Grand Tour of Sri Lanka

Your holiday begins at London Heathrow, where you meet the Tour Manager ready for a direct overnight flight to Colombo.

Known as the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean', the tropical island of Sri Lanka is separated by India by just 22 miles of the Palk Strait. Despite their proximity, Sri Lanka boasts a rich culture and heritage of its own.

With endless sandy beaches, delicious food and lush jungles adorned with ancient temples, Sri Lanka is a wonderful country that remains beautifully unspoilt, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, history and authentic local life.

Touching down at Bandaranaike International Airport this morning, we are transferred to our five-star hotel in Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo, where we enjoy a welcome drink on arrival. Overlooking the banks of Beira Lake, this luxurious resort hotel is a short distance from the historic Port district, where ornate colonial buildings contrast with modern banks and offices.

Although a bustling city of business and trade, Colombo is also a popular tourist destination with historic sights and an appealing stretch of coast on the Indian Ocean. This afternoon and early evening are free to unwind and acclimatise to the surroundings, perhaps taking a dip in the outside pool lined by balm trees or relaxing on the terrace.

This evening, we travel a short distance to a local restaurant that recreates the surroundings of a traditional Sri Lankan village around an ancient banyan tree. Here, we enjoy a delicious buffet of authentic local cuisine.

• Dinner

We get to know Colombo after breakfast when we are joined by an expert local guide for a sightseeing tour of this historic city. Beginning at the stately Colombo National Museum, we explore artefacts that detail the stories of ancient Sri Lanka before admiring the impressive Gangaramaya Temple, one of the city's most important. From here, we visit Independence Square, which was built to commemorate the end of British rule in 1948.

There is free time over lunch to enjoy some authentic Sri Lankan cuisine independently, perhaps sampling a flavourful rice and curry dish or some fresh hoppers, a popular bowl-shaped pancake dish.

This afternoon, we continue our journey into the lush jungle of Sri Lanka, travelling into the heart of the 'Cultural Triangle.' Our destination is Habarana, where we check in to a charming hotel set beside a tranquil lake and surrounded by forest. After some time to settle in and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, we enjoy dinner at the hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast at our hotel, we set out to view one of Sri Lanka's most spectacular sights - the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya fortress. Rising 600 feet from the jungle, this dramatic granite rock was transformed into a royal citadel by King Kashyapa I in the 5th-century and looms high out of the jungle. The stairway through the rock displays ancient paintings and originally led to an entrance through the mouth of a crouched lion carved out of rock. Today, only the impressive paws remain. If you would like to experience this, there's the option to climb the stairs and admire the views of the surrounding jungle and distant hills - or you can explore the royal palace and gardens at ground level.

After lunch back at our hotel, we transfer to Polonnaruwa, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka. Here, we explore the archaeological remains of this medieval city, including carved rock temples, towering statues and vast stupas that offer a glimpse into the island's rich past.

There's some time to unwind before we enjoy dinner this evening back at our scenic hotel in Habarana.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Setting out on a coach journey to Kandy after breakfast, we stop at the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temples. Guarded by a towering golden Buddha, this site is home to a number of sacred cave temples concealed by a giant, overhanging rock.

Inhabited by forest monks since the 3rd-century BC, the caves are believed to have provided sanctuary for ancient King Valagamba during a time of exile. After reclaiming his throne, he commissioned a series of intricate carvings, and further paintings were added by later monarchs, which came to demonstrate the evolution of ancient Sri Lankan art. Inside, we admire over 150 Buddha statues and murals depicting the various stages of his life, along with statues of Hindu deities.

Continuing to Kandy, we stop enroute to enjoy lunch independently. On arrival, we check in to our hotel overlooking the Mahaweli River and surrounded by tropical greenery. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to relax, before dinner in the hotel's restaurant this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

An expert local guide joins us after breakfast as we set out to discover Kandy. Our explorations of Sri Lanka's religious capital begin at the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens. Previously a garden for the exclusive use of a Sinhala king and later expanded by the British, these beautiful havens are Sri Lanka's largest and most impressive with more than 4,000 types of flora, including a famous collection of orchids and an avenue of towering palms.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we enjoy a guided tour of the city, where ancient Buddhist temples and Kanyan art stand beside colonial British architecture. After visiting the city's market square where local vendors sell a range of tropical fruits, spices and authentic crafts, we arrive at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. This two-storey golden-roofed shrine is said to hold one of Buddha's actual teeth, which is laid on a golden lotus flower, encased in a jewelled casket and sat on a throne.

Returning to our hotel, you might choose to unwind by the outdoor pool overlooking the river, before dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A highlight of our Sri Lankan holiday awaits today as we are transferred to Peradeniya railway station after breakfast, for a journey on the delightful 'tea train'.

This scenic route is famed for its picturesque scenery as we climb into the central highlands, navigating mountainous slopes, bridges and tunnels. With a packed lunch provided, we can relax and soak up the views of lush forests, vast tea plantations and cascading waterfalls that unfold outside our windows. The views make this trip popular with visitors, but it also provides a glimpse into daily life in rural Sri Lanka on a service that is a lifeline for locals.

Arriving in Nanu Oya, we are transferred to our hotel near Nuwara Eliya. With its temperate climate, manicured green spaces and colonial architecture, it's easy to understand how this town became known as 'Little England'. Our five-star hotel is surrounded by verdant forests and after checking in, dinner is served in the restaurant.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sri Lanka is renowned for its tea production, and we learn all about this popular drink as we travel to Ramboda after breakfast for a tour of a plantation and factory. After discovering the different types of world-renowned tea that are produced here, there is a chance to partake in a hands-on experience of plucking tea leaves straight from the plant, before we settle down on the terrace for a delicious tasting overlooking the emerald-hued tiers of tea.

There is time to relax over lunch, and you might choose to dine independently at the tea plantation restaurant, before we are transferred back to our hotel.

At our hotel this afternoon, we indulge in a luxurious high tea while admiring our scenic setting amid the manicured gardens. After, there's free time to relax before dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our exploration of Sri Lanka continues today after a leisurely breakfast, as we leave our Nuwara Eliya hotel to board a train to Demodara. Travelling through dramatic scenery, views of misty mountains and cascading waterfalls create a breathtaking backdrop as we wind through the hill country. One of the highlights of this route is the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a curved viaduct near Ella standing at nearly 100 feet tall, providing remarkable views of surrounding scenery.

From Demodara, we continue by coach to Tissamaharama, stopping enroute to enjoy lunch independently. On arrival, we check in to our hotel, perfectly placed for exploring nearby Yala National Park.

Tissamaharama is known for its ancient Buddhist stupa, one of the largest in Sri Lanka. Believed to have been built by King Kavantissa more than 2,000 years ago, it is thought to have been consecrated by Buddha himself. This evening, we gather in the hotel restaurant for dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We rise early this morning for a special experience - a sunrise safari in Yala National Park. One of the largest in Sri Lanka, this national park is home to some of the country's most iconic wildlife.

The diverse landscape of monsoon forest, open plains and quiet lagoons stretches out towards the Indian Ocean, creating a rich habitat for countless species. Setting out on a Jeep safari, we search for elephants, wild boar, crocodiles and, with luck, the elusive leopard. The park is also home to over 200 species of birds, including the crested serpent eagle and rare purple heron.

After a late breakfast back at the hotel and some time to relax, we return to the park this afternoon for a second safari - increasing our chances of spotting leopards. Yala National Park boasts the largest concentration of these graceful predators in Asia, and we keep an eye out whilst also looking out for other fascinating wildlife including mongoose, wild buffalo and large sambar deer. We enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast in Tissamaharama, we travel along the south coast. Like other Indian Ocean islands such as the nearby Maldives, Sri Lanka is home to some truly beautiful beaches. Its south coast offers everything from quiet stretches of golden sand lined with palm trees to lively surf spots and laid-back retreats - perfect for a variety of beach lovers.

Arriving in the historic port city of Galle after a scenic journey along the shoreline, we enjoy a guided walking tour. Once a key trading hub, Galle is known for its well-preserved Portuguese and Dutch fortress, charming narrow lanes and colonial-era architecture. With our knowledgeable guide, we explore the fort's whitewashed buildings, elegant churches and peaceful ramparts, all set against the backdrop of the ocean. There is free time after to continue exploring at your own pace and enjoy lunch independently at one of Galle's cafes or restaurants.

Later, we continue up the island's west coast to Beruwala, where we check in to our luxurious five-star hotel overlooking the Indian Ocean. Dinner is served at the hotel this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure in Beruwala, home to one of Sri Lanka's longest and most scenic beaches. After breakfast at our beachfront hotel, you might choose to take a dip in the warm Indian Ocean, relax under the shade of a palm tree or make an appointment at the Balinese-inspired wellness centre, offering a variety of treatments amid peaceful surroundings.

If you feel like exploring, the town of Beruwala offer an authentic slice of local life. Take a gentle stroll along the golden sands to sample some fresh seafood or traditional Sri Lankan curries at a beachside restaurant, or head to nearby Aluthgama, a coastal town bustling with markets and souvenir shops.

After a day unwinding or discovering the local area, dinner is served at the hotel this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today is a free day and after breakfast, if you'd like to explore further or take part in some local activities, there's a choice of optional excursions available (payable locally).

One option is joining a whale-watching trip from Mirissa Harbour, a stretch of Sri Lanka's southern coast with the highest concentration of blue whales in the world. Embarking early in the morning with a packed breakfast supplied, you'll set sail into the Indian Ocean to spot these incredible mammals - the largest animals on the planet. This area is also known for sightings of sperm whales and other marine life.

Alternatively, you might choose to visit a nearby turtle hatchery, where you can take part in their baby turtle release programme - a heartwarming experience. This can be combined with a peaceful boat ride along the Madu River, a scenic waterway lined with mangroves and cinnamon trees, offering a glimpse into rural Sri Lankan life.

We enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Our final day in Sri Lanka starts with a leisurely morning enjoying the hotels facilities, before returning to the capital. After checking in to our original hotel in Colombo, there's free time to unwind or explore at your own pace.

You could choose to head to the Pettah Floating Market to browse the stalls of local produce and handicrafts, or shop for souvenirs in the stores around the old Dutch Market.

This evening, we head to the Colombo Lotus Tower - the tallest building in Sri Lanka. The lotus flower is a symbol of purity in the country and its design represents a blossoming bud. In the evening, this striking tower is illuminated. At the top of the tower, we enter a revolving restaurant for dinner with spectacular 360° views of the city - an unforgettable end to our exploration of Sri Lanka.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This captivating journey has taken us from the historic, bustling cities of Colombo, Kandy and Galle through to the wild beauty of Sri Lanka's jungle landscapes on unforgettable rail journeys. Along the way, we've explored serene temples, mighty rock fortresses, golden beaches and lush tea plantations. With its rich culture, warm hospitality and incredible wildlife, Sri Lanka has enchanted us at every turn.

Departing our hotel with a packed breakfast, we make the short journey to the airport this morning, before our direct flight back to the UK. We arrive back at London Heathrow this evening, where you can continue your journey home.

• Breakfast