We have arranged for our guests to have VIP immigration clearance on arrival, to save you important holiday time. Our guide will meet you outside customs with a private car to transfer you to your hotel. After lunch, you will be escorted on an introductory tour of this colorful metropolis. Scenes from a bygone era mix with the modern tempo of a bustling capital punctuated by serene Buddhist temple compounds and landscaped parks and gardens. Along the way, drop by Botataung pagoda's circular treasure vault covered in a mosaic of mirrors, and the the enormous Chaukhtatgyi reclining Buddha in a quiet, open-air pavilion. Next, our guide will take you to a rarely-touristed monastery hosting a spectacular 5-story-high seated Buddha garbed in angelic finery on a throne of masterful teakwood carvings. End the afternoon at the sacred Shwedagon pagoda, a complex of intricately detailed prayer halls, bejeweled golden zedis (stupas) housing holy relics, monumental cast bronze bells, and shrines to nat animist spirits. After touring the grounds, take some time to sit and watch the effects of the setting sun and ever-changing tapestry of worshippers, monks, nuns, families, school children, and tourists. Your evening is free.

At 10am delve into the colorful mosaic of Yangon life. Visit the National Museum, with floor after floor of cultural exhibits: the regal Lion Throne of the last Burmese king in a recreated palace interior, the royal Mandalay Regalia, the gem-encrusted crown jewels of old Burma, a modern art gallery, wood and lacquer furnishings from everyday life, a fashion exhibit of ethnic costumes, and a scale model of the fantastical royal palace which was destroyed in WWII. For lunch, our guide will be happy to take you to a simple, local place serving yummy Myanmar specialties where you'll be the only foreigner (much to the delight of the curious staff and waiters). After lunch, wander through the Bogyoke Market (Scott Market) and buy yourself a longyi (traditional sarong) which is worn by Myanmar men and women. This is a great place to find fabrics, jewelry, sculpture, artworks, and folk crafts (Bagan is the best place to shop for deals on famous Burmese lacquer ware). Locals buy their daily goods at Theingyi Zei, Yangon's largest market stretching four city blocks. Here you will find traditional herbal medicines and cosmetics including the golden face powder with which most Myanmar artistically embellish their faces. In fact, almost any sidewalk in the city functions as a street market for fresh produce, paperback books, and the odd and inexplicable which make your exploration a delight. For guests with a special interest in the arts, we may also arrange exclusive permission to visit the School of Fine Arts, or the School of Drama and Performing Arts (please request this prior to your arrival in Yangon). Your evening is free.

Free time until your airport transfer. Continue your exploration of Myanmar with a trip to Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake or journey on to Angkor Wat, Thailand or Vietnam.

PRICE PER PERSON FOR ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGE in DOLLARS/EUROS/POUNDS/BAHT:

Superior: Grand Plaza Park Royale Through September 07 Double 222 162 113 7,724 Single 420 307 213 14,614 October 07 through March 08 Double 267 195 136 9,290 Single 495 361 251 17,223 Deluxe: Grand Plaza Park Royale Through September 07 Double 267 195 136 9,290 Single 495 361 251 17,223 October 07 through March 08 Double 275 200 139 9,551 Single 510 372 259 17,745 VIP: The Governor's Residence Through September 07 Double 312 228 158 10,863 Single 602 439 306 20,946 October 07 trough April 08 Double 392 286 199 13,640 Single 762 556 387 26,500 Ultimate: The Strand (Suite) Through September 07 Double 339 247 172 11,790 Single 656 479 333 22,829 October 07 trough April 08 Double 401 293 204 13,951 Single 780 570 396 27,150

choose from these YANGON HOTELS Superior: Grand Plaza Parkroyal Deluxe: Grand Plaza Parkroyal VIP: Governor's Residence Ultimate: The Strand Where We Shine: Purple Dragon has personally scouted out the best hotels and services for our guests. Your tour is private and you have the undivided attention of our guides, all of whom speak excellent English. Our guests often remark that the highlight of their holiday was the charming company of our trained guides and their friendly introduction to Myanmar life and culture.