Highlights of Myanmar

Day 1

Upon arrival in Myanmar you will get a private transfer from the airport to your hotel, where you have the remainder of the day at leisure. Tonight at 7pm is the Welcome Meeting for the tour, where afterwards you have an included dinner to get to know your fellow travellers!

Day 2

This morning breakfast is included at a local tea shop.

Today's sightseeing will include a tour of Mandalay's various cottage industries, Mahamuni Pagoda, observing the production of wood carvings, kalaga tapestries, and gold-leaf where the techniques have remained unchanged for centuries.

This afternoon, we visit Kuthodaw Pagoda whose 729 marble stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures have earned it the title ‘World's Largest Book'. After seeing the grand teak Shwenandaw Monastery known for its wood carvings, we will head to the top of Mandalay Hill for sunset and enjoy magnificent views of the city and Irrawaddy River.

In the evening, you will visit a colourful night market, a fantastic place to explore the wares coming from Northern Myanmar, many exotic fruits and vegetables and perhaps pick up some street food.

Day 3

Today we take a tour around the former capitals; Amarapura, Ava and Sagaing. Firstly, a silk weaving workshop and a visit to the longest, 200 year-old, teak bridge in the World; U Bein Bridge with fabulous views of the surrounding streams and farms.

In Ava, take a short ferry ride across the river where a horse and carriage awaits. Discover small villages scattered amidst ruins, offering a unique glimpse into local life. A local lunch is included before heading on to Sagaing.

Covered with 600 white-painted pagodas and monasteries, Sagaing Hill is widely regarded as the religious centre of Myanmar. Explore Sagaing's local market, a typical Burmese market that few tourists visit. Local wares like pottery, silver and other handicrafts are on offer.

Overnight: Bagan King Hotel

Day 4

Today we travel overland to Bagan where the rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore or relax.

Day 5

Optional Activity (weather permitting): Balloon Experience Over Bagan. Prices from £260 per person. Please pre-book this activity with your Travel Consultant as soon as possible.

After breakfast, explore the highlights of Bagan's temples by car and on foot. Around 2000 pagodas are still standing of the original 4000. You will get a taste for the architectural richness and spiritual heritage of the area as you wander amongst them.

In the afternoon you can relax at the hotel pool and maybe head back to the plains for an incredible sunset view.

Day 6

After breakfast explore one of the local markets where locals buy their fresh produce, before heading to a nearby teashop. Teashops serve as social hubs in Myanmar and are thus an important part of daily life. Enjoy a cup of tea and soak in the atmosphere. See local families, groups of friends and businessmen huddled over steaming cups and discussing the day's news.

Then take a closer look at Bagan's spiritual side by visiting Hngat Pyit Taung Monastery, a site rarely visited by tourists. Learn about monastic life and explore the temple's caves to better understand the spiritual beliefs of the Burmese, before paying a final visit to some local artisans; lacquerware and woodcrafts. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Thazin Garden

Day 7

Leave Bagan this morning on a short flight to Heho and continue down to Inle Lake with a scenic drive from the airport.

This afternoon take a traditional longboat onto the lake, perhaps one of Myanmar's most famous sights. Pass traditional stilted villages, floating gardens and stupas. Be sure to keep an eye out for the unique leg-rowing fishermen! Visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake's main sanctuary, which contains five sacred gold-covered Buddha images.

Return to your hotel in Nyaung Shwe in late afternoon, and the remainder of the day is at your leisure. There may be time to enjoy a short walk through the small town.

Day 8

After breakfast we get back on the lake to visit the morning market. It rotates its location around the lake's villages in a 5 day rhythm and is visited by lake inhabitants and surrounding hill tribes who come to sell and trade their wares. Wander amid the stalls where your guide will explain the local produce and goods for sale.

From the middle of the lake, continue down a small canal leading to the village of In Dein. Explore the area on foot, strolling around the village and wandering through the picturesque ancient stupas with magnificent views of the lake below.

After a local lunch head to the range of handicrafts the area is known for. We will make stops to learn about the production of lotus silk textiles, cotton and cheroot, typical Burmese cigars.

Overnight: Hotel Amazing Nyaung Shwe

Day 9

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading to the airport on our way to Yangon. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your local guide who will accompany you as you transfer to the hotel.

Lunchtime is at leisure before we visit Shwedagon Pagoda, the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar, in the late afternoon. Local legend states that the original structure was built 2500 years ago. The central stupa is almost 100m tall, gilded with gold leaf and surrounded by 64 smaller stupas. Follow the guide's lead while touring this massive complex and learn why it's so revered among locals.

Day 10

This morning we board the lively circular train for a colourful ride through Yangon's neighbourhoods. Alight at one of the many small railway stations, and start a downtown walking tour. The walk takes around one hour and passes by fading colonial buildings such as the Post Office, City Hall, Customs Office and local residences. You will visit Mahabandoola Park and Sule Pagoda before stopping at a favourite local teashop and an included lunch.

After lunch we visit Bogyoke Market, formerly known as Scott's Market. It has dozens of stalls and shops and is the best place in Yangon for handicrafts and other goods. The afternoon is at leisure before an included farewell dinner to say goodbye to your fellow travelers!

Day 11

Your private transfer to the airport is included for your onwards travel.

Overnight: Best Western Green Hill