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Myanmar (Burma)

Myanmar, almost entirely covered by forest, is rich with history and a wide variety of culture. Rice being a staple in Burmese food is one of the main products and at one time was the largest export. Art, another huge aspect of culture has been closely intertwined with religion and royalty in Burman history. Temples, pagodas and palaces displayed the artistic skills of painters, wood carvers and sculptor. Temples and pagodas were traditionally built of brick and many are still standing. The great palaces, however, were made of wood, and only one badly deteriorating example of these beautiful carved structures remains today. Art and architecture, which relied on royal support, faded when the last royal kingdom collapsed.

ANCIENT KINGDOMS — 6 DAYS/5 NIGHTS (EMR/AK)

Day 1: Arrive Yangon
Arrive in Yangon. Meet your Exotissimo guide and transfer to hotel. Yangon has been the capital of Myanmar since the middle of the 19th century when the British transformed it into their administrative center of Further India. Its impressive colonial and spiritual heritage makes Yangon one of the most fascinating capitals of South East Asia. After lunch, a city tour includes Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda's 70m long reclining Buddha, downtown Yangon with its faded colonial atmosphere, Sule Pagoda, Mahabandoola Park and a visit just before sunset of Myanmar's holiest monument the Shwedagon Pagoda with its golden stupa covered with 60 tons of pure gold leaf. Overnight in Yangon.

Day 2: Yangon-Mandalay (B)
After breakfast at the hotel transfer to Yangon's Mingaladon 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 center 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. After lunch 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 3: Mandalay-Amarapura-Ava-Sagaing-Mandalay (B)
After breakfast at the hotel a full day trip to the former capitals of Amarapura, Ava and Sagaing. The day begins with a visit to the 18th century capital, Amarapura where the country's largest monastery, Mahaganda Yon Monastery, is located. Continue to the 200 year-old U Bein bridge, constructed entirely from teak and a silk weaving workshop. Proceed to Ava, the capital from 14th to 18th centuries, and visit the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remains of the Royal Palace and fort. Lunch en route. In the afternoon cross the bridge from Ava over the Irrawaddy and continue to Sagaing. Covered with 600 white-painted pagodas and monasteries, Sagaing Hill, is widely regarded as the religious center of Myanmar and is home to 3,000 monks and 100 meditation centers. Finish the tour with a visit to Kaungmudaw Pagoda, 10km north of Sagaing. Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 4: Mandalay-Bagan (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the jetty for a boat trip to Bagan. As it sails southwards, the riverboat passes many villages offering a glimpse into the way of life along the Irrawaddy River. Arrive in Bagan late in the afternoon. On the dry plain of central Myanmar by the banks of the Irrawaddy River stands Bagan, one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Asia. The 230 years, from 11th to 13th centuries, when Bagan was the capital of Myanmar, were marked by a religious fervor and building frenzy resulting in the thousands of stupas and temples many of which are still standing today. Overnight in Bagan.

Day 5: Bagan
After breakfast, morning sightseeing of Bagan features the colorful 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. Afternoon observe the process of traditional lacquer ware, one of the best-known Myanmar handicraft and a specialty of Bagan. Visit Ananda, an architectural masterpiece of the early-style temple with four impressive standing Buddha images, Ananda Okkyaung, one of the few surviving brick monastery from the early Bagan period visit and Thatbyinnyu the highest temple in Bagan rising to 61 meters. End your day with a traditional horse cart tour among the temples passing by the traditional village of Taungbi, Sulamani Temple and the massive Dhammayangyi Temple noted for its remarkable brickwork. Enjoy sunset over the site from the upper terrace of Myauk Guni Temple. Overnight in Bagan. (B)

Day 6: Bagan-Yangon-Departure(B)
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Nyaung Oo Airport for the flight back to Yangon. On arrival proceed to National Museum for a visit of its impressive Buddhist Arts collections. In the afternoon explore Indiantown & Chinatown before free time for shopping at Bogyoke Market, formerly Scot's Market. Late afternoon transfer to Yangon Airport for onward flight.

MYANMAR HIGHLIGHTS — 10 DAYS/9 NIGHTS (EMR/MH)

Day 1: Arrive Yangon
Arrive in Yangon. Meet your Exotissimo guide and transfer to hotel. Yangon has been the capital of Myanmar since the middle of the 19th century when the British transformed it into their administrative center of Further India. Its impressive colonial and spiritual heritage makes Yangon one of the most fascinating capitals of South East Asia. After lunch a city tour includes Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda's 70m long reclining Buddha, Downtown Yangon with its faded colonial atmosphere, Sule Pagoda, Mahabandoola Park, India town & Chinatown. Overnight in Yangon.

Day 2: Yangon-Bagan (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Yangon's Mingaladon Airport for the flight to Nyaung Oo Airport gateway to Bagan. On the dry plain of central Myanmar by the banks of the Irrawaddy River stands Bagan, one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Asia. The 230 years, from 11th to 13th centuries, when Bagan was the capital of Myanmar, were marked by a religious fervor and building frenzy resulting in the thousands of stupas and temples many of which are still standing today. On arrival, morning sightseeing features the colorful 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 visit the Archaeological Museum with its beautiful collection of bronze, stone and lacquer Buddha images. Continue with a visit to Ananda, an architectural masterpiece of the early-style temple with four impressive standing Buddha images, Ananda Okkyaung, one of the few surviving brick monasteries from the early Bagan period and Thatbyinnyu the highest temple in Bagan rising to 61 meters. End your day with a traditional horse cart tour among the temples passing by the traditional village of Taungbi, Sulamani Temple and the massive Dhammayangyi Temple noted for its remarkable brickwork. Enjoy sunset over the site from the upper terrace of Myauk Guni Temple. Overnight in Bagan.

Day 3: Bagan (B)
After Breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Mynkaba village and observe the process of traditional lacquer ware, one of Myanmar's best-known 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 4: Bagan-Pakokku-Pakhangyi-Moniwa (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, leave Bagan following the Irrawaddy River and passing by traditional villages where farmers climb the palm trees to extract the sap from which they produce palm tree sugar. From Latpan a ferry ride across the Irrawaddy river leads to Pakokku. A lively, typical Burmese city with a strong craftwork tradition producing colorful checked blankets, papier-maché toys and traditional sandals. Continue 20km to the north east of Pakkoku, to visit one of the oldest surviving wooden monasteries in Myanmar at Pakkangyi. Proceed along the rarely visited east bank of the river to Moniwa. Arrive in Moniwa late in the afternoon. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Moniwa.

Day 5: Moniwa-Po Win Daung-Mandalay (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. After crossing the Chindwin River by ferry, proceed to Po Win Daung. This extraordinary complex consists of 947 sandstone caves dug out of the hills and contains what is considered by archaeologists to be the richest collection of mural paintings and Buddhist statues in South East Asia. Recently opened to foreigners, Po Win Daung with its unique Buddha images and precious frescoes some dating from the early 17th century is a must to see for anyone with an interest in Buddhist Arts. A few hundred meters from the caves is Shwe Ba Daung, another very interesting site where monasteries and temples are carved out rocky narrow cliffs. Continue to Mandalay with a stop en route to visit Thanboddhay Pagoda with more than 580,000 Buddha images covering every wall and archway. Arrive in Mandalay late in the afternoon. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 6: Mandalay (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Full day 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 center 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. After lunch 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 7: Mandalay-Amarapura-Ava-Sagaing-Mandalay (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, a full day trip to the former capitals of Amarapura, Ava and Sagaing. The day begins with a visit to the 18th century capital, Amarapura where the country's largest monastery, Mahaganda Yon Monastery, is located. Continue to the 200 year-old U Bein Bridge, constructed entirely from teak, and a silk weaving workshop. Proceed to Ava, the capital from 14th to 18th centuries, and visit the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remains of the Royal Palace and fort. Lunch en route. In the afternoon cross the bridge from Ava over the Irrawaddy and continue to Sagaing. Covered with 600 white-painted pagodas and monasteries, Sagaing Hill, is widely regarded as the religious center of Myanmar and is home to 3,000 monks and 100 meditation centers. Finish the tour with a visit to Kaungmudaw Pagoda, 10km north of Sagaing. Return to Mandalay. Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 8: Mandalay-Heho-Inle Lake (B)
After breakfast at the hotel transfer to Mandalay Airport for the flight to Heho. From Heho, enjoy a scenic drive of just over an hour 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, proceed to the jetty to board a traditional long-tail motorized boat for a sightseeing tour of the lake. The lake is famous for its leg-rowing fishermen and floating gardens, built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles. Check in at hotel. Transfer by boat to the hotel. Overnight at Inle Lake.

Day 9: Inle Lake-Heho-Yangon (B)
After breakfast, a morning tour of Inle Lake visits the floating village of Ywama, the lake's downtown, where a floating market is held every 5 days, Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the weaving village of Inpawkhon and the Jumping Cat Monastery. After lunch in a local restaurant, transfer to Heho Airport for the flight back to Yangon. On arrival, transfer to hotel. Overnight in Yangon.

Day 10: Depart Yangon (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, finish the tour with a visit to Myanmar's holiest monument the Shwedagon Pagoda, with its golden stupa covered with 60 tons of pure gold leaf. After lunch, free time for shopping at Bogyoke Market, formerly Scotts Market. Late afternoon transfer to Mingaladon Airport for onward flight.

BURMESE DAYS — 5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS (EMR/BD)

Day 1: Arrive Yangon
Arrive in Yangon. Meet your Exotissimo guide and transfer to hotel. Yangon has been the capital of Myanmar since the middle of the 19th century when the British transformed it into their administrative center of Further India. Its impressive colonial and spiritual heritage makes Yangon one of the most fascinating capitals of Southeast Asia. After lunch a city tour includes the National Museum, Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda's 70m long reclining Buddha, downtown Yangon with its faded colonial atmosphere, Sule Pagoda, Mahabandoola Park, India town & Chinatown. Overnight in Yangon.

Day 2: Yangon-Bagan (B)
After breakfast at the hotel transfer to Yangon's Mingaladon Airport for the flight to Nyaung Oo near Bagan. On the dry plain of central Myanmar by the banks of the Irrawaddy River stands Bagan, one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Asia. The 230 years, from 11th to 13th centuries, when Bagan was the capital of Myanmar, were marked by a religious fervor and building frenzy resulting in the thousands of stupas and temples many of which are still standing today. On arrival, morning sightseeing features the colorful 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 lacquer ware, one of the best-known Myanmar handicraft and a specialty of Bagan. Visit Ananda, an architectural masterpiece of the early-style temple with four impressive standing Buddha images, Ananda Okkyaung, one of the few surviving brick monasteries from the early Bagan period and Thatbyinnyu, the highest temple in Bagan rising to 61 meters. End your day with a traditional horse cart tour among the temples passing by the traditional village of Taungbi, Sulamani Temple and the massive Dhammayangyi Temple noted for its remarkable brickwork. Enjoy sunset over the site from the upper terrace of Myauk Guni Temple. Overnight in Bagan.

Day 3: Bagan-Heho-Pindaya-Inle Lake (B)
After breakfast at the hotel transfer to Nyaung Oo Airport for the flight to Heho. From Heho, enjoy a scenic drive to Pindaya through the picturesque countryside of Shan State. After lunch, visit Pindaya's limestone cave with its maze of chambers displaying more than 8,000 Buddha statues. Continue the trip 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, check in at hotel. (For hotel in lake location, transfer by boat). Overnight in Inle Lake.

Day 4: Inle Lake-Heho-Yangon (B)
After breakfast, a morning sightseeing tour of Inle Lake by boat includes a chance to see the leg-rowing fishermen and 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 5 days. The tour also includes a visit to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and the weaving village of Inpawkhon. After lunch in a local restaurant, transfer to Heho Airport for the flight back to Yangon. On arrival, transfer to hotel. Overnight in Yangon.

Day 5: Depart Yangon (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, finish the tour with a visit to Myanmar's holiest monument, the Shwedagon Pagoda with its golden stupa covered with 60 tons of pure gold leaf. After lunch, free time for shopping at Bogyoke Market, formerly Scotts Market before transfer to Mingaladon Airport for onward flight.