Take to the road after breakfast and head to the Golden Cave Temple of Dambulla. This sacred temple complex has been the site of far-flung pilgrimages for millennia.
Then, make your way to your hotel for check-in. Unwind with a 60-minute herbal oil full-body spa treatment at the hotel’s spa, then, spend the rest of your day at leisure.
Wake to an early breakfast before your morning trip to the ruins of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, set atop a granite rock formation in the middle of the jungle. Climb this historic site for views over the treetops, and a glimpse at ancient Sri Lankan civilisations.
Stop for an included lunch, then transfer to the ruins of Polonnaruwa, the former capital of Sri Lanka. Here, you’ll see the Polonnaruwa Vatadage and the Parakrama Samudraya reservoir.
Once you’ve explored the array of ruins and statues, retire to your hotel to spend an evening at your leisure.
After breakfast at your hotel, set out to visit the spice gardens of Matale and experience Sri Lanka’s famous aromatics.
Continue on your way to Kandy. Enjoy lunch with the group, then explore the city on a welcome tour, culminating in a visit to Kandy View Point. Take in views of the city and the artificially constructed Kandy Lake at its centre.
This afternoon, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Make an offering of flowers while enjoying the peace, the scent of incense and the sounds of chanting with the many devotees visiting the temple with flowers and lighting oil lamps.
Later this evening, check into your hotel in Kandy.
Venture into the central hills of Sri Lanka’s tea country on a scenic train journey (subject to availability), weaving through the verdant fields along the way.
Arrive at your hotel in Nuwara Eliya to spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
After breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to embark on our morning tea experience. Visit the local tea fields and factory, and get acquainted with the art of tea-plucking as you try your hand with the guidance of skilled locals. Discover Sri Lanka’s primary export and the different varietals grown in the region, then learn about the process, from planting all the way to tasting.
Complete your experience with an afternoon high tea at the Grand Hotel or Jetwing St. Andrew’s. Admire the elegant architecture as you sample perfectly steeped tea, cucumber sandwiches and traditional English scones with clotted cream. Later, spend your afternoon exploring at your leisure.
Enjoy breakfast, then set out for the drive to Tissamaharama, your gateway to Yala National Park. The drive takes about four hours, and you’ll have the opportunity for rest stops along the way.
Upon arrival, unwind at your hotel and spend a restful evening at leisure.
Rise and shine early today for a morning safari at Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s great natural wonders. Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic Sri Lankan leopard, sloth bear, wild water buffalo and over 40 other species of mammals alone.
Learn about the park’s role in the conservation of Sri Lankan elephants, water birds and many other wild animals, and follow your guide as you watch for all manner of creatures. Then return to your hotel this afternoon to spend the rest of your day relaxing in style.
After breakfast, depart for Bentota. En route, visit the Koggala stilt fishermen and watch them go about their daily routine. The stilt fishermen perch on a single pole planted into the sea bed, a common fishing method among the locals in the southern part of Sri Lanka.
Later, arrive at your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Take a morning tour to the coastal city of Galle, Sri Lanka’s oldest seaport. See the UNESCO World Heritage-listed 16th-century Galle Fort, built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch and British.
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon further exploring on your own time. Return to your hotel for dinner and beachside relaxation.
Leave the southern coast and travel to the capital, Colombo.
Upon arrival in Colombo, we will proceed with the city tour by bus. You will have opportunities to get off the coach at key points such as Colombo Fort, Independence Square, and Galle Face Green to explore these areas briefly on foot.
Visits to the National Museum and Gangaramaya Temple can be offered as optional excursions, as these may not always fit comfortably within the schedule. Decide on the day if you’d like to visit, and any entrance fees would be payable directly by them.
Enjoy an evening at leisure to rest and unwind.
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to Sri Lanka.
Checkout on your final day is at 12pm. Please book your flights to depart from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) after 4pm. The group transfer is included for flights departing between 11pm–1am. Your transfer will meet you at your hotel and take you to the airport.
Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) for your flight to Velana International Airport (MLE), where you’ll be greeted for your 25-minute seaplane transfer to Machchafushi Island.
Outside of these group departure times; guests are required to pay a private transfer surcharge or make their own way to the airport.
This spectacular private island retreat is surrounded by the dazzling waters of the South Ari Atoll, with exceptional snorkelling and diving opportunities in abundance. In your Sunrise Overwater Villa (upgrades available), soak up the splendour of the ocean, which sits just below your terrace, with a feather-soft king-sized bed and a modern ensuite with spa bath. This luxury, all-inclusive resort is your personal paradise for the next few days.
Your Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection Inclusions:
- Daily buffet breakfast at Reef, with sparkling wine
- Daily buffet or three-course lunch at Reef, Suan Bua or Mare Azurro
- Nightly buffet or three-course dinner at Reef, Suan Bua or Mare Azurro
- All-day free-flow cocktails, beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks from select menu
- Daily afternoon tea at Coral Bar
- Complimentary minibar replenished daily
- US$50 spa credit per adult, per package for SPA Cenvaree
- 10% discount on water sports and diving activity
- Roundtrip seaplane transfers to and from Malé
- Unlimited non-motorised water sports equipment hire
- One-time glass kayak rental
Superior Upgrade: Club Sunset Overwater Pool Villa Inclusions:
- Access to The Club, with sunset canapes, exclusive pool use and more
- One 60-minute treatment per adult at SPA Cenvaree
- One Whale Shark snorkelling experience per adult
- One in-villa floating breakfast
- Daily buffet breakfast at Reef, with sparkling wine
- Daily buffet or three-course lunch at Reef, Suan Bua or Mare Azurro
- Nightly buffet or three-course dinner at Reef, Suan Bua or Mare Azurro
- All-day free-flow cocktails, beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks from select menu
- Daily afternoon tea at Coral Bar
- Complimentary minibar replenished daily
- US$50 spa credit per adult, per package for SPA Cenvaree
- 10% discount on water sports and diving activity
- Roundtrip seaplane transfers to and from Malé
- Unlimited non-motorised water sports equipment hire
- One-time glass kayak rental
Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection stay
With so much free time and an abundance of luxury facilities, the world is your oyster for the next four days.
Fall in love with a paradise of porcelain sands and turquoise seas, and cherish thrilling water experiences. Included in your package are: a once-off glass kayak rental, a once-off whale shark snorkelling experience per adult and unlimited use of non-motorised water sports equipment. Families will also adore the resort’s expansive Kids’ Club, with separate zones for little ones and teens.
Take advantage of your all-inclusive package – enjoy unlimited cocktails and feast on freshly prepared meals from morning until late evening as the sun sets over the sea. Start your day with breakfast at Reef, an all-day international buffet with live cooking stations, a teppanyaki grill and breakfast champagne overlooking the lagoon. For lunch and dinner, choose from Mare Azurro’s al fresco Italian, where fresh seafood shines in both timeless and inventive dishes, or Suan Bua’s fiery Thai dishes served in a lush jungle setting. Daily afternoon tea at Coral Bar and a complimentary minibar replenished daily are also included.
Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection stay
Round off your Maldives stay with one last dip in the lagoon, then take your return seaplane transfer back to Velana International Airport (MLE), where your tour concludes.
Please note, lunch is included if your seaplane and international flight times are later in the day.
Departure & Transfers:
Please book your flights to depart from Velana International Airport (MLE) at any time. Airport seaplane transfers are included on the last day of your tour, between 6am and 3.30pm. Your transfer will meet you at your hotel and take you there.