Yangon • Bagan • Road to Mandalay Cruise • Mandalay • Mingun • Saging • Pindaya • Inle Lake

A journey along the legendary Irrawaddy is a voyage of a lifetime. From this mighty river, which runs the length of the country, all of Burma's treasures, for so long hidden from the world's gaze, can be admired. The elegant river cruiser Road to Mandalay provides the ultimate vantage point from which to absorb Burma's serene beauty, taking in its golden-spired pagodas, ancient temples, sleepy riverside settlements and saffron-clad monks.

Highlights

• Explore impressive colonial and spiritual heritage of Yangon, one of the most fascinating capitals of South East Asia
• Staying in Myanmar's best hotels
• Visiting ancient capitals - Ava, Amarapura and Sagaing
• Amazing four-night cruise on the Ayeyarwady with Road to Mandalay
• Travel by traditional horse cart through scenic countryside to explore temples in Bagan

Day 1: Yangon

After arriving Yangon Airport, you will be welcomed by our tour guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy a full day private tour to explore the colonial heritage of one of Southeast Asia’s most impressive capitals, basking in its unique spiritual atmosphere. We will drive through the city and stop at China town and India quarter to take a stroll to get a sense of the city - not just its wide boulevards and British colonial architecture - but the small alleys and byways lined with shops and stalls. Stop to greet the vendors and let them introduce you to their wares - some familiar, some exotic.

The tour continues to Chauk Htat Kyi, a huge reclining Buddha image, followed by a photo stop at the Karaweik Hall royal floating barge. Nothing will prepare you for Shwedagon Pagoda, with its glittering gold stupa that Rudyard Kipling called "a golden mystery...a beautiful twinkling wonder." At the pagoda we observe local pilgrims and monks offering their devotions and enjoy the amazing sunset view at Shwedagon pagoda. Overnight at: The Strand Hotel (or) Governor’s Residence

Day 2: Bagan

Morning domestic flight from Yangon to Bagan. On arrival, transfer to the Road To Mandalay berthed on the Ayeyarwady River. At Bagan over 2,000 temples and pagodas are scattered over an awe-inspiring plain beside the river. After lunch, join the guide and visit the inside of some of the more significant pagodas. Late afternoon your guide takes you to watch the sun setting over a field of glowing pagodas. Dinner and local entertainment on board.

Day 3: Bagan - Cruise (Road To Mandalay)

After breakfast join the guide to explore some of Bagan’s local markets selling wood carvings, fabrics, longis and rattan goods. See Myanmar’s famous lacquerware being made. Alternatively, you can hire a bicycle or horse-drawn cart and explore this enchanting area on your own. Mid-morning the Road To Mandalay begins its cruise north towards Mandalay. Relax on the top deck and watch the fascinating river life glide by. The guide lectures on local places and customs. The ship moors mid-river for the evening. A casual cocktail party is followed by dinner on board.

Day 4: Mandalay - Cruise (Road To Mandalay)

Arrive at the quaint little village of Shwe Kyet Yet after lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the key sights of Mandalay regarded as the centre of Burmese culture and Buddhist learning. Return to Road To Mandalay stopping enroute to admire sunset over the river. Dinner and local entertainment on board.

Day 5: Mingun - Sagain - Curise (Road To Mandalay)

After breakfast, cruise to Mingun to visit the most important sights such as the pretty Hsinbyume Pagoda and the world’s largest uncracked bell. Return by ferry for a late lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Sagaing Hills, considered to be the living centre of the Buddhist faith in Burma. Sagaing is also famous for its silver and silversmiths who still work in much the same way as their ancestors did. Dinner and local entertainment on board.

Day 6: Mandalay - Heho - Pindaya - Inle Lake

After an early breakfast, transfer to Mandalay airport for your onward flight to Heho, our gateway to Inle Lake.  Known as the most beautiful lake in Myanmar, Inle Lake's calm waters are surrounded by high hills and dotted with floating gardens and stilted villages.  Upon arrival proceed to by road to Pindaya and visit Pinday Caves, a unique site housing thousand of Buddha images places there by pilgrims and devotes over the centuries. Then drive to NyaungShwe and transfer to your hotel for check in.
Overnight: Inle Princess Resort

Day 7: Inle Lake

After breakfast you will tour around the lake with private boat. Enjoy a tour of Inle Lake. The five Buddha images of Phaung Daw U Pagoda are the holiest in Inle Lake. The images have been covered in so much gold they look like balls of solid gold. Next, visit a unique Monastery on the Lake where the local Monks have trained the cats to jump through hoops, it is now affectionately known as the jumping cat Monastery. Proceed to Nampan village and see local cigar [cheroot] making and canoe carving.
Overnight: Inle Princess Resort

Day 8: Inle Lake - Yangon

Morning flight to Yangon. Upon arrival visit the over 100 year old beautiful Rangoon Synagogue. In there you will have the opportunity to meet with Trustee of the Synagogue to hear the brief history of Burmese Jewish Community and some interesting stories. Other amazing features of this incredible synagogue are the 120 years two old Torah from Baghdad, Iraq. Souvenir shop where you can see Burmese handmade Jewish items and historical photos of the Synagogue and community.
In the late afternoon enjoy a visit to Scott Market (Bogyoke Aung San Market) the sprawling 70-year-old Market. At the market you will find a whole variety of interesting Burmese souvenirs, from lacquer ware to gems & jewelry - bargain at the stores to fully experience the Burmese market atmosphere!
Overnight at: The Strand Hotel (or) Governor’s Residence

Day 9: Yangon - Departure

After breakfast, day at leisure until transfer to airport for International departure flight.

* The itinerary above is designed to give you a flavor of what is possible and can be tailor-made to suit your preferences. This is simply a suggested itinerary, and can easily be customized to suit your schedule, budget, and interests.