MYANMAR CLASSICS 10D

On arrival to Yangon airport, you will be welcomed by Discovery DMC guide with a sign board and your name on it. Transfer to your hotel for check-in. After freshening up we will visit some of Yangon’s highlights including one of the world’s most spectacular monuments, the Shwe Dagon Pagoda, a gold covered bell dome structure that dominates the city’s skyline.

After breakfast at hotel we embark on a walking tour to explore the highlights of downtown Yangon. Our tour will take in sights such as the iconic Sule Pagoda and Bogoyke Market. After lunch break transfer to Yangon airport for flight (1hr) to Nyaung U/ Bagan. Upon arrival to Bagan airport transfer to hotel in Bagan. Time permitting you can enjoy sunset at one of the temples.

After breakfast at hotel we begin our journey into the Ancient Kingdoms of Bagan. Todays tour will take in all of major temples and monuments of the city, including the Dhamayazeka Zedi and the Ananda Temple. For sunset, a bullock or horse cart ride around the temples offers unparalleled photo opportunities of one of the richest archeological treasures in Southeast Asia as the sun dips behind the temple ruins (weather permitting).

* All touring schedules and activities can be adjusted according to guests’ wishes.*

After breakfast, we set off for a 1,5hrs drive to Mount Popa, the Burmese spiritual epicenter for those who worship the pantheon of nat spirits and martyrs. In the late afternoon, we return to Bagan and transfer to the Ayeyarwaddy River for a private sunset cruise where local cocktails can be enjoyed on board along with views of the temple silhouettes and bustling shore.

After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to Bagan airport for a 30min flight to Mandalay. Transfer 40km/1hr to Mandalay City where enjoy a morning stroll through the lively Zegyo in the heart of the city and making stops at Burmese snacks and “thanaka” (make up) stalls. We continue to the artisan quarters, where some of the oldest craftsmanship is showcased dating back to last kingdom of Myanmar. Next, we proceed to the highlights of Mandalay including the sacred Mahamuni Pagoda, housing one of the most significant Buddha images in the country, covered in several tons of gold leaf and the crown prize in long past wars between competing Myanmar kingdoms. We end our day with sunset panoramic views over city skyline on Mandalay Hill, the highest point of the city.

After breakfast at the hotel, we discover the ancient kingdoms of Myanmar near Mandalay. First we drive 15km to Ava (Inwa), the ancient capital of the Shan and Burmese Kingdoms for over four centuries. We continue to the Ancient Kingdom Of Sagaing, located across the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River. From the Sagaing Hills, we enjoy magnificent views overlooking the river and hill side covered with countless pagodas. We end the day at the beautiful ancient capital city, Amarapura, famous for its weaving traditions and Ubein Bridge, a simple yet strong teak structure that spans 1,2km over Taungtaman Lake. The bridge silhouetted by the setting sun is one of the most magical experiences in Myanmar and a photographer’s dream.

Enjoy breakfast and then transfer to the Mandalay airport for the 30min flight to Heho, a quiet transit town with one of the few airport links in the beautiful hills of Shan State. Next, we take a 1-hour drive to Inle Lake that descends through the valley with views of the Shan mountains and rice paddy fields. After checking into the hotel, we embark on afternoon explorations of Inle Lake, populated with floating islands and gardens made from the naturally tangled roots of water hyacinth plants and reeds. Delight in the picturesque sights of fishermen who balance and row with one leg, a technique indigenous to the Inn Thar minority group who do this only on Inle Lake.

After breakfast we journey out by boat, following the currents of a small river to reach the Inn Thein, a site that makes us feel as if we’ve stepped through a forgotten portal in time. To access the Inn Thein archeological site we walk through verdant bamboo groves that open up to a field covered with the ancient pagodas constructed over 1,000 years ago.

Rest of the day is for lake explorations, learn how the floating islands and cultivation are shaped and tended, marvel at lotus thread and garments making in Inn Phaw Khone village, visit the Ywama village known for its silver smith traditions. We end the day with scenic canoe ride propelled by leg rowers.

In the morning we transfer to Mine Thauk village and the Red Mountain Estate to tour the lush vineyard situated on the side of a mountain. Taste some of Myanmar’s premiere wines, and observe the different aging methods completed in their cellar cave. After lunch break in Nyaung Shwe we drive 1hr to Heho airport for afternoon flight to Yangon. Upon arrival to Yangon transfer to hotel. Rest of the evening is free for relaxing & your own Yangon explorations.

Breakfast at hotel and free at leisure until transfer out to Yangon airport for your departure flight.