Today you fly to Colombo.

Depending on your flight, you land in Colombo the evening before, in the early morning or in the morning; if you land before 5 am, an extra hotel night and the transfer are included. You drive inland to Sigiriya, and the day is free to settle in and relax. In the evening you meet for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. 2 nights near Sigiriya. (D) (Distance: approx. 180 km; driving time: approx. 4 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The small Hotel Sigiriyaaya is quietly set among rice fields near Sigiriya Rock and Pidurangala Rock. The family-run property has an outdoor pool, a garden, a restaurant serving Asian and international cuisine and free Wi-Fi; the modern rooms have air conditioning, TV and minibar.

On an easy hike you cross forests, farmland and small villages and walk along lakes (easy, approx. 7 km, approx. 2.5 hrs, +/- 50 m elevation). Like all hikes on this tour, it is accompanied by a trekking guide from the local community as well as your tour guide. Along the way you learn a lot about growing and processing food and spices; to finish there is a picnic with a view of Sigiriya Rock. In the afternoon you explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa (UNESCO World Heritage), once a royal capital and long overgrown by jungle. You stroll through the former palace complex with temples and shrines; a highlight is the four large Buddha statues of Gal Vihara carved from a granite rock. (B/P) (Distance: approx. 125 km; driving time: approx. 3 hrs)

Early in the morning – the rock opens at 6 am – you climb many steps up Sigiriya Rock (UNESCO World Heritage) in the calmest possible atmosphere, admire the frescoes of the “Cloud Maidens” and enjoy the panoramic view in the morning light. After a break at the hotel you drive to the east coast and Trincomalee, the largest town on the east coast, beautifully set by the sea, and check into your beach resort. 2 nights near Trincomalee. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 170 km; driving time: approx. 4 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast Anantamaa Resort in Trincomalee is set in tropical gardens with a large pool; the hotel’s beach is a few minutes away. The functional rooms have a terrace or balcony. The breakfast buffet offers Sri Lankan, Indian and Western dishes; further restaurants are within walking distance.

The morning is yours: swim in the turquoise sea or take a snorkelling trip to Pigeon Island (optional). In the late afternoon you visit Fort Frederick, built by the Portuguese around 1624. Behind the gate lies the Hindu temple of Thiru Koneswaram, one of the most important Hindu temples in Sri Lanka, with wide views over the Bay of Bengal. (B/D)

Heading back inland, you visit the Dambulla cave temples (UNESCO World Heritage), around 2,000 years old, in a large rock above the town: countless sitting, standing and reclining Buddha statues await. The climb is sweaty, but at the top there is a wonderful view. At an authentic market you mingle with the locals and, at your guide’s invitation, taste local treats and seasonal fruit. Then you drive on to Digana. 2 nights in Digana. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 200 km; driving time: approx. 5–6 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast Oruthota Chalets are located about 18 km from Kandy overlooking the Victoria Reservoir, surrounded by lush gardens with many quiet spots. Meals from the restaurant can be enjoyed on the panoramic terrace, by the pool or in a garden hut.

Early in the morning you set off for the Knuckles Range. A villager and nature guide accompanies you on a hike past steep rice terraces, remote villages and through dense vegetation (moderate, approx. 9 km, approx. 4–5 hrs, +/- 200 m elevation) in a region still largely untouched by tourism. A family prepares a fresh rice and curry lunch pack for you, which you enjoy at midday as a picnic by a waterfall – if you dare, jump into the cool water. After returning in the afternoon you have free time; your guide will gladly give you tips, for example for fishing or a yoga class. (B/P/D) (Driving time: approx. 2.5 hrs)

After a short drive you reach Kandy and visit the famous Temple of the Tooth (UNESCO World Heritage), where according to tradition a tooth of the Buddha is kept as a relic. Then you explore the town on a walk across the market and along Kandy Lake. In the afternoon you have free time – for Peradeniya Botanical Garden, buying spices, an Ayurvedic pharmacy or a performance of traditional Kandyan dances with music. 1 night in Kandy. (B) (Distance: approx. 25 km; driving time: approx. 1 hr)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast Hotel Topaz is located on Anniewatte Hill in Kandy with views of the pool, the mountains and parts of the city. It has a pool with sun deck, a spa, a gym, tennis courts, a garden and a restaurant with changing themed buffets. The air-conditioned rooms have large windows, TV, safe, minibar, tea and coffee facilities and bathroom with hairdryer.

In Ramboda, about 50 km from Kandy, you hike downhill through tea plantations, gardens and spice gardens to a rice field (easy, approx. 3.5 km, approx. 1.5 hrs, +/- 180 m elevation). Then you visit a working tea factory, learn about the production steps and taste three to four varieties. After a short stop in colonial Nuwara Eliya you drive through spectacular highland scenery with mountain passes, streams and tea plantations, reaching Bandarawela in the evening. 2 nights in Bandarawela. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 125 km; driving time: approx. 5 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast Bandarawela Hotel is located in the centre of town, surrounded by green hills and fresh mountain air. Its restaurants serve local and international dishes with views of the mountains.

After an early start you drive to Badulla station and take the train through the highlands to Demodara. From Demodara you hike a stage of the roughly 300 km Pekoe Trail long-distance path to Ella (easy, approx. 9.5 km, approx. 4 hrs) – through Ella Forest Reserve, small villages and past the famous Nine Arches Bridge, which you also see from several viewpoints. In Ella you have free time before returning to Bandarawela; if you want to stay longer, take a tuk-tuk back on your own later. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 45 km; driving time: approx. 2 hrs; train: approx. 1 hr)

You drive south and check into your safari camp near Udawalawe National Park. In the late afternoon, the best time for wildlife watching, you set off on a jeep safari through Udawalawe National Park (approx. 2.5–3 hrs). Its open plains and grasslands make it an excellent place to see elephants – with luck in large herds; water buffalo, crocodiles, monkeys and many bird species also live here. As the park is relatively small, you will also meet other jeeps (wildlife sightings depend on nature). In the evening a BBQ dinner awaits at the camp. 1 night near Udawalawe. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 105 km; driving time: approx. 2.5 hrs)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast Elephant Trails camp is located near Udawalawe National Park with a garden and pool. It has a restaurant, a bar and Wi-Fi in public areas; the air-conditioned rooms have TV, desk, seating area and bathroom with shower and hairdryer.

On the south coast you visit Galle with its very well-preserved old town within the walls of Galle Fort (UNESCO World Heritage) and experience the mix of colonial past and Asian present. Then you drive to Bentota and check into your beach hotel. You end the evening with dinner together at a local restaurant in an idyllic riverside setting. 2 nights in Bentota. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 335 km; driving time: approx. 5.5 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast Thaala Bentota Resort & Spa is located on one of Sri Lanka’s most popular beaches and is designed in the style of an 18th-century Dutch village, with beautiful gardens and sea views. It has a large pool, a gym and a spa.

Today is all about relaxation – with a book on the beach or by the resort’s large pool, or on a long walk along the beach. (B)

In due course you are taken to Colombo airport. For departures after 11 pm a late check-out is included; for earlier flights the usual check-out times apply. (B) (Distance: approx. 110 km; driving time: approx. 2 hrs)

In the morning you land back home.