WHY TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS?
Local Destination Experts
We are the source, the Destination Management Company, the Ground Operator, and the wholesaler offering nothing but the best in its category. Our team creating these travel experiences knows the destinations intimately, so there is no one better to recommend the very best tours and experiences for your holiday.
100% Guaranteed Departure
Every departure is guaranteed as mentioned on the tour page. So, book and relax knowing the tour will not be cancelled unless there are circumstances beyond our control.
Tipping Made Easy
Tipping can be confusing so for that reason we will advise you of minimum tipping/gratuity which you can prepay or pass on to your Tour Manager who will take care of it on your behalf. For more details, please refer to our predeparture information.
Our Reputation & Your Peace of Mind
Our dedicated ground team spares no effort in ensuring your journey is nothing short of exceptional, resulting in an overwhelming 99% customer satisfaction rate, with the vast majority enthusiastically recommending us for your travel needs. In addition to being proud members of CATO and NZOTSA, we are also fully accredited members of IATA, ATAS, ATIA and TAANZ, ensuring our commitment to the highest standards of service and professionalism in the travel industry.
Inclusive and Price Guarantee
Our price covers everything as mentioned on the tour pages. Price is guaranteed once paid in full.
24/7 Helpline
For peace of mind, 24/7 emergency help is available to you.
Looking after you isn’t just our job – it’s our passion
Small Group Journeys
Guaranteed Departure
These are some of the most popular tours for those who love travelling with like-minded people. Our Group Journeys are small, and the average group size is between 8-12 people.
Travel Companions and Age Group:
The average age of people in the group is 30-70 and when you book in Australia and New Zealand rest assured the tour cohort will be your fellow citizens only.
Pre and Post Tour accommodation and transfers
If you wish to arrive a day early or leave a day later, we provide pre and post tour accommodation when you book any of our tour.
TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS Tour & inclusions
Our Small Group Journeys are managed and accompanied by the local THO Tour Managers who have knowledge and understanding of the country’s history and culture. When you choose a private car or a tailormade tour, the city sightseeing is led by the local city tour guide who resides in the area.
After all it’s your holiday, regardless of tour type, we take care of everything, leaving you to sit back and enjoy the experience to the fullest. These tours are inclusive of daily breakfast and dinner, all transfers, comprehensive touring, and authentic cultural experiences. For your understanding inclusions are specified in the tour, quote, and booking but feel free to ask if you are unsure of anything.
Travelling Tips Sri Lanka
Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka
With its tropical climate its year-round destination, but the best is October to April, most of the island country experiences a pleasant and dry climate. With ample sunshine, clear blue skies and lush green landscapes, this period is considered to be best climate to visit Sri Lanka.
Currency & ATMs
Sri Lankan rupee is the local currency, and a currency exchange centre is available at the Colombo Airport. Credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, and American Express) are accepted at hotels, better restaurants and even most supermarkets. When you are out on the street market you will need local currency. ATMs are easily
found in large cities and towns but are far less in rural & remote areas.
Travelling Around
Cities in Sri Lanka are well-connected, getting around is easy so the best convenient way is to have a private chauffeur driven vehicle.
Visas
Visa is required and can be obtained online by visiting https://www.srilankaevisa.lk/ and to avoid inconvenience
we recommend applying at least 30 days before arrival. Passport must be valid for at least six months before you commence travel to Sri Lanka.
Important Information
Loyalty Discounts and Savings
We value your loyalty. Many of our valued customers enjoy TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS experiential travel style that they choose to travel with us repeatedly. They also enthusiastically refer their friends and family which is a testament to the exceptional experience and service we offer. .
Save 5% on your second & ongoing tour package when you combine two or more brochure tours in one booking. Save 5 to 10% when travelling together as a group of six or more passengers.
Save 5% every time you book Small Group Journeys if you travel again within 2 years.
For more details, please refer to booking conditions at the end of the brochure.
Tour Paced & Fitness Requirements
To ensure you make the most of your holiday experience, we provide information regarding the tour pace and physical demands. While all our tours require reasonable fitness and the ability to navigate sights independently, some may involve longer walks, cycling, and other physical activities. Each tour is rated accordingly, and for further details, please don’t hesitate to ask and ensure you meet the specified requirements and rating.
Easy Paced
You should have a reasonable level of fitness as the itinerary involves spending time on your feet, embarking and disembarking from coaches and boats, ascending steps, and comfortably walking for a minimum of 1-2 hours or more while exploring sights and navigating local markets.
Moderate
A good level of fitness is essential as you should be comfortable walking for a minimum of 2-3 hours or more, covering longer distances. The tour may also include physical activities such as cycling on straightforward terrain, climbing additional steps while visiting sights, and engaging in other adventures as part of the tour.
Adventurous
A high level of fitness is needed to participate in these tours as on some days you will be active for most of the day. The terrain may be more challenging and the activities more physically demanding.
How to get there?
All major airlines fly to Colombo airport, known as Bandaranaike International Airport, please ask us or your travel agent for a better option with a discounted fare.
How to book:
Booking with us is straightforward.
01 Select the Tour
Select from this brochure or simply browse our website to see our full range of tours and choose the style of travel that suits you.
Get in touch by email or call one of our destination experts who will be able to answer any of your questions, check availability instantly and confirm prices if it’s a small group Journey.
03
02 Speak to an Expert Make a Booking
Visit your preferred travel agent or call us to pay a deposit and secure your booking. Final payment is usually due 60 days before departure unless requested.
Classic Lanka
(Tour Code: CLFD)
14 DAYS / 13 NIGHTS EASY-PACED GUARANTEED DEPARTURE MIN PAX: 04 FROM NZ $3,345 PP
This small-group tour combines culture and relaxation, taking in some of Sri Lanka’s finest historical, archaeological and natural treasures while not forgetting the pleasure of a few days by the sea.
Day 1: Arrive Colombo
On arrival at the airport, meet your tour Manager at the arrival lounge who will assist you with the transfer to the Negombo hotel for overnight stay.
Day 2: Negombo – Dambulla B D
After a brief outline of the tour, travel to Dambulla, the hub of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. The remainder of the afternoon is free to relax or explore this small town. Stay four nights at Dambulla.
Day 3: Excursion to Anuradhapura B D
Today enjoy an excursion to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s ancient capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the ruins and monuments, an engineering marvel, embellished with handsome stone carvings or sculptures, pleasure gardens, beautifully executed stone baths and ponds and a superb irrigation system of reservoirs and canals dated back to the 2nd Century BC.
Day 4: Hiriwadunna Village & Sigiriya B L D
Morning visit the 5th Century Sigiriya rock fortress. An afternoon bullockdrawn cart ride will take you through the village of Hiriwadunna. Cross a scenic reservoir by Oruwa (traditional boat), its long, narrow shape gliding effortlessly on the water, to visit a Chena cultivation, wherefrom the shade of a treehouse made of mud and thatched palm leaves, the village of Hiriwadunna can be surveyed. Mix and mingle with locals over a cup of Ceylon Tea before a home-cooked lunch is served by the local family.
Day 5: Polonnaruwa & Minneriya B D
Take an excursion to Polonnaruwa, another World Heritage Site, and visit monuments built by the South
What’s included: 13 Nghts 4* deluxe accommodation Travel by chartered air-conditioned vehicle Group assistance and transfers Sightseeing as specified Meals as specified THO National Guide (minimum 07 people) Monument entrance fees Jeep safari at Minneriya & Yala National Park Cultural dance show in Kandy Turtle hatchery Village experience Tea tour Bottled water while travelling and all current collectable taxes.
Nuwara Eliya
Anuradhapura
4* DELUXE
Kandy
Indian Cholas dynasty in the 11th and 12th centuries. Later visit Minneriya National Park to watch a big family of elephants come to bathe and graze, as well as the variety of birds that come to fish in the shallow waters.
Day 6: Dambulla – Kandy B D
Leave after breakfast for Kandy, stopping en route in Matale, spice growing region, for a special insight into some unique Sri Lankan agriculture. Evening enjoy a drum and dance cultural show before concluding the day with two nights stay in Kandy.
Day 7: Kandy
B D
Morning visit Peradeniya Botanical Garden and the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Evening explore the town and bazaar for local handicrafts and visit a gem museum.
Day 8: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya B D
After breakfast leave for Nuwara Eliya and enjoy the scenic ride to the tea state. See lush green land filled with miles of tea plantations. Stay two nights in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 9: Nuwara Eliya (Tea Tour) B D
Wake up to the freshness of the tea garden, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and get ready for a tea garden tour. The tea industry in Sri Lanka (Ceylon) is over 150 years old. It is a traditional industry commenced by the British when Ceylon was a colony. Vestiges of
the colonial heritage are still evident, particularly in the tea-growing regions. Meet tea experts and scientists at the Tea Research Institute and learn about the latest scientific discoveries. Sharpen your tea-tasting skills with experts. The remainder of the day is free to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Day 10: Nuwara Eliya – Yala B D
Travel to Yala, famous for its national park, enjoy a scenic ride through small towns, and arrive late afternoon. Evening free to explore and stay overnight at Yala.
Day 11: Yala – Beach Stay B D
After breakfast take a morning jeep safari to Yala National Park to Spot varieties of wild animals, birds and reptiles. Later travel to your next destination and enjoy three nights at the beach resort.
Day 12: Day Excursion B D
After breakfast enjoy a day excursion and visit the Mask Factory Museum at Ambalangoda, then to Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, operated by the Wildlife Protection Society of Sri Lanka to protect endangered turtle species from extinction. Before returning we explore Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 13: Beach Resort
B D
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the day is free to relax on the beach.
Day 14: Colombo Departure B Today travel to Colombo and enjoy Colombo Tuk-Tuk Ride followed by some last-moment shopping, Tour finishes with a direct transfer to Colombo airport.
Departure & Pricing
Sigiriya
Solo’s Sri Lanka (Tour Code: SSLFD)
13 DAYS / 12 NIGHTS EASY-PACED GUARANTEED DEPARTURE MIN PAX: 04 FROM NZ $4,698 PP
We invite you to explore this superb destination, visiting the ancient cities and UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Sigiriya and Dambulla and spotting wild elephants, reptiles and birds in Minneriya National Park. Enjoy the bustling city of Kandy where you may explore the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the magnificent Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Travel to Nuwara Eliya and enjoy the misty experience of the tea gardens there. Finish your holiday with a spectacular beach stay and feel the accomplishment of having covered all the major highlights of Sri Lanka.
Day 1: Arrive Colombo
On arrival at the airport, meet your tour Manager at the arrival lounge who will assist with the transfer to the Colombo hotel. Stay for two nights in Colombo.
Day 2: Colombo
B D
After a leisurely breakfast and a short briefing from the tour Manager, we start the city sightseeing tour by Tuk Tuk as locals do. Visiting iconic sights, bazaars, churches and temples before concluding our day with a welcome dinner.
Day 3: Colombo – Dambulla
B D
Today travel to Dambulla, on our way we stop by a roadside fruit market to taste the seasonal fruits. Later visit the Dambulla Cave Temples a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the complex spans five caves and contains over 150 Buddha images, some of which date as far back as the 1st century BC. Stay three nights in Dambulla.
Day 4: Excursion Sigiriya & Minneriya B D
Discover the 5th-century ancient clifftop fortress of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This imposing citadel site is known as “Lion’s Rock” and explores the ruins of ancient palaces, moats, shrines, frescoes and water gardens as you take in commanding vistas of the misty forests beyond. Afternoon proceed for a wildlife safari at Minneriya National Park. The Park is based largely around a huge tank (reservoir) and serves as an important gathering place for Sri Lanka’s large elephant population. Besides elephants, Minneriya is also home to many species of mammals like the sambar deer and sloth bear.
Day 5: Yoga and Cooking Class B D Wake up early for a yoga session.
What’s included: 12 Nights 4* deluxe accommodation Travel by chartered air-conditioned vehicle Group assistance and transfers Sightseeing as specified Meals as specified THO National Guide (minimum 07 people) Monument entrance Fees Wildlife safari at Minneriya Visit a spice plantation Tuk-Tuk ride Cooking class Hi-Tea Cultural dance show in Kandy Tea tour in Nuwara Eliya Bottled water while travelling and all current collectable taxes.
Dambulla
Nuwara Eliya
4* DELUXE
Explore Dambulla’s largest vegetables and fruits wholesale market. The harvest from the surrounding fields and villages is brought into the market for distribution to the rest of the country. Later we travel to a nearby organic farm to uncover the secrets of Sri Lankan recipes with a handson cooking class. Learn to cook a few Sri Lankan dishes like meat, vegetable and a traditional salad. Subsequently, enjoy a traditional lunch along with the dishes you have prepared.
Day 6: Dambulla – Kandy
B D
Today we travel to Kandy, en-route visit Matale Spice Plantation where you can see how herbs and spices are grown in their natural environment. Learn their medicinal value and use in Sri Lankan cuisine to enhance the taste of speciality meals. Later travel to Kandy and walk around the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, these gardens have a long history dating back to the British Era. Now the garden houses thousands of beautiful plant species brought from around the world. Stay two nights in Kandy.
Day 7: Kandy
B D
Morning we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Kandy and visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then walk around the Upper Lake area to enjoy the view of Kandy. Later visit Gem Museum and watch a short film on Gem Mining in Sri Lanka then explore
the shop attached showcasing the finished jewellery. In the evening enjoy a spectacular Kandy Cultural Show.
Day 8: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya
B D
Travel to Nuwara Eliya also known as little England through thousands of acres of Tea Plantations and some breath-taking views as you slowly climb up through the hills. Visit a Tea Factory to see just how tea is produced and the remaining of the day is free to relax or explore. Stay two nights in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 9: Nuwara Eliya
B T D
Today enjoy a walk through the Horton Plains another UNESCO World Heritage Site to see World’s end where on a clear day, you can see the drop of over 3000ft and the coast approx. 50 miles away. Evening enjoy a High-Tea and feel the British Era in this colonial building.
Day 10-12: Nuwara Eliya –Bentota
B D
Travel to Bentota, a beach destination on the South Coast where you can unwind and enjoy the golden sand beaches. Between November to April, is the best time to do whale watching and most common being Blue Whales, Dolphins and Sperm Whales. Whale watching is not included and can be booked with the tour. Stay three nights in Bentota.
Note: May – September Bentota will be replaced with Trincomalee or Passikudah.
Day 13: Colombo
After breakfast travel to Colombo.
En-route enjoy a walk-through Galle’s historic 17C Dutch Fort a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If time permits, we explore the Galle face green and later enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Tour finish by late evening with a direct transfer to Colombo international airport where you board your onward flight.
Departure & Pricing (NZ$ PER PERSON From)
Tour notes:
Suggested gratuity NZ$ 130pp: Driver, Tour Guide and Tour Manager Add
Kandy
Nuwara Eliya
Women’s Getaway To Sri Lanka
14 DAYS / 13 NIGHTS EASY-PACED
FROM
This tour combines culture and relaxation, taking in some of Sri Lanka’s finest historical, archaeological and natural treasures, tea plantations, local experiences, shopping and the pleasures of a few days by the sea. This is a leisure-paced tour and an excellent all-around introduction to Sri Lanka.
Day 1: Arrive Colombo
On arrival at the airport, meet your tour Manager at the arrival lounge who will assist with the transfer to the Negombo hotel. Stay for two nights in Negombo.
Day 2: Negombo B D
Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Negombo. Walk down the small fishing villages on the outskirts of Negombo to witness the large open air fish market. Later continue the city tour to visit
the Dutch church and Port, St. Mary’s Church and Temple. Evening enjoy welcome dinner at a local restaurant serving Sri Lankan Cuisine.
Day 3: Negombo – Dambulla B D
Today travel to Dambulla, on our way we stop by roadside fruit market to taste the seasonal fruits. Later visit the Dambulla Cave Temples an UNESCO World Heritage Site, the complex spans five caves and contains over 150 Buddha images, some which date as far back as the 1st century BC. Stay three nights in Dambulla.
Day 4: Yoga & Cooking Class B L D
Wake up early for a yoga session. Explore Dambulla’s largest vegetables and fruits wholesale market. The harvest from the surrounding fields and villages is brought into the market for distribution to the rest of the country. Later we travel to a nearby organic farm to uncover the secrets
$3,432 PP of Sri Lankan recipes with a handson cooking class. Learn to cook a few Sri Lankan dishes like meat, vegetable and a traditional salad. Subsequently, enjoy a traditional lunch along with the dishes you have prepared.
Day 5: Excursion Sigiriya & Minneriya National Park B D
Discover the 5th century ancient clifftop fortress of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These imposing citadel sites are known as “Lion’s Rock” and explore the ruins of ancient palaces, moats, shrines, frescoes and water gardens as you take in commanding vistas of the misty forests beyond. Afternoon proceed for a wildlife safari at Minneriya National Park. The Park is based largely around a huge tank (reservoir) and serves as an important gathering place for Sri Lanka’s large elephant population. Besides elephants, Minneriya is also
What’s included: 13 Nights 4* deluxe accommodation Travel by chartered air-conditioned vehicle Group assistance and transfers Sightseeing as specified Meals as specified THO Tour Manager (minimum 07 people) Monument entrance fees Tuk-Tuk ride Wildlife Safari at Minneriya & Yala National Park Cooking class Spice plantation visit Cultural dance show in Kandy Tea tour & high tea Bottled water while travelling and all current collectable taxes.
Sigiriya
home to many species of mammals like the sambar deer and sloth bear.
Day 6: Dambulla – Kandy B D
Today we travel to Kandy, en-route visit Matale Spice Plantation where you can see how herbs and spices are grown in their natural environment. Learn their medicinal value and use in Sri Lankan cuisine to enhance the taste of speciality meals. Later travel to Kandy and walk around the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, these gardens have a long history dating back to the British Era. Now the garden houses thousands of beautiful plant species brought from around the world. Stay two nights in Kandy.
Day 7: Kandy B D
Morning we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Kandy and visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then walk around the Upper Lake area to enjoy the view of Kandy. Later visit Gem Museum and watch a short film on Gem Mining in Sri Lanka then explore the shop attached showcasing the finished jewellery. In the evening enjoy the spectacular Kandy Cultural Show.
Day 8: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya B T D
Travel to Nuwara Eliya the ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, is set against beautiful
backdrops of mountains, valleys, waterfalls and tea plantations. Visit a Tea Factory to witness the entire process of tea making, the rolling, withering, and packaging. You will also get an opportunity to taste a fresh cup of tea and buy some as a souvenir. Evening enjoy Hi-Tea at the Colonial Hotel. Stay overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 9: Nuwara Eliya - Ella - Yala B D
We wake up early and travel to Yala, en-route visit Ella. Climb the Ella rock and take a Tuk-tuk ride to visit nine arch bridge which is one of the iconic bridges in Sri Lanka. Continue to Yala and Stay for two nights.
Day 10: Yala B D
Get ready for an exciting wildlife jeep Safari at the Yala National Park. The highlight is the large herd of elephants, sighting of leopard, a large variety of water birds, sloth bear, spotted deer, toque monkeys, mongoose and crocodiles.
Day 11 - 13: Yala – Beach Resort B D
Morning travel to Beruwela, en-route visit Galle and enjoy a guided walk through Galle’s historic 17C Dutch Fort a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fascinating excursion will give you a memorable glimpse into life within Galle Fort – one of the best-
“THO staff were very professional and at no time did I feel deserted. Excellent service, good accommodation and I would highly recommend to anyone.”
preserved Colonial Forts in Asia. Rest and relax as you stay three nights at Beruwala/Ahungalla beach resort.
Day 14: Beach Resort - Colombo B D
After breakfast travel to Colombo and enjoy Colombo Tuk-Tuk Ride. Opportunity for last-moment shopping, followed by Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. Late evening tour finishes with a direct transfer to Colombo airport.
Departure & Pricing
Beruwala
– Wendy
Yala
BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS
Space and rooms are subject to availability at the time of booking.
To hold the room on a confirmed basis minimum deposit of $500 per person is required at the time of booking.
Full payment is required 90 to 60 days prior to departure unless otherwise requested earlier.
Airfare mentioned is the lowest economy class. Seats are subject to availability at the time of booking.
Package price displayed in THO small group Journeys are per person as per mentioned departure date.
For more details on booking conditions visit https://totalholidayoptions.co.nz/home/booking
