Burma - The Golden Land

17 days - from $2615

From the golden stupas of Rangoon and the ancient ruins of Pagan to the pristine beaches at Ngwesaung, this is an exotic Burmese adventure

The glories of this ancient land (now known as Myanmar) are revealed to travellers in this comprehensive landmark journey. Travelling by road, by air and on water, we discover why the country is often dubbed the Golden Land. We start in Rangoon, a city crowned by the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, then fly to Mandalay, before journeying on the Irrawaddy River down to the fabled 11th Century capital, Pagan. The Inle Lake region exudes tranquillity and enables us to sample the hospitality of the Shan people. Kyaiktiyo is home to the fabled Golden Rock, whilst Bago was once the centre of an ancient Mon kingdom and contains one of the largest Reclining Buddhas in the world. You end your journey by relaxing on a coastal resort on the Indian Ocean, enjoying the unspoilt and almost deserted beach or pure white sands and crystal-clear tropical waters.

Highlights

• The Golden Rock of Kyaiktiyo
• U-bien Bridge of Mandalay
• Pegu - ancient centre of the Mon kingdom
• Pagan's thousands of temples
• Mingun's world's largest pagoda and unbroken bell
• Ngwesaung's beach
• Maymyo hill station

Itinerary:

Day 1: Rangoon (Yangon)2: Rangoon (Yangon) - Mandalay3: Mandalay4: Mandalay5: Pagan (Bagan)6: Pagan (Bagan)7: Pagan (Bagan)8: Inle Lake9: Inle Lake10: Trekking - Inle Lake11: Kyaiktiyo12: Pegu (Bago) - Rangoon (Yangon)13: Bassein (Pathein) - Ngwesaung14 - 15: Ngwesaung16: Rangoon (Yangon)17: Rangoon
Included:

• The services of Peregrine’s expert English-speaking local tour leader throughout the tour, and local guides at some sites.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where applicable): Rangoon - Shwedagon Pagoda and Karaweik Hall; Mandalay - Kuthodaw Pagoda and walk up Mandalay Hill; Amarapura; Maymyo hill station; archaeological site at Pagan; Mount Popa - home to 'nats' (local deities); ancient centre of the Mon kingdom – Pegu; Shwemawdaw Pagoda; Shwethalyaung Buddha; and port city of Bassein.

• Local flights by private airline piloted mostly by expats: Rangoon to Mandalay, Pagan to Heho, and Heho to Rangoon.

• Boat trip to Mingun - the site of the world's largest pagoda and unbroken bell.

• Day boat cruise down the Irrawaddy River from Mandalay to Pagan to discover rural Burma.

• Three nights at a lakeside resort with a full day discovering Inle Lake.

• Traditional long tail boat ride and trek to ethnic minority villages on Shan Plateau.

• Traditional Shan dinner.

• Trek to the summit of Kyaiktiyo to visit Golden Rock (Kyaiktiyo Pagoda) and spend the night.

• Three day stay at Ngwesaung Beach with accommodation in small wooden bungalows.

• Free time to explore Rangoon, Mandalay and Pagan.

• Arrival transfer.

International flights, departure taxes, visas, other meals, insurance, tips, any additional optional tours or activities, and spending of a personal nature, including drinks, laundry, souvenirs.