Day 1: Yangon city tour Upon arrival at Yangon International Airport, you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel for check in. After refreshment, we’ll begin your afternoon tour of Yangon with the National Museum of Myanmar, founded in 1952 and featuring collections of ancient artefacts, works of art, and memorabilia related to the history, culture, and civilization of Burmese people. After lunch on your own, explore Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda, featuring the colossal, 66-meter reclining Buddha. Then witness sunset at Shwedagon Pagoda, the glistening golden stupa that towers over the capital. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar, and it is believed to contain relics of the four previous Buddhas. Overnight in Yangon.

Day 2: (B) Yangon – Bagan – Salay – Popa  After an early breakfast at your hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bagan. Upon arrival our guide will pick you up and transfer to the important religious center of Salay on the eastern bank of the Irrawaddy River. On the way, you can take in the local Morning Market in the small town of Chauk. In Salay, visit Yoke Sone Kyaung, a large wooden monastery built in the late-1800’s. It is known for its detailed original woodcarvings depicting court life and scenes from the Buddha’s past lives. Continue to Mt. Popa, a volcano which rises 1,520 meters into the sky.  Climbing to the summit of Mt. Popa takes about 45 minutes, and you can visit the Mahagiri Shrine dedicated to the Nats (spirits) at the top, as well as enjoy the wonderful panoramic view. Return to for hotel check in. Overnight in Bagan.

Day 3: (B) Bagan temples After breakfast at your hotel, start your day’s sightseeing at the colorful Nyaung U Market in the nearby town of the same name, and then move on to Shwezigon Pagoda, completed in 1102 A.D. This was a prototype of later Myanmar stupas. Next up is the mysterious Kyansittha Umin (Cave Temple), and Gubyaukgyi Pagoda, restored in 1991 as part of a joint UNESCO/UNDP project. We’ll resume sightseeing in the afternoon at Tharabar Gate (the only surviving original gate at Bagan), and Ananda Temple, built in 1105 and one of four surviving temples in Bagan. Adjacent to Ananda Temple is Thatbyinnyu Pagoda, built in the mid-12^th century and featuring two primary storeys, the second housing a seated Buddha image. And lastly you’ll see Dhammayangyi Pagoda, the largest of Bagan’s temples. Enjoy a sunset horse cart ride around the pagoda grounds before transferring back to your hotel. Overnight in Bagan.

 Day 4: (B) Bagan – Mandalay – Amarapura  After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Mandalay. Upon arrival, transfer and check in at your hotel. Begin your sightseeing tour of Mandalay with Shwenandaw (Golden Palace), a historic monastery near Mandalay Hill. The monastery is known for its teak carvings of Buddhist myths which adorn its walls and roofs. Shwenandaw is built in the traditional Burmese architectural style and is the single remaining major original structure of the original Royal Palace today. Next is Kuthodaw (Royal Merit) Pagoda, housing what is known as the world’s biggest book, consisting of 729 marble slabs engraved with Buddhist scriptures. Round out this portion of your day at Mahamuni Pagoda, a major pilgrimage site southwest of Mandalay with its spectacular Buddha image covered in thick layers of gold leaves. Later in the afternoon we’ll visit the nearby township of Amarapura and the famous U Bein wooden bridge across Taungthaman Lake. Built around 1850 and spanning 1.2 km, it is believed to be the oldest and (once) longest teakwood bridge in the world. Enjoy a sunset boat ride on the lake before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Mandalay.

 Day 5: (B) Mandalay – Yangon – departure  After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Yangon. Upon arrival our guide will pick you up for a brief tour of Yangon, including city center landmark Sule Pagoda and other remarkable sites of downtown Yangon. These include colonial era buildings and City Hall, which is on the Yangon City Heritage List. Seek out last-minute souvenirs at Bogyoke Market, a great shopping location for Myanmar art, handicrafts, lacquerware, and jewelry before transferring to the airport for your departing flight. End services.