Gems of Ceylon & Tea Trails 14 nights from £5,292 per person
ABOUT THIS ITINERARY
A magical journey through Ceylon, staying in boutique hotels and riding the famous train that takes you to the Ceylon Tea Trails. Every hotel on this itinerary is carefully handpicked and are a selection of the best small luxury hotels on the island. You have the services of a chauffeur driven guide to give you that added flexibility and do things at your own pace. It even has a local flight to the airport to make your journey home just that bit more comfortable.
A mixture of cultural sites, a luxurious stay at the Ceylon Tea Trails and a few days relaxing on one of the most exclusive beach properties will undoubtedly make this the ultimate holiday to the paradise isle of Sri Lanka.
Price Includes
International flights
Private transfers
Activities and tours as mentioned
All accommodation
24/7 support while you're away
UK airport transfers (conditions apply)
DAY 1-2
COLOMBO
You will be met on arrival by Tailored Journeys representatives and your chauffeur-guide will accompany you to your boutique hotel, just an hour's journey by car and the rest of the day at leisure.
You can either relax at your hotel or be accompanied on a tour of the local market to experience the true essence of Sri Lanka! Step off the tourist path and travel deep within the interior of the island, along gravel roads into the villages and rural countryside of the island, where smiles are in abundance and local hospitality laid bare for all to enjoy.
You are able to buy your own meat & vegetables at the local market and return to your hotel to learn how to cook the perfect Sri Lankan curry. May it be a Black Pepper Pork Curry or a Coconut Lentil curry or even a few egg hoppers, the resident chef will show you how it is prepared and serve you for lunch.
Accommodation: Horathapola Estate
DAY 3-5
ANURADHAPURA
After a leisurely breakfast you will be collected from Horathapola and driven over to Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka's cultural triangle. The afternoon is free to laze by the large pool with a cocktail, test your archery skills or take a leisurely cycle ride through the local villages. For more active, there are opportunities to go horse riding and kayaking.
Visit Anuradhapura - the fascinating ancient city and the first capital of the Sinhalese kingdom. The main attraction here is the sacred Maha Bodhi tree brought to Sri Lanka as a sapling from the tree under which Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. This is also the oldest historically documented tree in the world. Also visit the Mihintale rock, home to the oldest stupas in Sri Lanka.
Enjoy a full day excursion to the Wilpattu National Park known for its population of leopards. On your 4x4 safari, you will be able to see some amazing wildlife including elephants, wild pigs, crocodiles and leopards. Return to your resort and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Accommodation: Uga Ulagalla
DAY 6-7
KANDY
Drive about four hours into the hill city of Kandy today. On your way stop by the imposing Dambulla Caves containing hundreds of relics of Buddha statues. This is accessed by climbing a long staircase cut into the rock - if you find the climb difficult, your guide can suggest an alternative cave temple with fewer steps. The afternoon is free to explore the colourful Kandy Market. It is an ideal place to see the local life where absolutely everything is sold.
With your guide explore the beautiful Peradeniya Botanical gardens. Walk around in the gardens at your own pace to learn about the huge variety of plant life. Afterwards visit the Temple of the Tooth, this remarkable Buddhist Temple is where the relic of Buddha's Tooth is kept. *Please note it can be quite busy during the evening ceremony so let your driver know if you would prefer to see it at a quieter time. From here a short walk will take you to Kandyan dance performance centre. Here witness various performances including cobra dance, mask dance, and the Ginisila, showing power over fire. The entire frenetic and colourful spectacle climaxes with the amazing fire-walking act.
Accommodation: Adigar's Manor
DAY 8-9
DICKOYA
Drive to the station to board your train for an exciting train journey to Hatton. This is an incredibly scenic journey through the hills and takes around four and a half hours. Your chauffeur-guide will meet you at your final stop to take you to your Ceylon Tea Trails Planter's Bungalow. The next two days are spent in absolute luxury amidst a spectacular scenery.
Enjoy the wonderful facilities and explore the hill surroundings. You set your own pace of life while at Tea Trails: unwind in beautiful gardens, visit a factory for a gentle education in the art of Ceylon Tea, or be bold and spend an adventure-filled day biking, trekking and white-water rafting.
Accommodation: Ceylon Tea Trails Dunkeld Bungalow
DAY 10-15
WELIGAMA
Descend to the beaches on the South coast of the Island. With stops, the drive will take most of your day, arriving late afternoon into Weligama. The next few days are spent with relaxing at your boutique resort and exploring the surroundings sites. The breath-taking panoramic views of the ocean are best enjoyed from the main crescent moon-shaped infinity pool. There are plenty of exciting activities and excursions to get involved including snorkelling, kayaking, diving, private cruises, fishing, seasonal whale and dolphin watching, cinnamon plantation trails, Galle fort walks and much more.
You will be met by your chauffeur-guide and driven back to the Colombo airport.
Accommodation: Cape Weligama
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