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15 Days Essence of Sri Lanka

15 Day Fly / Small Group Tour – 4 star hotels, ancient cities, the highlands, wildlife & beaches

  • Low Deposit $499* pp
  • Bonus Savings | $1500
  • Travel in Sep 24 - May 25

Book By 31 May 2024

Select Dates Sep 24 - May 25

Product Code: MT-1599

15 Days Essence of Sri Lanka

15 Day Fly / Small Group Tour – 4 star hotels, ancient cities, the highlands, wildlife & beaches

  • Low Deposit $499* pp
  • Bonus Savings | $1500
  • Travel in Sep 24 - May 25

Package Inclusions Open All

International flights from Australia to Colombo roundtrip 

Discover Anuradhapura in the cultural triangle, where you can explore world heritage treasures and ancient sacred cities, In between, unwind with laid back wildlife safaris, tranquil jungle walks, and relaxing beach time. Our 15 day tour boasts a diverse range of experiences for everyone.

Highlights 

  • Small Group Tour up to 20 people 
  • 14 nights in hand selected 4-star hotels 
  • Visit the ancient ruins and sacred Buddhist sites of Anuradhapura 
  • Two days to experience the coastal gem of Trincomalee beach   
  • Hike through lush jungle to Ritagala Forest Monastery 
  • Two wildlife safaris to Minneriya & Yala National Park 
  • Train ride in the hill country & visit to the tea plantations 
  • Walk the paddy fields & local lunch in a Chena Village  
  • Three days to explore the cultural sights from Dambulla 
  • Visit the Dutch colonial town of Galle Fort 
  • City tour of the vibrant streets of Colombo 

Inclusions 

  • Roundtrip flights to Colombo 
  • Return airport transfers 
  • 14 nights in 4-star hotels  
  • Breakfast daily & 11 meals 
  • Private deluxe coach & expert tour leader 
  • Unique sightseeing and admissions 
Itinerary Map

Your Itinerary

Itinerary Map
Itinerary Map

Open All

 
Arrive Colombo - Negombo

Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka

Meet your tour leader at the airport. A transfer is included to your resort nearby in Negombo.

 
Negombo – Anuradhapura (B, D)

Today we head to Anuradhapura, a UNESCO world heritage site that gives a glimpse into the island’s rich history and cultural heritage.  Anuradhapura was a majestic sprawl of magnificent palaces, ornate gardens, exquisite sculptures, and vast Buddhist temples. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and explore the city

 
Anuradhapura Ancient City (B, D)

This morning visit the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura, one of South Asia’s most vivid sights and built during Anuradhapura’s thousand years of rule over Sri Lanka. The sprawling complex contains a rich collection of archaeological and architectural wonders: enormous dagobas (bell shaped memorials), ancient pools and crumbling temples. We also visit the sacred 2,000-year-old Sri Maha Bodi tree.

 
Anuradhapura – Trincomalee (B, D)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Trincomalee. En route, visit the iconic Koneswaram Temple, located on Swami Rock offering panoramic views of the coastline.

The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the beach.

 
Trincomalee (B, D)

A day at leisure to enjoy the beach. If you would like an early start to the day, you have the option of half day snorkelling at the nearby Pigeon Island. (extra expense), an opportunity to explore the vibrant marine life of the Indian ocean.

 
Trincomalee - Dambulla (B, D)

Today we explore Ritigala monastery. Walk the ancient winding stone paths in a canopy of lush jungle to explore the monastic ruins that was once home to the forest monks, dating back to the 1st century BC. Continue to Dambulla where we stay for the next few days to explore more of the historic sights and its parks.

 
Dambulla – Sigiriya (B, L)

Early morning you have the option to visit the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The rocky monolith rises high above the ground and is home to the remains of an ancient fortress built in the late 5th century (extra expense) Continue to a rural village where you see traditional farming and walk among the chena paddy fields to see how they cultivate the land. A local lunch is included with a tuk tuk ride back to the village. This evening takes in the vibrant rhythms and traditional beats of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage at a local performance in town.

 
Dambulla – Polonnaruwa – Minneriya (B, D)

This morning is at leisure or choose to visit the royal ancient city of Polonnaruwa once the playground for the kings. This afternoon, enjoy a safari at the Minneriya National Park, a vast preserve of forest and grasslands.  At the heart is the extraordinary Minneriya reservoir created by the Anuradhapura civilization over 1800 years ago. Its peaceful shores are the perfect place to observe herds of elephants and flocks of storks.

 
Dambulla – Kandy (B)

Driving Time – 3 Hours

Today travel to the centre of the highlands to the historic city of Kandy, situated between three mountain ranges. Visit the Temple of the Tooth, the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, and catch a panoramic view of the picturesque town from Upper Lake Drive. There will free time for browsing the handicrafts, batiks, silks and jewellery in town or the option to join a walking tour taking in the aromatic spices and tasting the local street eats in the afternoon. (own expense)

 

 
Kandy – Nuwara Eliya (B, D)

Driving Time – 2 Hours

This morning head to Nuwara Eliya in the Sri Lanka highlands and visit a tea plantation and treat yourself to an aromatic cup of pure Ceylon tea. Take a stroll through or the many waterfalls nearby.

 
Nuwara Eliya - Ella - Yala (B, D)

Board the train from Nanu Oya and enjoy a scenic train ride through the misty mountains and plantations to arrive at Ella. Visit the Nine Arches Bridge and Demodara with some free time to wander the quaint streets lined with cafes & restaurant. Continue to Yala where we will stay for two nights.

 
Yala (B, D)

With an early start to the day leave for a morning safari in Yala National Park. Travel by jeep across the park’s wild terrain, spotting monkeys swinging through the trees, crocodiles lurking along the riverbanks and spotting the birds above and on the ground. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the elusive leopard! Return to the hotel for breakfast with the remainder of day at leisure.

 
Yala – Galle – Bentota (B, D)

Driving Time – 4 hours 

Today visit the Galle Fort and its ruins. The ancient port of Galle was Sri Lanka’s first international centre of trade and is now a bustling centre. Surrounded on three sides by the ocean Galle still hosts a stunning collection of colonial sites dating back over hundreds of years. In the afternoon, continue to Bentota for two nights.

 
Bentota (B, D)

A day at leisure at the beach.

 
Bentota - Colombo - Fly Home (B)

Driving Time – 2 hours 

Today we stop in Colombo for a tour of the vibrant streets and landmarks of the city. This evening before heading to the airport we stop at a pub offering panoramic views of the bustling port city with the option of having dinner included (extra expense) Your tour comes to an end at the airport for your onward flight.

See full itinerary

Important Info Open All

Price based on tour starting 8 November 2024

Extra charges apply for:

  • 27 September 2024 ($100pp)
  • 31 January 2025 ($600pp)
  • 21 February 2025 ($500pp)
  • 14 March 2025 ($500pp)
  • 18 April 2025 ($400pp)
  • 16 May 2025 ($400pp)
  • 30 May 2025 ($400pp)

Price based on departing from Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Extra charges apply for:

  • Brisbane ($200pp)
  • Adelaide ($300pp)

Optional programs can be booked directly with the guide and paid in local currency or USD.
Minimum numbers may apply to operate.

Our Small group tour is carefully designed to give a real insight into the ancient cities, culture, wildlife parks and beauty of each region. Each day will be different, with a combination of travel days, sightseeing and free time to explore or take a breather as you wish.

Negombo – Arie Lagoon 4* or similar

Anuradaphura – Rajarta Hotel 4* or similar

Trincomalee – Trinco Blu by Cinnamon 4* or similar

Dambulla – Occidental Paradise 4*or similar

Kandy – Radisson Blu Kandy 4* or similar

Nuwara Eliya – Galway Heights 4*or similar

Yala – Kithala Resort 4* or similar

Bentota – Cinnamon Bay 4* or similar

Colombo – Granbell Colombo 4* or similar

 

Note: Accommodation is subject to change and will be confirmed close to departure. The accommodation is self-rated based on local standards.

Important Information 

Exclusions 

Flights, airport transfers, meals not stated, drinks on meals, optional programs, visas (if required), travel insurance (strongly recommended), tipping, personal expenses and anything not explicitly specified are at your own expense. 

Payment 

A first deposit of $499 per person is required to secure your booking. A second deposit (partial payment) is due 10 months before departure – the amount to be advised at the time of booking. The final balance will be due 5 months before departure. Full payment is due at the time of booking for departures within 5 months. 

Fitness 

A moderate level of fitness is required to move about unassisted, including getting in and out of coaches & safari vehicles. Daily activities will include walking, and navigating stairs, uneven or steep terrain at temples, ruins & Sigiriya Rock. On safari the roads are unsealed. This trip is not suitable for travellers requiring wheelchair, mobility scooters or facilities for disabled guests. For advice on whether this trip is suitable for you, you are required to disclose physical ailments at the time of booking. Other walking aids may be permitted if you are able move about unassisted at the required pace.  

Solo Occupancy 

A single supplement from $1300 per person is payable in addition to the twin share price for solo occupancy. 

Triple Share 

Triple share is not available. 

Child 

This tour is best enjoyed by adult travelers and is not suitable for children under 12 years of age.  

There is no discount for children aged 12 and above. 

Price 

Surcharges may apply for select travel periods and departure cities. Prices are correct at time of publication and are subject to availability, change, cancellation, or withdrawal without notice. All prices are in Australian dollars per person twin share unless stated otherwise. 

 Amendment 

Each amendment is subject to a non-refundable fee – from $75 per person. Additional fees and fare differences from third-party suppliers including air, tour, cruise, and accommodation providers may apply. 

Cancellation 

Cancellation at any time is subject to a non-refundable fee – from $550 per person. Additional fees and fare differences from third-party suppliers including air, tour, cruise, and accommodation providers may apply. 

Deviation 

Any request to deviate from the original dates or routing, including early arrival and stay behind, is subject to a flight deviation fee from $150 per person plus applicable airfare and tax difference. Packaged tour extensions are not subject to the deviation fee (applicable airfare and tax difference may still apply) if booked according to the original advertised dates and routing. 

Passport 

For international travel, each customer must provide a copy of the passport photo page at the time of booking. It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure all names are full names matched to the passport with six months validity beyond trip completion. The customer is liable for all fees due to incorrect names, invalid passport information and expired passports. 

Visa 

A visa is required for Australian passport holders visiting Sri Lanka for the purpose of holiday. www.srilankaevisa.lk

This policy is subject to change without notice. Visa requirements for each origin and destination country are the responsibility of the customer to check and obtain (if required) with the local consulate or embassy. The customer is liable for all visa application costs and fees due to the failure to obtain the required travel documents. 

Health 

It is the responsibility of the customer to check and comply with the health, vaccination, COVID-19 and immigration requirements of each origin and destination country, and health requirements imposed by air, tour, cruise, and accommodation providers. Vaccinations, testing, and quarantine costs are the expense of the customer. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. 

Baggage 

Each person is entitled to a strict maximum of one bag not exceeding 20kg on the coach tour, superseding any other baggage allowance. Excess baggage is not permitted. You are strongly encouraged to pack lightly. A light day bag or backpack is permitted on the coach. Porterage is not included, and you are required to carry your own bags. Luggage and personal effects are your own risk, and we hold no liability for lost or damaged belongings. 

Meals 

Please notify us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements and allergies. We will pass on your requirements but cannot guarantee that they can be met as certain choices may be limited or not catered for. You are encouraged to reconfirm requirements with your tour leader whilst on tour. 

Accommodation 

Accommodation names referenced are to be used as an indicative guide for the standard of accommodation to expect. Actual accommodation names may differ and will be confirmed on your final documentation. All hotel ratings are local or self-ratings provided by the supplier. All rooms are lead-in category or run of house unless otherwise specified. The standard check-in time is after 3pm and check-out is before 10am – actual times may vary. 

Tipping 

Tipping for guides and drivers is discretionary and recommended as a gesture of appreciation for the service provided. It is customary to tip at the end of the tour, a suggested amount of  AUD 8 to AUD 10 per day to cover both the tour leader and driver.   

Flights 

The outbound flight may depart one day prior to day 1 shown on the itinerary. The inbound flight may arrive one day after the final day shown on the itinerary. Flights are booked about 8 to 10 months before departure. The flights included in your package are based on a specific predetermined airfare allowance. Should there be a significant increase in airfares, fuel levies, taxes, or government fees at the time of booking flights, then an airfare supplement may be imposed. The flights team will discuss options with you prior to ticketing, should this situation arise. Flights may not operate daily or directly to your destination. No show of any flight sectors will result in the automatic cancellation of all onward flights by the airline. 

Fuel 

In the unlikely event of a significant increase in fuel costs levied by third-party air, land and cruise transportation operators before travel, a fuel supplement may be passed on to the customer. 

Transfers 

Transfers are included on the first and last day of the tour package. If you stay additional nights at the start or end of the tour, the transfers between the airport and hotels are not included.  

Group Size 

The tour group size is maximum 20 passengers. If the trip does not operate, you will be offered a credit.  

Optional Tours 

Optional Tours are paid directly with the guide and paid in the local currency or USD. 

They may require minimum numbers to operate. 

Itinerary 

The operating schedule and itinerary may be impacted without notice by adverse weather, seasonal factors, closures, local conditions, COVID-19 or other factors beyond our control including force majeure. If attractions are not available due to reasons beyond our control such as closures or adverse weather, alternatives will be provided where possible. The itinerary and its order, sightseeing and transportation may be adjusted as deemed appropriate by the operator for optimum safety, enjoyment and operation. Any reference to ‘optional’, ‘not included’ or ‘exclusions/excluded’ means at your own expense. 

Breakaway 

Customers must remain with the tour group and must not leave the tour unless written approval is provided before departure. 

Documentation 

Final documentation will be emailed within two weeks of departure. For packages consisting of multiple tours or countries, documentation will be emailed individually within two weeks of departure of each respective tour. 

Travel Insurance 

Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended. Ask our holiday experts for great coverage options. 

Force Majeure 

Force majeure means any natural disaster, accident, fire, act of God, act of war, terrorism, legally binding judgment, injunction, action of a court or other relevant authority, emergency, unplanned repairs, maintenance, strike, industrial dispute, work ban, blockade or picketing, travel ban, pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of infectious disease, or other event beyond our reasonable direct or indirect control. In case of force majeure or other extraordinary event that prevents safe travel, the supplier reserves the right to adjust, postpone or cancel the trip. 

Product Code: MT-1599

From $3,390 pp*
Valued at $4140

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15 Days Essence of Sri Lanka


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Nights 14

Adults 2

Children 0

Departure Point Sydney

Preferred Departure Date 27-09-2024


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