Colours of Sri Lanka with Beach Extension

Your holiday begins with an overnight flight from the UK to Colombo.

Welcome to Sri Lanka! You'll meet your Tour Manager upon arrival, and then transfer to your hotel. This evening, see your first stunning Sri Lankan sunset.

Journey east across the central plains to visit the famous Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, and enjoy a close-up encounter with the animals at a private reserve. You'll also discover Dambulla's iconic Royal Rock Temple and its vast cave complex, before heading to your hotel for dinner and a two-night stay.

A memorable day begins with a trip to UNESCO-listed Polonnaruwa, the former Sri Lankan capital, home to the Royal Palace complex, ancient ruins, and Hindu and Buddhist shrines bordering the huge Prakama Samudra reservoir. Spend the afternoon at the amazing rock fortress of Sigiriya, with its moated gardens, painted frescoes and the archaeological treasures of the towering 'Lion Rock'. The energetic can climb to the frescoes and 'mirror wall', and there are beautiful gardens and a fascinating museum to explore. You'll return to the hotel for dinner.

Travelling into 'Hill Country', uncover the secrets of Sri Lankan flavours at the Isiwara Spice Garden, enjoy a cookery demonstration, and learn about ancient healing traditions at an Ayurvedic centre. Arriving in Kandy, take an exhilarating tuk tuk ride to the Buddhist Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and enjoy a cultural show of traditional dance and drumming this evening.

A day of stunning scenery begins with a rail journey through the Sri Lankan Hill Country past tea plantations, tumbling streams and plunging waterfalls. Arrive at the hill station of Nuwara Eliya, a former colonial retreat that retains its English heritage, and take in its relaxed atmosphere with a park or lakeside stroll.

Learn about the growing and picking processes as you explore a tea plantation, and then head to the station for the rail journey to the idyllic hill village of Ella. Stroll along the disused railway track to Rawana Falls, here, or just take in the views. This afternoon you'll continue to your hotel in the famous Yala National Park, home to elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears and – most famously – leopards.

This morning's included safari will be a three-hour trip into the park's protected scrubland and forest, in the company of a driver-guide, on a quest to see big cats and other wildlife in their natural habitat. You'll also have the option to join a further, late-afternoon jeep safari.

Your last touring day takes you to the exotic coastal town of Galle, a Dutch colonial gem whose ancient fort walls protected the historic old town from the worst of 2004's tragic tsunami. Take a tuk-tuk ride around the fascinating streets within, or stroll along the battlements themselves, before we continue north to Beruwela.

After your tour, rest and relax in the beautiful beach resort of Beruwela, enjoying your hotel, the beach and the surroundings, and taking in the sunsets each evening. During your time here, there'll also be the opportunity to explore Sri Lanka's bustling capital, Colombo, with its restored Fort area and the ancient street markets of Pettah, and to enjoy an included lunch at the Cricket Club Cafe, surrounded by cricket memorabilia dating back to the 1940s

Spend your last days here marvelling at the views of the Indian Ocean, exploring the surrounding areas or simply unwind as you reminisce about unforgettable tour of Sri Lanka. Take a dip in the in hotel’s large pool or relax on the sandy beach nearby.

Bid farewell to Beruwela today and transfer to the airport to catch your overnight flight home.

You'll arrive back in the UK at the end of a wonderful Sri Lankan adventure.