10 Night Cruise sailing from Mandalay to Bagan board Scenic Aura.

Day 1 - Mandalay > Irrawaddy Cruise
Welcome to Myanmar. This afternoon, meet your guide at Mandalay Hill Resort at 3:00pm and transfer to the luxurious Scenic Aura. Enjoy a welcome on board reception whilst cruising to Mingun.

Please book flights to arrive by 12 midday.

Day 2 - Mingun - Amarapura
This morning in Mingun discover the stories behind a massive unfinished brick pagoda. Nearby, admire the un-cracked Mingun Bell and the stunning all-white Hsinbyume Pagoda, Myanmar’s Taj Mahal. Sail to Mandalay to visit Amarapura.

In Amarapura, relax with evening drinks in boats under U-Bein Bridge, the world’s longest teak bridge, to capture that memorable photo of the bridge’s silhouette at sunset.

Day 3 - Sagaing
Sagaing, regarded as the country’s spiritual capital, is dotted with hundreds of painted pagodas and monasteries.

In the ancient capital of Sagaing interact with novice monks, nuns and orphans during a special visit to a monastic supported school before continuing to a quiet nunnery where you will partake in the ritual and our donation to the resident nuns before their midday meal.

Set sail to the pottery village of Yandabo.

Day 4 - Yandabo - Pakkoku
Arrive in Yandabo where in 1826, the peace treaty ending the First Anglo-Burmese war was signed. Now famous for its pottery, stroll through the village and witness the artisans honing their craft and observe their unusual way of firing the pottery. Later cruise to Pakkoku for the night to visit a cheroot cigar and longyi and blanket home workshops.

Day 5 - Bagan
Arrive into Bagan this morning. After breakfast travel by horse and cart through a local village then through the surrounding plain and it’s temple ruins before learning all about the production of Burmese lacquerware, a Bagan specialty.

Then be wowed by a Scenic exclusive magical themed dinner, with included free flow drinks and cultural show in front of candle lit Bagan temple ruins.

Day 6 - Bagan - Salay
Between 01 October and 31 March, take a hot air balloon flight over the majestic temples of Bagan. Flights last approximately 45 minutes and must be purchased prior to your cruise to guarantee availability.

This morning visit the most iconic sight of this hypnotic region, the impressive Ananda Temple before returning on board and continue cruising downstream to Salay. On your walking tour of the town, explore Paya Thonzu, a small trio of brick shrines, admire Youqson Kyaung, a beautiful teak monastery and look inside the largest lacquer Buddha image in Myanmar.

From the riverfront, soak up the ambience of the river and the colonial feel of the town whilst enjoying traditional local Burmese tea and snacks in a restored colonial villa dating from 1906.

Remain alongside Salay overnight.

Day 7 - Minhla Fort
Continue cruising downstream throughout the morning, relaxing by the pool or enjoying some solitude on your private balcony. Later this afternoon visit the Italian built Minhla Fort where its capture by the British during the Third Anglo-Burmese War brought to an end to an independent Burma.

Day 8 - Magwe
This morning discover the town of Magwe as you are peddled around in a local Trishaw bike. Take in the views from Mya Tha Lun Pagoda, a mesmerising architectural vision set on Naguttama Hill. This afternoon relax on board and watch the changing scenery go by as you sail towards Bagan.

Day 9 - Sailing - Bagan
Make use of the ship’s luxury during your nearly full day of sailing upstream along the Irrawaddy towards Bagan. Relax on the Sun Deck with a cocktail in hand viewing the many temples and pagodas that line the river as you approach this ancient location.

Day 10 - Bagan
Rise early to attend and partake in morning alms for the local monks.

Venture to Mount Popa, home to Myanmar’s nats or nature spirits, before heading to a Toddy Farm where a traditional lunch awaits or cross the river to Tant Kyi Tuang to take in the expansive elevated views of Bagan. Alternatively, wander through the markets at Nyaung U before either exploring the Temple Circuit, or enjoying a visit to Old Bagan.

Relax on board for the remainder of the day before your farewell dinner tonight.

Day 11 - Irrawaddy Cruise > Yangon
Disembark and fly to Yangon and take lunch at the historical House of Memories Restaurant, once the office of General Aung San. After lunch continue onto Yangon airport where your adventure ends later this afternoon.