MYANMAR. An Unparalleled Cultural Journey JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2017

Transcription

1 MYANMAR An Unparalleled Cultural Journey JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2017

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 05 An Unparalleled Cultural Journey 07 Facts at a Glance 08 Itinerary at a Glance 15 Expedition Map 17 The Inspirato Team 18 Expedition Highlights 20 World-Class Inclusions 22 Additional Rules, Terms and Conditions 3

3 AN UNPARALLELED CULTURAL JOURNEY Myanmar is on the forefront of travel trends. Frequented by National Geographic photographers and noted as one of the top destinations to visit in 2016 by several prominent travel publications, it is a country where you truly step back in time to old world Asia. With the recent democratic elections, Myanmar is emerging as a new tourist destination for travelers from around the globe and its old world charm is expected to change quickly with the influx of tourism. As you land in Yangon, you will see an instant contrast from the Western world. While the country s British colonial presences is reflected in some of the city s architecture, the landmarks of the Burmese cultures and traditions stand out among modern distractions. You will visit a number of pagodas throughout the country, and learn about their importance to the people of Myanmar. You will have the opportunity to rise above the Temples of Bagan at sunrise in a hot air balloon and toast with champagne in hand along the famous U Bein Bridge. Observe silk-weaving, interact with local monks, and try your hand at cooking Myanmar cuisine. Join your fellow members and explore the country s vibrant culture as you tour city and country on both land and water. We have created a completely customized itinerary for you to see the country s breathtaking pagodas, visit local markets, and explore the waters of Inle Lake and the temples of Bagan. After visiting the bustling city of Yangon you will travel to Mandalay and board the Sanctuary Ananda for a scenic cruise along the Ayeyarwady River to Bagan. After Bagan, you will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the comfortable quiet of the Villa Inle Resort & Spa. Vacation perfection is achieved in the balance of culture, relaxation and adventure. 5

4 FACTS AT A GLANCE DATES January 18-27, 2017 February 1-10, 2017 ACCOMMODATIONS Belmond Governor s Residence, Yangon (2 nights); Sanctuary River Cruise, Bagan & Mandalay (4 nights); Villa Inle, Inle Lake (3 nights); Novotel, Yangon (day room) MINIMUM AGE 16 AIRPORTS Fly into and out of Yangon (RGN) 7

5 ITINERARY AT A GLANCE DAY 2 Yangon Local Monastery Tour & Shwedagon Pagoda DAY 1 Yangon Arrival Welcome to the bustling city of Yangon. You will be greeted upon your arrival at the airport and transferred to the Belmond Governor s Residence. Most international flights arrive late in the evening, so meals will be at your leisure tonight. We recommend getting a good night s rest before a day of adventure in the city. Meals provided: None Accommodations: Belmond Governor s Residence (run of house) Your first full day in Myanmar will begin with a morning walking tour and visit to a local monastery. Here you will observe a number of ancient traditions and become immersed in the ceremonial activities of the monks. You will return to your accommodations to relax at the hotel before an afternoon visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda. From there you will be taken to a private terrace dinner with live entertainment. Return to the hotel for an evening of rejuvenation. Meals provided: Breakfast, dinner Accommodations: Belmond Governor s Residence (run of house) DAY 3 Mandalay Board Sanctuary Ananda River Cruise You will get a head start on your second full day in Myanmar with a flight to Mandalay. It is in Mandalay where you will board the Sanctuary Ananda, Myanmar s newest, most luxurious river cruise. Enjoy a number of afternoon ship excursions to Sagaing Hill, Amarapura and U Bein Bridge before an evening of champagne and fine cuisine aboard the river cruise. Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Accommodations: Sanctuary Ananda, Mandalay deck deluxe cabins 9

6 DAY 4 Sanctuary Ananda River Cruise Visit Local Villages This morning you will visit a local village, one stop of many along the Ayeyarwady River cruise. Board the ship for lunch and an afternoon of onboard activities as we sail past ancient villages and breathtaking landscapes along the river. Before the night ends, observe a longhi and thankakkah demonstration and indulge in exquisite cuisine aboard the river cruise. Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Accommodations: Sanctuary Ananda, Mandalay deck deluxe cabins DAY 5 Sanctuary Ananda River Cruise Cruise to Bagan Today you will cruise mile after mile along the river, observing changes in the landscapes and scenery before your arrival in Bagan. Enjoy the many onboard activities, amenities and services, before watching the sunset at a famous pagoda. Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Accommodations: Sanctuary Ananda, Mandalay deck deluxe cabins DAY 6 Sanctuary Ananda River Cruise Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride in Bagan Early in the morning you will take to the skies in a hot air balloon high above the Temples of Bagan to watch the sunrise. You will be served tea and light snacks before returning to the ship for a full breakfast. Then, you ll have the chance to visit a local market where you can bargain your way to a reasonable price on local goods. Stand in the sunlight next to the temples before returning to the ship for a quick lunch. In the afternoon you will explore the Ananda temple, and find your way to the Shwesandaw Pagoda as the day comes to an end. Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Accommodations: Sanctuary Ananda, Mandalay deck deluxe cabins DAY 7 Disembark Sanctuary Ananda & Fly to Heho This morning you will disembark the ship and board a quick flight to Heho. Once you are checked into your hotel you will have down time to enjoy a canoe ride, rent a bicycle or find your way to the spa. Enjoy an evening of wine tasting at a local vineyard and a private island dinner. Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Accommodations: Villa Inle, waterfront chalets 11

7 DAY 8 Inle Lake Experience Local Traditions Today you will have the rare opportunity to observe a traditional boat race put on by men from the villages surrounding Villa Inle. Experience a traditional cooking class with a local hospitality school NGO before enjoying an evening of leisure. Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch Accommodations: Villa Inle, waterfront chalets DAY 9 Inle Lake Tour Local Village For your last full day in Myanmar you will stroll through the markets in a local village where you may choose to barter for a better price on your purchases. After lunch at the hotel, enjoy your choice of three activities: a traditional dance and music class, touring more pagodas, or perhaps a massage in the spa. We will finish the day up with a private dinner in the Villa Inle gardens. Meals provided: Breakfast, dinner Accommodations: Villa Inle, waterfront chalets DAY 10 Flight to Yangon & Departure Today you will depart from the hotel for a flight to Yangon. We have reserved day rooms for you to relax and freshen up before the next leg of your journey or your international departure. Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch Accommodations: Novotel day room 13

8 EXPEDITION MAP MANDALAY SAIL BAGAN, MYANMAR MYANMAR ITINERARY INLE LAKE, MYANMAR DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8 DAY 9 DAY 10 Yangon Arrival Yangon Local Monastery Tour & Shwedagon Pagoda Mandalay Board Sanctuary Ananda River Cruise Sanctuary Ananda River Cruise Visit Local Villages Sanctuary Ananda River Cruise Cruise to Bagan Sanctuary Ananda River Cruise Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride in Bagan Disembark Sanctuary Ananda & Fly to Heho Inle Lake Experience Local Traditions Inle Lake Tour Local Village Flight to Yangon & Departure YANGON 15

9 THE INSPIRATO TEAM ANNE MARIE BROWN Director of Experiences and Real Estate MARGARET PLATT Experiences Lead

10 EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS MONASTERY PRAYER CEREMONY Yangon, translating to end of strife, was once the capital of Burma. Now home to just over 5 million people, Yangon is the largest city in Myanmar. It is here you will have a guided tour of a local monastery and participate in a traditional prayer and blessing ceremony. This is an experience like never before, with the welcoming smiles of the Burmese people. SHWEDAGON PAGODA Consisting of hundreds of colorful temples, stupas and statues, the Shwedagon Pagoda is considered the most sacred Buddhist site for the people of Myanmar. Strands of Buddha's hair, as well as other holy relics are all preserved here. Covered in gold plates and encrusted with thousands of carats of diamonds, the Shwedagon Pagoda is nothing less than a wonder. HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE SUNRISE OVER BAGAN TEMPLES Up, up and away. Avoid the crowded streets and take to the sky bright and early as you watch the breathtaking sunrise in a hot air balloon high above the Temples of Bagan. With over 2,000 temples in the ancient city you ll be astounded by all of its beauty. Tea and light tea snacks will be served before returning to the ship for a full breakfast. SANCTUARY ANANDA RIVER CRUISE Enjoy four nights sailing aboard Myanmar s newest, most luxurious river cruise, the Sanctuary Ananda. Custom built by local craftsmen, the Sanctuary Ananda offers a modern, five-star experience that will have you cruising comfortably. Explore Sagaing Hill, Amarapura and U Bein Bridge before an evening of champagne and fine cuisine aboard the river cruise. 19

11 DOES NOT INCLUDE International airfare to/from Yangon. Trip extensions booked beyond the provided itinerary Optional activities or meals not specifically indicated as included Any and all drinks other than those provided at meals or on touring vehicles Passport fees WORLD-CLASS INCLUSIONS Myanmar visa fees (these are required and can now be obtained online very quickly for about $50) Phone calls and any other items of a personal nature not specifically indicated as included Additional travel insurance including trip cancellation, interruption, air ticket cancellation, lost luggage, etc. All indicated internal air transportation within Myanmar All hotels in itinerary Meals as included in the itinerary Tea, coffee, bottled water, soft drinks/juices and local beer and wine by the glass included at meals Local guides All tour and transfer vehicles Internet in all hotels Any and all gratuities for activities and meals within the itinerary 21

12 PAYMENT TERMS ADDITIONAL RULES, TERMS AND CONDITIONS INSPIRATO EXPERIENCE This Inspirato Experience is an "Additional Opportunity" as defined in your Membership Terms and Conditions (the "Trip"). The following Additional Opportunity Rules, Terms and Conditions Addendum (this "Addendum") applies to the Trip, which you wish to reserve or have reserved. Unless otherwise stated below, your participation in this Trip and this Addendum are subject to your Membership Terms and Conditions and Reservation and Use Rules (collectively, the "Membership Documents"), including all waiver and releases agreed to therein. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Membership Documents. The Additional Opportunity Fee is the total amount due to participate in the Trip, including taxes. Call your Member Services Team for the deposit schedule for this Additional Opportunity Fee. CANCELLATIONS This Trip has special reservation modification and cancellation rules. Therefore, for this Additional Opportunity reservation, Section 3 of your Reservation Rules is superseded by the following for the Trip: A deposit for the Additional Opportunity Fee for this Trip is required to be made at or about the time you confirm your reservation. The Additional Opportunity Fee is nonrefundable from time of booking. In the case of any full or partial Member Cancellation of this Trip received in writing, Inspirato will attempt to rebook your reservation occupancy provided that all other options in that category have already been booked. If Inspirato is able to rebook your occupancy, you will be entitled to receive a refund less any fees incurred of your deposit in Inspirato Travel Credits. Further, deadlines apply to any modifications requested for your reservation(s) for this Trip, including name modifications, and may be subject to additional change fees. TRAVEL INSURANCE As with any Inspirato Opportunity or Additional Opportunity, we strongly recommend you and your Guest(s) purchase travel insurance to protect you and your investment. Refunds will not be given in the event of cancellation due to events that are out of Inspirato s control. Please contact your Member Services Team if you wish to purchase travel insurance. ADDITIONAL RULES, TERMS AND CONDITIONS Your participation in this Trip is also subject to the terms and conditions established by the tour operator for the Trip, as same may change from time to time. A copy of the tour operator s terms and conditions for this Trip will be provided to you prior to your departure or upon request and are binding on you and your guests. The tour operator's terms and conditions contain significant agreements and you are hereby advised to read them carefully. If there is any direct conflict between terms contained in this Addendum and any of the tour operator's terms and conditions (such as the cancellation policy), the terms of this Addendum will control. This Addendum is subject to change from time to time. We will notify you of any changes to this Addendum in writing. GENERAL DISCLAIMER IInspirato Experiences and this Trip are operated by independent third parties not affiliated with Inspirato, and Inspirato is acting as booking agent only for this Trip. Inspirato Experiences and this Trip are available at members-only rates to Inspirato Members in good standing and based on availability at the time of booking. Minimum age restrictions may apply. Rates, inclusions, and exclusions are subject to change at any time until the Trip has been confirmed and paid for. The exact itinerary and other trip details may change due to circumstances out of Inspirato's or its partners' control, even after confirmed and paid. By booking this Trip, you agree on behalf of all members and guests in your party traveling on this Trip to this Addendum and to the Trip's specific terms and conditions. If required, you agree to execute a separate Release of Liability and Indemnification Agreement in favor of the tour operator and Inspirato, as such documents may be provided to you. Please visit the Trip s designated website page at or contact your Member Services Team for the most current information. 23

13 The marketing materials applicable to this Trip describe all inclusions and exclusions. Anything not specifically included in the marketing communications for this Additional Opportunity is excluded. Certain services, amenities and other activities may require additional fees and may have limited availability. If you request anything that is not specifically included in the Additional Opportunity, you will be responsible for any additional corresponding charges. Neither Inspirato nor any of its affiliates are responsible for, or liable with regard to, claims related to a third party s provision of, or failure to provide, other services. ESSENTIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Some activities on the Trip may have Essential Eligibility Criteria ( EEC ) that must be met for participants to engage in them. Examples of requirements may be minimum weights and heights, ability to listen to and follow instructions and physical dexterity, with or without the support of an aide. Members are required to provide any equipment that they may require to meet the EEC. Please contact your Member Services Team for more information on the EEC for your Trip. HAVE A QUESTION? FEEL FREE TO REACH OUT TO OUR TEAM OR VISIT INSPIRATO.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION. MEMBERSHIP ADVISOR LINE MEMBER SERVICES TEAM PERSONAL HEALTH For the safety of all travelers, some Experience partners may have restrictions depending on the health of individuals. For example, passengers who are at an advanced stage of pregnancy (after 5 months) at the time of departure may be subject to restrictions or exclusion concerning their ability to travel and/or board a ship. If you have questions regarding this, your Member Services Team can put you in touch with the appropriate contact. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS You and your guest(s) are required to fill out the Guest Information Form prior to the required date. All travel documents (air and cruise tickets, if applicable, passport, and medical card) are you and your guest's responsibility. It is also you and your guest's responsibility to obtain any necessary visas and public health documents for all applicable ports and to comply with all customs requirements. Without the required documents, you and your guest(s) may be denied participation in the Trip and neither Inspirato nor the tour operator will make a refund or be otherwise liable to any guest for such denial of participation. In the event that Inspirato, as a courtesy, provides information or advice as to necessary travel documents, visas and medical inoculations, you and your guest(s) are still obligated to verify such information with the appropriate government authorities and Inspirato does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of such information. Some countries require passports to be valid six (6) months beyond the intended stay. Please check with the appropriate consulate for specific requirements. 25

14 WANT TO LEARN MORE? Dates, prices and itinerary subject to change at any time. Inspirato is a private travel membership club that requires a non-refundable Initiation Fee and Annual Membership Fee. Membership is subject to acceptance of terms and conditions and other reservation and use rules. Availability, benefits, minimum stay requirements and nightly fees may vary by residence, date and membership option selected. See website ( for complete details. Inspirato is owned by Inspirato LLC and operated by its subsidiary Best of 52, LLC, 1637 Wazee Street, Denver, CO 80202, info@inspirato.com, Operator is registered as Florida Seller of Travel Registration No. ST38403; Washington Seller of Travel Registration No. UBI ; California Seller of Travel Registration No. CST All products and services offered and rendered by Inspirato (including the operation and management of any vacation residence) are provided solely by Inspirato LLC, Best of 52, LLC, or their respective agents and affiliates, and not by the American Express Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates Inspirato LLC.