Day 1: Negombo

Arrival in Colombo and transfer North Negombo Beach , to the Beach hotel 5*, B

Day 2: Negombo – Pinnawela / Dambulla

Drive to Dambulla via Pinnawela  Elephant Orphanage, a government-sponsored refuge which cares for over 60 abandon. Later visit Dambulla Cave and Golden temple, Three nights at Kandalama Hotel 5*. B

Day 3: Dambulla /Anuradhapura / Dambulla

Drive to Anuradhapura. One of Sri Lanka's most important archaeological sites and the first capital of the Sinhalese kings (lasting over 1300 years from 3th century BC to 10th century AD). It contains large artificial lakes, temples, frescoes and dagobas (solid hemispheric mounds) and the sacred Bo-Tree believed to have grown 2,300 years ago from the tree under which Buddha became enlightened.

Drive back to Kandalama Hotel. B

Day 4: Dambulla / Polonnaruwa / Dambulla

In the morning trip to the ancient royal city of Polonnaruwa with sightseeing. Polonnaruwa was the second seat of rule and a medieval capital 11-12th century. Features include 12th century stone sculptures, an old irrigation system with huge tanks/lakes and three huge Buddha figures, the Gal Vihara, considered to be amongst the most sacred monuments in Sri Lanka. There are also palace ruins and friezes.

Afternoon leisure at the Kandalama Hotel. B

Day 5: Dambulla/ Sigiriya/ Kandy

Trip to rock fortress of Sigiriya. This awesome rock fortress, is a World Heritage site and one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions. Atop a massive 200m rock outcrop, overlooking dense jungle and a vast plain, are the remains of a 5th century cliff-top palace and water gardens that once covered 5 acres. According to legend, it was the stronghold of King Kasyapa who killed his father and found refuge here for 18 years. Among the ruins are frescoes of 'heavenly maidens' painted half way up the rock and a two enormous stone lion's paws. It’s well worth the steep climb – the views are stunning from the top.

Drive to Kandy
Trip to Kandy, the last capital of the Sinhala kings. The geographical, cultural and religious heart of Sri Lanka and the last stronghold of the Sinhalese kings, falling to the British in 1815. Kandy is a laidback town built around a peaceful lake and surrounded by lush green hills. It makes an excellent base for exploring both the Hill Country to the south and the ancient cities to the north. In the evening, you can experience a demonstration of traditional dances Kandy and the "puja" ceremony in the temple. Two nights at Mahaweli Reach Hotel 5*. B 

Day 6: Kandy

Today, you visit a traditional wood-carving workshop, Gem Museum and  Hidden temples like ‘Gadaladeniya’ and ‘Embekke Dewalaya’  Temples (14th century). After lunch, you can stroll through the botanical garden in suburban Kandy’s Peradeniya. Overnight as the day before. B

Day 7: Kandy - Nuwara Eliya

Drive to Nuwara Eliya passing waterfalls and tea plantations. Sri Lanka's highest town (nearly 2000m) was once the favourite hill station of the British and still retains some distinctive colonial features. After lunch city tour in Nuwara Eliya. Visit a tea estate. Overnight at Tea Factory 4*. B

Day 8: Nuwara Eliya / Yala National Park

Passing rice terraces and vegetable plantations drive south to the Yala National Park on the Indian Ocean coast. With 1,572 sq km, it is the largest national park in Sri Lanka. Afternoon safari in the national park - with a little luck you'll see bears or leopards! The overnight takes place in Yala Village in Yala 4*. B

Day 9: Yala / Bentota Beach

Drive to Bentota for your 1 night beach stay for your leisure. Overnight at Taj Exotica 5*. B

Day 10: Colombo

Return to the airport or extend your beach stay