• Return airfares with Thai International from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane into Colombo. 

• An 11 day tour of Sri Lanka (Ceylon) visiting all the major tourist attractions in this scenically beautiful country. 

• A jungle safari on elephant back in a national park.

• A 5 day 'off the beaten track ' tour in Thailand, including a night at the famous Jungle Rafts Hotel floating on the River Kwai. 

• Good accommodation, mainly 3.5 to 4 star. 

• All entrance fees and most meals. 

• All transport and transfers.

• Services of local English speaking tour guides in Ceylon and if there are 12 or more tour participants, there will be an Australian tour leader.
  

	Itinerary for Sri Lanka (Ceylon) Tour
	Included meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L =Lunch, D = Dinner
29.09.12	Depart Sydney at 10.00am on TG 476, arriving in Bangkok at 4.30pm. Depart Brisbane at 2.00pm on TG 474, arriving in Bangkok at 8.20pm. Depart Melbourne at 1.55pm on TG 466, arriving in Bangkok at 8.25pm. All flights will be met at the airport and transferred to the Narai Hotel in central Bangkok. Accommodation: Narai Hotel
30.09.12 (B/D)	Mid morning departure from the hotel. Today our first stop is at a crocodile farm where we see a wonderful crocodile show followed by an interesting elephant show, which depicts how wild elephants are captured and how elephants have been used in battle. We then move on to the resort hotel in Amphor Muang for a 2 night stay. In this area you will see authentic Thailand with the people living along the canals in a similar fashion to the way they lived for centuries. Also you can shop where the locals shop and pay local prices. This evening we will have dinner in a nice restaurant followed by a boat trip on the canal and Mekong River to see the life along the canal and the spectacular fireflies.  Accommodation: Baan Amphawa Resort & Spa
01.10.12 (B/D)	This morning we will see two interesting temples. First we see a lacquer ware temple that is quite beautiful. Next we visit the historic Bangkung Camp Temple with its imposing Buddha statue from the Ayutthaya period. This temple also features a large collection of life-like statues depicting the main positions and moves in Thai martial arts. Next we visit a top quality Thai ceramic factory where the quality and artistry is so high that the Thai royal family members are regular clients. Accommodation: Baan Amphawa Resort & Spa
02.10.12 (B/L/D)	Morning departure for the River Kwai. First of all we visit the beautifully maintained Allied War Cemetery at Kanchanaburi. Then we visit the Jeath War Museum. Then onto the infamous bridge itself. We then have an included lunch before visiting the Buddhist temple, where the monks care for many tigers. You have an opportunity to get a photo of yourself patting one of the 'man eating brutes!' We then travel out to the Burmese border to visit a hill tribe village of the Mon people. Here we witness a display of traditional Mon dancing and have dinner. Accommodation tonight is at the famous Jungle Rafts Hotel floating on the River Kwai. This accommodation is quite unique and beautiful, however it is rather basic without electricity.    Accommodation: River Kwai Jungle Rafts
03.10.12 (B/L/D)	First we have a long tail boat trip on the River Kwai before heading back to Bangkok. En route we visit the world's biggest pagoda & then we arrive in Bangkok. We will visit a jewellery workshop & showroom. We then proceed to the Manhattan Hotel for afternoon use of the hotel rooms. After dinner you are transferred to Bangkok airport, departing at 10.20pm on TG 307, arriving in Colombo at 12.15am (04.10.12).   Accommodation: Ramada Hotel, Colombo
04.10.12 (B/D)	Upon arrival in Colombo you are transferred to the centrally located Ramada Hotel. The morning is at leisure to recover from your flight. In the afternoon there is a city tour of Colombo, which is Sri Lanka's political & commercial capital. During this tour you will see Colombo's fort, Cinnamon Gardens, a Hindu Temple and the Dutch Church at Wolfendhal dating back to 1749. Also see the Independance Hall, Independance Square and see the replica of Avukana Buddha.  Accommodation: Ramada Hotel
05.10.12 (B/D)	After an early breakfast you are picked up from the hotel at 6.30am to visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is an orphanage and breeding ground for wild elephants which is situated northwest of the town of Kegalle. It was established in 1975 on a 25 acre coconut plantation on the Maha Oya River. The orphanage was originally founded to afford care and protection to the many orphaned elephants found in the jungle. At present there are over eight elephants. The elephants are taken to the river twice daily for a bath and all babies under three years of age are still bottle fed by the mahouts and volunteers. The orphanage is also a breeding place for elephants. More than 23 elephants have been born since 1984 and the orphanage has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. Afterwards we proceed to Anuradhapura for some sightseeing. Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Lankan civilization. The city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It lies 205Km north of Colombo. It is one of the oldest continuous inhabited cities in the world. It was the capital of Sri Lanka from the 4th century BC until the beginning of the 11th century AD. During this time it remained one of the most stable and durable centres of political power in South Asia. The ancient city, considered sacred to the Buddhist world, is today surrounded by monasteries covering an area of over sixteen square miles. Afterwards we are transferred to hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. Accommodation: Palm Garden Village Hotel, Anuradhapura
06.10.12 (B/D)	After breakfast we transfer to Polonnaruwa for a sightseeing tour. En route we visit a wood carving factory. Afterwards we experience the thrill of an elephant back safari in Habarana. Once you mount the elephant, you will be taken deep into the jungle, accompanied by a Mahout. During the journey, you should occasionally be able to spot a herd of wild elephants. A truly adventurous journey. In the afternoon return to Sigiriya and climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which is a World Heritage Site built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century. The spectacular citadel of Sigiriya rises sheer and impregnable out of the denuded plains of the dry zone, sitting atop a huge outcrop of gneiss rock towering 200 metres above the surrounding countryside. It is the country's most memorable single attraction and a remarkable archaeological site. Afterwards there is a visit to a Batik factory where you can see the manufacture of of beautiful Batik prints. In the evening you are transferred to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. Accommodation: Amaya Lake Hotel, Dambulla
07.10.12 (B/D)	After breakfast we proceed to Trincomalee, one of the finest natural deep-water harbours in the world, which is located 257Km north-east of Colombo. Trincomalee is home to fine beaches of Nilaveli, Uppaveli and off-shore Pigeon Island. Recently Trincomalee has become popular as a whale watching destination and the dive centres at Nilaveli and Uppaveli help tourists enjoy their holiday by arranging diving, snorkelling and swimming (not included in tour cost). Trincomalee district is a major Sinhalese Buddhist cultural and archaeological site of Sri Lanka. The seven hot springs at Kanniyai are located just 8Km from Trincomalee and attract regular crowds throughout the year in view of the therapeutic properties of the water therein. The afternoon is free to relax by the beach. Accommodation: Pigeon Island Resort, Nilaveli
08.10.12 (B/D)	After breakfast visit Trincomalee Dutch Fort and the historical Koneswaram Temple. This fort was built by the Portuguese in 1623. The famous Koneswaram temple is located inside this fort. The Hindu temple earlier known as the temple of a thousand pillars. According to historical information the Portuguese demolished the old Koneswaram temple and they built this fort with the parts of that temple. The remaining items were pushed into the sea. The fort was captured by the Dutch in 1639, and then by the British in 1795. It is currently occupied by Sri Lankan military, but you can go through it and visit the Koneswarm temple. The afternoon is free to relax in the hotel. Accommodation: Pigeon Island Resort, Nilaveli
09.10.12 (B/D)	Today is at leisure to enjoy the hotel and surroundings. Accommodation: Pigeon Island Resort, Nilaveli
10.10.12 (B/D)	After breakfast we proceed to Kandy. En route we visit the Dambulla Cave Temple and a spice garden in Matale. The Dambulla Cave Temple (or the Golden Temple of Dambulla) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the largest and best preserved temple complex in Sri Lanka. The temple features five well preserved caves, each of which houses ancient statues of Buddha and historical artwork depicting Buddha's life. The temple also features a functioning Buddhist Monastery dating back to the third and second centuries B.C. In the afternoon we have a sightseeing tour of Kandy, which is located in the centre of Sri Lanka. Kandy is a visually rich city with narrow streets lined with old buildings full of character. The Municipal Market has colourful textiles and clothing and the Kandy lake provides an attractive focal point. In the evening we will watch a cultural show featuring the exotic traditional dances of Sri Lanka. Accommodation: Amaya Hills, Kandy
11.10.12 (B/D)	After breakfast we visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, which is located in the royal palace complex and is said to house the tooth relic of Buddha. Since ancient times the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Kandy was the largest capital of the Sinhalese kings and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site partly due to this temple. Monks of the two chapters of Malwatte and Asgiriya conduct daily worship in the inner chamber of the temple. Rituals are performed three times daily, at dawn, noon and in the evening. Afterwards we proceed to Nuwara Eliya and visit a tea estate and a factory en route. Nuwara Eliya is located in the central highlands and was a sanctuary for the early British settlers, famous for its mountainous landscape, cascading waterfalls and sleepy towns. This area has a perfect climate for tea growing with abundant rainfall, sunshine, cold nights and mists. Accommodation: St Andrews Hotel, Nuwara Eliya
12.10.12 (B/D)	After breakfast we leave for Yala. In the afternoon we have a 4WD Jeep Safari to visit Yala National Park. Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. It is situated in the southeast region of the country and lies in Southern Province and Uva Province. The park covers 979 square Kilometres and is located about 300 Km from Colombo. Yala was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900 and is one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka, having been designated in 1938. The park is best known for its variety of wild animals. It is important for the conservation of Sri Lankan elephants and aquatic birds. Yala hosts a variety of ecosystems ranging from moist monsoon forests to freshwater and marine wetlands. It is also an important bird area in Sri Lanka and harbours 215 bird species including six endemic species of Sri Lanka. The number of mammals that has been recorded from the park is 44 and it is has one of the highest leopard densities in the world. Dinner tonight will be at the hotel. Accommodation: Mandara Rosen Hotel, Yala
13.10.12 (B/D)	After breakfast transfer to the south beach. En route we visit the Dutch Fort in Galle, stilt fishermen in Weligama and turtle hatchery in Kosgoda. Accommodation: Palace Mirissa
14.10.12 (B)	Today is free to relax at your resort hotel. You will have a late 6.00pm checkout from the hotel. Afterwards you are transferred to Colombo airport.
15.10.12	Depart Colombo at 1.35am on TG 308, arriving in Bangkok at 6.30am. Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane passengers will be transferred to the Manhattan Hotel in central Bangkok. Melbourne passengers will have day use of a hotel room. At 4pm, Sydney passengers will be transferred back to Bangkok airport. Sydney passengers depart Bangkok at 7.20pm on TG 475, arriving in Sydney at 8.20am the next day (16.10.12).   At 8pm Melbourne passengers will be transferred back to Bangkok airport.
16.10.12	Melbourne passengers depart Bangkok at 12.15am on TG 465, arriving in Melbourne at 1.05pm. Brisbane passengers will have a 6pm late checkout from the hotel. Afterwards they are transferred to Bangkok airport, departing at 11.59pm on TG 473, arriving in Brisbane at 11.50am the next day (17.10.12).
Note:	The extra cost for Sydney & Melbourne passengers for the hotel accommodation & return transfers will be $70 per person twin share or $95 single room. The extra cost for Brisbane passengers for the overnight hotel accommodation with late checkout and return airport transfers will be $110 per person twin share or $145 single room.

Deposits and Payments - A non-refundable deposit of $200.00 per person is payable within 7 days of booking. This deposit is not refundable should you later cancel, as we need to purchase the internal India flights. The balance is payable in full 8 weeks prior to departure.
Refunds and Cancellations - Cancellations after final payment will result in a refund limited to whatever we can recoup from the airline.
Insurance - Adequate travel insurance is essential. We can arrange this for you if desired. Macleay Valley Travel offers Suresave Travel Insurance.  Please note that we can only process  your travel insurance when we have received full payment for the insurance and the signed Suresave Travel Insurance application form, located on the last page of the Suresave Travel Insurance information booklet. Until this time the travel insurance cannot be processed and will not be valid. Macleay Valley Travel will bare no responsibility for any consequences that may occur as a result of an incomplete insurance application.    
Passports - All travellers require a current passport with at least 6 months left on it at the end of the tour. Non-Australian passport holders require a re-entry visa for Australia. From the 1st January 2012, all passengers visiting Sri Lanka are required to have an Electronic Travel Authorisation, which can be completed at www.eta.gov.lk 
At present the cost for this authorisation is USD $20 per person. Please note that this cost is subject to change.  
Basic Tour Price and Taxes - Air taxes and Fuel Levies are included in the basic tour price if the tour is paid in full on or before the due date on the final invoice. Macleay Valley Travel reserves the right to charge for any increase in Air taxes and Fuel Levies if the tour is not paid in full by the due date.
Not  Included in the Cost - Travel insurance and all items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, drinks, excess baggage, tips, meals, (except those specified in the itinerary), etc are not included in the cost. Similarly, credit card payments can only be accepted if 2% is added to the price to help defray the heavy merchant fees charged to us by the credit card companies.
Breakaway Fee - All fully inclusive prices are based on group travel and any deviation from the set itinerary will incur a breakaway fee. The breakaway fee for most deviations including a post-tour extension on this tour is $55 per person. Please inquire with our office for prices on any pre-tour extensions.  
Health and Fitness - Macleay Valley Travel recommends that the passenger is reasonably healthy and/or fit to participate in this tour.  Persons with a disability requiring special assistance must be accompanied by a companion. Macleay Valley Travel and their representatives cannot provide this service.  Macleay Valley Travel reserves the right to accept/decline or terminate a passenger's participation in the tour under certain circumstances.
Booking through other Agents - As we keep the cost of our tours as low as possible, there is insufficient margin for us to be able to pay commission to other travel agents, so some bookings can only be accepted if the client pays the other agent's commission. 
Macleay Valley Travel is a fully licensed travel agent and as such any monies paid to us are fully insured by the Travel Compensation Fund. We are happy for any prospective traveller with us to check us out with your local Consumer Affairs (fair trading) department.
Limitation of Liability - As Macleay Valley Travel acts only as agent for the Airlines, Hotels, Coach Companies etc., providing accommodation, transportation and other services, Macleay Valley Travel shall not be liable or responsible for death or injury to any person or loss or damage to any property including baggage arising out of or connection with any transportation, accommodation or other services, or resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, fire, breakdown in machinery or equipment, acts of Government or other authorities, de jure or defacto wars, whether declared or not, hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulations, delays or cancellations caused by changes in schedules or itinerary, or over bookings or defaults or for any causes beyond Macleay Valley Travel's control or any loss or damage resulting from improper or insufficient passports, visas or other documents and neither Macleay Valley Travel, and its servants or employees shall be or become liable or responsible for any additional expenses or liability sustained or incurred by the tour member as a result of the foregoing causes.
Macleay Valley Travel reserves the right to modify the itinerary or the accommodation if circumstances make this necessary, provided that the amended itinerary is of equal value or greater value than that of the original program.
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