Glimpses of Ceylon
Daily.
PRIVATE tour
- Breakfast.
- 3* Hotels.
- The price shown for this privately escorted tour by air-conditioned car is based on the best value travel dates in low season and includes international flights, private transfers, 3* hotels, sightseeing as outlined and private services of an English speaking chauffeur guide. Also available with 4* and 5* accommodation and air taxi transfers. Extensions also available in each destination.
- Due to en route sightseeing and the nature of the scenic, winding roads, some journeys can take several hours. However, air taxis are available for some routes, cutting journey times considerably (sometimes by up to 6 hours). Glimpses of Ceylon can also be enjoyed using 'boutique' hotels such as The Wallawwa, Uga Ulagalla, and Ceylon Tea Trails. These small and more personalised properties capture the essence of barefoot luxury and attention to detail.
- This holiday is 100% financially protected. ATOL protected 2713
Our suggested itinerary is a starting point
We're specialists in tailor-made holidays, where we can adapt each itinerary to suit your requirements
Days 1-2 Fly to Colombo
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel with the rest of the day free to relax.
Day 3 Colombo
Morning at leisure. This afternoon enjoy a personalised "Old Colombo" Walking tour, a perfect way to take in the amazing architecture left behind by the Dutch and British.
Day 4 Colombo
After breakfast you will set off for the Cultural Triangle region (approx 3 hours drive).
Day 5 Sigiriya, Habarana or Dambulla
Visit the imposing Sigiriya rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating from the 5th century which rises majestically from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the fortified town with a moat, rampart, and extensive gardens including the famed water gardens that ring the rock's base. You will also see the world-renowned frescoes of the 'Heavenly Maidens' of Sigiriya, which are painted in earth pigments on plaster and are reached by a spiral stairway.
Those feeling fit can tackle the 600 feet climb to the top and be rewarded with memorable views. Later, drive to Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site (approx 1½ hours) and the island's medieval capital. Visit the Royal Palace ruins, the Gal Viharaya - four colossal statues carved from granite, the Lotus Bath, the moonstones and Audience Hall.
Day 6 Sigiriya, Habarana or Dambulla
At leisure or you can take an optional excursion to Minneriya National Park for a jeep safari (from £69).
Day 7 Sigiriya, Habarana or Dambulla
Drive to the 1st century Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This impressive temple complex of five caves has the world's largest area of paintings and a colossal Buddha figure carved from rock. Visit a spice garden at Matale to see how they are grown and processed before continuing to UNESCO listed Kandy (approx 2 hours), the last capital of the Kings. Later this evening, enjoy a city tour and drive around Kandy Lake, visit the town bazaar, an arts and craft centre and a gem museum.
Finally, visit the Temple of the Tooth and watch a cultural show.
Day 8 Kandy
This morning is at leisure to relax. Alternatively, you can join an optional cycling tour (at extra expense) in the Hanthana Mountain Range with a visit to the Ceylon Tea Museum. This afternoon proceed to the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala king and then expanded by the British. It's a walker's paradise with extensive lawns, pavilions, an octagon conservatory, fernery, orchid house and numerous flower beds.
Day 9 Kandy
Head to the cooler climes of the tea country to visit a working tea plantation and factory to see the manufacturing and grading process of tea, before sampling a cup of pure Ceylon tea. Continue some 6,000 feet above sea level to the former colonial hill station of Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka's most popular hill resort and heart of tea country. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the colonial splendour in all its glory (approx 3½ hours drive). If time permits, we suggest extending your stay in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 10 Nuwara Eliya and Ella
Travel to Negombo (approx 4½ hours drive) where upon arrival you are free to relax beside the pool or on the inviting sands. If time permits we suggest staying longer in Nuwara Eliya to soak up the stunning scenery.
Day 11 Negombo amd Chilaw
Time at leisure before your tour concludes with a transfer to the airport for your onward journey. Alternatively, after the tour, why not extend your stay? Options include a short stay at one of Sri Lanka's superb national parks to view the wildlife; enjoy further time to relax beside the sea at a glorious beach resort or, retreat to a wellness resort.
Need to know
Departures
Daily.
Meals
Breakfast.
Accommodation
3* Hotels.
Tour price
The price shown for this privately escorted tour by air-conditioned car is based on the best value travel dates in low season and includes international flights, private transfers, 3* hotels, sightseeing as outlined and private services of an English speaking chauffeur guide. Also available with 4* and 5* accommodation and air taxi transfers. Extensions also available in each destination.
Notes
Due to en route sightseeing and the nature of the scenic, winding roads, some journeys can take several hours. However, air taxis are available for some routes, cutting journey times considerably (sometimes by up to 6 hours). Glimpses of Ceylon can also be enjoyed using 'boutique' hotels such as The Wallawwa, Uga Ulagalla, and Ceylon Tea Trails. These small and more personalised properties capture the essence of barefoot luxury and attention to detail.
