Ayarwaddy River Cruise

Upon arrival at Yangon international airport you are met by your Wayfairer guide and driven to your hotel. Our journey begins with an afternoon tour through the colonial-style city centre of Yangon. We start to visit Chauk That Gyi pagoda to view its magnificent reclining Buddha figure, and Karaweik Hall to marvel at the uniquely decorated “hamsa-bird-shaped” floating barge on Kandawgyi (Royal) Lake. We visit Bogyoke (Scotts) Market, where hundreds of gemstone, handicrafts, art, clothes and food stores are tucked in a maze of color. Relax back at your hotel this evening. 

Today is dedicated to your full city tour of Yangon with your local Wayfairer guide. You will visit the colonial old town with the Sule Pagoda, City Hall and Mahabandoo Park which is a heart of Yangon City surrounded by memorable scenes of numerous Colonial style buildings - making for a memorable photo stop. We continue to one of Asia’s architectural landmarks, the elegant Strand Hotel built by the Sarkies brothers. Inside, we visit the River Art Gallery, where the works of some of the most famous and skilled Burmese artists are on display fitting of the grand surroundings.  

We complete the day with a visit to one of the world’s most spectacular monuments, the Shwedagon Pagoda, a gleaming bell dome structure that dominates the city’s skyline. Legends state that the sacred hairs of the Buddha are enshrined here. The Shwedagon is an iconic symbol of the country, a sight not to be missed!

After an early morning domestic flight from Yangon to Mandalay, you’ll begin your week long cruise on the magnificent luxury cruise: The Road to Mandalay! On arrival into Mandalay, you are welcomed by your local guide and proceed to the Sagaing Hills, considered to be the living centre of the Buddhist faith in Myanmar, and enjoy the spectacular panoramic views. You are then driven to the dock where the Belmond, Road to Mandalay is berthed on the Ayarwaddy River. After lunch, you enjoy a guided tour of the key sights of the Mandalay City before returning to the ship for your welcome dinner.

Early this morning there is a tour to a local ShweKyetYet Village where we sit down to breakfast before you sail onwards to the ancient capital of Ava for a tour by horse-drawn cart. Then, after returning to the cruise for your lunch, the rest of the day is spent relaxing on board while cruising down the river to Bagan. A casual cocktail party followed by dinner on board is on deck for this evening's entertainment.

Today you arrive into Bagan, where a guided orientation tour shows you around and introduces you to the famous temples and pagodas. After lunch, continue to visit the sightseeing tour in Bagan. An option here is to explore at leisure with a bicycle or traditional horse-drawn caret so just ask your guide if this is more your style. In the late afternoon, return to the boat for dinner beneath the stars and enjoy some local entertainment.

After breakfast today we have a full day's excursion to Mount Popa, a National Park and believed to be the sacred home of Powerful ‘Nats’ (spirits). On the top of this rocky hill are the picturesque complex of monasteries, pagodas and shrines which are accessed via a winding, covered walkway. You return to the ship before sunset in time for drinks and dinner on board.

After breakfast and join the guide to explore some of Bgan's bustling colourful local markets. Alternatively, and if you haven't already done so, you can hire a bicycle or horse caret and discover this enchanting area on your own. The ship anchors mid-river for the evening, providing a marvelous opportunity to observe the stars, followed by a spectacular dinner.

Today, relax on-board with a morning at leisure and you can easy to join a cooking demonstration on the top deck. The RTM cruise moors in Mandalay in the late afternoon. After lunch enjoy an excursion tour to Mingun,  home to enormous ruined pagoda of King Bodawpaya. This evening, return to the board for dinner with local entertainment.

After breakfast on the board, then a full day explore to May Myo also called PyinOoLwin, which is a colonial hill station set high in the mountains. Lunch is taken at a colonial house with a typical Shan lunch. After that, back on Belmond Road to Mandalay and enjoy your final farewell dinner on board.

Early breakfast on board and we transfer to Mandalay Airport for your onward flight to Yangon and relax on your final evening in Yangon.

Breakfast at the hotel and free your time before transfer to Thandwe Airport. Then you head to Yangon to connect with your international departure.