Highlights of Sri Lanka

On arrival in Colombo, you're met by your private chauffeur-guide and driven to your hotel just outside of Colombo. Your chauffeur-guide will stay with you for the rest of your trip, acting as your private driver and guide. Depending on your flight time, you may have some time to relax this afternoon — your hotel has a wonderful pool area and a fascinating local temple a short walk away.

This morning, drive to Wilpattu National Park. Relax and enjoy the beautiful views on your three-hour drive with your chauffeur-guide.

 Today, you'll enjoy a jeep safari through one of Sri Lanka's most thriving wildernesses. Wilpattu National Park is home to a growing leopard population and boasts a diversity of wildlife that rivals, if not outshines, other regions of the island.

Today you will visit Anuradhapura, the island's ancient capital and present-day holy city. You can visit nearby Mihintale, the birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism. You will then be driven to Dambulla.

We recommend visiting Sigiriya Rock with your chauffeur-guide early to avoid the crowds and the heat. Upon reaching the top of Sigiriya, spend time taking in the exhilarating vistas which go on for miles and ponder the ancient ruins where an ancient civilisation once lived. Ensure you bring water with you, as it’s difficult to find a vendor who sells it once you have begun your climb. This afternoon, continue to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa — a fascinating scattering of temples and palaces where a thriving community once lived over 800 years ago. With much of the site in ruins, your guide can explain the importance of certain temples and buildings, helping to give an idea of the collective history and importance of the site.

 This morning is free to relax, though you may wish to view the rock from a different perspective and include a hot air balloon flight over Sigiriya. Back at the hotel, there is a wonderful pool area with views of the forests beyond. In the afternoon, enjoy a private evening safari to see herds of wild elephants, and hopefully, weather permitting, you will see a beautiful sunset — this is sure to be a highlight of your trip. Please be aware that in Sri Lanka there are no restrictions on the number of jeeps that enter the National Park, so sometimes this can feel quite busy.

Today, drive about three hours to the city of Kandy. On your way to Kandy, stop by the imposing Dambulla Caves, which contain hundreds of relics of Buddha statues. The caves are accessed by climbing a long staircase cut into the rock. If you think the climb might be unsuitable, we can suggest an alternative cave temple with fewer steps. This evening enjoy a food walk through Kandy, with a local guide who will offer you delicious local delicacies.

 This morning, meet with your chauffeur-guide to drive to the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens. Take your time to walk around and soak up the huge variety of plant life. Afterwards, visit the Temple of the Tooth. This remarkable Buddhist temple is where the relic of Buddha's Tooth is kept. Please note it can be quite busy during the evening ceremony so let your driver know if you prefer to see it at a quieter time.

Today is free to simply relax and enjoy the facilities at your hotel. We recommend cooling off in the pool where you can enjoy views across the hills.

 This morning drive to the station to catch your train to Nuwara Eliya, an incredibly scenic journey through the central hills which takes around four and a half hours. Your chauffeur-guide is there to meet you at your final stop to take you to your hotel. This afternoon visit a local tea factory to learn all about the process of making tea. Depending on the time of year and the location of your hotel, this may be a small group tour — your specialist will be able to advise you.

Today you will head out to trek part of the Pekoe Trail, a hiking trail that threads through around 300 km of Sri Lanka's hill country. You will explore a section with your local guide this morning, taking you across the gardens, villages and tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya, also known as 'Little England' for its legacy of British Colonial Influence. Relax this afternoon at your charming bungalow.

 Today you will drive to Galle. You may see the iconic stilt fishermen plying their trade in the surf. Explore around the city's colonial heart, and you'll have time to wander the rampart walls and enjoy the views. There are a few small museums you might like to visit as well as a number of imposing Dutch churches.

You have another day free to relax and explore the area. This evening, you might like to take a local tuk-tuk into Galle Fort to try one of the local restaurants for dinner. The fort is lit up at night, and many of the small boutiques stay open into the evening.

Drive along Sri Lanka's scenic west coast today to your final destination of Bentota, a popular beach resort. Here you can spend the next few days relaxing by the beach.

Today is free to simply relax on the beach or enjoy the facilities at your hotel.

Today is free to simply relax on the beach or enjoy the facilities at your hotel.

Today you will depart to the airport for your onward journey home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.