Explore Myanmar with Road to Mandalay Cruises in August and September

Orient-Express will resume its 12-day adventure aboard the legendary Road to Mandalay cruise ship up the Ayeyarwady River to northern Myanmar for a limited season in August and September 2011.

Four voyages are scheduled this year, departing on 3 and 17 August and 7 and 21 September.

Prices start from US$3,330 per person in a Single Cabin, and rise – based on two people sharing – to US$4,400pp in a Deluxe Cabin, US$5,950pp in a State Cabin and US$8,330pp in the Governor’s Suite.

Also included are all table d'hôte meals plus economy class flights, transfers and sightseeing in Myanmar.

The Road To Mandalay cruises from Mandalay, Bagan and ultimately Bhamo near the Chinese border foothills of Yunnan – incorporating gourmet cuisine, off-the-beaten track experiences with glimpses into Burmese life.

The cruise is designed for travellers seeking something different and exciting, delving into a country largely undiscovered by mass-market tourism.

Along the way, voyagers discover the world's largest brick-built pagoda and uncracked bell at Mingun, traditional clay pot sculpting at New Nyein, and local markets including the old town of Katha, made famous by George Orwell in "Burmese Days", which is toured by trishaw.

Travellers will also encounter logging camps, the old colonial village of Zinbon, the beautiful river port of Tigyaing and a forestry reserve at Mogok where precious botanical specimens are grown for essential oils.

A tour of Burma's second city, Mandalay, is followed by tribal dancing in quaint village of Shwe Kyet Yet. Traditional performances by local artists are also featured, along with visits to ancient sites, either with an experienced guide, or exploring alone by horse-drawn cart or bicycle.

The highlight of the final evening aboard The Road To Mandalay is a cocktail party on the Top Deck followed by a gourmet Farewell Dinner where guests can say goodbye to new friends made during this extraordinary experience.

Cruises in 2012 are scheduled for 1, 15 and 29 August and 12 September.

The Road To Mandalay offers a range of itineraries along Burma’s main river, the Ayeyarwady River, giving passengers access to the very heart of the country. Three, four and seven night cruise itineraries between Bagan and Mandalay are a regular feature of the schedule as well as four special voyages each year to Bhamo, in the remote northern area of the country. All itineraries can be combined with stays in Yangon, Inle Lake or Ngapali on the Indian Ocean.

The Road To Mandalay is also offering special seasonal offers for bookings before August 31.

Those who book a seven night cruise in 2011 will enjoy an hot-air balloon flight over the unforgettable temples of Bagan which is included in the price. Guests on the one-hour hot–air balloon ride will float over thousand year old pagodas and the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River, as the sun sinks slowly behind distant mountains.

Alternatively, for three or four-night cruises and also for bookings before 31 August, a complimentary night at The Governor’s Residence Hotel in Yangon is included. A romantic, colonial-style mansion dating from the 1920s, The Governor's Residence is redolent of the days when it was home to the ruler of Burma’s southern states. With its fan-cooled verandas and teak armchairs, this delightful Orient-Express hotel in the elegant Embassy Quarter of Yangon (formerly Rangoon), conjures up a bygone era while offering every modern pleasure.

See recent travel news from: Travel News Asia, Road to Mandalay, Orient-Express, Myanamar