Departure from Italy with scheduled flights to Colombo: night flight. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel, then proceed to Chilaw. Enjoy lunch at a city restaurant before checking in at the hotel. Relax and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel, then proceed to Anuradhapura, the first capital of ancient Sri Lanka. Visit the Sri Maha Bodhi, the sacred Bo tree grown from the original under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Continue to Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba, a large white stupa with decorative elephant carvings, Thuparamaya, the first dagoba built on the island, and Lankarama, an ancient stupa known for its historic significance. Explore the 9th-century monastic complex featuring Sri Lanka’s most exquisite Moonstone, followed by the towering 75-meter Abhayagiri Dagoba, the Kuttam Pokuna twin ponds used by monks for ritual bathing, and the Jetavanaramaya Dagoba, once the tallest stupa in the world. Continue to Hiriwadunna Village for a local village lunch and an authentic rural experience. Enjoy an elephant bathing experience where you can witness and participate in bathing and feeding elephants. Later, continue to Dambulla and visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a hilltop temple with 400 steps, famous for its Buddha statues and murals. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
After an early breakfast, proceed to Sigiriya. Visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a 5th-century UNESCO site and 370-meter-high citadel renowned for its frescoes and mirror wall. Also visit a local home to experience traditional Sri Lankan hospitality. After lunch at a city restaurant, continue to Polonnaruwa and explore the Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu, including the Audience Hall and Ablution Pool. Visit the Quadrangle and Vatadage, the circular relic house once enshrining the Sacred Tooth Relic, followed by Thuparama Gedige, a temple with Hindu architectural influences, Hatadage, the shrine that once housed the Tooth Relic, and Gal Vihara, featuring four Buddha statues carved in granite and regarded as a prime example of Sinhalese rock sculpture. Return to Dambulla for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel, then depart for Kandy. En route, stop at a spice plantation in Matale for a cooking demonstration and lunch. Upon arrival in Kandy, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa), which houses a sacred relic of the Buddha. Continue to Kandy Lake, the scenic lake in the heart of the city, and Kandy Market Square, a bustling marketplace featuring local crafts and goods. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a transfer to Peradeniya Railway Station to board the scenic train to Nanu Oya. The train journey passes through misty mountains, lush tea plantations, and picturesque hill-country villages. Enjoy lunch at a city restaurant. Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya, enjoy a panoramic city tour of the scenic hill station. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel, then visit a tea factory and plantation to learn about Ceylon tea production. Proceed to Yala via the scenic Ella region. Visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, surrounded by lush greenery, and enjoy a short trek to Little Adam’s Peak, offering panoramic views of tea plantations and valleys. Lunch at a city restaurant en route. Upon arrival in Yala, check in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Early morning, enjoy a jeep safari in Yala National Park, where you can spot wildlife including elephants, leopards, and numerous bird species. After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Galle (approximately 3.5 hours). Explore the historic Galle Fort, known for its charming streets, colonial architecture, fortified walls, and boutique shops. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Enjoy the morning at leisure to stroll through Galle Fort and explore its colonial heritage. In the early afternoon, return to Colombo for a panoramic city tour. Visit the New Parliament, the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, the Buddha statue replica (Avukana), the Independence Memorial Hall, the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre, Colombo City Hall, the Gangaramaya Temple, and the Seema Malaka Temple situated on floating platforms designed by Geoffrey Bawa. Continue through the historic Fort area, featuring a blend of colonial buildings and modern landmarks including the World Trade Center and Dutch Hospital Complex. Visit Galle Face Green, the popular seaside promenade, explore the bustling Pettah Bazaar, and conclude with a final cup of tea at the historic Galle Face Hotel. Lunch at a city restaurant, followed by dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to the airport for the return flight to Italy. Arrival marks the end of services.
