ROAD TO MANDALAY

A journey along the legendary is a voyage of a lifetime. From this mighty river, which runs the length of the country, all Myanmar treasure for so long hidden from the world’s gaze. The elegant River Cruise “ Road To Mandalay” is the ultimate vantage point from which to view Myanmar’s serene beauty. Saffron clad monks and golden spires, cities of temples with traffic of ox-carts, the graceful flight of heron against forests of dark bamboo, and friendly people waiting to make your acquaintance.

4 Days / 3 Nights Cruise

Day 1 - WEDNESDAY ( Yangon - Mandalay ) Morning domestic flight with Air Mandalay from Yangon to Mandalay. Transfer to the Road To Mandalay berthed on the Ayeyarwady River at Shwe Kyet Yet. Settle into your comfortable private cabin. 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 en route to admire sunset over the river. Dinner and local entertainment. Overnight on board.

Day 2 - THURSDAY ( Mandalay - Bagan ) After an early breakfast 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 local river life from the top deck. An on-board guide lectures on local places and customs. Dinner and local entertainment. Overnight on board.

Day 3 - FRIDAY  ( Bagan ) 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 have the opportunity to rejoin the guide and 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.

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

ITINERARY SOUTHBOUND MANDALAY TO BAGAN 3 NIGHTS CRUISE

valid from January 2007 - December 2007

Above Fares are net in US Dollar per person

Shoulder Season : valid from 21 March 2007 - 20 October 2007

Above Fares are net in US Dollar per person

Own flight Yangon - Mandalay / Bagan Deduct: USD 69.--
Own flight Mandalay/Bagan - Yangon Deduct: USD 69.—

Sailing dates

Winter Cruises 2007 Departure Yangon: (Wednesday)

Shoulder Season  Cruises 2007 Departure Yangon: (Wednesday)

Contact Us

Day 1 - SATURDAY ( Yangon - Bagan ) Morning domestic flight with Air Mandalay from Yangon to Bagan. On arrival, transfer to the Road To Mandalay berthed on the Ayeyarwady River. Bagan is the most amazing sight in Burma where over 2,000 temples and pagodas remain on this awe-inspiring plain. After lunch, join the guide and visit the inside of some of Bagan’s more significant pagodas. 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 2 - SUNDAY ( Bagan - Mandalay )

After breakfast a guided tour introduces you to Bagan’s most important temples and the local market. Alternatively, you can hire a bicycle or horse-drawn cart and explore this fascinating area on your own. Mid-morning the Road To Mandalay begins its cruise north towards Mandalay. Settle back in a comfortable chair on the top deck and watch the fascinating river life glide by. An on board guide lectures on local places and customs. The ship moors mid-river for the evening. Dinner and local entertainment. Overnight on board.

Day 3 - MONDAY ( Mandalay ) Arrive at the quaint little village of Shwe Kyet Yet after 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 stopping enroute to admire sunset over the river. Dinner and local entertainment. Overnight on board

Day 4 - TUESDAY ( Mandalay)

After breakfast, 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, visit the Sagaing Hills, considered to be the living centre of the Buddhist faith in Burma. Sagaing is also famous for its silver and silversmiths who still work in much the same way as their ancestors did. Dinner and local entertainment. Overnight on board.

Day 5 - WEDNESDAY ( Mandalay - Yangon )

After an early breakfast, transfer to Mandalay airport for your onward flight to Yangon.

ITINERARY NORTHBOUND BAGAN TO MANDALAY 4 NIGHTS CRUISE

valid from January 2006 - December 2006

Above Fares are net in US Dollar per person

Own flight Yangon - Mandalay / Bagan Deduct: USD 67.--

Own flight Mandalay/Bagan - Yangon Deduct: USD 67.--

valid from January 2007 - December 2007

Above Fares are net in US Dollar per person

Shoulder Season: valid from 21 March 2007 - 20October 2007

Above Fares are net in US Dollar per person

Own flight Yangon - Mandalay / Bagan Deduct: USD 69.--

Own flight Mandalay/Bagan - Yangon Deduct: USD 69.—

Sailing dates

Winter Cruises 2007 Departure Yangon: (Saturday)

Shoulder Season  Cruises 2007 Departure Yangon: (Saturday)

Contact Us

Day 1 – Wednesday (Yangon - Mandalay) Morning domestic flight from Yangon to Mandalay. On arrival transfer to the Road To Mandalay berthed on the Ayeyarwady River at Shwe Kyet Yet.   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 2 – Thursday (Mandalay - Bagan)

After an early breakfast 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 3 – Friday (Bagan) 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 6 – Monday (Mandalay) 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 7 – Tuesday (Mandalay – Maymyo - Mandalay)

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 8 – Wednesday (Mandalay - Yangon)

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


valid from January 2007 - December 2007

Above Fares are nett in US Dollar per person

Shoulder Season: valid from 21 March 2007 – 20 October 2007

Above Fares are nett in US Dollar per person

Own flight Yangon - Mandalay / Bagan Deduct: USD 69.--

Own flight Mandalay/Bagan - Yangon Deduct: USD 69.--

RTM 7 - MANDALAY - BAGAN - MAYMYO - MANDALAY

Winter Cruises 2007 Departure Yangon: (Wednesday)

Shoulder Season  Cruises 2007 Departure Yangon: (Wednesday)

Contact Us

Day 1 – SATURDAY (Yangon - Bagan) Morning domestic flight from Yangon to Bagan.  On arrival, transfer to the Road To Mandalay berthed on the Ayeyarwady River. At Bagan over 2,000 temples and pagodas remain on an awe-inspiring plain beside the river. After lunch, join the guide and visit the inside of some of the more significant pagodas. Late afternoon your guide takes you to watch the breathtaking vista of the sun setting over the plain.  Dinner and local entertainment in the evening.

Day 2 – SUNDAY (Bagan - Mandalay)

After breakfast a guided tour introduces you to more of Bagan’s important temples and the local market. Alternatively, you can hire a bicycle or horse-drawn cart and explore this fascinating area on your own.  Mid-morning the Road To Mandalay begins its cruise north towards Mandalay.  Relax on the top deck and watch the fascinating river life glide by.  An on board guide lectures on local places and customs. The ship moors mid-river for the evening.  Dinner and local entertainment.

Day 3 – MONDAY (Mandalay) Arrive at the quaint little village of Shwe Kyet Yet after 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 stopping enroute to admire sunset over the river.   Dinner and local entertainment.

Day 5 – WEDNESDAY (Mandalay)

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 dinner and local entertainment.

Day 6 – THURSDAY (Mandalay – Ava - Bagan) Enjoy a morning 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 lunch as the ship sets sail for Bagan. Relax on board in the afternoon or listen to the on board lecture in the lounge. Dinner on board.

Day 7 – FRIDAY (Bagan – Mount Popa)

Arrive mid morning into Bagan.  Take an 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.  Return to the ship for dinner and local entertainment.

Day 8 – SATURDAY (Bagan- Yangon)

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


valid from January 2007 – December 2007

Above Fares are nett in US Dollar per person

Shoulder Season: valid from 21 March 2007 - 20 October 2007

Above Fares are nett in US Dollar per person

Own flight Yangon - Mandalay / Bagan Deduct: USD 69.--

Own flight Mandalay/Bagan - Yangon Deduct: USD 69.--

SAILING DATES

RTM 7 - MANDALAY – BAGAN – MT.POPA

Winter Cruises 2007 Departure Yangon: (Saturday)

Shoulder Season  Cruises 2007 Departure Yangon: (Saturday)

Contact Us

Day 1  WEDNESDAY (Yangon-Mandalay-Mingun) Morning flight with Air Mandalay from Yangon to Mandalay.  Transfer to the Road To Mandalay berthed on the Ayeyarwady River opposite the Sagaing Hills studded with numerous white pagodas.  The ship sets sail on its voyage to northern Myanmar through the dramatic gorges that characterise this stretch of the river. At Mingun, you visit the world’s largest brick-built pagoda and uncracked bell. An evening cocktail party allows you to get to know your fellow travellers.

Day 2  THURSDAY (Mingun - Kyaukmyaung)

The ship makes an early start entering the first of three gorges around midday.  Anchor off Kyaukmyaung for a walking tour and to see traditional clay pot sculpting.  Later, sail past the picturesque island pagoda of Thihadaw.

Day 3  FRIDAY (Kyan Hnyat - Katha) Early morning stroll around the delightful village of Kyan Hnyat where school children greet you and the morning market bustles with activity.  Sailing north, vast stretches of the river spread out before you with villages dotted on the shore.  As the sun sets, the ship anchors off the old market town of Katha famous as the site where the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company scuttled its fleet in 1942.

Day 4  SATURDAY (Katha - Shwegu)

Visit Katha in the early morning to see some of the recovered wrecks and take a stroll through the market place made famous by George Orwell in “Burmese Days”.  The ship continues north of Shwegu where you explore the splendid island pagoda of Shwe Paw.

Day 5  SUNDAY (Zinbon - Bhamo) This morning the ship passes through the splendid second gorge with its green-clad mountains reaching down to the narrowing channel.  Sail past logging camps and the old colonial village of Zinbon towards the challenging first gorge.  The ship sails as far north as possible and then turns around to drop anchor off Bhamo where you may take a stroll and meet the locals.  The scenery in this unspoilt area is spectacular.

Day 6  MONDAY (Bhamo - Katha)

Morning visit to Bhamo, barely 50 miles from the Chinese border in the foothills of Yunnan. Local transport carries you into the countryside, past paddy fields and towards the mountains before returning to the ship for an early afternoon departure. 

Day 7  TUESDAY (Katha - Tigyaung)

In the early morning board the train to the forest station of Naba and experience a journey into thick Kachin jungle and teak forests. Later the ship sails for the beautiful river port of Tigyaing, where you can walk in the early evening.

Day 8  WEDNESDAY (Tigyaing - Mogok)

At Thabeikkyin you take the road that winds towards Mogok past a forestry reserve where many precious botanical specimens are grown for their essential oils. Various attractions await. Return to the ship to head south again.

Day 9  THURDAY (Mandalay) Mandalay comes into view early morning.  Disembark for a varied tour of Burma’s second city.  Rejoin the ship at the quaint Burmese village of Shwe Kyet Yet for a display of tribal dances.

Day 10  FRIDAY (Bagan)

The ship sets sail early morning for Bagan.  Along the way you see many villages with women doing the household chores by the river and waving children.  Witness sunset over the marvellous Bagan plain to whet your appetite for the tours next day.  Traditional Bagan artists perform for you this evening.

Day 11  SATURDAY (Bagan – Mt Popa)

On your final day, visit the ancient sites in and around Bagan with the experienced guide, or take a horse-drawn cart or bicycle to explore on your own. Optional afternoon tour to Mount Popa, legendary sacred home of the Nats, with its impressive summit monastery.

Day 12  SUNDAY (Yangon)

An early departure this morning to Bagan airport for your flight to Yangon.

Special Departures

• 08, 22 August, 05 September 2007
  
  

valid from January 2007 - December 2007

Fares are net in US Dollar per person

Own flight Yangon - Mandalay Deduct: USD 69.--

Own flight Bagan - Yangon Deduct: USD 69.--

Contact Us

ABOUT ROAD TO MANDALAY The luxury river cruise ship has been created by Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express from the former MS Nederland. Since 1995 this totally refurbished ship sails between Mandalay and Bagan.  The ship has a swimming pool, a large sun deck, a spacious observation lounge with large windows in addition to the excellent cabin facilities, a restaurant able to accommodate all passengers in one sitting and satellite communications. Consultant designers were appointed to devise new internal and external decorative schemes in sympathy with the vessels new role and the “Orient-Express” brand. The Road to Mandalay can accommodate a maximum of 110 passengers in 3 different cabin types. All cabins are fully air-conditioned and have en suite shower and WC facilities. Each cabin has a personal safe, telephone and satellite TV with in-house video. Sockets are suitable for 2-pin round plugs (220 volts). Hair dryers are available in each cabin.

PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION

The Road To Mandalay can accommodate a maximum of 100 passengers in 3 different cabins types.

State cabin (A Deck)

Dimensions 4.5m x 4.8m

• large window overlooking the river. twin beds (width 92cm x length 190cm, ie 2 single beds)
• sofa
• writing desk & chair
• cupboard and drawer space
• ensuite shower and WC facilities
• air conditioning
• hair dryer
• personal safe
• satellite TV with in-house video. 
• sockets are suitable for 2-pin round plugs (220 volts)
• Bulgari amenities.

Two state cabins have the twin beds separated – must be requested, all the others have the twin beds pushed together.  A mattress can be substituted for the sofa to accommodate a child under 4 with parents.

Superior cabin (A deck)

Dimensions 2.25m x 4.8m

• Large window overlooking the river. Twin beds (width 92cm x length 190cm , ie 2 x single beds)
• vanity unit and stool
• cupboard and drawer space
• ensuite shower and WC facilities.
• air conditioning
• hair dryer
• personal safe
• satellite TV with in-house video. 
• Sockets are suitable for 2-pin round plugs (220 volts). 
• Bulgari amenities
  

Superior cabin (B deck)

Dimensions 2.25m x 4.8m

• Two windows / port holes (20 cm above water). Twin beds (width 92cm x length 190cm, ie 2 x single beds)
• vanity unit and stool
• cupboard and drawer space.
• ensuite shower and WC facilities.
• Air conditioning,
• hair dryer,
• personal safe
• satellite TV with in-house video. 
• Sockets are suitable for 2-pin round plugs (220 volts). 
• Road To Mandalay amenities.

Single cabin (B Deck)

Dimensions 2.25m x 4.2m
Single berth (width 87cm x length 190cm)

• vanity unit and stool,
• cupboard and drawer space. 
• Some cabins have a pull-down upper berth.

ROAD TO MANDALAY DEPOSIT REQUIREMENTS & CANCELLATION FEES

Prices

• All prices are nett per person and non commissionable
• All prices are in USD and per person

Reduction

• RTM in conjunction with the E&O train: 20% from the combined fare
• Young person age 11 years or less and accompanied by an adult: 20%
• Parties of 4 and above: 5%

Booking Conditions

• For reservations made more than 55 days prior to travel, a 15% deposit is required at the time of booking. Full payment is due 55 days prior to travel.
• All reservations made less than 55 days prior to travel must be paid in full at the time of booking.
• Administration fees are imposed for change of passenger’s names, departure dates or cabin types

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