Grand Tour ofSRI LANKA

Experience the living cultures of Sri Lanka

18 Days • Departs 22 March 2017

Your Tour Escorts Russ & Mary

Anuradhapura Tea Plantations

SMALL GROUP TOUR FULLY ESCORTED EX AUSTRALIA

DAY 1: 22 March 2017 Brisbane to ColomboDepart Brisbane at 2.40pm arriving into Singapore at 8.40pm. Depart Singapore at 10.35pm arriving into Colombo at 11.55pm.Transfer to your hotel.

DAY 2: 23 March 2017 ColomboFree day today until your Welcome dinner this evening.Meals: B, D

DAY 3: 24 March 2017 ColomboColombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, is a bustling, cosmopolitan city whose colonial history is still very much evident along wide, shaded boulevards and among its Victorian churches and tumbledown cafes. An introductory half-day city tour visits the vibrant temples and bazaars of Pettah, selling seemingly everything from traditional jewellery to Ayurvedic medicines. A trip to the Old Dutch hospital is a highlight of the newly restored Fort complex, home to some of Colombo's chicest restaurants, cafes and shops. After lunch rest of day at leisure.Meals: B, L, D

DAY 4: 25 March 2017 Colombo to AnuradhapuraToday you will leave the capital and head north to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, the spiritual heart of the Cultural Triangle. On route, visit the somnolent village of Mihintale and its nearby sacred mountain peak and temple complex. Ancient monastic dwellings and meditations spots are connected by beautiful old stone steps amongst rocky hills.Meals: B, L, D

DAY 5: 26 March 2017 Anuradhapura to NilaveliRecognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Anuradhapura's city ruins are one of South Asia's most evocative sites and contain a rich collection of crumbling temples, vast monasteries and elaborate palaces. Learn the fascinating history of the first ancient Sinhalese capital and marvel at the sacred Bodhi tree, the oldest authenticated tree in the world, tended by its dutiful guardians for over 2000 years. Lunch at a local restaurant before travelling east on to the beautiful beaches of Nilaveli.Meals: B, L, D DAY 6: 27 March 2017 NilaveliToday has been left at leisure. With its powder-

white sands and emerald-blue waters, Nilaveli is the perfect place to relax and enjoy Sri Lanka's laid-back, less-visited East coast.Meals: B, L, D

DAY 7: 28 March 2017 Nilaveli to DambullaThis morning, journey to Sri Lanka's second ancient city, via the coastal town of Trincomalee. Polonnaruwa became the seat of the Sinhalese kings and Sri Lanka's second ancient capital after the demise of Anuradhapura. Scattered over gently undulating woodland, explore the monumental ruins of the ancient garden-city built by the megalomaniac Sinhalese king, Parakramabahu I, in the twelfth century. Afterwards, continue on to Dambulla where you will spend the next two nights.Meals: B, L, D

DAY 8: 29 March 2017 Dambulla and SigiriyaUndoubtedly a highlight of the tour is today's excursion to the aweinspiring Sigiriya rock fortress. The ancient city of Sigiriya is a World Heritage Site and the city ruins lie on the slopes and summit of the imposing granite peak, towering above the jungle below. Climb up steps carved into the rock face to see the fortified palace and brilliant frescoes or enjoy the spectacular views of ancient citadel and jungle from the lily-pad-covered moats that surround the rock. Return to your hotel for lunch and to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.Meals: B, D

DAY 9: 30 March 2017 Dambulla to KandyAfter breakfast visit the Dambulla Rock Temple, where the impressive caves contain over 2000 square metres of painted walls and ceilings which were once gilded by the ancient King to mark his place of worship. After some time to explore here, a stop will be made at a typical Sri Lankan spice garden to observe how a variety of spices are grown. You will arrive into Kandy this afternoon and head to the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth. The golden-roofed temple houses Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist relic - a tooth of Buddha; you will arrive in time for 'pooja' when the heavily guarded room housing the relic is open to both pilgrims and travellers alike.Meals: B, L, D

DAY 10: 31 March 2017 KandyCradled amongst misty hills, the small city of Kandy exudes history, culture and beauty with its calm centrepiece lake surrounded by rolling forested

SRI LANKA

Journey to the heart of this captivating island, boasting an incredible variety of highlights from undiscovered pristine beaches in the East, to ancient civilisations and sacred pilgrimage sites in the Cultural Triangle. Journey high up into the tea plantations of Sri Lanka's hill country and then down to Udawalawe and Yala to experience Sri Lanka's stunning wildlife, and discover the country's rich history in Colonial Galle and the capital, Colombo. _________________________

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• City tours of Colombo, Kandy and Galle• The beautiful beaches of Nileveli and Mirissa• Explore the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Rock Temple• UNESCO World Heritage Site of the ancient capital, Anuradhapura• Discover Nuwara Eliya with its famous tea plantations• Safari through both Udawalawe and Yala National Park

Colombo

landscapes and colourful houses. Explore the famous botanical gardens of Peradeniya, full of exotic palms, colourful orchids and home to over four thousand species of trees and plants. Then enjoy a tour of the city followed by a day at leisure.Meals: B, L, D

DAY 11: 1 April 2017 Kandy to Nuwara EliyaThis morning you will journey to Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as 'Little England' due to its plethora of colonial bungalows, well-tended hedgerows and pretty rose gardens. The picturesque mountain town is blessed with a salubrious climate and breathtaking views over the surrounding valleys, meadows and peaks. Sri Lanka is one of the world's largest exporters of tea and Nuwara Eliya has been the capital of this industry since the 19th century. En route to your hotel, you will make a stop at a tea plantation to observe the rich traditional process and inhale the heavenly scent of the prestigious Ceylon tea brand.Meals: B ,L, D

DAY 12: 2 April 2017 Nuwara Eliya to UdawalaweA morning tour of Nuwara Eliya begins today, driving through the lush green tea plantations dotted with the colourful saris of the women working in them. Lunch will be served in a local village, Ella, with far reaching views over the misty landscapes beyond before continuing to Udawalawe.Meals: B, L, D

DAY 13: 3 April 2017 Udawalawe to TissamaharamaUdawalawe national park is renowned for its elephant viewing opportunities against the stunning backdrop of the surrounding hills. Rising early this morning, embark on a jeep safari to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. As well as being home to over 250 elephants, deer, water buffalo, monkeys and a variety of bird species can also be found in the park. Just outside the park is the Elephant Transit Home, an inspirational project started to rehabilitate injured elephants. After this visit, depart for Tissamaharama to enjoy lunch and the rest of day at leisure.MEALS: B, L, D

Day 14: 4 April 2017 Tissamaharama and Yala National ParkAfter some free time this morning, a jeep safari in the nearby Yala national park awaits. Covering

a vast 1200 square kilometres, Yala is Sri Lanka's largest national park boasting a uniquely stunning ocean front setting. Journey through the heartland of wildlife, home to elephants, sloths, deer and, with the highest density of leopards in the world, you may even be lucky enough to spot one of these beautifully elusive animals.Meals: B, L, D

Day 15: 5 April 2017 Tissamaharama to MirissaDeparting Tissamaharama, you will travel to the sleepy coastal resort of Mirissa. The idyllic crescent of beach, fringed with coconut palms is the perfect place to crack open a coconut and relax on the soft golden sands by the calm turquoise waters.Meals: B, L, D

Day 16: 6 April 2017 Mirissa and GalleThis morning will be at leisure for you to further relax or choose an optional whale watching excursion. The south coast of Sri Lanka is arguably the best place in the world

to see planet earth's largest ever creatures, the Blue Whale. Alternatively, visit the nearby Hikkaduwa preschool to see a charity project funded and supported by Mercury Holidays. Late this morning you will travel to Galle, a fort area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This national treasure has been inhabited by the Portuguese, Dutch and British, all of whom left their distinctive marks visible in the walled Galle Fort and through the sleepy streets strewn with colonial buildings, restaurants and small boutique shops.Meals: B, L, D

Day 17: 7 April 2017 Mirissa to ColomboAfter breakfast you will be transferred to your hotel in Colombo.Meals: B

Day 18: 8 April 2017Depart Colombo at 11.30am arriving into Singapore at 6pm. Depart Singpoare at 9.30pm arriving into Brisbane at 7.05am the next morning.

Leopard, Yala National Park Sigiriya

Phone: (07) 555 79 888 | Free Call: 1300 786 888 The Professional Centre, Suite 1, 189 Ashmore Road, Benowa QLD 4217Email: info@zt.com.au | Website: www.zt.com.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/zeppelintravel

Please note: Upgrades on airfares and accommodation available on request. Please ask Zeppelin Travel for details.

TOUR COST:

$5,645 per person twin share$6,795 single INCLUSIONS: • Escorted by professional tour director from Brisbane with local English speaking guides throughout

• Return economy class airfares from Brisbane• Arrival and departure transfers • All hotel accommodation (3-5 Star)

• All meals as noted in the itinerary • All touring and excursions as noted in the itinerary TOUR COST EXCLUDES: • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary • Gratuities • Excursions/Sightseeing & Entrance fees not mentioned in itinerary • Room extras such as mini bar, room service etc • Travel Insurance• Sri Lankan Visa

BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS: A deposit of $1000 per person is required at the time of the booking. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Bookings made within 90 days prior to departure, subject to availability, will require immediate payment. Credit card payment surcharges apply. Minimum passenger numbers are required for this tour to run at the advertised cost. If 15 passengers have not booked by 90 days prior to departure then it may be necessary to review the tour cost and escorted tour component and offer similar arrangements on an unescorted basis. *PRICES AND CURRENCY ADJUSTMENT: All packages are in AUD and are subject to currency adjustments either up or down until the booking is paid in full. Any variation to the prices will be based on the rates available to us at the time the deposit is paid and again on the final balance. Cancellations fees will apply. All services and reservations provided are subject to the condition of the principal providers. Travel Insurance is essential, please see your Travel Consultant for a quote to suit your needs. Reservations may be booked through Zeppelin Travel, The Professional Centre, Suite 1, 189 Ashmore Road, Benowa QLD 4217. Please call 1300 786 888 or 07 5557 9888 or visit www.zt.com.au

MEET YOUR TOUR ESCORT:

Broadcaster Russ Walkington and his partner Mary have been escorting groups of Radio Listeners on exciting tours all over the World for over twenty years building a reputation for being more than formal Escorts but rather Fellow Travellers Exploring, Discovering and Enjoying the Sights and making new friends along the way.

Russ became known as the Travelling Radio Man escorting Listener Tours to many countries and compiling interviews for the Zeppelin Armchair Travel Show on 4CRB.

The likeable couple are looking forward to taking you with them on their Tour to Sri Lanka.

Dambulla Rock Cave Temple