Sri Lanka AUGUST 2019

SRI LANKA Group tour for Scouts

Group departures available for dates in July & August 2019 Price per person: From £TBC Contact: John Carroll scouts@travelplaces.co.uk 01903 832861

Sri Lanka Sri Lanka – The wonder of Asia Endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, oodles of elephants, rolling surf, cheap prices, fun trains, famous tea and flavourful food make Sri Lanka irresistible. Few places have as many Unesco World Heritage Sites (eight) packed into such a small area. Sri Lanka's 2000-plus years of culture can be discovered at ancient sites where legendary temples boast beautiful details even as they shelter in caves or perch on prominent peaks. Your quote contact: John Carroll scouts@travelplaces.co.uk 01903 832861

Itinerary

Day 1 Meet at the airport

Check in for your direct flight to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. (flight time approx 11 hours)

Overnight - in flight

Day 2 An early morning arrival in Colombo

Your group will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel to check in and rest. Late afternoon, depart the hotel on a sightseeing tour of Colombo. A city of contrasts, Sri Lanka’s ocean city, where modern skyscrapers jostle with the old world charm of colonial Colombo’s garden roots. Highlights of the tour include a stop at the Pettah Bazaar where you can shop for bargains amongst the hustle and bustle, visits to both Hindu and Buddhist temples, and an opportunity to see the fine Colonial era mansions of the city’s residential districts. There will also be time to spend browsing in some of he more popular shopping destinations such as Barefoot, Odel, Paradise Road, Cotton Collection and Lakmedura.

Overnight at Colombo Hotel (Room Only)

Itinerary

Day 3 After breakfast, check out & depart for Dambulla.

En route your group will visit the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawela - This orphanage is home for nearly 90 elephants, including a number of baby elephants which were found abandoned or orphaned in the wild. Following time with these amazing beasts, you’ll continue on to Dambulla, starting your visit with a climb up to the Golden Rock Temple, which was donated to Buddhist monks by King Walagambahu in the 1st century BC. Today ends with a transfer to your accommodation and an evening at leisure.

Overnight at Dambulla Hotel (Breakfast)

Day 4 After breakfast, you’ll travel to Sigiriya.

A 5th century, UNESCO listed world heritage site, Sigiriya Rock Fortress sits atop a massive 200m rock column and was built by King Kashyapa,. You’ll have the opportunity to climb the roughly 1200 steps to enjoy jungle views and a closer look at the original gateway to the palace, built in the form of a Lion, origin of the name - Sigiriya. Climb completed, its time for a Jeep safari around the evergreen forests and scrublands of Minneriya, a lush, natural park home to sambar deer, leopards and elephants.

Overnight at Dambulla Hotel (Breakfast)

Itinerary

Day 5 After breakfast, check out and leave for Kandy.

En route, a visit to the spice garden of Matale will provide a wonderfully aromatic introduction to how Sri Lanka’s world famed spices are cultivated, harvested and processed Onwards to Kandy, the Hill Capital, one of the most scenic cities in the country. Kandy is home to the Temple of the Tooth, one of the most revered places of worship in the Buddhist world, declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1988 On arrival in Kandy, which is known locally as Maha Nuwara, meaning The Great City, enjoy a perfect introduction and orientation with a sightseeing tour.

Overnight at Kandy Hotel (Breakfast)

Day 6 You’re heading for the hills today

After breakfast and check out, it’s a short transfer to Kandy Railway Station and all aboard the train bound for Nanu Oya. Your journey wends through lush tropical forests, past stunning waterfalls and breath-taking views before arrival at Nanu Oya Railway Station Here, you’ll be met and transferred to Nuwara Eliya, the heart and home of Sri Lanka’s tea country, where a significant share of the world’s best tea is produced. Sri Lanka’s highest mountain, Pidurutalagala (2500m) is also located here.

Overnight at Nuwara Eliya Hotel (Breakfast)

Day 7 After breakfast, check out & leave for Udawalawe

Before we leave the Kandy area, we’ll stop at the “Pedro” Tea factory and plantation, where you’ ll be able to see the manufacturing process involved n creating the tea for your daily cuppa! Onwards to Udawalawe and a Jeep safari through the park, renowned as a great place to see elephants in their natural habitat

Overnight at Udawalawe Safari Hotel (Breakfast)

Day 8 After breakfast, check out & leave for the Galle area

Our journey to Sri Lanka’s south west will pass through lively villages and lush landscapes, prior to a warm welcome on arrival at The Extra Cover community project Your host will provide the group with a full brief detailing the various activities and experiences included in this week long project prior to taking you on a tour of the local community

Overnight at Unawatuna Hotel (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 9 Enjoy an early breakfast, then head over to the site

On arrival at the community project, your group will be divided into teams and given their tasks for the day which may include gardening, building maintenance, construction work, English lessons or arts and crafts sessions with the local school children.

Overnight at Unawatuna Hotel (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Itinerary

Day 10 After breakfast, head back over to the site

Today you’ll continue working within the local community on your projects allocated the previous day. Other projects and tasks may include help in organising a sports day or assisting others to serve the school lunches that are provided by the charity. Your group will also get the opportunity to visit some of the other schools assisted by Extra Cover.

Overnight at Unawatuna Hotel (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 11 After breakfast, head on over to the site

Today there is an opportunity to work on the tea and cinnamon plantations that assist local parents in earning an income to support their families There will also be more time to get further involved in your various community projects.

Overnight at Unawatuna Hotel (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 12 After breakfast, you’ll meet with the local schools

Today you’ll be joining a number of children from each school who are heading out to the tropical rainforest on a school visit (paid for by Extra Cover). Your group will accompany the school children and act as chaperones.

Overnight at Unawatuna Hotel (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Itinerary

Itinerary

Day 13 After breakfast, head to the site for the final time

Today, you’ll spend your last day at the community project sites finishing off any outstanding work.

It’s then time to say goodbye to the children and adults that you’ve experienced so much with over the previous week, before heading back to your hotel to rest and pack

Overnight at Unawatuna Hotel (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 14 After breakfast & check out, it’s time for the beach!

Your transfer will take you back up the Coast towards Colombo, arriving at your ‘beach resort’ hotel for a few days rest and relaxation after all your hard work at the project On the way, you’ll visit a turtle hatchery in Kosgoda, an area famous for it’s sea turtle conservation project which, since opening in 1988 has released over 3.5 million baby turtles back into the wild.

Overnight at a beach resort hotel (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 15 A day to kick back, relax and enjoy the facilities,

Overnight at a beach resort hotel (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Itinerary

Day 16 Another day to simply relax and enjoy the beach

Overnight at a beach resort hotel (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 17 After breakfast, check out & leave for Colombo

Your transfer will take you back up the coast to Colombo where you’ll have a final day at leisure for some last minute sightseeing or souvenir shopping in the local markets. End the day with the rest of your group enjoying a celebratory dinner sampling the cuisine at a local restaurant. The perfect chance to share and reflect on your amazing Sri Lankan experiences

Overnight at a Colombo hotel (Breakfast and dinner)

Day 18 Breakfast at the hotel

Check out and transfer to Colombo Airport for your return flight Arrive back in the UK early evening

EXAMPLE SCOUT TOUR – SRI LANKA JULY/AUGUST 2019

SUMMARY

JULY/AUGUST 2019 Price per person: £TBC (based on a group size of 40 pax) Sri Lanka – The wonder of Asia Endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, oodles of elephants, rolling surf, cheap prices, fun trains, famous tea and flavourful food make Sri Lanka irresistible. Few places have as many Unesco World Heritage Sites (eight) packed into such a small area. Sri Lanka's 2000-plus years of culture can be discovered at ancient sites where legendary temples boast beautiful details even as they shelter in caves or perch on prominent peaks. Your quote contact: John Carroll scouts@travelplaces.co.uk 01903 832861

What’s included… • International return flights to Colombo, Sri Lanka • Airport Taxes • UK Airport departure service by a Travel Places

representative • Transfers in a luxury, air-conditioned coach • 16 nights accommodation on a twin share basis

(meals as shown) • Fully escorted excursions with an English

speaking tour guide • Sightseeing tour of Colombo • Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawela • Golden Rock Temple in Dambulla • Sigiriya Rock Fortress • Minneriya Jeep Safari • Sightseeing tour of Kandy • Tea Plantation tour in Nnuwara Eliya • Extra Cover community project (6 days) • Beach resort stay • Dedicated Travel Places tour co-ordinator

throughout the planning and operation of your tour • 24 hour emergency telephone cover

What’s excluded… • UK airport transfers • Meals – other than those specified in the

itinerary • Travel insurance • Personal items such as laundry, telephone calls etc. • Excursions – other than those specified in

the itinerary

About us

Travel Places is family owned and operates in association with American Express Global Business Travel, providing financial security to our clients. This unique partnership has been in place for over 20 years, allowing us to benefit from their considerable buying power and fares across the travel industry, achieving great prices and terms for our customers.

Why us? • Fully flexible, tailor-made tours • Destination expertise from a very experienced team • Scout theme focused travel arrangements • Specialists in arranging all kinds of tours, with over 25,000 passengers a year • We operate in 40+ countries • Experienced, dedicated tour consultant working with you for the duration of your tour • 24 hour phone support pre-departure and during your tour • We are ATOL protected, a member of ABTA and fully bonded by IATA • We are School Travel Forum assured and an accredited Learning Outside of the

Classroom Quality member

EXAMPLE SCOUT TOUR – SRI LANKA JULY/AUGUST 2019

SUMMARY

JULY/AUGUST 2019 Price per person: £TBC (based on a group size of 40 pax) Sri Lanka – The wonder of Asia Endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, oodles of elephants, rolling surf, cheap prices, fun trains, famous tea and flavourful food make Sri Lanka irresistible. Few places have as many Unesco World Heritage Sites (eight) packed into such a small area. Sri Lanka's 2000-plus years of culture can be discovered at ancient sites where legendary temples boast beautiful details even as they shelter in caves or perch on prominent peaks. Your quote contact: Emily Sanders scouts@travelplaces.co.uk 01903 832861

What’s included… • International Return flights to Colombo Airport • Airport Taxes • UK Airport departure service by a Travel Places

representative • Transfers in a luxury, air-conditioned coach with

driver • 16 nights accommodation on a twin share basis

(breakfast included) • Fully escorted excursions with an English

speaking tour guide • Sightseeing tour of Colombo • Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawela • Golden Rock Temple in Dambulla • Sigiriya Rock Fortress • Minneriya Jeep Safari • Sightseeing tour of Kandy • Tea Plantation tour in Nnuwara Eliya • Extra Cover community project (6 days) • Beach resort stay • Dedicated Travel Places tour coordinator

throughout the planning and operating of your tour

• 24 hour emergency telephone cover What’s excluded… • UK airport transfers • Meals – other than those specified in the itinerary • Travel insurance • Personal items such as laundry, telephone calls

etc. • Excursions – other than those specified in the

itinerary

TRAVEL PLACES SCOUTS TEAM

Travel Places Scouts Team was established in 2009, and has extensive experience of working with The Scout Association (TSA) and Scout groups on a national, county and district level. We have successfully arranged travel and tour arrangements for the UK Contingent to travel to – • 13th World Scout Moot in Kenya 2010 • Roverway in Finland 2012 • 23rd World Scout Jamboree in Japan 2015 • 15th World Scout Moot in Iceland 2017

We are also currently working with TSA organising their requirements for Roverway in Holland 2018 and the 24th World Scout Jamboree in USA 2019. On a local level we have assisted a number of Scout groups with their travel plans to travel all over the world – to Mongolia to attend the 31st Asia Pacific Regional Jamboree, to USA to see the Great Solar Eclipse, to Tanzania to take part in a community project plus many more.

DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT

Sri Lanka - Extra Cover Community Project In 2004, thirty thousands lives were claimed by the Boxing Day tsunami. The devastation of this natural disaster left approximately 1,500,000 people displaced from their homes, infectious diseases rapidly spread across the island and hundreds of square kilometres of paddy land were destroyed. The mission of Extra Cover is to help some of Sri Lanka's most disadvantaged school children grow up with hope for the future. The charity provides some fundamental essentials such as food and clean drinking water as well as uniform, footwear and educational resources (to name just a few) to 24 of the most deprived schools in the south of the island. The hands on co-founders of the charity, Matthew Hansford and Robert Easton, are "committed to ensuring all pupils have a regular supply of clean, fresh water while they are at school". There will no doubt be a variety of skills amongst your group, so why not utilise those strengths where you can make a difference. Whether it's climbing up a ladder doing some painting or repair work, building classrooms or playgrounds or assisting with some agricultural work on the tea plantations, your hard work will be hugely appreciated and will aid in the development of children's education in Sri Lanka. Co-founder of Extra Cover, Father Robert Easton says: “We have found that with a little wisdom and lot of sweat, even the smallest of donations can go a very long way. I have visited this little corner of paradise some 30 times and I never tire of the smiles of children as we bring a little relief into their lives – be it a new seesaw in the school playground, a new pair of shoes or a decent meal every day. Sri Lankans are the kindest and most compassionate people – we are welcomed wherever we go, seen and appreciated for what we are, and are shown extraordinary generosity by those who have so little. The rewards of “doing charity” in the south west of Sri Lanka we get are boundless. Every time I fly back to London from Colombo I am already planning my next trip, my next visit to a place where my work makes me feel truly alive.”

If you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact your Travel Places Scout Tour Specialist - John Carroll scouts@travelplaces.co.uk (01903) 832861 www.travelplaces.co.uk

1. Contact the Travel Places Scouts Team to register your interest

2. Return signed booking form and pay deposit

3. Confirmation invoice will be sent to you

4. We keep you updated with information along the way

5. Pay final balance 8 weeks before departure

6. Final travel documents will be sent approximately 2 weeks before departure

7. Go on your tour!!

How to book