Welcome to Sri Lanka. On arrival, be transferred to your five-star hotel in the heart of the capital, Colombo. Unwind in comfort overlooking the Indian Ocean and Beira Lake, and enjoy the day at leisure with freedom to explore this fabulous city. Stay Two Nights: Hilton Colombo
After breakfast, enjoy a visit to Number 11, the Geoffrey Bawa Residence, an architectural marvel which houses a private art and artefact collection of the late architect. Enjoy your Signature Experience while dining at the serene Gallery Cafe restaurant for lunch, which was the former office of Bawa. Return to your hotel for some time at leisure.
Later, set out on a walking tour through Colombo's bustling heritage region. Stroll through the streets and hear the stories of many iconic buildings, before hopping in a tuk tuk to the lively Pettah Market. Tonight, delight in a welcome dinner at the Ceylon Curry Club where you will feast on a selection of traditional Sri Lankan dishes prepared with a Western twist. (B/L/D)
Signature Experiences:
Set out on the road to the wildlife-rich Wilpattu National Park. On arrival, enjoy lunch before embarking on an exciting game drive. Spotted deer, barking deer, wild boars and buffaloes freely roam here, while you may be fortunate enough to spot Sri Lankan sloth bears or the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. Birders are also in for a treat, with owls, eagles, storks, ibises, Asian openbills and kingfishers among the incredible range of birdlife in the park.
Following your safari, be transferred to your luxury boutique hotel where you will enjoy dinner before retiring to your pool villa featuring panoramic views of the lush surrounds. Stay Two Nights: Anuradhapura, Uga Ulagalla (B/L/D)
Set off for the remarkable Dambulla Cave Temple, a vast and beautifully reserved cave complex dating to the first century BC. The World Heritage-listed site is one of Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist monasteries, featuring spectacular ceiling paintings and more than 150 buddha statues.
Continue your journey and stop off at a local batik artisans home for a Sri Lankan lunch of string hoppers. Journey on to Kandy, where you'll visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Arguably the country's most important Buddhist shrine, the temple is home to a heavily tooth of Buddha. Soak up the sounds of the drums and breathe in the fragrant incense as the resident monks perform their rituals. Stay Two Nights: Kandy, Earls Regency Hotel (B/L)
This morning, head to the fortified seaside city of Galle. Embark on an enthralling guided walking tour of Galle Fort, a World Heritage Site originally built by the Portuguese in the 16th century before being further fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century. Explore the extensive fort's highlights including the Dutch Reformed Church, Galle Lighthouse – Sri Lanka's oldest lighthouse – and Moon Bastion overlooking the beautiful Indian ocean.
Tonight, toast your extraordinary journey with a Sri Lankan farewell dinner at the hotel's Verala restaurant. (B/D)
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast as you're transferred to Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Regions