Your Itinerary
Touchdown at Bandaranaike International Airport, located near the charming fishing village of Negombo. A bustling coastal city in Sri Lanka, Negombo charms visitors with its pristine sandy beaches, vibrant fish market and well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture. Be met on arrival and transfer to your accommodation.
This afternoon, accompanied by your Tour Director, glimpse some of the beautiful churches that give the town its nickname as ‘Little Rome’. Afterwards, enjoy your Insider Experiences at the hotel.
Day 2 - Negombo, Habarana
Early risers may want to visit the fish market to watch the boats returning with their catch and the vendors bargaining for the best selection (additional cost). After breakfast, travel to Dambulla where you will have some time at leisure. Later, venture to the World Heritage-listed Dambulla Cave Temple. Home to over 150 incredible Buddha paintings and statues, Dambulla is the largest and most well-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. Explore the five sanctuaries, each containing ornate statues and ancient art relating to the life of Buddha. Tonight, enjoy your Insider Experience before a delicious dinner at the hotel.
Day 3 - Habarana, Polonnaruwa
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 993 AD. Explore the fascinating ruins and discover a world of archaeological treasures. Have your Insider Experience and dine on a traditional farmer's lunch before returning to the hotel. This afternoon, you may wish to embark on a safari to see the herds of elephants in Minneriya National Park (additional expense).
Set off early for your Insider Experience. Rising 200 metres above the central plains, this spectacular geological formation was once home to an ancient civilisation. If you’re feeling active, climb the open staircases to the top of Sigiriya and take in the impressive views at its summit. Alternatively, visit the Sigiriya Museum. Enjoy breakfast back at the hotel before departing for Kandy. Tonight, enjoy an included international buffet dinner at the hotel’s main restaurant.
This morning, you may like to choose from the following excursions (at an additional cost). Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens originally created in the 14th Century as a pleasure garden for the Queens. Home to over 4,000 species of plants, ferns, shrubs, palm trees, spices and medicinal plants, these are the largest botanical gardens in Sri Lanka. Or perhaps join a cookery demonstration with a local family and discover how they use traditional herbs and spices to create delicious meals before indulging in authentic Sri Lankan fare for lunch. This afternoon, take part in a walking tour of the city of Kandy with its iconic monuments, bustling marketplace, and vibrant shopping opportunities. Tonight, enjoy your Insider Experience.
Day 6 - Kandy, Nuwara Eliya
This morning, journey onwards to the lush, green hills of Nuwara Eliya. En route, visit one of the many famous tea estates for your Insider Experience. Your lunch is another Insider Experience. This afternoon, take in a guided tour of Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as 'Little England' as it was favoured by the British civil servants as a summer retreat and is home to several colonial buildings. Admire stunning waterfalls, vast tea terraces and expansive vegetable fields along the way.
Today, embark on your Insider Experience. Afterwards, journey to Ella for lunch. Return to Nuwara Eliya, stopping enroute to visit to Nazareth Chapel of the good shepherd convent in Bandarawela, commissioned in 1961 by the nuns of the Good Shepherd.
Day 8 - Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park
Journey from Nuwara Eliya to Yala National Park. Enjoy lunch on arrival then board a jeep and venture out on an afternoon safari in one of the country’s oldest and largest national parks. The park is home to over 32 species of mammals including elephants and sloth bears. Its star attraction, however, is the spectacular Sri Lankan leopard. Tonight, enjoy your Insider Experience.
Day 9 - Yala National Park, Galle
This morning, you may choose an optional early morning Yala game drive safari (additional expense). Afterwards, journey to Udawalawa then embark on your Insider Experience. This afternoon transfer to Galle and check into your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
This morning explore the Dutch Fort of Galle on foot, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with its atmospheric paved streets and colonial heritage. Visit the Maritime Museum, see the lighthouse and the crumbling bastions along the way. This afternoon, you may choose to partake in a mask carving and painting experience at the hotel or a cooking demonstration in Galle (both at additional expense).
After breakfast, depart for the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo. Take a tuk tuk tour of the city and see many of its sights including the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, the Pettah bazaar area, the Wolfendhal Dutch Church,and the Old Parliament complex. Head back to your hotel and relax before your Insider Experience tonight.
Day 12 - Colombo, Depart Negombo
Your holiday comes to an end this morning with a transfer to the Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward flight.
