Classic Myanmar

Itinerary

Day 1 - Yangon
Transfer to the hotel. Time permitting begin sightseeing including colourful downtown Yangon, Chaukhtatkyi, a colossal reclining Buddha; a scenic photo stop on beautiful Kandawgyi Lake and the Shwedagon Pagoda, arguably the world's most impressive golden stupa. Overnight Summit Park View Hotel or similar.

Day 2 - Bagan
Morning flight to Bagan. Bagan is one of Asia's premier archaeological sites and we spend our time visiting the spectacular temples and pagodas to be found here. This evening we watch the sun set over Bagan – a very special and immensely photogenic experience. Overnight Arthawka Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 3 - Mt. Popa Excursion

Morning drive to nearby Mt. Popa, an extinct volcano renowned as the home of the 'nats' (or spirits) and which provides a scenic view of the surrounding plains. Return to Bagan in the afternoon. Overnight Arthawka Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 4 - Bagan - Mandalay - Amarapura and Inwa

Visit the former royal capital of Amarapura with the picturesque U Bein's Bridge, the world's longest teakwood bridge. Later visit Inwa, another former royal capital and travel by pony cart down tree-lined paths to see old palace walls, wooden monasteries and the 'leaning tower of Ava'. Overnight Hotel Queen or similar. (B)

Day 5 - Mingun excursion and Mandalay sightseeing

In the morning travel by private riverboat upriver to the massive ruins of the Mingun pagoda and see the huge Mingun Bell. Later we explore Mandalay and visit Mahamuni Pagoda, Shwe Inbin Monastery and Shwenandaw Monastery, noted for its exquisite wood carvings. Overnight Hotel Queen or similar. (B)

Day 6 - Mandalay - Heho - Pindaya

Fly to Heho in the Shan state and drive to Pindaya. Visit the fascinating Pindaya caves with more than 8,000 Buddha images and a Shan umbrella making cottage industry. Overnight Hu Pin Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 7 - Pindaya - Inle Lake
Early morning drive to Inle Lake and begin our exploration by long tailed boat on this magical and unique shallow lake. Highlights include the boatmen with their 'one-legged' rowing style, the floating gardens and the 'jumping cats' monastery. Overnight Inle Inn or similar. (B)

Day 8 - Inle Lake - Indain excursion

Continue the Inle Lake sightseeing today with a memorable visit to Indain village with its idyllic 16th century pagodas. We can also visit a local silk weaving 'factory' which sits on stilts on the lake.
 Overnight Inle Inn or similar. (B)



Day 9 - Heho - Yangon
Return flight to Yangon. This afternoon we visit some of the capital’s key sites including Botahtaung Pagoda and the sprawling 79 year old Scott market with its large collection of local handicrafts and other items. Overnight Summit Park View Hotel or similar. (B)



Day 10 - Yangon

Tour ends. (B)