14 days · 13 nights · 9 destinations
Ultimate Ceylon Experience
The whole island, without rushing.
Overview
The whole island, without rushing
Two weeks to see Sri Lanka without compromise: the ancient cities, the east-coast beaches of Trincomalee, Kandy, tea country, the hill train, Yala and two quiet days in Bentota before Colombo.
A starting point, not a fixed package. Change the pace, hotels or places and we'll re-plan it around you.
- Sigiriya
- Polonnaruwa
- Trincomalee
- Kandy
- Nuwara Eliya
- Ella
- Yala
- Bentota
- Colombo
Day by day
Your 14 days
Day 01Airport → SigiriyaInto the Cultural Triangle
Your guide meets you at arrivals. The drive north moves from coastal plain to forest and paddy fields, with optional stops at Pinnawala and the Golden Temple of Dambulla. Evening arrival in Sigiriya.
✦ Add if you like: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage · Golden Temple of Dambulla · Village tour · Tuk-tuk ride
Day 02Sigiriya → PolonnaruwaTwo ancient cities
Sigiriya Rock Fortress, then the 12th-century ruins and Gal Vihara sculptures of Polonnaruwa.
✦ Add if you like: Sigiriya Rock Fortress · Polonnaruwa ancient city
Day 03Polonnaruwa → TrincomaleeThe east coast
Koneswaram Temple on its cliff, then Marble Beach and Nilaveli.
Included: Koneswaram Temple · Nilaveli beach
Day 04TrincomaleeA day on the water
A free day for the reef at Pigeon Island or dolphin and whale watching (seasonal).
✦ Add if you like: Pigeon Island snorkelling · Dolphin and whale watching
Day 05Trincomalee → KandyThe hill capital
Across the island to Kandy for a city tour and a Kandyan dance show.
Included: Kandy city tour · Kandyan dance show
✦ Add if you like: Temple of the Tooth Relic
Day 06Kandy → Nuwara EliyaTea country
Tea plantation and factory, Lake Gregory and Hakgala Gardens.
Included: Tea factory visit and tasting
✦ Add if you like: Gregory Lake · Hakgala Botanical Gardens
Day 07Nuwara Eliya → EllaThe hill train
The Nanu Oya–Ella train, Nine Arches Bridge and Ravana Falls.
Included: Nine Arches Bridge · Ravana Falls
✦ Add if you like: Nanu Oya–Ella train
Day 08Ella → YalaLeopard country
Yala National Park, with morning or evening game drives.
Included: Transfer and overnight stay
✦ Add if you like: Yala safari
Day 09Yala → BentotaGalle Fort and the coast
Galle Fort and the stilt fishermen on the way to Bentota.
Included: Galle Fort
Day 10–11BentotaTwo beach days
Two days on the beach, with water sports or the turtle hatchery if you'd like.
Included: Bentota beach
✦ Add if you like: Turtle hatchery · Water sports · Madu River boat ride
Day 12Bentota → ColomboCity tour
Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square, the Red Mosque and Pettah.
Included: Colombo city tour
✦ Add if you like: Gangaramaya Temple
Day 13ColomboAt your pace
The National Museum, cafés and sunset at Galle Face Green.
✦ Add if you like: National Museum · Lotus Tower
Day 14Colombo → AirportUntil next time
The last morning is yours. Depending on your flight, there's time for one last walk or one last meal before your private transfer to the airport.
Included: Airport drop-off
✦ Optional: entry tickets for these aren't in the tour price. Tell us which you'd like and we'll add them to your quote.
Highlights
Why travellers choose this route
- 01Trincomalee
Marble Beach, Nilaveli and the reef at Pigeon Island.
- 02Yala
Leopards, elephants and morning game drives.
- 03Bentota
Two slow days on the beach before you fly home.
What's included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off, with assistance
- 3–5★ hotels, bed and breakfast or half board (you choose when we quote)
- Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout
- English-speaking chauffeur guide
- Fuel and local vehicle insurance
- City and shopping tours in every destination
- Gem, batik and handcraft workshops, and a spice garden visit
- Kandyan dance show (on routes through Kandy)
- Tea factory visit (on routes through the hill country)
- All government taxes
Not included
- Entry tickets for ✦ optional experiences
- International flights and visa
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Early check-in and late check-out charges
- Camera and video permits
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Guide and driver tips
Cancellation: no charge 30+ days before arrival (bank charges aside), 30% at 14–29 days, 75% at 7–13 days, 100% under 7 days. See Terms.
Make this route yours
Send your dates and we'll reply with a day-by-day plan and an itemised quote within 24 hours.