This tour takes you to see Mandalay, Burma’s last royal capital. This is where the Burmese surrendered to the British at the end of the 19th century, ushering in a difficult colonial era. Today, Mandalay’s artisans work hard to preserve Myanmar’s traditional crafts. You’ll also visit the nearby royal city of Amarapura and then continue to see Mandalay’s most iconic landmarks.

Besides its many temples, Amarapura is best known for having the longest teak bridge in the world, the U Bein Bridge. While you’re here you’ll visit the Mahagandayone Monastery, which serves as a home to over 1,000 monks. This stop offers an educational look at the monks’ daily routine.

Next, you'll return to Mandalay to see the city’s incredible Buddhist monuments. One of the most famous is the Mahamuni, a reclining statue of Buddha. The Buddha is cast from bronze, but over the year supplicants have covered the image in a thick layer of gold leaf. The tour continues to Shwenandaw Monastery, which used to be part of the royal complex. It is called the "Golden Monastery" because it used to be covered in gold, although today you’ll see an elaborate structure made of carved wood. This tour also takes you to Kuthodaw Pagoda, which has 729 marble slabs that are carved with the Buddhist scriptures.

Depending on how you feel, you have the option to climb to the top of Mandalay Hill for a gorgeous view of the city below. If you don’t feel like walking, the hill also has an elevator.

Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, light clothes, bug spray, and comfortable shoes that are easy to take on and off.

Transportation and guided tour.