2012 Cruise Companion and Shore Excursions - Uniworld River ...

Day 20 | Siem Reap BB, L
Day 21 | Siem Reap BB, D
Featured Excursion: Angkor temple complex 8 2 b f
Irresistible Optional Excursion: Banteay Srei sunrise picnic
4 3 b f
Featured Excursion: Angkor temple complex 8 3 b f
Grand Asia & the Mekong
Today is the first of two days dedicated to exploring the
incredible Angkor temple complex, ancient capital of the
Khmer Empire. The entire Angkor complex has been designated
a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its exceptional historic
and aesthetic value. In order to safeguard Angkor for future
generations, UNESCO has worked with both local authorities
and international experts to restore and preserve the cultural
treasures you’ll see here over the next two days.
You’ll begin with Angkor Wat, the most recognizable landmark
in Cambodia and the largest religious monument in the world.
The temple is breathtaking in size and scope and boasts the
longest continuous bas relief in the world. Over its nearly
900-year-long history, Angkor Wat has been used as a site of
both Hindu and Buddhist worship. You’ll have the morning to
explore the temple and its environs at your leisure.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll journey to the intricately
decorated South Gate of Angkor Thom and the pyramidtemple
of Bayon, which features the enormous carved heads
that have become an iconic symbol of Angkor. You’ll also see
the Baphuon temple, the grand Terrace of the Elephants, and
the lichen-covered Terrace of the Leper King. While taking in
these magnificent sights, notice also the lively monkeys that
frolic and chatter in the lush foliage all around you.
Irresistible Optional Excursion: Banteay Srei sunrise picnic
Start your day with a spectacular sunrise picnic on the grounds
of Banteay Srei, which is considered by experts to be the
pinnacle of artistic achievement in the Angkor period. This
“Citadel of Women”—so named for the intricate Apsara
carvings ornamenting its interior—is smaller than most of
the other Angkor temples but boasts the most beautiful
adornments. Indulge in a sumptuous breakfast of pastries,
seasonal fresh fruit, yogurt, sausage and bacon, juice,
coffee, and tea on the grounds just outside the temple
before enjoying a tour of Banteay Srei with your local guide.
You’ll feel like Indiana Jones as you approach the ancient
“jungle temple” of Ta Prohm this morning. Unlike most of
the other Angkor temples, which have been painstakingly
excavated and restored since their 19th-century rediscovery,
Ta Prohm has been left pretty much as it was found. Massive
trees grow like magic out of stone walls and roofs, their
tentacle-like roots pouring over doorways and stretching
across courtyards. This manmade wonder has been reclaimed
by the jungle over the course of many centuries, and exploring
it is sure to bring out the adventurer in you.
From Ta Prohm you’ll move on to the unfinished templemountain
of Ta Keo. Legend has it that construction on Ta
Keo was suspended when the temple was hit by lightning—
an event that was considered a bad omen. You’ll also see
massive Preah Khan, a monastic complex believed to have
included a Buddhist university that once housed over 1,000
teachers. In the afternoon you’ll take in intricately decorated
Banteay Srei, considered by many experts to be the pinnacle
of artistic achievement at Angkor, and Banteay Samré. After
a long and exciting day of sightseeing, you’ll indulge in a
lavish dinner with wine and live entertainment at a local
French-Indonesian restaurant.
Day 22 | Siem Reap, fly to Hanoi b d BB
Today you’ll fly from Siem Reap to Hanoi and check into your
hotel. Enjoy a private check-in and a welcome briefing with
complimentary drinks at the stunning lakeside hotel. An
elegant flower arrangement and fruit platter await you in your
room. The afternoon and evening are yours to spend at
leisure in Vietnam’s charming capital city. You might take in
the 800-year-old Kim Lien (Golden Lotus) Pagoda, which is
conveniently located near to your hotel and is considered by
many to be the most beautiful pagoda in Hanoi. Later this
evening, make sure to stroll across the romantic torch-lit bridge
to the hotel’s Sunset Bar, which is set on its own island.
Grand Asia & the Mekong
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