that some cruise lines offer such tours for free, enhancing your whole river cruising experience..
7
IT’S SUPER EASY
8
WATC H T H E W O R L D G O B Y
9
Unlike Ocean cruising you will always have view of the towns and cities during your cruise. A typical river cruise sees half a day ashore exploring and half a day sailing, however don’t expect long sea days! The time is also used for talks from guest speakers, wine or beer tasting sessions or cookery demonstrations. You can be sure to find plenty of activity on board.
5
A ROOM WITH A VIEW Most river cruise ships offer entirely riverview staterooms throughout, meaning you will always be able to appreciate the beautiful scenery from the comfort of your stateroom or balcony. So, you will not have to worry about missing out on some of the best views of fascinating ports of call along the world’s most scenic rivers.
C R U I S E TO V E RY D I F F E R E N T P L AC E S As well as popular European itineraries, you can enjoy more exotic river cruise holidays to exciting destinations such as the Nile in Egypt, Yangtze in China, Mekong in Cambodia and many more. As smaller, more versatile vessels, river cruise ships can offer more insight into the heart of such places as they are able to access many more ports than ocean cruise ships.
Once settled on board there is nothing else to worry about...apart from what to wear to dinner! River cruising is a completely relaxing experience, visiting cities and towns no ocean ship could reach. You can spend your days how you wish to, if you want a day bursting with sights and information about the port you are visiting, then we suggest you take the shore excursions, if you would like to do things at your own pace and visit certain places you can do exactly that. There is no pressure!
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N O N E E D T O F LY Don’t like flying? There’s no need to fret as river cruise lines often offer alternative travel options to get you to your embarkation port in comfort. It is so easy to take the Eurostar, meaning your feet will never leave solid ground and can easily reach the city you require, from Amsterdam or Lyon to Vienna or Budapest.
The size of river cruise vessels are governed by the length and width of the locks the ship has to get through! Most river cruise ships only hold between 100-200 passengers, some accommodate even less but generally no more than 250. This makes your cruise experience more personal, the atmosphere on board is cosy and friendly and with less passengers to attend to any request can be dealt with by staff instantly. The set dining time brings all the guests together to get to know each other and interact, you can also choose where you sit.
3
L I S T E N V E R Y C A R E F U L LY
IT’S SMOOTH SAILING Many people worry about getting sea sick, however, joining a river cruise will make your cruising experience an enjoyable and relaxing one across gentle waters, with next to no motion felt on-board. The one thing that river cruisers should bear in mind is that high or low tides may affect itineraries, as the vessels will be unable to cruise under bridges. In such cases, coaches will be provided to the key attractions in each port of call.
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MODERN LIVING Newer river cruise ships are a million miles away from the older tonnage that dominated the market until recently. Booking on a modern vessel will offer spacious and comfortable accommodation, many with balconies and in-cabin amenities. Most of these newly built ships offer Wi-Fi throughout their public areas to keep in touch with those back home, and flat screen televisions. Décor is more up to date and furnishings reflect this, making your river cruising experience as comfortable as possible.
7 Nights • Available Apr ‘16 - Dec ‘17 Budapest to Nuremburg or reverse
ROM ANTI C DA N UBE
SAVE
£1000PP
Budapest
YOU R I TI N E RA RY
WHAT’S I NCLU DE D:
Day 1 Budapest, Hungary Welcome to Budapest, capital of Hungary. Transfer to your ship from the airport and this evening enjoy a traditional Hungarian dinner. (D) Day 2 Budapest, Hungary Your morning begins with a panoramic tour of the Pest side of the city. Journey along Andrássy Avenue and see the 19th- and 20th-century mansions, National Opera House, Parliament Building and Chain Bridge. Stop in Heroes’ Square to learn more about Hungarian history, then cross the Danube to Buda’s Castle District. Rejoin your ship in Visegrád for lunch and cruise along the scenic Danube River. Enjoy a midafternoon Viennese coffee workshop, complete with apple strudel. (B, L, D)
Ship Atrium
Day 3 Vienna, Austria Ride along the Ringstrasse, which replaced the city walls in the mid-19th century. See some of the city’s baroque architecture, including the worldfamous Opera House, St. Stephan’s Cathedral and Hofburg Palace. Return to your ship for lunch. The rest of the day is yours to further explore. After dinner, relax or enjoy an optional classical concert. (B, L, D)
• 8-day cruise with river-view stateroom • Return travel from the UK • 6 guided tours with audio headset
French Balcony
Day 4 Krems, Austria After breakfast, explore the time-honored town of Krems and see the Steiner Tor, the last remaining city gate. Visit Göttweig, a working Benedictine abbey that owns many of the vineyards along the Danube. The splendid ceiling fresco in the imperial stairwell is one of the largest in the world. Visit the church, a masterpiece of baroque architecture. Rejoin your ship and cruise leisurely through the captivating Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taste some local Austrian specialties as you spot attractive riverside towns and castle ruins along the way. (B, L, D) Day 5 Passau, Germany Your guided walk along the town’s narrow streets takes you through Old Town and past traditional patrician houses. You’ll see the New Bishop’s Residence and visit the impressive baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral with its ornate interior. Inside, you are treated to a special concert played on the 17,000-pipe organ, considered Europe’s largest church organ. (B, L, D) Day 6 Regensburg, Germany After breakfast, meet your guide dockside for a walking tour through the scenic town of Regensburg, considered one of Europe’s bestpreserved medieval cities. See one of the largest groupings of 13th- and 14th-century church spires, towers and houses north of the Alps. You also encounter the 12th-century Old Stone Bridge, St. Peter’s Cathedral and a number of idyllic courtyards. Stroll the streets, shop or visit Germany’s oldest restaurant, the Alte Würstküche. Lunch is served aboard your ship. (B, L, D)
• All meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 7 dinners, featuring regional specialties and including Welcome Cocktail Reception & Dinner • Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with onboard dinner and lunch service • Visit 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites • Culture Curriculum: Enjoy musical entertainment highlighting Austrian & Hungarian classics; attend lectures on the European Union, Viennese coffee houses and Mozart; learn how to make your own apple strudel • All port charges • Free Wi-Fi, connection speed may vary
Day 7 Nuremberg, Germany Very early this morning, we sail through the locks that comprise the Main–Danube Canal, an engineering marvel that stretches 106 miles from Bamberg on the Main River to Kelheim on the Danube. It began as Charlemagne’s dream in 793 and was completed in 1992 with 16 locks that raise the water level 1,332 feet. Today, it enables river travel from the North Sea to the Black Sea. Day 8 Nuremberg, Germany After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight
Nuremburg
Fares from (£pp). Based on 2017 dates
BOOK NOW FOR FREE MEET & GREET AIRPORT PARKING* Cabin
Vienna Opera House
River View
French Balcony
Veranda Suite
April - May
1495
1995
3745
June - September
1595
2095
3845
895
1395
3595
November - December
EXCLUSIVE OCTOBERFEST
11 Nights • 15 Sep ‘16 The River Cruise Line
Bavarian Mountains & Danube River Cruise with FREE Drinks
Passau Linz Melk
Oktoberfest
YOU R ITINE RA RY
WHAT’S I NCLU DE D:
START YOUR LAND TOUR:
• Exclusive 4 Night Octoberfest & Bavaria Tour
Day 1 Munich INCLUDED: Hofbrauhaus Dinner & Show. INCLUDED: Evening Tour of Munich’s Illuminated Buildings & Fountains Meet your coach driver and guide upon your arrival in Munich and travel to your 4* hotel. Enjoy your included Munich by Night tour and on to the Hofrauhaus.
• Stay in a 4* Hotel
• Includes an evening tour of Munich’s illuminated buildings and fountains • Spend a Day at World Famous Octoberfest with Lunch & 2 Traditional Beers Included
Day 2 Neuschwanstein and Linderhof INCLUDED: Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castle Tours Hidden in the seclusion of the Bavarian Mountains, and two dream castles; Neuschwanstein and Linderhof. Capture their grandeur and the picturesque mountain scenery surrounding Bavaria. Highlights include: Fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle – the model for the castle in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, Four Hours to Explore Hohenschwangau & Neuschwanstein castle and grounds and a stop at the Famous Wieskirche Day 3 Innsbruck INCLUDED: Swarovski’s Crystal Excursion This tour is guiding you along some of Bavaria’s most beautiful lakes, through the Karwendel mountains to Innsbruck, city of the “golden roof” in Austria. Take an extraordinary excursion to Swarovski’s “Crystal Worlds”. Day 4 Octoberfest INCLUDED: Two Litres of Beer & Lunch Dedicated to the world famous Octoberfest. The largest beer festival in the world with over 7 million visitors annually. You will be admitted to a VIP tent area and treated to a traditional menu of cold cut meats, followed by grilled chicken and potato salad. Wash this all down with 2 litre jars of the famous Octoberfest beer.
• Enjoy an Hofbrauhaus dinner and show in Munich
MS Serenity
• Visit Neuschwanstein Castle – the model for the castle in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty • Stop off at the famous Wieskirche • 7 Night River Cruise with FREE Drinks Package Neuschwanstein castle
• Flights & All Transfers Included
START YOUR RIVER CRUISE: Day 5 Embark ship in Passau After breakfast, you have free time until your transfer by private coach to your ship in Passau, known as ‘the three rivers city’ due to its unique location where the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers meet. Day 6 Melk – Vienna You can join an optional excursion to visit the most famous monastic house in Austria, the Benedictine Abbey, situated above Melk in the Wachau Valley. Day 7 Vienna We spend a whole day in Vienna seeing the key attractions of this city.
Day 12 Passau We disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight
Day 8 & 9 Budapest Explore both sides of Hungary’s capital – traditional ‘Buda’ and cosmopolitan ‘Pest’. Enjoy free time in Budapest or opt to take an excursion taking you through the sweeping plains of Hungary to Lajosmizse.. Day 10 Bratislava Join our optional walking tour to take in the sights of the Slovakian capital, dominated by its castle, and experience its rich culture.
t
Bratislava
BOOK NOW! SPECIAL OFFER PRICES FOR FIRST 10 BOOKINGS Cabin
Swarovski World, Day 3, Austria
Day 11 Bratislava Dürnstein is famed for the ruins of the castle that once imprisoned Richard the Lionheart. Join the optional walking tour to admire the pretty courtyards and buildings, before stopping at one of the Wachau Valley’s wine cellars for some wine tasting. We then set sail for Passau.
was FARES from (£pp)
River View
French Balcony
Superior French Balcony
1749
1899
2099
1649
1799
1999
7 Nights • Available Mar - Nov ‘16 Arles to Lyon or reverse • AmaDagio
PROVENCE & THE WINE REGIONS OF FRANCE AmaDagio
YOU R ITINE RA RY
Voted the Best River Cruise Fleet in Europe!
Day 1 Arles Board your cruise in Arles. This evening, meet your fellow passengers for a Welcome Dinner. (D) Day 2 Arles Included Tours: Les Baux Excursion & Olive Farm Visit OR “Artist Experience” Tour, Arles Walking Tour. This morning, you will board a motor coach for an excursion to the hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence. The village’s castle has a fascinating exhibit of medieval siege weaponry. Later, visit an olive farm to learn about this age-old Provençal farming tradition. As an alternative, take the “Impressionist Experience” tour to the Saint Paul de Mausole Asylum, where Vincent Van Gogh painted such wellknown works as The Irises and Starry Night. Late this afternoon, your city tour of Arles takes you to the Romanesque cathedral and the Roman Amphitheater. (B,L,D) Day 3 Avignon – Viviers Included Tour in Avignon: Walking Tour & Papal Palace OR Pont du Gard. Included Tour in Viviers: Ghost Walk. This morning, you will have your choice of two excursions in and around historic Avignon. See the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As an alternative, take an excursion to the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, the ship cruises to Viviers, arriving later this evening. (B,L,D) Day 4 Viviers Included Tours: Grignan Excursion; Truffle Farm Visit & Onboard Wine Lecture & Tasting. After breakfast, you’ll have an excursion to Grignan, a magnificent hilltop village surrounded by lavender fields. Enjoy some free time to explore local shops for confections, home-made lavender soaps and other crafts. You will also have an opportunity to visit a truffle farm and learn about truffle harvesting. Rejoin the ship to enjoy an onboard wine lecture. (B,L,D)
WHAT’S I NCLU DE D: • Return Flights & Transfers
Roman Amphitheater, Arles
Day 5 Tournon - Vienne Included Tours: Steam Train Ride. Take an exciting ride in a panoramic train car as you discover the magnificent landscape carved along the Gorge du Doux. After riding through the gorge, you will stop at the charming little station of Colombier le Vieux-Saint Barthélemy le Plain, where you can watch the train maneuver in preparation for its return journey. Arrive this evening in Vienne, situated between the wine regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais. Vienne has a significant Roman history, which is highlighted by its marvelously preserved ruins and remains. (B,L,D) Day 6 Vienne – Lyon Included Tours in Vienne: Walking Tour & Onboard Wine Lecture & Tasting. Included Tour in Lyon: City Tour. This morning, you will have a guided walking tour to see the 1st-century Roman Temple of Augustus and Livia, the ruins of a Roman theater, and the medieval churches of St. Andre-Le-Bas and Abbey St. Pierre. Enjoy an onboard wine lecture and tasting as your ship departs for Lyon, arriving mid-afternoon. Your panoramic tour of Lyon takes you to the Place Bellecour with its equestrian statue of Louis XIV, the Place des Terreaux with Bartholdi’s Fountain, and the Town Hall. Afterwards, visit Fourvière, part of the historic region designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B,L,D)
AMADiago Suite
• 7 nights deluxe cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom • Daily Tours & Excursions with personal headset included • Entertainment on demand in all staterooms featuring hit Hollywood movies, extensive music library and English language TV • FREE Wi-Fi Access Onboard • Fine dining with all meals included • Complimentary wine, beer & soft drinks with Lunch & Dinner • Bottled water in your stateroom replenished daily • Special highlights include lectures, theme dinners, onboard music and/or dance performances and live piano music every afternoon & evening • Complimentary Bicycles, guided bicycle tours are capacity controlled
Basilica Of Notre Dame, Lyon
Day 7 Lyon – Collonges Included Tours: Beaujolais Excursion. This morning, enjoy some free time in Lyon to explore on your own or shop for souvenirs and gifts. The ship departs after noon and cruises to Collonges for your excursion through the Beaujolais wine region, the Pays d’Or (“land of the golden stones,” named for the ochre limestone used to build local homes and castles). You will visit the medieval hilltop village of Oingt and the home of a local vintner, where you will enjoy a wine tasting and vineyard tour, and learn about the history of wine production in the region. (B,L,D) Day 8 Lyon After breakfast, disembark your ship for the transfer to the airport. (B)
BOOK NOW FOR FREE MEET & GREET AIRPORT PARKING* Grignan
25 Mar ’16 & 22 Apr ‘16 FARES from (£pp)
River View
French Balcony
Superior French Balcony
1599
1799
2199
MAJESTIC MYANMAR YOUR COMPANION FLIES FREE† SAVE up to£1100 per couple
RV Princess Panhwar 16 Nights • Sep ‘17 - Apr ‘18
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
• Visit the 99 metre-high Shwedagon Pagoda
• Return scheduled flights from London Heathrow
• See the ‘leaning tower of Inwa’ by horse & cart
• 14 nights discovering the romance of the Irrawaddy River
• Visit Mahamuni Buddha Temple • Go for a stroll along the famed U Bein Bridge
• Complimentary house wine, local beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board the RV Princess Panhwar
• Enjoy a Burmese puppet show on board • Enjoy the sights of Maubin during a tour
• 42 Meals; 14 breakfasts (B), 14 lunches (L) and 14 dinners (D) • Travelmarvel Cruise Director & local guides
• Explore Danuphyu where General Maha Bandula led a Burmese defensive during the First Anglo Burmese War
• All sightseeing & onboard entertainment
• Visit Salay’s oldest wooden monastery
• Unique Insider Experiences
• Take a small boat to visit the Gwechaung and Minhla forts
• Overseas transfers, all port charges and tipping
YOUR I TI N E RA RY Day 1 Depart UK Your journey begins today as you make your way to London Heathrow for your flight to Burma. Day 2 Arrive Yangon, Embark Cruise Be met and transfer to your ship. After lunch on board, explore Yangon on a late afternoon tour. Like a Local – Marvel at the Shwedagon Pagoda, resplendent with a golden spire. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner. Stay: 14 Nights: RV Princess Panhwar. LD Day 3 Maubin Arrive after lunch in Maubin. Take a walking tour, during which you’ll learn about Ba Maw, a prominent Burmese political leader who was born here. You will also visit the local market. BLD Day 4 Danuphyu, Zalon Explore Danuphyu, where the revered General Maha Bandula led a famous Burmese defensive against British troops in the First Anglo-Burmese War. Visit the Monastery of Maha Bandula and a home cherootmaking workshop. This afternoon cruise to Zalon for a tour. BLD Day 5 Myanaung Cruise to the sleepy riverside township of Myanaung. Here, a guided walking tour will take you past wellpreserved colonial houses and the bustling market. Continue cruising to Pyay. BLD Day 6 Pyay (Prome), Sri Ksetra Take in views of the Akauk Mountains as you cruise towards Pyay for a walking tour. Pyay originally served as a cargo transit point between Upper and Lower Burma. See a selection of pagodas then travel to the ancient ruins at the old Pyu kingdom capital, Sri Ksetra. BLD
• Visit the stunning Shwezigon Pagaoda
Day 7 Thayetmyo Cruise to Thayetmyo, a port town that once sat on the British colonial border between Upper and Lower Burma. Here, wander the streets and take in the colonial architecture. You can also pay a visit to Burma’s oldest golf course, established here by the British in 1887. BLD Day 8 Minhla, Magwe Stop in Minhla, the site of a significant battle during the Third Anglo-Burmese War. Take a small boat to visit Gwechaung and Minhla forts built by Italian engineers in 1860 to keep British forces out of Burma. Later, cruise to Magwe to visit its market and colonial buildings. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Burmese puppet show. BLD Day 9 Salay Cruise to the village of Salay. Visit Yoke Sone Kyaung, the region’s oldest surviving wooden monastery. Then continue to Shinbin Maha Laba Man Paya, home to the country’s largest lacquer Buddha image from the 13th century. BLD Day 10 Tantkyi Hill, Bagan Climb Tantkyi Hill to visit Tantkyitaung Pagoda, encircled by 32 elephant statues. Disembark in Bagan, an awe-inspiring archaeological site. Visit the revered Ananda Temple. Later, head to Nyaung-U, home to the stunning golden Shwezigon Pagoda. BLD Day 11 Bagan Explore the bustling Nyaung-U market. Then on a tour of Bagan, visit Gubyaukgyi Temple,a 13th-century ‘cave temple’ with an Indian-style spire, before you head to a lacquerware workshop and a local village. Later, be captivated as you enjoy a special sunset viewing at Pyathat Gyi or Dhamayazaka Pagoda. Enhance Your Journey: At sunrise or sunset, perhaps board a hot air balloon and float over the pagodas of Bagan*. BLD Day 12 Bagan, Yandabo Today tour Yandabo, the site of where the Treaty of First Anglo-Myanmar War was signed. It’s also famous for its terracotta pots, made from riverbank clay. BLD
Day 13 Inwa Arrive in Inwa, an ancient imperial capital. Like a Local – Enjoy a horsedrawn cart tour. BLD Day 14 Sagaing, Mingun. In Sagaing, visit a silversmith’s workshop then explore Soon U Ponya Shin and Kaunghmudaw Pagodas. Later, cruise to Mingun and visit the 18th-century Mingun Pahtodawgyi. You’ll also see the Mingun Bel. Tonight, enjoy a cultural show on board. BLD Day 15 Mandalay Like a Local – Visit Mandalay’s Mahamuni Buddha Temple. Then explore local workshops. Later, tour Shwenandaw Monastery; visit Kuthodaw Pagoda and ascend Mandalay Hill. Like a Local – Stroll along U Bein Bridge. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner. BLD Day 16 Disembark Ship, Depart Mandalay Disembark ship after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your return flight. B Day 17 Arrive London Fares from (£pp). Prices based on 29 December 2017 departure
BOOK NOW FOR FREE MEET & GREET AIRPORT PARKING* Cabin Passenger 1 RV Princess Panhwar Cabin
Passenger 2
Call a River Cruise Specialist on 0330 303 8326
French Balcony Suite
Deluxe Balcony
Princess Suite
3995
4390
4790
2995
3390
3790
7 8 0 2 4
Job No: 1517
*Free meet & greet airport parking applies to selected sailings & cabin grades only and is subject to availability and change. Parking not applicable to Eurostar travel. All flights are based on London airports, however regional flights may be available at a per person supplement. All prices are correct at time of publication, based on the cheapest available date, are capacity controlled and subject to availability & change. †Your Companion Flies Free Myanmar offer is valid for new bookings made before 29 Feb 2016, when two passengers are travelling together in economy class from London. Savings messages are based on September 2017 departures. Please note cruise lines terms and conditions also apply which can be found on their websites. We reserve the right to withdraw any offers at any time without prior notice. www.cruise.co.uk is fully bonded by the Civil Aviation Authority under ATOL number 3385 to protect your holiday payments. Holiday insurance is required. E&OE.