By plane: Bandaranaike International Airport
Price on Request
Sku:
partner00122
Availability on Request
Group
Itinerant
Multi-Activity
10 days
Duration: 40 Hours
Easy
Operated by Alessandro Poggi
Departure calendar
What You’ll See on Your Trip
Trip Itinerary
More information regarding the time and meeting point for the first/last day will be provided after the booking.
Upon arrival at Colombo International Airport, you will be welcomed by one of our local representatives, who will transfer you by private vehicle to Habarana. There, you can check in and relax at the hotel, which features a beautiful swimming pool. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, we will visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 13th century AD. You will discover statues and magnificent temples, including Vatadage, Lankatilake, Thuparama, Tivanka, and Gal Vihare. Polonnaruwa is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and part of the legendary Cultural Triangle. Lunch will be at Pumaligedara, a family-run restaurant involving many local villagers, offering a wide selection of dishes prepared in a traditional style in terracotta containers over a wood fire. Here, we can taste local specialties and observe how these unique dishes are made. Return to the hotel, dinner, and overnight stay at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Early in the morning, we will climb Sigiriya, known as the Lion Rock, which rises 150 meters high. At the top, you can see the foundations and remains of the royal palace and gardens. During the ascent, in a small rock alcove, you can admire ancient restored frescoes. Before lunch, we will have the opportunity to fish on Kandalama Lake from a local boat; upon arrival, a picnic with traditional local dishes will be prepared, and we can grill the freshly caught fish together with the locals. This experience is not tourist-oriented and is reserved for our travelers as part of a community support project. In the afternoon, return to the hotel and relax by the pool. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage city considered the most sacred place in Buddhism due to the Temple of the Tooth (“Dalada Maligawa”). Along the way, we will visit the Dambulla Caves, featuring 80 caves decorated with statues and paintings depicting Buddha and his life. We will also stop at a spice garden to learn the basics of Ayurvedic medicine. In the late afternoon, we will attend a performance of traditional folk and acrobatic dances, typical of major festivals such as the Esala Perahera in August. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Kandy.
Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, we will begin our journey to Nuwara Eliya, known as “Little England,” nestled among valleys, waterfalls, and tea plantations. Along the way, we will admire the Rawana Falls and visit a tea plantation and factory to learn about the process from leaf harvesting to the finished product. Before leaving Kandy, we will visit a batik workshop, an ancient technique for coloring fabrics that protects the areas not to be dyed using wax or other waterproofing materials. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. We will take a walk through the streets of Nuwara Eliya, noticing the influence of British colonial rule and the charming cottage-style buildings. Then, we will take a local train to reach Ella, a town in the heart of the Hill Country, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. The journey will continue to Kataragama, not far from Yala National Park. Along the way, we will stop at Ramboda Falls. In the late afternoon, we will visit Kataragama, a sacred city for Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and the Vedda people. We will have the opportunity to attend a ceremony and receive a blessing for our endeavors. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Our itinerary will take us to Bentota, a coastal town on the southwest coast. We will stop for lunch at a local seafood restaurant. Along the way, we will visit the fortress of Galle, built by the Portuguese and later fortified by the Dutch. Arrival at the hotel in Bentota and check-in. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to relax and enjoy the beautiful beach of Bentota or take part in optional activities available in the area. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Another free day to continue relaxing on the beach or explore the surrounding area. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Free morning for relaxation or a final stroll. Private transfer to Colombo International Airport for your return flight to Italy. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Travel Tour Overview
Embark on a journey that will take you to the most authentic Sri Lanka, where ancient history, living traditions, and stunning natural landscapes await. From UNESCO World Heritage cities to temple ruins, from tea plantations to rural villages, each stop offers a unique and engaging experience.
You will walk through fascinating historical sites such as Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya, admiring ancient statues and frescoes, visit sacred places like the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, and witness religious ceremonies while participating in the daily life of local villages. You’ll have the chance to observe traditional craftsmanship and savor authentic Sri Lankan dishes, even preparing a picnic with freshly caught fish on Lake Kandalama alongside local residents.
The journey is designed to provide comfort and support throughout: intercontinental flights and transfers between destinations are arranged with private vehicles, you will be accompanied by an Italian-speaking local guide and a tour leader from Italy who will follow the group step by step. Accommodations are in comfortable hotels with half board, while some parts of the itinerary will include travel by local train for an authentic experience.
At the same time, the tour allows space to personalize your discoveries: certain cultural site entries, dance performances, craft workshops, and lunches during transfers are not included, giving you the freedom to choose the experiences you want and enjoy each moment at your own pace. This way, every journey becomes a tailor-made adventure, rich in encounters, emotions, and natural wonders.
What’s Included in Your Trip
- 9 Dinners (without drinks)
- Experienced tour leader from Italy
- Basic insurance (see terms and conditions)
- Third-class train ticket
- Breakfast
- Italian-speaking guide
- Overnight stay in a Double Room
- Stay in a 3-star establishment or similar
- Sri Lanka visa
- Intercontinental flight MXP / CMB (Colombo) with 23kg checked baggage
- Please read the Terms and conditions before making your booking
Must-Know Details
Open to travelers of all ages. You can travel independently or in a group, with full support from the agency. On a group holiday, you may meet people from other countries with different habits than your own. On a cycling trip, you might ride alongside both e-bikes and traditional bikes. Please respect everyone’s space and enjoy the experience. The tour is organized by local guides and operators, carefully selected for you.
Remember to bring a valid passport or ID card, with at least 6 months’ validity from the departure date. The itinerary may be subject to changes before and/or during the trip. Please inform us of any food intolerances at the time of booking; we will do our best to accommodate them, but cannot guarantee it. Tourist taxes are to be paid locally.
Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
No
A passport with at least 6 months’ validity is required. An entry visa is mandatory.
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