Day 1: Negombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka! You are free to arrive today at your leisure.
Negombo is situated by the shores of a lagoon by the same name. Once a Portuguese and Dutch trading port, popular attractions here include the Old Dutch fort gate built in 1672, the Dutch Canal, and the old churches and fishing villages that surround the area. Also worth exploring is the Kochchikade area, which comes to life at dusk with many handicrafts for sale, boutiques, shops, gem shops and restaurants for you to explore. 

Day 2: Drive Negombo – Anuradhapura
This morning we enjoy a Negombo city tour before heading towards Anuradhapura. En route, we will stop at the fish market and fishing village before visiting a coconut plantation.
Anuradhapura, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site was founded in the 4th century BC and was the capital of the Anuradhapura Kingdom until the beginning of the 11th century AD. Today the extensive ruins are well preserved and are an important site for Buddhists, Tamils and Hindus alike and we take a guided tour of them, learning about the fascinating history and the restoration efforts.

After check-in and some time to recharge we also explore the ancient site of Mihintale. Here you can discover the ruins of a hospital, a large monastery, and ancient carvings. Climb the rock of Mihintale and discover an aerial view of the ancient city of Anuradhapura. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 3: Day in Anuradhapura
Today we embark on a day trip to visit the Anuradhapura ruins. You can choose to either hop in the private vehicle or enjoy the tour by bicycle. See the Sacred Bodhi Tree, dating back to 288BC which makes it the oldest living human planted a tree on earth. It is widely thought that this is the spot where Buddha attained enlightenment and is now one of the most respected sacred relics in the world.

Other sites include Isurumuniya Temple, Ruwanwelisaya, Jethawanarama, Stupa Rama, Elephant pond, Twin pond, Moonstone, and Guard stone. Return to the hotel mid-afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 4: Drive Anuradhapura – Polonnaruwa 
This morning we begin our drive to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. On the way, we stop at Aukana Buddha, one of the reservoirs constructed during the reign of King Dathusena, where we can see a magnificent 12 meter high statue of the Buddha.

Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned archaeological relic sites in the country. Built between the 11th and 12th centuries AD, Polonnaruwa is a listed World Heritage site. Here you can see the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya, and four statues of the Buddha in 'Upright', 'Sedentary' and 'Recumbent' postures carved out of the rock. Polonnaruwa is laid out over a large distance, therefore the best way to explore the area is by bicycle which we will do a guided tour. If you prefer not to bike, it is possible to take the guided tour in the private vehicle. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 5: Drive Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya
This morning we head to Sigiriya, (Lions Rock), an impressive sight from a distance rising 200 meters from the jungle. With hundreds of steps to climb to reach the top of the 5th century AD rock fortress, the view from the top over the surrounding landscape is incredible. Here you can also see the world-renowned frescoes of the 'Heavenly Maidens' of Sigiriya. We then continue to our next destination of Dambulla, famous for its cave temple complex which we will explore tomorrow.  

Day 6: Sigiriya – Kandy 
This morning we visit the most impressive of Sri Lanka's cave temples which were used by the monks as meditation locations and places of worship. Some contain statues, paintings of the Buddha and detailed frescoes. We will also make a stop at a Spice and Herbal Garden where you will get shown the locally grown flora and some of its uses in medicine and cooking.

On arrival to Kandy we'll take you on an orientation walk before enjoying an included evening 'puja' at the sacred Temple of the Tooth, Sri Lanka's most important temple, revered and visited by Buddhists from all over the world. 

Day 7: Day in Kandy 
Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings of the central hill regions, and of course, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Today we will take a drive around the Kandy Lake, built by the last Sinhala king Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798, visit the Kandy town and Bazaar, the arts & crafts center, a gem museum and a lapidary. In the afternoon you will have some free time to enjoy the city. You will find that Kandy is probably the best place to buy most of the handicrafts produced in Sri Lanka. Tonight we will watch a cultural show featuring traditional Sri Lankan dancing. 

Day 8: Drive Kandy – Negombo 
This morning we depart from Kandy and make our way to the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens. This beautiful area is especially known for its collection of orchids and is home to over 400 species of plants. Soak up the colors and beauty of these gardens before heading back to Negombo where we will spend the final afternoon. 

After checking into the hotel you are free to enjoy the white sandy beaches. Negombo is the perfect place to spend your final evening in Sri Lanka as you watch the sunset in this stunning corner of the globe. 

Day 9: Drive Negombo – Colombo  | Departure transfer
Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights. Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.