See in 2010 onboard the beautiful and newly refurbished Road To Mandalay luxury river boat as it cruises along the scenic Irrawaddy River in Myanmar, past golden-spired pagodas, ancient temples, sleepy riverside settlements and saffron-clad monks.

The exclusive seven night Bagan – Mandalay – Bagan New Year Celebration voyage departs on Saturday 26th December and offers the unique opportunity to view the marvels of Myanmar life alongside Myanmar's main vein, the mighty Irrawaddy River whilst enjoying gourmet cuisines and the iconic luxury associated with Orient-Express.

The New Year's voyage contains an array of unique visits and experiences devised for this special celebration trip. Activities include sunrise yoga and meditation sessions on the top deck or at a local pagoda; a local art exhibition in the Observation Lounge; massages, pedicures and manicures on top deck; an exclusive lecture and musical introduction to "Music and the Cycles of Life"; lectures on Burmese culture and history; a Burmese tribal costume show; a visit to the bridge with the captain, and a lunch on top deck with a local supplier with the chance to taste and learn about local produce.

The voyage also includes a number of excursions and surprises uniquely tailored for this exclusive trip which will only be revealed during the course of the cruise… surprise a loved one with a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Bagan, a bicycle tour or Royal Horse cart tour.

On 31st December there will be a top deck New Years Eve Cocktail Party prior to an indulgent feast prepared by the chef. Following dinner there will be a Jazz band playing and Shan balloons released into the sky at midnight for each guest to make a new year's wish.

The final evening of the cruise will commence with a cocktail party on the sandbank including a traditional elephant dance and a bonfire before a farewell feast in the restaurant.

Additional voyage highlights include:

A visit to a local lacquareware factory, Nyaung Oo market and a sunset visit to Pyadhadgyi temple in Bagan.

Discover the sights of Yandabo village which is only accessible via the river and is famous for the production of terracotta pottery made from river bank mud. Whilst in Yandabo there will be a chance to view a noviciation ceremony where the local boys are initiated into a monastery to become Buddhist monks.

A visit to Mandalay City which is the second largest city in Myanmar. A city tour will include visits to Mahamuni Temple which is one of the three holiest places in Myanmar, Shwe Nan Daw Monastery a magnificent building dating back to 1879, Thodaw Pagoda which contains what often is called the world’s largest book and Mandalay Palace.

A sunset visit to U Bein's Bridge in Amarapura which is a 1.2 km wooden footbridge leading across the shallow Taungthaman Lake and is reported to be the longest teak bridge in the world. The tour will include the chance to enjoy a sunset drink aboard a rowing boat gently drifting around the bridge.

A picnic lunch at the ancient city of Ava which served as capital of the Burmese kingdom for nearly 400 years.

Wine tasting at the Aythaya Vineyard which is part of the 'new latitude wines' and has produced good quality red, white and rose wine since 2004.

A visit to Mingun which is home to several unique cracked pagoda's, including an unfinished, earthquake-cracked one with a flat top that's offers some of the country's best Irrawaddy views. The site is also famous for Mingun Paya which would have been the world's largest if King Bodawpaya hadn’t died before it was finished in 1819.

A tour of Sagaing is a religious and monastic centre, with numerous Buddhist monasteries. The tour includes visit to a nunnery which is lead by an 80 year old nun, a visit to a local silversmith and a visit to Soon U Pon Nya Shin Pagoda.

A visit to the remote Pauk Taw Pauk Myaing village to walk through and meet the local people and to see the real Myanmar way of life.

A tour of Bagan which is home to more than 2000 Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins in the world – many dating to the 11th and 12th centuries. The shape and construction of each building is highly significant in Buddhism with each component part taking on spiritual meaning.

Mount Popa is an extinct volcano that is estimated to have erupted for the final time, over three hundred and twenty thousand years ago. However, Popa's attraction today lies not so much in its geological aspect, but more in its religious and mystical interests which are still prevalent.

After an absence of more than twelve months, Orient-Express' Road To Mandalay river cruiser re-launched on 26th August 2009 following a complete remodelling and refurbishment after damage suffered in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis.

The new-look ship now features larger cabins and a capacity of just 82 passengers, down from 108, making an even more indulgent onboard experience.

On board, passengers will enjoy stylish new surroundings, a spacious new Governor's Suite and 34 new State and Deluxe Cabins with en-suite bathrooms, new-look restaurants and menus, and outdoor areas and all public spaces including a wellness centre remodelled for greater guest comfort.

Prices for the New Year voyage start from USD 3,250. To make a reservation or to receive information about this cruise, please fill out our Travel Request Form