Hafen
Galle

OVERVIEW

Enjoy the amenities of a nearby beach resort, the highlight being an Ayurveda massage with essential oils that is intended to balance your mind, body and spirit. After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a brief but scenic drive to nearby Koggala, a small coastal town on the edge of a shimmering lagoon. Here you will enjoy the amenities of a beach resort, including its therapeutic center where Ayurveda medicine is practiced. This holistic healing system was developed in India more than 3,000 years ago to promote good health by keeping the mind, body and spirit in balance. The term Ayurveda combines the Sanskrit words “ayur” (life) and “veda” (sacred knowledge). Ayurveda medicine is one of the world’s oldest systems of medicine and many of the practices predate written records. You will be given a full-body massage with heated herbal oils as an introduction to Ayurveda wellness. While traditional massage techniques may be used, tapping, kneading and manipulating areas of your body may also be beneficial to ensure balance and well-being. Ayurveda massage is thought to detoxify the body, boost the immune system, relieve stress and increase vitality. Your massage session will surely put you in the right state of mind to enjoy the resort’s other amenities. You might lounge by the swimming pool, take a refreshing swim in the lagoon and stroll through the beautifully landscaped grounds. You can expect to be relaxed and rejuvenated when it’s time to return to Galle.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Indulge in an Ayurveda massage will herbal oils to balance your mind, body and spirit.
• Reap other benefits that may include detoxifying the body and increasing vitality.
• Enjoy the resort’s other amenities such as the swimming pool.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

The southwestern Sri Lankan city of Galle was an important commercial port beginning in the 16th century when much of Sri Lanka was occupied by the Portuguese and then later by the Dutch. During the 19th century, the British brought many improvements to the port of Colombo and following that, the prosperity of Galle declined. However, the city has experienced a revival. Bordering a rich agricultural region that produces rubber, tea and various coconut products, Galle has a growing economy. The most notable attraction of Galle is without doubt, the colonial Fort Galle and this tour gives you an excellent opportunity to experience it up-close by traveling its streets on foot. It's a short transfer by coach to the gates of the Fort, where you will be joined by an expert guide and commence your walking tour. As you stroll through this nearly 90-acre magnificent hexagonal stone fort, you will marvel at the colonial buildings and the bustling narrow streets that proffer the crafts of many generations. Along the ramparts and seawall, you may see locals and visitors gathering to fly kites, play cricket or simply inhale the wonders of the Fort's maritime legacy.

As you make your way through the historical streets, you will see houses displaying their Dutch and English heritage. Flanked by pillared verandahs, these colonial homes and Government offices remain in use today. One of the most noteworthy places that you will visit is the Groote Kerk (Dutch Reform Church) which contains record of marriages dating back to 1748 and baptisms from 1678. Perhaps the most interesting feature of the building is that there are no pillars inside the church and the weight of the roof is supported by the walls alone. Other important sites you will view are the Governor's House, vast spice warehouses, the Court Square, the lighthouse and the Meera Jumma mosque. Your walking tour comes to a close with a high tea served at a local venue. Afterwards, you will transfer by coach back to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take a guided walk through Galle Fort and then explore further on your own.
• Admire how the 16th-century fort has been meticulously preserved.
• Recognize the elements that earned the fort World Heritage site status.
• Climb the ramparts for a sweeping view of the sea and surrounding area.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

This tour gives you a great overview of the colorful city of Galle and includes a visit to the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your tour begins with a short stop to witness the unusual sight of the stilt fishermen. Perched atop a pole in the middle of the waters just off-shore, they fish for small reef fish called 'Bollu' and 'Koramburuwo' from a small bench that is just barely large enough to sit on. This tradition of fishing has been passed down from generation to generation, but is slowly becoming a dying art. Interestingly, the fishermen do not use bait to catch their fish, but mere rely on the motion of the waters to attract the fish to their waiting hooks. Continuing on, you will travel to your next stop, the Handunugoda Tea Estate. The Estate not only grows spices, it also produces the award winning and globally acclaimed Virgin White Tea, which is untouched by hand and deemed the purest of all teas. This 140 year-old eco-friendly estate is rich in flora and fauna and you have a good chance of seeing a wealth of birds and wildlife while here. The Estate's reservoirs and fish ponds also add to the special ambience.

Upon arrival at Handunugoda, renowned author and planter Herman Gunaratne will meet you in the Estate's `Writers' bungalow and then escort you around his organic plantations of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, turmeric, vanilla, rubber, coconut, tea and a variety of spices. Enjoy a tour of the factory that produces the prized Virgin White Tea and sample a cup before it's time to leave. Your tour then travels to The Martin Wickramasinghe Museum of Folk Culture. This spacious, high-roofed building currently houses over a thousand artifacts of Sri Lankan rural life, providing a vast storehouse of knowledge of local folk culture and folk technology that dates back several centuries. The elegantly displayed artifacts showcase a wonderful collection of Buddhist religious items, writing utensils, pottery, metallurgical technologies, a collection of masks, costumes, jewelry, musical instruments, games, traditional lace-making and also presents the evolution of the Sinhala alphabet, along with many other interesting exhibits.

Your final tour stop is at the famous Galle Fort. First built by the Portuguese, it was later modified by the Dutch during the 17th century. The Fort was one of the few structures that survived the infamous Boxing Day Tsunami that devastated Galle in December 2004. Today, even after 400 years of existence, the Fort looks amazing, thanks to reconstruction work done by the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka. Entering through the old gates, you will drive around the Fort and visit the ramparts which offer up spectacular views of Galle. Within the Fort's ramparts, you will find narrow streets lined with houses displaying their Dutch and English heritage. Flanked by pillared verandahs, these colonial homes and Government offices remain in use today. You will also visit the Dutch Church, located inside the walls of the Fort. The church contains records of marriages dating back to 1748 and baptisms from 1678. Perhaps the most interesting feature of the building is that there are no pillars inside the church and the weight of the roof is supported by the walls alone. Following your time at the Fort, you will re-board your coach and transfer back to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Gain a historical understanding of Galle and the surrounding area.
• Marvel at the stilt fishermen that fish the shallow waters just off shore.
• Sample a cup of the world’s purest tea, following a tour of a tea plantation.
• Explore a folk museum that reveals much about rural daily life over the centuries.
• Meander about a 16th-century fort that is a World Heritage site.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

This tour highlights some of the most notable attractions in Gallee, including the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meeting your coach pier-side, you will first travel to The Martin Wickramasinghe Museum of Folk Culture. This spacious, high-roofed building currently houses over a thousand artifacts of Sri Lankan rural life, providing a vast storehouse of knowledge of local folk culture and folk technology that dates back several centuries. The elegantly displayed artifacts showcase a wonderful collection of Buddhist religious items, writing utensils, pottery, metallurgical technologies, a collection of masks, costumes, jewelry, musical instruments, games, traditional lace-making and also presents the evolution of the Sinhala alphabet, along with many other interesting exhibits. After an enlightening visit of approximately 75-minutes, you will return to the ship for your lunch break.

After grabbing a quick bite to eat on board the ship, you will re-group and commence the second portion of your tour which begins with a visit to the famous Galle Fort. First built by the Portuguese, it was later modified by the Dutch during the 17th century. The Fort was one of the few structures that survived the infamous Boxing Day Tsunami that devastated Galle in December 2004. Today, even after 400 years of existence, the Fort looks amazing, thanks to reconstruction work done by the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka. Entering through the old gates, you will drive around the Fort and visit the rampart which offers up spectacular views of Galle.

A final visit is included at the National Maritime Museum which is located within the grounds of Galle Fort. Housed in the Fort's Dutch warehouse, the collection here includes exhibits of marine artifacts recovered during underwater expeditions in the waters off the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Some of the items recovered and on view include artillery guns, shoes, earthenware, smoking pipes, ropes, maps and other marine-related pieces. Some of the items are believed to date back nearly 800 years. After a fascinating afternoon at Galle Fort enjoying the various attractions, you will transfer back to the pier where your tour concludes.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore a folk museum that reveals much about rural daily life over the centuries.
• Meander through a 16th-century fort that is a World Heritage site.
• Browse the exhibitions of historical marine artifacts salvaged off the coast of Sri Lanka.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Take part in an exciting river safari on the Madhu River, which is famous for its bio-diversity as well as being an Eco-reserve. Leaving the pier, you will journey approximately 90-minutes to Balapitiya where you will board your small safari boat and begin your exploration of this amazing waterway. As you navigate through the mangroves, you will have the chance to observe the traditional method of pawn trapping as well as view numerous species of birds and amphibious animals that inhabit the river and its environs. During the course of your river excursion, you will disembark at one of the islands where you will be treated to some refreshments and witness a display of some traditional Sri Lankan cottage industries, such as cinnamon farming, coir making and coconut leaf weaving. Re-boarding your boat, your tour continues as you view some other islands situated in the river and visit an ancient Sri Lankan temple. Returning to your starting point, you will leave your boat behind and make the return coach trip back to your awaiting ship in Galle.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise the protected Madhu River, a waterway lined with thick mangroves.
• Look for wildlife such as birds, crocodiles and wild boar.
• Stop in a riverside village to observe the artisans weaving coconut leaves and making rope.
• See how indigenous cinnamon is farmed and hear about its various uses.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Gain a greater understanding of three entirely different aspects of Sri Lankan life: traditional mask making, sea turtle conservation and the production of cinnamon. After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a spectacular coastal drive to the town of Ambalandoda, where you will visit its remarkable Ariyapala Masks Museum. Many of the hand-colored, balsa-wood masks on display were created to be worn during traditional folk dances and are associated with fascinating Sri Lankan legends. As you browse the exhibits, you will learn about the history of mask making and how masks were often worn in rituals to exorcise evil demons. Other masks were carved to mock colonists in folkloric plays. A local family dedicated to preserving the art of traditional mask making carved the majority of the masks in the museum. Your next stop will be a turtle hatchery in the village of Kosgoda that has spearheaded a pioneering sea turtle conservation project. You will discover how the hatchery rescues endangered turtle eggs, treats injured turtles and raises awareness of marine conservation. You are likely to see baby sea turtles, green sea turtles and massive loggerheads, which can weigh as much as 1,300 pounds. For a different glimpse into the Sri Lankan culture, you will then visit a plantation that grows cinnamon that is processed into powder, sticks and essential oils. Cinnamon flourishes here, and it is fascinating to watch the various stages of its production by hand. Following this presentation, you will return to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Browse a museum devoted to masks and discover the many uses of masks in Sri Lanka.
• See a variety of sea turtles at a hatchery that also rescues injured turtles.
• Tour a cinnamon plantation and watch the fascinating process of its production.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Learn how traditional Ceylon teas are grown, hand-harvested and processed at a family-owned plantation and then enjoy a cup of hot tea purported to have healing properties. After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a meandering drive inland, where you will notice the vegetation becoming denser as you approach the area surrounding Akuressa. Here you will find the Galaboda Tea Factory, a family-owned business established in 1935. The Tsara brand teas grown on the lowland estate’s 39 acres are certified organic. The conditions are ideal for growing several types of tea, including Ceylon black tea, green tea that is often ingested for medicinal purposes, and teas flavored with jasmine and ginger. As you will discover by touring the plantation, the tea leaves are usually plucked by hand, but only the tender new growth, which contains the highest amounts of antioxidants. The leaves are then “withered” to remove moisture, rolled to release natural oils, and then heated to ensure consistency in appearance, flavor and quality. The result is an exceptionally flavorful, aromatic tea said to stimulate mental clarity, increase circulation and aid digestion. You will then have the chance to savor a cup of Ceylon tea and a slice of freshly made cheesecake in the wonderfully serene T-Lounge at the Fortress Resort and Spa. A selection of more than 30 premium teas will be available, including White Tip Tea, a type thought to boost immunity and lower cholesterol. Afterwards, you will return to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy an insider’s view of organic tea processing at a family-owned plantation.
• Discover why the tea processed here is more beneficial than conventional teas.
• Savor a cup of tea said to stimulate mental clarity and increase circulation.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Enjoy a day spent viewing the highlights of Galle, formerly known as Gimhathiththa, the city that was once the main seaport of the island of Sri Lanka from where King Solomon traded in ivory, peacocks and other valuables. The modern history of Galle begins in 1505 with the arrival of a Portuguese ship, driven to its shores by a storm. The Portuguese ruled until 1640, before they surrendered to the Dutch East India Company; the British took over from the Dutch in 1796. This fortress city saw the height of its development during the 18th century colonial rule of the Dutch.

Handunugoda Tea Plantation

Begin your day with a 45 minute drive to Handunugoda - a unique tea estate. Set on 200 acres of land the estate also grows rubber, cinnamon, pepper and coconut. It is their tea though for which they are best known. Unlike other tea plantations, Handunugoda produces small quantities of special teas only. The emphasis is on the tea's health properties and on quality. No pesticides or insecticides are used. Their flagship tea, the Virgin White Tea is world famous and among various awards have won the award for one of the most innovative teas in the world. The tea is completely untouched by hand and follows an ancient Chinese ritual where the choicest of teas were offered as a tribute to the Emperor.

You will have an opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge on how tea is processed - beginning with the plucking from the tea bushes, to the grading of the finished product - as you tour a tea plantation and factory. For guests who would like to purchase some tea, a sales point is available within the complex.

Folk Museum

Proceed then to visit the Folk Museum dedicated to the late Martin Wickremasinghe, one of Sri Lanka's renowned writers. Holding over a thousand artefacts of Sri Lankan rural life, it is a unique store-house of knowledge on the local folk culture and folk technology dating back hundreds of years. The museum includes many sections representative of this folk culture and way of life: Buddhist religious artefacts, folk religious practices, the evolution of the Sinhala alphabet, writing utensils, fishing, pottery, and metallurgical technologies, folk dance and puppetry, a unique collection of masks, musical instruments, drums, folk games, traditional lace making, costumes and jewellery - are all showcased here.

Stilt Fishermen

Next, catch a glimpse of one of Sri Lanka's iconic scenes, the stilt fishermen of the southern coast. In water about chest deep, the fishermen sit at a height of about 2m on a cross bar, or petta, tied to vertical poles, or stilts, that they've planted before. They're hoping to catch herrings and mackerel which are then stored in a plastic bag tied around their waist or to the pole. Stilt fishing, although now a dying tradition, has been passed from father to son for generations; some of the older fishermen recall that it started after the Second World War as a skillful and innovative way of earning their livelihood!

Stop for lunch at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

Galle Fort

Following lunch, continue your tour with a stop at the Galle Fort. Enter through the old gates, walk through the walled city and on the ramparts, for a spectacular view of Galle. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the fort was built first by the Portuguese. The Dutch during their invasion of 1640 captured the fort; hence it is also known as the Dutch Fort. The Fort is really a walled city, and after almost 400 years of existence, it is one of the best-preserved examples of 17th century colonial fortifications in the world. Interestingly, the Fort withstood the Boxing Day Tsunami in 2004 which destroyed Galle town. Today, the Sri Lankan government as well as many Dutch people who still own property inside the Fort, are looking at making this one of the modern wonders of the world.

Dutch Church

Next visit the Dutch Church, an excellent model of Dutch colonial architecture, and the oldest Protestant Church still in use in Sri Lanka. Completed & consecrated in 1755, part of the floor is covered by about 20 heavily embossed and engraved gravestones, moved by the British into this church in 1853 from older locations. The organ loft has a lovely semi-circular balustrade while the pulpit's enormous canopy was made of calamander wood from Malaysia. It holds services in English twice monthly. Explore at leisure the surrounding area or walk around the shops displaying an interesting variety of antiques, jewellery and handicrafts.

Return to the pier and rejoin your ship.

As the Sri Lankan Tea Board declares, "Tea is serious business in Sri Lanka". Formerly a British colony known as Ceylon, this small Indian Ocean island is famed for producing some of the finest teas in the world. Since the 1880s, Ceylon tea, the name by which it is still popularly known, has been the country's principal and most famous export; for generations, it has formed the backbone of the Sri Lankan economy, and plays a major part today in the country's fortunes.

Handunugoda Tea Plantation

A 45 minute drive from the pier will take you to Handunugoda which is a unique tea estate. Set on 200 acres of land the estate also grows rubber, cinnamon, pepper and coconut. It is their tea though for which they are best known. Unlike other tea plantations, Handunugoda produces small quantities of special teas only. The emphasis is on the tea's health properties and on quality. No pesticides or insecticides are used.

Their flagship tea, the Virgin White Tea is world famous and among various awards have won the award for one of the most innovative teas in the world. The tea is completely untouched by hand and follows an ancient Chinese ritual where the choicest of teas were offered as a tribute to the Emperor. You will have an opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge on how tea is processed - beginning with the plucking from the tea bushes, to the grading of the finished product - as you tour a tea plantation and factory. For guests who would like to purchase some tea, a sales point is available within the complex.

Galle

Enjoy a half day spent viewing the highlights of Galle, formerly known as Gimhathiththa, the city that was once the main seaport of the island of Sri Lanka from where King Solomon traded in ivory, peacocks and other valuables. The modern history of Galle begins in 1505 with the arrival of a Portuguese ship, driven to its shores by a storm. The Portuguese ruled until 1640, before they surrendered to the Dutch East India Company; the British took over from the Dutch in 1796. This fortress city saw the height of its development during the 18th century colonial rule of the Dutch.

Stilt Fishermen

Catch a glimpse of one of Sri Lanka's iconic scenes, the stilt fishermen of the southern coast. In water about chest deep, the fishermen sit at a height of about 2m on a cross bar, or petta, tied to vertical poles, or stilts, that they've planted before. They're hoping to catch herrings and mackerel which are then stored in a plastic bag tied around their waist or to the pole. Stilt fishing, although now a dying tradition, has been passed from father to son for generations; some of the older fishermen recall that it started after the Second World War as a skillful and innovative way of earning their livelihood!

Folk Museum

Proceed then to visit a Folk Museum dedicated to the late Martin Wickremasinghe, one of Sri Lanka's renowned writers. Holding over a thousand artefacts of Sri Lankan rural life, it is a unique store-house of knowledge on the local folk culture and folk technology dating back hundreds of years. The museum includes many sections representative of this folk culture and way of life: Buddhist religious artefacts, folk religious practices, the evolution of the Sinhala alphabet, writing utensils, fishing, pottery, and metallurgical technologies, folk dance and puppetry, a unique collection of masks, musical instruments and drums, folk games, traditional lace making, costumes and jewellery - are all showcased here.

Galle Fort. - UNESCO World Heritage Site

Continue your tour with a stop at the Galle Fort. Enter through the old gates, walk through the walled city and on the ramparts, for a spectacular view of Galle. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the fort was built first by the Portuguese. The Dutch during their invasion of 1640 captured the fort; hence it is also known as the Dutch Fort. The Fort is really a walled city, and after almost 400 years of existence, it is one of the best-preserved examples of 17th century colonial fortifications in the world. Interestingly, the Fort withstood the Boxing Day Tsunami in 2004 which destroyed Galle town. Today, the Sri Lankan government as well as many Dutch people who still own property inside the Fort, are looking at making this one of the modern wonders of the world.

Dutch Church

Next visit the Dutch Church, an excellent model of Dutch colonial architecture, and the oldest Protestant Church still in use in Sri Lanka. Completed & consecrated in 1755, part of the floor is covered by about 20 heavily embossed and engraved gravestones, moved by the British into this church in 1853 from older locations. The organ loft has a semi-circular balustrade while the pulpit's enormous canopy was made of calamander wood from Malaysia. It holds services in English twice monthly. Explore at leisure the surrounding area or walk around the shops displaying an interesting variety of antiques, jewellery and handicrafts.

Return to the pier and rejoin your ship.

River Safari by Boat

Embark on a journey to Balapitiya, where a 2 ½ river safari awaits you. A cruise in small boats on the Madu Ganga River reveals another facet of splendid Sri Lanka. Your journey takes you through dozens of mangrove forested islets, and an eco-reserve considered to be a breeding ground for many endangered species of plants and animals. An ornithologist's paradise, this wetland has approximately forty-six species of birds including fourteen aquatic varieties. Watch out for the water monitors, kingfishers, eagles, monkeys and colourful butterflies! As you glide along,  witness the timeless natural rhythms of rural life, pausing along the way to watch Sri Lankans going about their daily business: fishing and prawn tapping the traditional way; coir making; cinnamon farming; coconut leaf weaving. Stop by to visit a 200-year old Sri Lankan temple.

Proceed next to Radisson Blu Hotel, a local hotel where lunch has been arranged.  

Galle Fort

Stop at the Galle Fort. Enter through the old gates, explore and walk on the ramparts, if you like, from where there is a spectacular view of Galle. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the fort was built first by the Portuguese. The Dutch during their invasion of 1640 captured the fort; hence it is also known as the Dutch Fort. The Fort is really a walled city, and after almost 400 years of existence, it is one of the best-preserved examples of 17th century colonial fortifications in the world. Interestingly, the Fort withstood the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004 which destroyed Galle town. Today, the Sri Lankan government, as well as many Dutch people who still own property inside the Fort, are looking at making this one of the modern wonders of the world.

Dutch Church

Next visit the Dutch Church, an excellent example of Dutch colonial architecture, and the oldest Protestant Church still in use in Sri Lanka. Completed & consecrated in 1755, part of the floor is covered by about 20 heavily embossed and engraved gravestones, moved by the British into this church in 1853 from older locations. The organ loft has a semicircular balustrade while the pulpit's enormous canopy was made of calamander wood from Malaysia. It holds services in English twice monthly.

Explore the surrounding area at leisure or walk around the shops displaying an interesting variety of antiques, jewellery and handicrafts before returning to the pier and to the ship.

Explore Galle at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Explore Galle at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Explore Galle at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Explore Galle at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.