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12 Days – Discover the Soul of Sri Lanka
Discover the rich diversity of Sri Lanka on a journey that combines ancient culture, spectacular wildlife, scenic hill country, and stunning coastline. From sacred temples and historic sites in the Cultural Triangle and Kandy to the tea-covered landscapes of Nuwara Eliya and Ella, this itinerary showcases the island’s most captivating highlights.
Beginning with a night in Colombo, the journey continues through the Cultural Triangle, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, and Udawalawe before ending with time to unwind on the south coast in Mirissa and Galle. Blending safari adventures, cultural exploration, breathtaking scenery, and beachside relaxation, this well-balanced 11-night itinerary offers an unforgettable Sri Lankan experience.
Attractions & Activities
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Colombo / Kandy /Nuwara Eliya /Galle City Tour
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Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple
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Climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Pidurangala Rock
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Minneriya Elephant Safari
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Polonnaruwa Historical City
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Visit the Tooth of Relic Temple
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Visit Royal Botanical Garden
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Tea Plantation & Tea Tasting Tour.
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Train Ride to Nanu oya to Ella
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Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak
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Tuk- Tuk ride to Lipton Seat
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Udawalawa National Park Safari & Elephant Transit Home.
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Whale Watching Tour in Mirissa
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Visit Sea Turtle Conservation Centre
Locations
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Colombo
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Dambulla
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Polonnaruwa
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Kandy
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Nuwara Eliya
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Ella
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Udawalawa
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Mirissa
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Galle
Itinerary
DAY 01 | ARRIVAL | TRANSFER TO COLOMBO
Highlights
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Relax at the Hotel
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Colombo City Tour
Ayubowan – Welcome to Sri Lanka!
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Upon your arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by representatives of Lanka4me and transferred to Colombo.
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Check-in to the hotel, rest and relax to recover from jet lag.
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If you have spare time, your chauffeur guide will introduce you to some of Colombo’s curious sites such as:
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the vibrant markets of Pettah
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old city of Fort
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the Hindu Temple at Sea Street
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the Dutch Church at Wolfendal
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alternatively to indulge in some shopping
Colombo: Situated in the western province of Sri Lanka, Colombo is the island’s capital. Diverse and vibrant, the city is the administrative and economic center of the country. The city offers historical monuments, colonial architecture, beaches, and fine dining and shopping. Its architecture has been influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonization.
DAY 02 & 03 | ARRIVAL | TRANSFER TO DAMBULLA
Highlights
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Dambulla Cave Temple
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Sigiriya Lion Rock
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Kaudulla National Park Safari
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Polonnaruwa Relic City
Cultural Triangle & Wildlife Highlights
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Depart from Colombo to the inland of Sri Lanka
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Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple
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Continue to Sigiriya in the Cultural Triangle
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Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress (5th century)
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Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
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Walking tour of key ruins (including temples, palace, and sacred sites)
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Afternoon jeep safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park
Dambulla Cave/Golden Temple:
Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple is a living Buddhist site featuring five cave shrines. Thousands of years ago, a massive rock was manually hollowed out to create these caves. Each cave houses its own temple, with intricately painted ceilings depicting Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and various deities.
Sigiriya Lion Rock:
Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an impressive rock fortress and temple complex atop a volcanic plateau. Known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” it features the remains of a giant lion-shaped entrance, palace ruins, exquisite frescoes, and expansive water and rock gardens.
Polonnaruwa – UNESCO World Heritage SitePolonnaruwa, one of Sri Lanka’s most significant ancient capitals, traces its origins back to the 6th century BC. Renowned for its sophisticated irrigation systems and vast reservoirs, the city flourished as an agricultural and political centre, particularly during periods when Anuradhapura faced external threats.
Today, Polonnaruwa is celebrated for its remarkably preserved archaeological treasures, offering a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich heritage and the grandeur of its ancient civilisation.
Minneriya National Park:
Just 30 minutes from Sigiriya, Minneriya National Park is famous for its annual “Elephant Gathering” during the dry season, when herds migrate to the Minneriya Reservoir. Visitors can observe elephants, a variety of bird species, other mammals, and diverse plant life.
DAY 04 | TRANSFER TO KANDY
Highlights
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Tooth of Relic Temple
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Arthur’s Seat View Point
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Kandy Traditional Dance Show
From Dambulla to Kandy – Cultural Capital of Sri Lanka
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After Breakfast transfer to the Kandy.
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On route visit to Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
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Sunset at the Kandy Arthur’s seat view point.
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Witness the Kandy traditional dance show.
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Dinner and overnight stay in Kandy hotel.
Kandy – Surrounded by lush mountains, Kandy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Sri Lanka’s cultural capital. At its heart lies the scenic Kandy Lake, while the city’s most famous landmark is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the country’s most important Buddhist sites. Other attractions include the Royal Botanical Gardens, Bahirawakanda Temple, Udawattekele Sanctuary, the Ceylon Tea Museum, and the peaceful Wales Park.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic:
A visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is one of the highlights of any stay in Kandy. Known locally as Sri Dalada Maligawa, it is Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist temple and has been a place of worship since the 16th century.
Set beside the former royal palace and overlooking Kandy Lake, the temple houses the sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha, one of the country’s most treasured religious symbols. Every day, thousands of devotees dressed in white bring flowers as offerings during traditional puja ceremonies. While the relic itself is kept inside a golden casket, visitors can experience the atmosphere of the inner shrine during these rituals.
The temple is also the focal point of the famous Esala Perahera, a spectacular 10-day festival during which the sacred casket is carried through the streets in a grand procession.
Best time to visit: Morning or evening during the daily puja ceremonies.
Arthur’s Seat:
Arthur’s Seat is a popular viewpoint in Kandy, offering beautiful panoramic views of Kandy Lake, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the Royal Palace, and the city below. Located about 550 metres above sea level, it is named after a British tea planter, Mr. Arthur, who is said to have enjoyed the same views from a stone seat at his bungalow. Today, it remains one of the best spots in the city to take in Kandy’s scenic beauty.
DAY 05 | PROCEED TO NUWARA ELIYA
Highlights
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Royal Botanical Garden
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Ramboda & Lovers Leap Waterfalls
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Tea Plantation and Tea Tasting Tour
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Nuwara Eliya City Tour
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Gregory Lake
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Victoria Park
From Kandy to Nuwara Eliya – Tea Country Journey
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After Breakfast proceed to Nuwara Eliya.
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On route visit to Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya.
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Ramboda and Puna Ella view point.
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Tea tasting and Tea Plantation tour in Nuwara Eliya.
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Nuwara Eliya City Tour including (Gregory lake and Victoria park)
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Dinner and overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya hotel.
Royal Botanical Garden – Peradeniya
Located just outside Kandy, the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya are among the most beautiful gardens in Asia. Set beside the Mahaweli River, the gardens are home to thousands of plant species, including colourful orchids, towering palm trees, medicinal plants, and spices. With its peaceful pathways, lush greenery, and vibrant flowers, it is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy nature.
Tea Plantations of Sri Lanka
Tea is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous exports and an important part of the country’s heritage. A visit to a tea plantation offers a fascinating insight into how Ceylon tea is grown and produced, from freshly picked leaves to the finished product. Learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea while taking in the beautiful scenery of the surrounding hills.
Nuwara Eliya – “Little England”
Set in Sri Lanka’s cool hill country, Nuwara Eliya is known for its pleasant climate, colonial charm, and beautiful scenery. Often called “Little England,” the town is surrounded by rolling tea plantations, waterfalls, and misty mountains. It’s a great place to relax, enjoy scenic walks, and experience a different side of Sri Lanka.
DAY 06 & 07 | TRAIN RIDE TO ELLA
Highlights
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Stunning Train Ride
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Nine Arches Bridge
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Mini Adam’s Peak
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Tuk Tuk ride to Lipton Seat7
Ella & Hill Country Experience
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Scenic train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella
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Enjoy views of waterfalls, tea plantations, villages, forests, and mountains
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Relax in the charming hill-country village of Ella
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Take in panoramic views through the famous Ella Gap
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Morning hike to Little Adam’s Peak (easy and rewarding)
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Walk through lush tea estates and observe local tea picking
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Afternoon visit to Lipton’s Seat viewpoint in Haputale
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Enjoy one of Sri Lanka’s most breathtaking panoramic views
Train Ride to Ella
The train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella is one of Sri Lanka’s most memorable experiences. Lasting around four hours, the route passes through rolling tea plantations, misty hills, forests, and charming rural villages. Widely regarded as one of the most scenic train rides in the world, it is a highlight of any visit to Sri Lanka’s hill country.
Little Adam’s Peak
Named for its resemblance to the famous Adam’s Peak, this gentle hike offers stunning panoramic views over the Uva region and beyond. Located just a short distance from Ella town, the trail leads through beautiful tea estates and is a favorite among both local and international visitors. The hike is easy, short, and incredibly rewarding.
Nine Arches Bridge
Located between Ella and Demodara, this iconic colonial-era viaduct is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous landmarks. Built entirely from stone, brick, and cement without steel, it rises over 30 metres above the surrounding jungle. Known as the “Bridge in the Sky,” its nine arches make for a striking view, especially when a train crosses over it.
Lipton’s Seat
Once a favorite viewpoint of Sir Thomas Lipton, this scenic lookout near Haputale offers sweeping views over the surrounding tea plantations. Accessible by road or a scenic walk, it’s the perfect place to take in the beauty of Sri Lanka’s hill country—just as the famous tea pioneer once did.
DAY 08 | PROCEED TO UDAWALAWA
Highlights
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Ravana Waterfall
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Udawalawa National Park Safari
Udawalawe National Park & Ravana Falls
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Journey into Sri Lanka’s wildlife region toward Udawalawe
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Visit the scenic Ravana Falls, one of the island’s most beautiful waterfalls
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Enjoy a short stop to take in the views and surroundings
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Continue to Udawalawe National Park, known for its abundant wildlife
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Experience an exciting jeep safari through open grasslands and wetlands
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High chance of spotting wild elephants in their natural habitat
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Look out for buffalo, deer, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife
Ravana Waterfall:
This is popularly known by the name of Ravana Ella by the tourists as well as the villagers around. There is another waterfall above this falls which is not visible to the main road which is also called Ravana Falls. This is generally considered the real Ravana Falls due the close proximity of the cave which is considered a place there Sita (in Ramayana) has hidden by the Lankan King Ravana for a while.
Udawalawe National Park:
Located in southern Sri Lanka, Udawalawe National Park was established in 1972 following the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir, which led to wildlife being displaced into the surrounding area. Today, it is one of the island’s most popular national parks and an important habitat for water birds and Sri Lankan elephants, with around 600 elephants making it one of the best places in the country to see them in the wild.
The nearby Elephant Transit Home, founded in 1995, cares for orphaned elephant calves before releasing them back into the wild. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles, deer, buffalo, foxes, snakes, and even the occasional leopard. For those seeking a more immersive experience, several campsites and bungalows along the reservoir and the Walawe River offer a chance to stay close to nature.
DAY 09-12 | PROCEED TO MIRISSA
Highlights
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Coconut Tree Hills
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Whale Watching Tour
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Sea Turtle Conservation Center
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Galle Dutch Fort
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Departure
Southern Coast Escape & Departure
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Journey from the hill country to the idyllic coast of Mirissa, passing rivers, farmlands, and lush landscapes
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Arrive in Mirissa and stay at a beachfront hotel surrounded by coconut groves
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Enjoy relaxing days with stunning views of the Indian Ocean
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Day trip to Galle to explore its historic charm and cultural influences
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Visit a Sea Turtle Conservation Center to learn about marine life protection
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Opportunity for whale watching in Mirissa (seasonal highlight)
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Leisure time to unwind on the beach or explore the surroundings
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Transfer to the airport with your chauffeur guide for your departure flight
Mirissa – Whale Watching Paradise
Mirissa is one of the best places in the world for whale and dolphin watching, especially from November to April. During this season, calm waters attract a variety of marine life, including blue whales. The largest animals on Earth, along with sperm whales, Bryde’s whales, and pods of dolphins.
Boat trips usually leave early in the morning and last around 3–5 hours, offering an unforgettable experience at sea. While sightings are very common during the season, wildlife encounters can never be guaranteed, making each trip a unique adventure.
Sea Turtle Conservation Project
Visit a dedicated sanctuary working to protect Sri Lanka’s endangered sea turtles. Learn about conservation efforts at the hatchery, where eggs are safely incubated, and see rescued turtles being rehabilitated before their release back into the ocean. A meaningful and educational experience for nature lovers.
Galle Dutch Fort
Step back in time at Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site shaped by Portuguese and Dutch colonial history. Enclosed by sturdy stone walls and set along the ocean, it is known for its charming streets, colonial buildings, and relaxed atmosphere.
Explore its narrow lanes filled with cafés, shops, and galleries, and enjoy the blend of history and modern life in one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic coastal towns.
Included
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11 nights accommodation at 3-4 star hotels
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breakfast and dinner
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Last night: dinner served at outside restaurants.
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Arrival and departure assistance at the airport
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Transportation by A/C vehicle on private basis with passenger insurance.
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Service of the English speaking chauffeur guide.
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Free sim card with data
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water bottles
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wi-fi
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All government taxes are included for above all
Exclusions
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Air fares and visa charges.
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Sightseeing entrance charges (unless specified).
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Lunch and dinner on the last day
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Any expenses on private basis
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travel insurance
