“It will be quite unlike any land you know”, so said Rudyard Kipling, so prepare to be amazed, dazzled and moved by all that you will see and experience in this intriguing land. Myanmar, as it is now known, is a beautiful treasure trove of pristine nature, majestic, ancient religious sites, the mighty Ayeyarwady River, mysterious cave pagodas and beautiful white sand beaches. Match this with the always smiling Burmese people, who, in spite of their government’s official policies, are warm and welcoming and cannot wait to share their rich traditions, customs and culture with you – their honoured guest.


ITINERARY
DAY 1 - DEPART UK
From selected airports.

DAY 2 - YANGON (RANGOON)
On arrival transfer to your hotel. Afternoon is at leisure before an evening visit to the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda.

DAY 3 - YANGON/BAGAN
Early this morning you will transfer to Yangon Airport for an 80 minute flight to Bagan and on arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bagan which includes Nyaung Oo local Market, Shwezigon Pagoda, the Wetkyi-in Gubyaukkyi cave temple with exquisite jatakas murals paintings, the elegant Htilominlo Temple which is noted for its plaster carvings and Tharaba Gate. During the afternoon your exploration of Bagan continues with visits to Ananda Temple, Ananda Okkyaung Monastery (one of the few surviving brick monasteries from the early Bagan period), Thatbyinnyu Temple and Dhammayangyi Temple. As the sun sets over Bagan admire the temple views.

DAY 4 - BAGAN
Morning departure to Myinkaba village to observe the process of traditional lacquer-ware, one of the best-known Myanmar handicrafts and a speciality of Bagan. Visit Myinkaba Gubyaukkyi a temple of Hindu influence, before you continue to Manuha and Nanpaya temples. This afternoon travel to the countryside village of Minnanthu before visiting some of the most interesting temples including Payathonzu, Lemyethnar, Sinbyushin, Nandaminnya and Minnanthu monastery. Enjoy sunset over the Ayeyarwady River at Bupaya.

DAY 5 - BAGAN/MANDALAY
This morning take a 30 minute flight to Mandalay. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. Then, enjoy a city tour of Mandalay including Mahamuni Pagoda, famous for its venerable statue of Buddha covered with gold leaf, local artisan’s workshops of woodcarving, marble masonry, tapestry and gold leaf making, Shwe Inn Bin monastery (a special specimen of Myanmar wooden architecture) and the local market of Zegyo.

DAY 6 - MANDALAY
This morning visit Maha Gandayone monastery in Amarapura where more than 1,000 monks live and study. Continue to U Bein Teakwood Bridge which sits across Taungthaman Lake. At a 150 years old this is the longest teakwood bridge in the world. During the afternoon visit Shwenandaw Monastery noted for its exquisite woodcarving, Atumashi Monastery and Kuthodaw Pagoda with its 729 marble stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures (known as the world’s biggest book). Enjoy the sunset from Mandalay Hill.

DAY 7 - MANDALAY/INLE LAKE
This morning fly to Heho in Shan State. On arrival enjoy a scenic drive to Nyaung Shwe jetty where you will transfer by longtailed speedboat to your hotel on the lake. The remainder of the day is spent exploring Inle Lake by private boat. The lake is famous for its Inthes (native lake dwellers) who have a unique way of rowing with their legs. As you ply the waterways see the man-made floating gardens which are built up from the strips of water hyacinth and mud and are anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles. The tour also includes a visit to the traditional lotus and silk weaving village where you may have the chance to see some of the long-necked tribeswomen. Also see the cheroot Burmese mild cigar cottage industry, Nan Pan boat making village and Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery which is also known as “jumping cat monastery”.

DAY 8 - INLE LAKE
This morning visit a floating village at Ywama where if your visit coincides, a floating market is held every five days and you can observe local colourful tribes bartering. Continue to a traditional silversmith village and the Five Buddha images of Phaung Daw Oo Monastery which is the holiest in Inle Lake. The images have been covered in so much gold they resemble balls of solid gold. Optional beach extension: Ngapali.

DAY 9 - INLE LAKE - YANGON
In the morning transfer to Nyaung Shwe jetty by private boat and then take a scenic drive to Heho Airport for the flight to Yangon. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. During the afternoon enjoy shopping at Bogyok Aung San (Scott) Market, the city’s busiest and liveliest bazaar. Further explorations of Yangon include Botataung Pagoda, Chinatown and the fruit market.

DAY 10 - YANGON TO UK
Morning visits to Chaukhtatkyi Reclining Buddha and Karaweik Royal Barge. Transfer to Yangon Airport for departure.


ESCORTED TOUR
This tour is escorted by a local English speaking guide from Day 2 to Day 10. Extensions are not escorted but assistance is provided by our local representatives.

MEAL PLAN
Prices include breakfast on Days 3 to 10. Beach extensions include breakfast daily.

ACCOMMODATION
Three star accommodation is used throughout. On occasion it may be necessary to use alternative accommodation due to local availability, weather and road conditions.

GROUP SIZE / MINIMUM NUMBERS
This is a private tour in an air-conditioned car. Minimum numbers 2.

GRATUITIES
Tips are often the main source of income for those working in the travel industry. Tipping for drivers, guides and porters is at your discretion.

NB
Please note that all passengers are required to pay a domestic airport departure tax of 1000 Kyat per flight sector (approx. US$1.5) and US$10 departure tax in Rangoon.