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Classical Sri Lanka

10 Day Guided Tour of Sri Lanka

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AARP Members Save on select departures
SAVE UP TO $378
From $3,398
WAS $3,775
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10 Days
1 Country

Sri Lanka

5 Cities

Colombo, Wilpattu National Park, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya

17 Meals

6 Dinners, 9 Breakfasts, 2 Lunchs

Active

Faster paced with mix of 1 and 2-night stays in each destination. Requires walking to participate in top sites.

Average group size average 33
Tour brand Insight Vacations

Insight Vacations

If you typically fly business with extra legroom and appreciate 4 and 5-star hotels and one-of-a-kind experiences, Insight Vacations is a great fit for you. Get all the sights and insights, up close and personal on these premium guided tours and enjoy business class seating on luxury motorcoaches designed just for Insight Vacations, with double the legroom and personal space of a regular touring coach. Engage your curiosity with hand-selected experiences, immerse yourself in local culture with superior dining and stay in style at highly rated hotels. Every tour includes at least one MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. These immersive impact experiences are not only a positive force for change in the destinations you visit, by advancing one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but also offer you the chance to take a deep dive into culture and community.

View all Insight Vacations Tours

Live and breathe the culture of Sri Lanka as you take a walking tour through the picturesque backstreets of Colombo, see the famous fortress of Sigiriya set upon its rocky outcrop and visit Rahju’s Contemporary Art Gallery in Kandy. For something truly unique, take part in a Nuwara Eliya tea experience—an all-immersive tea leaf picking and fresh tea tasting affair, at one of the world’s most beautiful tea plantations. Voyage into the depths of the jungle on a game drive in Wilpattu National Park and keep your eyes peeled for leopards and elephants. Before the journey home, be sure not to miss the exquisite fragrances of the National Spice Garden in Matale and the architectural wonders of Anuradhapura—the capital city of Sri Lanka’s first kingdom that ruled for a thousand years.

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Average group size
average 33
Tour brand
Insight Vacations
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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Sri Lanka

Welcome to Sri Lanka. A land of historic ruins, sweeping beaches and mouth-watering food, you’ve made it to paradise. On arrival, you’ll be picked up and transferred to your hotel. Unwind and rejuvenate before meeting your fellow travelers and Travel Director for dinner.

Buddha Statue, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Welcome Meet your Travel Director at 19:00
Hotel Taj Samudra View Hotel Details
Included Meals Dinner

Hotel Taj Samudra

About the Hotel

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Taj Samudra Colombo is located in the heart of the Colombo city, overlooking the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Bright and airy, elegant rooms are stylishly designed with classic wood furnishings, creating a luxurious and comfortable retreat for guests.

Hotel Amenities

  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Business Centre
  • Concierge
  • Room Service
  • Laundry
  • Gym
  • Spa
  • Pool
  • Foreign Currency Exchange
  • 24-hour Front Desk

Style

  • Contemporary
Authentic Dining Welcome Dinner Colombo, Sri Lanka
Colombo Dinner

Enjoy dinner and drinks with your fellow travelers. 

Included in Trip

Authentic Dining

Day 2

Explore Colombo

There’s no better way to get to know a city than to walk through its back streets and experience it like a local. In the morning, head on a leisurely walking tour of Colombo with Mark Forbes, a photographer and wildlife enthusiast, and discover the city's hidden treasures. Journey through a myriad of buildings that date back to 17th century and were erected mostly during Dutch and British rule. Visit Pettah Market, where locals head to pick up fresh fruit and vegetables, garments and jewelery. This market place is older than the buildings around it and is an area best explored with a local. Later, board your customised tuk-tuk and head out to explore the hustle and bustle of an afternoon in Colombo's oldest neighborhoods. Cruise the city streets as the sun descends over the Indian Ocean and the city lights spring to life around a pulse of evening activity.

Gangaramaya Seema Malaka temple, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Hotel Taj Samudra View Hotel Details
Included Meals Breakfast

Hotel Taj Samudra

About the Hotel

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Taj Samudra Colombo is located in the heart of the Colombo city, overlooking the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Bright and airy, elegant rooms are stylishly designed with classic wood furnishings, creating a luxurious and comfortable retreat for guests.

Hotel Amenities

  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Business Centre
  • Concierge
  • Room Service
  • Laundry
  • Gym
  • Spa
  • Pool
  • Foreign Currency Exchange
  • 24-hour Front Desk

Style

  • Contemporary
Top Rated Highlights Walking Tour Colombo, Sri Lanka
Colombo City Tour with Photographer Mark Forbes

Head on a leisurely walking tour of Colombo with Mark Forbes, a photographer and wildlife enthusiast, and discover the hidden treasures this city has to offer.

Included in Trip

Top Rated Highlights

Top Rated Highlights Jami Ul Alfar Mosque Colombo, Sri Lanka
Colombo City Tour

Take a panoramic city tour of Colombo including all the main sights and Pettah market.

Included in Trip

Top Rated Highlights

Top Rated Highlights Tuk Tuk Tour Colombo, Sri Lanka
Colombo Tuk-Tuk City Tour

Explore by Tuk-Tuk old Colombo town and cruise the city streets while watching the sun lower over the Indian ocean. See the city lights come alive ...

See More
Included in Trip

Top Rated Highlights

Day 3

Welcome to the Jungle

After breakfast, begin your journey to Wilpattu National Park. A unique complex of over fifty wetlands and gravel roads that trace watering holes, the perfect place to observe wildlife. On arrival, check into your luxury safari camp located on the boarder of the park, a quintessential glamping experience and a satisfying blend of comfort and nature. Enjoy relaxing in your spacious living room, with views of the lush, green jungle just steps away. In the evening, venture deep into the thick wilderness. Explore the park by jeep safari, taking the back roads in search for Sri Lanka's big four—leopards, elephants, sloth bears and deer.

National Park safari Wilpattu, Sri Lanka
Mahoora Safari Camp View Hotel Details
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Mahoora Safari Camp

About the Hotel

Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka

The luxurious Mahoora Safari Camp is located on the border of Wilpattu National Park, known for its leopards. A quintessential glamping experience and satisfying blend of comfort and nature, enjoy relaxing in your spacious living room, with views of the lush, green jungle just steps away. Mahoora Safari Camp is Sri Lanka's first carbon neutral safari camp with a philosophy to provide ethical, responsible and sustainable luxury tented holidays. They help support local communities by creating jobs and actively work to minimise their impact on the environment and the planets natural resources.

Hotel Amenities

  • Bar
  • Room Service
  • Laundry
  • 24-hour Front Desk

Style

  • Contemporary
Top Rated Highlights Wilpatu National Park Colombo, Sri Lanka
Wilpattu National Park Safari

Ascend deep into the lush, dense jungle on a jeep safari in search for Sri Lanka's big four. Keep your eyes peeled for leopards, elephants, sloth b...

See More
Included in Trip

Top Rated Highlights

Day 4

Jungle Safari

Enjoy journeying through the jungle on your morning and afternoon safaris. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles, buffalos, mongooses and turtles.

Wilpattu National Park Safari​, Sri Lanka
Mahoora Safari Camp View Hotel Details
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Mahoora Safari Camp

About the Hotel

Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka

The luxurious Mahoora Safari Camp is located on the border of Wilpattu National Park, known for its leopards. A quintessential glamping experience and satisfying blend of comfort and nature, enjoy relaxing in your spacious living room, with views of the lush, green jungle just steps away. Mahoora Safari Camp is Sri Lanka's first carbon neutral safari camp with a philosophy to provide ethical, responsible and sustainable luxury tented holidays. They help support local communities by creating jobs and actively work to minimise their impact on the environment and the planets natural resources.

Hotel Amenities

  • Bar
  • Room Service
  • Laundry
  • 24-hour Front Desk

Style

  • Contemporary
Top Rated Highlights Toque macaque monkey, Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka
Wilpattu National Park Safari

Ascend deep into the lush, dense jungle on a jeep safari. Keep your eyes peeled for leopards, elephants, sloth bears and an array of colorful birds.

Included in Trip

Top Rated Highlights

Day 5

Wilpattu to Sigiriya

In the morning head south, making your way to Sigiriya. Stop on your journey at the Anuradhapura temple complex, one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, sprawling and with a rich collection of archaeological wonders. Now a World Heritage site, you’ll have the opportunity to explore its ancient ruins with your Travel Director. Meet a practicing Buddhist and embark on a guided walking tour of the Ritigala jungle’s enveloped paths. Hear the tales and secrets of the forest dwelling monks that once inhabited the reserve. Begin your gradual ascent, making your way through seemingly endless paths and flights of carved stairs. This was once a place of meditation, congregation, teaching and general life for a monastic community who today devote their lives to simple living in the forest.

Gal Viharaya, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Hotel Aliya Resort & Spa View Hotel Details
Included Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel Aliya Resort & Spa

About the Hotel

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

An artful blend of contemporary architecture and minimalistic style with an authentic Sri Lankan touch, the Aliya Resort & Spa is set in the lush forests where elephants roam free. Rooms have been uniquely designed with the colors and motifs of Sri Lankan batik that come equipped with all modern comforts, illustrating a discreet opulence.

Hotel Amenities

  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Concierge
  • Laundry
  • Gym
  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Foreign Currency Exchange
  • 24-hour Front Desk

Style

  • Contemporary
Insight Experiences Ritigala Jungle in Kandy, Sri Lanka
Meet a Practicing Buddhist for a Walk through Ritigala Jungle

Meet a practising Buddhist and embark on a guided walking tour through Ritigala Jungle and hear tales of the forest dwelling monks, a monastic comm...

See More
Included in Trip

Insight Experiences

Insight Choice Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Anuradhapura Temple Complex Visit

Explore the temple complex, sprawling with a rich collection of archaeological wonders.

Included in Trip

Insight Choice

Insight Choice
Puranagama Village Visit

Visit the small community of Puranagama, to experience traditional village life.

Included in Trip

Insight Choice

Day 6

Exploring Sigiriya's Ancient Kingdom

Surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens and reservoirs, Sigiriya is steeped in history. Explore Sigiriya with Insight Choice. Choose to climb Sigiriya Rock.  Alternatively, visit Sigiriya Botanical Gardens. Later, visit the historic city of Polonnaruwa, the second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms. During a tuk-tuk ride, explore the ancient remains of temples and tombs. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site for yourself before heading back to your hotel.

Sigiriya Lion Rock fortress, Sri Lanka
Hotel Aliya Resort & Spa View Hotel Details
Included Meals Breakfast

Hotel Aliya Resort & Spa

About the Hotel

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

An artful blend of contemporary architecture and minimalistic style with an authentic Sri Lankan touch, the Aliya Resort & Spa is set in the lush forests where elephants roam free. Rooms have been uniquely designed with the colors and motifs of Sri Lankan batik that come equipped with all modern comforts, illustrating a discreet opulence.

Hotel Amenities

  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Concierge
  • Laundry
  • Gym
  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Foreign Currency Exchange
  • 24-hour Front Desk

Style

  • Contemporary
Insight Choice Botanical Gardens Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Sigirya Royal Botanical Gardens Visit

Visit the beautifully landscaped Sigiryia's Royal Gardens, boasting ancient water features, terraced gardens and natural boulders.

Included in Trip

Insight Choice

Insight Choice Rock Climb Sigirya, sri Lanka
Climb Sigirya Rock

Climb Sigiriya Rock and admire breath-taking views over the lakes and villages below.

Included in Trip

Insight Choice

Top Rated Highlights Sigiriya Fortress Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Sigiriya Fortress Visit

Visit this famous fortress set upon its prominent rocky outcrop.

Included in Trip

Top Rated Highlights

Top Rated Highlights Archaeological Park Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Polonnaruwa Archaeological Park Visit

Your visit to the archaeological park will reveal what life in the area was like when the city was thriving, 800-years-ago.

Included in Trip

Top Rated Highlights

Day 7

Colorful Caves and Rainforests

Today you’ll visit the colorful Dambulla Caves. Also known as the Golden Temple caves, this World Heritage Site is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Take in its mighty artwork dedicated to Gautama Buddha as you explore with your group. Later, arrive in Kandy. Surrounded by mountains, rainforest and tea plantations, this sacred city is famous for its Buddhist sites, such as the Temple of the Tooth shrine. Once here, you’ll enjoy a cultural evening of drums and a dance performance. Your accommodation for the evening is Mahaweli Reach. Located next to the mighty Mahaweli River, this traditional hotel is based in the hill capital of Sri Lanka and offers incredible culture, history and authentic dining options.

Dambulla golden temple, Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Mahaweli Reach Hotel View Hotel Details
Included Meals Breakfast

Mahaweli Reach Hotel

About the Hotel

Kandy, Sri Lanka

Nestled beside the mighty Mahaweli River, Mahaweli Reach Hotel is layered with refined luxury and old-world charm of an ancient kingdom. The property offers spacious rooms that combine traditional Sri Lankan style with luxury comforts.

Hotel Amenities

  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Concierge
  • Laundry
  • Room Service
  • Gym
  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Foreign Currency Exchange
  • 24-hour Front Desk

Style

  • Traditional
Top Rated Highlights Dambulla Raja Maha Vihara Golden Caves Kandy, Sri Lanka
See the Raja Maha Vihara Cave Temple

See Raja Maha Vihara - the most impressive of Sri Lanka's Cave Temples.

Included in Trip

Top Rated Highlights

Top Rated Highlights Kandy Dance Performance Kandy, Sri Lanka
Kandy Traditional Dance Performance

Enjoy a traditional dance performance in the evening.

Included in Trip

Top Rated Highlights

Day 8

Tea Country Hills

In the morning head to the Sacred Tooth Relic. Located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic, a tooth of Buddha, is located here. Later meet Rahju, a local artist, at his contemporary art gallery. Enjoy a private viewing of his magnificent paintings and discuss his unique perspectives on life over a cup of tea. Continue to Nuwara Eliya. A city in Sri Lanka’s tea country hills, this pretty destination is famous for Seetha Amman Temple, a Hindu shrine and Galway’s Land National Park. Stop for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience of Drum making, each drum tells a story, connecting the present with the rich history and traditions of Sri Lanka. In the evening, participate in a cooking demonstration. Learn to cook Sri Lankan and South Indian cuisine with a local chef, before indulging in the fruits of your hard work.

Tea plantation, Nuwara Ellia, Sri Lanka
Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya View Hotel Details
Included Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya

About the Hotel

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Maintaining the British Colonial architecture, Grand Hotel has graciously evolved to perfectly blend with the tranquillity and beauty of Nuwara Eliya. Understated rooms surrounded by tropical greenery offer an elegant space and ambience.

Hotel Amenities

  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Concierge
  • Laundry
  • Room Service
  • Gym
  • Pool
  • Spa

Style

  • Historic
Insight Experiences Rahju's Contempoarary Art Gallery, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Private Visit to Rahju’s Contemporary Art Gallery in Kandy

Visit Rahju’s Contemporary Art Gallery, enjoy a private viewing of his magnificent paintings and discuss his unique perspectives on life over a cup of tea.

Included in Trip

Insight Experiences

Top Rated Highlights Temple of the Tooth Kandy, Sri Lanka
Kandy Sacred Tooth Relic Temple Visit

Visit the site of the Sacred Tooth Relic Temple.

Included in Trip

Top Rated Highlights

Authentic Dining Cooking Class Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Nuwara Eliya Cooking Demonstration and Dinner
Included in Trip

Authentic Dining

Make Travel Matter Heritage Drum Craft in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Heritage Drum Craft

Drum making in Sri Lanka is a fascinating craft deeply rooted in the country's culture and traditions, this cultural heritage is passed down throug...

See More
Included in Trip

Make Travel Matter

Day 9

Exploring Nuwara Eliya

Rise early this morning for an excursion to Horton Plains for a trek to World's End, where a stunning escarpment plunges 880 meters down to the jungle floor. World’s End is situated in one of the most popular National Parks in Sri Lanka and is the only one where you are able to walk freely as there are no elephants. Stand in awe and capture incredible views of the expansive plateau, before mist and cloud obscure the scene. In the afternoon, learn everything there is to know about Ceylon tea during a visit to a tea plantation and garden. Walk through the plantation during plucking time and spend time with a tea plucker to learn about their life, before enjoying a tasting session hosted by an expert. In the evening, toast to your travels with your new friends over dinner at your hotel.

Tea Plantation Visit in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya View Hotel Details
Included Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya

About the Hotel

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Maintaining the British Colonial architecture, Grand Hotel has graciously evolved to perfectly blend with the tranquillity and beauty of Nuwara Eliya. Understated rooms surrounded by tropical greenery offer an elegant space and ambience.

Hotel Amenities

  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Concierge
  • Laundry
  • Room Service
  • Gym
  • Pool
  • Spa

Style

  • Historic
Top Rated Highlights Tea Plantation Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Tea Plantation Visit in Nuwara Eliya

Join your Local Expert to visit a tea plantation and learn how this crop is produced. You'll even have the opportunity to experience the traditiona...

See More
Included in Trip

Top Rated Highlights

Authentic Dining Celebration Dinner Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Nuwara Eliya Celebration Dinner

Your mouth-watering dinner features the best of Sri Lankan cuisine.

Included in Trip

Authentic Dining

Day 10

Goodbye Colombo

It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers, as your journey comes to an end. You’ll be driven back to Colombo airport for your onward flight, please schedule flights after 20:00. A stop will be made in Colombo for those extending their stay.

Tuk Tuk Tour Colombo, Sri Lanka
Included Meals Breakfast

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Special Departure

Special Departure

Included Highlights

Top rated highlights

Learn more about the landmarks, history and culture that makes your destination special.

Top Rated Highlights
Colombo City Tour with Photographer Mark Forbes

Head on a leisurely walking tour of Colombo with Mark Forbes, a photographer and wildlife enthusiast, and discover the hidden treasures this city has to offer.

Included in Trip
Top Rated Highlights
Colombo City Tour

Take a panoramic city tour of Colombo including all the main sights and Pettah market.

Included in Trip
Top Rated Highlights
Colombo Tuk-Tuk City Tour

Explore by Tuk-Tuk old Colombo town and cruise the city streets while watching the sun lower over the Indian ocean. See the city lights come alive ...

See More
Included in Trip
Top Rated Highlights
Wilpattu National Park Safari

Ascend deep into the lush, dense jungle on a jeep safari in search for Sri Lanka's big four. Keep your eyes peeled for leopards, elephants, sloth b...

See More
Included in Trip
Top Rated Highlights
Wilpattu National Park Safari

Ascend deep into the lush, dense jungle on a jeep safari. Keep your eyes peeled for leopards, elephants, sloth bears and an array of colorful birds.

Included in Trip
Insight Experiences
Meet a Practicing Buddhist for a Walk through Ritigala Jungle

Meet a practising Buddhist and embark on a guided walking tour through Ritigala Jungle and hear tales of the forest dwelling monks, a monastic comm...

See More
Included in Trip
Insight Choice
Anuradhapura Temple Complex Visit

Explore the temple complex, sprawling with a rich collection of archaeological wonders.

Included in Trip
Insight Choice
Puranagama Village Visit

Visit the small community of Puranagama, to experience traditional village life.

Included in Trip
Insight Choice
Sigirya Royal Botanical Gardens Visit

Visit the beautifully landscaped Sigiryia's Royal Gardens, boasting ancient water features, terraced gardens and natural boulders.

Included in Trip
Insight Choice
Climb Sigirya Rock

Climb Sigiriya Rock and admire breath-taking views over the lakes and villages below.

Included in Trip
Top Rated Highlights
Sigiriya Fortress Visit

Visit this famous fortress set upon its prominent rocky outcrop.

Included in Trip
Top Rated Highlights
Polonnaruwa Archaeological Park Visit

Your visit to the archaeological park will reveal what life in the area was like when the city was thriving, 800-years-ago.

Included in Trip
Top Rated Highlights
See the Raja Maha Vihara Cave Temple

See Raja Maha Vihara - the most impressive of Sri Lanka's Cave Temples.

Included in Trip
Top Rated Highlights
Kandy Traditional Dance Performance

Enjoy a traditional dance performance in the evening.

Included in Trip
Insight Experiences
Private Visit to Rahju’s Contemporary Art Gallery in Kandy

Visit Rahju’s Contemporary Art Gallery, enjoy a private viewing of his magnificent paintings and discuss his unique perspectives on life over a cup of tea.

Included in Trip
Top Rated Highlights
Kandy Sacred Tooth Relic Temple Visit

Visit the site of the Sacred Tooth Relic Temple.

Included in Trip
Make Travel Matter
Heritage Drum Craft

Drum making in Sri Lanka is a fascinating craft deeply rooted in the country's culture and traditions, this cultural heritage is passed down throug...

See More
Included in Trip
Top Rated Highlights
Tea Plantation Visit in Nuwara Eliya

Join your Local Expert to visit a tea plantation and learn how this crop is produced. You'll even have the opportunity to experience the traditiona...

See More
Included in Trip

Authentic Dining

6 Dinners, 9 Breakfasts, 2 Lunchs

Colombo Dinner

Enjoy dinner and drinks with your fellow travelers. 

Nuwara Eliya Cooking Demonstration and Dinner
Nuwara Eliya Celebration Dinner

Your mouth-watering dinner features the best of Sri Lankan cuisine.

Hand-Picked Hotels

Stay at highly rated hotels in desirable locations offering superb service, superior rooms with comfy beds to rest in.

Hotel Taj Samudra
Mahoora Safari Camp
Hotel Aliya Resort & Spa
Mahaweli Reach Hotel
Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya

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