Splendours of Sri Lanka

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport, located near the charming fishing village of Negombo, known for its pristine sandy beaches, a vibrant fish market and well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture. Be met on arrival and transfer to your accommodation.

Enhance Your Journey - VIP Meet and Greet and Fast Track at Colombo Airport Enjoy a hassle-free arrival at Colombo airport with a VIP meet and greet, and fast-track assistance through immigration and customs.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast followed by a welcome briefing. Travel to Dambulla for some time at leisure, before visiting the World Heritage-listed Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple. A sacred pilgrimage site for over 2,000 years, the cave monastery is the largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. Explore the sanctuaries of the temple that contain ornate statues and ancient murals depicting the life of Buddha. This evening, savour a taste of Sri Lankan cuisine at an exclusive Welcome Dinner.

Following breakfast, head to the World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa for a tour of its ancient city. Once a prosperous religious centre, it was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in AD 993. Explore the fascinating ruins and discover a world of archaeological treasures. Enjoy an Insider Experience and dine on a traditional farmer's lunch before returning to the hotel. This afternoon, you may wish to embark on an optional activity of your choice.

Insider Experience - Meet a Local Villager and Traditional Priyamali Gedara Lunch Embark on a fascinating cultural experience. Meet a local villager who will demonstrate the process of using traditional ingredients to make energy boosting herbal tonics. After, indulge in a traditional Priyamali Gedara lunch where you will savour a wholesome, authentic Sri Lankan dining experience. Try a variety of flavourful dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients including curries, rice, and chutneys, all served in a warm, welcoming village setting.

Enhance Your Journey - Minneriya National Park Safari Set out on a safari to discover Minneriya National Park, situated in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. Discover the park's breathtaking scenery and spectacular array of wildlife. See the majestic Asian elephants for which the park is famous, as well as a variety of birds, butterflies, reptiles and amphibians. See the Minneriya tank, an impressive man-made water reservoir built by an ancient civilisation.

Enhance Your Journey - Hiriwadunna Village Tour Join a tour of the beautiful rural village of Hiriwadunna. Set out on a tuk tuk ride to Hiriwadunna's pond where you will board a boat to the other side of the village. After a short walk with views of paddy fields and vegetable cultivation, reach the village house where you'll relax with a cup of Sri Lankan tea and traditional sweet treats.

Early this morning, visit the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site rising 200 metres above the central plains. Built in the fifth century by King Kashyapa, this remarkable geological formation once served as his royal citadel for more than 18 years. You may choose to ascend the rock. As you make your way up, pause to admire the imposing lion paws, the mirror wall, Sigiri graffiti and the beautifully preserved frescoes.

At the summit, take in the sweeping views across verdant plains and distant mountains. If you prefer not to climb, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the impressive former royal gardens at the base of the rock. Continue to Kandy and en route, take part in an Insider Experience. The rest of the day is free to explore Kandy at leisure.

Insider Experience - Roti Bread Making experience with local chefs Enjoy a roti‑making experience as local chefs guide you in preparing fresh roti bread, fragrant coconut rice and a selection of freshly cooked Sri Lankan dishes, including fiery curries made with spices grown in the restaurant's garden.

Today, choose to embark on an optional excursion or enjoy time at leisure. Later, head out on an exciting Insider Experience before joining an immersive walking tour of the city of Kandy. Stroll past iconic monuments, a bustling marketplace, and vibrant shops.

Tonight, delight in the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Cultural Dance performance. Overlooking tranquil Kandy Lake, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is the most significant Buddhist temple in Kandy. It safeguards the sacred tooth of the Lord Buddha. Walk through the immaculate gardens and be awestruck by the intricate designs that adorn the temple's interiors. Afterwards, enjoy a cultural dance performance in Kandy, offering a unique insight to the area's rich cultural heritage.

Insider Experience - Meet With Local Traditional Artists Meet a traditional local artist whose family has preserved Sri Lanka's artistic heritage for generations. Discover the 33 traditional Sri Lankan drums, with a focus on the 10 most widely used today. You'll also learn about the distinctive dance style of Kandy and the intricate jewels that adorn the performers.

Enhance Your Journey - Explore the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, spread over 147 acres in the heart of Kandy. Stroll through the gardens and admire a diverse collection of over 4,000 species of plants including giant bamboo, orchids and exotic trees.

This morning, travel to the lush, green hills of Nuwara Eliya, stopping along the way at one of the many famous tea estates, the first of two Insider Experiences today. Later in the afternoon, embark on a guided tour of Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as 'Little England' because it was a favourite summer retreat for the British civil servants escaping the stifling heat of the coastal lowlands, when Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon during British occupation of Sri Lanka. During the tour of Nuwara Eliya, admire cascading waterfalls, vast tea terraces and vegetable fields, and charming colonial buildings.

Insider Experience - Tea Plantation Visit and Tasting Enjoy a guided walk through the scenic terraced fields, where you'll have the chance to try your hand at tea plucking alongside an experienced local tea plucker. Conclude your visit with a curated tea tasting, featuring a selection of the region's finest Ceylon teas.

Insider Experience - High Tea at The Grand Hotel I ndulge in traditional high tea-style lunch at The Grand Hotel, a timeless property nestled amid lush surrounds. Indulge in culinary delights including fresh sandwiches, artisanal pastries accompanied by freshly brewed, local Ceylon tea.

After breakfast, enjoy the morning at your leisure. Then, indulge in a traditional Sri Lankan curry lunch. Head to Bandarawela Railway Station to embark on an iconic train journey to Demodara. Soak in views of tea-covered highlands from this enchanting railway, a route considered one of the most scenic rail journeys in Sri Lanka. Enjoy stunning panoramas of verdant tea plantations. Arrive in Demodara and transfer to your hotel in Yala. This evening, savour a dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Rise early for a light breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a game drive at Yala National Park. Search for native wildlife including the Sri Lankan leopard, sloth bear and elephant at one of Sri Lanka's oldest and largest national parks. Listen to one of the experienced resort naturalists as they share their knowledge and secrets of tracking animals. Afterwards, return to the hotel to savour a full buffet breakfast, before enjoying the remainder of the day at leisure. Perhaps set out on an additional game drive this afternoon. This evening, indulge in an Insider Experience.

Insider Experience - Sri Lankan Bush Dinner Experience Enjoy a feast of succulent grilled delicacies accompanied by a warm coastal fire on Yala's sandy shores.

Enhance Your Journey - Afternoon Game Drive Set out on an afternoon game drive for another opportunity to absorb the stunning beauty of Yala National Park and enjoy the additional chance to spot wildlife.

This morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, before heading to Udawalawe. Stop at the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home to learn about the enriching rehabilitation of displaced calfs and discover how these young elephants are nurtured and prepared for reintroduction into the wild. Continue to Galle, witnessing the incredible sight of Koggala fisherman perched on slender poles driven into the shallow seabed. On arrival, check in to your hotel and settle in at leisure before a delightful dinner.

After breakfast, choose from two optional excursions (additional expense). Alternatively, savour some free time this morning to enjoy as you please. Later, visit splendid Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city within the fortress is renowned for its atmospheric cobbled streets and well-preserved colonial architecture. Enjoy a visit to the fascinating Maritime Museum, where centuries of seafaring history come to life, followed by a stop at the iconic Galle Lighthouse. The tour concludes at Galle Cricket Club, where you'll enjoy a sundowner during sunset.

Enhance Your Journey - Una-Eco Tour Embark on a captivating e-bike tour that showcases the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Unawatuna. Start with a visit to a traditional coir factory to see how coir products are made from coconut husks. Afterwards, continue on your e-bike to Yatagala Rajamaha Viharaya, a tranquil Buddhist temple. Enjoy a refreshing coconut drink as you admire the stunning ancient rock carvings. The final stop is at a handloom factory, where you'll witness skilled artisans weaving intricate textiles using traditional techniques past down through generations.

Enhance Your Journey - Cinnamon Experience at Villa Mayurana Visit Villa Mayurana, a beautiful property set among a cinnamon plantation with magnificent views of Lake Koggala and the sea beyond. You'll be welcomed with refreshing cinnamon-infused towel, before embarking on a guided tour of the estate. Learn the time-honoured techniques of cultivating and harvesting cinnamon to create the spice powder and aromatic bark used in cooking.

After breakfast, head to Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo. On arrival, hop on a tuk tuk for an exhilarating sightseeing tour of the city. Highlights of the tour include Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, Wolvendaal Church, Old Parliament complex, and the lively Pettah Market area. Return to your hotel, this evening celebrate your unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka with a Farewell Dinner shared with your fellow travellers.

After breakfast, your journey comes to an end with a transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward flight.

You may choose to extend your stay with a three‑night, all‑inclusive holiday to the Maldives. Please enquire for details.