Asia · Sri Lanka
A refined journey through the cultural and natural heart of Sri Lanka, where ancient civilisations remain cradled by the jungle and ancestral rituals endure.
A refined journey through the cultural and natural heart of Sri Lanka, where ancient civilisations remain cradled by the jungle and ancestral rituals endure. The route winds from the archaeological treasures of the Cultural Triangle to the verdant hills of Nuwara Eliya, culminating in the historic coastal city of Galle, offering a profound insight into Buddhist traditions and the island's colonial heritage.
This itinerary is defined by immersive experiences of great spiritual and scenic value, from meditating with a forest monk in Mihintale to witnessing the majestic Esala Perahera ceremony in Kandy. We will explore lush tea plantations, royal gardens, and the raw wilderness of Yala National Park, staying in hand-picked properties selected to ensure maximum comfort at every stage.
The pace of the trip balances archaeological exploration with moments of quiet contemplation, supported by private vehicle transfers and the constant presence of an Italian-speaking driver-guide. Every detail, from the included lunches to tuk-tuk excursions, is designed to provide an authentic and comfortable discovery of ancient Ceylon.
13 days in the programme
Departure on a scheduled intercontinental flight to Colombo Departure on a scheduled intercontinental flight to Colombo. Overnight stay on board.
Arrival at Colombo airport and meeting with your Italian-speaking driver-guide Arrival at Colombo airport and meeting with your Italian-speaking driver-guide. Transfer to Sigiriya, in the heart of the Cultural Triangle, for your overnight stay. Dinner included.
The morning is dedicated to discovering the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa, an archaeological site rich in historical significance The morning is dedicated to discovering the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa, an archaeological site rich in historical significance. Return to Sigiriya for the night. Half board basis with lunch included.
Departure for Mihintale, a place of deep spirituality, for a one-hour meditation session at Kaludiya Pokuna with a forest monk Departure for Mihintale, a place of deep spirituality, for a one-hour meditation session at Kaludiya Pokuna with a forest monk. This is followed by a visit to the temple and participation in the alms-giving ceremony. Continue to Ritigala, a fascinating archaeological site surrounded by jungle, featuring 70 caves inhabited since the 1st century BC. Return to Sigiriya. Half board basis with lunch included.
Ascend the Sigiriya rock fortress, a 200-metre volcanic monolith commissioned by King Kasyapa, famous for its frescoes and gardens Ascend the Sigiriya rock fortress, a 200-metre volcanic monolith commissioned by King Kasyapa, famous for its frescoes and gardens. Continue to the Dambulla cave temples and stop at Matale. Upon arrival in Kandy, enjoy a panoramic tour of the city by tuk-tuk, followed by a visit to the Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maligawa). In the evening, witness the solemn Esala Perahera ceremony featuring processions of elephants, dancers, and acrobats. Half board basis with lunch included.
Excursion to the Pilimatalawa area to admire the architecture of the Gampola kingdom at the foot of the Hantana mountain range Excursion to the Pilimatalawa area to admire the architecture of the Gampola kingdom at the foot of the Hantana mountain range. Visit the elegant buildings decorated with multicoloured murals typical of the Kandyan period. Return to Kandy for the night. Half board basis with lunch included.
Visit the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens Visit the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens. Continue towards Nuwara Eliya, the capital of tea, passing through vast plantations that stretch as far as the eye can see. A light lunch will be served on board the train or during the journey. Half board basis with lunch included.
A day dedicated to discovering Nuwara Eliya and its world-famous plantations A day dedicated to discovering Nuwara Eliya and its world-famous plantations. Gain a deeper insight into tea production in this globally renowned region. Half board basis with lunch included.
Descend from the central hills towards Wellawaya, observing the changing natural landscapes of Sri Lanka Descend from the central hills towards Wellawaya, observing the changing natural landscapes of Sri Lanka. Half board basis with lunch included.
Transfer to the Yala region Transfer to the Yala region. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive in Yala National Park to observe the local wildlife. Overnight stay in the area. Half board basis with lunch included.
Travel along the southern coast to reach Galle, an ancient fortified city from the colonial era Travel along the southern coast to reach Galle, an ancient fortified city from the colonial era. Check-in at the hotel with time for an initial exploration. Half board basis with lunch included.
A day dedicated to visiting Galle, its ramparts and its perfectly preserved historic centre, a testament to the fusion of European architecture and Asian traditions A day dedicated to visiting Galle, its ramparts and its perfectly preserved historic centre, a testament to the fusion of European architecture and Asian traditions. Half board basis with lunch included.
Transfer to Colombo airport in time for your onward flight Transfer to Colombo airport in time for your onward flight. End of services.
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