Colours of Sri Lanka with Beach Extension

SAVE UP TO 15% ON 2022 - 2024 HOLIDAYS - OFFER EXTENDED

Take in sacred sites and stunning scenery as you tour the enchanting and fascinating island paradise of Sri Lanka. You'll have the chance to encounter wonderful wildlife up close, and then to round off your stay with rest and relaxation at a beautiful beach resort. Make the most of the laid-back atmosphere, golden coastline and sapphire blues of the Indian Ocean, on an extended stay at the Eden Resort and Spa in Beruwela.

Highlights

Explore colourful Colombo and watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean
See Pinnawala's orphaned elephants
Marvel at Dambulla's stunning Royal Rock Temple
UNESCO-listed Polonnaruwa was the 10th-century capital
Climb the 'Lion Rock' to the Fortress of Sigiriya
A visit to a spice garden and tea plantation
Explore colourful Colombo, and enjoy lunch at the Cricket Club Café
Time to enjoy lakeside Kandy and a visit to the Temple of the Tooth
Enjoy the unforgettable train ride to Nuwara Eliya - 'Little England' and Sri Lanka's 'Tea Capital'
Relax and enjoy a safari at Yala National Park - home to elephants, buffaloes, leopards, bears, deer and crocodiles
Rest and relax after the tour at the Indian Ocean resort town Beruwela

Inclusions

15 nights' dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation
Return flights from your chosen airport to Colombo
Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced Tour Manager

Day 1

Your holiday begins with an overnight flight from the UK to Colombo.

Day 2

Welcome to Sri Lanka! You'll meet your Tour Manager upon arrival, and then transfer to your hotel. This evening, see your first stunning Sri Lankan sunset.

Day 3

Journey east across the central plains to visit the famous Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, and enjoy a close-up encounter with the animals at a private reserve. You'll also discover Dambulla's iconic Royal Rock Temple and its vast cave complex, before heading to your hotel for dinner and a two-night stay.

Day 4

A memorable day begins with a trip to UNESCO-listed Polonnaruwa, the former Sri Lankan capital, home to the Royal Palace complex, ancient ruins, and Hindu and Buddhist shrines bordering the huge Prakama Samudra reservoir. Spend the afternoon at the amazing rock fortress of Sigiriya, with its moated gardens, painted frescoes and the archaeological treasures of the towering 'Lion Rock'. The energetic can climb to the frescoes and 'mirror wall', and there are beautiful gardens and a fascinating museum to explore. You'll return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 5

Travelling into 'Hill Country', uncover the secrets of Sri Lankan flavours at the Isiwara Spice Garden, enjoy a cookery demonstration, and learn about ancient healing traditions at an Ayurvedic centre. Arriving in Kandy, take an exhilarating tuk tuk ride to the Buddhist Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and enjoy a cultural show of traditional dance and drumming this evening.

Day 6

A day of stunning scenery begins with a rail journey through the Sri Lankan Hill Country past tea plantations, tumbling streams and plunging waterfalls. Arrive at the hill station of Nuwara Eliya, a former colonial retreat that retains its English heritage, and take in its relaxed atmosphere with a park or lakeside stroll.

Day 7

Learn about the growing and picking processes as you explore a tea plantation, and then head to the station for the rail journey to the idyllic hill village of Ella. Stroll along the disused railway track to Rawana Falls, here, or just take in the views. This afternoon you'll continue to your hotel in the famous Yala National Park, home to elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears and – most famously – leopards.

Day 8

This morning's included safari will be a three-hour trip into the park's protected scrubland and forest, in the company of a driver-guide, on a quest to see big cats and other wildlife in their natural habitat. You'll also have the option to join a further, late-afternoon jeep safari.

Day 9

Your last touring day takes you to the exotic coastal town of Galle, a Dutch colonial gem whose ancient fort walls protected the historic old town from the worst of 2004's tragic tsunami. Take a tuk-tuk ride around the fascinating streets within, or stroll along the battlements themselves, before we continue north to Beruwela.

Days 10 and 11

After your tour, rest and relax in the beautiful beach resort of Beruwela, enjoying your hotel, the beach and the surroundings, and taking in the sunsets each evening. During your time here, there'll also be the opportunity to explore Sri Lanka's bustling capital, Colombo, with its restored Fort area and the ancient street markets of Pettah, and to enjoy an included lunch at the Cricket Club Cafe, surrounded by cricket memorabilia dating back to the 1940s

Days 12-15

Spend your last days here marvelling at the views of the Indian Ocean, exploring the surrounding areas or simply unwind as you reminisce about unforgettable tour of Sri Lanka. Take a dip in the in hotel’s large pool or relax on the sandy beach nearby.

Day 16

Bid farewell to Beruwela today and transfer to the airport to catch your overnight flight home.

Day 17

You'll arrive back in the UK at the end of a wonderful Sri Lankan adventure.

Further Information

Small group tours

Group sizes on each departure on this tour are restricted to a maximum of 24 people. The usual group size is between 16 and 20. As a result you'll be able to travel in smaller vehicles, enjoy experiences and encounters (and in some cases even stay in wonderful little places) that are denied to larger groups.

Passports and visas

British citizens require machine readable passports when travelling overseas. A visa is also required for entry to Sri Lanka. Full details of how and when to apply will be sent out about eight weeks before departure. Your passport must contain one blank page and be valid for six months beyond the entry date to Sri Lanka. The current visa charge is £25 for British Citizens.

Foreign Office Travel Advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your first hotel is approximately one hour.

On your flight

All outbound flights leave in the evening and land at your destination the next day. All return flights leave in the morning and land in the UK on the same day. On-board meals will usually include dinner and breakfast on outbound flights, and lunch and a snack on the flight home. Drinks are complimentary.

Luggage allowance

You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In many developing countries access is sometimes not as easy as at home. Should you have walking difficulties, getting around monuments and attractions may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. Should you have any concerns whatsoever please do contact us prior to travel.

Travel vaccinations

Requirements and advice can vary over time, and from person to person, so please contact your GP about eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or any other preventive measures.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Changes to your hotels

Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.

Road Conditions

In developing countries road networks are continually being improved and expanded, which can mean that, from time to time, roadworks and rough road surfaces can extend journey times. Some journeys are made on winding mountain roads and passes, which may also make for slow travelling - although the scenery is usually worth it! Many roads do not have separate pavements or safety barriers, and great care should be taken when crossing or walking alongside roads.

Terms and conditions

Terms and Conditions: Save up to 15% discount applies to specific 2022-2024 holidays and tours only. All tours are marked with the discounted percentage. The ‘Dream it.’ offer applies to new bookings only for 2022 -2024 departures booked between 6 June and 31 Aug 2022 inclusive. The Offer does not apply to holidays with late availability pricing and excludes Ocean Cruise, River Cruise, Lapland, Andre Rieu, and Wimbledon. This offer cannot be combined or used in conjunction with any other discount, promotion or concession. When booking a holiday as described above, prices shown will automatically have percentage discount applied on our website. The discount applies to the tour price (excluding extras and holiday insurance) at the time of booking. The Offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time.