A winter getaway to the heart of Sri Lanka.

Our guide meets you at Bandaranaike International Airport and takes you to Negombo, a coastal town known for its beaches, markets and fishing heritage. After check-in, relax on the beach or wander the streets. We take you to the fish market to see the local fishing industry at work, and seafood lovers can ask us to book dinner at a local restaurant.

Included: Airport pick-up · Local fish market · Negombo beach

✦ Add if you like: Boat ride in the lagoon

The drive north takes you into the Cultural Triangle, with the chance to stop at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage on the way. In the late afternoon we climb Pidurangala Rock together for sunset, with Sigiriya rising out of the jungle below. The next day Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion Rock) is waiting: a UNESCO World Heritage Site and 5th-century palace 200 m above the jungle, with frescoes and engineering that still impress fifteen centuries later. Or spend the day your way, with a village experience, a catamaran ride or a sunrise hot air balloon.

Included: Pidurangala Rock sunset climb

✦ Add if you like: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage · Sigiriya Lion Rock (1,200 steps) · Elephant safari in Habarana · Village experience · Catamaran (oruwa) ride · Golden Temple of Dambulla · Chena tour · Ox-cart ride · Tuk-tuk ride · Hot air balloon*

*Hot air ballooning needs prior notice.

On the scenic drive south we stop at a spice garden, where you'll learn how Sri Lanka's spices are used in Ayurvedic medicine, then visit gem, wood-carving and batik workshops. In Kandy our guide shows you the last royal capital on a city tour. The Temple of the Tooth Relic is close by, and evenings here are made for a Kandyan dance performance.

Included: Kandy city tour · Spice garden · Gem, wood-carving and batik workshops

✦ Add if you like: Temple of the Tooth Relic · Peradeniya Botanical Gardens · Kandyan dance performance

Maussawa is an ecotourism estate on 20 acres of lush biodiversity. You stay in an eco bungalow with valley views. Over two days we take you on a guided jungle trek, river and waterfall swims, cave exploration and a village visit. Meals are organic, made with ingredients from the estate and the forest. You can also watch tea, coffee and Ceylon toddy being made, or join a cooking lesson.

Included: Eco bungalow · Guided jungle trek · Biodiversity walk · Organic meals · River and waterfall swim · Village visit · Cave exploration

✦ Add if you like: Ceylon toddy making · Cooking lesson · Tea and coffee making

A scenic drive takes you to “Little England”, known for its colonial buildings and cool climate. On the way we stop at Ramboda Falls and a tea plantation to see how tea is made and taste some of the finest Ceylon teas. The town tour covers the Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple, the Seetha Amman Temple and the colonial post office. If time allows, Gregory Lake and Hakgala Botanical Gardens are well worth adding.

Included: Ramboda Falls · Tea plantation and factory visit · Nuwara Eliya town tour · Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple · Seetha Amman Temple · Colonial post office

✦ Add if you like: Gregory Lake · Hakgala Botanical Gardens

The journey to Ella winds through green hills, tea plantations and waterfalls. You can make it on the Nanu Oya–Ella train, one of the most scenic rides in the world. In Ella we take you around town and to Ravana Falls, and the next day to the Nine Arches Bridge. For the adventurous, there's Mini Adam's Peak, Ella Rock or the Flying Ravana zipline.

Included: Ella town tour · Ravana Falls · Nine Arches Bridge

✦ Add if you like: Nanu Oya–Ella train · Mini Adam's Peak* · Ella Rock hike · Flying Ravana zipline · Kayaking*

*Mini Adam's Peak and kayaking need prior notice.

After breakfast we leave the hills for the wild south and Yala National Park, home to elephants, leopards and a remarkable variety of birds. We settle you into your accommodation in time for an afternoon safari with an expert naturalist. Yala has one of the highest densities of wild leopards in the world.

Included: Transfer and overnight stay

✦ Add if you like: Yala safari: leopards, elephants and birdlife

The coast road takes you to Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Dutch, with cobbled lanes, ramparts and boutique shops. Then it's on to Bentota's golden sand, with two days on the beach and in the Indian Ocean. Optional extras here include a turtle hatchery, a Madu River boat ride through the mangrove islands, or water sports.

Included: Galle Fort · Bentota beach

✦ Add if you like: Madu River boat ride · Fish therapy · Turtle hatchery · Water sports · Diving or snorkelling*

*Diving and snorkelling depend on the weather. We confirm once your dates are set.

On the drive to Colombo you see Sri Lanka's cosmopolitan side. The guided city tour covers Independence Square, the Red Mosque, Pettah market and the best shopping, from handmade souvenirs to high-end fashion. Gangaramaya Temple and the view from the Lotus Tower are both worth adding. Dinner at a local restaurant can be arranged on request.

Included: Colombo city tour · Pettah market · Independence Square · Red Mosque

✦ Add if you like: Gangaramaya Temple · Lotus Tower (350 m)

We take you back to the airport for your flight home, with memories to keep.

Included: Airport drop-off