ESSENTIAL MYANMAR
7 nights /8 days

Day 02
Yangon - Nyaung Oo - Bagan
After breakfast at the hotel transfer to Yangon's Mingaladon Airport for the flight to Bagan (Nyaung Oo). Thousands of ancient stupas and temples in this area make Bagan, one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Asia. From the 11th till 13th century, when Bagan was the capital of Myanmar, the rulers constructed huge stupas and temples, many of which are still standing today on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. On arrival, morning sightseeing features the colourful Nyaung Oo Market, the Shwezigon Pagoda and its magnificent golden stupa, Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi, a cave temple with exquisite jatakas murals paintings and the elegant Htilominlo Temple noted for its fine plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decorations. In the afternoon observe the process of traditional lacquerware, one of the best-known Myanmar handicrafts and a specialty of Bagan. Visit Ananda, an architectural masterpiece of the early-style temple with two original standing Buddha images whose facial expressions change depending on the distance the statue is viewed from. The Ananda Okkyaung is one of the few surviving brick monasteries from the early Bagan period and the next temple to be visited, Thatbyinnyu, is the highest in Bagan, rising to 61 metres. End the day with a horse and carriage tour among the temples passing by the traditional village of Taungbi, Sulamani Temple and the massive Dhammayangyi Temple noted for its remarkable brickwork. Enjoy the sunset over the site from the upper terrace of Myauk Guni Temple. Overnight in Bagan.

Day 03
Bagan
After breakfast at hotel, proceed to Myinkaba village and observe the process of traditional lacquerware, one of the best-known Myanmar handicrafts and a specialty of Bagan. Visit the monuments of Myinkaba village, Gubyaukkhi, an early period Pyu-style temple of Hindu influence with some of the oldest mural paintings in Bagan, Manuha and Nanpaya temples. In the afternoon, enjoy an excursion to the countryside village of Minnanthu, the least visited temple area in Bagan. Observe the local farmers‘ way of life together with a visit to some of the most interesting temples such as Payathonzu, with its unusual architecture and Tantric Buddhism influence, Lemyethna and Nandamannya temples. Enjoy the sunset from the top of Tayoke Pyay Temple. Overnight in Bagan.

Day 04
Bagan-Mandalay
After breakfast at hotel transfer to Nyaung Oo Airport for the flight to Mandalay. On arrival, a sightseeing tour of Mandalay, Myanmar’s cultural capital, features Mahamuni Pagoda, famous for its venerable statue of Buddha covered with gold leaf. Mandalay has long been known as a centre of skilled craftsmanship and in former times supplied the royal courts. A tour of traditional workshops includes crafts such as woodcarving, marble masonry, Kalaga tapestry and gold leaf making. Afternoon visit the Kuthodaw Pagoda with its 729 marble stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures (known as the world’s biggest book) and Shwenandaw Monastery, noted for its exquisite woodcarving. Enjoy the sunset from Mandalay Hill. Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 05
Mandalay-Amarapura-Ava-Sagaing-Mandalay
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for full day trip to the former capitals of Amarapua, Ava and Sagaing. The day begins with a visit to the 18th century capital, Amarapura. Attend the daily meal of over a thousand monks at the country’s largest monastery, Mahagandayon. Visit a silk weaving workshop, the craft speciality of Amarapura. Proceed to Ava, the capital from 14th to 18th centuries and visit by horse and carriage the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remains of the Royal Palace and fort. In the afternoon cross the bridge over the Irrawaddy River and continue to Sagaing. Covered with 600 white-painted pagodas and monasteries, Sagaing Hill is widely regarded as the religious centre of Myanmar and is home to 3,000 monks and 100 meditation centres. Finish the day with a walk at sunset over the 200 year-old U-Bein Bridge, constructed entirely from teak. Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 06
Mandalay-Heho-Inle Lake
In the morning transfer to Mandalay Airport for the flight to Heho. From Heho, enjoy a scenic drive to Inle Lake, one of Myanmar’s best-known sights.The Intha people, a tribe of Mon descent, mostly inhabit the lakeshores and floating villages. On arrival at Nyaung Shwe village, transfer by boat to start a sightseeing tour of Inle Lake including a chance to see the leg-rowing fishermen. Continue to see the floating gardens, built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles. There are also floating villages like Ywama, the lake’s downtown, where a floating market is held every five days. In the afternoon continue to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the weaving village of Inpawkhon and the jumping cat monastery. Check into hotel in the afternoon. Overnight at Inle Lake.

Day 07
In Dein-Inle Lake- Heho-Yangon
After breakfast, visit In Dein in the south of the lake by motorboat. From the middle of the lake, continue down a small canal leading to the village of In Dein, a recently opened area in Shan State. After a walk around the village, passing a local school, take the covered stairway to the beautiful Alaung Sitthou area where ancient stupas are partly covered by vegetation. From here there is a magnificent view over the lake. Continue visits of the lake by boat and in the afternoon, transfer to Heho Airport for the flight back to Yangon. On arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight in Yangon. (B)

Day 08
Depart Yangon
After breakfast finish the tour with a visit to downtown Yangon with its faded colonial atmosphere, Sule Pagoda, Mahabandoola Park, India town and bustling Chinatown. Afternoon at leisure for shopping at Bogyoke Market, formerly Scott’s Market before transferring to Mingaladon Airport for onward flight. (B)