Essential Sri Lanka

DAY 1 DEPART UK

Depart the UK on your flight to Colombo.

DAY 2  NEGOMBO

On arrival at Colombo Airport, meet your chauffeur-guide and transfer to your first boutique hotel. Recover from the flight, enjoy some great hospitality, a swim, or a walk around the gardens.

DAYS 3- 5  CULTURAL TRIANGLE  HISTORY & RUINS

You’ll be chauffeur-driven to the Cultural Triangle to discover the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and to experience rural life. Travel around the scenic farmland by various modes of transport - by tuk-tuk, bike, on foot, or even a tractor. With your guide, you’ll learn first-hand about the area's history and the villagers' life and work. 

DAYS 6 & 7 KANDY     TEMPLES & COUNTRYSIDE

You’ll be driven onwards to Kandy. Here you’ll spend two nights in Sri Lanka’s second city, steeped in ancient history and legend. On your second day, enjoy our signature excursion and discover the contrasts of Kandy, from the scenery to the culture and traditional Sinhalese artwork.

DAYS 8 & 9 RURAL ADVENTURES

Jump aboard Sri Lanka’s most iconic train ride and wind through the spectacular tea-clad hills towards Ella. Here you’ll stay at AMBA Tea Estate, a fantastic social enterprise property in the nearby hills that is also an ideal base for exploring some of the highlights of this picturesque region. Take your pick of things to do on-site and in the surrounding area - take a farm tour, enjoy the in-house tea experience, or swim in rivers or waterfalls.

During your stay here there will be time to explore a short section of the Pekoe Trail with a specialist guide. You will pass the remarkable 9-Arch Bridge, from which, you can view the towering arches below and an abyss of rich green filled with tea plants and swaying tropical palms. During this stretch of the trail, you’ll likely see tea pluckers and farmers who will be pleased to take a moment to demonstrate their skill or even stop you for a chat.

DAYS 10-12   THE SOUTH -  BEACH & RELAXATION

Head down the coast towards Mirissa to enjoy some of the south’s palm-fringed beaches. You’ll have a few days to spend at your leisure, during which you can rest and enjoy your hotel or perhaps take a day trip up to Galle or explore inland, where you’ll find temples and idyllic villages amidst the tropical vegetation.

DAY 13 FLY HOME

Your driver will drop you at the airport for your flight back to the UK. Alternatively, extend the trip to spend a day or so in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital.