Ancient sites, hill stations, national parks, temples and wildlife on an enchanting tear-drop shaped island
Flight - 1 night
Colombo - 1 night
Galle - 1 night
Yala NP - 1 night
Nuwara Eliya - 1 night
Kandy - 2 nights
Dambulla - 3 nights
Chilaw - 1 night
The island of Sri Lanka offers tremendous variety in terms of flora, fauna and topography, with a fascinating history and well-preserved ancient sites. The 5th-century fortress Citadel of Sigiriya sits vertiginously high above the surrounding jungle on a massive rock and is best known for its views and rock paintings.
The 11th-century city of Polonnaruwa contains a fascinating array of ancient buildings and Anuradhapura was the first capital city of Sri Lanka. Dambulla is home to a beautifully painted cave temple and Kandy houses the island’s most sacred Buddhist relic at its lakeside Temple of the Tooth.
Venturing further into the scenic heartlands of the country, the delightful hill station of Nuwara Eliya is visited and there is the opportunity to spot some of Sri Lanka’s best known wildlife in Yala National Park.
Cultural, Countryside & Wildlife
Jules Verne Sightseeing
6 UNESCO Heritage Sites
Rail Journey Included
Local Expert Guide
Guaranteed Departure
Group Size: 2 - 25
Visit a spice garden to learn about the different spices used in Sri Lankan cooking. Enjoy a traditional lunch followed by a curry cooking demonstration.
This departure coincides with the yearly festival of dancers in traditional costumes, drumming, chiefs in medieval court dress and elephants adorned in lights and colourful trappings parading through the streets.
Day 1 Fly overnight from London Heathrow to Colombo.
Day 2 Overnight in Colombo at the 4-star Mövenpick Colombo. (D)
Day 3 Colombo panoramic city tour. Visit a turtle hatchery en route to Galle and then visit the Old Dutch Fort. Overnight at the 3-star Ladyhill Hotel. (B, D)
Day 4 Drive to Yala (4 hrs). Jeep safari at Yala National Park. Overnight at the 4-star Jetwing Yala Hotel in Yala National Park. (B)
Day 5 Travel to Nuwara Eliya, visiting the ancient Buddhist temple of Buduruwagala and the scenic area of Ella en route. Overnight at the 4-star Grand Hotel. (B, L)
Day 6 Journey by rail from Nanu Oya to Peradeniya, near Kandy (subject to change due to local conditions and schedule amendments). Visit the Temple of the Tooth. Two nights at the 4-star Golden Crown Hotel. Evening cultural show. (B)
Day 7 Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, then a tea plantation and factory. 7 Aug 2019: Evening Esala Perahera Festival. (B)
Day 8 Enjoy ‘Spices of Sri Lanka’ special event and a visit to Dambulla Cave Temple. Three nights at the 4-star Paradise Resort or 4-star Jetwing Lake, Dambulla. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Optional excursion to Sigiriya Rock Fortress† (bookable locally) which sits vertiginously high above the surrounding jungle on a massive rock, best known for its views and rock paintings. Visit ancient Polonnaruwa city ruins. (B)
Day 10 Visit the ruins of Anuradhapura. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 11 Travel to the 4-star Anantaya Resort & Spa Hotel (4 hrs) in Chilaw for an afternoon at leisure and overnight stay. (B)
Day 12 Return flight to London, arriving later the same day. (B)
Notes
†Optional excursion on Day 9 involves many steps and steep inclines.
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A 5-star hotel located near to the National Museum with restaurants, rooftop bar, pool, Jacuzzi, WiFi (free). 219 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Nestled atop the highest point of the ancient port city of Galle sits this attractive boutique hotel with great views, pool, restaurants, bar, spa and WiFi (chargeable). 12 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, minibar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A pleasant hotel situated at the edge of the famous Yala National Park, allowing easy access to and from the park. Restaurant, bar, pool, spa and WiFi (free). 90 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A former mansion from the Elizabethan era, with charming character, style and antique furnishings, this 4-star hotel has a restaurant, gym, WiFi (free) and 154 rooms with private facilities, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
A 4-star hotel nestled in the jungle area of the ancient city of Dambulla. Restaurant, bar, pool, spa and WiFi (free). 67 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A 4-star hotel located in the charming coastal town of Chilaw, positioned with a sandy beach on one side and charming lagoon on the other. Pool, bar, restaurants, spa, WiFi (free) and 87 air-conditioned rooms with private facillities, hairdryer, safe, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Trincomalee Extension
Spend three nights of relaxation at the Trinco Blu Hotel in Trincomalee, located on Uppuveli beach. The last night will be spent at the Anantaya Resort in Chilaw before the return flight to the UK.
Day 1 On the east coast lies the charming and historic town of Trincomalee, which sits on a fine natural harbour. Three nights at the 4-star Trinco Blu Hotel. (B)
Day 2 Half-day sightseeing tour of Trincomalee. (B)
Day 3 At leisure.
Day 4 Drive to the 4-star Anantaya Resort in Chilaw (5 hrs) for an overnight stay. (B)
Day 5 Return flight, arriving later the same day. (B)
A 4-star hotel in the port city of Trincomalee on Uppuveli beach. 81 rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities satellite TV and WiFi (free).
A 4-star hotel located in the charming coastal town of Chilaw, positioned with a sandy beach on one side and charming lagoon on the other. Pool, bar, restaurants, spa, WiFi (free) and 87 air-conditioned rooms with private facillities, hairdryer, safe, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
2019
Wednesdays
per person in a twin/double room
SriLankan Airlines from Heathrow
| January 23 | £2245 |
| February 6 | £2445 |
| February 20 | £2395 |
| March 13 | £2295 |
| May 1 | £2195 |
| August 7 | £2845 |
| October 16 | £2295 |
| November 6 | £2345 |
| November 27 | £2345 |
2020
Wednesdays
per person in a twin/double room
SriLankan Airlines from Heathrow
Wednesdays
per person in a twin/double room
SriLankan Airlines from Heathrow
Wednesdays
per person in a twin/double room
SriLankan Airlines from Heathrow
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Double for sole use £395
Flight Options
SriLankan Airlines Business Class from £1345
Extension Options
Extra nights - Chilaw
Anantaya Resort (per night) £90
Single supplement £70
Departure transfer £40
Extension - Trincomalee
3 nights £495
Single supplement £245
Half board £65
Privately Guided
2 guests - £345 per person
3-4 guests - £145 per person
5-9 guests - £75 per person
10+ guests - No extra charge
Independent Arrival
Save £650
Arrival transfer add £25
Departure transfer add £40
Price Includes
Air travel, UK departure taxes, transfers, 10 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 3 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, visa procurement (ETA), optional excursions, overseas airport taxes, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Notes
Occasionally flights will be via Malé (Maldives).
August 7 coincides with the Esala Perahera Festival.
Please complete this form and a member of our sales department will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your booking and take payment. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm
