DAYS 1-3 Relish the sights and sounds of secluded areas rarely seen by outsiders Stroll through the iconic 6th-century Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar’s most sacred religious structure Lose yourself biking amid some 2,000 temples and pagodas in ancient Bagan, a place that rivals the wonderment of world-renowned sites like Angkor and Chichen Itza Travel by traditional horse-drawn cart to a remote temple, where a marvelous sunset awaits On a visit to a colorful market, engage with locals who’ve been yearning for contact with the outside world Retreat to the oasis of our luxurious hotel.

DAYS 4-5 In the valleys and mountains of the Shan State, visit traditional markets and fascinating spiritual enclaves Explore a cave containing more than 2,000 Buddha statues and shrines The Pindaya area affords a rare opportunity to see Myanmar as it truly is – agrarian, relatively undeveloped, and full of quiet charm Spin past terraced rice fields, farmers tilling fields with water buffalo, huge bamboo waterwheels at the river’s edge and wide-eyed Burmese thrilled to see us and our bikes Savor authentic Shan noodle soup in the tranquility of a monastery.

DAYS 6-8 Pedal to heavenly Inle Lake and behold floating gardens, ancient pagodas and entire villages built on stilts Hike to the top of a pagoda hill, passing the ruins of hundreds of ancient stupas in thick vegetation Board traditional long-tail boats to explore remote lakeside villages, visiting silversmiths, silk weavers and a private home.

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