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Day 1: Arrival - Yangon
On arrival at Yangon airport , you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon has been the capital city only since 1885 although some settlements in this site date back about 2,500 years. This colorful metropolis features an intriguing mix of the scenes from a bygone era and the modern tempo of bustling streets punctuated by serene temples and impressive colonial edifices. After checking into hotel, we start our city tour, seeing the old colonial styled city center, the gilded Sule Pagoda and the impressive Karaweik Hall on the Royal Lake. We follow these with a visit to the famous Shwedagon Pagoda, which dominates the skyline of city. This masterpiece houses an intricate complex of smaller pagodas and Buddha images. O/N in Yangon.
Day 2: Yangon - Mandalay
An early morning transfer to the airport for a short flight to Mandalay, the second largest city of Myanmar. On arrival you are met by our guide and driven to visit the ancient city of Amarapura. The spectacular teak bridge of U Bein and the famous Mahaganda Monastery are some of the major attraction in Amarapura. We follow it with a boat trip along the mighty Irrawaddy River. The lively waterfront with working buffaloes offers a spectacular backdrop as we cruise upriver to Mingun. We wander around Mingun and visit the unfinished huge pagoda, the world’s largest bell of Mingun and the beautiful white Hsinbyume Pagoda. We make our way back to Madalay City and enjoy an interesting visit to some famous traditional handicraft workshops such as woodcarving, marble masonry, Kalaga tapestry and gold leaf making. O/N in Mandalay. (B)
Day 3: Mandalay - Road to Mandalay
Today we spend the time on our own before we set off on a short drive to the Mandalay jetty. On arrival we are welcomed on Road to Mandalay and get some instruction on the ship. This is time for us to settle into a private comfortable cabin and unpack for a four days cruising down the Irrawaddy River to Bagan. We enjoy a short city tour of the delightful Mandalay Town. Here is plenty to see, some of which are the Mahamuni Pagoda, the fabulous Kuthodaw Pagoda often called “ the world's largest book “, the Royal Palace and the wooden monastery of Shwenandaw Kyaung. This structure is still standing over centuries, despite of all vicissitudes of the city. We drive back to our cruise and navigate along the watercourse to watch the spectacular sunset over the surrounding areas. O/N on board. (L,D)
Day 4: Mandalay - Bagan - Road to Mandalay
The great cultural Mandalay City was a former capital of Burma; however many outlaying towns could lay claim to the same title at some stages in the past. Today we cross the Ava Bridge to visit one of these ancient cities, Sagaing. This lush area is covered in 600 white painted pagodas and monasteries, and is therefore regarded as the religious centre of Myanmar. Coming back to the cruise we begin navigating southwards to Bagan and pass through the spectacular countryside of rolling hills , sleepy villages and lush plantation. The remainder of day is for your own pleasure; observing the rural life close up, lazing around the deck or simply soaking up the sunshine. O/N on board. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Bagan - Road to Mandalay
The following destination of our journey is Bagan which boasts one of the world impressive archeological wonders. This enchanting town flourished from the 11th till 13th century when religious fervors launched a 200 year building of thousands huge stupas and temples, many of which are still standing today on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. We set off on a short drive to the archeological zone and spend our time behind the towering structures. The orientation tour enables us to explore some major landmarks including Shwezigon, Gubyaukgyi, Htilominlo, Ananda. These temples and pagodas bear statement to a glorious past. The perfect way to round off our day is an observation of the beautiful sunset view over archeological filed. O/N on board. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Bagan - Yangon - Departure
The unforgettable river trip completes after breakfast. You are transferred to Bagan Airport for a short morning flight back to Yangon and connect onwards flights. (B)
CRUISE INFORMATION
1. The downstream cruise from Mandalay to Bagan is available on following date: January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. February 7, 14, 21, 28. March 7, 14, 21, 28. April 4, 18, 25. July 25. August 1. September 26 . October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. November 7, 14, 21, 28. December 5, 19, 26. The programme and schedule are subject to change without prior notice.
2. The Road to Mandalay Ship was built incorporating the elegant Burmese materials and unique styles with the high standards in decor and modern comfort, to offer a distinctive cruise service along the fascinating Irrawaddy River. This custom designed watercraft features all safety and comfort to satisfy discerning river travellers.
The service outlines include modern safety equipment and lifejackets + 4 decks accommodating 108 passengers + 56 luxury air-conditioned cabins of which each is fitted with two single berths or one double berth plus a private western style bathroom + Restaurant + Piano Bar + Boutique + Beauty Room + Small Library + Spacious Lounge for local entertainment and cultural lectures + Sun deck featuring a swimming pool , bar, sitting area + Exquisite lounge + Games and reading corner.
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