Burma (Myanmar) The Road to Mandalay 2012 

We depart London for our overnight flight to Bangkok. Arriving on Day 2 we connect with our onward flight to Yangon, perhaps better known by its former name, Rangoon. On arrival we transfer to our sumptuous 5-star hotel; the Governor's Residence, an imposing teak mansion from the 1920s. The rest of your day is free for you to settle in.

With spectacular pagodas, bustling markets and impressive colonial mansions, the Burmese capital Yangon has enchanted the traveller for centuries, and today we discover some of its most famous sights. Among the city's wonderful architecture, we see the magnificent Sule Pagoda, which dominates the downtown's skyline and is said to enshrine a hair of Buddha in a golden cask. We then take a stroll by Kandawgyi Lake. Set in the beautiful Kandawgyi National Park, it is a great location to admire the awe-inspiring Schwedagon Pagoda. Later we enjoy watching the sun set at this marvellous Buddhist centrepiece.

Leaving Yangon behind, today we take a short domestic flight to Mandalay. Here we transfer to our floating hotel, the Road to Mandalay, for an exciting adventure on the Ayeyarwady River. This afternoon we enjoy a guided tour of Mandalay's main sights. Widely regarded as the centre of Burmese culture, Mandalay was the last royal capital of Burma, and as such boasts many ancient and historical attractions. Later we make our way back to the ship, stopping en route to admire the sunset over the river. This evening we are treated to local entertainment on board.

This morning we visit Shanlay village for a walking tour. This traditional Burmese village offers a fascinating glimpse of local life, where ancient customs and traditions still prevail - seen in everything from its farming to its spirit houses and tea shops. In the afternoon you have the chance to relax on board and make use of the ship's facilities as we sail towards Bagan.

Today we arrive in Bagan, where more than 2,000 magnificent temples and pagodas are scattered over a beautiful plain beside the river - a truly breathtaking sight. We discover more about the most important temples on a guided tour. This afternoon you could rejoin the guide to visit some of the other pagodas, a wonder to behold and a vivid reminder of the 11th Century Burmese Empire. Alternatively, perhaps explore the area by horse-drawn cart. Later we watch the sun setting over the glowing pagodas by the river.

We take a full-day excursion to Mount Popa today. Set on a former volcano 4981 ft above sea level, Mount Popa is a National Park, and is believed to be the sacred home of powerful spirits. At the summit of the rocky crag is an amazing complex of monasteries and shrines dedicated to these spirits known as 'Nats', which offers a tremendous panorama over the valley below.

In the morning we enjoy a chance to explore some of Bagan's local markets, where a myriad of tradesmen sell their traditional wood carvings and brightly coloured fabrics. After time to discover the exciting sounds and smells of these lively markets, we return to the ship and continue cruising gently along the river. In the evening we anchor mid-river - a marvellous opportunity to observe the stars - and indulge in a cocktail party.

After a leisurely morning, today we reach Sagaing. Considered to be Burma's main Buddhist centre, Sagaing is famous for its silversmiths who still work in the time- honoured way their ancestors did. Today a number of examples of their work can be seen, as can an impressive selection of monasteries lining the hills surrounding the river.

Today we visit Pyin U Lwin, better known as Maymyo, a charming colonial hill station set high in the mountains. With its cool climate, English style houses and magnificent botanic gardens, it has long been a favourite with travellers. Whilst here we enjoy a typical Shan lunch in a local restaurant. Later we return to the ship for our final night on board.

This morning we disembark the Road to Mandalay and transfer to Mandalay for the onward flight to Yangon. Here we spend the afternoon at the popular Scott's Market. Built in 1926, the market is characterised by its cobblestone streets and grand colonial architecture. Now it is recognised as an acclaimed landmark of the city, and here you can find jewellery shops, art galleries and Burmese handicrafts. Later today we take our onward flight to Bangkok, for a two-night stay at the 5-star Sofitel Silom.

We begin our stay in the Thai metropolis with a visit to the city's world-famous floating markets. Your afternoon is then free to explore at your own pace - perhaps visit the spectacular Grand Palace, or one of the golden temples. This evening we take a moonlit dinner cruise on the 'River of Kings', the romantic and majestic Chaophraya. Here we can admire Bangkok's wonderfully illuminated landscape over dinner.

This morning we transfer to the airport for our daytime flight back to London, arriving late afternoon.

Great Rail Journeys believes it is up to the individual to decide whether or not to visit a country. Visiting Myanmar shows the nation's people they are not alone. Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, the pro-democracy politician, encourages Burmese tourism to end its isolation.