(10 Days) Yangon, Bagan, Road to Mandalay Cruise, Inle Lake
This tour combines the highlights of Burma with several days on the Ayeyarwady River aboard the legendary Road to Mandalay, an Orient Express cruise. Begin in the capital city of Yangon (Rangoon). Stay at the famed Strand, a British colonial period hotel with teak windows, marble floors, rattan chairs and lacquer ceiling fans. With your private guide, tour the Shwedagon Pagoda, a 300-foot tall golden Buddhist reliquary and the city's most spectacular landmark, the sprawling Bogyoke (Scott) Market and the National Museum. Visit neighborhoods that reflect Yangon's Burmese, British, Indian, Bangladeshi and indigenous influences.
Next, fly to unforgettable, awe-inspiring Bagan for some private touring of the ruins before the cruise begins. With your own private guide and driver, explore the thousands of pagodas and temples stretching from the Ayeyarwady River out across miles of arid plains. Tour the structures, built between the 11th and 13th centuries when Bagan was a major Buddhist center of Southeast Asia, and learn about the history carved in their layered facades, painted in their interior frescoes and sculpted in their Buddhist statues. Also visit local markets and villages. If desired, take a memorable hot air balloon ride over the temples as the sun rises. One evening, ride in a horse-drawn carriage through Bagan at sunset.
From Bagan, board the Road to Mandalay for a four-night cruise on the Ayeyarwady. Cruising north towards Mandalay, pass teak and bamboo rafts, paddle steamers and small boats. Enjoy glimpses of river-life and onboard lectures on local culture and customs. Visit ancient capitals: In quaint Shwe Kyet, visit Sagaing Hills, center of Burmese Buddhist faith and renowned for silversmiths producing intricate artifacts with ancient techniques. In Mingun, explore the remains of the world's largest brick pagoda and the white, terraced Hsinbyume Pagoda.
Arrive in fabled Mandalay, the cultural heart of Myanmar, and enjoy magnificent sights. Disembark the cruise and visit craft districts throughout the city and watch a procession of monks at a monastery in the silk weaving center of Amarapura.
After the cruise, fly to Heho for a private extension in the Inle Lake region, one of the most culturally diverse provinces in Myanmar. Take a canoe ride through canals, pass through floating villages built on stilts, and see how the Intha people grow crops on reed islands. Visit local crafts villages to shop for distinctive textiles, ceramics and lacquerware. Also enjoy wine tasting at a local vineyard. Conclude with a final night in Yangon for last-minute shopping and sightseeing.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1
Arrive Yangon
Arrival transfer to the Strand Hotel for overnight. Afternoon private city touring
Day 2
Yangon - Bagan
Transfer and flight to Bagan for overnight stay. Full-day private touring of ruins. Horse-drawn carriage ride at sunset
Day 3
Bagan
Full-day private touring of ruins. Evening aboard Road to Mandalay cruise
Day 4
Bagan - Mandalay
Cruise to Mandalay
Day 5
Mandalay
Touring of ancient cities and local villages near Mandalay
Day 6
Mingun & Mandalay
Tour Mingun and Mandalay
Day 7
Mandalay - Inle Lake
Disembark ship. Private transfer to airport for flight to Heho. Visit Pindaya caves en route to Inle Lake for two-night stay
Day 8
Inle Lake
Full-day private touring in Inle Lake region
Day 9
Inle Lake - Yangon
Transfer and flight to Yangon for overnight at The Governor's Residence. Afternoon private city touring
Day 10
Depart Myanmar
Airport transfer
Hotels
Yangon:
Strand Hotel and The Governor's Residence
Bagan:
Thiripyitsaya Sakura Hotel
Road to Mandalay Cruise:
State Cabin
Inle Lake:
Inle Princess Resort
Cost
$8,520
Per person (double occupancy)
All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.
Call us at (800) 214-8144 for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.
