18 Day Ultimate Sri Lanka & The Historical North Premium Small Group Tour
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
✓ 17 nights accommodation in 4 and 5-star hotels, including 2 nights at the Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya with high tea
✓ Group airport transfers included on the first and last day of tour
✓ 17 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 17 dinners
✓ Ride the iconic train from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy
✓ Dedicated private transportation throughout
✓ Fully escorted by an English-speaking leader throughout
✓ Incredible sightseeing including entry fees as per itinerary
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
🛏️ Shared room available for solo passengers. This tour offers solo passengers the option to share a room with a fellow passenger of the same gender and avoid the Single Traveller supplement.
Expect a vibrant journey, from historic Galle Fort and the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, to riding the Nuwara Eliya to Kandy train and wildlife spotting in Yala and Minneriya national parks. Discover the hidden gems of historic Trincomalee and the northern city of Jaffna and Temple of Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil.
Welcome to Sri Lanka!
On arrival into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), you will be met by our local representative and your group will be transferred to your hotel.
Check in and relax, ready to start touring in the morning.
In the morning after breakfast, we'll head south towards Galle, with a brief Colombo sightseeing tour on the way. Colombo offers a blend of modern western and Sri Lankan elements, we'll drive past some of the commercial capital's sites including Old Parliament, President’s House, Galle Face Green, ViharamahaDevi Park, and Independence Square.
There will be time for you to disembark the coach and visit the uniquely stunning Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (entry not included).
We will also visit the Colombo National Museum. This charming museum takes visitors on a fascinating journey through Sri Lankan history. Housed in a stunning neo-Baroque building, which was specifically constructed by William Henry Gregory, Governor of Ceylon, in 1877, the museum boasts a gleaming white façade. As you make your way through the various rooms, you'll encounter exhibits dedicated to each of Sri Lanka's historical kingdoms. Informational display boards provide intriguing insights, such as the meaning behind the mudras (gestures and poses) depicted in Sri Lanka's Buddha statues.
Then, in Balapitiya, we take a boat trip on the Madu River to visit 64 scattered islands, including Cinnamon Island, where we learn about cinnamon production. Sri Lanka is the world's largest producer of pure cinnamon.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
Today after breakfast, set out on a tour of the Galle Fort and its Fortifications. 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 English is very evident in the fascinating architectural styles of the Galle Fort.
Return to the hotel for the rest of the day at leisure, where lunch and dinner will be at the hotel.
Inspiring Highlights
In the morning after breakfast, we leave for Yala National Park.
On arrival, spend your afternoon on a guided game drive exploring the dynamic wildlife and the most luxuriant plant life in Yala National Park. Being one of the largest parks in Sri Lanka, it is the ideal place to sight the rare leopard!
Enjoy dinner at the hotel in the evening.
Special Information
Yala National Park closes for a period between the months of September and October. The exact closure dates are made clear closer to the time. The closure is due to the prevailing dry weather prior to this time and taking into consideration the well-being of the wildlife in the reserve. For departure dates that fall over this period, as defined in the departure dates listed below, Yala National Park will be replaced with a visit to Udawalawe National Park, while still being able to visit Block 4 or 5 of Yala National Park.
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
This morning will be an early start, where you’ll enjoy another safari in the Yala National Park by jeep to spot the diverse wildlife which calls the park home.
After, we leave Yala and make a stop in Ella to witness the beautiful sceneries from Ella Gap and the picturesque waterfalls. We continue the journey to Nuwara Eliya. Often referred to as ‘Little England’, this genteel highland community does have a rose-tinted, vaguely British-country-village feel to it, with its colonial-era bungalows.
On arrival, check in to your Inspiring Stay for the next two nights, the incredible Grand Hotel. It may be the 21st century, but colonial splendour still reigns in all its past glory at the Grand Hotel. Built in 1891, this was the palatial residence of the former Governor of Sri Lanka, Sir Edward Barnes; today we offer the ultimate in comfort to all who seek the charms of this famed hill country landmark. The incredible Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya, an enduring icon in this tranquil town perched on a mountain ridge overlooking lush green countryside in tea country. Oozing colonial charm, the hotel began life in the early 19th century as the stately holiday home of the fifth Governor of Ceylon. It’s since evolved over the centuries to retain a romantic, old-world ambience alongside modern comforts. In an enviable location, there are elegant, well-appointed rooms, magnificent gardens and an array of hotel amenities and activities including music therapy, yoga and more. The Grand Hotel is also renowned for its traditional afternoon tea, a quintessential British tradition which you’ll experience on this tour.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
A smart casual dress code applies for dinner at all restaurants and bars. Guests in short trousers and sleeveless shirts and rubber slippers will not be permitted to enter the restaurants.
Today you will have a leisurely morning.
In the afternoon you will visit a tea plantation and factory. Here you will enjoy an absolute tea experience, 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 Inspiring Taste at probably the most talked of outlet in Nuwara Eliya, the Grand Tea Lounge. Here we enjoy an iconic High Tea at the Grand Hotel.
Dinner this evening will be enjoyed at your hotel.
Inspiring Highlights
At approximately 5:30am, leave for Horton Plains National Park. This park holds great importance due to the rich and unique biodiversity and being a catchment area feeding some of the main rivers of Sri Lanka. It is also known to be a 'super biodiversity hotspot' and thus declared a UNESCO site in 2010. The national park is most famous for the vista - World's End.
You will be accompanied by a private escort the entire duration of the hike - from the Horton Plains Park Park Office, to World's End (via Mini World's End) and back. Wear strong and comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunglasses. Bring sunscreen, food and water. The weather can change very quickly on the plains – one minute it can be sunny and clear, the next chilly and misty. Bring a few extra layers of warm clothing.
Start time: 5:30am departure from hotel
End time: 12:30pm return to hotel
Distance: 7.5km round trip - 150m elevation gain
Inclusions: return transfers, entrance into Horton Plains National Park, packed breakfast, private escort
There are no safety rails available so we recommend this activity for those who are physically fit and go on long walks often. We do not recommend this if you have a difficult time walking along uneven, potentially wet, and rocky terrain.
This morning after an early breakfast, depart for Kandy on a famous train journey, said to be one of the most scenic and beautiful in the world. Apart from the breathtaking sceneries of the tea country and picturesque waterfalls, it is a chance for you to mingle with local people.
Discover the rich history of Kandy, once known as Senkadagala, during its time as the Hill Capital from 1514-1815 AD. Named a UNESCO heritage site in 1988, Kandy boasts a beautiful lake, historic temples like the Temple of the Tooth Relic, and well-preserved ruins of the royal palaces.
Enjoy some free time upon arrival in Kandy during the afternoon, before a dinner at a local restaurant with the rest of your group.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
After breakfast, explore the beautiful city of Kandy with an included Tuk Tuk and Bazaar tour, followed by a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Relax in the afternoon with a stroll around the picturesque Kandy Lake.
In the evening, enjoy a spectacular Sri Lankan Cultural Performance, followed by a visit to the revered Temple of Tooth, home to a sacred relic of the Buddha and its guardian elephants.
This evening have dinner with your group, and enjoy some relaxation time.
Inspiring Highlights
Today after a early breakfast, depart for Sigiriya.
Enroute, enjoy a private jeep safari at Minneriya National Park. Located in the districts of Matale and Polonnaruwa and bordered by the 'Mahaweli' and 'Amban' rivers, this park stretches an impressive 36,948 hectares. It was declared a National park in 1984, making it the only one in the Central Province. It's a paradise for nature lovers and one of the best places to observe elephants.
Continue to Sigiriya for check-in around lunch time.
This evening enjoy an Inspiring Taste with some sundowner pre-dinner Arrack (a local cocktail) or something else to suit your tastes with some canapes, followed by dinner at your hotel.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Since elephants are migratory animals, we may visit Wasgamuwa National Park on this day instead, based on the elephant locations.
This morning will be an early start, where we'll climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress (also known as Lion's Rock) - an extraordinary artistic complex dating back to 477-498 AD. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has become a global attraction due to its unique architecture.
For lunch, participate in an Inspiring Taste cooking demonstration where you'll learn to prepare Sri Lankan rice and curry (5-6 curries). Savour your meal while overlooking the beautiful gardens.
In the afternoon, we'll take a sightseeing tour of Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital city of Sri Lanka (1017-1235 AD). Polonnaruwa was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 after the fall of Anuradhapura.
In the evening enjoy a cocktail and dinner at your hotel.
Inspiring Highlights
Enjoy a scenic and leisurely bicycle ride to Parakrama Samudra Reservoir before continuing to Polonnaruwa for a sightseeing bike tour. Pedal along ancient ruins and see Polonnaruwa from a different perspective.
The route is very flat and suitable for all levels of bicycle experience.
Meeting Point: Hotel
Start Time: 1.00pm
End Time: 5.00pm
Spend the morning at your leisure, then in the afternoon, explore the impressive Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. This UNESCO heritage site dates back to the 3rd Century BC and boasts 157 statues and extraordinary paintings covering a vast 2100m2 area, making it the most impressive cave complex in Sri Lanka. It's truly a masterpiece worth experiencing.
Enjoy dinner at your hotel tonight.
Inspiring Highlights
Leave on foot or by bicycle and travel through Audangawa village. Visit the local temple and evoke blessings from the priest. Visit a villager’s house and enjoy a warm herbal drink or a king coconut. Wander through the village passing paddy fields and Chena cultivations.
Meeting Point: Hotel
This morning after breakfast we will begin our drive to Trincomalee, a port city on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka.
On the way, we will visit Fort Frederick & Koneswaram Temple. Fort Frederick was built by Portuguese settlers in 1623. It was captured by the Dutch in 1639 and later on by British troops in 1795. Koneswaram Temple is located inside the fort and on top of Swam rock and it is a highly venerated Hindu temple dedicated to God Shiva.
Upon arrival we will check-in and enjoy an evening at leisure to start exploring Trincomalee - one of Sri Lanka's coastal gems.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
On your departure from Sigiriya you will say goodbye to your tour leader, and some of your group who will not be continuing onwards to the North with you. You will be met by a new tour leader, or depending on group size, you may change from your tour leader to a local guide. Local guides are frequently native to the area, offering a deeper understanding of the local history, art, or way of life.
This morning is free for you to sleep in or enjoy your resort's coastal setting & its facilities.
Later in the afternoon, follow your local guide on a city tour of Trincomalee.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
In the morning, as an alternative you may want to take an optional boat tour to Pigeon Island (it can be booked on tour). The boat ride to Pigeon Island is approximately 15 minutes. Renowned for its peaceful beach and idyllic snorkelling. Marine wildlife found within Pigeon Island Marine National Park include; Black Tip Reef Sharks, Green Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Sea Turtle or Olive Ridley Sea Turtle, tropical fish, squids, octopus, cuttlefish, moray eels or lobsters hiding between rocks (Note: From December to March this optional tour might not be available because of rough seas. During this period there are many days the boats do not operate due to rough seas and weather conditions).
Today we continue driving north to the Tamil city of Jaffna. This northern, coastal city was inaccessible for years due to the civil war.
You will have the rest of the afternoon and evening to relax.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Today we begin our half-day Jaffna city tour with our guide. We’ll experience daily life as we explore this emerging city.
We’ll tour the beautiful Jaffna Public Library which was lovingly restored after being destroyed during the civil war. We will also see the Hindu Temple of Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, one of the most important temples in Jaffna.
Finish off today's sightseeing like a local enjoying a scoop of ice cream at Jaffna Rio Ice Cream.
After your city tour, you will have the afternoon and evening at your leisure to relax or explore further.
Inspiring Highlights
Today after breakfast, we will be departing Jaffna and transferring to the city of Anuradhapura.
Upon arrival we'll check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
After breakfast, enjoy a guided city tour of Anuradhapura.
Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka and is known for its well-preserved ruins. The highlight of today will be a visit to the magnificent Anuradhapura ruins. Among the ruins you’ll see the sacred old 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.
Later on, continue to Mihintale, a mountain peak near Anuradhapura. Locals believe this site of a meeting point between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa, who instigated Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
Spend the evening at your leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
After breakfast, we drive 170 km south to our final destination: Negombo.
We arrive early in the afternoon, check in to your hotel to make the most of your final hours in Sri Lanka by strolling along the beach or sitting by the pool. You will have access to your room until 8pm this evening.
At the relevant time, you will be transferred to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), in time for your departure flight.
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