Southern India & Sri Lanka

Fly to Kochi, an enchanting city on the Malabar Coast of Kerala. On arrival you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to begin soaking up the charm of this historic port city. (D)

Today, explore the city's fascinating colonial past. Visit the Dutch Palace, home to fascinating murals and artefacts and step inside the serene Santa Cruz Basilica. Continue to St Francis' Church, believed to be India's oldest European church then wander the spice-scented lanes of Fort Kochi, lined with charming architecture.

This evening, witness a captivating Kathakali dance performance, a traditional art form rich in colour and expression. (B/L/D)

Leave Kochi and travel to Alleppey. On arrival, board your traditional houseboat and glide through Kerala's lush backwaters, a peaceful network of palm-fringed canals and lagoons. Enjoy lunch and dinner on board as you watch a world of village life, temples and rice paddies drift by. (B/L/D)

After breakfast, disembark your houseboat and journey to Kollam, an ancient port and one of India's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Soak up the town's laidback charms as you enjoy a tranquil shikara (traditional rowing boat) ride through its old, picturesque waterways. (B/L/D)

This morning, travel to the beautiful seaside resort of Kovalam. The rest of the day will be at leisure - take a walk along the palm-lined beach or relax with a rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatment, for which the region is famous. (B/L/D)

Delve into the cultural treasures of Trivandrum, Kerala's capital. Marvel at the grand exterior of the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, explore the verdant Zoological Gardens, and admire collections at the Napier Museum and the Sri Chitra Art Gallery. This afternoon is yours to relax. (B/L/D)

Bid farewell to India as you transfer to the airport for your flight to Colombo, Sri Lanka. On arrival you will travel to the seaside city of Negombo where the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. (B/L/D)

Journey to Habarana, a peaceful town surrounded by forest and lakes. You will have time to relax before an afternoon safari in Minneriya National Park. Set around an ancient rainwater reservoir, or tank, this wonderfully verdant national park is home to herds of elephants, troops of monkeys, spotted deer, water buffalo and a vibrant array of birdlife. (B/L/D)

Rise early for a day exploring some of Sri Lanka's most magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Start at the 5th-century UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress, 'Lion Rock', - explore the gardens at its foot, and venture up rock cut stairways to admire the Heavenly Maiden frescoes before passing through colossal lion paws to reach the summit for panoramic views.

Later, head out to explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Wander through the fascinating collection of palaces, stupas and statues to discover the story of a glorious era. (B/L/D)

This morning, travel to Kandy, stopping en route at the Dambulla Cave Temple. Dating back to the 1st century BC, the temple is made up of five cave sanctuaries where you'll find some of Sri Lanka's most important Buddha images.

On arrival in Kandy, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the country's most revered Buddhist sites. Later, join a guided food walk through the city to sample authentic local cuisine from bustling street stalls. (B/L/D)

Travel through the heart of Sri Lanka's scenic tea country, stopping at Ramboda to enjoy the views over the green-swathed landscapes and to see one of Sri Lanka's tallest waterfall. Arrive in the highland city of Nuwara Eliya where you'll take a tour of this 'Little England' with its colonial architecture and warm hospitality. (B/L/D)

Board the train for the spectacular ride to Demodara, travelling along highland valleys, through peaceful forests and across the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, a magnificent viaduct also known as the 'Bridge in the Sky'. This scenic rail journey offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka's colonial past and breathtaking natural beauty. Travel on to Ella, a village nestled among cloudforest and tea plantations, and take some time unwind after this wonderful experience. (B/L/D)

Visit one of Sri Lanka's largest and most scenic tea factories to discover how the island's finest teas are crafted before tasting the teas as you look out over the velvety green tea bushes.

This afternoon, take a tuk-tuk back to Nine Arch Bridge, stopping at a vantage point to take photos and learn more about this marvellous feat of engineering from 1919. (B/L/D)

Journey back to Colombo descending from the highlands to travel along the beautiful coastline. You'll stop en route at the beautiful Ravana Ella Falls and for an enjoyable lunch at the historical Galle Fort. (B/L/D)

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Australia arriving home the same day. (B)