Exploring Old Asia: MyanmarThe Land of the Golden Pagodawith Vincent VersaceNov 11-23, 2015 |
 © Vincent Versace |
Double Occupancy: $5995 • Single Occupancy: $6985
NET Internal Airfare: $485
AIR COST INCLUDES*:
INTERNATIONAL AIR: There is no international air included in this trip cost.
Includes tuition, hotel, meals, land transportation, admission fees, private guide and driver. Tips are not included. International and domestic airfares not included.
Space limited to 12 participants.
Description
Isolated from the rest of the world for more than 30 years, Myanmar (formerly Burma) is a living museum, rich with pagodas, indigenous architecture, ancient villages, lively floating markets, talented craftspeople, lovers who kiss by sniffing, and tribal members who reach out to welcome travelers. Colonial Yangon, former Rangoon, still maintains its charm with wide tree lined avenues and friendly residents. The Shwedagon Pagoda, which towers almost 100 meters above the street, dominates the city "of Yangon. This stupa is believed to be have been built more than 2500 years ago. Inle Lake, the jewel of Shan State, is
sheltered among the hazy Blue Mountains. The lake, about 900 meters above sea-level, is studded with floating islands and water birds. Inle Lake is famous for its unique one-leg rowers, floating villages and waterfowl. As you are rowed through the shallow waters of the lake, your lens will capture the enchanting faces of the children and their parents in their stilt houses. One of the most fascinating places to watch the daily life of the people of "the countryside is in their markets. You will take your best photos of the tribal people as they come down to market to sell their luscious vegetables, fruits and flowers.
Additional Information
CUSTOM LAND COST INCLUDES:
All meals as designated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); hotels as shown based on double occupancy; airport transfers as indicated; all transfers to and from hotels as indicated for planned activities and sightseeing tours–entrance fees, domestic permits; all applicable service charges and taxes (excluding some international or domestic airport departure taxes); predeparture materials including a customized Travel Guide containing destination information, travel tips, and cultural primer; limited travel insurance coverage including emergency medical evacuation coverage up to $75,000 per person, and in-country emergency medical expenses up to $2,500 per person.
CUSTOM LAND COST EXCLUDES:
Any item not specifically included in your program including all snacks, extra personal beverages & bottled water, etc. other than during designated meals, alcoholic beverages; passport and visa fees, video fees, excess baggage fees, laundry, phone calls, internet and any other items of a personal nature not specifically indicated; tips for your guide, ground staff, drivers, hotel porters and other service staff; ADDITIONAL INSURANCE OF ANY KIND, including trip cancellation/interruption/delay, air ticket cancelation, additional medical, and lost baggage insurance; any and all expenses resulting from delays arising beyond our direct control due to bad weather, trail, river, sea, and/or road conditions, sickness, civil unrest, government action; or any other transportation delays for any reason beyond our direct control; optional activities, free-day activities, including any additional stopover arrangements not specifically included in the itinerary. We can make additional arrangements for you. Extra charges will apply.
ADDITIONAL TRAVEL INSURANCE (not included):
We highly recommend purchasing additional insurance, including trip cancellation. We recommend Travel Insurance Select (TIS). To be eligible for maximum benefits, you must purchase within 2 weeks of paying your initial deposit. Visit http://www.asiatranspacific.com/insurance to learn more.
AIR COST INCLUDES*:
INTERNATIONAL AIR: There is no international air included in this trip cost.
INTERNAL AIR: Yangon - Bagan - Heho on Air Mandalay (6T) - Economy class. Heho - Yangon on Air Bagan (W9) - Economy class.
* All airfare is subject to change until ticketed. We will always do our best to confirm the most desirable seats on internal and/or international air (if ticketed by ATJ). Confirmed seat assignments are never guaranteed and can be changed at the discretion of the airline. Often with minor schedule changes, seat assignments are cancelled by the airlines. Please feel free to contact the airlines on your own to check on your seat assignments
If your itinerary includes airline tickets issued by ATJ you will be required to provide us with your first, middle and last names, as well as your birth date, exactly as it appears on your passport. Failure to provide us with the correct information may result in significant penalties and increased fares. In addition, ATJ will administer a $75 per person surcharge for any changes made after airline tickets have been booked.
VISA FEES
Visa fees are not included in your trip cost. Myanmar (Burma) requires a visa to be pre-arranged.
Trip includes:
- Accom
- modation including breakfast at hotels as specified
- 11 Lunches and 11 Dinners as per program
- Domestic flight tickets (Yangon/Bagan, Mandalay/Heho and Heho/Yangon)
- Domestic airport tax
- All sightseeing tour and transfer services with private air conditioned car/coach
- Private boat for Inle sightseeing and Mingun excursion
- Pony cart ride in Inwa
- All entrance fees for the places mentioned in the itinerary
- An English speaking guide throughout the trip
- Service charges, room tax and baggage handling at the airports
Not included:
- International travel
- Meals (Lunch & Dinner) not mentioned above
- Services not mentioned in our itinerary
- Visa fees (US 30 per person)
- International airport departure tax of US$ 10.00 per person
- International flight tickets to/from Myanmar
- Expenditure of personal nature such as drinks, tips, souvenirs, laundry, etc
- Travel insurance (cover against all cancellation costs, medical expenses, including repatriation, in the event of accident or illness)
- Any service not mentioned here above or in the itinerary
- Beverages
- Gratuities / Tipping
CANCELLATION POLICY
Our cancellation policy is available on our Registration Information page under the Travel Workshops section.
CLICK HERE to read our cancellation policy.
Biography
VINCENT VERSACE is a recipient of the Computerworld Smithsonian Award in Media Arts & Entertainment, the Shellenberg fine art award, a six time nominee to the Photoshop Hall of Fame and is the author of the best selling book, Welcome to Oz: A cinematic Approach to Digital Still Photography with Photoshop which was chosen as Shutterbug Magazine's best how to book of the year. His work is part of the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institution's Museum of American History. Vincent is the photographer of Immediate Assistants Medical Rescue Go Team. He is a member of the Epson Stylus Pros, a a Nikon Legend Behind the Lens, an Xrite Colorotti, Lexar Elite Photographer, an American Photo Magazine Mentor Trek and Master Class instructor and a member of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals Instructor Dream Team teaching regularly at Photoshop World and the Maine Photographic and Palm Beach Photographic Workshops. Vincent was the original host of the Epson Print Academy. Articles about his work in conjunction with digital workflows have appeared in American Photo, Popular Photography, Shutterbug, Outdoor Photographer, Pro Digital Imaging, PDN, What Digital camera, Petersen's Photographic, PC Camera, Studio Design and Photography Professional Photographer and Digital Imaging magazines.
Website: http://www.versacephotography.com
Itinerary
11 Nov 15 Arrive Yangon transfer and sightseeing (-/-/-)
Wednesday
Welcome to Burma! On arrival, we set our watches back 30 minutes - or is it 30 years? Yangon is old Asia, with tree-lined avenues, Victorian architecture, pungent markets and a raucous waterfront. The people wear the traditional longyi, chew betel with great vigor, and paint their gentle faces with swirls of thanaka powder.
Clear Immigration and Customs, then proceed to the arrival area to meet our guide from Grand Lotus. The guide will be holding a sign with our names or Asia Transpacific Journeys on it. Grand Lotus Travel will be handling all our services per our itinerary while in Burma. We'll transfer to our beautiful, centrally located hotel for check-in.
Today we'll visit the KalaywaTawya Monastery where over 1,300 monks and novices reside. We can watch and photograph the monks gathering to partake in the midday meal which is their last of the day. After our own lunches, we will continue to explore the capital including a late day visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda, the glistening golden stupa that towers over the capital and never fails to enchant visitors.
Overnight at Novotel Hotel Max (Deluxe) http://www.novotel-yangon-max.com/
Located between Yangon International Airport and the historical downtown, Novotel Yangon Max is close to Shwedagon Pagoda and many embassies. The 5-star hotel offers 366 contemporary rooms with good WIFI connection and extensive food & beverage selection. Choose from 3 restaurants, 4 bars and 24 hour room service. There is a state of the art fitness centre, spa, yoga room, swimming pool and tennis court.
12 Nov15 Yangon sightseeing (B/L/D)
Thursday
Very early this morning after breakfast, we'll depart the hotel on a full day exploration of what is arguably Asia's most charming capital city. Laid out by the British in a typical colonial grid, Yangon's shaded streets are a delight to roam. We will wander on foot through the downtown with its frenetic markets and aged buildings with fading colonial facades. Pass Buddhist pagodas, Hindu and Chinese temples, Islamic mosques, Anglican cathedrals, and even a synagogue.
Other highlights today include the Chaukhtatkyi Pagoda with its enormous reclining Buddha, the colorful waterfront, and the Indian Market on Anawrahta Street where vociferous merchants sell sweet smelling cinnamon bark, tropical fruit, fiery chilies, medicinal herbs and fish of every description.
Meals: Lunch and dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight at Novotel Hotel Max (Deluxe)
13 Nov 15 Yangon transfer, Yangon/Mandalay (Flight) ETD 0815/ETA 0940, (B/L/D)
Friday Amarapura and Sagaing sightseeing
Following an early breakfast transfer to the airport for our flight to Mandalay, the second largest city, represents a Buddhist city of conservative culture and traditional art. Mandalay was the last capital (1860–1885) of the last independent Burmese Kingdom before annexation by the British after the Third Anglo-Burmese War in 1885.
Then it's off to the lovely countryside around Mandalay to explore Amarapura. Visit a monastery at Mahagandayon that is home to more than one thousand Buddhist monks. Here you will find plenty of fine pagodas, ruins of the old palace, a Chinese joss house and shops specializing in cotton and silk longyis (the Burmese-style sarongs), as well as wood and marble carvings. Also pay a visit to local handicraft villages where traditional paper and terracotta pottery is still made.
Next, proceed into the Sagaing Hills, which sit above the Irrawaddy and are the site of many crumbling pagodas and active shrines. When Mandalay was Burma’s capital, Sagaing was an “annex” town that housed hundreds of Buddhist monks. Also see the nearby kilometer-long, 16-span, Ava Bridge that was built during British rule.
Meals: Lunch and dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight at Rupar Mandalar Resort. (Deluxe room) www.ruparmandalar.com
Rupar Mandalar Resort is located in a quiet atmosphere but deluxe rooms are not bungalow type.Although they try all rooms to be sound proof, clients can sometimes hear a bit sound from the other rooms since it is built with wood.
14 Nov 15 Mingun and Inwa sightseeing (B/L/D)
Saturday
After breakfast, travel by river to Mingun, home of the world’s largest uncracked bell and the remains of the largest brick built pagoda in the world. There is plenty of river life to observe along the way—ferries, teak and bamboo rafts, paddle steamers and numerous small boats. In Mingun, also visit the beautiful Hsinbyume Pagoda.
Afterwards, depart for the wonderful, small town of Ava, the old capital of the Burmese Kingdom for almost 400 years. Explore this lovely town by horse and carriage—sure to be a highlight of your trip. You will visit a small workshop where alms bowls are made for monks and various monasteries as well as the beautiful and unforgettable Bagayar Monastery.
At sunset, visit the most picturesque U Bein Bridge on Taungthaman Lake, a half-mile long teak span known to be the longest teak bridge in the world.
Meals: Lunch and dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight at Rupar Mandalar Resort. (Deluxe room)
15 Nov 15 Mandalay sightseeing, Mandalay/Popa (Car) (B/L/D)
Sunday
Breakfast at the hotel. Continue your exploration of the country’s cultural center with a visit to the ShwenandawKyaung Monastery, noted for its fine teak carvings. Also explore the Kuthodaw Pagoda, with 729 marble slabs inscribed with the entire Buddhist canon, and the Snake Temple at Mandalay Hill. Then visit a gold-leaf factory and a shop selling woodcarvings, Burmese marionettes and richly embroidered tapestries called kalagas.
In the afternoon depart Mandalay on the half day drive to Popa stopping en route based on your interests and the suggestions of your guide.Mt. Popa, an extinct volcano rising nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. This Burmese “Mt. Olympus” is the home of the Mahagirinats (spirits) and is an important pilgrimage site for people throughout the country. Everything about the place is dramatic—the lush vegetation on the mountain’s slopes, the Petrified Forest along the road, the complex of monasteries and shrines perched on the rocky crag, the mischievous and energetic macaque monkeys that call Popa home, and finally, the endless views of the plains below.
Late this afternoon, you'll be taken to check in at your beautiful resort near Mt. Popa. The Popa Mountain Resort is arguably the most luxurious resort in Myanmar. To many visitors, the naturalistic design of this resort is so complete, it appears as an organic outgrowth of the mountain itself. Each exquisitely crafted villa rises quietly out of the forest and provides guests with unparalleled views of PopaTaungkalat Monastery. The resort is constructed entirely in teak. It boasts beautiful swimming pools and a full service spa.
Settle in and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area as far as the eye can see.
Meals: Lunch at local restaurant and dinner at Popa Mountain Resort.
Overnight at the Popa Mountain Resort (Deluxe Taungkalat View Room) http://www.myanmartreasureresorts.com/location-5/popa-mountain/
Known as the "Oasis of dry zone", Popa is a steep sided volcanic peak dedicated to the legendary "nat" spirits of Myanmar. Learn their interesting tales and get to know the "Nats" (mythical spiritual beings) at the nat shrine! Set in the very heart of Mt.Popa itself is the beautiful international class "Popa Mountain Resort".
16 Nov 15 Popa/Sale/Bagan (Car) (B/L/D)
Monday
Enjoy sunrise and breakfast overlooking the ngat shrine of Mt. Popa. And then drive to the sleepy town of Sale, with its colorful market, curious people and Bagan-era pagodas.
Upon arrival in Bagan, we'll be met and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is free and leisure at the hotel.
Meals: Lunch and dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight at Bagan Lodge. (Villa)
Echoes of Another Age: If the journey is the destination, then Bagan Lodge is an alluring waypoint on the expedition of a lifetime. Onto the edge of one of the world’s greatest archaeological marvels. Under the pitch of our roofs, amidst furnishings that evoke a 19th Century excursion, we’re paying homage to the Golden Age of Travel. You may only stay with us for a short time, but we’ll stay with you forever.
17 Nov 15 Bagan sightseeing (B/L/D)
Tuesday
Brekfast at the hotel, depart on a full-day exploration of the ancient monuments and temples of Bagan.
During its golden age in the 12th century, Bagan was known as “the city of four million pagodas." While Kublai Khan and several massive earthquakes have reduced that inflated number drastically, what remains is quite incredible.
Explore the principal pagodas and temples of the archeological zone by private vehicle. Built in 1090, the whitewashed and gilded Ananda is among the finest and best preserved of the temples, with delicate decorations in glazed tiles along its base and terraces. Late in the afternoon, climb to the summit of a tall, serene structure and watch the sun drop into the distant hills.
Meals: Lunch and dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight at Bagan Lodge. (Villa)
18 Nov 15 Bagan sightseeing (B/L/D)
Wednesday
Following breakfast depart on another full day tour of Bagan beginning with the village of Myinkaba, with the opportunity to explore the local market. From Myinkaba, head to the 12th century Gubyaukgyi temple, an Indian-style monument that features exquisite interior murals. On your way back to Old Bagan, visit the Shwesandaw, a graceful 11th century temple. Climb the terraces and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding temples, including the 14th century Shwegugyi temple.
After lunch continue on an afternoon exploration of Bagan. Begin with the beautiful 12th century Suliman pagoda, a classic example of Bagan's late, sophisticated temple design. Notice the plethora of windows that allowed for improved natural lighting. Also, look for the monastic niches carved into the temple walls, a feature unique among Bagan's ancient monasteries.
At sunset, visit another temple as you climb high to witness the magnificent sunset.
Meals: Lunch and dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight at Bagan Lodge. (Villa)
19 Nov 15 Bagan transfer, Bagan/Heho (Flight) ETD 0835/ETA 0915, (B/L/D)
Thursday Inle transfer and sightseeing
Following breakfast transfer to the airport for our flight to Heho, the jumping off point for visits to Inle Lake.
On arrival in Heho, we will transfer to the town of Nyaungshwe on the northern shore of Inle Lake. Here we board our private motorboats and transfer to our lakefront accommodations. Afterwards we will spend the afternoon and evening exploring the lake.
Late this afternoon, we'll transfer to our lakeside resort and settle into our bungalows followed by a wonderful dinner.
Meals: Lunch at local restaurant and dinner at the hotel.
Overnight at Inle Lake View Resort. (Junior Suite)
The Inle Lake View Resort is the only deluxe boutique hotel of international standard on the shores of Inle Lake, built on 24 acres of lush land of trees and flowers, ideally located in a picturesque area overlooking the Inle Lake. It offers large and spacious rooms, all with private balcony and excellent views on to the Lake, tastefully decorated in Burma – Asian style furniture and soft tropical hues.
20 Nov 15 Khaung Daing 5-day market and Indain sightseeing (B/L/D)
Friday
At sunrise, the glassy waters of the lake reflect the surrounding hills and serene skies with birds everywhere. This morning, head off by boat to explore smaller canals and villages where the locals weave lovely silks and cottons. The local markets rotate regularly from town to town. These are community markets that are held on a rotating basis in which a particular town or village hosts a market every fifth day. It is a wonderful opportunity to see various ethnic minority people as they trade, sell and barter items in a manner that has remained unchanged for generations. You will have an opportunity to purchase unique items such as baskets, textiles, shoulder bags and traditional foodstuffs.
Today, the market will be taking place in a number of different villages around the lake including Khaung Dine and Indein. Be sure to stop and absorb this fascinating hodgepodge of bright flowers, flopping fish and exotic spices. There will be photo opportunities galore.
You will also have the opportunity to visit Indein, home to an interesting collection of 16th and 17th century temples. Getting there will be half the fun as you motor across the lake before entering a village and a series of canals and waterways that require your boat to speed up, in order to breech and cross levies built to irrigate the surrounding fields.
Meals: Lunch at local restaurant and dinner at the hotel.
Overnight at Inle Lake View Resort. (Junior Suite)
21 Nov 15 Sagar sightseeing (B/L/D)
Saturday
At sunrise the glassy waters of the lake reflect the surrounding hills and serene skies, and there are birds everywhere. Head south to Sagar village, accessed via a delightful three-hour boat ride from Nyaungshwe.
This journey affords a mesmerizing immersion in the tranquil natural habitat of the lake, which teems with migratory birds. The hazy Blue Mountain range encircles the lake, which is ringed by traditional thatched huts of the local Intha. The impressive ruins of Sagar lie on the banks of the BeluoChaung River. This collection of ancient Buddhist stupas and nat shrines dates to the 1600s. The area hosts complex irrigation systems, which helped Sagar to flourish in the late middle ages. This hidden village rarely sees a foreign visitor. It’s the kind of beyond-the-ordinary experience that really sets this journey apart.
This region is also home to the Pa-O tribe, whose beautiful women wrap their heads in distinctive towel-like scarves. Exploring their villages and interacting with the graceful, welcoming locals will afford a glimpse into a way of life that has existed for hundreds of years on the Shan Plateau. It is a rare privilege to experience their traditional way of life, as if one were allowed to go back in time.
Meals: Lunch at local restaurant and dinner at the hotel.
Overnight at Inle Lake View Resort. (Junior Suite)
22 Nov 15 Inle transfer, Heho/Yangon (Flight) ETD 1105/ETA 1215, (B/L/D)
Sunday Yangon transfer and sightseeing
Following breakfast transfer back to Heho for our flight to Yangon.
On arrival we will be met and spend the afternoon exploring Yangon based on our interests and the suggestions of our guide including a farewell dinner tonight at Le Planteur.
Meals: Lunch at local restaurant and Farewell dinner at Le Planteur Restaurant.
Overnight at Novotel Hotel Max (Deluxe)
23 Nov 15 Departure transfer (B/-/-)
Monday