Day 1 – Saturday, November 7 – Overnight Flight
Embark on a captivating tour through Myanmar and discover a region filled with mystique and thousands of years of history.
Day 2 – Sunday, November 8 – Yangon, Myanmar – Tour Begins
Our tour opens in Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, a quiet and colorful city. Its impressive colonial and spiritual heritage makes it one of the most fascinating cities in Southeast Asia. As most flights will arrive in the evening, we have nothing planned for today so that you may adjust to the time and get a good night sleep.
Day 3 – Monday, November 9 – Yangon
We’ll begin this morning with an Amazing Journeys Welcome and Orientation. Next, we’ll join the locals for a ride on the Yangon Railway, a circular train that brings us through the outskirts of town. This slow traveling train gets you up-close to the vibrant lifestyle of the people. We disembark at the Kyi Myin Dain market for time to explore and interact with the friendly locals. This afternoon, we continue to Shwedagon Pagoda, the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar. Although the origins of the pagoda are unclear, the local legend states that the original structure was built 2,500 years ago, then renovated several times, finally taking shape in the 15th century. At dusk, we’ll witness the illumination of hundreds of small oil lamps around the base of the golden temple alongside worshipers. (B, L, D)
Day 4 – Tuesday, November 10 – Yangon – Kalaw
A short flight this morning brings us to Heho. We’ll embark on a scenic journey to Kalaw, a former British hill station. Feel the cool air and laid-back atmosphere in this charming hilltop town. A diverse number of ethnic hill tribes reside in small villages among the hills including Palaung, Danu, Pa-O and Taung Yo. Don your walking shoes as we traverse undulating hills, passing through their villages where we’ll observe their unique culture and way of life. We’ll be invited to join a family in their home for lunch. (B, L, D)
Day 5 – Wednesday, November 11 – Kalaw – Nyaung Shwe – Inle Lake
Our first stop today will be at the town of Aungban for a visit to its “wholesale” market*. We’ll discover an array of colorful regional produce piled high. We continue our drive to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway to Inle Lake. Pause for a moment at the wooden Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery. This unique building is built on stilts along the edge of the lake and features large oval windows, ornate carvings and a collection of Buddhist images. We board our private motorboat and head out on tranquil Inle Lake where we’ll be surrounded by one of Myanmar’s most spectacular panoramas. Pass villages built on stilts which are inhabited by the local Intha people. Inle Lake is the only place in the world where you can find people who propel their boats by “leg rowing.” Intha farmers grow flowers and vegetables in floating beds of water hyacinth and grasses, staked to the shallow lake bed with bamboo poles. Explore the local crafts of Inle Lake at the weaving village of Inpawkhone and visit a cheroot factory where typical Burmese cigars are rolled by hand. (B, L)
Day 6 – Thursday, November 12 – Inle Lake – Indein – Inle Lake
Spend time at the lake’s morning market. This rotating market moves around the lake’s villages in a 5 day rotation. It is frequented by village inhabitants and surrounding hill tribesmen who come to sell and trade their wares. We continue down a small canal to the Pa-oh village in Indein where we’ll have the opportunity to meet the “long neck” women of the Padaung hill tribe and learn about their ancient tradition of wearing brass ornaments around their necks and limbs. Get ready to explore, taking time to visit a school and to wander through the stunning Alaung Sithu area filled with ancient spired pagodas. (B, L)
Day 7 – Friday, November 13 – Inle Lake – Pyin Oo Lwin
Today, we’ll fly to Mandalay and ascend the plateau to a height of over 3,000 feet above sea level to the charming former British hill station of Pyin Oo Lwin (also known as Maymyo). We’ll discover its many colonial-era elements including brick and timber houses. You’ll feel like you have stepped back in time during a horse- drawn carriage ride. There is an interesting mix of residents here including various ethnic tribes as well as many Nepalese and Hindu who migrated here during the British occupation. Explore the peaceful botanical gardens, reminiscent of Britain, featuring 432 acres of botanical species from all around the world. Tonight, we join together for an Amazing Journeys Shabbat. (B, L, D)
Day 8 – Saturday, November 14 – Pyin Oo Lwin – Mandalay
Today we board the train for a scenic journey across the Gokteik Viaduct. We’ll take in spectacular scenery as we travel over a nearly 100-foot-deep gorge in the Shan mountains. We’ll continue on to Mandalay. We’ll make a stop in the traditional village of Amarapura, a former capital of Myanmar whose name means “city of immortality.” We’ll also stop at the picturesque U Bein Bridge, a 200-year- old bridge constructed of 984 teak posts that were once part of the deserted Inwa Palace, making it the world’s longest teak span. We end our day in Mandalay, the ethnically diverse commercial hub of Myanmar. (B, L, D)
Day 9 – Sunday, November 15 – Mandalay
Behold the impressive Mahamuni Pagoda, home to one of the country’s most revered Buddha images. Over the years, grateful worshipers have covered the statue with gold leaf, giving it a bumpy texture. We continue to Kuthodaw Pagoda, whose 729 marble stone slabs of Buddhist scripture have earned it the title “World’s Biggest Book.” Enjoy some leisure time to explore Mandalay on your own before we head to Mandalay Hill. As the sun begins to set, soak up the magnificent views of the city and Irrawaddy River. (B, L, D)
Day 10 – Monday, November 16 – Bagan
A short flight brings us to Bagan, the capital of Myanmar during the 11th – 13th centuries. Its rulers constructed thousands of huge stupas and temples, many of which are still standing today on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. We’ll have time at the Shwezigon Pagoda with its elegant bell- shaped gilded tower. During our visit, gain insight into Bagan’s rich history. Our next stop is at the nearby Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi, a cave temple with exquisite Jataka frescos and an Indian-inspired spire. Then, we discover the amazing Ananda Temple, an architectural masterpiece and one of Bagan’s most beautiful temples. We’ll climb aboard a horse cart and pass Thatbyinnyu, the region’s highest temple; the massive Dhammayangyi Temple, noted for its remarkable brickwork; and the impressive Sulamani temple. We’ll pause to take in the unforgettable sunset over the plains from the upper terrace of one of the temples. (B, L, D)
Day 11 – Tuesday, November 17 – Bagan – Popa – Bagan
Early this morning, you’ll have the opportunity for an optional hot air balloon ride over the temples of Bagan. After a group breakfast, we’ll drive through the plains to Mt. Popa, an imposing sight of sheer rock topped with golden stupas from the monastery that sits on its peak. We’ll walk the nearly 900 stairs to the top to see this amazing structure. We’ll learn about nats (spirits) and nat worship as we climb past shrines and see local pilgrims. We’ll pause for a traditional Burmese lunch under the shade of toddy palm trees. Later, visit the rural village of Minnanthu, one of Bagan’s most remote regions. We explore the local temples before boarding our boat for a relaxing cruise down the Irrawaddy River. Tonight, we say farewell to this magical region during our Amazing Journeys Farewell Event and Dinner, featuring a traditional puppet show. (B, L, D)
Day 12 – Wednesday, November 18 – Bagan – Yangon – Tour Ends
We’ll return to Yangon today, catch up on some last minute shopping at Bogyoke Market, formerly known as Scott’s Market, and have some time to relax before departing for home. We’ll cross the International Dateline on our flight back to the US as we return to our homes with amazing memories. (B)
Our Hotels:
Day 1 Overnight Flight
Day 2-3 Chatrium Hotel, Yangon
Day 4 Pine Hill Resort, Kalaw
Day 5-6 Pristine Lotus Spa Resort, Inle Lake
Day 7 Hotel Pyin Oo Lwin, Pyin Oo Lwin
Day 8-9 Mandalay Hill Resort, Mandalay
Day 10-12 The Hotel at Tharabar Gate, Bagan
Please Note:
1) Alternate hotels may be utilized
2) The order of this tour may change
3) This tour includes moderate physical activity
4) Air schedules are subject to change
| Rates |
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A deposit of $450 is due with your reservation. A second deposit of the cost of the air package is due on June 30, 2015. Final payment is due on September 2, 2015.
Roommate matching is available.
INTERNATIONAL AND INTRA-MYANMAR AIR:
International and domestic airfare is not included in the tour rate. Flight packages are available as follows. Passengers must select one option:
A) International Flight Package: Includes air from JFK, 4 Intra-Myanmar flights and transfers: $2450 (including taxes, intra-Myanmar air and transfers)
B) Intra-Myanmar Flight Package: Includes 4 Intra-Myanmar flights and transfers (if international flights coincide with group arrival and departure): $560 + $100 roundtrip airport transfers (including taxes).
Airfares are subject to change until airline tickets are actually purchased. Please note: A group flight consists of at least 10 passengers traveling together on the same itinerary. If we fall below this number, we are unable to provide air for the price listed. Airline tickets will be issued on June 30, 2015. Once airline tickets are purchased, they are subject to a cancellation fee of 100%. This penalty is part of the cancellation penalties listed on the “Terms” tab. Business class for international flights may be available at an upgraded rate upon request.
All rooms are non-smoking where we match roommates. Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website.
Cancellation Policy: From the time of deposit until May 7, 2015, there is a $75.00 penalty for cancellation. From May 8 – June 30, 2015, the cancellation penalty is $450. From July 1 – September 2, 2015, the cancellation penalty is 50% of the total package price, including 100% of the airfare price. From September 3 – October 6, 2015, the cancellation penalty is 75% of the total package price, including 100% of the airfare price. From October 7, 2015 until the day of travel, the cancellation penalty is 100% of the total package price, including 100% of the airfare price. Cancellations made on the day of departure and “no-shows” will receive no refund. There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the journey.
Cancellation insurance: Cancellation insurance is recommended. Information will be sent with your tour confirmation.
Taxes, Service Charges, Government Fees and Gratuities: Taxes, surcharges and government fees have been included in the price of the tour and are subject to change. Gratuities have been included on this itinerary for included features. Amazing Journeys also includes tips for our tour guide, local guides, drivers, servers for included meals, and baggage handling at each hotel.
Flights and Transfers: International and Intra-Myanmar airfare is not included with the tour cost. The tour begins and ends in Yangon. Please note: A group flight consists of at least 10 passengers traveling together on the same itinerary. If we fall below this number, we are unable to provide air for the price listed in “Pricing” tab.
Passport and Visa Requirements: A passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary. It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. A visa is necessary to enter Myanmar. This is done online as an evisa. More details will be sent to you at a later date.
This tour is operated by Collette
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