Page 4 - Travel Advisors of Los Gatos – Summer 2016

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Yagntze River
Avalon Waterways, Avalon Myanmar
Viking River Cruises, Durnstein, Austria
Away from the bustle of busy highways and hustle of city streets, river cruising allows travelers to enjoy tranquil journeys along serene rivers through beautiful landscapes. Experienced travelers agree that a river cruise is one of the most enjoyable and hassle-free ways to explore the world’s most popular sites.
Travel along the famous rivers of Europe, such as the Rhine and Danube; Asia’s mystique-laden waterways, including the Irrawaddy and Yangtze; or the United States’ energizing Mississippi to discover fascinating history and authentic experiences with comprehensive sightseeing. Independent travelers can also venture out on their own to uncover the hidden, lesser-known treasures of the world’s major urban centers.
ONBOARD FOR BOATING IN ASIA
The cultures and landscapes of Asia vary greatly, therefore cruising through the area is an excellent method of experiencing this enigmatic region. Sailing with Avalon Waterways, Intrepid Travel, Tauck or Viking River Cruises affords travelers the comforts of home while exploring an array of communities, from exciting metropolises to mysterious villages. Visit pagodas, floating marketplaces and seemingly untouched beaches.
Over the last few years, tourism to Myanmar has skyrocketed as the country transitions to a freer
nation following repressive rule under a military regime. With plans for a new international airport to
be completed within the next decade and cruise providers selling alluring itineraries, Myanmar is Southeast Asia’s most recent hotspot haven. In
Yangon, formerly the capital that was known as Rangoon, explore the city’s political landmarks, such as the High Court and City Hall. Home to the Buddha- era Sule Pagoda and Shwedagon Pagoda, which is Myanmar’s most important religious attraction, Yangon blends the modern and ancient characteristics that give promise for a fruitful future in this country.
Myanmar’s Irrawaddy River – its largest – affords access to some of the country’s most fascinating regions, such as the villages of Kyun Daw, Tigyang, Kya Hnyat and Kyauk Myaung. As visitors sail the Irrawaddy, they will spend a bit of time in these smaller villages, often arriving in the popular city
of Mandalay. This city, Myanmar’s second only to Yangon in size, is home to the royal palace, a site that most resembles a city whose walls create distinctive borders within Mandalay. The Swendandaw Monastery’s tale is one of resiliency, and perhaps magical blessings, as its survival during World
War II bombings made it the one major portion from the original royal palace. Known for its detailed carvings, it is located at Mandalay Hill, which is home to monasteries, pagodas and temples.
Sailing along the longest river in Asia and third farthest-reaching river in the world reveals soaring cliffs, majestic mountains and an unmatched river- cruise experience. Pouring into the East China Sea, the Yangtze River is an important global route used for trade and tourism. Evidence shows that humans have lived along the river for 27,000 years. The Yangtze’s Three Gorges has evolved to become a popular attraction for tourist cruising. Measuring
75 miles, the Three Gorges region comprises Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge. While each Gorge offers distinctive characteristics, Qutang’s beauty sets apart this particular area from the rest.
Along the Yangtze, visitors will have a glimpse into the modern Chinese lifestyle, which blends with the past through its architecture, cuisine and culture. Visit the Ghost City of Fengdu, which is home to shrines, temples and monasteries. According to legend, it
is here that the King of Hell, Yama, resides and chooses visitors who are worthy of nothing other than spending eternity in hell. Seemingly ominous, the journey attracts visitors from around the world who are impressed with the traditional Chinese architecture and afterlife beliefs.
SOPHISTICATED EUROPEAN SAILINGS
Cruise lines such as Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, Tauck and AMAWaterways offer unique itineraries with superb five-star amenities aboard intimate, luxurious European cruise ships. These itineraries simplify travel through Europe, yet guests sail through the middle of the most exciting cities, connecting with these destinations on a
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