Epicopia

A Culinary Adventure Perfectly Blended with Exotic Culture

Sitting at the crossroads of the great civilizations of India and China, Myanmar brings new meaning to an exotic, mysterious journey. You are sure to be captivated by the ancient Burmese civilization explored through this distinctive and diverse culinary adventure.

Burma is the destination for travelers desiring to explore and experience the mystical charms of Asia in all its diversity - rich archaeological sites, a wealth of cultures, glittering pagodas, colorful bazaars, joyous festivals, delicious cuisine, and a people who are among the kindest and loveliest to be found anywhere.

Beginning with our signature “soft landing” in Myanmar’s capitol, to our sumptuous farewell dinner, each day brings immersive experiences from the meditative cadence of its ancient rivers and lakes to breathtaking, jaw-dropping majestic panoramas.

At the heart of it all, you will ramp up cooking experiences to extraordinary, starting in Yangon where you will be the guest of a respected Burmese cookbook author and her husband, a world-renowned designer/curator. After a tour of their magnificent home, enjoy the evening relishing the distinctive dishes you help prepare, offering a truly memorable beginning to your own incredible stories beyond the plate.

Unique and stimulating cooking experiences continue throughout your journey including a rare opportunity to cook in a family kitchen, assisted by village cooks who will personalize your culinary adventure; then you dine with the family in a Northern Burmese home.

Your taste buds will go over the top, far off the tourist track, with visits to tea houses, people’s markets, a rice noodle factory, a winery, floating vegetable gardens, traditional local breakfasts, and everywhere, meals at authentic Burmese restaurants.

SENSORY INDULGENCE AND LUXURIOUS EXPERIENCES

The crown jewel of the capitol city has to be the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, dominating Yangon’s skyline. Yangon is a paradise for unique shopping finds. Scotts Market will charm you and after all that shopping, we’ll head for an evening in Chinatown, alive with the pungent aromas of delicious street food.

Explore Mandalay, the center of Burmese culture, where you will experience history come to life and wander through colorful Zeycho market for finger silk, cotton weavings, marble carvings, bronze and silver crafts, and the famous kalaga (shwe chi doe) tapestries.

Take a scenic drive into the hills near Mandalay where you will bask in the cool air of an elegant hill station, dating from the British colonial period. Nature walks will whet your appetite for the sumptuous buffet and a peaceful overnight stay.

Experience the piece de resistance, a three-day luxury cruise on the Irrawaddy River, stopping for overnight moorage at a river village north of Mandalay. What will set your riverboat apart are not just the luxury, comfort and world-class service. Instead you will remember most the incredible images along the river banks as you lounge on board or go ashore for up close and personal people to people adventures.

Nothing prepares you for the utter grandeur of Bagan, the capital of the first Burmese Kingdom, and now one of Asia’s richest archaeological sites. With its more than 2,000 pagodas and temples set in a vast plain beside the Irrawaddy River, it will take some time to register you are looking at this panorama of pagodas and stupas, none of which are identical.

And what better way to observe this astonishing panorama than from an early morning hot-air balloon ride?

The first time Nancy, your Experience Director, drifted in a long boat along the shores of Inle Lake, she knew for sure she was in heaven.

You’ll be intrigued by villages perched on stilts, marvel at the unique leg rowing of the Inthas, be amazed at a cluster of all white pagodas that seem to float over the lake, all framed by the dramatic Shan mountain range.

Back in Yangon you enjoy more cultural treats and some last minute shopping. When you gather for a special farewell dinner, you will delight in sharing treasured memories as your stories beyond the plate.

YOUR TRAVEL WILL BENEFIT THE BURMESE PEOPLE

Because of the political situation in Burma, we want to assure you that we, our land operator in Burma and all our suppliers, including our superlative cruise operator, have a priority for supporting the local domestic economy, making certain where ever possible, suppliers and contractors are small, local business owners. We are committed to being careful that our travel experience guests’ money is targeted to those who need it most.

INTANGIBLE TREASURES YOU WILL BRING HOME

Take home Myanmar’s best-kept culinary recipes to experiment with and share! Every time you chop and stir, we guarantee your kitchen will be filled not just with intoxicating aromas but the indelible images of your journey to the heartland of ancient, exotic Burma.

There is much to experience during this journey to the Burmese heart and soul of Myanmar.

Call today 972.771.3510 or 877.661.3844 for a detailed day-by-day itinerary and discover the vast treasures and delightful experiences in store for you. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with questions and discussion about this extraordinary experience.

Epicopia is very pleased to offer you this exquisitely designed adventure to the heart of Myanmar as you continue to Explore Culinary Asia.

Dates: February 1 – 14, 2011*

Land Price: $4959.00 per person based on two sharing**

Single Supplement: Available upon request (extremely limited)

Deposit required: $1,000 per person to confirm reservation

(Balance will be due 60 days prior to travel. Full information and Terms and Conditions are provided with Detailed Itinerary.)

*Pre-tour 1 night in Singapore highly suggested.

**Price subject to possible revision once government sets 2011 hotel prices in October 2010.

Experience Price Includes:

• 10 nights’ accommodations in locally inspired hotels based on twin sharing with breakfast daily
• 3 nights aboard superior Irrawaddy riverboat (meals included)
• All hotel/riverboat taxes and services
• All Lunches and Dinners included in itinerary
• All cooking lessons and ingredients
• All domestic flights per itinerary
• All sightseeing and transfers by private air conditioned vehicles
• English speaking local guides
• All guided sightseeing fees and entrance fees as per itinerary
• Luggage handling from arrival through departure
• All government tax and service charges
• Experience Director throughout

Price excludes:

• International airfare roundtrip to Yangon
• International Airport tax (currently $10 per person)
• Passport fees (required for all travel)
• Visa and visa fees (required for Myanmar)
• Travel insurance and cancelation protection is highly suggested
• Personal expenses such as camera tax, tips, etc
• Optional sightseeing not included in itinerary

Call today at 972.771.3510 or 877.661.3844 or email for information to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it