Round trip through Myanmar

Arrival at Yangon International Airport by noon and greeting by our tour guide. We drive to the hotel and have free time until the tour starts. Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is a picturesque and charming city. With a mix of beautiful colonial architecture and modern Burmese daily life, Yangon is one of the most interesting and fascinating cities in Southeast Asia. We begin the tour and walk together to the historic post office and Sule Paya in the city center. Along the way, we pass the luxurious 'The Strand' hotel, the Mahabandoola Garden, and the Independence Monument. With the destination in sight, we now head to Myanmar's most magnificent monument - the Shwedagon Pagoda. The holiest sacred building in the country will impress you with its octagonal main stupa, towering 90 meters high and covered in gold leaves. 64 additional small gold stupas surround the impressive complex. In front of this uniquely beautiful backdrop, we enjoy the sunset on our first evening in Myanmar. Joint welcome dinner at the 'House of Memory' restaurant. Overnight in Yangon - Hotel Rose Garden****

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and flight to Mandalay. Upon arrival in Mandalay, we embark on an excursion to the south, to the former capital of Burma from the 14th to the 18th century. The city of Sagaing is particularly known for its unique ensemble of beautiful landscapes and an impressive number of white-painted temples and monasteries. Sagaing is also seen today as a religious and spiritual center of Myanmar and is home to more than 3,000 monks. The sightseeing program includes the Swan Oo Pon Nya Shin Pagoda and the U Min Thone Sae Pagoda. We also visit the local market of Sagaing, which offers a selection of various pottery and silverware. An additional stop in a small pottery village reveals more about the production of the typical water vessels seen throughout Myanmar. We then continue by vehicle to Mingun. Here we visit the main sights, such as the famous Mingun Pahtodawgyi. The construction of this large brick building was never completed, as an astrologer predicted that the king would die if the temple were finished. Of course, we also visit the beautiful white Hsinbyume Pagoda, which bears an uncanny resemblance to the mystical Mount Meru, the 'seat of the gods.' Furthermore, here in Mingun we see the largest still intact bell in the world, cast in 1790 by order of King Bodawpaya. After the completion of this heavyweight of 90 tons, the bell caster was killed so that he could never create such a masterpiece again. The return trip to Mandalay is made at a leisurely pace by boat across the river. After returning to the hotel in Mandalay, the remainder of the day is free for us. Overnight in Mandalay - Yadanarpon Dynasty Hotel***

Mandalay, the largest city in Myanmar, was the last capital of the country before the British finally took over control of the region, and thus the city still holds great cultural and historical significance today. The Buddhist monasteries in and around Mandalay are among the most important in the country. Over half of all monks in Myanmar live in the catchment area of this city. We visit the famous Mahamuni Pagoda with its nearly 4-meter-high Buddha statue, which is greatly revered by the locals. Over the years, the devotees have affixed so many gold leafs to the Buddha that its robe now looks almost like a fluffy coat. Immediately afterwards, we visit various craft quarters, where gold leaf manufacturers, bronze casters, and stone masons live and work. Strolling through the small streets and workshops, we gain insight into the craftsmanship of the Burmese in Mandalay, who also produce wooden goods and tapestries here. Particularly interesting is the making of gold leaf, as the technique used has not changed for centuries. This is how all artworks were adorned at the royal court. Of course, a visit to the Kuthodaw Pagoda is also on our agenda. Here are 729 marble slabs inscribed with the teachings of Buddha, making it also known as 'the largest book in the world.' To conclude this very interesting day tour, we visit the Shwenandaw Monastery. The complex is the only building of the former royal palace from the 19th century that survived the great fire of 1945, as it was built outside the palace walls in 1880. The teak monastery is known for its excellent wood carvings. At the end of the day, we continue by vehicle to Amarapura and walk across the 200-year-old U-Bein Bridge made of teak, which is 2 km long. Overnight in Mandalay - Yadanarpon Dynasty Hotel***

After an early breakfast, we will be picked up and taken to the small ferry port of Mandalay. Today we can relax on board a day cruise on the way to Bagan. During the southbound journey, we have the opportunity to observe life along the riverbanks. We are met with small villages and busy ferry docks. Lunch will be served on board. In the late afternoon, the first pagodas appear on the horizon and we reach Bagan. For 230 years, from the 11th to the 13th century, when Bagan was the capital of the country, over a thousand stupas, temples, and monasteries were built, most of which still remain as ruins today. Bagan is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. Overnight in Bagan - Bawga Theiddhi***

A very interesting day program takes us through the 'Wonders of Bagan' today. When Bagan was the capital of Myanmar from the 11th to the 13th century, the rulers of the country had thousands of beautiful stupas and small temples built, which are still preserved in their splendor today. The impressive temple world along the banks of the Ayeyarwady River has enchanted countless visitors and will captivate us today as well. To introduce us to the history of Bagan, we first visit the golden Shwezigon Pagoda, the most important reliquary shrine of the city. Afterwards, we explore the nearby cave temple Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi with its artistic wall paintings, as well as the elegant Htilominlo Temple, known for its intricate stucco carvings and shiny sandstone decorations. In the afternoon, one of the most beautiful temples – the architectural masterpiece – the Ananda Temple is on the program. The complex was built in Mon style and houses two unique Buddha statues that have a different effect on visitors depending on the viewing angle. Next door is Ananda Okkyaung, a small red brick monastery, one of the few surviving buildings from early Bagan times. On the interior walls, there are drawings from the 18th century depicting the life of Buddha and parts of Bagan's history. After this round of exploration, we take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride and leisurely drive through Bagan. From an elevated viewpoint, we have a fantastic view of the sunset over Bagan. Overnight in Bagan - Bawga Theiddhi***

**Optional: Balloon Flight over the Temple World of Bagan** - For more information, feel free to ask us! After breakfast, we undertake the overland drive to Kalaw, the former hill station and home to various ethnic minorities. Along the way, we can enjoy the beautiful scenery and daily life. Arrival in Kalaw in the late afternoon. If time permits, we visit the charming little town of Kalaw. Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in Kalaw - Kalaw Heritage Hotel***

After checking out in the morning, we meet with the tour guide and embark on a walking tour through Kalaw - an old hill station in the Shan State founded by British officials escaping the heat of the plains. The relaxing and refreshing climate makes Kalaw ideal for a morning walk to discover the main sights for locals and visitors. We begin with a visit to the Hnee Pagoda in the southwest of the city, a 500-year-old pagoda that houses a bamboo Buddha statue. From there, it is a 40-minute walk to the center of Kalaw. As in many cities in Myanmar, the market lies at the heart of the city and is an activity hub in the morning when villagers from the surrounding hills come to sell their goods. This is the next stop on the tour, where Shan souvenirs and local snacks recommended by the guide are available. While walking to the market, there are reminders of the British colonial period, especially in the architecture. After shopping and snacking, we stop at the Thein Taung Pagoda and the monastery north of the market. The steep climb up the stairs offers a magnificent view of Kalaw and the surrounding hills. The hilltop monastery is very quiet and a lovely place to relax or interact with friendly monks. Afterwards, we take a short walk to Kalaw train station. Departure to Shwe Nyaung near Inle Lake. Luggage from the hotel will be waiting for us at the train station entrance along with the car and driver. Once the luggage and passengers are safely on board, it is time to begin the 50 km adventure (3.5 hours) through the landscape. Myanmar has the longest railway network in Southeast Asia, and the train is a fascinating way to travel from Kalaw to Inle Lake, as the gentle speed allows for truly appreciating the landscape. The open windows in first class provide excellent natural air conditioning, and the train ride offers an interesting glimpse into the lives of people in the Shan hills. There will be a few stops to stretch legs and purchase drinks or snacks. The railway adventure ends at Shwe Nyaung station. We will be greeted by our driver and taken for the night to the city of Nyaung Shwe (30 minutes by car) or to a hotel on the shores of Inle Lake (up to 1 hour by car). Overnight at Inle Lake - Myanmar Treasure Resort****

After breakfast at the hotel, we will be outfitted with traditional Intha pants and dresses. We then board our private motorboat. Today, the day's program begins with a visit to In Dein. Upon arrival, we will explore the small village on foot and walk through the beautifully mystical area of Alaung Sitthou. Along the way up to the hilltop, there are many small pagodas that have become fairy-tale-like due to the encroaching vegetation over the years. Upon reaching the highest point, we have a wonderful view of Inle Lake and the picturesque surroundings. Next, we visit Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery, known for its Shan Buddha collection. Afterwards, we continue on to the most significant site on the lake, the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, with 5 sacred Buddha figures covered in gold leaf. We will also visit the Longyi weaving in Inpawkhone. Longyi is the traditional clothing of the Inthas, which is still very much loved by the locals today. Before heading back to the hotel, we stop at a factory where typical Burmese cigars are handmade. Joint farewell dinner at the hotel. Overnight at Inle Lake - Myanmar Treasure Resort****

In the morning, transfer back to Heho airport and fly to Yangon. Arrival in Yangon and transfer to the hotel where the rest of the day is free for us. Overnight in Yangon - Hotel Rose Garden****

Depending on the booked departure, we have the day free until the transfer to the airport.