Burma: Land of the Golden Pagoda with Vincent Versace Oct 17- Oct 30, 2011

© Vincent Versace

Double Occupancy: $5595 • Single Occupancy: $6295
NET Internal Airfare: $685

INTERNAL AIR COST INCLUDES: Yangon - Kengtung on Yangon Airways (YH) - Economy class. Kengtung (KET) - Heho (HEH) - Bagan (NYU) - Yangon (RGN) on Air Bagan (W9) - Economy class. Yangon - Sittwe on Air Mandalay (6T) - Economy class. Sittwe - Yangon on Air Bagan (W9) - Economy class.

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.

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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.

* 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

VISAS - CUSTOM TRAVEL:

VISA FEES ARE NOT INCLUDED in your trip cost. You are welcome to obtain the visa on your own or through our recommended service provider G3 Visas & Passports (visit http://www.asiatranspacific.com/visas for links to their site and select 'Asia Transpacific Journeys Custom Traveler' to print all required forms). Myanmar (Burma) requires a visa to be pre-arranged.

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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

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Itinerary

Monday, Oct. 17, 2011

Meals Provided: L D
Welcome to Burma! 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 and transfer to our beautiful, centrally located hotel.

Today we'll visit the Kalaywa Tawya 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 the Kandawgyi Palace Hotel (Deluxe Room) – Yangon

Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011

Meals Provided: B L D
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 or aboard a trishaw 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.

Overnight at the Kandawgyi Palace Hotel (Deluxe Room) – Yangon

Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011

Meals Provided: B L D
Following a leisurely breakfast, we'll transfer to the airport for our flight north to Kengtung, the unofficial capital of the notorious Golden Triangle.

Fly Yangon to Kengtung on Preferred Carrier YH 737, departing 11:00, arriving 15:00
Economy Class

NOTE: This flight stops in Mandalay and Tachilek en route to Kengtung.
Upon our arrival in Kengtung this afternoon, we'll transfer into town where we'll have a chance to get settled into our simple, yet comfortable hotel.

Afterwards, we'll have a leisurely afternoon tour of this unspoiled town, including sunset visits to Wat Pha, That Jom Non, and an evening stroll around Nawng Tung Lake in the center of town. With its surrounding hills, numerous monasteries, crumbling colonial architecture and surrounding hills, this area is one of the more charming towns in Burma.

Overnight at the Princess Hotel (Superior Room) – Kengtung

Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011

Meals Provided: B L D
In the rugged hills surrounding Kengtung live a fascinating array of tribal people, including Wa, Akha, Lahu and Palaung. Today we'll drive into the countryside and then walk to several of these villages. In this isolated corner of undeveloped Burma, the life of these minority people remains very traditional.

One of the smallest groups in this region are the Ang people, who wear coarse indigo dyed garments and live high in the hills. They are a very shy people, so we need to tread softly here.

Overnight at the Princess Hotel (Superior Room) – Kengtung

Friday, Oct. 21, 2011

Meals Provided: B L D
Today you will continue to explore Kengtung and the surrounding countryside exploring many of the hilltribe villages that make this part of the country so unique and culturally diverse.

Overnight at the Princess Hotel (Superior Room) – Kengtung

Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011

Meals Provided: B L D
This morning there will be a chance to wander Kengtung's fantastic bazaar which is one of the most colorful morning markets in Burma. We'll then depart on a half-day excursion to the Akhe village of Wan Sai. This afternoon we'll return to town to freshen up before transferring to the airport for our flight to Heho.

Fly Kengtung (KET) to Heho (HEH) on Air Bagan W9 120, departing 15:15, arriving 16:10
Economy Class

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.

Overnight at the Pristine Lotus Resort (Lotus Villa) - Inle Lake

Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011

Meals Provided: B L D
During our stay in the Inle Lake area, visit the Shan States' tribal market, which rotates through towns in this region. It is a fascinating hodgepodge of brightly colored flowers, flopping fish and tribal people, each in their distinctive traditional dress. It is a feast for the senses and there will be photo opportunities galore.

This morning travel by boat to Indein, a 16th-century temple where we'll explore the seldom-visited group of stupas, yet another aspect of Burma's vast cultural wealth. Enjoy lunch at Nam Pan village with time to explore the area's interesting local market. Visit with silk weavers, boat makers, cheroot makers and blacksmiths. This afternoon will be spent aboard a boat exploring the beautiful Inle Lake, surrounded on all sides by high hills. We'll see the famous Intha fishermen rowing their fishing boats with a swirling move of their leg. See the floating gardens, where villagers actually grow tidy rows of vegetables on the lake's surface. Stop at a weaving village and visit several Shan temples.

Overnight at the Pristine Lotus Resort (Lotus Villa) - Inle Lake

Monday, Oct. 24, 2011

Meals Provided: B L D
At sunrise, the glassy waters of the lake reflect the surrounding hills and serene skies and there are birds everywhere. After breakfast we will 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.

We'll then travel by boat back to Nyuangshwe and transfer to the airport for our flight to Bagan.

Fly Heho (HEH) to Bagan (NYU) on Air Bagan W9 109, departing 15:25, arriving 16:40
Economy Class

NOTE: Transit stop in Mandalay
On arrival in Bagan this evening, we'll transfer to our hotel located in Old Bagan on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River. After getting settled, we'll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight at the Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Hotel (Deluxe Garden View) - Bagan

Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011

Meals Provided: B L D
This morning after an early breakfast, we will depart on a full-day photographic exploration of the ancient monuments and temples of Bagan.

At sunrise, you will have the option of a special opportunity to view King Anawrahta's capital from a hot air balloon. The balloon is guided by gentle winds offering a serene and peaceful bird's-eye view of the ancient temples drifting below.

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. Today, by means of our private bus, we will explore the principal pagodas and temples of the archeological zone. Built in 1090, the whitewashed and gilded Ananda is among the finest and best preserved temples, with delicate decorations in glazed tiles along its base and terraces. Late in the afternoon, we'll climb to a hilltop pagoda to watch the sun drop into the distant hills.

Overnight at the Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Hotel (Deluxe Garden View) - Bagan

Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011

Meals Provided: B L D
This morning after breakfast, we'll depart with our guide for the village of Myinkab and explore the local market. From Myinkaba, we'll visit the 12th century Gubyaukgyi temple, an Indian-style monument that features exquisite interior murals. On our 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 at the Riverview Restaurant, relax at our hotel or by the pool before embarking on an afternoon exploration of Bagan. Begin with the Kyaukgu Ohnmin cave temple, then head for the beautiful 12th century Suliman pagoda, a classic example of Bagan's later 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.

In the late afternoon, we'll transfer to the airport for our return flight to Yangon.

Fly Bagan (NYU) to Yangon (RGN) on Air Bagan W9 109, departing 16:55, arriving 18:15
Economy Class

On arrival this evening, we'll transfer back to our familiar beautiful hotel for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Overnight at the Kandawgyi Palace Hotel (Deluxe Room) - Yangon

Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011

Meals Provided: B L D
Following breakfast transfer back to the airport in time for our flight to Sittwe.

Fly Yangon to Sittwe on Air Mandalay 6T 911, departing 07:00, arriving 08:25
Economy Class

Upon arrival in Sittwe, transfer to the Saladan River where we will spend the rest of the morning and afternoon enjoying the very picturesque boat trip to Mrauk U that should take somewhere between four to six hours depending on the tide.

Myauk U is an archaeological treasure trove stretching along the Bay of Bengal. It occupies a narrow strip of land in the west of the Myanmar. The most notable pagodas and sites in Myauk U are the Shit-thaung Temple (Temple of 80,000 Images), Htukkanthein (Htukkan Ordination Hall), Yadanapon pagoda and village of the Thet people.

Overnight at the Mrauk U Princess Hotel (Village House Room) - Mrauk U

Mrauk Oo Princess Resort is surrounded by magnificent views of the Blue Mountain range, the Mrauk Oo River and rice paddy fields. The architecture of Mrauk Oo Princess Resort was inspiration from the traditions and culture of the Rakhine people.

Friday, Oct. 28, 2011

Meals Provided: B L D
Little-known Mrauk U was the capital of a powerful Burmese kingdom founded in the 15th century. Its rulers built many lovely pagodas and temples that are unlike those of Pagan (Bagan). Whereas the monuments in Pagan are spread across an arid plain, in Mrauk U, the pagodas, which are far less numerous and stylistically very different, are set against a lush, hilly region.

This morning, rise early to view the sunrise over Mrauk U from a nearby hilltop. Then return to the hotel for breakfast before visiting the small local market at Mrauk U. Continue exploring Mrauk U's archaeological marvels and the surrounding countryside. Proceed to Khamee village known for Jat-Khok weaving and the old Palace site and the archaeological museum of Mrauk U, Bandoola monastery and visit Koe-thaung (Temple of 90,000 Images) and Five Mann Pagoda.

Overnight at the Mrauk U Princess Hotel (Village House Room) - Mrauk U

Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011

Meals Provided: B L D
Early this morning return to Sittwe by boat arriving in time for the afternoon flight to Yangon where we will spend one last night in Burma before returning home.

Fly Sittwe to Yangon on Air Bagan W9 310, departing 15:00, arriving 16:45
Economy Class

On arrival in Yangon, transfer back to our familiar hotel with the remainder of the evening at your leisure.

Overnight at the Kandawgyi Palace Hotel (Deluxe Room) - Yangon

Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011

Meals Provided: B
This morning after breakfast, we'll transfer to the airport for our flights home.