Colombo, Sri Lanka - Far East Cruises

Experience a memorable day filled with traditional Sri Lankan culture, history and scenery.

As you drive to the picturesque city of Kandy, you’ll pass many colourful sights including little villages, paddy fields, coconut estates and rubber plantations. Kandy itself is nestled in the foothills of the Hill Country on the banks of a beautiful tree-lined lake.

On arrival at this naturally fortified town, there will be a stop at the Royal Botanical Gardens, which is renowned for its varied collection of orchids. The Gardens contain more than 300 varieties of orchids, tropical flora, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees.

From the Gardens, you’ll continue on to the Royal Palace complex for a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the National Museum of Kandy. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple which houses the relic of the tooth 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. The National Museum of Kandy has over 5,000 objects including weapons, jewellery and tools which depict various aspects of historical and cultural events of the Kandian and post British Colonial era.

Before your scenic return journey, you be taken to a luxury hotel for a delicious Western and Oriental buffet luncheon.

Note: Please refer to the ‘Important Information’ for this port. The drive to Kandy takes approximately three hours. The terrain is uneven with 20-30 steps to negotiate. There is a small charge to use video/cameras at some venues. Please remember to carry US$ for any additional purchases.

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the fabled Taj Mahal coupled with the sights of Colombo and Delhi along the way.

DAY 1 - COLOMBO
Your adventure begins with a Colombo highlights tour. Drive past the commercial district of the city, and through the Pettah bazaar area. The views are more peaceful as you drive past Vihara Mahadevi Park, named after a Sinhalese queen. The Park was created by the British as a botanical garden and originally known as Victoria Park. Across the street is the imposing neo-classical Town Hall. Delve deeper into Sri Lanken culture at the National Museum. View the fascinating mask collection, displays of Hindu and Buddhist bronzes, sculptures and art. The Museum also houses a collection of King of Kandy regalia. Visit the Gangarama Temple, which is the nicest and most intimate of all Colombo's Buddhist temples. A quick brunch will be served at the Taj Gateway Hotel before you proceed to the airport for your flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, you’ll be met by your Indian guide and check into the Oberoi Hotel where you will have dinner.

DAY 2 – AGRA & TAJ MAHAL
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before embarking on your journey overland to Agra. The City of Agra was the capital of the Mughals in the 16th and 17th centuries and is home to some of their most famous monuments. Check into the Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel, where you will be served luncheon. In the afternoon, you will have time to relax and enjoy the hotel’s facilities. The highlight of your day will be a visit to the Taj Mahal at sunset. Emperor Shah Jehan's enduring monument to love. Experience its splendour graced by the rays of the setting sun. This beautiful mausoleum in pure white marble is an architectural marvel. Its unique beauty and intricate execution contribute to its place as one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World. Return to the hotel for dinner in the evening.

DAY 3 –TAJ MAHAL & AGRA FORT
Your day begins early as you visit the magnificent Taj Mahal at sunrise. Absorb the atmosphere of this serene monument bathed in the early morning light. Return to your hotel for breakfast before taking a tour of Agra Fort. The Fort is situated on the bend of the River Yamuna and features imposing gates and red sandstone walls which dominate the centre of the city. Following luncheon, you will begin your return journey to Delhi. On arrival, check into the Oberoi Hotel where your evening meal will be served.

DAY 4 – DELHI & MUMBAI
Enjoy breakfast, before taking a tour of New Delhi to learn about India’s cultural past and present. See architectural combinations of both British and Indian design. Travel past India Gate and the Presidential House. Visit Humayun’s Tomb, an incredible red sandstone memorial which formed the basis of the design for the Taj Mahal, built 100 years later. Take the afternoon flight to Mumbai. On arrival, you will be treated to an orientation tour of colourful Mumbai before returning to Queen Victoria in the harbour in time for dinner.

Note: Bookings for this tour will close on 14th December 2012. There is a strict minimum and maximum participation. Please ensure you book the correct tour code for the accommodation you require (Double = CLB800A, Single = CLB801A). Prices shown on your record of shore excursions are per person, not per room. Once your booking is confirmed, any cancellation made after bookings close will incur a 100% cancellation fee. This tour will depart Colombo on 31st March and return in Mumbai on 3rd April. Please check your embarkation/disembarkation dates carefully before booking this overland. Flight times and further details will be advised on board and the hotels listed are subject to change. Be prepared for very early morning starts, lengthy days, climatic changes and delays at airports. This is an inclusive excursion programme. No refunds will be given for any unused portion.

The fare includes: transport by coach, economy class air tickets, sightseeing and entrances as described, meals as stated and hotel accommodation.
The fare does not include: items of a personal nature, other than stated above, such as refreshments, telephone calls, laundry, gratuities, room service, medical fees and travel insurance. All guests must purchase an Indian visa prior to embarking Queen Victoria. Two glasses of house wine, or a bottle of local beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee are included with meals; those wishing to order alternative beverages will be charged separately.
What to pack: please remember your passport and any medication you require. Luggage limit is one case per person with a maximum weight of 20kg. You are advised to wear modest attire during your time in India.
Shopping: opportunities for shopping will be included depending on schedule timings. Any shopping stops offered will be optional.

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the fabled Taj Mahal coupled with the sights of Colombo and Delhi along the way.

DAY 1 - COLOMBO
Your adventure begins with a Colombo highlights tour. Drive past the commercial district of the city, and through the Pettah bazaar area. The views are more peaceful as you drive past Vihara Mahadevi Park, named after a Sinhalese queen. The Park was created by the British as a botanical garden and originally known as Victoria Park. Across the street is the imposing neo-classical Town Hall. Delve deeper into Sri Lanken culture at the National Museum. View the fascinating mask collection, displays of Hindu and Buddhist bronzes, sculptures and art. The Museum also houses a collection of King of Kandy regalia. Visit the Gangarama Temple, which is the nicest and most intimate of all Colombo's Buddhist temples. A quick brunch will be served at the Taj Gateway Hotel before you proceed to the airport for your flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, you’ll be met by your Indian guide and check into the Oberoi Hotel where you will have dinner.

DAY 2 – AGRA & TAJ MAHAL
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before embarking on your journey overland to Agra. The City of Agra was the capital of the Mughals in the 16th and 17th centuries and is home to some of their most famous monuments. Check into the Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel, where you will be served luncheon. In the afternoon, you will have time to relax and enjoy the hotel’s facilities. The highlight of your day will be a visit to the Taj Mahal at sunset. Emperor Shah Jehan's enduring monument to love. Experience its splendour graced by the rays of the setting sun. This beautiful mausoleum in pure white marble is an architectural marvel. Its unique beauty and intricate execution contribute to its place as one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World. Return to the hotel for dinner in the evening.

DAY 3 –TAJ MAHAL & AGRA FORT
Your day begins early as you visit the magnificent Taj Mahal at sunrise. Absorb the atmosphere of this serene monument bathed in the early morning light. Return to your hotel for breakfast before taking a tour of Agra Fort. The Fort is situated on the bend of the River Yamuna and features imposing gates and red sandstone walls which dominate the centre of the city. Following luncheon, you will begin your return journey to Delhi. On arrival, check into the Oberoi Hotel where your evening meal will be served.

DAY 4 – DELHI & MUMBAI
Enjoy breakfast, before taking a tour of New Delhi to learn about India’s cultural past and present. See architectural combinations of both British and Indian design. Travel past India Gate and the Presidential House. Visit Humayun’s Tomb, an incredible red sandstone memorial which formed the basis of the design for the Taj Mahal, built 100 years later. Take the afternoon flight to Mumbai. On arrival, you will be treated to an orientation tour of colourful Mumbai before returning to Queen Victoria in the harbour in time for dinner.

Note: Bookings for this tour will close on 14th December 2012. There is a strict minimum and maximum participation. Please ensure you book the correct tour code for the accommodation you require (Double = CLB800A, Single = CLB801A). Prices shown on your record of shore excursions are per person, not per room. Once your booking is confirmed, any cancellation made after bookings close will incur a 100% cancellation fee. This tour will depart Colombo on 31st March and return in Mumbai on 3rd April. Please check your embarkation/disembarkation dates carefully before booking this overland. Flight times and further details will be advised on board and the hotels listed are subject to change. Be prepared for very early morning starts, lengthy days, climatic changes and delays at airports. This is an inclusive excursion programme. No refunds will be given for any unused portion.

The fare includes: transport by coach, economy class air tickets, sightseeing and entrances as described, meals as stated and hotel accommodation.
The fare does not include: items of a personal nature, other than stated above, such as refreshments, telephone calls, laundry, gratuities, room service, medical fees and travel insurance. All guests must purchase an Indian visa prior to embarking Queen Victoria. Two glasses of house wine, or a bottle of local beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee are included with meals; those wishing to order alternative beverages will be charged separately.
What to pack: please remember your passport and any medication you require. Luggage limit is one case per person with a maximum weight of 20kg. You are advised to wear modest attire during your time in India.
Shopping: opportunities for shopping will be included depending on schedule timings. Any shopping stops offered will be optional.

Watch the elephants and their babies bathe in the river during this unique visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is an orphanage and breeding ground for wild elephants. It was established in 1975 by the Department of Wildlife Conservation on a 25-acre coconut plantation on the Maha Oya River. The orphanage, which began with five baby elephants, was originally founded to afford care and protection to the many orphaned elephants found in the jungle. Today some of these orphans have lived to see their grandchildren born in the same location.

The aim of the orphanage is to simulate the natural world. However, there are some exceptions: the elephants are taken to the river twice daily for a bath, and all the babies under three years of age are still bottle fed by the mahouts and volunteers.

This elephant orphanage is also now 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. While most of the elephants are healthy, one is blind, and one, named Sama, has lost her front right leg to a land mine.

During your visit to the orphanage, you will be able to watch as the elephants bathe and play in the river before enjoying a buffet luncheon in the Pinnalanda Restaurant overlooking the scenic river.

Note: The journey time is approximately 2½ hours each way. There is around 2½ hours spent at the orphanage. There is a $5 fee for video cameras. Comfortable footwear is recommended. There are several steps to reach the viewing platform and a 200 yard walk over uneven ground between the bathing area and feeding area. Please remember to carry US$ for any additional purchases.

Combine a tour around the main sights of Colombo with a visit to a Buddhist Temple and the National Museum.

Embark on a drive around Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital. Although Colombo is a fast growing city its old world charm is still evident as you pass the 100-year-old clock tower, several British built, colonial buildings and the colourful bazaar of the Pettah. Continuing on through the Fort area, which houses the Government and Mercantile Offices, you’ll notice the buildings are newer.

Your journey will take you past ornate Muslim Mosques, Hindu Temples, Christian Churches and Buddhist Temples. A stop will be made at the Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple. At over 100 years old, it is known for its spectacular murals of early 20th century Buddhist art.

After your visit to the temple, you’ll stop for refreshments at a local hotel before commencing your drive around the residential areas where you find the stately homes of the affluent, the Bandaranayake Memorial International Conference and University of Colombo. A stop will be made at Independence Square for photographs.

Before returning to the port, you’ll visit the Colombo National Museum. Housed in a grand colonial building, the National Museum is the custodian of Sri Lanka's cultural heritage. Among its exhibits are a vast collection of books, more than 4,000 archaic palm leaf manuscripts, rock sculptures from the ancient cities, royal weapons of Sri Lankan kings and an excellent collection of antique demon masks. The most interesting among the exhibits are the regalia of the Kandian Kings dating back to the 17th century.

Note: Please refer to the ‘Important Information’ for this port. Approximately 30 minutes is spent inside the museum and there is a fee to photograph ($3 USD) or video ($20 USD). There are around five steps at the temple and museum.

Enjoy a leisurely drive around the main sights of the colourful and bustling city of Colombo.

Colombo is a fast developing city where new skyscrapers sit alongside old British built colonial buildings. Sit back and relax as you enjoy a leisurely drive around the main sights of this vibrant city.

Travelling through the older part of town you’ll pass the 100-year-old clock tower, the Pettah, a colourful bazaar with stalls selling an array of trinkets and bargains, and many ornate Hindu temples, Christian churches, Muslim mosques and Buddhist temples.

You’ll then head out to the residential area where you find the stately homes of the affluent, the Colombo National Museum, Bandaranayake Memorial International Conference Hall, the old parliament in Fort, University of Colombo and Royal College. A stop will be made at Independence Square for photographs.

The journey continues through the Fort district and past the Sea Port, which is the commercial and administrative centre of the island before returning to the port.

Note: The main sights are seen from the coach with a stop for photographs at Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple, Independence Square and Colombo National Museum.

Discover the various processes involved in producing tea during this fascinating visit to the Ingiriya Tea Plantation.

Embark on a two hour scenic drive to Ingiriya, a lush region boasting ideal conditions for growing tea and rubber. Considered one of the finest teas in the world, Ceylon tea has been produced in Sri Lanka since the crop was first introduced in 1867. During this tour, you’ll discover the history of tea and its unique journey from the tree to your cup.

Upon arrival at Ingiriya, you’ll receive a special welcome with garlands made from tea leaves before visiting the tea plantation to watch the tea being hand-picked from the plant. If the conditions are right you might also be able to see the rubber tapping process as well.

Proceeding to the tea factory, you’ll be able to watch the hand-picked tea crop being graded, before going through the many different stages involved in quality tea production. No artificial ingredients are ever added at any stage of the manufacturing process.

After your fascinating insight into tea production, relax and enjoy the distinct flavour of a refreshing cup of pure Ceylon tea.

Note: There are 20 - 30 steps at the tea complex and 30 minutes, walking over mostly rural and unpaved terrain.