Classic Tour│15 Days│Moderate
From spectacular scenery to amazing architecture, Sri Lanka is a tropical island paradise. Travel from the rich heritage of the Cultural Triangle through the wilds of Yala National Park to the beachside beauty of Galle.
Ireland - Negombo (1N) - Sigiriya (3N) - Kandy (2N) - Nuwara Eliya (1N) - Yala National Park (2N) - Galle (2N) - Colombo (2N) - Ireland
Classic Tours: These tours are designed for those who wish to see the iconic sites and magnificent treasures of Sri Lanka on an excellent value group tour whilst travelling with like-minded people. The tours are on a fully-inclusive basis so you’ll travel with the assurance that all your arrangements are taken care of. You will be accompanied by our dedicated and professional National Escort or local guides, whose unparalleled knowledge will turn your holiday into an unforgettable experience.
Fly to Colombo. Upon arrival, your National Escort or Local Guide from Wendy Wu Tours will meet you at the Bandaranaike Airport in the Arrivals Hall and transfer you to Negombo for an overnight stay. Together with any other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, you will transfer 45 minutes to your hotel and check-in.
This morning a tour introduction will either be held in the hotel or on the coach. After breakfast, travel approximately 5 hours to Sigiriya for a three-night stay. This road is bumpy at times due to continual road construction. Upon arrival, tour the Rock Fortress, also known as Lion Rock. There are many steps, most with railings leading up to the top of the Rock Fortress and the ascent involves a very steep climb so extra care is needed here. Please ensure you bring plenty of water with you today and you wear a hat for sun protection. Beware of local ‘helpers’ as they may charge a fee for their assistance. You will spend approximately 2 hours here climbing the Lion Rock and touring the surrounding gardens.
Drive approximately 1 and half to 2 hours and discover the UNESCO World Heritage listed site of Polonnaruwa this morning. There will be approximately 2 hours of easy sightseeing on foot while exploring the palace and temples - refer to Appropriate Dress section below. Return to Sigiriya.
Drive approximately three hours to Anuradhapura and explore the magnificent ancient city. Exploration of this ancient city involves approximately four hours on foot. Visit the Bo Tree before returning to Sigiriya, where the remainder of the afternoon is free at leisure.
Depart Sigiriya this morning and drive approximately 45 minutes to view the Dambulla Rock Temple. The temple is made up of five decorated caves and has two main viewing areas consisting of approximately 800 steps. You will spend 1 and half hours sightseeing on foot. Continue 3 hours to the town of Kandy, stopping to visit a spice garden in Matale en route to enjoy lunch and a cooking demonstration, learning about Sri Lankan spices.
Drive approximately 1 hour to the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, the largest botanical gardens in Sri Lanka. After some time to explore the beautiful grounds, there will be a picnic lunch served within the grounds. Later tour the city of Kandy, which involves approximately 4 hours sightseeing. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic before continuing to the remains of the Royal Palace. The temple can be very crowded during daily prayer services. This evening watch a cultural dance show.
Say goodbye to Kandy as you begin the 3 hour drive to Nuwara Eliya, visiting a tea plantation and tea factory on route. In the afternoon explore Victoria Park and wander the city centre to see the colonial buildings.
Depart the green hills of Nuwara Eliya and travel to approximately 5 hours to Udawalawe, where the Elephant Transit Home is located. Here you will tour the area and learn about the care of orphaned and abandoned baby elephants. Drive a further 2 to 3 hours to Yala National Park and check-in for the next two nights. The road leading into the park is very bumpy and full of potholes, and has the National Park surrounding the road. This evening is free at your leisure.
Today there will be a morning and evening jeep safari through Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s most famous national park, each safari is approximately 3 hours in length. Please note there are no toilets available during the park excursions. Please note: Your passports are required in order to gain entry into National Parks so please ensure you bring them with you today.
Depart Yala and drive approximately 4 and half hours to Ahungalla. On the way, stop and visit the Hummanaya Blowhole, Mulkirigala Rock Temple and Dikwella Wewurukannala Temple. After lunch stop to view the famous stilt fisherman at Welligama. Upon arrival in Ahungalla, check into your hotel for a two night stay.
Drive approximately half an hour to Galle to embark on a walking tour of this fascinating city. Visit such sites as Galle Fort, the lighthouse, the Dutch Museum and the Dutch Reformed Church. Today will include easy sightseeing in the Old Town and Dutch Fort, consisting of approximately 2 hours on foot.
Enjoy the morning at leisure before driving approximately 1 and a half hours to Colombo, stopping en route to visit Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery. Upon arrival in Colombo, check into your hotel for an overnight stay.
Tour the vibrant city of Colombo today. Discover the Fort District, stroll Pettah Market and visit the Dutch Church of Wolvendaal. Also explore the Kelaniya Buddhist Temple and the Colombo and Natural History Museums. This morning will entail easy sightseeing, approximately 3 hours. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Any time before your flight is free day to further explore the vibrant city of Colombo independently. Transfer to Bandaranaike Airport to board your onward flight home.
Highlights of Sri Lanka tour inclusions:
The only things you may have to pay for are personal expenditure e.g. drinks, optional excursions or shows, meals not stated in the itinerary, insurance of any kind, tipping and early check in or late checkout. These are all payable locally.