Classic Sri Lanka 7-Night Private Tour

Itinerary

Day One - Arrival / Colombo

Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, meet your english speaking chauffeur guide and transfer to Colombo, which takes approximately one hour. Check into your hotel, then embark on an evening city tour of Colombo. Sri Lanka’s largest city is known as the gateway to the Orient, and it’s a must-see on any Sri Lanka holiday. Places of interest include buddhist and hindu temples, mosques, the historic Wolfendhal church and New Parliament square.

For the Standard Tour, guests can enjoy an overnight stay at Cinnamon Lakeside*, Colombo, in a Superior Room on Bed & Breakfast Basis. For the Superior Tour, guests will spend the night at Cinnamon Grand*, Colombo, in a Superior Room on Bed & Breakfast Basis.

Day Two – Sigiriya / Habarana

Enjoy breakfast, then travel to Sigiriya. This journey takes around 4.5 hours. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Those opting to take the Standard Tour stay at Habarana Village by Cinnamon* in a Superior Room on Bed & Breakfast Basis. Superior Tour guests will check into Cinnamon Lodge*, Habarana, in a Superior Room on Bed & Breakfast Basis.

Day Three – Sigiriya / Habarana

Wake up early for breakfast, then visit one of the island’s seven World Heritage sites: Sigiriya (approximately 30 minutes transfer time). This is an ancient rock fortress and castle ruin, once home to King Kasyapa - the entrance of which used to be through the mouth of a lion. By late afternoon, drive through Minneriya National Park (approximately 15-30 minutes transfer time). This 8890 hectare park is an evergreen forest and scrub, home to deer, leopards, elephants and the famous Minneriya Tank.

Guests will spend another night in the same hotel: for the Standard Tour, Habarana Village by Cinnamon*; for the Superior Tour, Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana*.

Day Four – Kandy

Day four takes you to Kandy, ‘The Last Kingdom of Sri Lanka’. Embark on a three hour transfer which includes stops at Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 1st century BC; and an optional stop at the Matale Spice Gardens. Here you can sample homeopathic remedies of the east. Once you arrive at Kandy, the capital of Sri Lanka, you will visit a number of historic attractions including Dumbara valley, rare paintings, frescoes, wood carvings and more. Check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Your next accommodation is as follows: Standard Tour: Amaya Hills*, Kandy, in a Superior Room on Bed & Breakfast Basis. Superior Tour: Cinnamon Citadel*, Kandy, in a Superior Room on Bed & Breakfast Basis.

Day Five – Kandy

Start the day by exploring the famous Temple of the Tooth. As this is a religious site, make sure to wear light colour clothing with covered sleeves and trousers or skirts below the knee. Shoes must be removed before entering. This shine is important to Buddhists around the world, as it holds the tooth of Lord Buddha, a number of famous carvings and more. After returning to the hotel in-between activities, you’ll visit Kandy on a city tour then witness the cultural Kandyan Dance show in the evening.

Again, guests can enjoy another night in the same hotel: for the Standard Tour, Amaya Hills*; for the Superior Tour, Cinnamon Citadel*.

Day Six – Nuwara Eliya

Depart Kandy then embark on a journey to Nuwara Eliya, which takes approximately two hours of driving time. On the way, visit one of Sri Lanka’s famous tea plantations and tea factory - home of the best tea in the world. Here, you will learn about the process of manufacturing tea, and perhaps be invited to experience a cup of pure Ceylon tea. Afterwards, proceed to your hotel and relax for the rest of the day.

Guests on the Standard tour will make their way to Blackpool Hotel*, Nuwara Eliya, where they'll stay overnight in a Superior Room on Bed & Breakfast Basis. Superior Tour guests can unwind for a night at Heritance Tea Factory*, Nuwara Eliya, in a Superior Room on Bed & Breakfast Basis.

Day Seven – Galle

In the morning, proceed on your Sri Lanka adventure to the city of Galle. During the five-hour journey, you will witness the lush, ever-changing Sri Lankan landscape. You’ll also make a stop at the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, one of the country’s efforts to help preserve the endangered creatures. Upon arrival at Galle, check into your hotel then take a city tour in the evening. This city is known as where King Solomon obtained gems and spices from the bible. The tour introduces you to a wealth of knowledge, beautiful architecture and historical sites. After the tour, spend the rest of the day at leisure.

On the last night, both Standard and Superior Tour guests will stay at Le Grand*, Galle, in a Deluxe Room on Bed & Breakfast Basis.

Standard Tour guests will spend the night at 50 Light House Street*, Galle, in a Standard Room on a Bed & Breakfast basis. Superior Tour guests will stay at Fort Printers*, Galle, in a Standard Room on a Bed & Breakfast basis.

Day Eight – Departure

Proceed to the airport for your departure flight. The transfer from Galle to Colombo takes approximately three hours via the Southern Expressway. Guests also have the option to extend their Sri Lanka holiday with a luxury beach hotel break. Speak to your Indian Ocean travel adviser for more information on 020 7749 9241.

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

Price includes the above mentioned itinerary and accommodation (see different sleeping arrangements for Standard and Superior Tour above), transfers by an English speaking chauffeur guide; Colombo city tour; Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park; Temple of the Tooth; Cultural Dance; Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery; Sigiriya Rock Fortress; Dambulla Cave Temple; Kandy City Tour; Tea Plantation and Tea Factory; and Galle City Tour.

Price excludes optional excursions, accommodation and transportation not mentioned in the itinerary and summary; tips and incidental expenses; porterage; camera charges; water; visa fees. Please see below for pricing.

*Please note: Hotels are subject to change and availability. Any substitutions will be of a similar standard.