October
Monday 15 Auckland – Singapore
Depart Auckland on Singapore Airlines with an evening arrival in Singapore. Overnight at the Airport Hotel
Tuesday 16 Singapore - Yangon D
A morning flight to Yangon (Rangoon) in Burma. After settling into your centrally-located hotel, the rest of the day is at your leisure. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel
Wednesday 17 Yangon B D
In the morning we visit the spiritual heart of Burma - the Swedagon Pagoda and experience its sheer grandeur. Afternoon free to explore Bogyoke (Scott) Market and local sites. Dinner is included tonight
Thursday 18 Yangon – Kalaw B L D
A morning flight takes us to Heho on the Shan plateau and on to the peaceful town of Kalaw, a touch of rural Burma. En route we stop for lunch and local tea shops and villages. Tonight enjoy dinner at the ‘Seven Sisters’ restaurant
Friday 19 Kalaw B
Today we will locate and visit the regional tribal market. We can explore the quiet backstreets of this old British Hill station. An optional village walk is available
Saturday 20 Kalaw - Nyaungshwe B L D
We head to the Inle Lake region by steam train on the clunky old ‘Taunggyi Express’ which meanders through the hills and forests of the Shan plateau. On arrival we settle into our bungalow style accommodation in the centre of town
Sunday 21 Inle Lake B L D
Our destination is the rotating rural lake market where trading has existed for 100's of years. Tribal people arrive from regional areas to trade and barter. We enjoy lunch near the festival Pagoda and see the thriving silk industry on the lake. We see a canoe making village and other cottage industries, pass floating gardens and hopefully see the famous leg rowing fishermen. This evening enjoy a Shan banquet in Nyaungshwe
Monday 22 Inle Lake B
We are fortunate to be here on the prime day of the 'Festival of Lights’ as we follow the procession of highly decorated boats, each with its own musicians and all rowed by colourfully dressed villagers from the remote village of Lin Kin into Nyaungshwe town. We follow the festivities as Buddha images are rowed into town along the narrow canals on the main barge. Rest of the day free
Tuesday 23 Nyaungshwe - Maymyo B L D
A short flight from Heho to Mandalay, followed by a lovely two hour drive up to the Shan plateau to the ‘Hill Station’ town of Maymyo. We sample the local coffee in a French bakery on arrival. The well kept botanical gardens are convenient to our Kandawgyi Lodge hotel. Dinner at the hotel
Wednesday 24 Maymyo B D
The day is free to enjoy a wander through this sleepy town to the local market. Stagecoaches or bikes are the best mode of transport. See interesting caves and an old Japanese war cemetery or choose a round of golf at the old "Maymyo Club". Early evening we board stagecoaches to the old colonial headquarters of “Candacraig” for pre dinner drinks and a very ‘British’ roast dinner
Thursday 25 Maymyo - Mandalay B L D
We return to Mandalay, the cultural capital of Burma and enjoy a city tour, including the world's longest teak span U Bein's bridge, the magnificent Shwe Ein Bin teak monastery, the revered Mahamuni Buddha image and the bustling Zegyo Market. We finish with an optional climb up the many steps (or a drive) to the top of Mandalay Hill for great sunset views. This evening join your leader in an authentic local Mandalay BBQ meal
Friday 26 Mandalay B D
A morning trip to the river ferry port for a short boat ride over to the ancient capital of Mingun. Here we see the attempt at the biggest pagoda ever built. We can ring the world's largest uncracked bell and climb the ruins of the giant pagoda. We return to Mandalay where you have a free afternoon to explore this fascinating city. Dinner in a nearby Burmese restaurant can be followed by an optional performance of the fascinating Mandalay Marionettes
Saturday 27 Mandalay - Bagan B L D
Early morning we depart for a full day cruise on the Irrawaddy River. We meander our way downstream to Bagan leisurely enjoying the scenery as we pass villages and fields. Enjoy a drink on the deck before making our way to our stunning riverside Hotel. Dinner is enjoyed under the trees
Sunday 28 Bagan B L D
We begin our day in horse carts, a peaceful way to explore the 40 sq km of countryside dotted with pagoda and ancient structures. Our guide will help to unlock the secrets of this ancient and mysterious region. Tonight enjoy a dinner and cultural performance at a garden restaurant under the evening stars
Monday 29 Bagan (Mount Popa visit) B L
We enjoy a day trip to Mount Popa, home to the Nat spirits that roam Burma. We learn about their significance and can climb the peak if inspired for splendid views. We visit toddy farms that produce sweets and liquor from palm trees and enjoy lunch in the hills
Tuesday 30 Bagan B D
This morning visit the gallery of a master in the art of lacquer ware, see the process and perhaps buy high quality lacquer ware. The rest of the day is free to explore
Wednesday 31 Bagan - Yangon B D
A short flight from Bagan to Yangon leaves us ample time for a visit to the Bogyoke (Scott) Market to top up on any shopping. Our final dinner is in the colonial elegance of the grand ‘Strand Hotel’
November
Thursday 01 Yangon - Singapore - Auckland B
After breakfast depart on a mid morning flight to Singapore with a flight connection to Auckland
Friday 02 Auckland
Arrive Auckland
* Itinerary subject to change