Elegant Sri Lanka Colombo with Air Arabia Airlines (FLY010)
1st Day ISTANBUL – SHARJAH – COLOMBO
We meet at the international departures terminal of Istanbul New Airport three hours before the flight. After luggage, ticket, and boarding procedures, we fly to Sharjah with a scheduled flight of Air Arabia Airlines. Following our arrival in Sharjah, our scheduled flight with Air Arabia Airlines to Colombo begins. We spend the night on the plane.
2nd Day COLOMBO – PINNAWALA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE – DAMBULLA TEMPLE – HABARANA-SIGIRIYA
After our arrival in Colombo, we transfer to our private bus waiting at the airport. We then move on to our tour of the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. On the way, we have our open buffet breakfast by the riverside. Established in 1975, the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage started with seven orphans. Today, some of these orphans have the chance to see their grandchildren born in the same place. The initial aim of the orphanage was more tourism-oriented, but it soon transformed into a conservation and education center. During our visit to the orphanage, we will be able to walk alongside the elephants and watch them wash themselves with their trunks. We then proceed to the Dambulla Temple tour. As we step into the mystical surroundings of Dambulla, we will be greeted by the serene atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Together, we embark on a pilgrimage through five extraordinary cave temples, each a shrine to ancient art and spirituality. Dambulla is not just about temples; it holds immense historical significance. We will explore the rich history and cultural importance of these caves that served as sanctuaries for ancient kings, with magnificent cave frescoes and sculptures that continue to inspire us today. Our journey in Dambulla takes us to the heart of Buddhism. Together, we will witness the intricate cave paintings depicting the life and teachings of Lord Buddha, providing insights into the profound philosophy that shapes the lives of millions. After the tour, transfer to our hotel for some free time to relax. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.
3rd Day HABARANA – SIGIRIYA – HIRIWADUNNA – HABARANA-SIGIRIYA
Early in the morning, we set off for our tour of Sigiriya. Get ready to be amazed as we embark on a captivating journey to explore Sigiriya, Sri Lanka's "Lion Rock" fortress! As we approach Sigiriya, we will be welcomed by the towering presence of this legendary rock formation. Together, we will climb the magnificent Sigiriya Rock, passing through steep stairways and ancient paths to reach the summit. Along the way, we will marvel at the intricate frescoes adorning the rock face, each offering a glimpse into the artistic brilliance of a bygone era. Upon reaching the peak, we will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the lush Sri Lankan countryside. Together, we will stand atop this ancient fortress where kings once ruled and sought refuge. The ruins of the ancient palace and the gardens around it will unfold before us as evidence of Sri Lanka's architectural and engineering prowess. The enigmatic Lion's Gate, the most significant part of Sigiriya, will be our next stop. Together, we will witness the giant lion paws that guard this entrance, a symbol of the magnificent past of the fortress. As we explore the remnants of the royal palace and admire the intricate water gardens below, we will feel transported back to a time of wealth and grandeur. After the tour, we will transfer to the hotel for breakfast. Then we will set out for our tour of Hiriwadunna. Our journey begins with a leisurely walk through the village of Hiriwadunna. Together, we will stroll along lush paths, passing by traditional homes and friendly locals who greet us with warm smiles. As we wander through this charming village, we will gain a deeper appreciation for rural life in Sri Lanka. Hiriwadunna is famous for its serene lakeside setting, and we will have the privilege of experiencing it first-hand. Together, we will embark on a peaceful catamaran ride surrounded by the tranquil sights and sounds of nature. The lake's mirror-like surface creates a scene that seems to have leapt from dreams, reflecting the lush greenery and the deep blue sky. An important highlight of our Hiriwadunna tour will be a traditional bullock cart ride. Together, we will hop onto these charming wagons pulled by sturdy bulls and trot through the countryside. This timeless mode of transportation allows us to experience the authentic rhythms of rural life. After the tour, transfer to the hotel and free time to relax. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.
4th Day HABARANA – SPICE GARDEN – KANDY – SRI LANKA TRADITIONAL SHOW
After having breakfast at the hotel, we check out of our rooms and set off for our tour of the Spice Garden. Upon entering this verdant paradise, we will be met with a symphony of aromas. Together, we will wander through the vibrant greenery where cinnamon, cardamom, clove, and other exotic spices thrive. Our journey will be a sensory delight as we learn about the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of these valuable ingredients. We will discover the ancient trade routes that brought these spices to the island and their roles in shaping the country’s culinary traditions. However, the Spice Garden is not just about spices; it is also a treasure trove of herbal medicines. We will explore healing herbs and plants used in traditional Ayurveda medicine, gaining insights into their medicinal properties. Together, we will learn how these ancient remedies are still widely practiced in Sri Lanka today. We will then proceed to our tour of Kandy. As we step into Kandy, we will be transported to a world where tradition and history blend seamlessly with modern life. Among the sights we will see on our tour are the Temple of the Tooth and the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Kandy Lake is a sanctuary at the heart of the city. Together, we will enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake, taking in its tranquil beauty and scenic views of the city. Following this, we will set off for our Sri Lanka Traditional Show tour. We will step into the rich and vibrant culture of Sri Lanka, enhanced with visual shows featuring traditional music and drumming rhythms. After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel in Kandy for free time to relax. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.
5th Day KANDY – GIRAGAMA TEA FACTORY – GALLE – SEA TURTLES
After having breakfast at the hotel, we check out of our rooms and set off for our tour of the Giragama Tea Factory. When it comes to Ceylon Tea, Giragama is always a well-known name. For an authentic experience wrapped around a cup of tea, we visit the tea factory in Giragama. We watch how tea is processed before it is sorted and enjoy a freshly brewed cup of Ceylon Tea straight from the fields. We then move on to our tour of Galle. As we step through the ancient walls of Galle Fort, we embark on a journey through time. Together, we will wander through the cobbled streets adorned with colonial architecture reflecting the city's Dutch and Portuguese heritage. We will explore quaint boutiques, art galleries, and charming cafes that add a modern touch to this historic settlement. Together, we will enjoy a leisurely walk along the iconic Galle Ramparts, where we will witness panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. The cool sea breeze and the rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the rocks create a perfectly serene atmosphere for relaxation. Next, we will head to our Sea Turtles tour. As we step onto the sun-kissed shores of Sri Lanka’s coastline, we will learn about the critical efforts made to protect endangered sea turtles and their precious nesting sites. We will get a chance to see sea turtles of every size and may even have the opportunity to hold the smaller ones in our hands. We will visit the nesting areas, where we will bear witness to the miracle of these gentle giants painstakingly preparing their sandy nests and laying their eggs. After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel in Galle and have free time to relax. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.
6th Day GALLE – COLOMBO
After having breakfast at the hotel, we proceed for our panoramic city tour of Colombo. During our tour, we will stroll through vibrant streets where colonial-era architecture harmonizes perfectly with modern skyscrapers, creating a fascinating urban landscape. We will find ourselves in the midst of a continuously developing city that proudly preserves its heritage. We will pass through Galle Face Green, where we can feel the ocean breeze on our faces and witness the stunning sunset over the Indian Ocean. The places we will see panoramically during our tour include the Lotus Tower, City Hall, Consulate Street, Independence Monument, and Gangaramaya Temple. After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel in Colombo and have free time to relax. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.
7th Day COLOMBO – NEGOMBO – SHARJAH – ISTANBUL
After having breakfast at the hotel, we check out of our rooms and set off for our tour of Negombo. Together, we will uncover the charms of Negombo's pristine beaches where we can dive, enjoy the sun, or embark on water sports adventures. The gentle waves and golden sands create the perfect setting for relaxation. We will also explore the vibrant streets of the city filled with colonial architecture and lively markets. We will discover Negombo's rich heritage influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial periods. Afterwards, we will enjoy our dinner at a local restaurant. We will have free time until our transfer. At the late hour indicated by your guide, we will meet and transfer to the airport. After luggage, ticket, and customs procedures, we will fly to Sharjah with a scheduled flight of Air Arabia Airlines. Afterwards, we fly to Istanbul with a scheduled flight of Air Arabia Airlines. Upon our arrival at Istanbul Airport, our tour and services conclude.
Pinnawala Elephant Sanctuary + Kandy Temple + Peradeniya Botanical Gardens + Sigiriya Fortress + Dambulla Temple + Sea Turtles + Local Guides + Tourist City Taxes
150 € per person
***To be paid to our guide during the tour***
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IMPORTANT NOTES & FLIGHT INFORMATION |
April 10, 11, 19, 24 & May 09, 23, 24, 26 & June 06, 14, 18, 20 G9 322 IST-SHJ 14:10 - 19:30 G9 502 SHJ-CMB 22:25 - 04:25* G9 503 CMB-SHJ 05:15 - 08:10 G9 321 SHJ-IST 09:25 - 13:20
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IMPORTANT NOTES
- Our tour program is organized with a minimum participation of 20 people. If adequate participation is not achieved, the last cancellation notification date is 21 days before the tour departure. The tour, which has been canceled due to insufficient participation, will be informed to you through your agency.
- In cases where there is insufficient participation but the tour is conducted, English guidance may be provided.
- In cases where only category information is given without specifying names in the tour program and/or where there are options for the same destination, the hotel(s) will be informed by your agency 48 hours before the tour movement.
- During periods such as fairs, congresses, concerts, events, sports tournaments, etc.; hotels may be used at a distance greater than the specified kilometers. In such a case, your agency will provide information 15 days before the tour departure.
- Panoramic city tours included in the tour package are organized for the general introduction of cities and are only conducted with guidance from inside the vehicle for a maximum of 2-3 hours without including museum or site entrances. These panoramic tours and other tours indicated in the program may not occur if local authorities do not permit entry or if the tour becomes impossible due to weather conditions. Fly Express is not responsible for the missed tours under such circumstances. Some tours may be conducted using public transport or walking where vehicle access is not allowed.
- Triple rooms can be provided depending on the hotel's availability, and the bed assigned to the 3rd person in these types of rooms is smaller than standard beds. Triple rooms consist of 1 large bed + 1 extra bed. Since the extra beds are made of pull-out and coach beds, the tour participant is deemed to have accepted the potential congestion and bed type in 3rd person and/or child reservations. Child discounts apply only for a single child meeting the age group staying with 2 adults. No bed guarantee is given for children aged 0-2.
- The breakfasts included in the tour program are served in accordance with the breakfast culture of the country and generally consist of a limited menu known as continental breakfast, which includes butter, jam, bread, tea, or coffee, and may be served in a separate hall allocated for groups.
- Since the tour flights are issued as group tickets, the flight times may change. You can confirm the current flight details with your agency. Current times will be provided by your agency with the tour information.
- Before obtaining domestic flights, it is necessary to confirm the tour flight times. If the guest has purchased domestic flight connections from a different product provider independent of the agency, in the event of cancellation by the agency or changes in flight times, they may not claim any fee refunds from the agency. The guest accepts in advance any monetary and moral losses that may arise from the cancellation or change of the tour. Fly Express cannot be held responsible for this situation.
- According to airline rules; return tickets purchased as round trip tickets will be canceled by the airline if the outbound flight is not used.
- Guests without flights included in the tour are required to be ready at the tour starting point using their own means without any delay. Otherwise, they will have to provide all their transfers at their own expense.
- To participate in the tour, guests must be ready at the specified airport at the specified times in accordance with airline rules, and Fly Express is not responsible for guests who are not at the designated airport on time or who do not complete check-in and boarding procedures on time. All costs related to obtaining new round-trip tickets and any transfers during such cases will be borne by the guest.
- Participants in the tour are responsible for their personal belongings, bags, suitcases, passports/ID cards. Fly Express is not responsible for forgotten/lost/stolen items. If forgotten items are found, there is no obligation to deliver them to the country and/or the individual, and the costs incurred during transportation will be borne by the item owner.
- In cases of illness, loss, theft, etc., the guide cannot accompany guests individually, as the integrity and continuity of the group is essential.
- It is mandatory to provide the correct name, date of birth, and passport number as they appear on the passport when purchasing the tour. Flight tickets are issued based on this information. Penal fees arising from incorrect information will be charged to you.
- In some airlines, food and drink and online check-in services may be subject to fees.
- During tours, seat numbers are not guaranteed for bus use.
- During our tours, the times communicated to guests by our guide refer to the time when the vehicle's wheels begin to turn. Our guide, responsible for ensuring fairness for all guests, will move the vehicle without waiting at meeting times. In case of a delay, the late guest must make their way to the next stop on their own.
- Extra tours are organized by the local agency we work with, with a minimum participation of 20 people. If sufficient numbers are not achieved, the trips may not be conducted, or extra trip prices, content, and the vehicle used may vary depending on the number of participants. Additionally, the days and times of the tours may be changed by the guide according to the open/closed status of museums and sites to be visited and weather conditions. Different guides may accompany guests during extra tours.
- In classical packages where extra tours are not included, taking extra tours is up to the participants’ wishes and is not mandatory. Passengers who do not want to participate in extra tours are deemed to have accepted to wait at an available rest area along the route. These passengers will be dropped off at the rest area before the start of the extra tour and will be picked up from their initial drop-off point after the completion of the tour.
- In programs where extra tours are included, museum & site entrance fees must be paid to your agency at the time of reservation or to the guide during the tour.
- The participant acknowledges that they will join the tours specified in the tour program without disrupting the program, and in this regard, accepts in advance to pay the amounts previously stated in the tour program for local guides, museum & site entrances, city taxes, and audio system fees if applicable. The participant has been fully and adequately informed in this respect.
- Fly Express acts as an intermediary between the airline and the passenger and is subject to the 28.09.1955 Hague Protocol. There may be a risk of delays on scheduled and charter flights, or times may change before existing trips and flights. Fly Express is obligated to inform the passengers of these changes as soon as possible. Our passengers acknowledge and accept that flight details may change when purchasing the tour.
VISA
- There is a visa requirement for Turkish citizens. Visa applications must be made with a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the travel end date along with the required documents listed in the "Documents Required for Visa" by our agency.
- There is a visa requirement for green passport holders. Visa applications must be made with a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the travel end date along with the required documents listed in the "Documents Required for Visa".
- Guests traveling with a Turkish green passport must renew their passports if the issuance date is over 10 years old; otherwise, they may not be admitted to the destination country and/or the airline may not conduct their flight. In such cases, the responsibility lies with the passenger.
- Having a visa does not guarantee entry to the country, as border police have the authority to deny entry. Fly Express is not responsible for this situation; the responsibility lies with the passenger.
- Visa information stated in the program pertains specifically to Turkish citizens. Guests with passports from countries other than the Republic of Turkey should obtain visa information from the relevant consulates.
- Torn, worn, soaked, and/or similarly damaged passports should be renewed to avoid issues with customs police at the country border. If visa is required for Turkish citizens, it must be on the new passport. Otherwise, responsibility lies with the passenger.
- Guests under 18 years of age may be required to present joint consent documents from both parents during entry and exit from the country, so we advise sensitivity on this matter from both minors and their parents.
What's Included
- Economy class plane ticket with Air Arabia scheduled flight from Istanbul (IST) – Sharjah (SHJ) – Sri Lanka (CMB) for departure, and Sri Lanka (CMB) – Sharjah (SHJ) – Istanbul (IST) for return,
- 5 nights half board accommodation in 4* hotels in Sri Lanka,
- 1 dinner at a local restaurant in Negombo,
- Airport-hotel-airport and intra-city transfers,
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Tour,
- Dambulla Temple Tour,
- Sigiriya Tour,
- Hiriwadunna Tour,
- Spice Garden Tour,
- Kandy City Tour,
- Sri Lanka Traditional Show performance,
- Giragama Tea Factory Tour,
- Galle Tour,
- Sea Turtles Tour,
- Colombo Panoramic City Tour,
- Negombo Tour,
- Professional Turkish guiding and assistance services,
- TURSAB professional liability insurance.
Not Included
- Sri Lanka visa
- Travel health insurance
- Lunches not specified in the program
- All personal expenses and hotel extras
- Exit fee for leaving the country
- Entrance fees for museums and archaeological sites
- Tourist city taxes
- Driver tips 5 Euro per person (optional).
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