Highlights & Beyond
Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour

Take in the full variety of this diverse island staying in our favourite hidden gems: fine boutique hotels, eco properties and cosy cottages in the mountains. This holiday is perfect for nature lovers who also enjoy a bit of comfort. The first part of the holiday explores the island then the holiday finishes with luxury and relaxation at the beach.

Highlights Include:

• Staying at The Mudhouse where you will feel transported to another world.
• Discovering wildlife in Yala National Park.
• Exploring 3000 year old Anuradhapura with your own expert guide. 
• Climb Sigiriya, explore the quirky history of Colombo, cycle through rural Galle and generally discover the hidden nooks and crannies of Sri Lanka. 
• Relax on one of the wide and empty beaches of the deep south. 

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.

DAYS 2 & 3 gampaha  relax in the countryside

On arrival in Sri Lanka you will be met by your chauffeur-guide for the 1 hour transfer to your rural retreat. This is the perfect place to ease your way into Sri Lankan life in a unique setting. Beyond relaxation, you may choose to explore paddy fields, local temples and spot rare birds.  

DAYS 4 & 5 THE MUDHOUSE  a unique rural experience

Your guide will drive you onwards The Mudhouse for a two night stay on a full board basis . Locally guided excursions are included such as cycling, visits to local temples, swimming trips, lake kayaking and picnics. This little visited but beautiful area of Sri Lanka is deeply rural and life moves at a tranquil pace.

Dining under the stars at this stunning eco-retreat you will be immersed in the vibrancy of Sri Lanka's natural beauty.

DAYS 6 - 8 CULTURAL TRIANGLE  the famous sites and more

Transfer by road to the Cultural Triangle where there is time to explore the magnificent ruins of Anuradhapura and the ancient cities of Polonnaruwa. Our excursions offer you the chance to explore by bicycle if you prefer. 

There will also be a day to explore Sigiriya Rock Fortress incorporating a unique off-the-beaten-track farm village experience.

DAYS 9 & 10 KANDY   explore the city and surrounds

From the Cultural Triangle, you will head to the cooler yet equally cultured climes of Kandy. Staying two nights at the wonderfully positioned Villa Rosa, you will be perfectly based to visit Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, as well as the sacred Temple of the Tooth. The location just on the outskirts of Kandy means that you get stunning views, peace and tranquillity whilst still being close enough to visit the sights of the city.

DAYS 11 & 12 TEA COUNTRY  scenic train and amazing views

The journey into the tea country incorporates a fantastic scenic train journey through rural Sri Lanka. By train and road you'll travel through the tea covered hills to the wonderfully scenic town of Haputale staying in Kelburne Cottages, which afford one of the finest views in the country. Walk in the mountains, visit tea factories, explore the other picturesque towns of Bandarawela, Badulla and Haputale. Alternatively, stroll in the grounds of the bungalow or relax on the lawn and enjoy the fresh, mountain air. 

DAY 13 & 14 YALA NATIONAL PARK  wildlife in abundance

Head south to Yala National Park, staying at Tree Tops Jungle Lodge. Included is an afternoon safari in the vast Yala jungles, the area with the highest density of leopards in Asia.

DAYS 15 - 19 TANGALLE  relax in style 

Head along the coast to sleepy Rekawa located on the outskirts of Tangalle. Enjoy fine accommodation, sensational food and a relaxing atmosphere at Buckingham Place, one of the south coast's finest properties.

DAY 20 & 21  COLOMBO  the heritage of the city

Your holidays end with a 2 night stay in Colombo. Here you will have time to enjoy Experience Travel Group's unique Heritage of Colombo tour. Explore markets, colonial heritage and taste tea and gain an insider perspective on the influences, traditions and cultures that have shaped the city.

DAY 22  DEPART SRI LANKA

Transfer to the airport for your return flight back to the UK.