One of our most popular tours, this classic tour of Sri Lanka includes many of the major sights of archaeological, historic and scenic interest. To include all the sightseeing, some days require early starts but the sightseeing makes these long days more than worthwhile!

Mount Lavinia: 1 night
Habarana/Sigiriya: 2 nights
Kandy: 2 nights
Nuwara Eliya: 1 night
Embilipitiya or Udawalawe Park: 1 night
Beach: 4 nights or more

DAY 1 Fly SriLankan Airlines from Heathrow.

DAY 2 On arrival transfer to the colonial Mount Lavinia Hotel. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy your surroundings (approx. 31 miles).

DAY 3 Morning start for the popular Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. After lunch continue on to Chaaya Village, Habarana for two nights (approx. 130 miles or 4½ hours).

DAY 4 In the morning there is optional sightseeing available at extra cost to Polonnaruwa the 12th Century Sinhalese capital. After lunch, visit the staggering rock fortress of Sigiriya. A climb to the top (only for the energetic!) will reveal perfectly preserved frescoes and a spectacular view. The gallery of frescoes half way up is a definite highlight (approx. 135 miles or 3 hours drive).

DAY 5 After breakfast drive to the Chaaya Citadel in Kandy for two nights visiting the magnificent Dambulla rock caves, a spice plantation and batik workshop en route. This afternoon visit the famous Temple of the Tooth. Enjoy an evening visit to see a Kandyan dancing and culture show (approx. 80 miles or 2½ hours ).

DAY 6 A full day to marvel at Kandy’s sightseeing. Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens ablaze with colourful exotic plants. This afternoon enjoy a tour of the market square, a gem showroom and Upper Lake Drive (approx. 20 miles).

DAY 7 Leave Kandy for your drive toward the hill country, with a stop en route to visit a tea plantation and factory. Then travel on to Nuwara Eliya, most celebrated of the hill stations set in a stunning mountain valley some 6,000 feet above sea level. Enjoy afternoon sightseeing of Nuwara Eliya with spectacular views of the beautiful green hillsides, rushing waterfalls and tea plantations (approx. 65 miles or 2½ hours drive).

DAY 8 This morning travel to Udawalawe National Park (or Yala National Park on the Superior Tour option, except Bundala Park Sep01-Oct15 when Yala is closed). After lunch enjoy a Jeep safari. Besides Sambhur deer, wild buffalo, mongoose to name a few, the park is famed for its herds of elephants. Travel to the Centuria Hotel, Centuriya for an overnight stay (approx. 130 miles or 4 hours).

DAY 9 Leave for the Bentota Beach hotel in a Standard room, or the beach hotel of your choice at the appropriate reduction or supplement in cost. En route a typical Sri Lankan lunch is served and afterwards a visit to the Dutch Fort at Galle (approx. 125 miles or 4½ hours drive).

DAY 10 TO DAY 12 Time to relax and enjoy the delightful hospitality and beaches of Sri Lanka.

DAY 13 SriLankan Airlines flight to Heathrow arriving later the same day.


MALDIVES OPTION
DAY 1 Depart Heathrow on SriLankan Airlines then as Ceylon Tour Day 1 to Day 11 with three nights or more at the Bentota Beach hotel in a Standard room.

DAY 12 Fly to Male’ and transfer by boat (approx. 30 minutes) to Full Moon Maldives for six nights or more in a Deluxe room, or the island of your choice at the appropriate cost.

DAY 18 Transfer to Male’ to connect with SriLankan Airlines flight to Heathrow direct or via Colombo arriving later the same day.

The Ceylon Tour is escorted by a local guide or a driver-guide (if you are booking private car option) from departure from Mount Lavinia on Day 3 to arrival at your beach hotel on Day 9. Extensions are not escorted but assistance is provided in each destination by local representatives.