Departure by scheduled flight to Colombo.

Morning arrival in Colombo and border and customs procedures. Meeting with the driver-guide and transfer to Sigiriya. Accommodation in a hotel. Free lunch. Rest of the day free for relaxation. Dinner at the hotel and overnight.

Optional jeep excursion to Minneriya National Park, 30 minutes from the hotel (book and pay locally), a beautiful park that is home to many elephants, a wide variety of water birds, monkeys, bears, deer and sambar. Depending on weather conditions, the visit can be exchanged for Kaudulla National Park or Eco Park. Return to the hotel around 18:30.

Today, we start the day early, with a quick snack of tea/coffee, to visit the Sigiriya Fortress.

A visit to the magnificent archaeological site dating back to the 5th century AD, one of seven UNESCO sites in Sri Lanka and considered the eighth wonder of the world, it was built by King Kasyapa on a volcanic monolith about 200 metres high; among the most impressive aspects of the complex are the geometrically defined gardens, the famous fresco of the beautiful maidens (celestial nymphs called Apsaras), and the mirrored wall with ancient graffiti. At the end return to the hotel for breakfast.

Exclusively for guests staying at Vil Uyana. After some downtime, we take a tour of the property with the resident manager. Before Jetwing Vil Uyana, this agrarian land was an abandoned slash and burn (chena) cultivation area. Over a period of four years of hard work, a team of experts built this hotel with one vision: to be the most exclusive sanctuary on Earth. Today, most of the earth's surface is dominated by artificial wetland habitat, which has led to a significant increase in diverse flora and fauna. The land is also used to cultivate rice fields using traditional methods and has been reforested with species native to the dry zone of Sri Lanka. Apart from these native trees, only native fish species have been introduced into the artificial reserve: all other flora and fauna have naturally chosen to make Jetwing Vil Uyana their home. Frequent wildlife surveys have shown that all animal groups have shown increases, especially birds, with over 140 species recorded in our home. More importantly, Jetwing Vil Uyana has become one of the best locations in Sri Lanka to spot the elusive grey loris!

Artificial lakes are filled with water that is collected entirely by rain. By not extracting water from local sources such as irrigation canals, we avoid competing for water with local farmers. At Jetwing Vil Uyana, a purpose-built biogas plant equipped with a heating jacket and a dedicated solar panel can process all food waste generated by hotel operations and produce up to 33 cubic metres of gas. The CH4-rich output gas from the plant is also used for two cookers in our main kitchen.

Later, transfer about 01 hour and 45 minutes through pleasant countryside and paddy fields to explore the medieval town of Polonnaruwa. Traditional lunch in a village.

Visit Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its royal palace and public audience hall; the site is curiously similar to the Khmer temple of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Polonnaruwa was founded in the 10th century. The ruins are divided into several clusters scattered over a vast area: you will see the remains of the royal palace, the audience hall, ancient stupas and beautiful statues of Buddha, still venerated by the faithful.

Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay.

Full board. Depart for a visit to Mihintale and the meditation site of Kaludiya Pokuna for a one-hour meditation session with a monk living in the forest. Afterwards, we visit a temple in the area and take part in an alms-giving ceremony. The monks only eat two meals a day. One in the morning and the last one before noon. Afterwards, they engage in their spirituality and meditation and eat only a few fruits during dinner time. Therefore, it is believed that presenting the monks with their last main meal of the day brings you long life. Afterwards, you will receive a special blessing from the monks. On our return to Sigiriya, we will visit Ritigala Monastery, home to 70 caves believed to have been inhabited since the 1st century BC. Known as 'Arittha-pabbata' during the reign of Pandukabhaya (377-307 B.C.), the third king of Sri Lanka, it was a well-known shrine and place of worship throughout the country.

Afterwards return to the hotel. Overnight stay.

Full board. Today, we start the day early, with a quick snack with tea/coffee, to go on a cycling tour, passing through villages, lakes and rice fields. On this village tour, you will have the opportunity to plant a tree, to play a small role in saving and preserving our environment. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Transfer of about 2½ hours to Kandy. En route, we stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Dambulla rock temple, known for its richly painted rock temples. Dambulla is a vast isolated rock mass and it was here that King Valagamba took refuge from invasions in the 1st century BC, later transforming the caves into a rock temple. Some of its frescoes are more than 2,000 years old. Another highlight is a colossal figure of the reclining Buddha carved into the living rock, about 15 metres long. The caves have a mixture of religious and secular paintings and sculptures with ceiling frescoes depicting scenes from Buddha's life and Sinhalese history. Please note that to reach the Dambulla Caves, there is a short but fairly steep slope with over 300 steps. We will use a special entrance at the back to ease the climb, but you will descend the nearly 300 steps to the main entrance and exit of Dambulla and it will definitely be worth it.

We learn how different spices are cultivated during our visit to a private spice garden. Lunch today will be in this private garden where you can also take part in a hands-on cooking class here, to prepare a Sri Lankan curry. At the end we proceed to Kandy, the last bastion of Buddhist political power against colonial invasion. This hill station is remarkable for the natural beauty of its location in a quiet wooded valley overlooking a vast reservoir. The palace, shrines and buildings from the British period give it a special character, while the relic of Buddha's tooth lends religious importance to the historic Highland capital. Arrive in Kandy and settle into your hotel. In the evening, we take a sightseeing tour through the upper part of the lake, stopping at the market square with its famous Batik and Gem shops, followed by a tuk-tuk ride ending at the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the most revered sacred site for Buddhists, which holds the sacred relic of Buddha's tooth, brought to Sri Lanka during the reign of King Meghavarna (301-328). Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

Full board. In the morning, visit the majestic Lankathilake Vihare, considered one of the most magnificent architectural buildings of the Gampola kingdom, was built on the crest of a large rock called Panhalgala overlooking the Hantana mountain range. The 'Vihare' was built of granite with a plaster facing and has three storeys built on natural rock. Elegant architectural designs and colourful wall paintings from the Kandian period adorn the interior walls and ceiling of the main picture house. Next, we visit a traditional dance foundation, located a few minutes from the temple. Here, you will witness a private performance of traditional Kandian dances and drums. This experience is very engaging as our local dance master will also teach you the basics of dancing and drumming after the performance and, if you are interested, you may even pose for some photographs, dressed in traditional Kandian dance attire. Here in Kandy, we will have the chance to meet Chami, who has a passion for art and architecture. 

This young and energetic individual lives in the quieter, hilly part of Kandy with his wife and young daughters. Here you will have the opportunity to experience the true local Kandan way of life, while enjoying a delicious local lunch, freshly prepared by his wife. On our return, we stop at 'Ancient Craftsmen', engaged in the traditional process of brass making, producing brass items using traditional methods and techniques and whose dedication to arts, carvings and crafts dates back to the period of the ancient Kandyan kingdom. Recycling. Today they recycle brass and aluminium to produce creative souvenirs and provide employment for disabled people and women who need to support their families. They support families and artisans in the village as well as the annual 'Perahera' or procession, which has been going on for 300 years. The rest of the evening is at leisure.

Full board. Transfer to the Royal Botanical Gardens. The Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens is one of the largest botanical gardens in Sri Lanka and the most beautiful of its kind in Asia. In the Mediterranean climate of Kandy, the gateway to the central highlands, the garden is located at an altitude of 460 metres above sea level, closely bordered on three sides by the bend of the Mahaweli River (Great Sandy River), Sri Lanka's largest river. Before it was decreed a Botanical Garden, it was a pleasure garden in the time of the kings of Kandy and during World War II the gardens were the headquarters of the Allied Pacific Command. Afterwards, we proceed to the Peradeniya railway station to board a local train for a 2.5-hour journey to the Nanu-Oya tea village station A marvel of engineering, this route is described as the most picturesque of train journeys. Our train ascends along winding tracks, into the home of Ceylon's famous tea, with its rolling hills turning into a carpet of velvety green plantations, interspersed with gushing streams and tumbling waterfalls. 

We will organise light snacks on board the train. Luggage will go in the vehicle with the driver. On arrival we take a walking tour of the town and the local market square. The climate of the city is similar to that of England, so much so that it has earned the title 'Little England'. The town was infamous among the British from the time of Sri Lanka's colonial rule and was also the capital of the tea trade in ancient times. Accommodation in a hotel.

Full board. This morning we visit a tea plantation and factory in Nuwara Eliya. We visit a local tea factory in the area and learn about the history of Ceylon tea. Tea was first introduced to Sri Lanka in the mid-19th century and Nuwara Eliya has always been the tea capital of the country. We will be guided through tea processing - tea plucking techniques and procedures at the tea factory. At the plantation, you will also have the opportunity to join professional tea pickers to learn tea plucking techniques first-hand. They will guide you on which leaves to pluck and how to fill the basket. It may not be as easy as it sounds. We will also have the opportunity to learn how to properly 'taste' tea and identify subtle differences in varieties. Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities and experiences (not included)

Overnight stay.

Full board. We say goodbye to Hill Country and continue to Wellawaya with a drive of about three hours. Along the way, you will visit the 'world's first analogue forest', experience what it is like to be inside the canopies of a crazy forest ecosystem 'similar' to the natural forest ecosystem of that region. The 17-acre landscape boasts the collection of trees and genetic stocks used to restore forest structure and function over the past 35 years. Visitors will be guided to experience the biodiversity of the forest in detail and with locals who have dedicated their lives to protecting the forest and managing the day-to-day activities that support the restoration efforts. 100% organic, nutritious Sri Lankan lunch prepared with locally sourced fruits and vegetables.  Afterwards, proceed to Ella. Ella, which translates to 'waterfall', an apt name for this small town, situated in a hilly corner, due to its breathtaking views richly adorned with waterfalls trickling down its rugged terrain. 

Ella offers some of the most scenic sights in Sri Lanka. Upon arrival in Ella, visit the iconic nine-arch bridge. This incredible historic viaduct built entirely of stone, brick and concrete (no steel) was created in Sri Lanka's British era. The beautiful nine arches make it a very picturesque place, especially since it is located in a dense jungle and agricultural environment. It covers a space of over 300 feet and has a height of about 100 feet. You can walk along the railway that passes over the bridge and listen to your hiking guide explain the history and stories of Nine Arches. Continue the journey to Wellawaya. Once there, settle into your hotel.

Full board. Transfer about 2 hours to Yala. Arrival and accommodation in the hotel. For centuries, this incredible destination has been revered as an unparalleled testimony to the beauty of the wilderness, of nature in its purest and rawest form. Probably the best place in the world to spot leopards, sloth bears, elephants and a whole host of birds, Yala promises unforgettable discoveries and exciting adventures. This afternoon, embark on a jeep safari in Yala National Park. Spend two to three hours exploring the park. Your guides will help you spot a wide range of wildlife including, but not limited to, spotted deer, wild boar, water buffalo, jackals, elephants, crocodiles, several bird species, sloths and, finally, the elusive leopard.

Return to camp by 19:00 for dinner. Overnight stay.

Full board. Transfer to Galle with a drive of approximately 3 hours. Along the way, you will have the unique opportunity to learn stilt fishing from local fishermen in the area. Stilt fishing, called 'Ritipanna', is a traditional fishing method practised by fishermen along the south coast, mainly in areas such as Welipenna, Koggala, Kumbalgama, Aranwala, Midigama, Thalarambe and Kathaluwa. These are fishermen who fish from a narrow pole tied to a stick installed on the seabed. Today we visit a fishing site on stilts and learn about the fisherman and their lifestyle. You will then be invited to climb onto stilts where you will try your hand at fishing on stilts. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant. Afterwards, we visit a cinnamon plantation and learn about the history of Ceylon Cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon is the world's most prized cinnamon and Sri Lanka is responsible for more than 70 per cent of the world's cinnamon. Here you will visit a cinnamon plantation in the area and learn about the history and nutritional properties of Ceylon Cinnamon. You will also be able to see the cinnamon peeling process and how cinnamon quills are packaged and dried. On arrival in Galle, settle into your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Full board.  Start of a cycling tour along Sri Lanka's country roads, passing green paddy fields and settlements offering a glimpse of the rural lifestyle in the coastal region. Return to the hotel for some relaxation and lunch.  This afternoon we explore the Galle Fort on foot. Historically, this World Heritage fortified citadel was an essential landmark for Chinese, Persian, Arab and Indian traders. Javanese and Sumatrans were later followed by Marco Polo in 1299 AD. The Portuguese arrived in 1500 and built a settlement with a palm and mud fort. Around 17:00 we visit the first turtle conservation project founded in Sri Lanka and located in Kosgoda. Kosgoda is known to be home to 04 of the 07 turtle species in the world and an excellent turtle nesting site. Victor Hasselblad, the world famous digital and film camera manufacturer, founded this turtle nursery in 1978. Over the years, the centre has released almost four million baby turtles into the sea and has also gradually ended illegal fishing, saving the coral reefs from further devastation. After a tour of the project, you will head to the beach at sunset, where you can enjoy some local cocktails. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.