Drive through quintessential Sri Lankan villages and small towns on your way to the Cultural Center, Sigiriya. Climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, where you can witness a breathtaking view illuminating the ancient citadel. Sigiriya Rock Fortress, often hailed as the Eighth Wonder of the World, is one of Sri Lanka’s most extraordinary landmarks, a towering rock citadel and a true masterpiece of ancient engineering. As you ascend, you’ll see the famous Sigiriya frescoes, vibrant ancient paintings of graceful maidens and the nearby Mirror Wall, once highly polished and now now etched with centuries-old verses written by ancient visitors inspired by the beauty surrounding them.

Overnight stay in Sigiriya

Sapphire: Aliya Resort & Spa (Deluxe Room)

Diamond: Jetwing Vil Uyana (Paddy Dwelling)

Set off to explore the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka’s most ancient capitals and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore its sprawling ruins, towering stupas, and serene monastic complexes, where centuries of history and devotion are etched into every stone. As you wander through this sacred city, gain a sense of the island’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, and experience the timeless atmosphere that has captivated pilgrims and travelers for generations

Begin your day with a visit to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s famed ancient capital city. A relaxed bicycle ride lets you explore the 11th-century ruins strewn across a single complex. Your tour will include a visit to the Royal Palace of Vijayabahu, originally seven stories high with 1,000 chambers; the Hall of Public Audience, the relic house, originally built to house the tooth relic of Buddha and Gal Vihara, the rock-cut temple renowned for the images of Buddha.

In the afternoon, take a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, renowned for its large herds of wild elephants and rich birdlife. Explore the park’s lakes, grasslands and forests as you search for wildlife amidst stunning natural scenery.

Start the day with a visit to the fascinating Dambulla cave temples that date back to the 1st century BC. Then, a scenic drive through hills covered with lush forests will bring you to Kandy. En route, visit a spice garden and learn about the cultivation of spices and their role in Sri Lankan cuisine and traditional medicine. The afternoon is at leisure to relax and enjoy the leisure facilities at your hotel. Later, proceed to the sacred Temple of the Tooth to observe the lively evening ‘Pooja prayer ceremony’.

Overnight stay in Kandy

Sapphire: Mountbatten Bungalow (Bungalow Room)

Diamond: Adigars Manor (Deluxe Room)

This morning visit the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic green spaces, renowned for its beautifully landscaped grounds, majestic palm-lined avenues, and vibrant collections of tropical flowers, orchids and spice plants. Wander among centuries-old trees and shaded walkways and enjoy a tranquil retreat that showcases the island’s rich botanical diversity in the heart of Kandy. The remainder of the day is at leisure or you may wish to walk through the local markets and beautiful lakeside.

Embark on a scenic train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, in Sri Lanka’s hill country. The train journey, which passes through quaint hill-side villages, picturesque hills carpeted with lush tea estates, and cascading waterfalls, reveals the dramatic landscape of the central highlands of Sri Lanka. On arrival at Hatton, your chauffeur-guide will meet you and take you to your hotel. The afternoon is at leisure to relax and enjoy the striking natural setting of your converted planter’s bungalow in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya (2 Nights)

Sapphire: The Oliphant (Luxury Room)

Diamond: Stafford Bungalow (Deluxe Room)

Take a tour of the tea gardens accompanied by your resident tea planter or guide this morning, and learn first-hand about the history of tea, observe the colourful saree-clad tea pickers at work, watch the various processes involved in the journey of tea from leaf to cup, taste the different varieties of tea and gain an insight into the art of tea blending.

A scenic drive through the hills including innumerable hairpin bends and stunning panoramas will bring you to Yala, the premier National Park in Sri Lanka with the reputation of having the highest density of leopards anywhere in the world. Head out on an adrenaline pumped jeep safari through the national park.

Overnight stay in Yala (2 Nights)

Sapphire: Kulu Safaris (Tent)

Diamond: Ceylon Wild Safaris (Tent)

Today’s early morning and late afternoon wildlife safaris offer the thrilling prospect of encountering wildlife up close. Search for the elusive leopards, sloth bears, wild elephants, and crocodiles. Look out for a variety of colourful birds, including the Malabar pied hornbill and crested serpent eagle, and keep an eye open for mammals such as toque macaque monkeys.

If you are interested, it is possible to arrange an early morning visit to Yala Wildlife Reserve for one final jeep safari. We then embark on a scenic drive along the south coast and check in at your preferred beach retreat. Stop on the way to explore the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a living testament to Sri Lanka’s colonial history. Wander its cobbled streets, admire Dutch and Portuguese architecture, browse boutique shops and enjoy ocean views from the centuries-old ramparts.

Overnight stay in Bentota

Sapphire: The Villa Bentota (Standard Room)

Diamond: Saman Villas (Superior Suite)

The day is at leisure to relax and enjoy time by the ocean. Optionally, water sports activities and boat rides can be arranged (supplements apply)

Transfer to Colombo International Airport and check in for your onward flight.