Before You Go

A teardrop-shaped island on the edge of India. A frail skiff floating on the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka “the resplendent island” full of life, a paradise abounding birds of a thousand colors, the most succulent fruit, huge trees and flowers unparalleled. A rich and ancient culture to discover in a delicate scent of spices accompanied by the unchanging rhythm of elephants

Cities

Colombo

Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. It was for a long time a port located on the old east-west trade routes. It has been occupied successively by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British who have left a strong legacy reflected in its architecture that combines colonial buildings, towers and shopping centers. Do not miss the National Museum of Colombo, dedicated to the history of Sri Lanka which borders the vast park Viharamahadevi and its gigantic Buddha statue.

Yala Park

Yala National Park or Ruhuna National Park is Sri Lanka’s second largest national park. The park is located in the southeastern region of the country in the southern province and the province of Uva. It covers 979 km2 and is located about 300 km from Colombo. Embark on a Jeep for a safari that will allow you to discover the richness of the wildlife of this park.

Kandy

Kandy was the last royal capital and is today one of Sri Lanka’s most important cities. It is part of the Sri Lanka Cultural Triangle with Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. The Cultural Triangle hosts sites of major cultural significance such as the famous Temple of the Buddha Tooth. Thanks to these strong cultural affiliations, the sacred city of Kandy is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Galle

Galle is the main city of the south of the island of Sri Lanka. Galle is a superb example of a walled city of European architectural styles and Asian traditions. The old town of Galle has a fort and fortifications protecting the narrow streets where you can see old Dutch houses, which are listed as World Heritage by UNESCO. It is thought to be the largest fortress built in Asia by European settlers. Among other remarkable monuments, you can even see the Cathedral Sainte-Marie built at the end of the nineteenth century by the first bishop of Galle, Joseph Van Reeth and his fellow Jesuits

Language

Sinhalese and Tamil. English is used by the government and spoken by about 10% of the population

Electricity

The electricity is 220-240 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Communication

International access code: 00 International dialing code: 94 Concerning national calls made in Sri Lanka, it is not necessary to dial the 94 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 94 and finally the local phone number in Sri Lanka.

Useful links

The UAE is a country that provides a new setting at every turn, richly mixing together the old and the new; it is without a doubt the leading tourist destination in the Middle East. It offers a great variety of landscapes: Rocky Mountains, huge dunes, sandy beaches, Bedouin villages, and ultra modern malls. Enjoy shopping, luxury and futuristic architecture in Dubai, mosques in Abu Dhabi or a camel market in Al Ain. You’ll discover a rich cultural patrimony. Arabic flavors and welcoming people will charm you.

Cities

Dubai

Dubai is a destination like no other, the city of superlatives, of all surprises. Excellent restaurants, sophisticated spas, international shopping, luxury hotels and dreamy nights await you. But you can pretty much throw your sights on more local flavors with the atmosphere of souks journeys, ABRA (water taxi), the scouring art galleries and kebabs in the area. In all cases, you will be spoiled for choice. Bur Dubai Souk This covered market at the waterfront is very nice, with its signs in Russian, shops overflowing with colorful fabrics, clothing, «antiques» Arab slippers, and bric-a-brac. The Indian neighborhood is the most picturesque part: «Hindi Lane». It’s at night you must walk in the souk of Bur Dubai, when the animation is in full swing. Also, do not miss; Deira Spice Souk and Deira’s Gold Souk. THE DUBAI MUSEUM It is interesting in many ways: for the architecture of the building in which it is installed for the quality of its collections and it is an excellent introduction of the city. ENJOY THE 7« SERVICE OF THE MOST FAMOUS HOTEL IN DUBAI, THE BURJ AL ARAB “ARAB TOWER”. This hotel was the boldest of all projects undertaken by the sheikh. Construction of the building began in 1994 on an artificial island supported by pillars anchored 40 meters deep into the seabed. Its shape is inspired by dhows, the traditional boats of the region. JUMEIRAH MOSQUE Non-Muslims are generally not allowed to enter mosques in Dubai, but it is possible to discover the beautiful Jumeirah Mosque during guided tours offered by the “Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding.” These visits are intended to promote understanding between Muslims and residents or visitors from other cultures and religions.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, by far the richest, is also the largest of the seven emirates. Today it’s a huge modern city sparkling and neat. Forty years earlier, it was only a poor little fishing village of fish and pearls. It is hard to imagine. Small streets and alleys give a completely different impression of the image that can be done seen Abu Dhabi. The modern capital of the United Arab Emirates offers a fascinating blend of tradition and modernism. GREAT MOSQUE SHEIKH ZAYED This work of architectural art is one of the largest mosques in the world. It has 80 domes, about 1000 columns, chandeliers made of 24K gold, and the largest hand-woven carpet in the world. The main prayer hall is dominated by the largest chandeliers weighing more than 9 tons. Reflecting pools surround the mosque, amplifying its beauty. The vibrant colors of white and gold, glittering in the sun are replaced overnight by a unique lighting system that reflects the phases of the moon. A must! THE CORNICHE ABU DHABI The Corniche extends over an impressive eight kilometers of well maintained sea front which includes playgrounds for children, bike trails and footpaths, cafes and restaurants, as well as Corniche Beach. The unspoilt beachfront of Abu Dhabi has been awarded the coveted Blue Flag – Ecolabel international reputation for beaches and marinas, which guarantees a clean and safe bathing water. FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI Under its huge red roof iconic attractions include: Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, reaching speeds of 240 km; Galleria Ferrari, the largest Ferrari gallery outside Maranello with an interactive exhibition of cars from 1947 to the present; Speed of Magic, a fantastic 4D adventure through deep green jungles, icy caves and ravines to the mouth of a fiery volcano.

Language

Arabic and English

Electricity

The electricity is 220-240 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Entry requirements

Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.  Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country.

Communication

International access code: 00 International dialing code: 971 Concerning national calls made in UAE, it is not necessary to dial the 971 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 971 and finally the local phone number in UAE.

Useful links

A friendly Fijian welcome and broad smiles await you in this tropical paradise of beautiful beaches, blue lagoons and swaying palm trees. Renowned for stunning sunsets, breathtaking waterfalls, awesome surf, and pristine rain forests, Fiji unsurprisingly draws thousands of visitors to its shores each year. Comprising more than 300 islands, the country is a vibrant melting pot of cultures, where East Indian, Polynesian, Melanesia, Chinese and European converge to form a unique cultural medley. Brimming with colorful attractions, awe-inspiring scenery, friendly people and cultural and sporting activities aplenty, Fiji offers something for everyone. From the wanderlust-suffused traveler to the hedonistic sports junkie, this archipelago at the crossroads of the South Pacific is tourist heaven. And, best of all, there’s an array of accommodation and activities to suit all tastes and budgets.

Cities

Nadi – The Gateway to Fiji

If you’re headed this way, it’s likely that Nadi will be your first (and last) stop. As the home of Fiji’s international airport, this multicultural town links Fiji to the world. It is also your transition port to other parts of Fiji. Whether you’re stopping off here at the start or end of your journey, or staying nearby – there’s lots to explore in Nadi. If you are in transit, you are encouraged to get out and explore the region if you have more than four hours between flights. A last dash of retail therapy and a pampering spa visit to the Rejuvenation Centre on the Nadi backroad should get you ready for your trip. The diverse range of accommodation options allows travellers numerous alternatives depending on budget and location required. Airport hotels are within walking distance. There are also self-contained hotel/apartment options for longer stays.

SUVA

Suva is one of the most cosmopolitan centres in the South Pacific, home to around a third of Fiji’s population. Suva is the economic, educational and diplomatic hub in the South Pacific region. You can fly into Suva’s International Airport at Nausori which primarily serves Australia and New Zealand, along with a handful of Pacific Islands as well as domestic and regional flights throughout Fiji. If you are travelling from Nadi you can get here by car or bus, or hop on a flight – it is only a short 25-minute flight from Nadi. Lured by its attractive deep harbour and abundant land, Fiji’s British colonists moved the capital of Fiji from Levuka here in 1882. As a major centre for trade since then, you’ll find many buildings from the British colonial era amongst the city’s more modern high-rise buildings. Be sure to spend time exploring our tropical metropolis with shopping malls, farmers markets, restaurants and entertainment.

MAMANUCA

Dangling off the coast of Nadi, this string of 20 idyllic islands are one of Fiji’s most popular and accessible islands destinations. Regular daily boat transfers from Port Denarau on Denarau Island and even shorter flights from Nadi Airport get you to the beach quickly with plenty of time to spare for exploring the island and its garland of coral reefs. With thriving reefs, epic waves and a tranquil lagoon at their doorstep, the region is a perfect playground for water babies.

Language

English is Fiji’s official language but you’ll often find that most people are bilingual – speaking Fijian or Hindustani as well.

Weather

There are two seasons here – warm and even warmer! It’s a sunny, tropical climate that’ll wash the winter chills from your bones.

From December to April, the temperatures are a comfortable 22° – 33°C.  But expect May to November to be slightly cooler with temperatures range from 19°- 29°C.
 

Electricity

The local electric current is 240 volts AC 50Hz. Fiji’s three-pin power outlets are identical to Australia and New Zealand. Most leading hotels and resorts have universal outlets for 240v or 110v shavers, hair dryers and other electrical appliances. Multi-purpose adapters and/or voltage converters can be purchased at some major department or hardware stores but if you are travelling to a remote area, it is probably wise to bring one with you.

Entry requirements

Effective 14 February 2023, international travellers arriving into Fiji by air or sea will no longer be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and travel insurance to enter Fiji. 

Communication

Fiji’s country code is +679. Many hotels and resorts generally have direct dialling facilities (IDD).

India is not only vast in size but also in geographical diversity. Discover Indian culture, millennial religious India with Varanasi, the holy city of the Ganges, the flagship cities of Jaipur and Udaipur… A world of a thousand faces is revealed to you!

Cities

Delhi / New Delhi

Capital of the country, it is also the most cosmopolitan city of the country. It houses the seat of the Government of India, the Parliament, the residence of the President and the Supreme Court. The agglomeration is divided into two parts: New Delhi or “the new and modern city”, recently built and Old Delhi which was the capital of Muslim India from the 12th to the 14th century. Old Delhi is a mainly historical city where you can fnd Gandhi’s Tomb or Raj Ghat as well as the Great Mosque or Jama Masjid. On the New Delhi side, you can see Rashtrapati Bhavan (the Presidential Palace) as well as the India Gate and the National Museum of Modern Art. New Delhi is also the home of various temples: the Akshardham Temple and the Lotus Temple.

Mumbai

Mumbai or formerly Bombay is the capital of the Indian state u Maharashtra. Famous for its chaotic streets. You will be charmed by Marine Drive, where you can watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea, and by the beach of Juhu, which are popular destinations on the waterside. The Gandh Museum and the rock temples of Elephanta Island are places not to be missed. If you are looking for tranquility, Mumbai also has many religious sites, lakes and parks.

Chennai

With its monuments and historic buildings, its long sandy beaches, cultural and artistic centers and parks, Chennai offers many interesting sites to visitors. The tourist attraction not to be missed in Chennai is in the nearby town of Mahabalipuram, with its ancient temples and rock carvings of the 7th century, Pallava is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Language

Hindi and English

Electricity

The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Entry requirements

 Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country. 

Communication

International access code: 00 International dialing code: 91 Concerning national calls made in India, it is not necessary to dial the 91 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 91 and finally the local phone number in India.

Useful links

Visiting Vietnam is to go on an adventure through centuries of history until you discover the living testimony of an era that marked our contemporary era. Nicknamed the country of the dragon, Vietnam will charm you with its authenticity, its culture and its ancestral traditions as well as its abundant and varied gastronomy. Let yourself be surprised by its exhilarating and soothing beauty.

Cities

Hanoi

Vietnam’s lovely capital is a city of lakes, shaded boulevards and public parks. With narrow alleyways lined with shop houses selling traditional handicraft and arts, the old center is an enchanting place to wander. The city transpires calm and serenity.

Halong Bay and Hoa Lu

With thousands of exquisite islands rising from the emerald green waters, this bay is surely one of the most impressive landscapes in the world. The bay is best enjoyed by a leisurely boat excursion, with stops to explore the area’s many cliffs and caves. Hoa Lu offers almost the same landscape as Halong Bay except the rocks dominate rice fields instead of the sea. Both places offer unforgettable sceneries.

Hue and Hoi An

The Imperial city of Hue was the cultural and intellectual center of Vietnam. The old Imperial Palace, the Citadel and the Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s landmarks, are a few examples of the interesting sights in Hue. A boat trip down the Perfume River will take you back in time! For many centuries, Hoi An was one of South East Asia’s most important port. No other town in Vietnam has such well-preserved ancient buildings. Today Hoi An is unsurpassed for its charm and has blossomed into an artists’ colony.

Ho Chi Minh

Also known as Saigon, the city has evolved as the economic center of Vietnam. The former “Paris of East” with Vietnam’s best restaurants and an intense night life, is a city not to be missed.

Language

Vietnamese, Chinese, English.

Electricity

The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Entry requirements

Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country.

Communication

International access code: 00 International dialing code: 84 Concerning national calls made in Vietnam, it is not necessary to dial the 84 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 84 and finally the local phone number in Vietnam.

Useful links

Laos is a small landlocked country in the Indochinese Peninsula and sparsely populated. Its isolation from foreign influence offers travelers an unparalleled glimpse of traditional Southeast Asian life. From the fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley to the rugged Annamite highlands, Laos is the highlight of this region. Buddhism plays an important role in the life of the Lao people and has given them a deserved reputation for friendliness, gentleness, kindness, gaiety and wisdom. Traditionally known as the Kingdom of a Million Elephants, Laos is blessed with verdant countryside, glittering Buddhist temples, languid village life and gentle people.

Cities

Vientiane

Vientiane’s unhurried air reflects its status as South-east Asia’s smallest capital. Old French colonial villas mix with tranquil Buddhist temples in this quaint little city nestled on the banks of the Mekong.

Luang Prabang

Historic home of the Laotian Kings, Luang Prabang nestles in a deep river valley ringed by dramatic green mountains. Luang Prabang is listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site for its uniquely preserved architecture and townscape; traditional wooden buildings and European colonial mansions form a backdrop to the daily ritual of saffron-robed monks gathering alms.

Language

Lao, English and French.

Electricity

The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Entry requirements

 Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country. 

Communication

International access code: 00 International dialing code: 856 Concerning national calls made in Laos, it is not necessary to dial the 856 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 856 and finally the local phone number in Laos.

Useful links

Although Cambodia’s premier highlights are the spectacular temples of Angkor, there is far more to the country. In Phnom Penh, the colonial capital, there are numerous pagodas and interesting museums to visit; on the coast are beautiful unspoilt beaches and inland there is impressive natural scenery such as mighty rivers & remote forests.

Cities

Siem Reap

Back in the 1960s, Siem Reap was the place to be in Southeast Asia and saw a steady stream of the rich and famous. After three decades of slumber, it’s well and truly back and one of the most popular destinations on the planet right now. The life-support system for the temples of Angkor, Cambodia’s eighth wonder of the world, Siem Reap was always destined for great things, but few people saw them coming, this thick and this fast. It has reinvented itself as the epicenter of the new Cambodia, with more guesthouses and hotels than temples, world-class wining and dining and sumptuous spas. At its heart, Siem Reap is still a little charmer, with old French shop-houses, shady tree-lined boulevards and a slow-flowing river. But it is expanding at breakneck speed with new houses and apartments, hotels and resorts sprouting like mushrooms in the surrounding countryside. The tourist tide has arrived and locals are riding the wave. Not only is this great news for the long-suffering Khmers, but it has transformed the town into a pulsating place for visitors. Forget the naysayers who mutter into their beers about Siem Reap in the ‘old days’, now is the time to be here, although you may curse your luck when stuck behind a jam of tour buses on the way back from the temples.

Angkor

The traveler’s first glimpse of Angkor Wat, the ultimate expression of Khmer genius, is simply staggering and is matched by only a few select spots on earth such as Macchu Picchu or Petra. Angkor Wat is, quite literally, heaven on earth. Angkor is the earthly representation of Mt Meru, the Mt Olympus of the Hindu faith and the abode of ancient gods. The ‘temple that is a city’, Angkor Wat is the perfect fusion of creative ambition and spiritual devotion. The Cambodian god-kings of old each strove to better their ancestors’ structures in size, scale and symmetry, culminating in what is believed to be the world’s largest religious building, the mother of all temples, Angkor Wat. The temple is the heart and soul of Cambodia. It is the national symbol, the epicenter of Khmer civilization and a source of fierce national pride.

Phnom Penh

The glimmering spires of the royal palace, the fluttering saffron of the monks’ robes, and the luscious location on the banks of the mighty Mekong; this is one of Asia’s undiscovered gems. But it’s also a city on the move, as a new wave of investors move in, perhaps forever changing the character, and skyline, of this classic city. Phnom Penh is a crossroads of Asia’s past and present, a city of extremes of poverty and excess, of charm and chaos, but one that never fails to captivate.

Language

Khmer and English. French may also be used in some places.

Electricity

The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Communication

International access code: 00 International dialing code: 855 Concerning national calls made in Cambodia, it is not necessary to dial the 855 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 855 and finally the local phone number in Cambodia.

Useful links

A privileged geographical position, a subtropical climate, unique landscape settings and remarkable cultural traditions: discover the charms of Madeira. A tropical getaway With an area of 741 km², the Island of Madeira is an oasis in the Atlantic where, among the forests, towns, beaches and mountains, a great natural and cultural wealth is preserved.

Mother Nature has created a land full of natural beauty, ready to be explored, in the blue immensity of the Atlantic Ocean: the Azores. To the East, on the island of Santa Maria, the beaches of warm white sand are inviting, and the vineyards covering the slopes like an amphitheatre resemble giant staircases. São Miguel, the largest island, is seductive with its Sete Cidades and Fogo Lagoons. The power that emanates from the earth is felt in the geysers, hot thermal waters and volcanic lakes, as well as in the tasty “Cozido das Furnas” slowly cooked inside the earth.

Costa Rica is a rugged, rain forested Central American country with coastlines on the Caribbean and Pacific. Though its capital, San Jose, is home to cultural institutions like the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Costa Rica is known for its beaches, volcanoes and immense biodiversity. Roughly a quarter of its area is made up of protected jungle, rich with wildlife including spider monkeys and quetzal birds.

Cities

San Jose

The capital of Costa Rica, is located in the Central Valley region, bordered by the Talamanca mountain range to the south and by volcanoes to the north. The city is distinguished by its Spanish colonial buildings, such as the National Theater of Costa Rica neoclassical style overlooking the Plaza de la Culture, a popular meeting place. Below the square, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum exhibits hundreds of sparkling artifacts.

Monteverde

Monteverde is a town in the mountainous northwest of Costa Rica. It is known for the great biodiversity of its forests. Its famous biological reserve is home to numerous including jaguars, ocelots and the colorful quetzal. The reserve’s marked trails reserve, you’ll be able to wander through this incredible forest on suspension bridges through ferns and orchids. The presence of flora and fauna is extremely in this region. You’ll have the chance to visit butterfly and hummingbird gardens, orchid gardens, home to hundreds of plant species. If you’re a fan of outdoor activities you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of horseback riding and hiking tours, as well as canopy zip-lining the canopy or canyoning, including abseiling down jungle waterfalls. You can visit one of the many local coffee and sugar plantations and, for art lovers several galleries around Monteverde exhibit paintings and handicrafts by local artists.

Puerto Limón

Puerto Limón is a Costa Rican city, capital of the province of Limón. It is the most important port of the country, located on the Caribbean coast and a real economic and political center of the whole region. Its population is estimated at 105,000 in 2005.

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is a city belonging to the province of Guanacaste, on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It is known for its beaches with surf spots, such as Tamarindo Beach and Langouste Beach. To the north, Playa Grande is the main nesting site for giant leatherback turtles and is part of the Las Baulas Marine National Park. The mangrove-edged estuary protected by the Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge offers a refuge for animals, such as howler monkeys and crocodiles.

Language

Spanish.

Electricity

The electricity is 110 volts.

Entry requirements

 Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information.
Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country. 

Communication

nternational access code: 00 International dialing code: 506 Concerning national calls made in Costa Rica, it is not necessary to dial the 506 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 506 and finally the local phone number in Costa Rica.

Useful links