✓ Small group - 16 people max
✓ Return international airfares with Singapore Airlines
✓ Includes 3-night Singapore Stopover
✓ Return airport transfers
✓ 11 nights in 5-star accommodation throughout Sri Lanka
✓ 3 nights at the 4-star Furama RiverFront in Singapore
✓ Daily breakfast, 3 lunches and 8 dinners
✓ Escorted English-speaking guide throughout
✓ Incredible sightseeing as per the itinerary
✓ Dedicated private transportation throughout
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Today begins your magnificent tour through one of this year’s top travel destinations. Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel in Colombo. This fantastic city brings together the old and the new as its gorgeous Colonial ruins and buildings contrast with modern high-rise hotels and commercial banks.
Enjoy a late start to the day, with plenty of time to relax and adjust after your flight yesterday. A little after breakfast there will be a welcome briefing with the group before we begin our guided city tour.
Colombo is a vibrant place with a laidback ambience. It's also a melting pot of cultures and religions, with a mix of Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu and Roman Catholic residents. Our walk today will cover the main spots in the city, taking in the local architecture and offering insight into the local lifestyle. We will visit both Buddhist and Hindu temples, the Dutch Reformed Church and the mesmerising Red Mosque, all while learning about Sri Lanka’s complex and fascinating history. We’ll also tour the bustling and colourful Pettah Bazaar – a whirlwind of sights, sounds and scents – as well as Independence Square, Parliament and the National Museum. Our city tour will finish with a shopping opportunity for a good cause at the Barefoot fair-trade store. Here you can find a collection of handicrafts from around the country and support local cottage industries.
Following our tour, we will depart Colombo and head for the carefully preserved colonial city of Galle, which features an interesting blend of European architecture and South-Asian traditions. Upon arrival in Galle we will take a tour of the Old Town of Galle and its fortifications – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll meander through winding passageways, a maze of gallery-filled narrow streets and 400 years of rich history. Afterwards, we will continue on to Weligama, a beach town on the south coast where we will check in to our hotel for the evening.
You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package. This exquisite tea plantation in the hills above Koggala offers highly informative tours of the estate. You’ll sample and learn how they produce over 25 varieties of tea here, including the fabled Virgin White tea, a delicate brew made from the tiniest and newest leaves. Where the average large plantation worker will pick 23kg of black tea in a day, the workers here manage but 150 grams of virgin white leaves.
Your morning is free to relax alongside the pool or catch some sun at the beach. In the early afternoon, we will depart Weligama and transfer to the town of Tissamaharama. En route we will stop for lunch and enjoy a very special Inspiring Taste experience, meeting with a local fisherman to learn about their craft as they tell us about their life. Enjoy the freshest seafood lunch you've ever sampled with the fisherman’s family – a wonderful crab curry is likely to be on the menu. Following lunch we will continue on to the hotel and check-in for the evening.
You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package. Set out on an early morning whale and dolphin watching safari.
Today is one you have certainly been waiting for! After breakfast, you may relax or partake in one of our bonus Inspiring Sights. This afternoon we will transfer to Yala National Park and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before we begin our afternoon jeep safari. The National Park encompasses a variety of diverse ecosystems and an impressive array of wildlife, including sloth bears, elephants and lots of exotic birds. We’ll search for the leopards that lounge in trees or stalk through the brush, crocodiles that patrol the river or wild elephants that graze across the savanna. Many of the species that we will see are endemic to Sri Lanka.
This morning enjoy some leisure time at the hotel surroundings before transferring to Nuwara Eliya (Approx 4.5hours).
En-route why not try one of Sri Lankas favourite ingredients, buffalo curd, served in bright terracotta pots with thick, golden treacle, often eaten as a snack, as an accompaniment to meals or as a dessert. Sri Lankan's are famed for their sweet tooth and this is just about as sweet as it gets.
We also make a photo stop at Ravana Falls in Ella. The Ravana Falls (popularly known as Ravana Ella in Sinhala) is a popular sightseeing attraction in Sri Lanka. It currently ranks as one of the widest falls in the country. This waterfall measures approximately 25 m (82 ft) in height and cascades from an oval-shaped concave rock outcrop. During the local wet season, the waterfall turns into what is said to resemble an area flower with withering petals. But this is not the case in the dry season, where the flow of water reduces dramatically.
We then head to Nuwara Eliya and commence a small orientation tour around this quaint town, before checking into our Inspiring Stay at the iconic Grand Hotel, where then the remainder of the day is at your leisure.
You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.
Jump into a Jeep and enjoy another safari tour as we search for the animals that eluded us yesterday.
This morning you will get the opportunity for another iconic Sri Lankan experience, a visit to a tea plantation. Embark on a tea tour through the factory to experience the makings of world-famous Ceylon Tea's from start to finish, including tastings. You may also get the opportunity to get up close and personal with the local tea pluckers.
Today we also visit the famous Hakgala Botanical Gardens, where then the rest of the day is at your leisure.
Later this afternoon, enjoy the infamous High Tea back at The Grand Hotel.
Today, we say farewell to Nuwara Eliya as we hop on what is widely recognised as one of the world’s most scenic train rides, winding around mist-shrouded hilltops and through vivid green valleys.
The original train system in Sri Lanka was introduced in 1864 to transport tea from the hills to Colombo, but today it serves as a fantastic way to see Sri Lanka’s magical landscapes. You’ll have the chance to experience the tea culture of Sri Lanka on a tour and tasting of the famous Ceylon Tea, in Nuwara Eliya. Ceylon (Sri Lankan) tea is known for its quality worldwide, and with this guided tour you'll learn how the entire process works, from plucking to drying to packing and more. Guests can also enjoy another unique experience, should they wish – plucking tea leaves in the company of local pickers.
After our experience in Nuwara Eliya, we then transfer to Kandy by private bus. This evening you will enjoy a riveting cultural show with some traditional dancing in Kandy.
Perched on a mountain ridge overlooking the lush green countryside, the city of Kandy offers many a photo opportunity. Kandy is the second largest city in the country and the capital of the central hill regions. It's a very peaceful place that's centred around a lake.
Today, we'll learn all about this former capital during a city tour. In the morning we'll explore the captivating Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa). Located in the heart of town, this is the most revered site in the country, housing a relic of a tooth of Buddha, taken from his funeral pyre.
Following this you may choose another Inspiring Sight, visiting the Royal Botanical Gardens. Our city tour will also include a walk through a local market, where we can taste a large number of endemic fruits while experiencing the city’s day to day life.
This evening you will get another chance to visit a local home to experience an interactive cooking class and delicious meal for our second Inspiring Taste. We’ll join a Sinhalese family who will spoil your sweet tooth with a traditional Sri Lankan dinner. Try your hand at crafting the perfect hopper (a savoury, bowl-shaped pancake made from rice flour, coconut milk and eggs) and try a chicken curry made with spice-infused coconut milk. We’ll then fill up on specialty sweets inspired by Dutch and Portuguese dessert traditions.
This morning is yours to spend at your leisure, or alternatively, enjoy a local market tour as one of our bonus Inspiring Sights to enhance your experience.
In the afternoon we will depart Kandy and head towards Sigiriya, our next destination. En route we will pay a special visit to the breathtaking Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Gold Temple of Dambulla, where we will explore this magnificent cave complex. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed monastery has been a pilgrimage site for 22 centuries and for good reason. Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, and features vast swathes of Buddhist mural paintings as well as 157 statues. After our tour here, we will continue on to Sigiriya.
You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package. Explore the Wholesale Market and dodge the trucks and people piled high with every type of produce imaginable. Boasting an incredible array of fresh food, much of which is subsequently transported to Colombo for sale, this is the perfect place to get a sense of Sri Lanka’s agricultural diversity.
You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package. On this safari you will be able to witness large numbers of Sri Lankan elephants who are attracted to grass fields on the edges of the reservoir during the dry season. The elephant gathering will be a very unique experience.
Early this morning we will set off for the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, or Lion Rock – one of the highlights of any visit to Sri Lanka. A dramatic rocky outcrop that rises from the surrounding plains like a mirage, the 200-metre tall rock column is topped by the ruins of a 5th-century citadel. Reaching the top of the rock requires a little leg work, but is well worth the effort. The stunning stone facade has been weathered over many centuries and the panoramic view from the top is awe-inspiring. On our climb we’ll explore the beautiful water garden, the boulder garden, the colourful frescoes and the so-called 'mirror wall'. Once we pass the lion's paws, hewn from solid rock, it’s a steep climb with plenty of steps and walkways. Those who don't wish to venture to the top can rest at the lion's paws until the rest of the group return.
In the afternoon we’ll visit the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa and the fascinating Archaeological Museum. The second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s kingdoms, the ruins of this city were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, and used as a backdrop for some scenes for the Duran Duran music video Save a Prayer.
You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.
Experience the authentic rural life and interact with locals on this exciting guided walking tour.
This morning you'll have the choice to participate in another one of our bonus Inspiring Sights. Alternatively, you may spend the morning at your leisure. After our visit to this ancient city we’ll travel to Negombo, a city on the west coast of Sri Lanka. En route you’ll have the opportunity to visit a coconut plantation.
Upon arrival in Negombo, we'll spend the evening touring the city with our guide. Near the waterfront, we’ll visit the remains of the 17th-century Dutch Fort, which now houses a prison. Negombo Lagoon, lined with fishermen’s huts, feeds into the Dutch-era Hamilton Canal, which leads south to the capital, Colombo. Our tour will finish with a visit to a few local temples.
You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package. Experience a tour in the sacred city of Anuradhapura, one of the main shrines of Buddhism in the country. Explore through intricate monuments and amazing architecture. While here you’ll witness the famous sacred fig tree, Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi.
Unfortunately today is our last day in this splendid country. After breakfast, take some time to relax before you need to check out of the hotel. From the hotel we will enjoy a lovely market tour to do some last minute shopping and enjoy the cheerful goings-on alongside the beach road. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner to converse with your fellow travellers about your Sri Lankan highlights. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport to board your over night flight to Singapore.
Arrive in Singapore in the early morning, and awake together with this vibrant city. You will be transferred straight to your hotel where you have the opportunity to store your luggage. Then the city is yours. How about trying a traditional Singaporean breakfast of a plate of pandan-scented kaya toast with some runny-yolked soft-cooked eggs topped with white pepper and dark soy sauce.
Explore the city in an included tour, by driving round the Civic District, passing by the Padang, Cricket Club, historic Parliament House, Supreme Court and City Hall. Next, stop at the Merlion Park and enjoy the impressive views of Marina Bay. Do not miss out this picture taking opportunity with The Merlion, a mythological creature that is part lion and part fish. Visit Thian Hock Keng Temple, one of Singapore’s oldest Buddhist-Taoist temples, before driving past Chinatown. Stop by a Local Handicraft Centre and observe craftsmen at work up-close. Proceed to the National Orchid Garden, located within Singapore Botanic Gardens, which boasts a sprawling display of 60,000 orchid plants. Our final stop, at Little India, will enchant you with the scent of joss sticks, jasmine and spices.
Today is free for you to further explore this fun city.
Today, fly home from Singapore, arriving into Australia this evening.
Inspiring Stays
Inspiring Sights
To enhance your journey, we're offering guests two bonus sightseeing experiences out of a choice of 10 options (options listed under 'Optional Tours').
Inspiring Taste
Secure your package with a deposit of $500 per person. You will then be invoiced for final payment 90 days prior to departure.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return to Australia.
All 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 for three months from the date of issue.
You must make sure that the same travel document that was used for applying online is used for entering Sri Lanka.
Visit http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/ to apply for an e-visa.
Information required:
Pay US$35 (AU$49) per person by credit card. Wait for it to be approved and you will be notified via email within approximately 48 hours. Please note, you will be transferred to an external site when completing your payment online.
Once approved, please ensure that you travel with the following documentation, which is required at customs upon arrival in Sri Lanka:
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements. Visas should not be applied for until you receive your final documentation.
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:
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 and proposed flight itinerary, and then proceed with collecting the additional payment required to confirm your request. All additional accommodation and sightseeing is at your own arrangement, or alternatively we can offer the following rates:
Please note, if you are not arriving or departing as per the group itinerary, airport transfers are also no longer included. If you would like us to arrange this service for you, an additional cost will apply:
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.
Premium Economy upgrade available from an additional $2,000 per person (subject to availability).
Business Class upgrade available from an additional $4,000 per person (subject to availability).
Please specify this as a 'Special Request' when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable, or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.
A reduction of $900 per person applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares.To purchase a land-only fare, please select this option in the booking process under 'Departure City'. Please note, if you are not arriving or departing as per the group itinerary, airport transfers will not be included. Should you wish to book airport transfers to match your own flights, the cost is $60 per vehicle, per direction.
Please note that it is not possible to confirm the train ticket reservation as the Sri Lanka Railway Department has a manual system for reservations. Tickets can only be booked 30 days prior to departure. The first and second class carriages are basic but have air conditioning. The third class carriages are not air-conditioned, but on occasion this is the only option available. In the rare event that the train is fully booked we’ll conduct the journey by road.
To enhance your journey, we're offering two free sightseeing experiences out of a choice of 10 options, listed below. Guests can also purchase any of the remaining eight sightseeing experiences (cost is per person):
Handunugoda Tea Estate Visit - $20
Whale Watching - $69 pp
Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home - $20
Morning Jeep Safari - $69
Little Adam's Peak - $39
Visit to Diyaluma or Dunhinda Falls - $39
Wholesale market tour - $39
Minneriya Jeep safari - $49
Evening Sigiriya cycling tour - $49
Anuradhapura Ruins - $49
Optional tours can be booked at the time of purchase with your package. You will be able to select these as an ‘Add-On’ during the purchase path before paying your deposit. Any additional costs incurred will be added to the final balance of your booking.
If you are not ready to choose your optional tours, you can log in to your account and add them to your order at a later date, or you can contact your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance. Please note that if you are pre-purchasing an optional tour, you must book the tour no later than 60 days before departure.
Additional tours may be purchased while on your trip, however, they are subject to availability and liable to price fluctuations as a result of currency exchange rates at the time.
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however any changes are beyond our control.
The single supplement is $1,199 on top of the twin-share price.
Available. If you wish to purchase triple-share please phone 1300 886 688. The third person will also be charged the twin-share price.
2-16 people.
Children must be five years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with QBE Insurance to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover, earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points and save 25% on retail rates.
Simply click HERE to arrange your policy.
Refundable deposit within 28 days of purchase:
For cancellations made within 28 days of paying the deposit on any tour, your deposit can be refunded in full or can be transferred to a new booking should you decide to change to another package or destination. Please note this change of mind guarantee does not apply for bookings made within 90 days of departure, after which time our standard 48 hour cooling off period applies. After this time, your booking becomes non-refundable.
All cancellation or change requests must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Refund times will vary and the timeframe of which will be advised at the time of cancellation. Any refund of deposit will be issued back to the original form of payment.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Transferrable second installment up until 90 days before scheduled departure:
Following the second installment payment and up until 90 days before your departure only, should you wish to postpone your travel or transfer to another package, we can provide you with a credit note of the current balance paid on your booking, to be used to rebook within 18 months of the credit being issued.
Any change request must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions for more details
Please note that Yala National Park closes for a period between the months of September and October. The exact closure dates are made clear closer to the time. The closure is due to the prevailing dry weather prior to this time and taking into consideration the well-being of the wildlife in the reserve. For departure dates that fall over this period, as defined in the departure dates listed below, Yala National park will be replaced with a visit to Udawalawe National Park, while still being able to visit Block 4 or 5 of Yala National Park. Please refer to the itinerary.
Although smaller in size to Yala National Park, Udawalawe National Park is considered one of the world's best places to see wild elephants. Largely comprised of grasslands and bush forest, Udawalawe is also one of the best national parks in Sri Lanka for game spotting and being far less crowded than Yala, it makes for a more enjoyable experience for travellers and therefore, we believe is a more than suitable alternative for one safari day. You will still be able to visit Block 4 or 5 of Yala National Park, so you are able to experience both.
Wondering what to expect when you visit the iconic Yala National Park? Click HERE to learn more about Yala
18 Sep 2020
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