The Enchanted Island

The teardrop-shaped island of Sri Lanka contains a wealth of cultural, archaeological and natural treasures. This comprehensive tour visits both popular and lesser-known sites in the north, centre and south of the country. Highlights include the jungle-bound fortress of Sigiriya, wildlife-rich Yala National Park, and the cave temples of Dambulla.

What's Included:

• Small group size - average 14 people (max 18)
• 4- & 5-star accommodation
• Flexible - extensions, room & flight upgrades available
• Direct international flights with Sri Lankan Airlines
• Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
• Experienced local tour manager
• 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 1 dinner
• Upgrade to half-board in Dambulla, Kandy & Ahungalla (7 nights) for £111
• Wildlife safari & national park entrance fees
• Hotel porterage

Day 1: Fly to Colombo

Overnight flight from London (regional connections available) to Colombo with Sri Lankan Airlines. (N) Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

Day 2: Colombo

Afternoon arrival and transfer to the Cinnamon Lakeside for 1 night. Enjoy a welcome afternoon tea at the Galle Face Hotel. (L)

Day 3: Dambulla

In the morning, transfer to Dambulla. Stay 3 nights at the Heritance Kandalama. (B)

Day 4: Anuradhapura - Mihintale

Drive to the ancient Anuradhapura. This city was Sri Lanka's capital for 1,400 years and contains fabulous Buddhist shrines and relics. Afternoon visit to Mihintale, the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. (B)

Day 5: Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa

Morning visit to the rock-fortress town of Sigiriya. Continue to the 11th-century capital of Polonnaruwa. (B)

Day 6: Dambulla - Kandy

Morning visit to Dambulla, home to Asia's most impressive cave temples. Continue to the beautiful hill station of Kandy and stay 2 nights at the Earls Regency. Afternoon city tour. This evening, take time to watch a traditional Kandyan dance performance and visit the Temple of the Tooth for the evening puja. (B)

Day 7: Kandy

Kandy is set on the shores of a beautiful manmade lake and the area abounds with rich and varied plant life. Morning visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 8: Nuwara Eliya

Early morning drive to Nuwara Eliya hill station via a tea plantation. Situated at 2,000 metres above sea level, Nuwara Eliya attracted the British in the 18th century and their legacy is still visible. Stay at the Heritance Tea Factory for 2 nights. (B)

Day 9: Horton Plains

Early morning visit to Horton Plains, situated on Sri Lanka's highest plateau (this excursion involves a 2.5-hour walk*). Horton Plains is inhabited by large populations of monkeys and sambar deer. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 10: Ella - Yala

Visit the Rawana Ella Falls and impressive Buduruwagala statues before continuing to the Elephant Transit Home. Then drive to Yala and stay for 2 nights at the Cinnamon Wild. (B)

Day 11: Yala

Morning wildlife safari in Yala National Park. Covering 1,300 sq km, the park encompasses a diversity of jungle habitats, including scrub, brackish lagoons and riverside locations. Creatures that may be seen include elephants, leopards, sloth bears, spotted deer, sambar deer, wild pigs, jackals, marsh crocodiles and a great variety of birdlife. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner. (B, D)

Day 12: Galle - Ahungalla

Drive to Ahungalla, stopping for a tour of Galle Fort. Stay 2 nights at Heritance Ahungalla or upgrade to the Cinnamon Bentota Resort & Spa (Premium Terrace Room) from £122. (B)

Day 13: Ahungalla

Day at leisure. (B)

Day 14: Fly to London

Transfer to Colombo and fly to London with Sri Lankan Airlines. (B)