The Leaders in
Tea Adventure Travel

Ceylon
Tea Tour

Base Tour: January, 2011
Vietnam Post-Tour Extension: January, 2011

The resplendent isle of Sri Lanka, still referred to as Ceylon in the tea world, exports more tea than almost any other country on earth. With planting beginning in the late 19th century, tea is an essential part of daily life. Truly a tropical paradise, Sri Lanka has a rich and colorful history dating well over 2000 years. European influence dates from the 1600's and one can still feel the legacy in the elegant hotels, well organized tea factories and manicured tea gardens. On this exceptional adventure, guided by top Sri Lankan tea authorities, delve deep into the world of Ceylon teas; visiting ancient historic sights, rare wildlife, expansive beaches, sacred temples,  serene tea gardens, bustling tea factories and tastes dozens of exquisite teas.

A land of exceptional natural beauty, some of the special highlights include: ocean-side afternoon tea; numerous guided tea garden and factory tours; visits to key tea producing areas; executive meetings with major tea business people; intensive training in tea tasting; visiting a renowned tea broker; a pilgrimage to the Buddhas' Tooth Temple, attend focused lectures on tea history, culture and production; tour a gemstone refinery; trek to Ceylon's historic first tea garden; elephant nature reserve; the fast-paced tea auctions and a tea blending and flavoring plant.

Spoil yourself in the sea-side luxury of the 5 star Mt. Lavinia hotel near the capital city of Colombo. Inland, let yourself be dazzled in Ratnapura, known for it's fine gem stones. Learn about Ruhuna teas, also from this area. Get a glimpse of the towering Adam's Peak, said to be the place where Adam first touch earth after being expelled from Eden. On a safari through the Uda Walawe Nature Reserve, see dozens of unique animal species, especially elephants. The tea gardens of the Uva district produce some of the most expensive Ceylon teas. Tour the gardens and factories of the Uva Highlands and Sarnia tea estates and taste some representative examples and  some of the most expensive teas produced.
 

It is the peak flavor season in Nuwara Eliya and we will visit several prominent tea estates to learn their special processing techniques and sample their offerings. At 6,100 ft above sea level, the hill retreat is one of the most important areas for tea production. Along with other buildings in the town, The Grand Hotel, the former British Governor's Mansion, still gives evidence of the English architectural flavor. The surrounds boast numerous natural wonders such as waterfalls, and and inspiring mountain-scapes.

The Ceylon Tea Museum is an essential visit and there we will study the history of Ceylon tea and the evolution of its development. Kandy is the ancient capital of central Sri Lanka and is a wealth of cultural experiences. Observe exotic, native dances and learn about traditional crafts like batik and spice cultivation. The Kenilworth tea estate is one of best known from this area. We will visit the factory and gardens and enjoy a tea tasting session as we see some of the new innovations in tea manufacture. The tour would not be complete without a visit to Loolkandura, the first tea garden in Sri Lanka.

The exciting Vietnam post-tour is filled with more enlightening tea and cultural experiences. Despite over 2,000 years of tea cultivation, Vietnam teas are little know in the West. Vietnam teas have been served to royalty in the past and they are also keeping up with modern developments, importing technology from Sri Lanka. Discover ancient tea traditions and enjoy the rich, colorful customs of this ancient tropical wonder.

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