Sri Lanka's ancient capitals, the calm blue bays of the east coast, misty tea country and the wildlife of the south, taken at a relaxed pace. Every day has a gentle rhythm, with private transport, expert guides and plenty of time to rest. Four nights in Trincomalee give you a proper seaside pause in the middle of the journey, and the tour ends with a night inside the historic walls of Galle Fort.
15 Nights / 16 Days
Private meet and assist on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport
Short transfer to Negombo (approx. 30 minutes)
Check in and rest after your flight
Relaxed evening by the beach
Meals: Dinner
Breakfast at the hotel
Visit the Negombo fish market, then explore the nearby fishing villages by car and on foot
Depart for Sigiriya (approx. 4 to 4.5 hours), with a relaxed lunch stop on the way
Check in and rest in the heart of the Cultural Triangle
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Breakfast at the hotel
Visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the cool morning hours
Walk at your own pace with your guide, with rest points on the way. Guests who prefer a gentler visit can enjoy the water gardens and the base of the rock
Lunch, then a free afternoon at the hotel
Evening visit to the Habarana Cultural Centre for a traditional dance performance
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast at the hotel
Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa (approx. 1 hour from Sigiriya), the medieval capital with its royal palace, sacred quadrangle and the Gal Vihara Buddha statues
Comfortable transport within the site, with plenty of shade stops
Lunch, then time to rest
Afternoon private jeep safari in Minneriya National Park to see wild elephants (seasonal herds)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast at the hotel
Depart for Trincomalee (approx. 3 to 3.5 hours), with a comfortable rest stop on the way
Check in at your beachfront hotel
Afternoon at leisure by the sea
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Breakfast at the hotel
Guided tour of Trincomalee, starting with Koneswaram Temple, the hilltop Hindu shrine above the sea
Visit Fort Frederick and its old colonial gateway
Stop at the Kanniya Hot Springs, a group of seven natural wells
Late afternoon at Marble Beach, then return to the hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast at the hotel
Private boat trip to Pigeon Island National Park (approx. 30 minutes from Nilaveli), with clear water, coral and reef fish. Snorkel, or view the reef from a glass-bottom boat
Relax on the white sands of Nilaveli Beach
Free afternoon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast at the hotel
Full day at leisure: beach, pool or spa
Optional: whale and dolphin watching by boat (seasonal)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Breakfast, then depart for Kandy
Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple (approx. 3 hours from Trincomalee), famed for its golden Buddha and cave murals. The climb is on a gradual stone path with rest stops, and your guide will set the pace
Lunch, then continue to Kandy (approx. 2.5 to 3 hours from Dambulla)
Check in and relax at your hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast at the hotel
Guided city tour of Kandy, the hill capital, including the lake and viewpoints
Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa), Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist shrine
Lunch, then a free afternoon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast, then depart for the hill country (approx. 3 to 3.5 hours without stops)
Stop at Ramboda Waterfall
Visit a tea factory to see how Ceylon tea is made, followed by a tea tasting
Take a plantation tour through the rolling estates
Check in at your hotel in the cool climate of "Little England"
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Breakfast at the hotel
Guided tour of Nuwara Eliya town, with its colonial-era buildings, gardens and lake
Private transfer to Nanu Oya station (approx. 20 minutes)
Board the train to Ella (approx. 3 to 3.5 hours), through tea country, waterfalls and mountain viaducts. Reserved seats in the best available class
Your vehicle meets you in Ella with your luggage
Check in and relax
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Breakfast at the hotel
Visit the Nine Arch Bridge and watch a train cross, with an easy walk to the viewpoint
Free time to enjoy Ella's cafés, views and the quiet of the hills
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Breakfast, then depart for Yala (approx. 2.5 to 3 hours)
Check in at your safari accommodation and rest over lunch
Afternoon private jeep safari in Yala National Park, home to leopards, elephants and rich birdlife
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early morning tea or coffee and, if you wish, a short morning safari
Return for breakfast and depart for Galle (approx. 3 to 3.5 hours), with a stop along the southern coast
Check in at your hotel inside the Dutch Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Guided walk around the Fort, along the ramparts to the lighthouse, with time for boutiques and cafés
Sunset from the ramparts and a farewell dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast at the hotel
Private transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport via the Southern Expressway (approx. 2 to 2.5 hours), timed to your flight
Meals: Breakfast
Luxury hotels, boutique properties and resorts, chosen for comfort, service and location
Twin-share or single rooms
Half board throughout, with lunch included on touring days
Private air-conditioned vehicle with a chauffeur-guide throughout
Private safari jeeps for Minneriya and Yala
Private boat for Pigeon Island
Reserved seats on the Nanu Oya to Ella train
All entrance fees for the listed attractions
Government taxes included