You fly overnight to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka.

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 Ehalagala Lake Resort is idyllically located near Sigiriya; you stay in detached bungalows or spacious, modern rooms. The restaurant offers Western and local cuisine, and by the outdoor pool you enjoy the tranquillity and, in the evening, the view of Sigiriya Rock.

The morning is yours: relax by the pool or go on a jeep safari to one of the nearby national parks (optional, approx. USD 60 p.p. for 4 participants, bookable locally). Depending on where the chances of seeing elephants are best at the time, you head to Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park or Hurulu Eco Park (wildlife sightings depend on nature). Around midday you visit a family at home, watch various curries being prepared and then taste them for lunch. In the afternoon you explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa (UNESCO World Heritage), once a royal capital and long overgrown by jungle. Magnificent monuments such as the royal palace as well as superb Buddha statues and stupas await you in beautiful scenery. (B/L) (Distance: approx. 110 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 head towards Kandy, visiting the Dambulla cave temples (UNESCO World Heritage) on the way: the climb is a little sweaty, but at the top colourful murals and numerous Buddha statues await. Your guide introduces you to Buddhist teachings. In the afternoon you reach Kandy. 2 nights in Kandy. (B) (Distance: approx. 90 km; driving time: approx. 2.5 hrs)

2 nights · 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.

The former royal city of Kandy combines nature, history and culture with colonial flair. In the morning you visit the famous Temple of the Tooth (UNESCO World Heritage), where a tooth of the Buddha is said to be kept as a sacred relic. On a discovery tour your guide shows you more sights – through the lanes, across the market and along Kandy Lake. In the afternoon you can go shopping on your own or visit Peradeniya Botanical Garden, one of Asia’s best known, with your guide (optional, bookable locally). (B)

Today you drive by coach up into the green highlands. At several photo stops you enjoy views over lush tea plantations and visit Ramboda Falls. In Nuwara Eliya, the colonial town amid tea plantations, a visit to a tea factory is a must: on a guided tour you see how tea leaves are rolled, sorted, dried and packed, and then taste three to four varieties. If you like, buy some tea to take home. The rest of the day is yours. At your colonial-style hotel a typically British high tea with tea, cake and snacks awaits. 1 night in Nuwara Eliya. (B/S)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast Mirage Kings Cottage is a charming boutique hotel in a colonial building over 100 years old, right on the shore of Lake Gregory in Nuwara Eliya, surrounded by greenery and cypress trees. The restaurant serves local and international dishes.

Around 7:30 am you leave the highlands for Udawalawe. The first stop is an authentic market in a small town: you mingle with the locals, and your guide invites you to taste local treats and seasonal fruit – from pineapple and mango to mangosteen or rambutan. 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). Then you reach your hotel. 1 night in Udawalawe. (B) (Distance: approx. 165 km; driving time: approx. 4.5 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 colonial flair and well-preserved old town within the walls of Galle Fort (UNESCO World Heritage). Then you drive to Bentota and check into your beach hotel. In the evening you meet for a farewell dinner at a beach restaurant. 1 night in Bentota. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 335 km; driving time: approx. 5.5 hrs)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast EKHO Surf is located right on one of the longest sandy beaches of the south-west coast in Bentota. It has two outdoor pools, a spa and a fitness centre; the air-conditioned rooms have minibar, safe, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV.

Time to say goodbye. In due course you are taken to Colombo airport. For departures after 11 pm a late check-out is included so you can freshen up and enjoy the hotel; for earlier flights the usual check-out times apply. (B) (Distance: approx. 110 km; driving time: approx. 3 hrs)

Today you arrive back home – welcome back!