14 Day Superb Sri Lanka - A Platinum Small Group Tour

Welcome to Sri Lanka and the vibrant capital city of Colombo! On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), you will be driven to your accommodation in Colombo, the historic Galle Face Hotel, where you'll be staying for the next two nights. Originally built in 1864, this iconic colonial-style hotel has been a host to royalty and celebrities. While maintaining the timeless grandeur and elegance of its past, it now combines those classic elements with the luxurious, modern amenities of a 5-star hotel. After check in, spend the rest of the day at leisure. Special InformationArrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed. Please note: if you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before meeting your fellow guests and guide for a tour briefing followed by a morning tour of the country's capital. Colombo, whose long history as a port on the ancient east-west trade route, was ruled by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British. This heritage is reflected in its architecture, mixing colonial buildings with high-rises and shopping malls. Enjoy a walking tour of the city to truly experience its people and its soul. We'll visit Colombo National Museum dedicated to Sri Lanka history, stop at Pettah Market, Colombo's most famous bazaar district, Dutch Hospital, Independence Square and Galle Face Green. Return to the hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure. Take a leisurely walk along the Galle Face, visit some of the nearby boutiques and shopping malls, or just sit on the famous Galle Face Hotel verandah and enjoy a drink overlooking the sea. This evening, savor your first meal together as a group at a renowned restaurant, where you'll explore Sri Lankan culinary traditions seamlessly blended with modern influences. Here, spices are selected with great care, sourced from artisan growers who handpick and dry them in small batches. Inspiring Highlights Colombo City Tour Colombo National Museum

This morning, after breakfast, we'll set off for Dambulla. Along the way, enjoy an Inspiring Sight with a guided tour of Sri Lanka's first Green Distillery and witness the art of arrack-making up close. Stroll through a lush coconut estate and observe skilled toddy tappers as they gracefully balance on tightropes to harvest the fermented sap — a fascinating glimpse into this age-old tradition. You'll also have the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive arrack tasting. Afterwards savor a delightful lunch at Sigiriya Jungles, then unwind with a rejuvenating 30-minute Ayurveda massage. You will then continue to Dambulla and check into your Inspiring Stay, Heritance Kandalama. This luxury 5-star retreat is built into the hillside surrounded by greenery offering a sense of peace and tranquility. Boasting spectacular architecture, this unique design hotel offers three impressive pools, sports center, bird watching, and an impressive day spa offering traditional Ayurvedic treatments. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, before enjoying dinner at the hotel this evening. Inspiring Highlights Arrack Distillery Ayurveda Massage Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Enjoy breakfast and head to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and climb the towering monolith, an extraordinary artistic complex dating back to 477–498 AD. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982, this magnificent citadel continues to captivate visitors with its rich history, art, and architecture. Next, head to the Sigiriya Jungles Hotel for an Inspiring Taste. Immerse yourself in a hands-on Sri Lankan cooking class set in a tranquil garden, where you'll learn to prepare an authentic lunch featuring the island's signature crab curry. In the afternoon, enjoy an exclusive safari at Minneriya National Park. Located in the districts of Matale and Polonnaruwa and bordered by the 'Mahaweli' and 'Amban' rivers, this park stretches an impressive 36,948 hectares. It was declared a National park in 1984, making it the only one in the Central Province. It's a paradise for nature lovers and one of the best places to observe elephants. Inspiring Highlights Sigiriya Rock Fortress Cooking Class Minneriya National Park Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

After breakfast, embark on your Inspiring Sight at Habarana village walking tour, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the nature and culture of a traditional Sri Lankan village. The tour begins with a charming bullock cart ride along the village pond, followed by a boat ride across to the other side of the rural village. Take a leisurely walk through the paddy fields and vegetable cultivations, experiencing the serene beauty of the countryside. Enjoy an Inspiring Taste as you join a local in their home to learn the art of traditional Sri Lankan cooking during a cooking demonstration, and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we'll visit the second ancient capital of Sri Lanka. Polonnaruwa was declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1982. On arrival, we enjoy lunch overlooking the lake in a stunning colonial villa and then proceed on a tour of this ancient site. After the demise of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa became the middle historic capital of Sri Lanka (1017 – 1235 AD). In comparison to Anuradhapura, here your private chauffeur guide will show you well preserved remains of temples and ancient homes and describe the meaning behind the relief and carvings that can still be seen today. Inspiring Highlights Habarana village walking tour Lunch in a local house Polonnaruwa Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

After breakfast, we'll explore the impressive Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. This UNESCO heritage site dates back to the 3rd Century BC and boasts 157 statues and extraordinary paintings covering a vast 2100m2 area, making it the most impressive cave complex in Sri Lanka. It's truly a masterpiece worth experiencing. Check in to your 5-star hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon unwinding. Relax by the outdoor pool, or indulge in one of the many rejuvenating massage treatments offered at the spa. In the evening, enjoy a spectacular Sri Lankan Cultural Performance showcasing the vibrant traditions and artistic expressions of the island. Inspiring Highlights Dambulla Rock Cave Temple Sri Lankan Cultural Performance Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.Laundry service is included today. Please bring your laundry to reception (up to 12 items per person) which will be ready for collection tomorrow.

Enjoy breakfast before starting your visit to the Royal Botanical Garden of Peradeniya. Treat your eyes to an amazing, wide and rare collection of tropical and temperate, exotic and indigenous flora, and an orchid house with the largest collection in Asia. Embark on a sightseeing tour and a tuk-tuk ride in the city of Kandy. Discover the rich history of Kandy, once known as Senkadagala, during its time as the Hill Capital from 1514-1815 AD. Named a UNESCO heritage site in 1988, Kandy boasts a beautiful lake, historic temples like the Temple of the Tooth Relic, and well-preserved ruins of the royal palaces. Enjoy your evening at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Royal Botanical Garden of Peradeniya Kandy Sightseeing Tour

Following breakfast, begin your drive to the British hill station of Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka's lush highlands. Check-in your historic hotel and relax. In the afternoon, visit a tea plantation and factory where you will learn the process taking you from the moment young tea leaves are plucked to being processed in the factory to make a steaming cup of tea. Enjoy your evening at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Tea Plantation and factory visit Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Spend your day at your own leisure. Enjoy the hotel's amenities, take a peaceful walk through the lush gardens, or relax by the pool and indulge in wellness services. In the afternoon, enjoy an indulgent afternoon high tea in the tea lounge of your hotel. Inspiring Highlights High Tea

After breakfast and check out, you'll set off on our rail adventure! The train journey to Ella is truly a great local experience. Apart from the breathtaking scenery of the tea country and picturesque waterfalls, it is a chance for you to mingle with the local people. In the afternoon, enjoy a jeep safari at Yala National Park. Being one of the largest parks in Sri Lanka, it is the ideal place to possibly sight elephants, sloth bears and the elusive leopard. Return to your room to refresh before joining your fellow travellers for an exquisite dinner at the hotel. Inspiring Highlights Train from Nurawa Eliya to Ella Yala National Park Safari Drive Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 6 hours (including 3 hours on the train).Please note that train tickets are issued manually by the railway exactly one month prior to the travel date, and are therefore subject to availability. On the rare occasion the train is fully booked we'll conduct the route by road.

Spend your morning at leisure, relaxing and enjoying your surroundings. In the afternoon, embark on your second jeep safari at Yala National Park, where you'll have the chance to spot diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy, along with a delightful dinner shared with your group. Inspiring Highlights Yala National Park Safari Drive

Enjoy breakfast before we depart for Galle, a city that beautifully blends the past with the present. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988, Galle's rich history is reflected in the stunning architectural styles of the fort, influenced by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Take a guided tour of the Galle Fort, exploring its fascinating history and charming streets. Afterward, return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Experience an unforgettable Inspiring Stay at a luxurious beach resort. Your next two nights offer the perfect coastal getaway! Inspiring Highlights Galle Fort Tour Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

Enjoy a leisurely day, perfect for unwinding on the beach or lounging by the pool. Take in the peaceful surroundings and savor the time to fully relax and recharge. In the evening, savor a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers, featuring a delightful 4-course meal by the beach at Fortress Resort in Koggala.

Relax and enjoy a leisurely morning. Your Sri Lankan adventure comes to an end as you're transferred to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) for your departure flight. Since many flights depart from Colombo Airport in the late evening, a late checkout until 6 PM has been arranged for you at your Galle accommodation. Special InformationDeparture transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight. If you'd like to extend your stay in Galle, please note that the airport transfer add-on must be selected in the purchase path. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.