1-14 February 2017 with Scott McGregor YANGON NAI PYI TAW INLE LAKE MANDALAY PYIN OO LWIN BAGAN
OVERVIEW Burma is blossoming; its extraordinary culture, natural beauty and famously friendly people are more accessible than ever. Embark on a gentle adventure mixing train journeys with comfortable coach connections, flights and boat trips. This journey offers a rare chance to discover mystic Burma from many angles. Our adventure will unearth a bustling modern nation of Myanmar, the deeply spiritual and atmospheric world of Buddhist temples and shrines, the colonial environs of old Burma and wild dramatic scenery of mountains, lakes, valleys and rivers. The trains are rustic and slow and reveal a special experience of life with the locals; the plane and the coach journeys personify a more modern Myanmar; and our unique tour is capped off with numerous serene boat excursions on Burma s lakes and rivers. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Soak up the colonial grandure and golden pagodas of Yangon Be intrigued by the surreal reality of Myanmar s newly manufactured capital city Float on Inle Lake, Burma s beautiful inland sea, in boats and your hotel Climb the ranges on one of Asia s most scenic railways in your own private carriage Take a nostalgic trip on the road to Mandalay, the ancient capital of the Kings Retreat to the cool mountain top Hill Stations and cross one of the world s most dramatic railway viaducts Explore ancient Bagan s thousands of pagodas, temples and Stupa s and take the most wonderful option to float over them all in a hot air balloon. Fly Train Boat Coach Thazi Mektila Kalow Naung Pain WHY TRAVEL WITH US : Small group size with a maximum of 20 passengers you are guaranteed an intimate experience with less queuing time, more time with your guide and better access to sightseeing spots Unique Itineraries each itinerary has been worked on meticulously by a team who has a number of years experience in each destination. You are guaranteed to experience the best the destination has to offer Local Authentic Experiences whether it be a little known yet impressive steam railway or a small boutique property which will be a tour highlight, know that you will experience something special on our tours Expert Local Guides our partners on the ground have indepth knowledge and are professional and entertaining Customer Satisfaction Thousands have travelled with us in the past and 98% of those say they would travel with us again WHERE YOU WILL STAY: The properties we have selected have been hand-picked based on their location, customer feedback, value and atmosphere. Here s some of what you can expect on this tour: The joy of travelling no longer has to be constricted to a destination. Railway Adventures offer a truly exclusive point of view to some of the world s most spectacular holiday destinations, with the assurance that the journey to reach them in itself is just as magical and unforgettable! Sule Shangri-La, Yangon Myanmar Treasure Resort, Inle Lake THE RAILWAY ADVENTURES STORY A passion for train travel can manifest itself in many ways and founder and director of Railway Adventures, Scott McGregor, has managed to make much of his obsession over the years. Travelling to boarding school on the Mudgee Mail gave me a sense of how an active social life and long distance trains can make a good combination. Building a rural retreat out of a collection of vintage railway carriages in the early 1980s gave Scott a new perspective on rail heritage and during this time he also operated his first tour, The Antipodean Renaissance Express, an experience he has never forgotten. Trading in vintage memorabilia and furniture sourced largely from the railways was also a source of great inspiration. Scott travelled far and wide trading and collecting for his Sydney shop, Off The Rails. Being the host of a couple of series of TV documentaries about great train journeys paved the way for tour leading. An enjoyable part-time hobby, getting paid to do what I love, has, naturally enough, led to a more substantial commitment to great rail journeys and resulted in the launch of this dedicated train travel and touring company. MEET YOUR TOUR LEADER Scott McGregor has been involved in the media for over 30 years as an actor, presenter, writer and producer and has recently extended his many interests into the world of travel. Graduating from NIDA in 1979, he appeared in a wide range of stage, film and TV roles including the lead in the ABC s epic mini-series 1915. He has presented and hosted numerous prime- time ratings winners and for many years Scott was the handyman and host on Better Homes and Gardens and Room For Improvement. He presented two series of his own Railway Adventures for Channels 10 and 7 and a number of programs for The History Channel. After more than a decade leading tours he decided to establish Railway Adventures in 2012. He also owns and operates RUWENZORI an Orient Express-style tourist retreat on the Great Dividing Range near Mudgee, and CHATEAU POSS, a resort-style holiday house at Possum Creek near Byron Bay. Hotel Pyin Oo Lwin, Pyin Oo Lwin Bagan Lodge, Bagan HOW YOU WILL TRAVEL: Local train travel and private carriage on the Thazi to Kalaw line. Special rail-car over the Gokteik viaduct Boat on Inle Lake to and from the hotel and around the lake Hot Air Balloon, Bagan (option) Train on the Gotiek viaduct Boat on Inle Lake Hot Air Balloon, Bagan TOUR PACE / LEVEL OF FITNESS: Our tours have a reasonable amount of activity built into them each day, which is why we call them adventures. Our philosophy is to experience the most of a destination whilst you are there. That being said we do incorporate some time at leisure so you have an opportunity to explore on your own, take a break from the group or just catch up on some rest. We recommend you consider your luggage carefully when packing as you will at times be required to carry your own luggage onto and off trains.
Day 01 Yangon arrival Upon arrival at Yangon International Airport you will be met and transferred to our hotel to check in. Join Scott and your fellow travellers for a welcome reception and dinner at a local institution, the Memories Restaurant. Overnight at Sule Shangri-La, Yangon (D) Day 02 Yangon After a lavish buffet breakfast in the hotel we board our coach for a tour of the city including a visit to the National Museum to see an extensive collection related to the history, culture and civilization of the Burmese people. We pause for lunch at the popular Green Elephant restaurant and then we continue our tour of the city with a ride on the new tram to the dock area. We have a break during the afternoon, re-grouping at sunset to visit one of the world s most spectacular monuments, the Shwedagon Pagoda. The largest pagoda in the country, it towers over the city and is considered the most sacred place in the land as it was built to house eight hairs of the Buddha. Enjoy an evening at leisure. Overnight at Sule Shangri-La, Yangon (B, L) Day 03 Yangon This morning we transfer to Yangon Railway Station to take the train on the circle line. The popular slow-train travels through various Yangon neighbourhoods and the outskirts of the city. Enjoy observing the lively and colourful life of the city and the Burmese people as they go about their business. Our train pulls into the Insen railway workshops and we take time to view the operations and many historic aspects of the vast complex. The afternoon is free to go shopping at the huge Bogyoke Aung San Market (formerly Scott s Market) adjacent to the hotel or explore more of the grand old city of Yangon. Overnight at Sule Shangri-La, Yangon (B, L) Day 04 Yangon Nay Pyi Taw After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to Yangon airport for the short flight to Nay Pyi Taw, the capital city of Burma. It is Burma s third largest city after Yangon and Mandalay, home to over one million people and boasts one of the shortest histories of any city in the world, having been created from scratch in 2002. It is also one of the world s fastest growing! Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, take an excursion around the pristine manufactured city to the Water Fountain Garden, the national museum and Uppatasanti Pagoda, also called the Peace Pagoda, a massive structure completed in 2009. At the base of the pagoda see the royal white elephants. We transfer back to our hotel where we have time to enjoy the facilities and settle in for dinner in the hotel s signature restaurant. Overnight at Lake Garden MGallery Hotel, Nay Pyi Taw (B, D) Day 05 Nay Pyi Taw Meiktila Breakfast is at the hotel followed by a morning at leisure to explore the city. Alternatively, take advantage of the hotel s extensive spa and wellness centre. The late check-out allows time to have lunch before we depart by coach for the three-hour trip to Meiktila. Set on a charming lake, the bustling city of Meiktila is a popular stop en route to many places beyond. After a short town tour, we check into the hotel and relax by the lake before dinner in the hotel. Overnight at Floral Breeze Hotel, Meiktila (B, D) Day 06 Meiktila Thazi Kalaw Nyaung Shwe Inle Lake Today is a big day of travel utilizing various modes of transportation. Departing from the hotel by coach, we meet the train at Thazi station at 7.00 am and settle into our own carriage attached to the regular train for the ride up the mountain. Take in the sweeping vistas as the train climbs and zigzags up the ranges toward the hill station of Kalaw. This is one of the most scenic lines in the country. The train is rustic and well patronised by the locals heading to and from markets and communities up and down the line. The sedate progress allows ample opportunity to take in the countryside and enjoy the parade of life, trackside and on board. We pull into the old British Hill Station of Kalaw and have a short town tour before having lunch at the charming Pine Hill Resort. We then travel by coach through the hills to Nyaung Shwe where we connect with our lake boat for the transfer across the wonderful Inle Lake to our floating hotel. Overnight: Myanmar Treasure Resort, Inle Lake (B, L, D) Day 07 Inle Lake After a leisurely breakfast, join the excursion by boat on Inle Lake to explore the famous leg-rowing fishermen, typical floating gardens, local methods of fishing, village life and the magnificent scenery. Visit the weaving village of Inn Paw Khon, Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, and one of the local markets in the Inle Lake region. Continue by boat to Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery which is famous for its jumping cats and houses dozens of Shan Buddha images. Then we continue to Indein, one of the small villages of Inle Lake, located on the western bank. The scenic boat ride continues and the ancient ruined pagodas around the Pa-Oh village at Indein are a visual treat. The boat then transfers us back to the hotel in the mid afternoon for some free time to relax and soak up the sunset over the lake from the hotel s great vantage point. Overnight: Myanmar Treasure Resort, Inle Lake (B, L, D) Day 08 Inle Lake Heho Mandalay Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel before transferring by boat and coach to Heho Airport for our flight to Mandalay. Mandalay is the second largest city and the last royal capital of Burma. Located 716 kilometres north of Yangon on the east bank of the Irrawaddy River, the city has a population of just one million and is a bustling hub and administrative centre for the region. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel, check in and enjoy some free time. Later in the afternoon we tour the Mandalay Palace, the last royal city of the Burmese Kings, and visit the fascination gold pounders workshop. In the evening, we enjoy a buffet dinner and cultural show in the sprawling gardens of the hotel. Overnight at Mandalay Hill Resort, Mandalay (B, D) Day 09 Mandalay Amarapura Mandalay Enjoy a morning tour of the sights of Mandalay visiting the Mahamuni Pagoda, Shwenandaw Monastery and Kuthodaw Pagoda, taking time along the way to visit markets and shops. After lunch, board our boat for an upriver cruise on the mighty Irrawaddy River to Mingun, enjoying the views of river life and scenerary. We explore the ruins of the vast Mingun Paya, a monument to human ambition and continue with a visit to the Hsin Byu Me Paya, home to one of the largest bells in the world. Later you can join Scott for an optional dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Mandalay Hill Resort, Mandalay (B, L) Day 10 Mandalay Pyin Oo Lwin Our coach departs in the morning for the two-hour scenic journey by road to Pyin Oo Lwin (formerly known as Maymyo), an atmospheric hill town located at the refreshing altitude of 1070 metres above sea level. Upon arrival at Pyin Oo Lwin, visit the local market and explore downtown filled with colonial era buildings followed by lunch in a colonial tea-house. After checking into our resort we visit the National Kandawgyi Gardens formerly known as the Botanical Gardens. Described as a dynamic, living monument in Myanmar, the gardens cover 176.8 hectares of hardwoods, bamboos, seasonal flowers, rare animal species and beautiful fountains and lakes. Back at the hotel, enjoy some leisure time before settling into dinner. Overnight: Hotel Pyin Oo Lwin, Pyin Oo Lwin (B, L, D) Day 11 Pyin Oo Lwin - Goktiek - Pyin Oo Lwin Our epic adventure by rail and road up the mountain begins after breakfast with a transfer to the railway station for morning departure of the upcountry train. The serene beauty of the northern Shan State unfolds along the way. One of the great features of this journey is crossing the world-famous Gokteik viaduct. The bridge was built in the British period and was the largest railway trestle in the world when it was opened on the 1st January, 1900. We detrain at Gokteik station and board a special rail-car charter that creeps over the bridge while we hear the story of it s construction, survival and current important use. We coach back to Pyin Oo Lwin with lunch on the way and enjoy an afternoon and evening free in this charming hill station town. Overnight: Hotel Pyin Oo Lwin, Pyin Oo Lwin (B, L) Day 12 Pyin Oo Lwin - Mandalay - Bagan After breakfast at the hotel and late checkout we return to Mandalay, have lunch at a legendary local Chinese restaurant opposite the Palace and transfer to the airport for a late afternoon flight to Bagan. Once checked into our hotel we relax over a lavish dinner on the hotel s spacious deck overlooking the expansive gardens and pools. Overnight: Bagan Lodge, Bagan (B, L, D) Day 13 Bagan Enjoy a late start and a gentle journey through the wonders of old Bagan. From the 11th to 13th centuries, when Bagan was the capital of Burma, the rulers constructed thousands of huge stupas and temples, many of which are still standing today on the plain beside the Irrawaddy River. We visit the golden stupa of Shwezigon Pagoda. The Dhammayangyi Temple is famous for its massive structure and Sulamani Temple has the best stucco decoration in Burma. After lunch we will visit a traditional lacquerware workshop where we can observe the production of one of Myanmar s best-known handicrafts and later in the day we head out to the most impressive archaeological site the Ananda. From here we can soak up an unforgettable sunset over the plains from the upper terrace of one of the temples. Overnight: Bagan Lodge, Bagan (B) Day 14 Bagan Today is a free day to soak up the atmosphere of Bagan. Options include a spectacular early morning flight in hot air balloon which is highly recommended. Also you can visit to the sacred and impressive peak of Mt. Popa, an extinct volcano 1,500 metres high, the mountain is the spiritual home of the colourful Nat (pre-buddhist) people. There are many opportunities for shopping and browsing the markets or simply lounging around the hotel enjoying the facilities and the spa. Join Scott and your fellow travellers for a sunset boat cruise and sumptuous farewell dinner where you will also marvel at the performance of a traditional puppet show. Overnight Bagan Lodge, Bagan (B, L, D) Day 15 Bagan Yangon Breakfast is in the hotel. Morning transfers will be arranged to Nyaung U Airport for your flight to Yangon and beyond.
INCLUSIONS: 14 nights accommodation in twin share or double rooms in quality star hotels All sightseeing tours and transfer services with private air-conditioned coach as detailed in the program Meals as specified in the program (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner) All entrance fees as mentioned in the program English-speaking locally stationed guide throughout the trip Train travel as mentioned in the program (upper class seats) Domestic flights as mentioned in the program Private local boat and horse cart excursions Porter fees at the airports All tipping Return airport to hotel transfers EXCLUSIONS International flights to and from Yangon International airport tax Visa arrangements for Myanmar (we can facilitate these) Meals and services not mentioned in itinerary All other personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, laundry services, camera fees where applicable Travel insurance - required (cover against all cancellation costs, medical expenses including repatriation in the event of accident or illness) Early check-in and late check-out at hotels, if not mentioned in the program TOUR PRICES Per person twin share... $7,985 Single Supplement... $1,275 IMPORTANT NOTES FOR MYANMAR Myanmar is a developing country; travel there can present some challenges. For example, internet services are few and far between, credit cards are not always accepted and medical services are not the same standard as you would expect at home. There is no standard method of rating hotels, transport services, guides, etc. across the world. Many countries have differing official and unofficial ways of assessing these services and some do not rate services at all. Railway Adventures and Guidepost Tours use its discretion to rate services and we rely on the local travel operator and our own inspections to choose the services included in this tour. TRAINS IN MYANMAR Rail travel is basic, slow and the track is often bumpy, but for those who understand the limitations in comfort, the journey offers great scenery and a chance to see the lives of the ordinary people who depend on the railways for cheap travel. Many Myanmar trains are slow, rustic and show up late. A 5-hour train trip can take up to 7 hours. We have made provision for this in the itinerary and remain flexible with our scheduled train trips.
HOW TO BOOK Contact Guidepost Tours on 1300 733 323 or enquiries@guidepost-travel.com for a booking form. Submit the booking form along with your $1000pp deposit to secure your place on tour. DETAILS SUBJECT TO CHANGE We endeavour to have all details of our tours correct at the time of printing however sometimes factors beyond our control such as the availability of requested hotels, the operation of trains and other services may affect the final inclusions and price. Therefore items mentioned in the brochure such as quoted prices, hotels and inclusions are subject to change. ADDITIONAL TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS We can assist you with your flights, preand post-travel including extended stays and travel insurance. Call our office on 1300 733 323 if you would like to discuss options. YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION Final travel documentation will be posted to you approximately 2 weeks prior to tour commencement. TERMS AND CONDITIONS For more information on factors that may affect your ability to participate in the tour such as fitness levels, fees and charges, payment schedules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions that accompany the booking form. Terms and Conditions can also be requested at any time. KEEP UP TO DATE Want to be kept up to date with the latest tour news and testimonials? Just send your email address to enquiries@ guidepost-travel.com.au and we will add you to our list of fellow rail enthusiasts who receive our regular e-newsletter. This tour is operated by Guidepost Tours, a division of SCT Travel Group in conjunction with Scott McGregor s Railway Adventures T/A Lic. No. 2TA5895