20th Anniversary Celebration

Day 1: Bagan arrival (-/L/D)

bagan Arrive in Bagan this morning for a guided tour of the city. Visit one of the many temples near the village of Minnanthu and admire the richly coloured murals, dating from 1225. Head off the beaten track, meet the locals and take a glimpse into their fascinating lifestyle. Stop off at a charming tea shop, where our onboard chef welcomes you with a traditional Burmese breakfast. Your next stop is the village of Taung Be, near Old Bagan, where a local troupe provides entertainment as you board Belmond Road to Mandalay. Toast the start of this celebratory cruise with a refreshing Bellini cocktail, then savour lunch on the Observation Deck after the ship sets sail. Your afternoon adventure begins with a traditional horse-and-cart ride to the Ananda Temple. This architectural masterpiece was built in 1090 and contains four gilded Buddha statues, each standing 30ft tall. You’ll then stop by a workshop to observe Bagan's famous lacquerware being crafted. As daylight starts to fade, gather to watch the mesmerising sunset over the plains. Your final stop takes you to a small temple where you’ll participate in an experience exclusive to Belmond—a magical candle-lighting ceremony. Back on board a welcome cocktail party on the Observation Deck gives you the chance to mingle with fellow travellers. Then sit down to dinner, an enticing blend of local and fusion delicacies.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: On Board Road to Mandalay

Day 2: Balloons over Bagan (B/L/D)

bagan tour For guests who have pre-booked sunrise flights with “Balloons over Bagan” (advance reservations are essential) there will be early-morning tea and coffee served. Other optional sunrise activities include a guided mountain bike excursion, a yoga session or a photography tour with a Bagan expert. Disembark to visit the market at Nyaung U, a bustling space populated by villagers and farmers. Aided by members of the ship’s culinary crew you will learn about the most popular local ingredients. Take the opportunity to accompany the ship’s doctor, Dr Hla Tun, on a visit to the free health clinic. Located near Taung Be Village, the clinic was established in 2011 with the support of the Belmond Myanmar Foundation. Volunteers from the local community help treat hundreds of patients a week when Belmond Road to Mandalay is stationed in Bagan. After lunch, prepare for a leisurely afternoon on board. Enjoy a cooking lesson using the ingredients purchased earlier in the day, join a talk by Dr Hla Tun or have your palm read by our renowned astrologer. Alternatively, indulge in a treatment at the spa, swim in the outdoor pool or soak up the views from the Observation Deck. There will also be the opportunity to participate in a silent auction to help support the Belmond Myanmar Foundation. The day ends in style with sunset cocktails followed by a multi-course Anniversary Tasting Menu Dinner. Afterwards, why not sip a Myanmar brandy on the Observation Deck and prepare for an unmissable evening surprise.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: On Board Road to Mandalay

Day 3: 20th Anniversary Road to Mandalay (B/L/D)

mandalay Early birds may wish to rise in time for a sunrise yoga session on the Observation Deck. Later a meditation class will be held in the Lounge. Enjoy a relaxed morning on board. In the Observation Lounge there will be a photography exhibition celebrating our 20 Years in Myanmar. Later there will be a talk on local culture in the Observation Lounge. You might also like to join a demonstration on how to tie and wear a longyi, the Burmese sarong worn by both men and women. As well as prepare thanaka, a traditional facial skin treatment worn both as a sun protector and as decorative make-up. After lunch, it’s time for the 20th Anniversary Road to Mandalay Rally, an epic journey of discovery in the countryside. You will experience many aspects of authentic Myanmar culture and rural life as you travel through the landscape. Your adventure will include a variety of fun activities and surprises, from Burmese dance lessons to a chinlon (cane ball) competition. Awards will be given out for certain tasks and one lucky guest will win a Grand Prize. Return to the ship in the late afternoon and prepare for a longyi cocktail party. Dress up in local style and savour a delicious barbeque dinner, served at our open-air Bar & Grill.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: On Board Road to Mandalay

Day 4: Mandalay & Sagaing (B/L/D)

This morning, disembark to discover the treasures of Mandalay, considered the home of Burmese traditional arts. You begin with a visit to the open-air jade market when it is at its liveliest. Continue to a renowned family of bronze casters to observe, first hand, the creation of gleaming Buddha images, before passing through the bustling streets of the marble quarter. Return to the ship for lunch as it cruises past Sagaing’s beautiful, hilly landscapes before arriving at Shwe Kyet Yet village. In the afternoon there is the chance to witness a Buddhist Noviciation Ceremony, a special rite of passage as boys become monks. This auspicious occasion is one of the most important for any Buddhist family, and the whole village will often come out to watch. The day’s sightseeing ends with a spellbinding sunset visit to the 200-year-old U Bein Bridge, one of Myanmar's most photographed sites. Return to the ship to prepare for our Anniversary Gala Dinner, which will be staged in the moonlight at an exclusive location near Padaya (Ruby) Village. The winners of the Silent Auction will be announced, after which live local music, dance and entertainment will ensure a festive carnival atmosphere. A perfect ending to a momentous cruise.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: On Board Road to Mandalay

Day 5: Mandalay - Departure (B/-/-)

Early this morning, those who wish can participate in a religious alms-giving ceremony can accompany staff to the Shwe Kyet Yet village monastery. After breakfast, disembark for your onward travel arrangements. End of our services

Meals: Breakfast