Thousands of Temples and Pagodas at Bagan

Golden Lands of Myanmar

The Land Time Forgot February 14 - March 4, 2018

RV Katha Pandaw • 19 Days • 47 Meals Escorted by David and Roslyn Craig

Historically, culturally and spiritually, this special itinerary will be of interest to virtually every seasoned traveller. Over sixty years ago Myanmar (which is still better known by its former name - Burma) chose to follow its own destiny, to cut itself off from the changes overtaking the outside world and to maintain its traditional lifestyles, relaxed way of life and superb relics of the past. For the past fifteen years, change has come to this isolated country, political freedoms are being restored and world trade is changing the country. For now, we can still discover a land apart, a land where time seems to have stood still and where the values of a bygone era still hold. Lifestyles along the Irrawaddy River are little changed, villages still reflect traditional construction, and Buddhism, one of the world's great religions, guides the social and moral values of the people. Full of apparent contradictions and complex rituals, Buddhism is the dominant force in the region, affecting virtually every aspect of day-to-day life. Our group size will be limited to a maximum of 32 persons. To secure your places on this journey we encourage you to book as soon as possible.

INCLUSIVE FEATURES

Return economy class airfare on Cathay Pacific

All internal flights within Myanmar

Deluxe hotels as indicated (or similar)

Three nights by Inle Lake and in Yangon

10 night cruise on the RV Katha Pandaw

47 meals included as shown (B - 16, L - 15, D - 16)

Services of our tour escort and local guides

All gratuities for included services

All taxes and fees including airport taxes and fuel fees

Visa fee for Myanmar (for Canadian passport holders)

Airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value with purchase of group airfare

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Relaxing stays of up to 3 nights at deluxe hotels

10 night relaxing cruise on the Irrawaddy River on the exceptional RV Katha Pandaw

Off the beaten track visits to small remote villages

Marvel at the wonders of Shwedagon and experience the monks procession

Marvel at the Plain of Bagan with over 2,200 temples

Cruise to the remote villages and temples of Inle lake

Many special meals with entertainment including:

Welcome dinner in Yangon

Dinner with classical dance, Mandalay

Dinner with puppet show, on the Katha Pandaw

Dinner and Shan Dances, Inle Lake

Farewell Dinner at La Planteur, Yangon

CRUISE ESCORTS

David, President of Craig Travel, and Roslyn bring with them many years of travel experience both as escorts and as tour operators. After attending the University of Toronto and York University, David travelled around the world and lived in Australia for a number of years before returning to Canada and Craig Travel. For almost forty years David has devoted his working life to arranging and operating tours and cruises to scores of destinations around the world. An Australian by birth, Roslyn, has lived and worked in the business of travel for most of her life. For over three decades, David and Roslyn have led tours and cruises visiting over 100 countries and all seven continents.

Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon

SHIP DESCRIPTION

The RV Katha Pandaw was launched in 2012. This specially designed shallow draft river boat was built to sail the rivers of Asia while offering one of the highest passenger space ratios afloat. The ship carries up to 32 passengers in 16 comfortable cabins (10 on the main deck and 6 on the upper deck). Each cabin is approximately 170 sq ft featuring teak, brass and panoramic French doors, private washroom with shower, exceptionally comfortable twin beds (convert to one large queen bed), in room safe, hair dryer, generous storage space, spa branded amenities, and kimono and slippers. Breakfasts and lunches are semi-buffet while dinners are elegantly served al fresco. The cruise includes complimentary tea, coffee, bottled water, juices, soft drinks, local beers and spirits (with premium wines available). On board enjoy cultural performances, lectures, cooking classes and more, welcome and farewell Dinners plus evening cocktails, 24 hour hospitality bar and lounge. Single seating dining plus lounge space for all guests.

February 14, Wednesday Depart Canada Tour members gather in Toronto for overnight Cathay Pacific flights via Hong Kong to Myanmar, formerly called Burma.

February 15, Thursday Arrive Yangon (Rangoon) Connecting in Hong Kong, we arrive in Yangon (formerly Rangoon), Myanmar’s largest and most cosmopolitan city later in the evening. Transfer directly to our deluxe hotel overlooking Kandawgyi Lake and magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda. Chatrium Hotel (2 nights)

February 16, Friday Yangon Yangon lies in the fertile delta of southern Myanmar, on the wide Yangon River. The city is filled with tree-shaded boulevards and shimmering stupas. In 1885 it became the capital when the British completed the conquest of Upper Burma. After a morning at leisure to catch up on sleep we visit the General Aung San museum and Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha. Passing Hindu temples in little India we will then explore the famous Scott’s Market, known for its local colour and handicrafts. A highlight today is the historic Shwedagon pagoda, which towers almost 98 meters (326 feet) above the green cityscape of Yangon. One of the wonders of the religious world, it is believed to have been built more than 2500 years ago. BD

February 17, Saturday Yangon / Bagan (Pagan) / Embark After an early breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight to Bagan. Upon arrival we embark and settled in before enjoying lunch. This afternoon explore a selection of the 3000 plus pagan monuments. RV Katha Pandaw (10 nights) BLD

February 18, Sunday Bagan Pagan is one of the richest archeological sites in the world and a highlight of every tour through Myanmar. In between 11th and 13th century the kings of Pagan dynasty ruled the country and ordered thousands of pagodas and temples to be built. There are about 20 beautiful temples and pagodas to be seen here of which we will visit the Shwezigone Pagoda and Gu Byauk Gyi Temple with it’s intricate paintings. We will also visit a traditional lacquer workshop and enjoy the sunset from one of the city’s temples, an incredible experience. BLD

February 19, Monday Magway We cast off in the morning to begin the scenic cruise downstream to the small city of Magway. Our excursion to Magway begins with a climb up the river bank and winding

our way through a labyrinth of passages and paths to reach the magnificent Myat-thalon Pagoda. This pagoda is constructed with solid gold bricks. Of interest are the many nat shrines and hermitages within the temple area. BLD

February 20, Tuesday Minhla In the morning we arrive at the village of Minhla where we visit the two Italian built forts constructed to keep the British at bay from Royal Myanmar. The fight for the Minhla redoubt was the only serious action in the war and the death of a young subaltern inspired Kipling to write a poem. In the evening, we take a stroll around a local village. BLD

February 21, Wednesday Sale In the morning we set sail upstream for the town of Sale, and in the afternoon we visit the Yout-saun-kyaung monastery with its spectacular wood carvings. We also explore an area of splendid colonial-style houses before continuing upstream. BLD

February 22, Thursday Tan chi Taung In the morning, we moor at the Tan-Chi-Taung Mountain and ascend by WWII jeep. We continue the tour with a selection of the 3,000 listed monuments at the Pagan World Heritage Site. Our day ends with a traditional puppet show on board. BLD

February 23, Friday Pakokku Today we visit the friendly town of Pakokku situated on the west side of the Irrawaddy River, famous for its tobacco and “thanakha” (a cosmetic paste made from ground bark). A Tuk Tuk ride will take us to see the local market and town center. In the afternoon we take a stroll through another local village. BLD

February 24, Saturday Yandabo Morning walk through Yandabo villiage, famous for its production of terrocotta pottery from the river bank clay. In the afternoon enjoy the scenery as we cruise north towards Mandalay. BLD

February 25, Sunday Ava (Inwa) We arrive Mandalay early and set off for Ava, or Inwa, an ancient Burmese imperial capital from the 14th to 19th centuries. Sacked and rebuilt numerous times, it was abandoned completely after a series of major earthquakes in 1839. Now a farming community, we travel by horse cart through the paddy fields from monument to monument. We will see the brick monastery Mai Nu Oak Kyanung and Bagaya Kyaung, a 200 year old royal monastery made of teak with elaborate wood carvings. In the afternoon we explore Sagaing Hills with the many monastic schools and the hilltop view of the river and surroundings. BLD

February 26, Monday Mingun In Mingun see the largest working bell in the world (90 tons). It was ordered for the Mingun temple, a monumental unfinished stupa built by King Bodawpaya in 1790. Nearby is the Mingun Old People’s Home, originally established

Lake Inle Fisherman

with the assistance of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company in the 1930s. In the afternoon we return to Mandalay. BLD

February 27, Tuesday Disembark / Mandalay Disembarking we take a short flight to Shan state’s prime attraction, Inle Lake. Literally dotted with interesting villages and floating gardens , the lake is one of the most picturesque locations in all of Myanmar. It is also home to a number of hill tribes, and offers fantastic opportunities for browsing in local markets and interacting with the local population. Visit Shwe Yan Pyay Kyaung Monastery, which is famed for its unique oval windows and then travel by our private boat out onto the lake. Visit the five unique golden Buddha images at Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the holiest monastery on the lake. The temple at Nga Hpe Kyaung on the eastern side of the lake houses an impressive collection of ancient Buddha images. There will also be the opportunity to visit a floating garden and witness the unique technique of leg rowing which is so synonymous with Intha fisherman. Pristine Lotus Spa and Resort (3 nights) BLD

February 28, Wednesday Inle Lake / Sagar Travel by long boat to Sagar. Within an hour we are far removed from the hustle and bustle of the main Lake and enjoy authentic lake life as we pass villages, fishing nets, weaving factories, monasteries, stupas, bamboo forests and floating gardens. Hundreds of golden stupas and temples dot the shore. The exquisite main temple contains a traditional Shan-style Buddha set off by a shining glass mosaic. On shore we explore the small village’s temples, crumbling stupas, and sizeable monastery. Lunch will be at the Little Lodge in Samkar, a delightfully quiet retreat where we sample delicious Shan-Burmese cuisine. Before returning we make a quick stop at a family run rice-wine distillery. BLD

March 1, Thursday Inle Lake The local five day market rotates between the towns in the lake region. Many ethnic minorities attend to buy and sell their goods, making it a great place to observe local life. Continue to the ruined stupas and temples at the village of Inndein. A covered walkway leads to the main Shwe Inn Thein Paya, from where (weather permitting) there are great views across the lake. NOTE: as the market moves daily, it may not be possible to visit, if so we will make alternate plans. BLD

March 2, Friday Inle Lake / Yangon Fly back to Yangon this morning and enjoy lunch at the House of Memories, a colonial style mansion set in a beautiful garden which is both a restaurant and a museum, marking the key events in Burmese history. Look for the room named after General Aung San, (it was his office and still contains his desk). Visit a local family to see the hand made puppets which they produce and the puppets in action in the Htwe Oo Myanmar Traditional Puppet Show. Admire fresh fruit and produce as we stroll through China town and experience the bustling markets of Yangon. Our farewell dinner will be at Le Planteur, one of Yangon’s most elegant restaurants. Chatrium Hotel (1 night) BLD

March 3, Saturday Yangoon After a morning at leisure we checkout from our hotel and visit a fair trade marketplace, offering local crafts and beautiful Burmese gifts and furnishings. After lunch, we visit the Myanmar’s bustling port and thriving trading centre, Thanlyin (Syrium). Enjoy a stroll through it’s bustling market before taking a horse cart ride to the nearby Bon Pyan Monastery. After enjoying a drink and a chat at a local tea-shop we visit another village before transferring back to Yangon. Make a brief stop at

Tour Cost in Canadian Dollars per person Land Only* (Join / Leave Yangon) ................................ $6,195 Vancouver.................................................................. $7,495 Victoria ....................................................................... $7,545 Calgary / Edmonton ................................................... $7,595 Regina / Saskatoon / Winnipeg ................................. $7,745 Toronto ...................................................................... $7,685 Ottawa / Montreal ...................................................... $7,765 Halifax / St. John’s ..................................................... $7,925 Single Supplement (Main Deck Cruise and Land) ........ $2,245

Airfares from other gateways are available on request. Land only* price includes internal flights and all land services. Tour price is based on sharing a twin-bedded room at hotels and a Main Deck cabin on the cruise.

Upper Deck Cabin Supplements per person: Sharing Twin ................................................................. $765 Single Accommodation (Upper Deck Cruise and Land) $3,465

Please ask for rates to upgrade on the flights to Premium Economy or Business Class. Prices are based a minimum of minimum 20 participants and on taxes, surcharges and exchange rates effective January 2017 (subject to change).

Prices DO NOT INCLUDE the cost of insurance which is available and is highly recommended. Premiums vary with the cost, length of the trip, and the traveller’s age. For passengers up to and including 74 years on departure date, premiums will range from $346 to $414pp plus applicable taxes. Cost supplements for travellers aged 75-85 will range from $207 to $220pp plus applicable taxes. This insurance is effective from the date of purchase and carries limitations on pre-existing medical conditions. Clients 86 years and older and/or clients residing outside Ontario - please contact our staff for procedures. Please discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking. Check our website for the most current information. Refer to the enrollment form for general information and conditions.

Deposit is $900 per person Final payment is due on November 6, 2017

To reserve your place on this tour, complete the enrollment form, indicating the tour name and your home city, and forward it with your deposit to:

CRAIG CANADIAN GROUP TRAVEL LTD 1092 Mount Pleasant Road Toronto ON M4P 2M6

Tel: 416-484-0926 or 1-800-387-8890 / Fax: 416-484-8143 Email: tours@craigtravel.com / www.craigtravel.com

EFF10JAN17

CT RATING 3.5 - Challenging: After decades of isolation, this region has recently re-opened to tourism. While our hotels and river boat are very comfortable, roads and services in some areas are relatively primitive. February is an ideal time to visit this region, but members can expect hot, humid days. Local customs require all visitors to remove shoes when visiting temples.

Kandawgyi Lake to see the Karaweik Royal Barge. This evening enjoy our final dinner at the Rangoon Tea House, in a comfortable, yet authentic setting. The carefully restored dining area is reminiscent of the grand tea houses during the British colonial heyday. Later, we transfer to the airport for our journey back to Canada. BLD

March 4, Sunday Yangon / Hong Kong / Toronto We continue our journey home via Hong Kong. Optional Hong Kong extension is available. Please call or refer to our website for details.