Fly up to Bagan and begin the day exploring the Ananda temple, dating from the 12^th century and famed for its gilded sikhara tower at its peak; choose from bicycle, car or horse and cart  to explore the temples. Later in the day, climb the Gawdawpalin or Bupaya pagodas for perfect sunset panorama views of the temples and plain – and in the evening, enjoy some Myanmar wine over dinner by the pagodas.

Start the day by heading south of the city to Inwa. Traverse the quiet meandering roads that once made up a powerful kingdom’s capital city by traditional horse and cart. Across the Irrawaddy River from Mandalay, the Mingun Bell is reputed to be the heaviest and largest working bell in the world. If you’ve worked up a hunger wandering around Mingun and its massive unfinished stupa, reward yourself by purchasing some freshly steamed corn on one of the many roadside stalls – it’ll be the sweetest you’ve tried. Overnight in Mandalay.

After breakfast, visit the ancient lakeside stupas at Indein and see handicrafts in Nampan village. If the time is right, see the floating markets that are a photographer’s dream. Finish up your day with sunset wine tasting at the spectacular Red Mountain Estate vineyard and then dinner on the lakeshore.

If you go for the superior hotel option for this tour, a boat will take you to your hotel on the lake (standard hotels are in Nyaung Shwe).