Classic Sri Lanka

Upon arrival at the airport you will be welcomed by your driver and transferred to the hotel (about 40 minutes drive). The rest of the day is dedicated to rest and recovery from the long intercontinental journey. Overnight in Negombo.

After breakfast transfer to Sigiriya (about 3 hours) and check-in at the hotel. In the evening safari in the national park of Minneriya, a corner of unspoilt nature in the central Sri Lanka renowned for its flourishing population of elephants, especially during the famous gathering when hundreds of specimens gather in search of water and food. You will see elephants, leopards, deer and a myriad of species of birds while the sun sets on the quiet water basin. Overnight at Sigiriya.

Breakfast early and ascent to the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya before the sun becomes too hot: an ancient rock fortress, UNESCO heritage, with the steep stairways decorated with frescoes that show the artistic ability of a past era, the water gardens and the remains of the palace of King Kasyapa with a breathtaking view over the surrounding landscapes.

Following the transfer to Polonnaruwa (about 75 minutes), another UNESCO site that shows the greatness of an ancient reign of the 11th century: we will walk through the ruins of the Royal Palace, the engineering wonders of Parakrama Samudra and the graceful lines of Gal Vihara, where stone sculptures evoke spiritual reverence. I return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight at Sigiriya.

After breakfast we head to the Cave Temple of Dambulla (40 minutes), perched on a rocky spur: a labyrinth of five caves decorated with intricate murals and over 150 beautiful statues of Buddha, UNESCO heritage. We drive to Kandy (about 2 hours), check-in and visit the famous Peradeniya botanical gardens, a green paradise of floral diversity with rare orchids, imposing palms and exotic spices. Overnight at Kandy.

We reach the Millennium Elephant Foundation in Kegalle, a sanctuary dedicated to the well-being of orphaned Asian elephants, injured or retired, where you can participate in ethical and educational interactions. To follow tour of the city of Kandy to the Temple of the Dente, a sacred Buddhist site that guards the venerable relics of the Buddha tooth.

The day ends with a cultural dance show typical of the country: the traditional Kandy dancers show secular rituals and folklore, from energetic drums to graceful movements, for an evening of authentic cultural immersion. Overnight at Kandy.

Transfer to Nuwara Eliya (about 4 hours). Along the way we stop at the Ramboda Falls, among the highest in the nation with its 109 meters, surrounded by lush vegetation. Then we continue to visit a typical tea cultivation: we will witness the meticulous process of production from the collection of leaves to the drying, roasting, fermentation and drying, with tasting of freshly prepared tea.

An optional train ride from Kandy to the hilly region is available in the fog, tea plantations and waterfalls. Check-in at hotel and free afternoon. Overnight at Nuwara Eliya.

Transfer by car (about 75 minutes) to Horton Plains National Park, a sanctuary of breathtaking beauty and exceptional ecological diversity. Fascinating trekking through misty prairies, green forests and rough terrain: the highlight is World's End, a spectacular view of the edge of the cliff that plunges into the abyss, while the Baker's Falls fall into a serene symphony of water. We can meet endemic species such as the exotic loris and the langur from the purple face. Back to the hotel. Overnight at Nuwara Eliya.

Transfer by car to Ella (approximately 2 hours): we will visit the Ella Rock, which rises majestically at 1.041 meters, reachable with a panoramic hiking, and the Ravana waterfalls, a majestic waterfall that plunges for more than 80 meters in a quiet swimming pool, wrapped in the ancient legends of the Ramayana epic.

To follow safari in the Yala National Park: a vast wild sanctuary renowned for the flourishing population of leopards, which makes it one of the best places in the world for sightings, as well as elephants, sloth bears and a great variety of birds. Check-in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Yala.

Transfer to Weligama (about 2 hours): here fishing on tramways is a tradition that has passed the test of time, with fishermen perched on thin wooden poles anchored at the bottom of the ocean as they throw their lenze, creating an hypnotizing silhouette against the horizon.

We continue for the Dondra Head Lighthouse, the highest in Sri Lanka, located at the southernmost point of the country (the name means 'City of the Gods' in Sinalese). We continue by car (about 80 minutes) to Galle for check-in at the hotel. Overnight in Galle.

Visit of the enchanting city of Galle, renowned for its rich history and architecture: from the iconic Galle Fort, UNESCO heritage, to the colonial bastions until the cobbled streets flanked by boutiques, art galleries and cafes. We visit the Dutch Reformed Church and the historic lighthouse with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.

Follow the beach of Unawatuna, a crescent-shaped bay with golden sands and blue waters, a paradise for snorkeling and diving among colorful coral reefs, with bar and rustic coffee on the beach. Overnight in Galle.

The first stage is the Museum of Masks of Ambalangoda, where the creation of masks is a popular tradition handed down by the artisans of the south-western coast. We then proceed to the incubator of Kosgoda turtles, a sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of marine turtles in danger, where you will witness the life cycle of these magnificent creatures from nesting to the liberation of the little ones.

An optional excursion on the Madu River is available on the day: a quiet boat ride between serpentine canals and dense mangrove forests, which house hidden temples, spice gardens and cinnamon plantations. After two more hours we arrive in Bentota for check-in. Overnight in Bentota.

Free day until transfer to the airport for departure flight (about 2 hours, with only driver).