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Escorted Tours

Grand Tour of Sri Lanka including

Maldives Beach Stay


Route:
  • London Heathrow
  • Colombo
  • Anuradhapura
  • Nilaveli
  • Dambulla
  • Kandy
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • Udawalawe
  • Tissamaharama
  • Mirissa
  • Colombo
  • Maldives
  • London Heathrow

4 NIGHTS from £909pp

Tour Highlights
  • Speed Boat Transfers
  • Pristine White Beaches
  • Visit temples and bazaars on a tour of Colombo
  • Relax upon the beaches of Passikudah and Mirissa
  • Explore the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Rock Temple
  • Discover Kandy's sacred Temple of the Tooth
  • Wander the ancient city ruins of Anuradhapura
  • Enjoy a tour of lush Nuwara Eliya and a bustling tea plantation
  • Wildlife safaris through Yala and Udawalawe National Parks
  • Marvel at the beauty of Peradeniya botanical gardens
  • Tour Galle's colonial buildings and UNESCO-listed centre

Extension from £909pp

Tour + Extension from £3208pp

To book call us on 0330 818 8907

Extend your trip with a Maldives Beach Stay

Indulge yourself with a fabulous extension to the Maldives. Arriving at Male airport you will be transferred to your hotel by speed boat for four nights of pure bliss. Enjoy spectacular views of the bluest seas from all directions whilst you unwind and relax on this island of paradise.

Tour Itinerary

1
UK to Colombo

Depart London on your scheduled, overnight flight to Colombo.

2
Colombo

On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Colombo.

  • Dinner
3
Colombo

Today, enjoy a half-day tour starting with the vibrant temples and bazaars of Pettah. Next, visit the Old Dutch hospital, a highlight of the newly restored Fort complex. After lunch, enjoy the afternoon at leisure before a welcome cocktail and dinner.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
4
Colombo to Dambulla

This morning, enjoy breakfast before your leisurely journey to Dambulla. After lunch, continue to Dambulla Rock Temple. This collection of impressive caves contains over 2000 square metres of painted walls and ceilings, which were once gilded by the ancient King to mark his place of worship.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
5
Dambulla to Anuradhapura

Today starts with an early morning journey north to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, the spiritual heart of the Cultural Triangle. On route, visit the sleepy village of Mihintale and its nearby sacred mountain peak and temple complex. After lunch, embark on a city tour. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Anuradhapura is the first capital and undoubtedly the grandest city of ancient Sri Lanka. The city ruins are one of South Asia's most evocative sites and contains a rich collection of crumbling temples, vast monasteries and elaborate palaces. Learn about its fascinating history and marvel at the sacred Bodhi tree.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
6
Dambulla to Sigiriya

Undoubtedly a highlight of the tour, today's excursion is to the awe-inspiring 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 enjoy the spectacular views over this ancient citadel. Return to your hotel for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
7
Dambulla to Passikudah via Polonnaruwa

After an early breakfast, depart Dambulla and visit the city of Polonnaruwa. Scattered over gently undulating woodland, explore the monumental ruins of the ancient garden-city, before continuing to Passikudah.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
8
Passikudah

Today has been left at leisure for you to relax and enjoy Passikudah's powder-white sands and emerald waters on Sri Lanka's laid-back, less-visited east coast.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
9
Passikudah to Kandy

After breakfast, travel toward Kandy, visiting a spice garden in Matale on route. After lunch, continue to the Central Hills Kandy and head to the famous Temple of the Tooth which 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 opens to both pilgrims and travellers.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
10
Kandy

Cradled amongst misty hills, the small city of Kandy exudes history, culture and beauty. Explore the famous botanical gardens of Peradeniya, full of exotic palms, colourful orchids and home to over 4,000 species of trees and plants. Then, enjoy a tour followed by an afternoon and evening at leisure.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
11
Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

Sri Lanka is one of the world's largest exporters of tea and today you will travel to Nuwara Eliya, which has been the capital of this industry since the 19th century. En route to your hotel, stop at a tea plantation and inhale the heavenly scent of the Ceylon tea brand.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
12
Nuwara Eliya to Udawalawe

A 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.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
13
Udawalawe to Tissamaharama

Udawalawe 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 within Udawalawe National Park, home to elephants, deer, water buffalo, monkeys and a variety of bird species. Just outside the park is the Elephant Transit Home, an inspirational project started to rehabilitate injured elephants. The rest of the day is at leisure.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
14
Tissamaharama and Yala National Park

After some free time this morning, enjoy a Jeep safari in the nearby Yala national park awaits. Seek elephants, sloths, deer and, with the highest density of leopards in the world, you may even be lucky enough to spot one of these elusive animals. Please note that Yala National Park maybe closed for 30 days each year commencing around the month of September. The tour will visit Lunugamvehera National Park instead.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
15
Tissamaharama to Mirissa

Departing Tissamaharama, you will travel to the Mirissa. The idyllic crescent of beach, fringed with coconut palms and soft golden sands, is the perfect place to crack open a coconut and relax.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
16
Mirissa and Galle

This morning, you will travel to Galle, an ancient fort 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 through the sleepy streets strewn with colonial buildings, r

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
17
Mirissa to the Maldives

Transfer to the Airport for your flight to the Maldives. Upon arrival transfer to the Adaaran Club Rannalhi.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
18
The Maldives

Relax at the Adaaran Club Rannalhi which occupies an idyllic location on its own 12-acre island.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
20
The Maldives to the UK

Transfer to the airport for flight back to the UK.

  • Breakfast

Important Information

Visas

A visa is required for entry into Sri Lanka. We work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange your visa for you on your behalf. Please call them on 01270 250 590 and quote "Mercury Holidays". The cost of the visa is from £63. The visas take around 10 working days to issue and are only valid for 3 months from the date of issue. Therefore, we recommend that you apply for your visa 8 weeks before travel, however, please be aware that your passport will be required for the application so make sure that you will not need it during this time. Alternatively, you can visit The High Commission of Sri Lanka at 13 Hyde Park Gardens, London, W2 2LU.
Please note: If you have chosen to add the 'Kerala Beach Stay' or 'Highlights of Kerala' extension to the end of your tour, you will need to obtain an Indian visa prior to your UK departure. The Travel Visa Company offers a service which takes can take up to 15 working days at busy times. The cost is approximately £134. Alternatively, you can apply for your own visa. You can apply in person or by post to the Indian Embassy in London: 142-148 Goswell Road, London, EC1V 7DU. There are also regional centres elsewhere in the UK. Full details on the process can be found on the Indian Embassy website www.in.vfsglobal.co.uk.

Insurance

You must obtain suitable travel insurance prior to departure. Mercury Direct is partnered with Holiday Extras which offer insurance at the following prices:

Age in YearsUp to 6465 - 7475 - 85
Up to 17 days cover£39£75£129
For all persons 86 years and over, please contact us for insurance prices. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Direct will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.

Payment

If booking more than 10 weeks before departure a deposit of £250pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 10 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 10 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.

Flight Information

All flights are operated by Sri Lankan Airlines. Each passenger is entitled to 20kg of hold luggage & hand luggage of 5kg not exceeding 56cm x 36cm x 23cm in size. Flight times are for guidance only & subject to change. These timings are for the Jewels of Sri Lanka tour only and may vary. If you have booked an optional add on please contact our reservations department for more information.

Health and Vaccinations

It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.

Physical Accessibility

This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, often on foot, and includes some climbing of stairs and getting on and off coaches. Please note there are approximately 1,300 steps to Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.

Group Size

There is no minimum number of travellers for this extension however the main tour passenger numbers will apply for the main part of the tour. If in the unlikely event there are less than the required number of people booked on your main tour date then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.

Tour Guide

This is a fully escorted tour with local guides throughout ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.

Currency Information

The currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). The Rupee is a closed currency and officially you are not allowed to take any cash out of Sri Lanka. US Dollars and GBP are also widely accepted in these destinations, should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. Therefore, it is very important that you budget carefully.

The currency in the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiya. The Maldivian Rufiya is a closed currency and officially you are not allowed to take any cash out of the Maldives. US Dollars are also widely accepted in these destinations, should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. Therefore, it is very important that you budget carefully.

Personal Expenses

You will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £400 will be sufficient for the duration of the tour, depending on how much of a bargain-hunter you are! It is customary to tip your guide and driver, this is at your discretion but we recommend you allow approximately £56pp for the duration of your tour, this will be collected by your guide at the end of your tour for your convenience. We would recommend approximately £4-5 per person, per day for the driver and assistant and £4 per person, per day for the national guides. It is asked that if you do not tip in the local currency, please do not give coins as these are difficult to exchange.

Tour Dates & Prices

Depart UKArrive UKExtension PriceTour PriceTotal Price
Adaaran Club Rannalhi
17 Apr 202407 May 2024£909£2749£3658
24 Apr 202414 May 2024£909£2699£3608
22 May 202411 Jun 2024£909£2299£3208
05 Jun 202425 Jun 2024£909£2399£3308
19 Jun 202409 Jul 2024£909£2499£3408
24 Jul 202413 Aug 2024£969£3399£4368
07 Aug 202427 Aug 2024£969£2949£3918
04 Sep 202424 Sep 2024£969£2699£3668
11 Sep 202401 Oct 2024£969£2699£3668
18 Sep 202408 Oct 2024£989£2699£3688
02 Oct 202422 Oct 2024£989£2699£3688
16 Oct 202405 Nov 2024£989£2729£3718
30 Oct 202419 Nov 2024£989£2749£3738
06 Nov 202426 Nov 2024£989£2749£3738
20 Nov 202410 Dec 2024£989£2749£3738

Included in the Price

  • Fully Escorted Tour with local English Speaking Guides throughout
  • Scheduled Flights from the UK.
  • All internal travel including air-conditioned/heated transportation.
  • Accommodation, meals as specified and entry fees to all sights.
  • All airport taxes and security charges.

Additional Expenses

  • Visas
  • Insurance
  • Tips
  • Any meals not specified in your itinerary
Travelling Alone?

We have 2 rooms available on every tour date for single occupancy use, however a single supplement must be paid for the add-on part of the tour.

What to expect

Fact File
Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee

Average Flying time

10-14 hours

Min/Max temperature

18 °C / 34 °C

Spoken languages

Sinhala, Tamil, English

When to go

Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below.

Colombo

Dambulla

Nilaveli

Nuwara Eliya

Kandy

Yala

Galle

Sri Lanka

Maldives

What to pack
  • Sunscreen and hat in summer
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Camera and charger
  • Loo paper for public WCs
  • Binoculars
  • Leave plenty of space in your case for shopping!
  • Long Trousers and a top with sleeves is required when entering any religious sites
Customer Rating:
7.5/10
David Langley
4th Oct 2018

No comments

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
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