14 Day Exquisite Sri Lanka - A Platinum Small Group Tour
This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.
This tour is conducted at a medium-fast pace. Some long travel days may be required to complete this itinerary and you will typically spend two nights at each destination, with some one night stays required. This trip includes a mix of sightseeing and free time to explore at your own pace. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage.
These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for exact group size. Enjoy features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights, and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.
Platinum Vacations - Luxury at its finest
❖ Exclusivity - Ultra-Small group touring. No more than 12 people
❖ Adults Only - Travel with like-minded adults on all Platinum Vacations tours
❖ Airfares - Add international airfares to any Platinum Vacations tour for peace of mind
❖ Comfort - The best in-destination accommodation including feature Inspiring Stays at a converted historic tea factory in Nuwara Eliya and architecturally designed cabins with private plunge pools bordering Yala National Park
❖ Culinary - Fine-dining daily with all breakfasts, 4 lunches and 6 dinners including a special welcome dinner in the the former offices of world-renowned Sri Lankan architect, the late Geoffrey Bawa
❖ Experiences - Fully inclusive and immersive sightseeing and our thoughtfully curated Inspiring Sights
❖ Experts - Join the highly qualified local expedition team and enjoy game drives at Yala National Park
❖ Essentials - Travel in luxury small coaches, enjoy porterage at all hotels, included gratuities for your guide and driver, plus laundry service
As one of our Platinum Vacations tours,14 Day Luxury Sri Lanka, sets the benchmark in ultimate comfort and style while travelling: intimate, ultra-small group touring, curated sightseeing, plush accommodation and exclusive culinary experiences, all backed by our industry-leading, 24/7 customer support.
Welcome to Sri Lanka and the vibrant capital city of Colombo!
On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), you will be met by your private transfer and driven to your accommodation in Colombo, the historic Galle Face Hotel, where you’ll be staying for the next two nights. Built in 1864, this iconic colonial-style hotel has hosted royalty and celebrities, and has an interesting history. Retaining the grandeur and opulence of yesteryear this hotel also boasts the modern luxury amenities of a true 5-star hotel.
After check in, spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before meeting your fellow guests and guide for a tour briefing followed by a morning tour of the country’s capital. Colombo, whose long history as a port on the ancient east-west trade route, was ruled by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British. This heritage is reflected in its architecture, mixing colonial buildings with high-rises and shopping malls. Enjoy a walking tour of the city to truly experience its people and its soul. We’ll stop at Pettah Market, Colombo’s most famous bazaar district. You can shop for everything here, from handbags and clothes, to household goods, books and electronics. Enjoy an Inspiring Taste with a food tasting where you can experience all the smells and tastes that make up the incredible Sri Lankan cuisine.
Return to the hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure. Take a leisurely walk along the Galle Face, visit some of the nearby boutiques and shopping malls, or just sit on the famous Galle Face Hotel verandah and enjoy a drink overlooking the sea.
This evening, enjoy your first meal together as a group at our special welcome dinner at Paradise Road Gallery Café - the former offices of world-renowned Sri Lankan architect, the late Geoffrey Bawa. Enjoy a welcome drink before we sit down to a traditional Sri Lankan dinner - accompanied with another glass of wine or local beer of course!
This morning after breakfast, drive north to the Cultural Triangle. Enroute, we stop at the UNESCO Heritage Listed Site, Dambulla Cave Temple. Built in the first century BC, it has been a sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries. With its five sanctuaries, 2000 m2 of walls and ceilings, and more than 150 painted Buddha images, it is the largest and best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka.
After your visit, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, Heritance Kandalama, your home for the next three nights. This luxury 5-star retreat is built into the hillside surrounded by greenery offering a sense of peace and tranquility. Boasting spectacular architecture, this unique design hotel offers three impressive pools, sports center, bird watching, and an impressive day spa offering traditional Ayurvedic treatments.
This afternoon is spent at leisure, before enjoying dinner at the hotel this evening.
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel before traveling approximately an hour to visit the UNESCO site of Anuradhapura.
Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka and is known for its well-preserved ruins. Visit the sacred Bo Tree, a spiritual reminder of the beginnings of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and the inspiration for Anuradhapura’s great buildings. The ruins themselves are spread over quite a large area, some in woodland settings and others appearing park-like with columns and ponds dotted about.
After our visit, we’ll travel back to our hotel where the afternoon is at leisure before enjoying another dinner at the hotel this evening.
After breakfast, proceed to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and climb the monolith, one of the most extraordinary artistic complexes of its time (477 – 498 AD). Declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1982, this magnificent citadel allures artistic and architectural curiosity from around the globe.
Return to the hotel late this morning with time to relax before we head out this afternoon to visit the second ancient capital of Sri Lanka. Polonnaruwa was declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1982. On arrival, we enjoy lunch overlooking the lake in a stunning colonial villa and then proceed on a tour of this ancient site. After the demise of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa became the middle historic capital of Sri Lanka (1017 – 1235 AD). In comparison to Anuradhapura, here your private chauffeur guide will show you well preserved remains of temples and ancient homes and describe the meaning behind the relief and carvings that can still be seen today.
Following our tour, we’ll travel back to Dambulla in time for dinner at the hotel and an evening at leisure.
After breakfast we continue our journey through this beautiful country to Kandy. Originally known as Senkadagala, Kandy, the Hill Capital (1514 – 1815 AD) eventually came to be known as Kandy and was declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1988.
En route to Kandy we’ll stop and visit a spice garden at Matale. Here you will be led by a local botanist and learn the secrets behind the spices and their importance to Sri Lankan cooking and medicine.
On arrival in Kandy, check into your 5-star hotel ideally positioned overlooking the Mahaweli River – the longest in the country. Enjoy some free time at the hotel before our afternoon tour of the beautiful Temple of the Tooth Relic. Located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, this venerated temple is a deeply spiritual and sacred Buddhist site which abodes the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha.
After your tour, return to the hotel and freshen up for this evening’s dinner.
Enjoy a leisurely morning before you enjoy an Inspiring Taste as you join a local in their home to learn the art of traditional Sri Lankan cooking. Get an understanding of the locally grown spices and their importance to Sri Lankan dishes, then learn to make five different curries using traditional methods cooked over an open fire in clay pots. Afterwards, enjoy the benefits of your tuition as you enjoy lunch together.
Return to the hotel where the rest of the day is at your leisure before enjoying dinner at the hotel.
Following breakfast, begin your drive to the British hill station of Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka’s lush highlands.
On arrival, check into our Inspiring Stay, The Heritance Tea Factory. Nestled amidst Sri Lanka’s lush highlands, and once a bustling tea factory from the 19th Century, this iconic landmark is now a luxury 5-star hotel located at 2000m above sea level surrounded by stunning tea plantations.
After check in, relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the hotel before enjoying dinner this evening at the hotel.
Enjoy a tranquil breakfast in the peaceful surroundings before embarking on a tea experience. Visit a tea plantation and factory where you will learn the process taking you from the moment young tea leaves are plucked to being processed in the factory to make a steaming cup of tea. If you are interested, the tea factory is the best place to purchase high quality tea.
This afternoon, enjoy an indulgent afternoon high tea in the grounds of the hotel. Delight on freshly made pastries and savory delights as you enjoy a selection of paired teas, as well as a glass of sparkling wine.
The rest of the day is at leisure before enjoying dinner this evening.
After breakfast and check out, you’ll set off on our rail adventure!
The train journey from Nuwara Eliya to Ella is truly a great local experience. Apart from the breathtaking scenery of the tea country and picturesque waterfalls, it is a chance for you to mingle with the local people. There will be stops at Nine Arch Bridge, also known as ‘Bridge in the Sky’ and is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction, and Ella Gap, a scenic spot between the mountains of Ella.
Continue to travel through incredible landscapes before arriving at Yala and checking into your Inspiring Stay, the ultra luxurious Uga Chena Huts. Your architecturally designed room is surrounded by lush greenery and boasts luxurious amenities including spacious decks with private plunge pools.
Your stay at Uga Chena Huts includes a selection of wine, beer and spirits from the bar as well as a daily replenished mini bar in your room so be sure to take time to relax on your private deck or in the lounge before dinner with your favourite drink in hand while overlooking the bush.
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon before meeting together for dinner.
Note: Laundry service is included during your stay. It is recommended to submit any items you wish to have laundered on the day of arrival to ensure return of garments prior to departure.
Today is sure to be a real highlight of your time in Sri Lanka: two game drives at Yala National Park.
Early in the morning, we leave before sunrise as the National Park opens its gates for a morning game drive through the park. Being one of the largest parks in Sri Lanka, it is the ideal place to possibly sight elephants, sloth bears and the elusive leopard.
Following your morning game drive, return back to the hotel where you can retreat back to your room or perhaps book in a treatment at the award winning day spa. Lunch will be taken at the hotel before heading out again in the afternoon for your second game drive. On return to the lodge, enjoy a traditional "Sundowners” where we enjoy a drink of your choice accompanied by local snacks before sitting down to a sumptuous dinner.
Enjoy a well earned sleep-in today after yesterday's early safari and enjoy a leisurely morning at the resort. After lunch, bid farewell to Yala and our amazing time here, and drive to Galle, a historic Dutch Fort.
Upon arrival,check into your luxury 5-star seaside resort. Designed by the legendary Geoffery Bawa, the Jetwing Lighthouse is one of the most iconic Galle hotels located on the historic city’s immediate outskirts upon a hillock overlooking the vast Indian Ocean beyond our heritage city
The rest of today is at leisure to relax and enjoy your coastal retreat.
The morning is free for you to continue your exploration of Galle or enjoy the hotel amenities.
In the late afternoon, embark on a guided tour of the Galle Fort with a historian. This is a city that exudes an essence with a perfect blend of past and present. Declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1988, the presence of Portuguese, Dutch and British is evident in the fascinating architectural styles of the fort.
Following our tour of Galle, stop for a farewell dinner at The Merchant at Galle Fort. Enjoy a welcome drink to toast to new found friends before we enjoy signature specialities freshly prepared with locally-sourced ingredients in a beautiful setting, reminiscing on our Sri Lankan adventure - again with another glass of wine of local beer in hand.
Today, your Sri Lankan tour concludes as you are transferred to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in time for your departure flight.
As many flights depart CMB Aiport late evening, a late check out of until 8pm has been pre booked for you at your Galle accommodation.
We hope that you enjoyed your tour and we look forward to helping you plan and book your next inspiring adventure!
Comfort - Staying at a Platinum Vacations hotel is an experience in itself. Our experts select the best in-destination hotels, lodges and villas in the perfect location. To ensure your holiday is truly memorable, we include our favourite Inspiring Stays. Each Inspiring Stay provides an authentic, experiential, and cultural experience unique to the destination.
Culinary - Culinary exploration is a highlight of any destination. Our Platinum Vacations provide the perfect balance between self-adventure and curated culinary inclusions. Our experts have sourced a range of special experiences, from private dining to chef table dinners to allow your taste buds to embark on a sojourn through the destination.
Experiences - Platinum Vacations ensure you'll experience a full immersion of the destination. Experience the must-haves expected on a well-rounded itinerary, plus the extras that make it really special: incredible, all-inclusive sightseeing, enriching activities and one-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Platinum Vacations provide the discerning traveller with the benefits you would expect to provide a fully immersive travel experience like no other.
Inspiring Stays
Handpicked feature accommodation selections.
Colombo - Galle Face Hotel. Built in 1864, this iconic colonial-style hotel has hosted royalty and celebrities and has an interesting history. Retaining the grandeur and opulence of yesteryear this hotel also boasts the modern luxury amenities of a true 5-star hotel. Enjoy upgraded Heritage Sea View rooms during your two-night stay.
Dambulla - Heritance Kandalama. This luxury 5-star retreat is built into the hillside surrounded by greenery offering a sense of peace and tranquillity. Boasting spectacular architecture, this unique design hotel offers three impressive pools, sports centre, bird watching, and an impressive day spa offering traditional Ayurvedic treatments.
Nuwara Eliya - Heritance Tea Factory. Nestled amidst Sri Lanka’s lush highlands, and once a bustling tea factory from the 19th Century, this iconic landmark is now a luxury 5-star hotel located at 2000m above sea level surrounded by stunning tea plantations. Experience a blend of colonial elegance and modernity, indulge in gourmet dining, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Ceylon tea culture. A perfect fusion of history and contemporary comfort awaits at this award-winning eco-friendly retreat.
Yala National Park - Uga Chena Huts. Offering a unique location bordering the Yala National Park and the Indian Ocean, Uga Chena Huts is only a five-minute drive from the park gates allowing easy access to the wildlife. Your architecturally designed room is surrounded by lush greenery and boasts luxurious amenities including spacious decks with built-in private 5m plunge pools.
Galle - Jetwing Lighthouse. Designed by the legendary Geoffery Bawa, the Jetwing Lighthouse is one of the most iconic Galle hotels located on the historic city’s immediate outskirts upon a hillock overlooking the vast Indian Ocean beyond our heritage city. Enjoy sweeping views of the ocean from your luxuriously appointed rooms.
Inspiring Tastes
Exclusive or unique culinary experiences designed to inspire your senses.
Inspiring Sights
Enjoy an included selection of experiences designed to give you a richer travel experience.
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a ‘3’
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
Tipping inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry. Your tour includes tips for your drivers, local guides and porterage.
You may consider tipping your tour leader(s) for outstanding service throughout your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $4,807.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Group Size
Minimum: 2
Maximum: 12
Adults Only
Travel with like-minded adults on all Platinum Vacations tours
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation - Colombo
Post Tour Accommodation - Galle
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Click HERE for more information on weather in Sri Lanka.
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