Flight: TG303 Bangkok - Mandalay 09.45 - 11.00

Meet & greet: On arrival at Mandalay airport, you will be welcomed to Myanmar by your private English-speaking guide and then transferred to your hotel to check in.

Guided tour of Mandalay: This afternoon, set off from your hotel to experience the sights and sounds of Mandalay including one of the most revered religious monuments in Myanmar - the Mahamuni Pagoda; the Shwe Inbin Monastery; the Golden Palace Monastery - a superb example of a traditional wooden building, and Kuthodaw Pagoda - the world's largest ‘book' which is made of marble. Visit a traditional hand-woven silk workshop as well as a Kalaga tapestry craftsman's shop before heading to Mandalay Hill to view the sunset.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Yadanarpon Dynasty Hotel (Villa Room)

Full day guided tour to Amarapura, Ava & Sagaing: After breakfast, leave Mandalay for Amarapura, 10 miles out of the city, to visit Mahagandayon Monastery where more than a thousand monks live and study. Time permitting you will have the opportunity to observe the monks having their last meal of the day in total silence. Continue to the 200 year old U Bein teak bridge which was built in 1782 at the time when Amarapura was the capital. The Bagaya Monastery will fascinate you with its intriguing collection of Buddha statues. This afternoon a short drive brings you to Myitnge River for the short boat trip across the river to the former Royal Capital of Inwa (Ava) where a horse-drawn carriage is waiting. You will visit Nanmyint Watch Tower, the remains of a palace building nicknamed "the leaning tower of Ava"; the Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery, built of brick and stucco and Bargayar Monastery, famous for its ornate woodcarvings and teak posts. Today's excursion ends with a visit to the Sagaing Hills, a retreat for Buddhist devotees, in time for sunset.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Yadanarpon Dynasty Hotel (Villa Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Private road transfer to Pyin Oo Lwin: After breakfast, you will be picked up at the hotel and transferred by car to Pyin Oo Lwin, a drive that takes around 1.5 hours.

Guided tour in and around Pyin Oo Lwin: After checking in to your hotel, you will set out to explore the town of Pyin Oo Lwin which has an elevated position in the hills close to Mandalay. Formerly known as Maymyo the town is home to a host of colonial era buildings which are reminiscent of an English suburban town. Your guide will show you a number of these before you have lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you will visit the excellent botanical gardens which were founded by the British in 1915 and which are home to a magnificent collection of tropical plants ranging from bamboo groves to rare orchids. Make a photostop at the famous Candacraig Hotel, an old British mansion built in 1906, before retiring to your hotel.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Aureum Resort at Governor's House (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Train ride across the Gokteik Viaduct: After breakfast, you will be transferred to Pyin Oo Lwin's quaint railway station where you will board the morning train towards Lashio which departs at 08.30. This train used to be the infamous black-market train which, in the past, transported goods to and from China. You will travel through charming scenery and the train will cross the famous 700m long Gokteik Bridge, built in 1900 by the American Pennsylvania Steel Co. The impressive height from the bridge to the bottom of the valley is nearly 300m. After crossing the bridge the train will stop at a small station where you will meet your driver.

Please note that the facilities on board the train are poor and the seats will not be as comfortable as you are used to on western trains.

Afternoon tour around Pyin Oo Lwin: In the afternoon, you will return by road to Pyin Oo Lwin, and time-willing set out to explore some of the surrounding area. Visit the Peik Khyin Myaung Caves, which are almost as old as the land itself, and then proceed to the Pwe Kyauk Falls, a favorite picnic spot for local people. Pyin Oo Lwin is also famous for its organic ground coffee from local plantations and you will have a chance to enjoy the famous local coffee at a coffee shop in town before returning to your hotel.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Aureum Resort at Governor's House (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Private transfer: After breakfast, you will be transferred back to Mandalay, heading straight to the airport for your domestic flight to Heho.

Flight: 7Y682 Mandalay - Heho 10.50 - 11.20

Private transfer to Kalaw: On arrival in Heho, you will be met by your new guide and then set off along a narrow, winding and bumpy road through the Shan Hills by road for Kalaw, a drive of around 20 miles. On arrival check-in to your hotel.

Afternoon tour of Kalaw: This afternoon, you will be taken on a tour of the town and local area. The tour will include a visit to the Shweoomin and Bamboo Strip pagodas as well as Myoma Monastery, before being driven around 45 minutes from town to the village of Myin Mathi, where you can spend time walking around, meeting some of the local villagers and learning about their way of life. Afterwards, return to Kalaw and climb up Tein Taung (also known as Cloud Hill), where on a clear evening you get a splendid sunset view of the town and surrounding hills.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Amara Mountain Resort (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Train journey from Kalaw to Shwe Nyaung: After breakfast and a chance to wonder around Kalaw independently, you will be taken to the train station for your scenic rail journey to Shwe Nyaung. On this 3 hour journey you will travel through rural villages and be able to observe local life at each station and from the wide open window.

Please note that the facilities on board the train are poor and the seats will not be as comfortable as you are used to on western trains.

Road journey from Shwe Nyaung to Inle Lake: On arrival at the charmingly dilapidated old colonial station at Shwe Nyaung, you will be be shown around the small town by your guide before being transferred to your Nyaung Shwe, the gateway to Inle Lake around 30 minutes drive away. From here, you will be transferred to your hotel on the shores of the lake.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Inle Lake View Resort (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Full day guided tour of Inle Lake: Today, you will be taken on an enjoyable boat trip on the amazing Inle Lake to see the famous leg rowers, typical floating gardens, local methods of fishing, village life and the magnificent scenery. You will also have a chance to see one of the local markets if it is market day. After lunch at a local restaurant on the lake itself, you will visit the Phaungdaw U Pagoda, one of the main shrines in Myanmar which date back to the 18th century, Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery and the weaving village of Inpawkhon. Later depart by boat for the western shore of the lake, where you will find the beginning of a long stair path leading to the well hidden Inn Thein Pagoda complex. Here you will see one of the most amazing historical sights on the shore of the lake consisting of hundreds of small stupas overgrown by moss and vegetation. After today's sightseeing return to your hotel by boat.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Inle Lake View Resort (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Boat and road journey from Inle Lake to Heho: Your guide will meet you at your hotel for the boat ride to Nyaung Shwe, followed by the road journey to Heho Airport which is a drive of around 45-60 minutes.

Flight: K7264 Heho - Bagan 10.20 - 11.00

Private transfer: On arrival, you will be met by your guide and driver and transferred to your hotel to check in.

Afternoon guided tour of Bagan: After checking in, you will set out to explore the most significant pagodas and temples of Bagan including Shwezigon Pagoda, built by King Anawrahta in the early 11th century as a religious shrine; Ku Byanuk Gyi, a temple with superb murals of Jataka scenes; Khay Min Ga Temple, noted for its panoramic view of the area's numerous monuments.

In the afternoon, see one of Myanmar's most treasured handicrafts being made at a lacquerware craftsman's workshop in nearby Myinkaba village. You will continue to Manuha Temple, built in the Mon style in 1059 and follow on to Nanbaya Temple, a unique sandstone monument said to have been the palace of King Manuha. You will also visit the Archaeological Museum to see some beautiful Buddha images made of bronze, stone and lacquer. Afterwards set off for Bupaya Pagoda or Mingala Zedi Stupa to watch the sunset over the famous Plains of Bagan and Irrawaddy River.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Areindmar Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Morning tour to Mount Popa: This morning drive for around 2 hours to visit Mount Popa, an extinct volcano offering spectacular views over the surrounding countryside from its summit. Its shrine is dedicated to animist spirits known as "nats" and you will have time to climb the 777 steps to the shrine at the top of the peak. After time to explore you will have lunch in a local restaurant and then drive back to Bagan, stopping off to observe the workings of a toddy palm plantation.

Evening sunset cruise: Finish the day with a private boat cruise on the Irrawaddy River to watch the sun set over the plains of Bagan.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Areindmar Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Private transfer: You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Bagan's airport for your flight to Yangon.

Flight: YH918 Bagan - Yangon 09.35 - 10.35

Private transfer: On arrival in Yangon, you will be met by your local guide and taken to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Guided tour of Yangon: In the afternoon, you will be taken on a guided tour through Yangon's city centre, starting on Pansodan Street which is famous for some of Yangon's most impressive colonial buildings. Continue to Pansodan jetty to observe the frenetic daily life on the Yangon River, and on to Sule Pagoda which dates back some 2,000 years. You will then have the chance to see the magnificent reclining Buddha at Chauk Htat Gyi; followed by the Karaweik Hall, a 'hamsa bird shaped' floating barge on Kandawgyi (Royal) Lake. Complete the tour at sunset with an extended visit to one of the world's most spectacular monuments, the Shwedagon Pagoda.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Jasmine Palace Hotel (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Full day guided tour to Bago & the Golden Rock: After breakfast, start the drive to Bago (around 1.5 hours). On arrival, you will visit the charming monastery of Thamanay, a renowned teaching centre for monks from neighbouring regions who wish to study Buddhism. The tour continues to the thousand year old Shwemawdaw Pagoda which has a spire taller than that of the Shwedagon Pagoda. Afterwards head for the Kin Pun 'base camp' around 3.5 hours drive away. Lunch will be taken at a local restaurant en-route. This afternoon you will visit one of Myanmar's landmarks, Kyaiktiyo, which is famous for its precarious position and religious importance. The 'Golden Rock' is a huge boulder completely covered by gold leaf and delicately balanced on the edge of a cliff. To reach the pagoda from Kin Pun a steep 6 mile road leads to the upper staging point. The journey is made in open trucks, which can be crowded but once you reach the 'upper area' you can walk to your hotel (your luggage can be carried by a local porter - for a fee paid locally). On arrival at the hotel, check in and then you have time to watch the sun set over the Golden Rock.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Mountain Top Resort (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Sunrise on the Golden Rock: Should you wish to this morning, rise early to witness the stunning sunrise over the Golden Rock. This will require an early, pre-breakfast start, and is optional!

Road journey to Hpa An: After breakfast, set out on the drive to Hpa An, capital of the Kayin State, a journey of around 3.5 hours. En route stop in Thaton, the former capital of Mon Kingdom. Continue on to Hpa An stopping off at Bayinnyi & Kawgoon caves on the way. Both of which are set inside the limestone rock formations which Kayin State is famous for. On arrival in Hpa An you will check in to your picturesque lodge.

Afternoon sightseeing around Hpa An: This afternoon, set off to visit Sadan Cave, a naturally formed cave that takes 15-20 minutes’ to walk through, along a long dark tunnel (with lights). On the other side of the cave, you will find beautiful countryside and a small lake on which you can enjoy a short canoe ride, passing under a stone cave and past paddy fields. After reuniting with your driver proceed to Shweyinhmyaw Pagoda which is located at the banks of the Thanlwin River. Afterwards stop at Lake Kantharyar for a good view over the distant Zwekabin Mountain, one of the most famous landmarks in the Karen State and 772 metres (2,532 feet) high. End the day with a visit Kyauk Ka-Lat, an unusal pagoda which is built on layers of natural karst rock formations. Surrounded by a lake, the scenery guarantees a great photo opportunity. You can watch the sunset here before returning to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Hpa An Lodge (Karen Cottage)

Meals: Breakfast

Private charter boat to Mawlamyine: After breakfast, transfer to a private charter boat, and set off down the Thanlyin River towards Mawlamyine. This journey will take around 2 hours, through some beautiful karst scenery and rustic riverside village life. On arrival you will transfer to your hotel to check in.

Afternoon tour of Mawlamyine: This afternoon, set out to explore Mawlamyine. Take a trishaw ride through this once thriving port city and colonial post. The sightseeing includes a visit to Mahamuni Pagoda - one of the major temples in Myanmar, Seindon Mibaya Kyaung - where King Mindon’s queen sought refuge, the first Baptist church and Zyegyi Market. At the end of the day enjoy the sunset from Kyaikthanlan Pagoda, which is also known as the Kipling Pagoda due to the gleaming spire that was eulogized by Rudyard Kipling. Later return to your hotel to relax.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Mawlamyaing Strand Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Morning guided tour of Bilu Island: After breakfast, set out to explore Bilu Island, where a true Myanmar experience far away from modern civilization awaits you. Discover the serene scenery of paddy fields and quaint villages that are home to small cottage industries & workshops where typical Myanmar walking sticks, rubber bands, pipes and pens are produced. Return to the mainland for lunch in a local restaurant. 

Afternoon visit to Thanbyuzayat: After lunch, you will drive past rubber plantations on the way to Thanbyuzayat which is around 1.5 hours' drive south of Mawlamyine and was the western terminal of the infamous Burma-Siam ‘Death Railway’. Here you will see a locomotive dating from World War II, a small museum about teh railway and an Allied War Cemetery which is the resting-place for over 3,500 Allied POWs. Afterwards, return to Mawlamyine late afternoon.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Mawlamyaing Strand Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Journey by road and rail back to Yangon: After an early breakfast, take the local train (very simple and basic) to Thaton. Learn about your fellow travellers' lives and be prepared to answer lots of questions once conversations get started, and as the train rattles through the countryside. On arrival in Thaton you will meet up with your driver who will then drive you back to Yangon (approx. 5 hours). Once returned to the city, you will be dropped off at your hotel to spend the evening at leisure.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Jasmine Palace Hotel (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Day at leisure: Today is at leisure to explore independently or hunt for souvenirs. We have included a full day's driver and guide service today, so you will accompanied up until your departure. Cram in some last minute shopping or sightseeing!

Please note however a late check-out has not been included, so you will need to vacate your room at 12 midday. If you would prefer a late check-out this is usually secured at 50% of the nightly room rate and can be requested in advance.

Private transfer: This evening, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Bangkok.

Flight: TG306 Yangon - Bangkok 19.40 - 21.35

Meals: Breakfast