Day 1 ISTANBUL – COLOMBO
We meet at Istanbul New Airport international departures terminal three hours before the flight. After baggage, ticket, and boarding procedures, our flight to Colombo on Turkish Airlines scheduled service begins. Overnight on board.
Day 2 COLOMBO – PINNAWALA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE – SIGIRIYA – HABARANA
After our arrival in Colombo, we transfer to our private bus waiting for us at the airport. Then we set off for our Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage tour. On the way, we enjoy an open buffet breakfast by the river. Founded in 1975, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage began with seven orphans. Today, some of these orphans have had the chance to see their own grandchildren born in the same place. The original purpose of the orphanage was more tourism-oriented, but it soon became a conservation and education center. During our visit, we will be able to walk alongside the elephants and watch them wash themselves with their trunks. After the tour, we head to Sigiriya. Transfer to our hotel and free time to rest. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 3 HABARANA – SIGIRIYA – DAMBULLA TEMPLE – SIGIRIYA – HABARANA
We depart early in the morning for our Sigiriya tour. Get ready to be amazed as we embark on a fascinating journey to discover the ancient wonder of Sri Lanka’s “Lion Rock” fortress, Sigiriya! As we approach Sigiriya, we will be greeted by the towering presence of this legendary rock formation. Together we will climb the magnificent Sigiriya Rock, passing through steep stairways and ancient pathways to reach the summit. Along the way, we will admire the intricate frescoes adorning the rock face, each offering a glimpse into the artistic brilliance of a bygone era. Once at the top, we will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the lush Sri Lankan countryside. Together, we will stand atop this ancient fortress, once ruled by kings and used as a refuge. The ancient fortress and the surrounding gardens will unfold before us as a testament to Sri Lanka’s architectural and engineering prowess. The enigmatic Lion Gate, the most important feature of Sigiriya, will be our next stop. Together we will witness the giant lion paws guarding the entrance, a symbol of the fortress’s magnificent past. As we explore the remains of the royal palace and admire the intricate water gardens below, we will travel back in time to an age of wealth and splendor. After the tour, we return to our hotel for breakfast. Then we depart for our Dambulla Temple tour. As we step into the mystical surroundings of Dambulla, we will be welcomed by the serene atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Together, we will embark on a pilgrimage through five remarkable cave temples, each a sanctuary of ancient art and spirituality. Dambulla is not just about temples; it is a place of immense historical significance. We will explore the rich history and cultural importance of these caves, where ancient kings sought refuge and left behind magnificent cave frescoes and sculptures that continue to inspire us today. Our journey in Dambulla takes us to the heart of Buddhism. Together, we will witness intricate cave paintings depicting the life and teachings of Lord Buddha, providing us with insights into the profound philosophy that has shaped the lives of millions. After the tour, transfer to our hotel and free time to rest. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 4 HABARANA – SIGIRIYA – SPICE GARDEN – KANDY – SRI LANKA TRADITIONAL SHOW
After breakfast at the hotel, we check out of the rooms and depart for Kandy. We continue our journey by visiting the Spice Garden. As we step into this lush paradise, a symphony of aromas will greet us. Together, we will wander through vibrant greenery where cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and other exotic spices are abundantly grown. Our journey will be a sensory delight as we learn about the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of these precious ingredients. We will explore the ancient trade routes that brought these spices to the island and their role in shaping the country’s culinary traditions. But the Spice Garden is not just about spices; it is also a treasure trove of herbal remedies. We will discover the medicinal plants and herbs used in traditional Ayurveda medicine and gain insight into their healing properties. Together, we will learn how these age-old remedies are still widely practiced in Sri Lanka today. Then we depart for our Kandy tour. As we step into Kandy, we will be transported to a world where tradition and history blend seamlessly with modern life. Among the places to be seen on our tour is the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Kandy Lake is an oasis in the heart of the city. Together, we will enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake, taking in its serene beauty and city views. Then we depart for our Sri Lanka Traditional Show tour. We step into the rich and vibrant culture of Sri Lanka, the Jewel of Asia, with traditional music and drum rhythms enhanced by visual shows. After the tour, transfer to our hotel in Kandy and free time to rest. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 5 KANDY – GREGORY LAKE – NUWARA ELIYA
After breakfast at the hotel, we head to Kandy train station. We board the famous Sri Lanka Train to reach Nuwara Eliya. On our train journey winding through the mountains into the tea country, we enjoy the scenery. Our luggage will follow us by bus to Nanu Oya station. During our Nuwara Eliya tour, we also stop by Gregory Lake. Nuwara Eliya is not only known for its mountain air and scenery, but is also the country’s most popular holiday resort and the heart of Sri Lanka, which produces the world’s finest tea. Pidurutalagala, the highest mountain in Sri Lanka, is located here. After the tour, transfer to our hotel in Nuwara Eliya and free time to rest. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 6 NUWARA ELIYA – COLOMBO
After breakfast at the hotel, we travel via Kandy to Colombo. On the way, we depart for our Nuwara Eliya Tea Factory tour. When it comes to Ceylon Tea, Giragama has always been a well-known name. For an authentic experience centered around a cup of tea, we visit the tea factory in Giragama. We watch how the tea is processed before classification and taste a fresh cup of Ceylon Tea straight from the estate. After the tour, transfer to our hotel in Colombo and free time to rest. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 7 COLOMBO – NEGOMBO
After breakfast at the hotel, we check out of the rooms and depart for Colombo city tour. Like many capitals of developing countries, Colombo has a changing face, with skyscrapers rising after historic buildings. Nevertheless, the charm of the old buildings remains. The 100-year-old clock tower and many British colonial buildings are among them. Another point of interest is Pettah Market, where we can shop at affordable prices. The Hindu and Buddhist temples, residential areas with magnificent houses, and the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, gifted to Sri Lanka by the People’s Republic of China, are also on the route. After visiting Gangaramaya Temple and the Colombo National Museum, we head to Negombo. Soft waves and golden sands create the perfect setting for relaxation. Together, we will explore the lively streets of the city, full of colonial-era architecture and vibrant markets. We will discover Negombo’s rich heritage, influenced by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial periods. We see the scenery where the sea and catamarans form the backdrop of Negombo, the lake famous for its lobsters, crabs, and shrimp, and the fish auctions. We visit the Dutch Fort and Saint Mary Catholic Church. After the Negombo city tour, free time. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 8 NEGOMBO – ISTANBUL
At the hotel, with breakfast boxes prepared early in the morning, we meet at the time announced by your guide and transfer to the airport. After baggage, ticket, and customs procedures, we fly to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines scheduled service. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, our tour and services come to an end.