Essential Sri Lanka - Value
Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour

This tour encompasses the highlights of the island and some hidden gems. You'll take in the ancient cities, the tea country, a beach stay and wildlife while staying in small and unique hotels. Transport is with your own chauffeur-guide, who will remain with you for most of the tour.

With so much included at a keen price, this is a great value way to explore Sri Lanka. 

Highlights include 

• Exploring the historic sights of the Cultural Triangle.
• Gaining a fascinating insight into the commerical capital Colombo with an expert local guide.
• Veering off-the-beaten-track in the foothills of The Knuckles Mountains.
• Spotting wildlife (maybe even leopards) in Wilpattu National Park.
• Relaxing at the beach.

Your personalised quotation with Experience Travel Group will include.

• International Flights (which can be omitted from your quotation if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers 
• Original Experience Travel Group "Signature" experiences 
• Full financial protection (full ABTA and ATOL bonding)
• Meals as described
• 24 hour in-country backup whilst away
• Your own dedicated travel expert in the UK 

For more on our pricing policy read here.  

 DAY 1 DEPART THE UK

 Depart the UK for Colombo, Sri Lanka.

 DAY 2 & 3 COLOMBO  Culture & Colonial Heritage

Arrive in Colombo and meet your chauffeur-guide who will remain with you until you arrive at your beach hotel. During your stay in the city there will be time to get an insight into its colonial heritage on a fascinating walking tour with an expert local guide.

DAYS 4 & 5 KANDY  Gardens, traditions and local-life

It’s around 3 hours by road with your chauffeur towards Kandy, Sri Lanka’s second city, which is steeped in history and legend.  Here you’ll explore the city's highlights including the must-see Botanical Gardens and the Temple of the Tooth. You'll also gain an insight into local life beyond the usual tourist sights before sunset drinks and typical local “short eats” at a viewpoint over the city.

DAYS 6 & 7 THE KNUCKLES MOUNTAINS  Tea in the hills

About an hour's drive from Kandy is Ashburnham Estate.  This property is situated in the foothills of the Knuckles mountain range with stunning panoramic views of Sri Lanka’s tea plantations. Here you enjoy treks in the hills and a tour of the local working tea factory.

DAYs 8 & 9 The CULTURAL TRIANGLE  Ancient Monuments & Caves

Head further north to the Cultural Triangle – as the name suggests, this area is home to a plethora of incredible cultural sites.  Here you’ll explore Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Aukana Standing Buddha, the ancient cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, and the beautiful Minneriya National Park. Our flexible approach allows you to do as much or as little sightseeing as you like, with some unique local experiences along the way.

DAY 10 WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK   Wildlife and Nature

After your time in the hills you will visit Wilpattu National Park, one of the most important conservation areas in the country and home to leopards, elephants, water buffalo and a huge array of birdlife. 

DAYS 11 - 13 KALPITiYA   Barefoot Beach Experience

Time to relax after your adventure with a stay at the beach.  This is a great place for dolphin and whale watching, water-sports and snorkelling and a variety of activities are included.  

DAY 14 Fly Home

 Today you transfer to Colombo airport for your return flight home.