RTM 8 Days Cruise

Board Road To Mandalay for seven nights. Explore the many temples and pagodas of Bagan. Relax and enjoy local riverlife as you cruise the Ayeyarwady River. Discover the sights of Sagaing, Mingun and Mandalay and enjoy excursions to the traditional Burmese village of Shanlay.

Itinerary

DAY 1 > BAGAN

Morning domestic flight from Yangon to Bagan. On arrival, transfer to the Road To Mandalay berthed on the Ayeyarwady River. In the afternoon the guide takes you to into Bagan where over 2,000 temples and pagodas remain on an awe-inspiring plain. Watch the sun setting over a field of glowing pagodas by the river. Return to the ship for dinner.

DAY 2 > BAGAN

After breakfast join the guide to explore some of Bagan's local markets selling wood carvings, fabrics, longis and rattan goods. See Myanmar's famous lacquerware being made. Alternatively, you can hire a bicycle or horse-drawn cart and explore this enchanting area on your own. Mid morning, the ship sets sail for Mandalay. On board the guide lectures on the Ayeyarwady River. The ship anchors mid-river for the evening providing a marvellous opportunity to observe the stars. Dinner and overnight on board.

DAY 3 > SAGAING

Arrive at the village of Shwe Kyet Yet after lunch. Enjoy an afternoon excursion to Sagaing considered to be the living centre of the Buddhist faith in Myanmar and famous for its silversmiths who still work in much the same way as their ancestors did. Return to the ship for dinner in the evening.

DAY 4 > PYIN OO LWIN (Maymyo)

A full day's excursion to 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 dinner and local entertainment in the evening.

DAY 5 > MINGUN & MANDALAY

After breakfast take a cruise to Mingun. Visit the most important sights such as the pretty Hsinbyume Pagoda and the world's largest uncracked bell. Return by ferry for a late lunch. In the afternoon, 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 for dinner.

DAY 6 > VILLAGE WALK

After an early breakfast visit a local village for a walking tour. This traditional Burmese village gives you the opportunity to discover the Burmese way of life first hand - from farming and handicrafts to spirit houses and tea-shops. Return to the ship for lunch and set sail for Bagan once more. The rest of the day is spent relaxing on board, observing the fascinating local river life glide by from the top deck. An on-board guide lectures on the Myanmar way of life. This evening enjoy a casual cocktail party followed by dinner on board.

DAY 7 > MT POPA

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

DAY 8 > BAGAN DEPARTURE

After an early breakfast you are transferred to Bagan airport for your onward flight to Yangon to the beach.