Ancient Kingdoms Grand Tour

VIP airport welcome and transfer to your Colombo hotel. Evening walk along the Galle Face promenade and dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Drive north into the ancient heartland. Anuradhapura was one of the ancient world's greatest cities — a living pilgrimage site continuously inhabited for over 2,500 years.

Full day exploring the ancient capital — moonstone gateways, colossal dagobas, and the ruins of palaces that once housed thousands. Witness monks in prayer at the sacred Bo tree at dawn.

Drive to the remarkably preserved medieval capital of Lanka. Polonnaruwa's stone sculptures are among the finest in Asia — the Gal Vihara colossal Buddha carvings will stop you in your tracks.

The 5th-century rock palace-fortress of Sigiriya — UNESCO and one of the 8 Wonders of Asia. Climb through the lion gateway, past the celebrated Sigiriya Damsels frescoes, to the palace ruins on the summit.

Morning at the golden-roofed Dambulla Cave Temple — 157 Buddha statues and 2,000-year-old frescoes covering every surface. Drive to Kandy via a spice garden.

Deep dive into Sri Lanka's living cultural capital — the Temple of the Tooth at both morning and evening puja, the craft village, and a magnificent Kandyan dance performance.

Board the famous hill-country train from Kandy — the most beautiful rail journey in Asia. Wind through waterfalls, tea estates, and mist-shrouded peaks to 'Little England'.

Pre-dawn drive to Horton Plains. Walk the cloud-forest plateau trail to World's End — an 880-metre vertical cliff over the jungle — and Baker's Falls. Afternoon tea factory visit.

Scenic train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella — through some of the most spectacular highland scenery on earth. Ella's famous Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam's Peak, and the laid-back town.

Drive through the southern highlands and lowland spice gardens to Galle. An evening in the fort — easily the finest example of European colonial architecture in Asia, still a living city.

Early morning whale watching at Mirissa — blue whales are regularly seen here from November to April. Coastal expressway back to Colombo for your international departure.