Yangon was made capital of Burma by the British and served as the country's political centre until 2005. It remains the country's biggest and most bustling city - so throw yourself into the fray at Yangon’s geographic heart, the 2,200-year old Sule Pagoda, before making your way to Pansodan Street, where you can take in the charm the colonial architecture or chat to lively street vendors selling their second-hand books and treasures.

Head south towards the historic Strand Hotel where you can enjoy a cold beverage just like the literary greats, George Orwell and Somerset Maugham. In the evening, head to the religious heart of Myanmar – the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda.  

Begin the day at the gleaming Shwesandaw Pagoda, located on a hilltop in the centre of town. One of Myanmar's largest pilgrimage sites, this relgious landmark offers spectacular panoramic views of the Irrawaddy River and Pyay's hilly surroundings. Then drive back to Yangon, and stay there for the evening.

After a hearty breakfast, set out to explore the ancient capitals surrounding Mandalay! Begin with Amarapura and Inwa, capitals of ancient Myanmar during the 14th-16th and 17the-18th centuries, respectively. Explore the remnants of old glory and soak up the serenity of the sleepy little enclaves that were once grand kingdoms. In Amarapura, walk across the beautiful and unique U Bein Bridge, believed to be the longest of its type in the world. Visit the bronze casting workshops to see how Buddha statues are made and further down the road walk through a time-honoured textiles quarter.

Ride through Inwa (also known as Ava) on a traditional horse and cart, stopping at the Bagaya Kyaung, a nearly 200 year-old monastery, and the Nanmyin Watchtower, one of the best-preserved remains of the original Mandalay Palace.

A short drive across the Irrawaddy River is the stupa-studded hills of Sagaing, home to hundreds of white, silver and gold pagodas and monasteries which offer stunning vistas of the river below.

Overnight at hotel in Mandalay.

Start a full day exploring Bagan at the Ananda pagoda, dating from the 12^th century and famed for its gilded sikhara tower. Gubyaukgyi pagoda has extensive murals of Buddha in his previous lives and the Gawdawpalin or Bupaya pagodas are great for sunsets. Choose from bicycle, horse and cart or minibus tours for your preferred mode of transport around Bagan. The area is renowned for its lacquerware, so schedule an afternoon visit to one of the local shops.

We can arrange a hot air balloon ride that will give you spectacular sunrise views of the Bagan plain (must be booked in advance, at additional cost).

Drive to the southwest of the Inle Lake to Indein, a village famous for its crumbling and atmospheric groups of ancient pagodas. Across bamboo walkways and rickety bridges over the many canals running throughout, these 17th century pagodas stand in various degress of preservation and ruin, a mythical collision of past and present. Stroll through at your leisure. In the evening, enjoy the one of Myanmar's most stunning sunsets, in a boat on Inle Lake. After sunset, disembark. Overnight in Nyaung Shwe.