Cruise to Burma & the Treasures of Malaysia

“This is Burma, and it will be quite unlike any land you know about,” wrote Rudyard Kipling in 1889 and his observation still rings true today.  Discover the wonders of Burma and Southeast Asia for yourself on a once in a lifetime voyage, combining the immeasurable benefits of small-ship cruising with in-depth guided land tours and fascinating lectures for a truly unique, culturally immersive experience.

Your journey begins with a 2-night hotel stay in Singapore.  Few cities in Southeast Asia can boast Singapore’s diverse cultural mix, and your city tour will encompass both the modern and historical.  Visit the oldest Chinese Temple in Singapore, the Thian Hock Kheng Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea; admire the city’s Colonial heritage in all its splendor at the Parliament House and Raffles Hotel; and feast your eyes on sweeping panoramic views atop Mt Faber.

Next, to Port Kelang, Malaysia and the impressive Kuala Lumpur, followed by Thailand’s beautiful Phi Phi Islands.  You’ll recognize these soaring cliffs, powder-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters from the film The Beach – inside the famous Viking Cave, rock carvings from 3,000 – 4,000 years ago adorn the walls and are thought to resemble Scandinavian longboats.

You will arrive in Burma in spectacular fashion, as Aegean Odyssey cruises the Yangon River to berth in the heart of the city.  Gentle and humorous people, monumental golden statues and ancient traditions greet you in Myanmar.  The awe-inspiring Shwedagon Pagoda, with its 320-foot high stupa covered in genuine gold plates, is a sight that you will never forget.

A choice of sightseeing in Penang, Malaysia means that you may opt to take an island-wide tour, or delve deeper into historical Georgetown.

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Malacca, Malaysia is a fitting end to an epic voyage.  This once-sleepy fishing village became a stopover for traders from Asia and then Europe, and centuries of colonization have greatly influenced the architecture and cultures.  Here, you will explore the Portuguese fort A Famosa, St. Paul’s Church and Dutch Square.

Learn more about the guided tours included on this cruise.

The Very Best of Cultural Travel

The Voyages to Antiquity experience is more than just a cruise – it is an exploration, by land and by sea, into the rich history, magnificent art and fascinating cultures of the ancient world.

Sailing on 380-passenger Aegean Odyssey, guests are treated to the highest caliber of personal service, amenities including flexible open-seating dining and a selection of restaurants serving regionally-inspired cuisine and wines and, at the heart of it, the very best of cultural travel.

In addition to your host Libby Znaimer, also accompanying this cruise are four well-respected lecturers: Dr. Joyce Salisbury, Professor Emerita of History at the University of Wisconsin;
Dr. Richard Thomas, UK Department for International Development; Professor Emeritus of Geology at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland; and retired British Army Major General Stephen Carr-Smith.

For more information on Voyages to Antiquity or Libby’s hosted cruise, please contact your travel professional or Exclusive Tours today: http://exclusive.voyagestoantiquity.com.