Sri Lanka

Day 1 – Travel To Colombo Sri Lanka

Depart for Sri Lanka on this trip of a lifetime.

Day 2 – Arrive in Colombo and Transfer to Negombo

Relax More in Negombo

Afternoon

Following your arrival in Sri Lanka, you will be transferred with guide assistance to your hotel in the coastal town of Negombo, just north of Colombo. After check in at your hotel, you can settle in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Dinner is included tonight and for the next 11 nights of your stay in Sri Lanka.

Day 3 – Explore Negombo & Transfer to Habarana 

Guided Tour of Negombo Village

Morning

This morning, accompanied by your expert guide, discover Negombo, formerly a cinnamon trading centre and now a thriving fishing village. Explore this village very early in the morning before breakfast, as it is the best time to witness the locals selling their fresh catch. After breakfast at your hotel, you will discover more of Negombo on a guided tour, before departing for Habarana on a journey that will take approximately four hours (150km). Along the way, take in views of the lush tropical countryside from your coach. 

At Leisure in Habarana

Evening

Arrive at Habarana and check into your hotel, which will be your home for the next three nights. Enjoy a leisurely evening to relax, unwind and discover our surroundings.

Day 4 – Discover Sigiriya "Lions Rock" & Polonnaruwa 

Guided Excursion to Sigiriya ‘Lion’s Rock’

Morning

Begin to uncover more of Sri Lanka on a full-day guided excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sigiriya, built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). The spectacular ‘Lion’s Rock’ fortress is a large ancient rock palace surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens. The climb up has over 1,200 steps, with a narrow staircase. There are several platforms where you can take a break along the way and admire the views. Marvel at the beautiful collection of Water Gardens, painted frescoes and ancient graffiti, all on show at what is one of Sri Lanka's crowning glories. 

Guided Tour of Polonnaruwa

Afternoon

In the afternoon discover more, on an excursion to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of Sri Lanka. This UNESCO World Heritage site includes the Royal Palace complex and Gal Vihara rock temple of the Buddha. The entire landscape of the region is punctuated by huge man-made reservoirs and veritable inland seas, the most famous of which is the Prakrama Samudra or the Sea of Parakrama. 

Later, return to your hotel, where you can spend the evening relaxing after your day of exploration.

Day 5 – Uncover Anuradhapura on a Guided Tour 

The Ancient City of Anuradhapura and the Sacred Bo Tree

Full Day

After breakfast, leave Habarana for the day and set off on an excursion to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, famous for its temples, landscaped gardens and the sacred ‘Bo Tree’ which dates from around 245BC and is the world’s oldest known tree. Anuradhapura was the ancient capital of Sri Lanka for more than a thousand years from the 5th century BC and hosts many Buddhist monuments dating back over 2000 years.

Experience the Rural Life in Sri Lanka

Afternoon

See more of Sri Lankan traditions and discover another lifestyle, as you visit a local village. You will savour the tranquil rural setting as we embark on a bullock cart ride past lush paddy fields, shops and mud thatched houses. After your adventure, make your way back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Day 6 – Experience Dambulla Cave and transfer to Kandy 

Guided Tour of Dambulla Cave Temple

Morning

This morning say farewell to Habarana and transfer by coach to Kandy, an attractive bustling city that is encircled by hills and has a tranquil lake at its centre. En-route experience more of Sri Lanka's treasures with a visit to Dambulla Cave Temple, which has been a sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries and contains a fascinating array of Buddhist mural paintings and statues of Buddha. The drive will take approximately three hours (96km).

The Temple of The Sacred Tooth Relic

Afternoon

On arrival in Kandy, uncover more history and culture with a visit to The Temple of The Sacred Tooth Relic, a centre for the Buddhist faith. This 16th-century temple houses the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, which was brought to Sri Lanka from ancient India in the 4th century. After the visit you will depart for your hotel, which will be your base for the next two nights.

Day 7 – See More of Peradeniya & Kandy

Tour of Peradeniya and Tuk Tuk ride in Kandy

Full Day

On today’s tour, you will revel in the beauty of The Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya, home to exotic plants such as coffee, tea, nutmeg, rubber and Cinchona. The gardens feature an arboretum, an Orchid House and a colony of flying foxes.

After you visit the gardens, uncover more delights with a Tuk-Tuk ride around Kandy, one of the best ways to discover this city! During your adventure, pass the British Garrison Cemetry, Aniwatta Residencial area, Kandy Market, Kandy Lake and finish with picturesque scenes from the Kandy viewpoint. The Tuk Tuk ride will take around two hours, after which you will return to your hotel to relax and reflect on your day of sightseeing and discovery.

Day 8 – Scenic Train Journey from Kandy to Nurwara Eliya 

Guided Tour of Nuwara Eliya

Morning

All aboard! This morning you will depart your hotel for Kandy railway station. Embark on a scenic colonial era vintage train journey through sub-tropical forests, to lush green tea plantations, and mountainous backdrops, passing shops and local life along our journey to Nuwara Eliya. The train journey will take approximately 3.30 hours (subject to availability). 

On arrival in Nuwara Eliya, set off in your coach to visit a tea plantation and tea factory. You will also have a guided tour of the town before checking in to your hotel. The town’s name translates as “City of Light”, but it is also known as “Little England” as it was a popular destination for 19th century British colonialists who indulged in pastimes such as fox, deer and elephant hunting, polo, golf, and cricket. The colonial history of the town can still be seen in buildings such as the Queen's Cottage, General's House, Grand Hotel, Hill Club, and Town Post Office.

At Leisure

Evening

Relax more, as you settle into your hotel and admire your magnificent surroundings. Nuwara Eliya lies in the heart of Sri Lankan hill country and is the home of the famous Ceylon Tea. Situated at an altitude of 1868m, the city is overlooked by Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka, and enjoys a temperate highland climate. The rolling mountains are a carpet of velvety green tea plantations, and beautiful waterfalls dot the landscape.

Day 9 – Ella Waterfalls & Safari in Yala National Park Safari 

Visit Ella Waterfalls

Morning

This morning you will transfer onwards to Yala and en route stop at Ella Waterfalls for a refreshing break. Today's journey will take approximately five hours (185km).

Safari Game Drive in Yala National Park

Afternoon

Experience more, on a jeep safari drive in Yala National Park, the second largest national park in Sri Lanka and home to elephants, leopards, bear, water buffalo, crocodiles, as well as countless other animals and birds. The park has also been featured on Discovery and National Geographic documentaries, which focused on leopard research and conservation. After your adventure, you will continue to your hotel for an overnight stay and evening at leisure.

Day 10 – Delhi

Transfer to Delhi

 Morning

You will have a guided coach transfer to your hotel in Delhi for your final night in India. 

Free Time at Leisure

 Evening

Enjoy your last evening at leisure in your hotel.

Day 11 – Return Home

It’s time to say goodbye to India. You will transfer by coach with guide assistance for your flight home. 

Day 12 – Arrive Home

The price for this travel package is from €3,359 per person* sharing.

A single supplement is applicable if you are travelling alone with prices varying depending on departure date.

A non-refundable deposit of €750 per person is due at time of booking, plus any optional supplements. The balance is due 12 weeks prior to travel. 

*Prices may vary depending on departure date 

What's Included:

• International return flights with a luggage allowance of 1 checked bag per passenger (max. 20kg) and 1 cabin bag (max. 7kg, 55x38x20cm)

• Airport transfers in Sri Lanka with guide assistance

• 10 nights’ accommodation in carefully selected hotels with daily breakfast and evening meals included

• All transportation for scheduled sightseeing and transfers by air-conditioned coach

• Professional English-speaking local guides throughout the tour

• Sightseeing & experiences including:

  • Guided village tour of Negombo including early morning fish market visit

  • Scenic countryside drive from Negombo to Habarana

  • Full-day guided excursion to Sigiriya “Lion’s Rock” fortress and gardens

  • Guided tour of the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Polonnaruwa

  • Full-day guided tour of Anuradhapura including the Sacred Bo Tree

  • Visit to a rural Sri Lankan village with bullock cart ride

  • Guided visit to the Dambulla Cave Temple

  • Visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy

  • Tour of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya

  • Tuk-Tuk ride in Kandy including stops at Kandy Lake, Kandy Market, and city viewpoints

  • Scenic train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (subject to availability)

  • Guided tour of Nuwara Eliya and visit to a tea plantation and factory

  • Stop at Ella Waterfalls en route to Yala

  • Jeep safari in Yala National Park to spot elephants, leopards, and other wildlife

• Expert tips and recommendations from local guides

• 24-hour assistance from local representatives during the tour

What's not Included:

• Travel insurance – this is a mandatory condition of the booking.

• Visas are required for travel on this tour. 

• Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and hotel staff (at your discretion).