BURMA – The Golden Land

Posted by patricksyder on October 17, 2012
Posted in: Asia, Burma. Leave a comment

Early morning mist rolls across the complex of temples in Bagan

Burma Tour (BU) Dossier Click to download itinerary (pdf format)

Known today as Suvanabhomi, the Golden Land, Burma is a land of beauty and inspiration and the Burmese are a gentle and serene people with a deep-rooted belief in Buddhism and spirit worship, which is reflected in the thousands of beautiful pagodas in ancient Bagan and the monasteries of Mandalay, highlights of our trip. A fascinating cruise along the Irrawaddy provides a wonderful insight into the traditional way of life and scenery on the river banks. The tour includes time at the beautiful Inle Lake, famous for its floating villages and gardens and the leg-rowers of the Intha tribe. As a unique addition to the trip we visit the stunning region of eastern Shan State, the most scenic part of Burma with the bonus of spending time with the colourful and friendly hill tribe peoples that still practice their traditional way of life in this isolated region.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Fly to Burma (Myanmar)
Fly from London to Yangon. Various flight options via Asia

Day 2 Arrive Yangon
Arrive Yangon and transfer to the Hotel Summit Park View for two nights

Day 3 In Yangon
We begin the day at Chauk Htat Gyi to view the colossal 68 m long Reclining Buddha before we visit the Kalaywa Monastery which is home to one thousand monks. In his lifetime a Burmese male is expected to spend some of his life serving as a Monk to learn the ways of Buddhism. We swill be able to observe the morning procession to collect alms and learn about the monks’ way of life. In the late afternoon we visit the stunning Shwedagon Pagoda., a perfect time of day to experience the atmosphere of the place! Welcome dinner at a traditional restaurant (B,D)

Day 4 Fly to Mandalay. City Tour
Early morning flight to Mandalay , famous for its old monasteries, the city is a showcase for Burmese art and architecture of the 19th century. We drive the short distance to Amarapura to visit Burma’s longest wooden bridge, built of teak and the Mahagandayon Monastery to see monks receiving alms. This afternoon our city tour includes the famous Mahamuni Pagoda and Shwe Kyaung (Golden Palace) Monastery before we ascend Mandalay Hill to view the city. Two nights at the Ayarwaddy River View Hotel with dinner (B,D)

Day 5 In Mandalay. Drive to Pyin Oo Lwin
We have a full day excursion to Pyin Oo Lwin, a former British hill station formerly called Maymyo. We take a horse drawn cart to see the grand colonial heritage of the town and its nearby plantations. In the afternoon we visit the National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens and the colonial hotel at Candacraig, George Orwell’s residence whilst writing Burmese Days. Later we return to Mandalay. Dinner at a local restaurant (B,D)

Day 6 Visit Sagaing Buddhist Centre. Fly to Bagan
Sagaing is considered to be the living centre of the Buddhist faith in Burma and the complex of monasteries reverberate with the echoes of cymbals, gongs and pagoda bells. We get an insight into the lifestyle of the monks and nuns who live here. Late afternoon flight to Bagan, one of the richest archaeological sites in Asia. Three nights at the Thande Hotel with dinner (B,D)

Day 7 In Bagan. Visit Temples
Early in the morning we spend our time among the serene landscape of ancient pagodas and temples that date from the 11th century, during the time Bagan was the capital of the First Burmese Empire. There are over 2,000 in the region and we visit the most culturally significant and best preserved among them including the shimmering Shwezigon temple, the frescoed Gubyaukgyi temple, Htilominlo and Tayoke Paya pagodas. We will also visit a colourful farmers market in a nearby town and learn about the art of laquerware crafting, for which Bagan is very famous for. Dinner in the hotel (B,D)

Day 8 Visit ancient Bagan
We continue our tour of the majestic site this morning with visits to two or three more of the best preserved examples including the amazing Ananda temple, the largest at Bagan . This afternoon we return to the site of the temples and are taken by horse drawn cart to explore the area from a different perspective and to truly appreciate the beauty of Bagan from a pagoda rooftop to see the panoramic view of the temples at sunset. Evening puppet show with dinner (B,D)

 Day 9 Fly to Heho. Visit Inle Lake
This morning we fly to Heho, to spend time along the shores of the Inle Lake, famous for its Inthas (native lake-dwellers) with a unique way of rowing with their legs. We are able to visit the Lake villages to gain an insight into their traditional skills of canoe making and silk weaving . We also visit a floating farm to see how the farmers make their produce in the middle of the Lake. Two nights at the Golden Island Cottages with dinner (B,D)
Inndein Temple, Lake Inle, BURMA
Day 10 Visit Inndein Temples
We visit a colourful market with a variety of ethnic minorities dressed in their traditional costumes buying and selling produce before continuing to the beautiful temples of Inndein, wonderfully situated overlooking the tranquility of Inle Lake. These temples are unusually similar to Khmer in style and date back to 17th century Shan period. In the late afternoon we are able to take a canoe ride to the floating villages and photograph some of the fishermen on the lake (B,D)

Day 11 Fly to Yangon
Morning flight to Yangon to spend the afternoon at leisure or visiting the famous Bogyoke Aung San Market where find a whole variety of interesting Burmese souvenirs, from lacquer ware to gems and jewellery (which are available at reasonable prices), make sure you bargain at the stores to fully experience the Burmese market atmosphere! Our farewell dinner tonight is at Le Planteur Restaurant, the finest French Indochinese restaurant in Burma, and former historical ministerial residence built in 1932 (B,D)

Day 12 In Rangoon. Fly London
Morning at leisure to visit Scott Market and explore Yangon downtown area with a fabulous architectural mix of colonial heritage and ancient pagodas In the afternoon we transfer to the international airport for our various flight options via Asia to London Heathrow (B)

Day 13 Arrive London

Land Tour Cost £2095.00 per person in a twin room (Single supplement £475.00)

Whats Included:

  • Tour escorted from London by Patrick Syder FRGS
  • Burmese guide for the duration of the tour
  • Four domestic flights with a privately owned carrier
  • All transportation by bus, boat and horse cart
  • Full sightseeing program including entrance fees
  • Comfortable three star privately owned accommodation with en-suite facilities
  • Half board meals in hotel, boat or local privately owned restaurants
  • Airport transfers
  • Bottled water daily
  • Porter, hotel and restaurant staff gratuities

PLEASE NOTE – personal travel insurance, visa fees, alcoholic drinks, guide and driver gratuities and international flights are not included in the land tour cost

(visa fees for UK residents is £14.00, international flights start from £900.00 with Emirates or Thai Airways through Flight Centre UK)

GOLDEN TRIANGLE HILL TRIBES EXTENSION

Kengtung is located in a unique and isolated corner of Myanmar’s Shan State and is the gateway to the Golden Triangle; a relatively undiscovered region near the Thailand and Laos borders where a fascinating and varied collection of different ethnic hill tribes are living traditional lifestyles side by side. Surrounded by Wa, Shan, Akha and Lahu villages, a stunning mountain setting and decaying colonial-style architecture, Kengtung is one of the most scenic towns in Myanmar. Over the next three days we explore this colourful and mountainous region around the town by embarking on a series of short treks and visiting the region’s ethnic hill tribes

Day 11  Fly to Kengtung, Shan State. Visit Palaung Tribe
This morning we fly to Kengtung (Kyaing Tong),. Our first visit is to Shan Monastery and the 19th Century Temple Maha Myat Muni pagoda. We continue to Wan Pauk village, the home of thered-clothed Palaung People, the oldest tribe of Myanmar. The Palaung originate from Mon-Khmer stock. The Palaung tribe are known locally as “Silver” Palaungs. A branch of the same tribe, locally called “Gold” Palaung, live in Northern Shan States. Their dress is one of the most colorful of all the hill tribes. Ladies wear dark jackets over dark red and black striped longyis, with heavy silver torques and lacquered waistbands. We explore a typical Palaung village to observe the traditional way of life led there. Dinner at localrestaurant. Three nights at Princess Hotel in Kengtung (B,D)

Silver headdress of the Akha Tribe, Golden Triangle, BURMA

Day 12 In Kengtung. Visit Akha Tribe
Today we can enjoy a full day excursion to the nearby village and hill tribe of Ho Kyin. The path leads through farms with beautiful views of the surrounding hills. Here you will be able to visit and see Akha tribes and their famous spectacular head dresses that jingle of silver and coloured tussles. Akha originate from Yunnan in southern China and live in south-east Shan State, on the borderlands of China, Laos and Thailand. Many Akha are found near Kyaing Tong where they live in the high mountains, cultivating maize, tobacco and sugar cane. Akha tribes are very hospitable and enjoy welcoming you to their house for a chat around the stove. We see the production of Akha spirit made from corn. Akha are famous for their women’s striking headdresses, which resemble heavy silver helmets. They consist of rows of heavy silver baubles, interspersed with beads, which are sewn on a bamboo cap. Picnic lunch is provided. Dinner will be at local restaurant (B,L,D)
Ann tribal woman, BURMA
Day 13 In Kengtung. Visit Ann Tribe
We start the day with a drive through scenic countryside and rice fields before arriving at a tranquil Ann tribal village called Nam Lin Min. The Ann people are animist and live life on the higher slopes, in relative isolation in quite simple circumstances and possess distinctively different costumes and beliefs from the other tribes. Ann women have a habit of painting their teeth black. We enjoy a picnic lunch at the Pin-Tauk waterfalls before a visit to Wan-Kan village to see the traditional sake rice wine-making process and nearby Wan-Lau village to observe the “Saa-pulp” Shan paper making process from the bamboo plant. Dinner will be at local restaurant (B,L,D)

Day 14  Visit Kyaing Tong. Fly to Rangoon
Begin our visit with a morning exploration to Kyaing Tong colorful and central market. Many minority people come into town to shop and most wear traditional dress. Of specific interest are the silver shops where a wide variety of silver coins are sold, the “Akha” shops where the Akha women buy the decoration for their headdresses and the various shops with tea and tobacco. Fresh produce and household goods are the market’s main products, but some handicrafts are also available. Next visit is the Shan Laquareware workshop, you will be able to observe the Shan traditional lacquer-ware making process. The process of making lacquer ware in this region is different from that of Bagan. They are embellished with relieves instead of paintings being etched on the surface of the lacquer ware. And then proceed to hand made noodle making and pottery village to see traditional pottery making procedures. Lunch will be at local restaurant. Late afternoon transfer to Kyaing Tong Airport to flight back to Yangon. Arrive Yangon, transfer to your hotel for check-in and refreshment. Our farewell dinner tonight is at Le Planteur Restaurant, the finest French Indochinese restaurant in Burma, and former historical ministerial residence built in 1932. Overnight at Chatrium Hotel in Yangon. (B,L,D)

Day 15 In Rangoon. Fly London
Morning at leisure perhaps to visit the famous Bogyoke Aung San Market where find a whole variety of interesting Burmese souvenirs, from lacquer ware to gems and jewellery or enjoy a cup of tea in the lounge of the famous Strand Hotel, the capitals oldest colonial landmark. Afternoon transfer to the international airport for our journey home to London (B)

(Included meals denoted by B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner)

 

For further details regards cost please email us

NORTHERN SUDAN – Royal Cities of the Nile

Posted by patricksyder on October 17, 2012
Posted in: Africa, Sudan. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment
Sunset at the Northern Cemetery Pyramids of Meroe

Pyramid architecture of the Royal Necropolis at Meroe © Patrick Syder Images

Sudan is home to one of the world’s oldest civilisations, with settlements dating back to 3000 BC. Located to the south of Egypt, the River Nile links the two countries both historically and geographically, however unlike its neighbour, Sudan remains virtually untouched by tourism. These magical lands of ancient Nubia offer a rich, cultural heritage, warm friendly people and a true sense of exploration. This unique archaeological tour covers the major sites that are concentrated to the north of Khartoum, including comfortable overnight lodges based at the location of the breathtaking ruins of Karima and Meroe. This makes this arid region of extraordinary archaeological interest and beautiful landscapes now accessible with a very reasonable degree of comfort. There is also the opportunity to extend your stay to visit the most beautiful of Sudan’s Egyptian temples at Soleb with a three night stay in a private Nubian house.

ITINERARY 

Day 1  Fly to Khartoum

Evening departure from London Heathrow with Egypt Air via Cairo to Khartoum

Day 2  In Khartoum

Early morning arrival into Khartoum and transfer to the Holiday Villa hotel with immediate rooms. Morning at leisure. In the early afternoon we visit the capital’s landmarks including the visit of the Archaeological Museum that, besides many beautiful objects, contains two beautiful temples rescued by UNESCO and moved from the Lake Nasser area, when it was flooded by the water. . A welcome dinner has been arranged at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 3  Visit Omdurman. Drive to Meroe.

We cross the confluence between the Blue and the White Nile near the Presidential Palace where in 1885 General Gordon was beheaded by the Mahdi’s troops and we reach Omdurman, the old capital of Sudan, where we see the Mahdi’s Tomb from outside and the Khalifa’s House Museum. Late in the morning we begin the journey northward before we encounter more than 40 pyramids, located on top of a hill, some of them perfectly preserved, which belong to the Royal Necropolis of Meroe. Arrival at the Meroe Camp with a beautiful view onto the pyramids. Three nights accommodation in comfortable and fully furnished tents, dinner (B,L,D)

Day 4  In Meroe. Visit the Necropolis and the Royal city of Meroe

The Royal necropolis of Meroe is located at about 3 km from the Nile on some hills covered by yellow sand dunes. Several pyramids stand out with their sharp shapes against the clear sky. Each one has its own funerary chapel with the walls fully decorated with bas-reliefs that show the King’s life and offers to the gods. In the afternoon we move along the Nile to visit the ruins of the royal city. The excavations confirm that the town of Meroe used to cover a large area and the royal city was located in a central position, surrounded by suburbs and a boundary wall. Most of the area where the city is located, formed by many small hills covered by red clay fragments, has still to be excavated by the archaeologists (B,L,D)

Day 5  In Meroe – the temples of Naga and Mussawarat

We spend the morning visiting the site of Naga located about 30 km to the east of the Nile and one of two centres that developed during the Meroitic period. We visit a temple dedicated to Apedemak (1st century A.D.): a wonderful building with bas-relief decorations depicting the god with a lion’s head, the Pharaoh, noblemen and several ritual images. Another temple dedicated to Amon with many statues of rams and beautiful gates decorated with bas-reliefs stands nearby. We continue to Mussawarat, This settlement is located in a beautiful valley crowned by hills

Young Sudanese boy in traditional khaffiyeh scarf, Meroe

Young Sudanese boy in traditional khaffiyeh scarf, Meroe   © Patrick Syder Images

Here the ruins of a very big temple are visible; it once played an exceptional important role.  Its main characteristic, the “Great Enclosure” is made by many constructions and boundary walls which surround a temple built in the 1st century A.D. Picnic in the area and then return towards the camp. We will stop at the town of Shendi to visit the colourful market. (B.L.D.)

Day 6  Drive to Karima

We continue on the road that skirts the Nile to the city of Atbara, located on the confluence between the Nile and the Atbara River. Here we cross the Nile and we enter the Bayuda Desert, an area bounded by the loop formed by the Nile between the 4th and the 6th Cataract and characterised by sharp black basalt mountains, most of them volcanic and typically cone-shaped. Here we see Bisharin nomads, who live in familiar groups in small huts made of intertwined branches close to the rare water wells, with their caravans and herds of camels and donkeys. We leave the asphalt road and adventure across Wadi Abu Dom before arriving at Merowe. We visit the Pyramids of Nuri, one of the three necropolises of ancient Napata. Three nights with dinner at the comfortable Nubian Resthouse (B,L,D)

Day 7  Visit Karima and Pyramids of El Kurru

We spend the morning in Karima that lies at the foot of the Jebel Barkal, a wonderful isolated red sandstone mountain, considered holy since the ancient times, where there is a large temple dedicated to the Pharaohs of the New Reign and to their patron, Amon. Several sculptured granite rams that were said to border a long avenue that probably led to a pier on the Nile sit nearby. At El Kurru where there is one of the necropolis of the ancient capital, Napata, we can visit two tombs, which are excavated in the rock under the partially collapsed pyramids, that are d

ecorated with images of the Pharaoh, of the gods and multi-coloured hieroglyphic  inscriptions.  We continue to a site rich in fossil trunks in the desert before we return to Karima (B,L,D)

Day 8  Visit Old Dongola and Nubian Villages

Today it is a long day on the road but full of interesting encounters and visits. Early in the morning we will follow the Nile until we reach the archaeological site of Old Dongola. Here a Christian Coptic temple with marble columns as well as several churches are situated on the banks of the Nile.  This area is the central part of the Nubian region. Here the population lives in small villages amongst yellow sand dunes and palm trees they speak a different language from the Arabs and also the Islamic religion is not as “strict” as in other regions. The women don’t cover their faces and readily speak to foreigners. Some houses in the Nubian Villages are painted and decorated with colourful patterns and flowers. Enthusiastic hospitality abounds, people will often invite foreigners to visit their home and share a meal or a cup of spiced tea. Picnic in the area. In the evening we return to Karima (B,L,D)

Day 9  Drive to Khartoum. Visit National Museum

Today we drive south along the tarmac road across the Western Desert. We stop for lunch in a simple “chai house” and in the afternoon we reach Omdurman and visit the interesting souk. At sunset time we move near the tomb of the sufi leader Ahmed al Nil to witness a Whirling Dervish Ceremony Check in at the Holiday Villa hotel. A farewell dinner has been arranged at a local restaurant.

Day 10  Fly to London

Morning transfer to the airport after a leisurely breakfast. Late morning flight with Egypt Air via Cairo arriving to London Heathrow in the evening (B)