Essence of Myanmar: Yangon, Mandalay & Bagan

Upon arrival into Yangon, you will be met and transferred from the airport to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Explore the downtown area of Yangon with a local trishaw ride (bicycle with a sidecar where 1 passenger sits, a child can fit with an adult). This will be a 20 - 30 min stroll with a few stops to learn about local life and see the monuments. It's a great opportunity to discover Yangon at a slower pace.
There will also be time to explore Bogyoke Aung San Market, still commonly known by its old British name of Scott Market. Undoubtedly offering the largest selection of handicrafts in Myanmar, the market is a great place to discover a bargain and have fun haggling with the local traders. Please note the market is closed on Monday.
After lunch, take an excursion to the huge reclining Buddha at Chauk Htat Kyi. One of the country's most stunning reclining Buddhas. Later visit the historic Shwedagon Pagoda which towers almost 98 meters (326ft) above the green cityscape of Yangon. One of the wonders of the religious world, it is believed to have been built more than 2500 years ago and is a testament to the faith of the Burmese.

Early morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Mandalay, the second-largest city in Myanmar. It is located on the banks of the Irrawaddy, considered the center of Burmese culture. On arrival transfer to Amarapura, 11 km south of Mandalay, and one of the capitals of the third Myanmar Empire. It is now a township of Mandalay. Visit the U Bein Bridge (the longest teak bridge in the world), Mahamuni Pagoda, which houses one the most famous seated Buddha images in all Myanmar, Shwenandaw Kyaung (Golden Palace Monastery) and Kuthodaw Pagoda which is said to house the world's largest book inscribed with Buddhist scriptures. Finish the day with a drive to the top of Mandalay Hill for sunset and a panoramic view of the city.

Early this morning you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the jetty. Board your boat and enjoy a full day of cruising on the mighty Irrawaddy River. Arrive in Bagan this evening and transfer to your hotel where you can relax.

Begin the morning with a visit to nearby Phwar Saw Village, to see rural Burmese life. Visit the Nyaung Oo market along the way to see the variety of fresh produce for sale and gain an insight into the bustling market atmosphere in Bagan. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the temples around Bagan. Visit Gubyaukgyi, a 13th Century temple noted for its wall paintings depicting scenes from the previous lives of Buddha. Also see the Buddhist Htilominlo Pagoda and the highly revered Ananda Temple, known as one of the finest, largest, and best-preserved of the Bagan temples. Later this afternoon there is another chance to re-visit the temples, this time by horse cart which affords the opportunity to explore some of the lesser-visited areas which cannot be reached by more conventional modes of transport. Then, watch the sunset from one of the viewpoints where you can see thousands of temples across the plain (weather permitting). Enjoy a puppet show this evening with dinner.

Morning transfer to the airport for your flight back to Yangon. In Yangon visit Kandawgyi Lake, a large and peaceful pool of water east of the Shwedagon Pagoda, which can sometimes be seen reflecting in its tranquil waters. Whilst exploring the park that surrounds the lake, you will be able to take a look at the Karaweik, a replica of a traditional Royal Barge. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.