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Discover the magic of the Irrawaddy River on an 11 day cruise from Yangon to Mandalay with Scenic Luxury River Cruises and National Geographic from just $7,545 per person. 

Join National Geographic Experts Paula Swart and Ken Hammond as they  share their knowledge and insights, and enrich the cruise experience through presentations and informal discussions.

Paula  Swart  is  an  expert  on  Asian  culture  and  history  with  a  special  interest  in  Buddhism,  and  has  been  a  museum  curator  for  more  than  20  years.  A  popular  expert  on  more  than  30  expeditions  for  National  Geographic ,  her  travels  have  taken  her  to  Southeast  Asia  numerous  times.  She  recently  organized  the  Visions  of  Enlightenment  exhibition  on  Buddhist  art,  which  featured  pieces  from  Myanmar. She holds  degrees  in  archaeology,  Asian  art  history,  and  Chinese  history, speaks five

languages,  including  Mandarin,  and  has  published  several  books  and  numerous  articles  on  the  art  and  architecture  of  Asian  cultures.

Historian  Ken  Hammond  first  traveled  to  China  in  1982  to  study  the  language  and  stayed  for  five  years.  A  professor  at  New  Mexico  State  University,  he  directs  a  Chinese-American  university  exchange  program.  He  has  produced  a  documentary  on  the  revival  of  Confucian  ritual  and  recorded  the  lecture  series  From  Yao  to  Mao:  5,000  Years  of  Chinese  History  for  The  Great  Courses.

“Scenic is proud to align ourselves with a brand as historic and well respected as National Geographic,” said Lisa Bolton, General Manager Product, Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours. “We believe Scenic’s commitment to providing guests with an exceptional 5-star, all-inclusive river cruise experience is a perfect complement to the enriching and authentic experiences for which National Geographic is known.

Myanmar is a country few have had the opportunity to visit. Scenic’s 11 day cruise introduces guests to  all the earthly (and unearthly) delights that can be found sprinkled across this mystical land. Spend time in the ancient capital Sagaing mixing with local nuns and novices; explore sandstone grottoes near Monywa, decorated with the most delicate of paintings and hundreds of Buddha statues, and stand agape at the sheer majesty of the Old Bagan temple complexes. Or simply stay on board and make the most of your beautiful suite, fantastic dining and host of facilities on board Scenics boutique river cruise ship Scenic Aura.

Each river cruise offers guests National Geographic’s unique access, knowledge and the ability to give back. From these river cruises, a portion of the profits will be donated to the National Geographic Society, which supports researchers and experts engaged in protecting and preserving the planet and its various species and populations.