ITINERARY

Ceylon 4 Day Pre-tour Extension - We begin our adventure on the Resplendent Isle of Sri Lanka, known for its golden beaches, abundant flora, rain forests, wild life, waterfalls, panoramic mountain views and of course, some of the best tea estates in the world. After arriving in the capital city of Colombo, we check into our hotel to rest from the international flight.

Day 1 - After breakfast we board our private coach and head for the ancient capital of Kandy. Along the way enjoy the beautiful scenery and stop at a batic factory to learn about this traditional craft. Arriving in tea country we will have our first look at a tea garden and then tour the factory to see how tea is made. Of course, we'll have the opportunity to taste some of the finest teas from the estate. Rest for the night bathed in the fresh mountain air.

Day 2 - This morning we visit the sacred temple of the Buddha's Tooth. Legend has it that it shelters an actual tooth from the Buddha. From here it is on to the Tea Museum at Hantane for some background on the production of Ceylon tea. After lunch we head of to our next appointment, the hills of Nuwara Eliya. With it's obvious British influence we'll tour the countryside taking in not only a tea estate or two but some magnificent natural scenery. Stay tonight in the regal Grand Hotel, once the Governor's residence during British colonial days.

Day 3 - We are up early today for our drive to Udawalawe National Park. Upon arrival we transfer to 4-wheel drive jeeps for an Elephant Safari, with a picnic lunch along the way. Boarding our coach again, we make our way back to Colombo arriving late that evening.

Day 4 - Arise to tea by the beach in our ocean side hotel. Today we spend some time with a tea broker and learn the life of a professional tea taster then pack our things for our flight to India.

Tea Tour of India & Nepal 2008 - Base Tour - We continue our journey into tea as we land at our main destination - India.

A mysterious land of ancient civilization and culture, it also produces more tea than any other country in the world. Much of it is consumed domestically and we will contribute significantly to that statistic.

Day 1 - Our flight from Colombo has brought us to the southern Indian city of Coimbatore. We board our private coach bus and head for the Blue Hills. No, not North Carolina or Virginia, Nilgiri. Teas from the Nilgiri mountains are known for their full body and brisk flavor. After our late afternoon arrival, tonight we dine with a tea garden owner.

Day 2 - This morning we tour the tea garden learning how to pluck the perfect leaves. Before lunch we'll tour the tea factory to see how the leaves are processed. The Nilgiri's are also known for their natural beauty and we'll do a little sight seeing before retiring for the evening.

Day 3 - Following breakfast we return to the city to catch our flight to Kolkata (Calcutta). After lunch we have a meeting in the offices of a tea broker and have a chance to get acquainted with the different Indian teas as well as how they are bought and sold. Join in a formal tea tasting session to refine our palates. Tonight we have the honor of dining with the Chairman and Directors of the influential Tea Board of India.

Day 4 - Today we will take in some historic sights including the palatial Victoria Memorial. In the afternoon we board the train to Siliguri, the tea trading city at the base of Darjeeling. Watch the countryside pass by and arrive the next morning. We check into our hotel for a chance to nap and/or freshen up.

Day 5 - After the morning to relax on your own we will reconvene at the offices of Lochan Tea Ltd., a major tea trader, and have an introduction to the business side of tea. We will learn about the history of Darjeeling tea from noted authority Mr. Rajiv Lochan. After breakfast we head into town to attend an actual tea auction and have a chance to participate in the bidding. This evening's dinner is hosted by the Siliguri Tea Traders Association.

After lunch we will visit  After dinner we return to Siliguri.

Day 6 - We start our day with a tour of the Doke tea garden to interact with the tea pickers and have an opportunity to pick and make our own tea. Before returning to Siliguri for dinner, we'll meet with people from the Bihar Tea Industry.

Day 7 - Our destination today is the legendary Darjeeling, with some of the highest elevation tea gardens in the world. Arriving by coach we will be met by the owner of the bio-dynamic, organic Makaibari Tea Estate and tour the gardens, factory and have a chance to taste some of their record-price setting tea. We'll also visit the well known Margaret's Hope Estate. Again, we will have the chance to taste some of their best teas, plucked just hours earlier that day.

Day 8 - This morning we rise early and ride to Tiger Hill to behold the inspiring color of Mt. Kanchanjunga and the Himalayas at sunrise. From there we drive to the Poobong Tea Estate (Tibetan for Valley of Bamboo). Besides wonderful traditional teas, Poobong is now making some white teas from the leaves of the famous bushes. After dinner we will stay the night in the private bungalows of our tea estate owner hosts.

Day 9 - The morning is at your leisure to rest or perhaps take a reflective walk through the manicured tea garden. After and early lunch we board our coach and head over the boarder to Nepal, a country of myth and legend. Upon arrival we will attend a seminar with a Nepalese tea expert for a little background and then take a tour of the Ilam tea factory followed by a drive to the tea garden. After dinner, enjoy a colorful performance of traditional songs and dances.

Day 10 - A morning tour of a tea garden will give us a chance to interact with workers, planters and owners. In the afternoon, participate in a tasting session of some different Nepalese teas. The rest of the day we'll spend sightseeing and experiencing the mélange of culture. This evening we return to Siliguri for our flight to Assam, an ancient kingdom, and one of the eastern-most states of the country.

Day 11 - Our first stop today is the Kaziranga National Park for a Wildlife expedition. With luck we'll get to see the rare and endangered one horn rhino. On a tour of the Koliabur estate we will have a chance to taste some fresh made teas as well as a new product - Assam Silver Needle white tea.

Day 12 - Enjoy a morning hike to the century old tea bushes that are still used in production. Later we will visit the Tirupati estate and have an introduction to Assam tea production and history as well as a tasting of the traditional rich and malty teas. In the afternoon we pack up our things and fly to the nation's capital - New Delhi.

Day 13 - Our coach departs early for the drive to Agra, location of the splendorous Taj Mahal. Enjoy some sightseeing at other historical sites and then continue West to  Rajasthan state. A land of fables and enchanting stories we will venture out into the dessert and drink tea nomad style in the tents of the camel caravan.

Day 14 - Around the capital of Jaipur we'll visit some of the legendary forts that have withstood the sieges of time and sand. In the afternoon we take our coach back to New Delhi. And, after some time to wander through the bazaar looking for treasures, reminisce about our journey at a farewell dinner with Delhi Tea Association. The next morning we bid India farewell and depart for home with memories that will last a life time.