10 Dec 2015
Offers include Free and Reduced Cost Flights
Boston & Vancouver -- December 2015 – Scenic, the award-winning operator of truly all-inclusive luxury river cruises in Europe, is expanding its geographic reach into the heart of South East Asia. A new luxury cruise and tour program kicks off in 2016 to the mystical land of Myanmar, where the imprint of colonial legacies is revealed in iconic temples, Buddhist art and the gold- and diamond-encrusted Shwedagon Pagoda. And to make it even more enticing, guests will enjoy the exploration while aboard the most luxurious river ship afloat. The Scenic Aura is a purpose-built boutique vessel with only 22 suites – the largest available on the Irrawaddy at sizes up to 735 sq. ft. While ashore guests will rest their heads in iconic hotels like Bagan's Aureum Palace, Mandalay Hill Resort and the Sule Shangri-La Hotel in Yangon.
ScenicUSA is offering free flights on all 2016 departures of its 14-day Mystical Irrawaddy – available on all suite categories. Scenic Canada is offering flights for only CAD $495 (air taxes included) on 14-day and longer sailings and savings of $700 per couple on the 11-day Luxury Irrawaddy. While supplies last.
Beginning Sept. 2016, three brand new itineraries explore this 2,500-year old country – where guests will take in the cultural tapestry, threaded by more than 130 ethnic tribes, scenic geography that ascends from tropical rainforests to snow-capped highlands, and transport options that range from primitive trishaws to charter planes. Additionally, unique-to-Scenic Enrich immersion events and Freechoice activities create remarkable memories. Itineraries include the 11-day Luxury Irrawaddy, from US $4,845/CAD $5,765 per person, double; the 14-day Mystical Irrawaddy, from US $7,195/CAD $8,165; and the all-encompassing 18-day Mystical Myanmar, from US $9,200/CAD $10,745. Details are available at www.scenic.ca or www.scenicusa.com.
Myanmar itineraries include the country's economic hub of Yangon, where bustling markets are built on ancient cobblestones; a sea of Buddhist stupas tops colonial architecture; and Inle Lake provides a rural reverie amidst stilted bamboo houses, floating gardens and flat-bottomed fishing skiffs. Further north, itinerary highlights include a visit to Sri Ksetra, Myanmar's first World Heritage-listed city; in Bagan: tea at a village monastery, evening cocktails on Clay Mountain and a traditional puppet show. From late October through late March, an optional early-morning hot air balloon flight provides a hypnotic view of thousands of glittering temples in this region. Among the painted pagodas of Sagaing, guests will share a quiet lunch with resident nuns. In Mandalay, guests may share morning alms with monks silently processing through the streets. Later, drinks will be served in a boat moored under U-Bein, the world's longest teak bridge. Special activities unique to the 14- and 18-day itineraries include joining saffron-clad monks for the ancient tradition of oil-lamp lighting at sunset inside Yangon's Golden Pagoda. In Mandalay, after exploring the exquisite wooden artistry of Shwenandaw and the equally impressive Kuthodaw Pagoda – home of the “World's Largest Book” – guests will attend a private workshop to craft a gold leaf, which they can place on a Buddha statue at Mahamuni Pagoda.
To complement these immersion experiences, Scenic Space-Ships feature all-inclusive luxury : private butler service, unlimited complimentary beverages, included gratuities, cultural entertainment and regional cuisine as well as Western dining in customized settings: poolside to cabin, al fresco to fine dining. The Scenic Aura raises the bar on river ships to a level not seen before, with all cabins configured as 258- to 753-square foot suites – each with a queen-sized bed, separate living area and a private balcony fitted with Scenic's exclusive Sun Lounge. The Royal Panorama Suite offers a private outdoor terrace with its own Jacuzzi. Additional Aura amenities include personal service with a near 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio; elevator access to all service decks; on-board English-speaking guides for lectures and local insight; plus a vitality pool and bar, outdoor lounge, open-air cinema, guest laundry, library and Wellness Center.
Scenic also offers award-winning, all-inclusive escorted tours in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the Americas and elsewhere. Additional information on these and other cruises, brochures, and reservations can be obtained via travel agents; or in the US: www.scenicusa.com; phone (844)788-7985; or e-mail: info@scenicusa.com: and in Canada: www.scenic.ca; phone (844-788-7987); or e-mail: info@scenic.ca. Brochures can also be downloaded directly from the website.
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Gillies and Zaiser
SC-21-Dec 2015
