Sri Lanka Unveiled

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 Experience - Geoffrey Bawa Residence Meet with an expert for a talk on the architect Geoffrey Bawa, one of the most influential Asian architects of his generation and learn about his influence throughout Sri Lanka. His works include the Parliament Building of Sri Lanka, The Kandalama Hotel and Ruhuna University Campus.

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. Savour dinner before retiring to your pool villa featuring panoramic views of the lush surrounds. Stay Two Nights: Anuradhapura, Uga Ulagalla (B/L/D)

Today is set aside for an exploration of the World Heritage-listed ancient city of Anuradhapura. Visit the imposing dome-shaped stupas of Ruwanweliseya - believed to have been completed in 140BC - and Jethawanaramaya - one of the tallest structures of the ancient world. Next, admire the Samadhi Buddha Statue and see the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig tree often considered the world's oldest human-planted tree. Later, return to your hotel for an afternoon of leisure. This evening, enjoy your Signature Experience. (B/D)

Signature Experience - Sri Lankan Cooking Demonstration Join your resort's head chef for a talk on spices and a cooking demonstration. Learn about the authentic flavours and delectable regional dishes for which Sri Lanka is known. Then, delight in a sumptuous range of Sri Lankan curries and condiments for dinner.

After breakfast, visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Site. Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka renowned for its fascinating blend of archaeological monuments and offers a unique glimpse into the country's rich history. One of its most notable features is the massive, man-made reservoir known as Parakrama Samudra (The Sea of Parakrama), named for its vast size.

Visit the famous Gal Viharaya (Rock Temple), home to four magnificent Buddha statues carved into the rock, each radiating peace, serenity, and strength. As you explore further, you'll encounter the ruins of ancient palaces, intricately carved moonstones, and royal baths, all of which reflect the grandeur of Sri Lanka's medieval era. Then, savour a delicious lunch at EKHO Lake House, Polonnaruwa.

After lunch, continue your journey to Kandalama. Check in to the hotel and unwind, taking in the tranquil surroundings. This evening, enjoy your Signature Experience. Stay Two Nights: Kandalama, Heritance Kandalama (B/L/D)

Signature Experience - Cave Dinner at Heritance Kandalama Experience a one-of-a-kind meal at Heritance Kandalama with a signature Cave Dinner. Enjoy a memorable meal inside a captivating natural cave, historically used by ancient fishermen as a shelter. The perfect blend of history and nature awaits, offering an intimate and extraordinary setting for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Begin your day with a visit to the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The climb to the summit offers breathtaking views as you ascend the 200-meter high rock boulder. Built by King Kassyapa I in the fifth century, Sigiriya served as a royal citadel for over 18 years. Upon reaching the top, explore the ruins of the royal palace, marvel at the astonishing feat of construction and soak in 360-degree panoramic views of the jungle and hills. Next, enjoy an international buffet lunch at Cinnamon Lodge.

In the afternoon, embark on an exciting game drive at Minneriya National Park. This sanctuary, located in the North Central Province, is renowned for its population of Sri Lankan elephants. The park is also home to the endemic Purple-faced Langur and Toque Macaque monkeys. The highlight of Minneriya is the impressive Minneriya Tank, an ancient reservoir that draws wildlife, especially during the dry season between June and September. During this period, the reservoir attracts large herds of elephants, making it the site of the famous “Gathering,” where up to 300 elephants converge to drink and bathe - a truly unforgettable sight.

Return to the hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening at leisure before dinner. Finish your day with a delightful dinner at the hotel. (B/L/D)

Signature Experience - Sigiriya Rock Fortress After breakfast, walk to the top of the iconic World Heritage-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Stop to admire the colourful frescoes, ascend through the impressive Lion's Paw and stroll among the atmospheric ruins of this former citadel as the sun rises, offering spectacular views.

Drive to Dambulla to visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dambulla Cave Temple. Dating back to the first century BC, this vast cave complex, now a rock temple, houses the largest collection of paintings in Sri Lanka and an impressive array of Buddha statues. As you explore, take in the serenity and well-preserved beauty of this sacred site.

Continue your journey to Kandy, stopping en route at a Batik Factory in Matale and enjoying a traditional Sri Lankan snack lunch at a local artisan's home. Arrive in Kandy and visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. Located by Kandy Lake, this 16th-century temple is revered for housing the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha. Experience the spiritual atmosphere as resident monks perform rituals to the backdrop of drums and the scent of lotus, jasmine, and incense.

In the evening, transfer to your hotel, where you'll have pre-check-in room facilities. Stay Two Nights: Kandy, Earls Regency (B/L)

After breakfast at the hotel, choose a Freedom of Choice excursion. In the late afternoon, visit the historic Asgiriya Cricket Stadium for a Signature Experience. Return to the hotel and indulge in another Signature Experience this evening. (B/D)

Signature Experience - Private Cricket Stadium Tour Learn about the history of the Asgiriya Cricket Stadium, the former test cricket stadium and enjoy refreshments at the Club House. You may have the chance to witness a practice cricket match.

Signature Experience - Private Dance Performance Witness a private performance of traditional dance accompanied by music before sitting down to a delicious five-course dinner at your hotel.

Freedom of Choice - Temple Exploration Explore three ancient temples, offering an up-close experience with the historic Gadaladeniya, Lankathilaka, and Embekka temples in Kandy.

Freedom of Choice - Gem Experience Engage in a hands-on gem identification and cutting session, guided by an expert gemologist for a truly personalised experience.

After breakfast, enjoy your Signature Experience at the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya. Next, proceed to the scenic central highlands. The journey to the tea country offers remarkable views of gushing waterfalls, vast tea terraces, authentic tea factories, and expansive vegetable fields. Arrive at the iconic Grand Hotel for high tea style lunch. A former home of a colonial governor, this historic property boasts impressive architectural design and significant heritage.

Later, continue your journey to Kandapola and arrive at your hotel with pre-check-in room facilities and spend the rest of the evening at leisure until dinner is served. Stay: Nuwara Eliya, Grand Hotel (B/L/D)

Signature Experience - Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya Accompanied by an expert botanist, enjoy a captivating walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, located in Kandy. With over 30 years of experience, be guided through the gardens, home to over 4,000 plant species. Hear fascinating stories of the garden's history, from its transformation in 1821 into a botanical garden to the ‘Grand Circle,' where world leaders have planted trees since 1875. As you stroll beneath the trees, the botanist will highlight features such as the bamboo collection, Palm Avenue, and the herbal plants. The most vibrant display is the orchids, with over 300 species in full bloom.

This morning, transfer to Amba Tea Estate for your Signature Experience. The journey includes a scenic shuttle van ride to the estate and a tuk-tuk transfer on the return trip, located on a 1,000-foot precipice with views of Ella Gap and Ravana-Ella Waterfalls. After lunch at Amba Estate, proceed to Yala. In the afternoon, return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure, taking advantage of the hotel's facilities. Stay Two Nights: Hilton Yala (B/L/D)

Signature Experience - Artisanal Tea Experience at Amba Tea Estate Visit Amba Tea Estate and be expertly guided through the entire artisanal tea-making process, from farm to teacup. Discover the traditional methods, including hand-rolling, that bring out the distinctive flavour of each tea. Located on an organic farm in the Uva Highlands, Amba Tea Estate is one of the few remaining producers in Sri Lanka still using colonial-era techniques. Your expert guide will walk you through each step, from composting and pruning to hand-plucking, rolling, fermenting, and drying the leaves, all to create organic whole-leaf tea with a unique taste and aroma.

Start your day with an early morning game drive in a luxury shared jeep, guided by a specialised ranger. After the drive, return to the resort for a delicious breakfast. In the afternoon, enjoy lunch before heading out for a late afternoon game drive with your ranger. As you explore Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka's oldest and largest parks, keep an eye out for Sri Lanka's Big Five endangered species, including the Sri Lankan leopard, sloth bear, and elephant, as well as herds of deer, wild boar, crocodiles, and over 200 bird species.

End the day by returning to the resort to relax and savour a delectable dinner. (B/D)

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Centre. Established in 1995, this centre cares for orphaned elephant calves with the goal of rehabilitating and reintroducing them to the wild. Visit during feeding time to see the calves being fed a nutrient-rich milk formula. The elephants graze freely during the day, under the watchful eye of skilled veterinarians. Enjoy an international buffet lunch at Grand Udawalawe, then continue your journey to Tangalle. Upon arrival at your hotel, enjoy pre-check-in facilities.

Spend the rest of the evening at leisure, enjoying the hotel's amenities before choosing where to dine with your Freedom of Choice Dining options. Stay: Tangalle, Anantara Peace Haven (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice Dining - Journeys Enjoy international cuisine at Journeys, offering a diverse range of flavours from around the world.

Freedom of Choice Dining - Il Mare Indulge in authentic Italian dishes at Il Mare, featuring classic Italian flavours in a beautiful setting.

After breakfast, enjoy leisure time on the beach. Check out and proceed to the fortified city of Galle. Then, embark on a guided walking tour through the atmospheric streets of Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort, originally built by the Portuguese and later fortified by the Dutch, blends colonial architecture with South Asian traditions. Explore its iconic landmarks, including the Old Dutch Reformed Church, boutique hotels, lighthouse, and souvenir shops. Conclude the walk at the Moon Bastion, where you can capture a stunning view of the Indian Ocean.

Spend some time at leisure exploring Galle Fort before checking in at your hotel. Stay Two Nights: Galle, Jetwing Lighthouse (B)

Savour a breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, choose your Freedom of Choice option before spending time at leisure back at the hotel. Return to the hotel and indulge in an exceptional dining experience at The Cinnamon Room at Jetwing Lighthouse. Enjoy a farewell dinner while celebrating your time in Sri Lanka. Celebrate the rich history of Sri Lanka's spice trade while enjoying a lavish à la carte menu, daily specials, and signature seafood delicacies, all in a stunning coastal setting. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice - Cinnamon Estate Visit Just 40 minutes from Galle, Villa Mayurana is a tranquil retreat set among a cinnamon plantation with breathtaking views of Koggala Lake and the coastline. Upon arrival, enjoy a cinnamon-infused towel before taking a guided tour of the estate. Learn about the growing and harvesting of cinnamon, and watch an expert demonstration of how cinnamon sticks are made. End your visit with a cinnamon-inspired lunch and fragrant cinnamon tea.

Freedom of Choice - Tour Lunuganga Estate Take a tour of Lunuganga Estate, the former country home of renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. After enjoying a traditional Sri Lankan lunch, explore the estate's stunning gardens, which Bawa spent 40 years transforming from an abandoned rubber plantation into a tropical paradise. Wander through elegant courtyards, lily ponds, walkways, romantic pavilions, and enjoy breathtaking views over Dedduwa Lake.

After breakfast, transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport in time to for your onward flight. (B)