Grand Tour of Sri Lanka

On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Colombo. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before a welcome cocktail and dinner.

After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Colombo, the bustling capital of Sri Lanka. This cosmopolitan city showcases its colonial history along wide, shaded boulevards and among Victorian churches and tumbledown cafes. The introductory half-day city tour includes visits to the vibrant temples and bazaars of Pettah, where you can find everything from traditional jewellery to Ayurvedic medicines. A highlight of the tour is a trip to the Old Dutch Hospital, part of the newly restored Fort complex, which is home to some of Colombo’s chicest restaurants, cafes, and shops. After lunch, the rest of the day is at leisure.

This morning, enjoy breakfast before your leisurely journey to Dambulla. After lunch, continue to Dambulla Rock Temple a UNESCO World Heritage site. This collection of impressive caves contains over 2000 square metres of painted walls and ceilings, which were once gilded by the ancient King to mark his place of worship.

Today starts with an early morning journey north to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, the spiritual heart of the Cultural Triangle. On route, visit the sleepy village of Mihintale and its nearby sacred mountain peak and temple complex. After lunch, embark on a city tour. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Anuradhapura is the first capital and undoubtedly the grandest city of ancient Sri Lanka. The city ruins are one of South Asia's most evocative sites and contains a rich collection of crumbling temples, vast monasteries and elaborate palaces. Learn about its fascinating history and marvel at the sacred Bodhi tree.

Undoubtedly a highlight of the tour, today's excursion is to the awe-inspiring Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The ancient city of Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city ruins lie on the slopes and summit of the imposing granite peak, towering above the jungle below. Climb up steps carved into the rock face to see the fortified palace and enjoy the spectacular views over this ancient citadel. Return to your hotel for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

After an early breakfast, proceed to visit the UNESCO registered city of Polonnaruwa. Polonnaruwa became the seat of the Sinhalese kings and Sri Lanka’s second ancient capital after the demise of Anuradhapura. Scattered over gently undulating woodland, explore the monumental ruins of the ancient garden-city built by the ambitious Sinhalese king. Marvel at the well-preserved structures, including the Royal Palace, the Gal Vihara with its impressive rock sculptures, and the ancient reservoirs that showcase advanced engineering skills of the time. Continue to Passikudah, where you can unwind and enjoy the serene coastal surroundings.

Today has been left at leisure for you to relax and enjoy Passikudah's powder-white sands and emerald waters on Sri Lanka's laid-back, less-visited east coast.

After breakfast, travel toward Kandy, visiting a spice garden in Matale on route. After lunch, continue to the UNESCO Listed sacred city of Kandy. Head to the famous Temple of the Tooth which houses Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist relic - a tooth of Buddha. You will arrive in time for 'pooja' when the heavily guarded room housing the relic opens to both pilgrims and travellers.

Cradled amongst misty hills, the small city of Kandy exudes history, culture and beauty. Explore the famous botanical gardens of Peradeniya, full of exotic palms, colourful orchids and home to over 4,000 species of trees and plants. After you have enjoyed your tour the rest of the afternoon and evening is at leisure.

Sri Lanka is one of the world's largest exporters of tea and today you will travel to Nuwara Eliya, which has been the capital of this industry since the 19th century. En route to your hotel, stop at a tea plantation and inhale the heavenly scent of the Ceylon tea brand.

A morning tour of Nuwara Eliya begins today, driving through the lush, green tea plantations dotted with the colourful saris of the women working in them. Lunch will be served in a local village, Ella, with far-reaching views over the misty landscapes beyond.

Udawalawe national park is renowned for its elephant viewing opportunities against the stunning backdrop of the surrounding hills. Rising early this morning, embark on a Jeep safari within Udawalawe National Park, home to elephants, deer, water buffalo, monkeys and a variety of bird species. Just outside the park is the Elephant Transit Home, an inspirational project started to rehabilitate injured elephants. On your way back to the hotel visit Katharagama Temple. A shrine for all four religions in Sri Lanka to exist in harmony. The rest of the day is at leisure.

After some free time this morning, enjoy a Jeep safari in the nearby Yala national park awaits. Seek elephants, sloths, deer and, with the highest density of leopards in the world, you may even be lucky enough to spot one of these elusive animals.

Departing Tissamaharama, you will travel to the Mirissa. The idyllic crescent of beach, fringed with coconut palms and soft golden sands, is the perfect place to crack open a coconut and relax.

This morning, you will travel to Galle, an ancient fort and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This national treasure has been inhabited by the Portuguese, Dutch and British, all of whom left their distinctive marks, visible through the sleepy streets strewn with colonial buildings, restaurants and small boutique shops.

After breakfast, transfer to Colombo for your return flight, or continue on to your chosen extension.