Cruise down stream from Mandalay to Bagan 8 days tour

Destination: Mandalay/Bagan

Highlights: Step back in time to journey along rivers, roads and dirt tracks from Mandalay to Bagan. We reveal a fascinating voyage in the heart of Myanmar where you can meet with the local Burmese people. Spectacular sunrises and sunsets, vibrant markets, and of course ancient temples. Explore Mandalay regarded as the centre of Burmese culture and Buddhist learning before cruise to Bagan over 2,000 temples and pagodas remain on this awe-inspiring plain. You’ll experience a full day excursion to Mount Popa, believed to be the sacred home of the Nats and is now a national park. On top of a rocky crag is a picturesque complex of monasteries, pagodas and shrines, which you can climb to via a winding, covered walkway.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, G=Guide

Day 01: Mandalay (Wednesday) (L, D, G)

Arriving at the airport in Bagan, you’ll be met and driven to the boat. After lunch, enjoy a guided tour of the key sights of Mandalay regarded as the centre of Burmese culture and Buddhist learning. Return to Road To Mandalay stopping enroute to admire the sunset over the river. Dinner and local entertainment. Overnight on board.

Day 02: Mandalay/Bagan (Thursday) (B, L, D, G)

After an early breakfast, you’ll visit the Sagaing Hills the living centre of the Buddhist faith in Burma and famous for its silver and silversmiths who still work in much the same way as their ancestors did. The ship gets underway mid morning and begins its journey south. The rest of the day is spent relaxing on board observing the fascinating local river life from the top deck. An on-board guide lectures on the Myanmar way of life. Dinner and local entertainment. Overnight on board.

Day 03: Bagan (Friday) (B, L, D, G)

The ship arrives at Bagan where over 2,000 temples and pagodas remain on this awe-inspiring plain. A guided orientation tour introduces you to the most important temples. After lunch you may rejoin the guide and to visit the inside of some of the more significant pagodas. Alternatively, you can hire a bicycle or horse-drawn cart and explore this fascinating area on your own. Late afternoon your guide takes you to watch the breathtaking vista of the sun setting over the plain. Dinner and local entertainment. Overnight on board.

Day 04: Bagan/Mount Popa (Saturday) (B, L, D, G)

A full day excursion to Mount Popa, believed to be the sacred home of the Nats and is now a national park. On top of a rocky crag is a picturesque complex of monasteries, pagodas and shrines, which you can climb to via a winding, covered walkway. Lunch is taken at the Mount Popa Resort. Dinner and local entertainment. Overnight on board.

Day 05: Bagan/Mandalay (Sunday) (B, L, D, G)

At leisure until the ship departs. A final opportunity to visit the wonders of Bagan or explore the local markets before the Road To Mandalay begins its journey north. On board the guide lectures on the Ayeyarwady River. The ship anchors mid-river for the evening and provides a marvellous opportunity to observe the stars and galaxies usually obscured in more populated areas. Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 06: Mandalay (Monday) (B, L, D, G)

Continue sailing up the river until Road To Mandalay arrives at the little Burmese village of Shwe Kyet Yet in the early afternoon. After lunch enjoy an excursion to Ava the capital of a Burmese Kingdom for nearly 500 years. Sights include the magnificent wooden Bagaya Kyaung Monastery and the Nanmyin Watchtower. Return to the ship for dinner and local entertainment. Overnight on board.

Day 07: Mandalay/Maymyo/Mandalay (Tuesday) (B, L, D, G)

Visit Maymyo, a colonial hill station set high in the mountains. Soak up the atmosphere with its cool climate, English style houses, colourful market and beautiful botanic gardens. A typical Shan lunch is taken at a colonial house. Return to the ship for a final dinner on board. Overnight on board.

Day 08: Mandalay/Yangon (Wednesday) (B,  G)

After an early breakfast, you are transferred to Mandalay’s airport for your departure flight.

Price in US$ per person:

Our price includes:

• Breakfast and accommodation sharing twin or double room.
• Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned car as specified in the itinerary above
• Travel by private, air-conditioned car with an experienced, safe driver.
• Boats cruise as programme.
• Lunches and dinners, as specified in the programme
• Shore excursions with English-speaking ship manager or ship guide (shared)
• Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the programme

Our price does not include:

• International flight tickets and airport tax.
• Visas
• Other meals not mentioned.
• Drinks, gratuities, tips and personal expenses.
• Insurance.