9 Day Taste Of Sri Lanka - Inspiring Vacations · National Park to witness the unique phenomenon of elephant gathering. During the dry season, from June to September, hundreds of

9 Day Taste OfSri Lanka

ColomboSigiriyaKandyNuwara EliyaYala National ParkGalle

Time to get excited

FROM

$2,999PER PERSON, TWIN SHAREEndowed with an idyllic palm-fringedcoastline, a whopping eight UNESCO WorldHeritage Sites & a host of national parks thatfeature all manner of creatures great andsmall – Sri Lanka is slowly emerging as aholiday hotspot that's not to be missed.

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TOUR ITINERARY

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be effected by unforeseen events outside the control of InspiringVacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 1

DAY 1Destination Home Colombo

Meals included

Hotel The Gateway Hotel , or similar

A warm welcome awaits you at the arrival lounge of the Bandaranaike International Airport. You will be met by our localrepresentative and transferred to your hotel. Check in and relax after your international flight.

Please note: Most flights into Sri Lanka arrive late in the evening of day 1.

DAY 2Destination Colombo Sigiriya

Meals included Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel 5 Sigiriya Jungles, or similar

Today enjoy a late start, taking time to relax and prepare for an exciting first day of touring. We’ll leave the hotel around9:30-10am bound for Sigiriya. This afternoon set out on an exclusively private jeep safari at the Minneriya (or Kauduala)National Park to witness the unique phenomenon of elephant gathering. During the dry season, from June toSeptember, hundreds of elephants gather around the Minneriya Tank for water. Such a large number of elephantscould not be sighted at one place, anywhere else in the world! Outside of these months and depending on the elephantmigration patterns the safari will be conducted in one of the surrounding parks. This evening enjoy some sundownerpre-dinner Arrack (a local cocktail) or something else to suit your tastes.

DAY 3Destination Sigiriya Lion Rock Sigiriya

Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel 5 Sigiriya Jungles, or similar

This morning we climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion’s Rock), one of the most extraordinary artistic complexes of itstime (477 – 498 AD). Declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1982, this magnificent citadel allures artistic andarchitectural curiosity from around the globe. For lunch today, take part in a Cooking Demonstration of Sri Lankan riceand curry (5-6 curries) and enjoy this typical Sri Lankan lunch while overlooking the paddy fields. In the afternoon enjoy asightseeing tour of the Medieval Capital City of Polonnaruwa. This was declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1982.After the demise of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa became the middle historic capital of Sri Lanka (1017 – 1235 AD). Thisevening enjoy another round of sundowner pre-dinner Arrack (a local cocktail) or something else to suit your tastes.

TOUR ITINERARY

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be effected by unforeseen events outside the control of InspiringVacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 2

DAY 4Destination Sigiriya Kandy

Meals included Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel 5 Earl’s Regency, or similar

This morning we leave for Kandy. Enroute, visit the Matale Spice Garden to learn about an important agriculture iconicto Sri Lanka. We then continue on to Kandy, the Hill Capital (1514 – 1815 AD). Originally known as Senkadagala, the cityeventually came to be known as Kandy. Kandy was declared an UNESCO heritage site in 1988. The style and character ofthe Sri Lankan civilization at the time is well articulated in the heart of the city itself, with its lake, the temples includingthe Temple of the Tooth Relic and the well preserved ruins of the royal palaces. On arrival in Kandy spend the afternoonat leisure. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth with its guardian elephants - a deeply significant Buddhist site thatcontains a tooth of Buddha collected from his funeral pyre. This draws thousands of pilgrims from across the world.

DAY 5Destination Kandy Nuwara Eliya

Meals included Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel The Blackpool Hotel, or similar

After breakfast we leave for the hill country town of Nuwara Eliya. Embark on the famous train journey which issupposed to be one of the most scenic and beautiful travel routes in the world. Apart from the breathtaking sceneries ofthe tea country and picturesque waterfalls, it is a chance for you to mingle with the local people. With the end of thisunique experience comes your arrival in Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as ‘Little England’. This genteel highlandcommunity does have a rose-tinted, vaguely British-country-village feel to it, with its colonial-era bungalows and Britishroots.

Please note: It is not possible to confirm the train ticket reservation due to the fact that Sri Lanka Railway has a manualsystem for reservations. Tickets can only be booked 30 days prior to departure. The 1st and 2nd class is basic but has air-conditioning. On the rare occasion the train is fully booked we’ll conduct the route by road.

DAY 6Destination Nuwara Eliya Yala/Tissamaharama

Meals included Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel Mandara Rosen, or similar

Today, leave for Yala/Tissamaharama. On the way we visit the Buduruwagala Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple in SriLanka. The complex consists of seven statues and belongs to the Mahayana school of thought. The statues date back to

TOUR ITINERARY

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be effected by unforeseen events outside the control of InspiringVacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

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the 10th century. The gigantic Buddha statue still bears traces of its original stuccoed robe and a long streak of orangesuggests it was once brightly painted.

After checking in to your hotel spend your afternoon on a guided game drive exploring the dynamic wildlife and themost luxuriant plant life in Yala National Park. Being one of the largest parks in Sri Lanka, it is the ideal place to sight therare and beautiful leopard!

Please note: Sections of Yala National Park close due to conservation efforts each year between September and October.The closure dates are advised by the Sri Lankan government 1-2 months prior and differ each year. As Yala National Parkis made up of multiple sections, if one section is closed due to conservation works we will visit one of the open sections.

DAY 7Destination Yala Galle Colombo

Meals included Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel 4 Galle Face Hotel, or similar

This morning we leave for Colombo. Enroute we explore the Galle Fort and its Fortifications. This is a city that exudes aperfectly balanced essence of past and present. Declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1988, the presence ofPortuguese, Dutch and English is very evident in the fascinating architectural styles of the Galle Fort. As we continue onto Colombo we will visit a Turtle Hatchery. There are only seven species of marine turtles in the world and five are foundin the warm, clear waters off Sri Lanka’s coast. The five species are the Hawksbill turtle, Loggerhead turtle, Green turtle,Leatherback turtle and the Olive Ridley turtle.

DAY 8Destination Colombo Home

Meals included Breakfast

Hotel N/A

Today enjoy a late check-out and a full day to enjoy the many sights of Colombo. Your flight will leave late this eveningand we've secured the room for you until your departure so you can freshen up before your flight. At the appropriatetime you will be transferred to the airport to board your homeward flight.

TOUR ITINERARY

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be effected by unforeseen events outside the control of InspiringVacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 4

DAY 9Destination Home

Meals included

Hotel N/A

Arrive home today, with memories to last a lifetime.

TOUR ITINERARY

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be effected by unforeseen events outside the control of InspiringVacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 5

Inclusions

WHAT'S INCLUDED Return international airfares with Singapore Airlines Return airport transfers7 nights luxury accommodation in 4-5 star hotels Daily breakfast, 1 lunch & 6 dinners including a memorable Sri Lankan cookingclass The services of professional escorted guides throughout Sri LankaIncredible sightseeing including all entry feesThe services of a professional English-speaking guide throughout Sri LankaIn-depth sightseeing & all entry fees as per the itineraryDedicated private transportation throughout

SIGHTSEEING HIGHLIGHTS Colombo - Enjoy a tour of Pettah Bazaar, Independence Square, Red Mosque andthe Dutch Reformed Church Sigiriya - Climb the magnificent rock fortress of Sigiriya, also known as Lion RockKandy - Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a famous Buddhist site withinthe royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of KandyKandy - Enjoy a traditional cultural performanceNuwara Eliya - Emark on a famous train ride through Sri Lanka's tea countryYala National Park - Wildlife game drive exploring the dynamic wildlife and themost luxuriant plant life in this epic national parkGalle - Walk along the old stone fortifications that surround this historic coastaltownGalle - Vist the Turtle Hatchery on route to Colombo; there are only seven speciesof marine turtles in the world and five are found off Sri Lanka’s coast.

TOUR ITINERARY

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be effected by unforeseen events outside the control of InspiringVacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 6

SINGAPORE STOPOVER PACKAGE You may wish to stop over in Singapore before or after your tour.

Includes:

3 nights at the 4 star Furama Riverfront or similarBreakfast dailyReturn airport transfers

Cost - $499 per person Twin Share ($998 Single Share)

If you wish to book the Singapore stopover package before or after your tour, please selectthis under 'Upgrade Options' before completing your booking. You will then be invoiced forthis in your final payment.

The $150pp extension supplement does not apply if selecting this option.

Fine Print

DEPOSIT & PAYMENT Secure your package with a deposit of $250 per person.Pay a 2nd instalment of $1500 per person within 28 days to secure your flights.

You will then be invoiced for final payment 90 days prior to departure.

TOUR ITINERARY

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be effected by unforeseen events outside the control of InspiringVacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 7

BOOKING PROCESS Select the purple 'Sign Up For Full Details' tab to begin your booking (you mustsign up first by enterting your email and creating a password)Then select the purple 'Book now' tabSelect your Departure Date, Departure City, number of Passengers, RoomConfiguration, and enter any Special RequestsClick the purple ‘Proceed to Secure Checkout' tabEnter your credit card or PayPal details to secure your deposit/paymentOnce your order is complete, you will be prompted to complete a booking form sothat we can fulfil your bookingYour booking is confirmed once your booking form is submitted and you canbegin the countdown to your Inspiring Vacation!

TOUR ITINERARY

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be effected by unforeseen events outside the control of InspiringVacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 8

HOW TO EXTEND YOUR STAY Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending their stay pre- and/or post-tour.If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:

1. Follow the ‘Book Now’ prompts after signing up, until you reach the 'SpecialRequests' field

2. Here, please specify your preferred flight arrangements and if you requireadditional accommodation, with the number of nights needed.

3. After finalising your purchase and submitting your booking form, a member of ourteam will be in contact with you via email to verify your request.

Please note, a supplement of $150 per person (plus any applicable fare and tax differences)applies to deviate from the standard itinerary. We will contact you via email with a quote andproposed flight itinerary, and then proceed with collecting the additional payment requiredto confirm your request.

All additional accommodation and sightseeing is at your own arrangement, or alternativelywe can offer the following rates:

Pre-tour accommodation Sri Lanka (Colombo): $165 per room per night (single ordouble/twin) including breakfast Post-tour accommodation Sri Lanka (Galle): $230 per room per night (single ordouble/twin) including breakfast

Please note, if you are not arriving or departing as per the group itinerary, airport transfersare also no longer included. If you would like us to arrange this service for you, an additionalcost will apply:

Airport Transfers (Colombo): $60 per vehicle each way (1-2 people)

The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice,due 120 days prior to departure, and is strictly subject to availability.

TOUR ITINERARY

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be effected by unforeseen events outside the control of InspiringVacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 9

AIRFARE INFORMATION Full service airline used will be Singapore Airlines (Sri Lankan Airlines or Emirates ifunavailable)Internal airfares with Sri Lanka airlines or similarFlights will require a minimum of 1 transit (maximum 2).All tickets will include 30kgs checked baggageOnce ticketed, flights are non-refundable. Any changes will be subject to theairline rules and change fees.Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required.Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control.

PREMIUM ECONOMY ORBUSINESS CLASS UPGRADES

Premium Economy - Not available.

Business Class upgrade available from an additional $4,500 per person (subject toavailability).

Please specify this as a 'Special Request' when completing your booking and you will bequoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable, or that you aredissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.

TRAIN JOURNEY - DAY 5 Please note that it is not possible to confirm the train ticket reservation due to the fact thatSri Lanka Railway has a manual system for reservations. Tickets can only be booked 30 daysprior to departure. The 1st and 2nd class is basic but has air-conditioning. The non-airconditioned 3rd class sometimes is the only option based availability. On the rare occasionthe train is fully booked we’ll conduct the route by road.

TOUR ITINERARY

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be effected by unforeseen events outside the control of InspiringVacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 10

LAND-ONLY DISCOUNT A $800 per person reduction from the twin share price applies if you wish to arrange yourown airfares. Should you wish to purchase land only, please select this option in the bookingprocess, under 'Departure City'. Internal airfares from Sri Lanka to India are still includedwhen selecting this option.

Please note, if you are not arriving or departing as per the group itinerary, airport transferswill not be included. Should you wish to book airport transfers to match your own flights, thecost is $60 per vehicle, per direction.

EXCLUSIONS VisasTravel insurance (compulsory)TippingAnything not mentioned in the itineraryOptional activitiesPersonal expenses

ACCOMMODATION The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higherstandard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be madeto meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT Single supplement is $599 per person in addition to the twin share price.

TRIPLE SHARE Available. Please purchase 3 x $2,999. If you wish to purchase triple share please phone 1300376 832.

TOUR ITINERARY

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be effected by unforeseen events outside the control of InspiringVacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 11

GROUP SIZE 2-16 people

ACCOMMODATION The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higherstandard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be madeto meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.

TRAVEL INSURANCE Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.

We have partnered with QBE Insurance to offer our customers competitive rates for theirtravel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover, earn Qantas Frequent Flyerpoints and save 25% on retail rates.

Simply click HERE to arrange your policy.

TOUR ITINERARY

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be effected by unforeseen events outside the control of InspiringVacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 12

VISA & PASSPORT INFORMATION It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must bevalid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return to Australia.

Australian passport holders will require an e-visa to enter Sri Lanka.

Please note the e-visa is limited to 30 days validity from the date of arrival and is only valid forthree months from the date of issue.

You must make sure that the same travel document that was used for applying online isused for entering Sri Lanka.

Visit http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/ to apply for an e-visa.

Information required:

Purpose of visit (sightseeing/holidaying/tourist)Entry type (single)Arrival date and departure date (no specific flight details are required)Passport informationThe name and address of your first hotel in Sri Lanka

Pay US$35 (AU$49) per person by credit card. Wait for it to be approved and you will benotified via email within approximately 48 hours. Please note, you will be transferred to anexternal site when completing your payment online.

Once approved, please ensure that you travel with the following documentation, which isrequired at customs upon arrival in Sri Lanka:

Passport with six months validityE-visa printoutTravel itinerary (provided 30 days before departure)Hotel list (provided 30 days before departure)

Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visitinghttps://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements. Visasshould not be applied for until you receive your final documentation.

TOUR ITINERARY

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be effected by unforeseen events outside the control of InspiringVacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 13

OTHER INFORMATION Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be providedapproximately 30 days prior to travel.The total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject tochange, depending on the flight schedule. Please refer to the day-by-day itineraryfor the time spent in your destination(s).

TOUR ITINERARY

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be effected by unforeseen events outside the control of InspiringVacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 14