Cruise aboard the Belmond Road to Mandalay

Day 1 Bagan – cabin / onboard (Lunch: Belmond Road to Mandalay / Dinner: Belmond Road to Mandalay )
Cruise aboard the Road to Mandalay around Bagan
Mandalay
Bagan, Day 1 of 8 * No local guide *
Welcome aboard Belmond Road to Mandalay! We are here to ensure that your cruise is unforgettable, with land excursions and authentic experiences that provide a fascinating glimpse into the culture of Myanmar. Bagan has been one of the main visitor attractions in Myanmar for many years, ranking alongside Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobudur on Java as the greatest historic sites in Southeast Asia. Over 3,000 temples dot the plain beside the Ayeyarwady River, most of which were built between the 11th and 13th centuries.
Please be at Taung Be village between 10.30 and 11.00 ready to board.
Once on board you are escorted to your cabin and then invited to the Observation Lounge to meet the Captain and crew. A short safety briefing is given. After lunch on board, disembark for an afternoon excursion to one of the most significant pagodas of Bagan, Ananda Temple. This architectural masterpiece was built in AD 1090 and contains four gilded Buddha statues, each standing 30ft tall. You will also be led to a small temple, opened exclusively for Belmond guests, to discover magnificent murals by torchlight. A short walk brings you to a stunning view of 12th-century Thatbyinnyu, one of Bagan�s tallest pagodas. A visit to a lacquerware workshop follows. Marvel at the exquisite patience and skill required to produce these finely detailed pieces, many of which take several months to complete. As daylight starts to fade, gather to watch the sun set over plains peppered with hundreds of ancient pagodas. You then proceed to a small temple close to the jetty to participate in an exclusive Belmond experience�a magical candle-lighting ceremony. Back on board, grilled specialities are a highlight of dinner, which is served from live cooking stations under the stars on the Observation Deck. House wines are included, or you might prefer to choose a fine wine from our extensive international list. Belmond Road to Mandalay anchors at Bagan this evening – Overnight in cabin / onboard (Myanmar)

Day 2 cabin / onboard (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Belmond Road to Mandalay / Dinner: Belmond Road to Mandalay )
Cruise aboard the Road to Mandalay around Bagan
Mandalay
Bagan, Day 2 of 8 * No local guide *
Early risers may wish to visit the Healthy Juice Bar on the Observation Deck. An extensive breakfast buffet with � la carte menu is served in the Restaurant and guests also have the option to order tea or coffee in their room.
This morning you can choose from a number of tour options before the ship sets sail. Option 1. Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Ride (Available October – March. Advance reservations essential. Supplement applies) Experience one of the most magical highlights of Bagan, a hot-air balloon ride as dawn breaks over the ancient pagodas. Guests are collected at around 05.00 and returned to the ship at 08.30.
Option 2. Pagodas in the Morning Enjoy an early-morning walking tour with your guide. Visit a small temple surrounded by fields where farmers can often be seen nurturing crops such as peanut, sesame and beans. Then explore the famous pagoda Sulamani (“crowning jewel”), with its impressive brick and ornamental work and murals dating from the 12th to 18th centuries. Tour begins at 07.00.
Option 3. Bagan by Bicycle (Limited space. Advance reservations essential. English-language tour only) Set off on an independent mountain bike adventure (a map will be provided), or opt to join our staff on a guided ride through Old Bagan. Pedal along small paths and roads that wind their way around ancient temples and pagodas. The ride is suitable for advanced beginners and above and cyclists should expect to bike on dirt road surfaces with patches of sand. The guided tour begins at 06.30.
Option 4. Traditional Horse and Cart Ride (Advance reservations essential) Travel in time – honoured style with your own horse and buggy through Old Bagan. Your local driver will take you on a leisurely, scenic route through the heart of the archaeological zone, passing many ancient pagodas and offering plentiful photo opportunities. Please note that some buggy drivers may have limited English – speaking ability. Starts at 07.00.
Option 5. Village Visit and Social Contribution (English language only) Join our staff in Taung Be village to participate in one of Belmond�s Social Contribution Projects. Next to the jetty is our free health clinic, established by the ship’s doctor, Dr Hla Tun, where he treats hundreds of patients a week while Belmond Road to Mandalay is stationed in Bagan. Activities change depending on the current project and community needs and might include: preparing lunch for visiting patients, working in the pharmacy with the monk or helping to build a new eye clinic. The visit begins at 08.15. Please speak with Reception to learn more.
All morning tours and activities conclude by 09.00 at Taung Be village where the transfer boat waits to take guests back to the ship.
After setting sail a leisurely day on board awaits. Indulge in a treatment at the spa, relax by the pool, enjoy lunch on the Observation Deck and admire the breathtaking vistas. Art lovers may wish to visit an exhibition of local works. In the afternoon Housekeeping staff will give a demonstration of how to tie a longyi, the Myanmar sarong worn by both men and women, and how to prepare thanaka, a paste that serves as both decorative make-up and protection from the sun. Indulge in afternoon tea local-style in our “Burmese Tea Shop” later attend a fascinating lecture on Myanmar�s Past, Present and Future by one of our expert guides. This evening, dinner is served in the elegant Restaurant. Enjoy a selection of gourmet Asian and Western dishes prepared by our Executive Chef. After dinner visit the Observation Deck for an unforgettable surprise on the river (weather permitting). This ship anchors mid-river for the night. – Overnight in cabin / onboard (Myanmar)

Day 3 cabin / onboard (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Belmond Road to Mandalay / Dinner: Belmond Road to Mandalay )
Cruise aboard the Road to Mandalay around Bagan
Mandalay
Bagan, Day 3 of 8 * No local guide *
The ship continues to sail north. Enjoy a selection of morning activities, including a sunrise yoga session, a meditation class or an enticing cookery demonstration by our Chef.
Before lunch, Dr Hla Tun will give a presentation on the charitable and community activities he is involved with at villages along the river, such as school building and healthcare projects.
After lunch the ship arrives at Mingun and you disembark, by transfer boat, for an afternoon tour. The following two options are available:
Option 1. Classic Mingun Enjoy a walking tour of Mingun and visit Pahtodawgyi, an enormous unfinished pagoda that was started in the late 18th century by King Bodawpaya but never finished due to a prophecy that the king would die upon its completion. You will have the chance to ring the world�s biggest uncracked bell, which weighs 90 tonnes and stands 13 feet tall. You will also see the dazzling Myatheindan (Hsinbyume) Pagoda, constructed of seven whitewashed terraces designed to symbolise sacred Mount Meru. Those who wish can climb the 88 steps to the top of the pagoda, which represents obtaining nirvana.
Option 2. Village Walk (English language only) An alternative option is to visit a rural village in the middle of the river. Walk along the island’s narrow dirt paths and across fields of beans, corn and millet and see villagers going about their daily lives. Visit the home of talented woodcarvers who make decorative ox carts used for ordination ceremonies and witness the production of dried lima beans, a vital ingredient in Burmese Tea Leaf Salad.
Back on board you are invited to dress in your longyi for a special cocktail party on the Observation Deck. Belmond Road to Mandalay anchors near Mingun tonight – Overnight in cabin / onboard (Myanmar)

Day 4 cabin / onboard (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Belmond Road to Mandalay / Dinner: Belmond Road to Mandalay )
Cruise aboard the Road to Mandalay around Bagan
Mandalay
Bagan, Day 4 of 8 * No local guide *
Early this morning, Belmond Road to Mandalay sails to the city of Mandalay, considered the religious heart of Myanmar and the home of Burmese traditional arts. You have a choice of morning tours:
Option 1. Alms giving (English language only) Transfer to shore at 07.30 for an opportunity to donate food to a procession of monks in accordance with the Burmese custom of almsgiving. Those joining this activity can then continue their day with either of the following two tours of Mandalay.
Option 2. Highlights of Mandalay Explore some of Mandalay�s great treasures with your guide, including Kuthodaw Pagoda, a UNESCO-listed site with 729 stone tablets inscribed with Buddhist scriptures, and the atmospheric Shwenandaw, an intricately-carved wooden monastery which used to be part of King Mindon�s living quarters. Pass through the streets of the marble quarter where artisans sculpt Buddhas of all sizes and continue to the outdoor workshop of a family of bronze casters to observe, first hand, the creation of statuesque Buddha images and ceremonial gongs.
Option 3. Mandalay Arts and Shopping (English language only) This excursion focuses on Mandalay�s local arts and cottage industries. Visit the home of candy makers to see their unusual methods of pulling and stretching sweets made from molasses. Watch artisans sculpting Buddha statues in the marble quarter and browse a store showcasing high-quality crafts. Watch skilled artisans carving intricate wood panels typically used for monasteries and weaving tapestries with semi-precious stones, and visit the outdoor workshop of a family of bronze casters. Finally, observe silk weavers at their looms, creating textiles with traditional ethnic patterns. This is a great place to purchase famous Amarapura silks.
In the afternoon, disembark for an excursion to discover the hills of Sagaing, the spiritual centre of Myanmar, which is home to hundreds of monasteries, nunneries and Buddhist learning centres. Enjoy expansive views of the Ayeyarwady River from the Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda and visit a Buddhist nunnery to learn about the monastic way of life. End the day at the magnificent 200-year old U Bein Bridge, one of Myanmar�s most photographed sites. Tonight a sumptuous dinner is served in the Restaurant, after which you are treated to an evening of traditional entertainment. Belmond Road to Mandalay berths at Shwe Kyet Yet village for the night – Overnight in cabin / onboard (Myanmar)

Day 5 cabin / onboard (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Belmond Road to Mandalay / Dinner: Belmond Road to Mandalay )
Cruise aboard the Road to Mandalay around Bagan
Mandalay
Bagan, Day 5 of 8 * No local guide *
Today’s excursion takes you into the mountains to the former colonial hill station of Maymyo, now known as Pyin Oo Lwin. Journey for approximately two hours along the famous Burma Road (the route to China from Mandalay), climbing to 1000m/3500ft above Mandalay, where it may be 8-10 degrees cooler. Maymyo (May-town), named after Colonel May of the 5th Bengal Infantry, was founded by the British in 1896 as a cool summer retreat. For the next 50 years it was the scene of gins-and-tonics, casual tennis tournaments and other hallmarks of Raj-style colonial life. You can still see many English country cottage-type mansions, although a number are in need of restoration. You will enjoy a typical Shan lunch at one of the mansions that has already been restored�look out for photos of the building from the 1930s. Your tour will include a circuit of the town in a traditional horse-drawn carriage, visiting the vibrant local market where you may find unexpected delights such as locally produced strawberry jam and beautiful flowers. The floral theme continues as you make your way around the Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens, which were established in 1924 and are still beautifully maintained. Return to the ship for an evening at leisure – Overnight in cabin / onboard (Myanmar)

Day 6 cabin / onboard (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Belmond Road to Mandalay / Dinner: Belmond Road to Mandalay )
Cruise aboard the Road to Mandalay around Bagan
Mandalay
Bagan, Day 6 of 8 * No local guide *
This morning brings another opportunity to attend an early almsgiving ceremony on shore near our jetty. The small village of Shwe Kyet Yet has been home to the ship�s berth for 20 years. Visit the local pagoda to donate food to a procession of monks and on the stroll back enjoy the bustling activity around the market and teashops. Belmond Road to Mandalay then sets sail for Ava (or “Inwa”), an ancient imperial capital situated between the Ayeyarwady and Myitnge Rivers. Here you have a choice of two tour options:
Option 1. Ava by Horse and Cart Perfect for those who wish to explore the most fascinating highlights of the city. Climb into one of the traditional buggies and enjoy a scenic drive. Ava was the capital of Burma four times between 1364 and 1841, although what remains today dates mostly from the early 19th century. See the ruins of King Bagyidaw�s palace walls and moat, visit a beautiful 19th century teak monastery, now a monastic school, and journey through picturesque villages, farmlands and rice paddies.
Option 2. Ava Adventure (Limited space. Please register at Reception. English-language tour only) Set off on an independent mountain bike tour (a map will be provided), or join one of our staff for a leisurely, guided bike ride. Head off the beaten track into Ava�s more rural pathways, pedalling past King Bagyidaw�s palace ruins, through farmlands and tranquil villages. The ride is suitable for advanced beginners and above. There are no steep inclines, but be prepared for a mix of paved roads and dirt tracks with rocky or sandy surfaces.
Mid-morning, return to the ship and set sail towards Bagan. You now have ample time to enjoy the ship�s leisure facilities, such as a treatment at the spa, relaxation by the pool or a scenic lunch on the Observation Deck. An esteemed astrologer will be on board, ready to foretell your future, and a cultural talk on Myanmar will be given in the Observation Lounge. Late afternoon, on the port side, the ship will pass the village of Yandabo, where in 1826 the treaty of the same name was signed between the Kingdom of Ava and the invading colonial British. Today this village is known for its production of terracotta clay water pots, which can often be seen drying on the riverbanks. After dinner this evening, visit the Observation Deck for an unforgettable surprise on the river (weather permitting). The ship anchors mid-river for the night. – Overnight in cabin / onboard (Myanmar)

Day 7 cabin / onboard (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Belmond Road to Mandalay / Dinner: Belmond Road to Mandalay )
Cruise aboard the Road to Mandalay around Bagan
Mandalay
Bagan, Day 7 of 8 * No local guide *
This morning we arrive back in Bagan. Your excursion today is to sacred Mt Popa, the traditional home of the 37 Nats or animist spirits, which have been worshipped in Myanmar since long before the arrival of Buddhism. The journey overland will take about two hours altogether, but there will be a stop en route at a toddy palm plantation to see the traditional methods still employed to produce jaggery, a palm sugar used in sweets and in an alcoholic drink, which you may try. Mt Popa is actually a 5,000ft extinct volcano, which stands alone on the Myingyan Plain. Its summit, which is home to a mix of Nat and Buddhist shrines, can be reached by climbing 777 steep and sometimes difficult steps (taking about 20 minutes). Climb to the top for magnificent views, or stay and explore the village. A Burmese-style lunch will be served al fresco at Mt Popa Resort, which offers incredible views of the mountain. Bring your swimsuit in case you wish to enjoy a dip in the fresh spring-water infinity pool at the resort. Return to the ship in the late afternoon. You may choose to simply relax on board, or you could continue exploring Bagan further – perhaps take a private horse-cart sunset tour, enjoy a walk through Taung Be village or set off on a bike ride. We can also arrange a sunset tour on a small boat, which will motor upstream before the engine is cut, allowing you to drift back gently while enjoying the magical light at water level. Back on board, a farewell dinner is served on the Observation Deck, after which you are treated to a classical marionette performance. Historically these shows were royal entertainment, depicting stories from the early life of Buddha, but they were also considered a safe way to deliver messages to the King. Belmond Road to Mandalay anchors mid-river at Bagan overnight – Overnight in cabin / onboard (Myanmar)

Day 8 cabin / onboard (Breakfast: Hotel )
Cruise aboard the Road to Mandalay around Bagan
Mandalay
Bagan, Day 8 of 8 [# End programme in Bagan] * No local guide *
Dawn brings a second opportunity to take to the skies in a hot-air balloon flight over Bagan’s breathtaking pagodas for those who book in advance. An early breakfast is served before you disembark for your onward travel arrangements. Check-out time from your cabin is at 08.30 and you are welcome to use the ship’s public spaces until the final disembarkation time of 11.00

INCLUDED SERVICES:
– Program is based on English speaking guide. For other languages a supplement charge will apply.
– accommodation as mentioned above or equivalent.
– meals according to itinerary / Breakfast box in lieu of ABF when early morning flight.
– Porter fees at the airport where guide service is booked.
– boat ticket(s) according to the itinerary.

EXCLUDED SERVICES:
– visa fees, drinks, personal expenses. ** Visa Procedures: Myanmar
For bookings of round-trip or module packages, we will confirm one of the hotels mentioned above according to the selected category. Please note that compulsory gala dinners and peak season surcharges may apply during peak periods surrounding the public holidays of Christmas and New Year and Water Festival – these surcharges will be confirmed at the time of booking.