Essential Sri Lanka

Day 1  Negombo          
Welcome to Negombo, Sri Lanka. There are no activities planned today so you're free to arrive at any time. Your adventure kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6pm where you’ll meet your tour leader and fellow travellers.          

Day 2  Negombo to Kandy    
Head to the fish market in Negombo this morning. This can be quite an intense affair, but the variety of fish being presented by the locals is a great experience. From here, begin your journey by private vehicle to Kandy and visit a spice garden on the way, which should take around three hours in total. On arrival to Kandy, there's an optional visit to the Temple of the Tooth, the most important shrine in the country. The Royal Botanical Garden is just ten minutes away from your accommodation and there is access to the swimming pool of Kandyan Residencies (next door). Your evening is free to do as you wish.          

Day 3  Kandy        
Today is a free day to explore Kandy or perhaps organise a day trip to visit both Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Dambulla Caves Temple. The World Heritage-listed temple has been a pilgrimage site for 22 centuries and for good reason, these interconnected caves offer ancient Buddhist cave art. At Sigiriya, also on the World Heritage list, you can scale the remains of an ancient fortress carved into the magnificent rock that juts from the low-lying plains.

Day 4  Kandy      
Feeling a little worse for wear? If you’re looking to relax you might want to book an Ayurvedic massage to relax those weary muscles. Or if you haven't had a chance to visit the Royal Botanical Garden yet, then why not take a stroll around it today    

Day 5  Kandy to Ella      
This morning, say goodbye to Kandy as you hop on a train for around 6 hours to Ella. It’s a long trip, but you can buy all sorts of yum treats from the on-board sellers. On arrival to Ella, check in to your accommodation which is within walking distance of the station. Once you've dropped off your luggage, perhaps head out for a visit to a local tea factory      

Day 6  Ella          
Venture out on an included half day trek to Ella Gap this morning. Stop in a small mountain village for a spicy curry lunch and a pot of Ceylon tea. This is an awesome way of getting to know the area and a great opportunity to rub shoulders with the locals. The rest of the day is then free to do what you want.

Day 7  Ella to Tissamaharama          
Head out of Ella in a private vehicle for around three hours to your resort on the edge of Tissa Lake. Once settled, you'll head out on a jeep safari where you'll come across the area's native wildlife such as elephants, leopards and aquatic birds. This is an amazing experience that you'll never forget. After your day in nature soak in the view from the lovely hotel pool overlooking Lake Tissa.      

Day 8  Tissamaharama to Unawatuna        
Journey west in a private vehicle for around three and a half hours to Unawatuna. This fantastic stretch of beach has plenty of local restaurants and bars to relax in. There are no included activities today, so you'll have plenty of free time to explore Unawatuna and its surrounds.

Day 9  Unawatuna          
Today is free to do as you please. Possibly head out early on an optional whale watching tour, take a day trip to visit the Galle Royal Dutch Fort or just stay on the golden beach!  

Day 10  Unawatuna to Colombo      
Make the short journey to Galle, where you'll jump on a train to Colombo (approximately four hours). On arrival to Sir Lanka's capital, why not head out on an optional city walk with your leader? If you'd rather pick up some last-minute shopping, then pay a visit to the mass amounts of shops that are available. Tonight is free but your leader will suggest a spot for an optional final group dinner.    

Day 11  Colombo          
Depart at any time.