Best of Sri Lanka
11 Nights

Package Details

Details

Discover the best of Sri Lanka on the classic small-group tour. Starting in the capital Colombo, you’ll travel to Dambulla to witness treasures of the Cultural Triangle as you climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress ruins to survey the surrounding jungle. From there, you’ll journey to the through the hills of Sri Lanka’s tea country on a scenic train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya.

Rise early one morning for a safari through the Yala National Park, where you may see Sri Lankan leopards, elephants and wild water buffalo. You’ll explore the island with comfortable transport and accommodation, as well as a dedicated guide.

Key benefits of Classic Tours

• Unmissable experiences: The best of every destination: curated activities and must-see highlights
• Premium accommodation: Carefully selected 4- and 4.5-star hotels for comfort and convenience throughout
• Max 24 travellers: Small-group journeys with a maximum of 24 travellers

Inclusions

• Hike up Sigiriya Rock Fortress, where you’ll take in jungle views
• Enjoy a scenic train journey through Sri Lanka’s tea country from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
• Experience a wildlife safari in the Yala National Park
• 23 meals included – 11 breakfasts, two lunches and 10 dinners
• Dedicated English-speaking tour guide
• Air-conditioned and comfortable transport throughout
• All entrance fees, government taxes and service charges as specified in the itinerary

Terms

Update 19 December 2024: Amendments & Cancellations section updated, please see below.

Please note, our 7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee and Date Change policy does not apply to Tours

All deposits, service fee, and payments are non-refundable.
Where Luxury Escapes Tours may allow a cancellation for credit due to exceptional circumstances (and at its sole discretion) and where a cancellation/credit is not otherwise permitted, an additional service fee above and beyond the existing fees in the agreed payment schedules applies for A$300 per person will apply.
For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.
Date Changes

Changes can be made on request by contacting the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
Tours pricing is dynamic and can change at any time.
Additional fees and fare difference may apply.
Changes are not permitted after your final payment date.
For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.
Date change conditions listed above do not apply to flights or pre- and post-tour accommodation booked with us. Flight fulfilment and changes are governed by the airline(s) selected at the time of booking. For your air travel, you are bound by the terms and conditions and fare rules of the selected airline(s). For pre- and post-tour accommodation, these reservations are not directly linked to your tour and may require a separate cost to change, as stated in your ‘My Escapes.’
Itinerary Amendments & Changes

Occasionally our itineraries are updated prior to departure. This may be to accommodate changes in weather, public holidays, common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes, and unforeseen circumstances.
In the event of a change in itinerary (for safety reasons or due to events outside of our control) that results in cancellation or change fees toward flights (or other parts of your travel) we will notify you as soon as practicable.
You will be responsible for any associated costs or will otherwise have the right to a refund (less any costs incurred or paid to third parties).
Surcharges

After completing your booking, your tour cost may be subject to additional surcharges due to factors beyond the control of Luxury Escapes.
Where the cost of delivering your selected tour materially increases between the time of purchase and delivery, we reserve the right to increase the balance due. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, taxes, airfares, fuel surcharges, tour costs or government changes due to health and safety restrictions. A material increase will be considered one in excess of 10% of the package price.
Fine Print and package inclusions are accurate at the time of purchase and not subject to change, unless updates or corrections are specifically noted in the latest Fine Print with a timestamp. Please check the Fine Print prior to departure for any updates.

We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.

Accommodation
Accommodation for the duration of your tour is included in the Tour package.

You can find relevant accommodation details for each day of the itinerary on the Tour offer page, or in your ‘My Escapes’.
Please note:

Accommodation is subject to availability and may be substituted for a hotel of a similar or higher standard without notice.
Rooms will be made available after 3pm on the day of arrival. Checkout is required by 10am. Early check-in and late checkout may be available upon request, subject to availability. Additional fees may apply.
Maximum room capacity (Twin Room) is two adults. Maximum room capacity (Solo) is one adult.
Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation

Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour by contacting our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.

Luxury Escapes uses a range of accommodation partners. For pre- and post-tour accommodation options where we can offer the same hotel as the start and end of your tour, your pre- and post-tour accommodation will be booked independent of your tour. If the hotel for your tour changes, this will be independent of your pre- or post-tour accommodation booking. In this instance, change fees may apply on your pre- or post-tour accommodation. If you choose to change, change fees can be found in your ‘My Escapes’.

For pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings, you may be required to check out of your room and check in again on the first or last day of your tour. You will need to confirm these details directly with the hotel.

Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.

Exclusions
Roundtrip international flights
Visas
Airport transfers
Camera and video permits at cultural sights
Single supplement
Meals/drinks not stated in the itinerary
Optional activities/tours, personal expenses/transfers not mentioned
Travel insurance (required)
Tips and gratuities
Dining inclusions do not include drinks (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice.

Important information
Update 12 December 2024 4.12pm AEDT: Private transfers information updated, please see below.

Transfers

Shared arrival and departure transfers are available on the first and last day of your tour only.
If you have booked your pre- and post-tour accommodation through Luxury Escapes, transfers may be available for select tours (not available for Trusted Partner operated tours).
If you have booked pre- or post-tour accommodation outside of Luxury Escapes, you will forfeit your complimentary airport transfers.
Please note if guests would like to arrange a private transfer – or they arrive or depart outside the group transfer schedule – then a surcharge will apply. These can be added to your booking as an optional extra.
Group transfers will be arranged in line with the following flight arrival/departure times:
Arrival: between 11pm–12am.
Departure: 11pm–1am.
Outside these arrival/departure times, guests are required to pay a transfer surcharge. For more information, please contact our dedicated Tours Concierge team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
Flight information must be provided to Luxury Escapes 60 days prior to departure in order to book transfers. Please see Destination information for airport pick-up and drop-off information.
Please Note:

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya train: Railway tickets are generally only available for purchase approximately 30 days before travel. All efforts will be made to secure a seat for you in your chosen class, but please be aware that on some trains, tickets may have been pre-reserved. If confirmation of tickets in your chosen class is unsuccessful, you will be notified ahead of departure. Alternative travel may be arranged by road from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, following a scenic route through the region’s tea plantations.
The road from Amaya Hills to Kandy township is narrow and cannot accommodate coaches or buses. As such, a small vehicle transfer may be required for this portion of the itinerary.
Superior Upgrade: Seaplane transfers to and from Ifuru Island Maldives are offered during daylight hours. Travellers are advised to book flights from Malé (MLE) to depart after 10am on Day 16, to ensure seaplane transfer availability. For flights outside of this time, travellers will be required to instead join domestic flight transfers.
Travellers’ main luggage of 20kg might not be allowed in certain sectors. In such instances main luggage will be on first available flight and may not be transported on the same flight as the passenger’s travel.

Baggage Restrictions
Passengers are permitted one piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 23kg on tour. For Maldives extension, baggage allowance on the flight to Malé (MLE) is a maximum of 20kg. Please plan accordingly.
Passengers are permitted one additional, smaller piece of hand-luggage with a maximum weight of 5kg on tour.

Before You Go Essentials
Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is required on all our tours, which (at a minimum) covers medical expenses and repatriation. You may not be permitted to join the tour group if evidence of travel insurance is not provided prior to your trip. If you are unable to obtain travel insurance for whatever reason, you may be required to sign a waiver and/or provide a letter from a medical practitioner which confirms you are fit for travel. For any enquiries regarding travel insurance, please call 1300 88 99 00 or email sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Passports & Visas

A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they hold a current visa for the countries visited on tour. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
You are responsible for visas, entry, health and other requirements, and any documents required by laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited. Luxury Escapes and/or its servants and agents are not responsible for passport and visa requirements or for any loss you sustain for failing to comply with laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited.
A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).
Traveller Details

Traveller Details must be completed for each individual traveller.
Travellers must advise of any medical conditions or dietary requirements. Failure to provide such information in advance of your tour may result in an inability to cater to your requirements.
We work with exceptional local tour providers to present uniquely crafted packages that encompass sightseeing tours and excursions. Our tour provider partners are dedicated to making every effort to accommodate specific requirements. However, it should be noted that the extent to which they can address mobility and accessibility needs may vary, depending on the nature of the sightseeing tour and activities involved. Please contact tours@luxuryescapes.com so we can advise whether your specific needs can be accommodated.
Special dietary requirements can be catered for in most cases, however, on occasion this may not be possible due to location, lack of availability of unique ingredients, and other extenuating circumstances. It is always advised to carry any necessary supplies with you.
Passport details are required for all bookings. In some cases, a digital copy of your passport may be requested by Luxury Escapes to book certain elements of your trip.
If a photo of your passport is requested, failure to provide valid photo ID will result in your booking being cancelled and all monies paid remaining non-refundable. When requested, a digital copy of your passport must be provided for each guest at least 90 days prior to your tour departure.
Should you require any assistance with your Traveller Details, please contact our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
Tipping (approx. US$12–US$15 per day)

Tipping is considered standard practice in Sri Lanka. At the conclusion of the tour your guide will collect tips from each guest and it will be divided among the guide, driver and support staff. In addition, hotel and local restaurants and jeep safari drivers should be tipped a similar amount. Please bear in mind, tipping is optional and at your discretion.

Changing Money

You can change money at the airport upon arrival in Colombo. Larger cities such as Colombo, Galle and Kandy will also have ATM machines. US$ and other major currencies may be accepted in select locations (such as hotels).

What to Bring With You

It is recommended that you bring the following items with you:
Comfortable footwear
Hat
Lightweight, light-coloured cotton clothes
A few warmer clothes, and modest clothing for religious sites
Mosquito repellant
Sunscreen
Tour Pace

It’s important to note that specific activities and intensity levels may vary between different tour operators and destinations. When selecting a group tour, it’s advisable to carefully review the itinerary, activity descriptions and fitness requirements to ensure a suitable match for your preferences and physical capabilities.
Relaxed: Leisurely pace with limited walking or physical demands. Opportunity for ample free time and leisure activities. Suitable for individuals seeking a laidback experience.
Moderate: Usually more than one day in a location. Balanced mix of exploration and physical engagement. Suitable for participants with a reasonable level of fitness. Exploring cities on foot, visiting landmarks and guided excursions. Requires a moderate level of stamina and physical activity.
Active: Activities most days. Generally, not staying in a location for two days or more. Suitable for participants with high fitness levels and a sense of adventure.
Travel Styles

Fully Guided Tour: You’ll have a tour director and driver with you throughout the entire trip, from start to finish.
Partially Guided Tour: You’ll have a tour driver and local guides at specific locations or portions of the trip, but not the entire time. There might be different local guides for different regions.
Self-Guided Tour: You will not have a guide for your trip. You will be provided detailed trip notes with elements, such as accommodation and transport, pre-booked for you.
Health and Fitness Acknowledgement:

Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake the activities on this tour.
There are limitations to the degree of accommodations that can be made if travellers are unable to partake in the included activities on this tour. Please consider suitability as additional costs could apply.
Travellers also acknowledge and agree that neither we nor the tour provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (nor are we liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).

Destination Information
Your tour begins and ends at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), with roundtrip airport transfers. The extended tour ends at Velana International Airport (MLE), with included domestic economy class air or seaplane transfers.

Roundtrip flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. ** If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.**

Please book your flights to arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) at any time on Day 1 and depart from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) at any time on Day 12. For the extended tour, please book your flights to depart from Velana International Airport (MLE) after 10am on Day 16.

Roundtrip airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last day only.

Important: Please allow for travelling time from international countries. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive at your starting location on your chosen tour start date.

A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website, Visas Direct, to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa, please let us know and we will be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.

Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.

Important Destination Information:

Sri Lanka

Time zone: India Standard Time GMT+5:30

Telephone: +94

Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Accessing money: Avoid buying Sri Lankan rupees ahead of time, as it’s unlikely you’ll get a good rate outside of Sri Lanka, and remember to exchange back to your currency before returning home. ATMs are widely available, with credit cards widely accepted within the city. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas. Most institutions will exchange money for you.

Language: Sinhala or Tamil

Climate: Tropical and quite hot, Sri Lanka has an average yearly temperature that hovers between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius.

Maldives

Time zone: Maldives Time GMT+5

Telephone: +960

Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MRF) or United States dollar (USD)

Accessing money: ATMs are widely available, with credit cards widely accepted.

Language: Dhivehi

Climate: Warm and tropical, with an average high between 29 and 31 degrees Celsius year-round. January and April are the driest months, with little rain and low humidity, making this peak season at resorts.

Optional Experiences
Optional experiences

Optional experiences may be cancelled if minimum numbers to operate are not met. Final confirmation of your optional excursions and activities will be provided while on tour.
Optional experiences can only be booked up to either 60, 90 or 120 days prior to departure depending on each departure.
Optional experiences may be updated prior to departure to accommodate changes in weather, common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes, and unforeseen circumstances.
Optional experiences are non-refundable within 60 days of departure, unless cancelled due minimum numbers on tour not being met or unforeseen circumstances on tour.
Optional experiences can be organised in advance by contacting our dedicated Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
Optional experiences that require flight bookings are on a request basis, subject to availability until booked and confirmed, and may incur surcharges.
Bookings for optional experiences can be made via My Escapes. After this time, optional experiences can be booked through your tour guide on the tour.
All optional extras are subject to availability.

Fine Print Updates
Please note: For complimentary transfers to be fulfilled outside of arrival and departure date, all pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings must be booked through Luxury Escapes no later than 60 days before departure. After this time, any pre- or post-tour accommodation bookings made will not be eligible for complimentary transfers.

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