Welcome to Burma! Your trip begins in Yangon, where the dazzling Shwedagon Pagoda watches over all.

On arrival at Yangon International Airport, your local guide will be waiting to welcome you to Burma. Your accommodation in Yangon will be at the Savoy, opened in 1995 and housed in a gorgeous colonial-era building overlooking Shwedagon Pagoda. Furnished with teakwood trimmings and Burmese antiques, this is a wonderful place to begin your journey.

This afternoon, you will pay a visit to Shwedagon itself. This massive, golden stupa has watched over Yangon for centuries, witnessing Burma's transition from powerful empire to British colony, then from isolated military regime to its emergence into the modern world.

On the morning of day two, your private guide will lead you on a day's tour of the city, which will commence with a visit to Bogyoke Market – named after the father of modern Burma, Bogyoke Aung San – and move on to take in the many highlights of this exciting city. Of particular note are the colonial buildings in the downtown area, which constitute one of the best-preserved collections in Southeast Asia.

In the afternoon, we recommend stopping to enjoy high tea at the Strand Hotel, another beautiful colonial building, before going for a candlelit dinner at Le Planteur, one of the best restaurants in the city.

Overnight: Savoy Hotel

Fly south to Kawthaung, the southernmost tip of Burma and jumping-off point for your journey into the Myeik Archipelago.

After a morning at leisure in Yangon, you'll board your flight southwards to Kawthaung – a two-hour journey that will take you all the way from the Irrawaddy Delta to the steamy southern reaches of the country.

Kawthaung itself is a pleasant but fairly nondescript town, which enjoys balmy temperatures all year round and lies on the edge of some of Burma's most beautiful natural landscapes in the Myeik Archipelago. This afternoon you'll check into your hotel, the Victoria Cliff Resort, which lies right by the beach and boasts amazing views over the Andaman Sea. Relax on the beach, while away the afternoon in the spa, or grab a few cocktails in the poolside bar as you while away this afternoon in this beautiful location.

Overnight: Victoria Cliff Resort

Embark on a five-day cruise through the islands of the Myeik (Mergui) Archipelago, one of Southeast Asia's last remaining corners of paradise.

You will be travelling aboard a luxurious, fully crewed yacht belonging to the Burma Boating company as you sail between the undeveloped islands of the Andaman Sea. As you board your craft, you will be welcomed by the crew and have an orientation tour of the boat, before sailing to Barwell Island to spend the evening on the beach. There will be plenty of time for a swim before dinner and drinks tonight. Over the next four days, you will spend your time sailing from island to island in this beautiful archipelago – much of which is entirely untouched by development of any sort. You will make a dinghy excursion through a mangrove forest, visit a local sea gypsy settlement, hike through the jungle, visit a remote monastery, and see bioluminescent plankton light up the sea in the evening. Throughout the cruise there will be plenty of time for swimming, snorkelling, fishing, beachcombing, bird-watching and (of course) relaxing as you anchor in various stunning locations: Nyaung Wee, Great Swinton Island, Ohway Island, Jar Lann Kyun, Za Det Nge, and Rhino Island. All your meals will be included on board your trip, with fresh seafood and cocktails as the sun goes down each evening. Each of the company's yachts boasts six to eight berths, so you will be travelling with several other guests during the trip. If you would prefer a private charter, please discuss this with your travel consultant at the time of booking. On the evening of day eight, you will enjoy a final dinner party on the beach at Za Det Nge, before your vessel sets you ashore on the morning of day nine.

Overnight: Burma Boating

Return to buzzing Yangon for a final night in the city before you head home.

On arrival in Kawthaung on day nine, you will be driven to the airport for your flight back to Yangon, where your guide will meet you and convey you to the Savoy Hotel. This evening is yours to spend as you choose – whether you'd like to return to Shwedagon Pagoda to soak up the atmosphere, or spend your evening browsing the weird and wonderful treats on offer at the bustling food markets. However you decide to conclude your trip, your personalised Info-Pack will contain plenty of suggestions as to how you spend your time.

At last, on day ten, your holiday comes to a close. Unless you're going on to northern Burma, or have arranged an extension in one of our other destination countries, you'll be driven to Yangon Airport in time for your flight home.

Overnight: Savoy Hotel