The Very Best Of Myanmar - 13 Days / 12 Nights

Day 1 - Arrive Yangon

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your Exotissimo Guide and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, you'll explore the fascinating history of Yangon as you visit the National Museum and the Kyaukhtatgyi and Shwadagon pagodas.

Overnight in Yangon.

Day 2 - Yangon - Kyaikhtiyo - Golden Rock (B)

Depart from Yangon this morning for your trip out to Kyaikhtiyo. After transferring by local open truck, you'll embark on a hike to reach the spectacular Golden Rock, one of the holiest sites in all of Asia.

Overnight near Golden Rock.

Day 3 - Kyaikhtiyo - Bago - Yangon (B)

After breakfast, head back toward Yangon. Along the way, stop at Bago, the 6th century capital of the Mon kingdom where you'll visit gilded Mon style pagodas and a graceful reclining Buddha. Return to Yangon this evening after a stop at the Allied War Cemetery.

Overnight in Yangon.

Day 4 - Yangon - Heho - Inle Lake (B)

After a flight from Yangon to Heho, you'll be driven to Nyaung Shwe, your gateway to the captivating Inle Lake. You'll pass among the leg-rowing fisherman as your private motorboat takes you to lakeside monasteries and pagodas. Your visit will also include a special tour of the Inpawkhone weaving village, and a factory were the local cheroot cigars are rolled.

Overnight at Inle Lake.

Day 5 - Inle Lake - Indein - Inle Lake (B)

This morning you'll browse among stalls at the lake market, where residents of the region's Shan hill tribes come to shop and show their wares. Afterward, you'll visit the village of In Dein, where you'll be guided to see ancient stupas at Alaung Sitthou.

Overnight at Inle Lake.

Day 6 - Inle Lake - Heho - Mandalay (B)

This morning is yours to enjoy the pastoral pace of the lake. After a flight to Mandalay this afternoon, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Explore the town at leisure, and enjoy the view of the sun fading over the countryside from on top of Mandalay Hill.

Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 7 - Mandalay - Amarapura - Ava - Sagaing - Mandalay (B)

Set out from Mandalay to discover three of Myanmar's ancient capitals: Amarapura, Ava and Sagaing. Your journey into the kingdom's regal history will take you to the country's largest monastery, a workshop where colorful silks are woven, and the ruined remains of the Royal Palace. Crossing the Irrawaddy in the afternoon, you'll be transported to Sagaing, a city with more than 600 ivory-hued pagodas, before ending the day at the U Bein teak bridge.

Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 8 - Mandalay - Mingun - Mandalay (B)

After breakfast you'll board a private local boat for a trip down the Irrawaddy to Mingun, site of the beautiful Hsinbyume Pagoda. After returning to Mandalay this afternoon, you'll be taken to Mahamuni Pagoda, where you can gaze at the venerated statue of Buddha covered in delicate gold leaf. Before the end of today, you'll also visit the Shwenandaw Manastery and Kuthodaw and Kyaiktawgyi Pagodas.

Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 9 - Mandalay - Monywa - Powintaung - Monywa (B)

A drive from Mandalay will carry you to Monywa, a charming Burmese town set on the Chindwin River. Climb into open jeeps for the ride out to Po Win Taung, an astounding complex of sandstone caves concealing the richest collection of murals and Buddha statues in Southeast Asia. On the way back into Monywa, you'll delve deeper into the mysteries of the area as you explore Shwe Ba Taung, where the rocky narrow cliffs have been carved into monasteries and temples.

Overnight in Monywa.

Day 10 - Monywa - Pakkoku - Bagan (B)

Drive under the shade of the sugar palms as you make your way into the country to get in touch with Myanmar's rural cultures. Admire the simple ways of life at Ma U Ma Le village, and take a rickshaw past the artisan shops of Pakokku. This afternoon, board a local boat for your cruise downriver to Bagan.

Overnight in Bagan.

Day 11 - Bagan (B)

The thousands of pagodas and temples you'll encounter in Bagan will make it one of the most unforgettable cities in Asia. Your time in this magnificent town will take you from the glittering golden stupa of the Shwezigon Pagon, to the murals of the Wetkyi-Gubyaukgyi cave shrine, to the elegant plaster carvings of Htilominto Temple. This afternoon, catch a horse carriage from under the shadow of graceful Ananada Temple for a ride among the beautiful ruins of the town.

Overnight in Bagan.

Day 12 - Bagan - Yangon (B)

Start today by perusing the shops at Nyaung Oo Market, then set out on a walk through Myinkaba village that will take you to a local family workshop where lacquer ware is made. Afterward, visit the lesser-known temples of the region, where you will marvel at the unusual Tantric architecture of Payathonzu. Transfer to the airport in the afternoon for your return flight to Yangon.

Overnight in Yangon.

Day 13 - Depart Yangon (B)

Following breakfast enjoy a walk among the faded pastel shutters of colonial buildings in downtown Yangon. Later, spend the afternoon exploring Bogyoke market at your open pace, then transfer to Mingaladon Airport for your onward flight.