The Grand Island Escape

Upon arrival in Sri Lanka, you will be warmly welcomed by your Tourist Chauffeur Guide Lecturer / National Guide Lecturer, who will accompany you throughout your journey. Your experienced guide will introduce you to Sri Lanka’s history, culture, religions, traditions, wildlife and everyday life.

After the airport welcome, begin your Colombo city tour, exploring some of the capital’s important landmarks, colonial architecture, religious sites and modern city highlights. Depending on your arrival time, there will also be time for shopping or relaxing.

Overnight: Colombo

After breakfast, travel towards the ancient city of Anuradhapura. En route, enjoy a wildlife safari in Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka’s largest national park and one of the country’s most fascinating wildlife destinations.

Wilpattu is particularly famous for its natural “villus” or lakes, which attract elephants, wild buffalo, spotted deer, crocodiles and numerous species of birds. With some luck, you may also encounter the Sri Lankan leopard and the elusive sloth bear.

Continue to Anuradhapura and check into your hotel after this exciting introduction to Sri Lanka’s wildlife.

Overnight: Anuradhapura

After breakfast, explore the magnificent Sacred City of Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals and an important centre of Buddhist civilization.

Visit the historic Mahavihara Monastery Complex, one of the most important centres of Theravada Buddhist learning in ancient Sri Lanka. Continue to the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig tree (Ficus religiosa) grown from a sapling of the original Bodhi tree in India. It is traditionally regarded as the oldest historically documented living tree in the world.

Continue to the impressive Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, one of Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist monuments, before travelling towards Trincomalee.

Upon arrival, enjoy some relaxing time on the beautiful sandy beaches of Trincomalee.

Overnight: Trincomalee