Savour the highlights of the enigmatic island nation of Sri Lanka on this ideal five night introductory tour. Journey to Sri Lanka's ancient capital Anuradhapura. Visit the historic Dambulla Caves and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya, relax in the picturesque colonial town of Nuwara Eliya and enjoy a safari at Udawalawe National Park.

DAY 1 - LONDON TO COLOMBO
Fly Srilankan airlines from Heathrow to Colombo.

DAY 2 - COLOMBO TO ANURADHAPURA
Transfer to Anuradhapura and stay a night at the Heritage Anuradhapura.

DAY 3 - ANURADHAPURA TO SIGIRIYA
After breakfast explore Sri Lanka's ancient capital, Anuradhapura and visit the immense Buddha shrines before departing for Sigiriya in the afternoon where you will stay in the Sigiriya Hotel in a Standard room for two nights.

DAY 4 - SIGIRIYA
Enjoy a morning at leisure and enjoy optional visits to the 2,000 year old cave temple complex of Dambulla, Polonnaruwa the 12th Century Sinhalese capital and the spectacular rock fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya to marvel at the beautiful water gardens, frescoes and ancient graffiti. The more adventurous can also climb the 1,200 steps to the very top where the spectacular views more than make up for the effort required to get there.

DAY 5 - SIGIRIYA TO NUWARA ELIYA
After breakfast, travel to Nuwara Eliya, a picturesque, colonial town set amongst the island’s central highlands and renowned as a centre for the production of Sri Lankan tea. En route, stop at the historic city of Kandy and enjoy a brief city tour, a visit to a tea plantation and tea factory with the opportunity for a tasting session and a visit to the famed Temple of the Tooth, which houses Buddha’s tooth relic. Stay a night at the St Andrews hotel in a Standard room.

DAY 6 - NUWARA ELIYA TO EMBILIPITIYA
This morning proceed to Udawalawe and enjoy a traditional Sri Lanka curry lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon enjoy a jeep safari at the Udawalawe National Park, which is famed for its herds of elephants. Spend a night at the Centuria hotel in a Standard room.

DAY 7 - EMBILIPITIYA to COLOMBO TO LONDON
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for your beach stay or transfer to the airport for your return flight to Heathrow with SriLankan Airlines.

NB
This tour follows a different itinerary in 2011, ask for details.


SRI LANKA BEACH EXTENSION
DAY 7
Transfer to Bentota for four nights at Club Bentota in a Standard room. Other beach hotels and alternative durations are also available.

DAY 11
Transfer back to Colombo for your SriLankan Airlines flight to Heathrow, arriving later the same day.


MALDIVES BEACH EXTENSION
DAY 7
Transfer to Club Bentota for a four night stay in a Standard room. Other beach hotels and alternative durations are also available.

DAY 11
Fly to Malé and transfer by boat (approx. 45 minutes) to Biyadhoo in a Standard room for five nights or more. Other beach hotels and alternative durations are also available.

DAY 16
Transfer to Malé to connect with SriLankan Airlines flight to Heathrow direct or via Colombo, arriving later the same day.

GUIDE
A Taste of Sri Lanka is accompanied by a local tour guide (7 passengers and above) or driver-guide from Day 2 to Day 8. On the extension, assistance will be available from our local representatives.

PRIVATE TOURING
For only £145 per person (maximum 2 persons per car) enjoy the tour in your own car with driver-guide, following the main tour group from Day 2 to Day 7.

MEAL PLAN
Prices include full breakfast from Day 3 to Day 7 and lunch on Day 5 to Day 7.

ACCOMMODATION
In 3 star hotels throughout.

GRATUITIES
Tipping is common practice in Sri Lanka. We recommend small amounts for porterage and slightly larger amounts for your driver and guide, if you are happy with the service.

TOUR INCLUDES
Transport in air-conditioned vehicles throughout.

GROUPS
Maximum group size is 14 passengers. This tour is subject to minimum numbers, please ask for details.