SRI LANKA ESCORTED TOUR
15 night privately escorted tour from £ 2899pp
SENSATIONAL SRI LANKA
15 NIGHT PRIVATELY ESCORTED TOUR BY AIR-CONDITIONED CAR
fantastic insight to Sri Lanka with lots of sightseeing • stunning scenery • beach stay included too DAY 1 Fly to Colombo
DAY 2 Colombo
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure to relax .
DAY 3 Colombo
Morning free to relax or explore independently . Later this afternoon step out on a personalised “ Old Colombo ” Walking tour , which allows you to experience the amazing architecture left behind by the Dutch and British .
DAY 4 Colombo / Yala National Park
Depart for Yala , Sri Lanka ’ s largest national park . This afternoon set off on your first safari , keeping your eyes peeled for elephant , boar , buffalo , leopard , bear , deer and crocodiles along with large flocks of migratory and indigenous birds ( approx 160 miles / 3½ hours drive ).
DAY 5 Yala National Park
Rise early for a jeep safari in the hope of spotting more amazing wildlife . The rest of the day is at leisure or you can take an optional excursion to Bundala National Park ( extra cost ), which is home to over 197 species of birds including large flocks of greater flamingoes .
DAY 6 Yala National Park / Ella
Drive to Ella this morning and later visit Nine Arch Bridge by tuk tuk . Lying in the midst of thick jungle and tea plantations , this viaduct is truly a beautiful sight and one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in Sri Lanka ( approx 52 miles / 2 hours drive ).
DAY 7 Ella
Depart early for Bambaragala Pathna , a popular hiking spot , to watch the sunrise . It ’ s a relaxing uphill walk under the shady trees to the viewpoint where you ’ re rewarded with stunning views . This afternoon visit Little Adam ’ s Peak , a scenic area with walks amid lush tea plantations and waterfalls .
DAY 8 Ella / Kandy
This morning visit the Halpe Watte tea plantation and tea factory to learn how tea is manufactured and graded before tasting a cup of pure Ceylon tea . Travel on to Kandy , the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site . This evening a city tour includes Kandy Lake , the town , bazaar , and gem museum . You ’ ll also visit the Temple of the Tooth and see a cultural show ( approx 86 miles / 4½ hours drive ).
DAY 9 Kandy / Sigiriya , Habarana or Dambulla
Set off this morning for the Cultural Triangle stopping enroute in Dambulla , a hub treasured by many kings since the 1st century . Visit the incredible Dambulla Rock Temple which houses five cave temples with exquisite paintings and 150 statues of Lord Buddha . Travel onwards to Sigiriya or Habarana ( approx 65 miles / 4 hours drive ).
DAY 10 Sigiriya , Habarana or Dambulla / Polonnaruwa
A tour highlight as you visit 5th century Sigiriya Rock Fortress , another UNESCO World Heritage Site . Explore the extensive gardens that ring the base , see worldrenowned frescos and if so inclined it ’ s a 600 feet climb to the top . Later , drive to Polonnaruwa , another UNESCO World Heritage Site ( approx 1½ hours ). See the ruins of the Royal Palace , the Gal Viharaya - four colossal statues carved from granite , the Lotus Bath , and Audience Hall .
DAY 11 Sigiriya , Habarana or Dambulla
At leisure or you can take an optional excursion to Minneriya National Park for a jeep safari ( from £ 79 ).
DAY 12 Sigiriya , Habarana or Dambulla / Trincomalee
Depart this morning for the East coast resort of Trincomalee , which sits on one of the world ’ s finest natural harbours and has miles of unspoiled beaches ( see pages 200-201 ).
DAYS 13-15 Trincomalee Unwind beside the hotel pool or on the gorgeous beach .
DAY 16 Trincomalee / Negombo
Morning departure for Negombo ( approx 173 miles / 6 hours drive ). On arrival you are free to relax .
DAY 17 Negombo / Colombo Transfer to the airport for your onward journey .
visit your travel agent or call 08444 937 444 • www . premierholidays . co . uk
Yala National Park
Negombo Colombo
Dambulla
Kandy
Nine Arches Bridge , Ella Nine
Habarana Sigiriya
SRI LANKA
Ella
Trincomalee
Yala NP
Colombo 2 nights ~ Yala National Park 2 nights Ella 2 nights ~ Kandy 1 night Sigiriya , Habarana or Dambulla 3 nights Trincomalee 4 nights ~ Negombo 1 night
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Departures : Daily all year although best time for weather on the east coast is April-October *. Meals : Breakfast . Half board in Yala .
Tour price : The price shown for this privately escorted tour by air-conditioned car includes return international flights from the UK , private transfers , 3-5H accommodation between days 2-11 ), 4nts accommodation at 4 H Trinco Blu by Cinnamon at Trincomalee ( or upgrade to 5H UGA Bay at Passikudah from £ 79 ), private sightseeing as outlined and services of an English speaking guide .
Also available with 4 and 5H accommodation throughout or boutique properties and air taxi transfers .
Extensions are also available in each destination .
Due to en route sightseeing and the nature of the scenic , winding roads , some journeys can take several hours . However , air taxis are available for some routes , cutting journey times considerably ( sometimes by up to 6 hours ) especially on day 16 . Please ask for details .
* It is also possible for the tour to include south and south west coast beaches , although this does affect the order of the tour . Please ask for details .
SRI LANKA 191