Day 1
Arrive in Negombo
Airport pickup, lagoon-side hotel and an early night to land properly. Drive: 30 min from the airport. Overnight: Negombo.
Photo by Oliver Sjöström on Unsplash
All journeys
Cultural & Coast
Winter Sun Flagship
The whole island in two weeks, finishing on the sand.
14 days13 nightsEnquire today
The journey
What these 14 days feel like.
Rock fortress, temple city, tea country and the hill-country train, then a safari afternoon and three slow nights by the sea. The classic loop at an unhurried pace, timed for the dry months when the south coast is at its best.
Day by day
Day 2
Negombo to Sigiriya
Dambulla cave temples in the soft afternoon light, then a village walk by the paddy. Drive: About 4 hours, with a stop at the Dambulla cave temples. Overnight: Sigiriya.
Day 3
Sigiriya
On the rock by 6am for frescoes and gardens, then a village cycle or an elephant safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla. Drive: Local only. Overnight: Sigiriya.
Day 4
Sigiriya to Kandy
Spice garden en route, a gentle afternoon by Kandy Lake. Drive: About 3 hours, with a stop at a spice garden. Overnight: Kandy.
Day 5
Kandy
Temple of the Tooth, the lake and the market, then an optional Kandyan dance evening. Drive: Local only. Overnight: Kandy.
Day 6
Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
Tea factory visit, Ramboda falls, and a cool evening in Little England. Drive: About 3 hours, with tea-country stops. Overnight: Nuwara Eliya.
Day 7
Nuwara Eliya to Ella
The famous hill-country train through tea and cloud forest, then a sundown walk in Ella. Drive: Train from Nanu Oya, about 3 hours (luggage goes ahead by road). Overnight: Ella.
Day 8
Ella
Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak and a slow afternoon. Drive: Local only. Overnight: Ella.
Day 9
Ella to Udawalawe
Afternoon jeep safari among the elephants. Drive: About 2.5 hours. Overnight: Udawalawe.
Day 10
Udawalawe to Mirissa
Arrive by lunchtime and take the afternoon on the beach. Drive: About 3 hours, mostly by expressway. Overnight: Mirissa.
Day 11
Mirissa
Whale watching at sea (December to April), or a free beach day. Drive: Local only. Overnight: Mirissa.
Day 12
Mirissa
A free day: beach, a Weligama surf lesson or a Hiriketiya lunch. Drive: Local only. Overnight: Mirissa.
Day 13
Mirissa to Galle
Galle Fort on foot: lace shops, the lighthouse, sunset on the ramparts. Drive: About 45 minutes. Overnight: Galle.
Day 14
Galle to the airport
Departure transfer, timed to your flight. For a flight before 10am add a Negombo night. Drive: About 2 hours by expressway.
What is included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur-guide for the whole journey
- Airport arrival and departure transfers
- Hotel accommodation, one room per night at the chosen hotel class, as listed in the day-by-day plan
- Daily breakfast
- The activities named in the day-by-day plan, with entrance fees where stated
- Fuel, highway tolls and parking
- Chauffeur-guide accommodation and meals
What is not
- International flights
- Visa or electronic travel authorisation fees
- Lunches and dinners unless stated
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal expenses, tips and optional activities not named in the plan