Classic Burma (Myanmar)

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Yangon (Rangoon).

Day 2 : Yangon (Rangoon)

On arrival in Yangon you're met by your guide and transferred by private car to your hotel. Depending on your flight time, you might have some time this afternoon to explore. The Peopleâs Park is a short walk from the hotel and is filled with small temples and interesting statues.

Day 3 : Yangon (Rangoon)

This morning visit Twante and a school that was built using donations from Audley clients and staff after cyclone Nargis in 2008. On arrival at the school you have the chance to meet all of the children and school teachers, as well as observe lessons and help the children with their studies. Return to Yangon for lunch and take some time to relax.At dusk, visit the majestic centrepiece of the city with your private guide and driver - the Shwedagon Pagoda. Sit and absorb the atmosphere of this spiritual site as local families and communities come to give offerings and worship after a day's work.

Day 4 : Bagan (Pagan)

Be driven to the airport by private transfer this morning before catching a short flight to Bagan. On arrival, you'll be met by an Audley representative and driven to your hotel.Take some time to relax before heading out to explore Bagan's temples and ruins with an experienced guide on a private tour. A temple city of more than 2,000 temples, it's thought that there were originally more than 10,000 temples here.

Day 5 : Bagan (Pagan)

Today is at leisure to explore the temples and beautiful countryside around Bagan independently or relax at your hotel. Bicycle hire is available locally through most hotels or you could choose to explore on foot or by horse and cart.

Day 6 : Bagan (Pagan)

Take a private transfer to the jetty to board the RV Paukan for your two-night cruise to Mandalay along the majestic Ayeyarwaddy. The journey begins with a welcome drink and briefing in the saloon or on the sundeck, followed by lunch at 1pm. In the late afternoon, disembark to visit a small village on the banks of the river. All meals are included during your stay.

Day 7 : Bagan (Pagan)

Enjoy the scenery and service as you cruise towards Mandalay. There will be stops along the way to explore places of interest. As part of a small group with your fellow guests, you can explore little visited villages and markets with an experienced guide.

Day 8 : Mandalay

Today the Paukan arrives in Mandalay. You'll be met at the jetty and taken to the ancient capitals of Ava and Amarapura, a short drive away. With an experienced guide, explore the ancient former capitals, visiting a selection of the most impressive temples and a few lesser known gems.Continuing onwards, you will arrive in Mandalay in time for dinner.

Day 9 : Mandalay

Mandalay has a surprising amount to offer for those who know where to find it. Take a tour today which has been designed to reveal Mandalay from a diverse and interesting perspective. The itinerary today is quite flexible and your guide will design it so that you can see some of the more interesting areas whilst avoiding some of the more visited tourist traps.

Day 10 : Inle Lake

This morning you're picked up and driven to the airport to catch a short flight to Heho. After being met by your private driver and guide, drive through the Shan countryside to Nyaung Shwe to board a long-tail boat for the journey to your hotel on Inle Lake. We suggest a brief stop on the hour long drive at the interesting Red Mountain Vineyard en route - ideal for lunch.With the rest of the afternoon free to relax at your hotel on the lake, you might like to take a walk through the surrounding village.

Day 11 : Inle Lake

Enjoy a tour of the lake visiting the main temples, cottage industries and the five-day market on a private guided tour today. At sunset swap your long-tail boat for a small wooden canoe. Your experienced local guide can show you the smaller tributaries of the lake where few tourists venture.

Day 12 : Inle Lake

Explore the Indein Pagoda complex today with a private guide. A huge site, a driver will be on hand to take you to between temples to maximise your time. The hillside, covered in temples, is an important site for locals and you'll find many new offerings dotted around the complex.

Day 13 : Ngapali Beach

Take a private transfer back to Heho airport by boat and car for your flight to the coast. On arrival you'll be met by a hotel representative and transferred to your beach hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day to enjoy the stunning Ngapali beach at your leisure.

Day 14 : Ngapali Beach

Today is free to enjoy Ngapali beach. You might like to explore the clear waters surrounding the hotel by arranging a fishing or boating excursion, available through your hotel. A sunset kayak paddle is a particularly pleasant way to end the day.

Day 15 : Ngapali Beach

Another day free to relax, or explore. The village of Mya Pyin is a short walk away, you might like to walk in to visit some of the shops or local cafes.

Day 16 : International return flight

Fly to Yangon where you have a car and guide available to you for further sightseeing before your onwards flight. Day use of a hotel can be arranged if you prefer. Your return flight will arrive the same day.