The Grand Island Odyssey
from 2653 € per person
from 2412 € per person
Tour Overview
Embark on a 14-day adventure designed to comprehensively explore Sri Lanka's diverse cultural and natural highlights. This journey offers a blend of essential experiences and comfortable accommodations, providing a fantastic introduction to the island's charm.
Route
Inclusions
- Airport pick-up and drop-off (Bandaranaike International Airport).
- 13 nights’ accommodation in our initial recommended hotels.
- Daily Breakfast & Dinner (Starting from 1st day dinner to 14th day breakfast, except 13th night dinner).
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking Driver (Chauffeur Guide or National Guides can be arranged upon request at an additional cost).
- Entrance tickets & charges for all included experiences mentioned in the itinerary:
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress climb
- Dambulla Cave Temple
- Temple of the Tooth Relic
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya
- Tea plantation & factory tour (Nuwara Eliya)
- Gregory Lake access (Nuwara Eliya)
- Horton Plains Hike
- Ravana Falls
- Nine Arches Bridge (Ella)
- Little Adam’s Peak hike (Ella)
- Morning jeep safari in Yala National Park
- All government taxes and service charges.
Day 01 | Negombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Arrive in Negombo, a vibrant coastal town known for its picturesque beaches and rich history. It's the perfect gentle introduction to the warmth of Sri Lanka.
Day 01 | Accommodation
Day 01 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Earl's Regent Negombo
- Optional Hotels: Jetwing Sea Hotel / Jetwing Beach
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Included Experience: Airport meet & greet and private transfer to your hotel. Hotel check-in and leisure time.
- Optional Experience (at additional cost): Negombo lagoon boat tour, a visit to the historic Dutch Fort.
Day 02 - 04 | Sigiriya - Ancient Kingdoms & Wildlife
Journey into the heart of Sri Lanka's cultural triangle to Sigiriya, home to the magnificent Lion Rock Fortress. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into Sri Lanka's fascinating past, with opportunities for unique cultural and wildlife encounters.
Day 02 - 04 | Accommodation
Day 02 - 04 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Elephas Resort & Spa
- Optional Hotels: Aliya Resort & Spa / Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Day 02 Included Experience: Private transfer to Sigiriya. Check into your hotel. Enjoy a free evening for leisure.
- Day 03 Included Experience: Ascend Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the morning. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
- Day 04 Included Experience: Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple in the morning. Free afternoon for leisure.
- Optional Experience (at additional cost - Day 02 - 04): Early morning exploration of the Dutch Canal & Fish Market in Negombo (before departure on Day 2), immersive village tour (including a bullock cart ride, catamaran boat ride, and a traditional local lunch), a thrilling jeep safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park (seasonal, renowned for large elephant gatherings), sunrise hike to Pidurangala Rock for alternative views of Sigiriya, night safari for nocturnal wildlife viewing.
Day 05 - 06 | Kandy - The Sacred Hill Capital
Next, delve into the enchanting hill capital of Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in history and spiritual significance. Nestled amidst lush hills, Kandy is most famous for housing the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic.
Day 05 - 06 | Accommodation
Day 05 - 06 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Radisson Hotel Kandy
- Optional Hotels: Cinnamon Citadel Kandy / Earl's Regency Hotel
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Day 05 Included Experience: Private transfer to Kandy. In the afternoon, visit the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic.
- Day 06 Included Experience: Explore the expansive Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya. Enjoy a walk around Kandy Lake and visit a scenic viewpoint overlooking the city.
- Optional Experience (at additional cost - Day 05 - 06): Attend a vibrant Kandy Cultural Dance Show in the evening, visit a local gem museum and lapidary, explore the city's bustling markets.
Day 07 - 08 | Nuwara Eliya - "Little England"
Ascend into the cool embrace of Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as "Little England." This charming hill station, surrounded by verdant tea plantations, offers a refreshing escape and a taste of Sri Lanka's colonial heritage.
Day 07 - 08 | Accommodation
Day 07 - 08 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Araliya Red
- Optional Hotels: Jetwing St Andrew's / Oliphant Boutique Villa by Amaya
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Day 07 Included Experience: Enjoy a scenic drive from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya through tea country. Visit a tea factory and plantation to learn about Ceylon tea production and enjoy a tasting. Check into your hotel.
- Day 08 Included Experience: Embark on an early morning trek to Horton Plains National Park & World's End (a challenging but rewarding hike). Enjoy a leisurely walk around Gregory Lake with the option of a boat ride in the evening.
- Optional Experience (at additional cost - Day 07 - 08): Visit the beautiful Hakgala Botanical Gardens, visit the tranquil Seetha Amman Temple, enjoy a high tea experience at a colonial-era hotel.
Day 09 - 10 | Ella - Highlands & Adventure
Continue your journey through the stunning Sri Lankan highlands to Ella, a small town renowned for its dramatic landscapes, misty mountains, and captivating waterfalls. It's a haven for trekkers and nature lovers.
Day 09 - 10 | Accommodation
Day 09 - 10 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Ravana Range Ella
- Optional Hotels: Hide-Ella Hotel & Resort / EKHO Ella
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Day 09 Included Experience: Private drive to Ella with a stop at the cascading Ravana Falls. In the evening, visit the famous Nine Arches Bridge to witness a stunning sunset (train schedule permitting).
- Day 10 Included Experience: Enjoy a morning hike to Little Adam’s Peak for panoramic views of the Ella Gap. The rest of the day is at leisure.
- Optional Experience (at additional cost - Day 09 - 10): Visit Lipton’s Seat for breathtaking panoramic views of the tea country, experience the thrill of the Flying Ravana Zipline, take a local cooking class.
Day 11 - 12 | Yala - Wildlife Encounters
Experience the wild side of Sri Lanka in Yala, home to Yala National Park, one of the best places in the world to spot leopards in their natural habitat. Prepare for thrilling wildlife encounters in this diverse ecosystem.
Day 11 - 12 | Accommodation
Day 11 - 12 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Saffron Lake Yala
- Optional Hotels: Jetwing Yala / EKHO Safari
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Day 11 Included Experience: Private transfer to Yala. Check into your hotel. Enjoy a free evening for leisure or optional experiences.
- Day 12 Included Experience: Embark on an exciting full day jeep safari in Yala National Park, seeking out leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and diverse birdlife.
- Optional Experience (at additional cost - Day 11 - 12): An evening nature walk around your accommodation, local village Tuk-Tuk rides for cultural immersion, visit the ancient Kirinda Temple, or explore the sacred Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya.
Day 13 | Hiriketiya - Coastal Chill
Unwind on the pristine shores of Hiriketiya, a crescent-shaped bay on Sri Lanka's southern coast. This idyllic beach town offers a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for swimming, surfing, or simply soaking up the sun.
Day 13 | Accommodation
Day 13 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Belika Beach Club
- Optional Hotels: La Playa Beach Club / Dots Bay House
- Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast (Dinner not included)
- Included Experience: Private drive to Hiriketiya. Enjoy a full beach day with relaxation and time to swim in the bay.
- Optional Experience (at additional cost): Try surfing or participate in a yoga session, explore the nearby town of Dikwella, or visit the impressive Hummanaya Blow Hole.
Day 14 | Colombo and Departure
Your extraordinary Sri Lankan journey culminates with a private transfer to Colombo for your departure. Reflect on your adventures as you head to the airport.
Day 14 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: No overnight stay; departure on same day.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast Only
- Included Experience: Private transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for your departure.
- Optional Experience (at additional cost): Colombo sightseeing and/or shopping (time-permitting, depends on your flight schedule).
