Classic Family Sri Lanka Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour

DAY 1 depart the uk

Depart London Heathrow for Colombo, Sri Lanka.

DAYS 2 & 3 horathapola

Arrive in Colombo and be met by your chauffeur-guide and private mini-van. Head directly to Horathapola Estate. Consisting of just four bedrooms, in idyllic surroundings, this is perhaps our favourite hotel in Sri Lanka. Enjoy a relaxed start to your holiday as you soak up the peace and tranquillity of this exceptional place. The hotel has a great pool and a rambling estate for the children to discover, and it has a lovely two-bedroom family suite.

DAYS 4, 5 & 6 culturaltriangle

You now have three days to explore the majestic ancient cities of Anuradhapura & Polonnaruwa, the UNESCO world heritage site at Sigiriya - a towering rock fortress with a fascinating history that is often proclaimed as the eighth wonder of the world - and the ancient cave temples at Dambulla. We also includes an afternoon safari in Minneriya National Park, depending on the season. Your hotel is ideally located for exploring these sights.

DAYS 7 & 8 kandy

Spend two days in cultural Kandy, with relaxed pace visits to the Temple of the Tooth€, Peradiniya Botanical Gardens and a cultural dance evening. Kandy is a great place to explore on foot. There is a decent selection of restaurants, shops and things to see. The hotel, with the spectacular view of the Mahaweli River, is also an attraction in itself. With first rate service and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, Villa Rosa can count itself amongst the very best there is on offer in this historic city. A two-bedroom family suite on a bed and breakfast basis ensures peace and comfort!

DAYS 9 & 10 tea country

Drive through the tea-covered hills to the wonderfully scenic town of Haputale. Stay in Kelburne Cottages - a selection of charming bungalows formerly belonging to the tea estate manager. Walk in the mountains, visit tea factories, explore the picturesque towns of Bandarawela, Badulla and Haputale. We include a walk to Lipton's Seat, an exciting stroll through the plantations to reveal, on a clear day at least, one of the country's finest possible views.

We also include a picturesque train journey from Haputale to to Ella where your chauffeur-guide will be waiting for you. The journey is one of the most beautiful stretches of railway in Sri Lanka. It's a short journey of less than an hour and the track runs along the southern edge of the hill country, giving you majestic vistas on either side as you trundle along. Ella is a lovely place to explore, with gentle walks, waterfalls and pleasant cafes. 

DAY 11 yala national park

This morning, you'll drop down from the hill country, winding steeply down to the plains below. Yala National Park, in the south east of the island, is where you're heading.  Experience a night 'glamping' under the stars and embark on a safari adventure, keeping your eyes peeled for leopards, elephants and more.

DAYS 12, 13 & 14 galle coast

A further safari this morning, before leaving to spend three nights at 3 Sisters near Matara, a charming villa with stylish, boutique decor, a pool and spacious comfy rooms – all set on a gorgeous stretch of sandy white beach a few hours drive from Yala. During your stay there will be a chance to take a walking tour of Galle Fort and to explore the local countryside on a bike ride too. 

DAY 15  colombo 

Head north up the coast for your final night in Colombo. On your last day there is just enough time to take a walking tour of the city in the company of a passionate and engaging local guide. 

DAY 16 depart sri lanka

Your driver will drop you at Colombo airport for your return flight to London.

- International flights.

- All accommodation and meals as stated.

- Private vehicle with driver for the duration of the tour.

Please note that the price of flights in particular can be higher during peak travel periods.