This superb itinerary is a feast for the mind and spirit, juxtaposing the exploration of lost civilizations with an in-depth look at contemporary Southeast Asian culture. There are many fine temples and interesting crafts in the country's cultural center, Mandalay and in nearby Amarapura and Sagaing, two former capitals. The countryside in this area is beautiful.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival - Yangon
On arrival at Yangon airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon has been the capital city only since 1885 although some settlements in this site date back about 2,500 years. This colorful metropolis features an intriguing mix of the scenes from a bygone era and the modern tempo of bustling streets punctuated by serene temples and impressive colonial edifices. After checking into hotel, we start our city tour, seeing the old colonial styled city center, the gilded Sule Pagoda and the impressive Karaweik Hall on the Royal Lake. We follow these with a visit to the famous Shwedagon Pagoda, which dominates the skyline of city. This masterpiece houses an intricate complex of smaller pagodas and Buddha images. O/N in Yangon.

Day 2: Yangon - Mandalay - Mingun - Mandalay
An early morning transfer to airport for a short flight to Mandalay. On arrival you are greeted by our guide and driven straight to the jetty for a boat trip along the mighty Irrawaddy River. The lively waterfront with working buffaloes offers a spectacular backdrop as we cruise upriver to Mingun. We wander around Mingun and visit the unfinished huge pagoda, the world’s largest bell of Mingun and the beautiful white Hsinbyume Pagoda. We make our way back to Mandalay Town past the scenic countryside. This delightful town has plenty to see, some of which are the Mahamuni Pagoda; the fabulous Kuthodaw Pagoda often called "the world's largest book" and the wooden monastery of Shwenandaw Kyaung. This structure is still standing over centuries, despite of all vicissitudes of the city. We include these sights in a half day guided tour, which also gives us a chance to climb up Mandalay hill for a beautiful sunset view of the surrounding areas. O/N in Mandalay. (B)

Day 3: Mandalay - Amarapura - Sagaing - Ava - Mandalay
The great cultural Mandalay City was a former capital of Burma; however many outlaying towns could lay claim to the same title at some stages in the past. Today we head out of the town to visit one of these ancient cities, Amarapura. The spectacular teak bridge of U Bein and the famous Mahaganda Monastery are some major attractions in Amarapura. We then cross over the mighty Irrawaddy River to the picturesque Sagaing Hill. This lush area is covered in 600 white painted pagodas and monasteries, and is therefore regarded as the religious center of Myanmar. Afterwards we continue on to the ruin of Ava and embark a horse and carriage to explore the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remains of the Royal Palace. O/N in Mandalay. (B)

Day 4: Mandalay - Pyin Oo Lwin - Mandalay
Upon leaving Mandalay Town we set off on our drive following the winding road to Pyin Oo Lwin, formerly called Maymyo . This famous hill station was established during colonial era, and is now a crossroad for traders coming over from China. The pleasant way to get around this hill station is on a horse carriage. This local transport will take us to the national garden of Kandawgyi and the botanical garden where vegetables as well as "English" fruits still flourish. We spend our time to walk around the downtown seeing numerous colonial buildings and a colourful local market. Close to the town is the picturesque Pwekauk Waterfalls. We also visit this sight before we and make our way back to Mandalay. The remainder of the day will be free for your own exploration of the town. O/N in Mandalay. ( B)

Day 5: Bagan
The enchanting town of Bagan flourished from the 11th till 13th century when religious fervors launched a 200 year building of thousands huge stupas and temples, many of which are still standing today on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. Today we board a short flight to Bagan, our base for exploration of the Myanmar central region. On arrival, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. We visit the vibrant market of Nyaung U before taking a short drive to the archeological zone. The sightseeing tour enables us to explore many magnificent landmarks including Shwezigon, Gubyaukgyi, Htilominlo, Ananda, Thatbyinnyu, Sulamani, and Dhammyangyi. These temples and pagodas bear statement to a glorious past. The perfect way to round off our day is an observation of the spectacular sunset from the upper terrace of Myaukguni Temple. O/N in Bagan. (B)

Day 6: Bagan - Mount Popa - Bagan
Today we continue exploring Bagan with some temples scattered around the tranquil village of Minnanthu. These structures are Tayokepyay, Payathonezu and Namdamanya, which reveal some exquisite murals of the13th century. The following sight is Kyat Kan Cave Monastery, a famous meditation retreat in Bagan. Heading out of the town, we travel by rods to the imposing Mount Popa. This extinct volcano boasts the region’s highest peak, but the main attraction in this place is the smaller one, Popa Taungkalar, dedicated to the local legendary "nat" spirits. After a scenic drive, we arrive at this site and ascend the Popa Taungkalar for a beautiful panoramic view over the surrounding areas. There are 777 steps, which wind around the outcrop, leading to the gilded stupa and monastery at the summit. O/N in Bagan. (B)

Day 7: Bagan - Heho - Pindaya Cave - Inle Lake
The following destination of our trip is Shan Sate via a short flight from Bagan. On arrival at Heho Airport, you are greeted by our guide and travel by roads for a two hours across the Shan Plateau through the picturesque countryside and the rolling hills towards Pindaya. This magnificent cave in a tranquil setting of limestone outcrops and scenic lakes, houses thousand Buddha images of various shapes and sizes, all brought there by devoted pilgrims. We enjoy a walk exploring this sacred cave and seeing the traditional production of Shan paper and parasols at a nearby village. The journey continues onto Inle Lake, a famous wonder of Myanmar. Along the way we can make stop as we please, to stretch our legs and catch some wonderful pictures. O/N in Inle Lake. (B)

Day 8: Inle Lake - Yangon
The picturesque scenery blending with the sky and floating gardens rising from the clear water of the lake is nothing short of spectacular. Today we board our boat for a leisurely trip on Inle Lake to explore some gardens and catch a glimpse of the local Intha fishmen famous for their rowing technique. These people power their narrow boats by twisting their legs around their oars, a remarkable feat of agility and control. Along the way, we also anchor to visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the Jumping Cat Monastery with a beautiful collection of antique Buddha statues and the rotating rural market. This colourful congregation is held in different villages every five days, and attracts numerous ethnic minorities who converge from the surrounding villages to trade their goods. Afterwards you take a short flight back to Yangon and spend the time on your own. O/N in Yangon. (B)

Day 9: Yangon - Kyaiktiyo
Heading out of town we make our way to Kyaiktiyo which is one of Myanmar great pilgrimage sites. The journey is very long and the roads are bumpy at times; however the scenic countryside dominated by colourful towers makes the hardship all worthwhile. On arrival at the base camp of Kinpun, we board an open truck for a rugged drive before taking a walk on a very steep pathway to the famous Golden Rock. This huge boulder covered by gilded leaves and delicately perched on the cliff has a very interesting history. We embark on a walk to visit the Golden Rock and catch the spectacular sunset view from the summit to the surrounding areas. O/N in Kyaiktiyo. (B)

Day 10: Kyaiktiyo - Bago - Yangon
The stunning landscape with a mixture of temples and mountain backdrop is unforgettable. Today we have an option to get up at dawn to catch a look over the surrounding areas. Upon leaving this site we walk down to the base camp. We meet up with our waiting vehicle and travel by roads to Bago, which was once the capital of a former Mon Kingdom. The colossal reclining Buddha of Shwethalyaung boasts the most impressive sight in this town while the pagoda of Shwemawdaw is extremely venerated. We visit both landmarks as well as the four giant Buddha images at Kyaikpon Pagoda before wandering around the vibrant and colorful central market. The return trip to Yangon begins as we depart this town and pass through the scenic countryside. Along the way, we make stop over at the Commonwealth War Cemetery near Htaukkyan and the woven bamboo factory. O/N in Yangon. (B)

Day 11: Yangon - Departure
There is a free time for your own visit to Bogyoke Market, full of traditional art and craftwork as well as souvenirs from all over the country or walk along the bustling streets of Indian town and Chinatown. The trip ends after transfer to Mingaladon airport for departure. (B)

INCLUSIONS: Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver + Accommodation: twin sharing room at mentioned hotels or similar one + English speaking guide + Entrance fees to indicated sights - Yangon: Shwedagon Pagoda, National Museum - Bagan zone fee , archeological museum - Mandalay zone fee, Mingun zone fee, Sagaing Hill zone fee, National garden of Kandawgyi - Pindaya cave - Inle Lake zone fee – Kyaikhtiyo zone fee and Bago zone fee + Meal as indicated : B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner + Domestic Yangon- Mandalay- Bagan - Heho - Yangon + Boat trip in Mingun and Inle lake + Public ferry Mandalay - Bagan + Horse cart tripin Bagan and Ava 

EXCLUSIONS: Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room supplement, personal expenses, travel insurance, visa, flight in / out of Myanmar, any optional additional tours or activities during free time , surcharge for peak season, local holiday days and gala dinner.

TRIP NOTE

- MYANMAR IS A DEVELOPPING COUNTRY WHOSE INFRASTRUCTURE MAY DIFFER FROM WHAT YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR HOME LAND. THE ROAD CONDITIONS ARE POOR AND THE ACCOMOODATION IS SIMPLE IN REMOTE AREAS.

- THE ITINERARY IS CORRECTED AT THE TIME OF VIEWING. OCCASIONALLY, THE PROGRAMME CHANGES AS WE MAKE IMPROVEMENT STEMING FROM OUR PAST TRAVELLERS' COMMENTS AND OUR OWN RESEARCH OR DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL. THIS INCLUDES FESTIVAL, PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, WEATHER AND FLIGHT DELAY,.. THAT MAY EFFECT THE ITINERARY.

- THE TRIP INCLUDES SOME MEALS AS MENTIONED AT THE ITINERARY HOWEVER OUR GUIDE WILL BE ON HAND TO ADVISE YOU AS FAR THE AVAILABLE RESTAURANTS WHERE YOU CAN ENJOY LOCAL FOOD AT YOUR OWN BUDGET. THE MEAL COST IS ALL DEPENDING ON YOUR CHOICE OF EATING PLACE. THE PACKAGE TOUR WITH FULL BOARD MEAL IS ARRANGED UPON REQUEST .

- THE DRESS STANDARDS ARE CONSERVATIVE THROUGHOUT ASIA. LOOSE , LIGHTWEIGHT, LONG CLOTHING ARE ALL RESPECTFUL COOL IN ASIAN HOT CLIMATE. IN ADDITION TO YOUR ITEMS OF PERSONAL CLOTHING, WE SUGGEST YOU TO BRING TRAINER OR SNEAKER SHOES, TORCH/FLASH LIGHT, HAT, RAIN COAT FOR WET SEASON, SUN CREAM, SUNGLASSES, DAYPACK, TOILETRIES AND SMALL TOWER, INSECT REPELLENT.

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