The program of great cultural and archaeological interest, which visits the ancient capitals and the most significant archaeological sites on the island, crossing natural landscapes and places of enchanting beauty. From the fortress of Sigirya to the royal palace of Kandy, to the golden temple of Dambulla, the journey is a succession of visits to sites and places full of emotional charm, permeated by the magical atmosphere of Buddhist spirituality. 

Day 01: Arrival Colombo – Kandy (120 km / 03 hours approx.)

Arrive in Colombo, after customs formalities, meet the local guide/driver, transfer to Kandy area. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. In the afternoon visit of the city and the Temple of the Tooth. In the evening show of traditional Kandyane dances. Overnight.

Day 02: Kandy  

After breakfast proceed to Peradeniya. Peradeniya Botanical Gardens were built as private gardens by King Sinhala and were later enlarged by the British. 147 acres of land with a great variety of trees, plants and flowers, there are about 4,000 plant species. In the afternoon departure for Pinnawela. You visit the Elephant Orphanage, built in 1975, in the beginning with only 7 orphaned elephants. In 1984, the first puppy was born. Today some of these specimens have had the good fortune to see their grandchildren born in this very place. Originally intended for tourism it quickly evolved into a cultural and conservation centre. With the help of both local and foreign elephant experts, Pinnawela began a scientific captive breeding program for elephants. The freedom of movement of the herd has increased the possibilities for integration and mating. The nearby river plays a key role in this regard. Pinnawala’s success has captured the attention of scientists around the world; in fact, numerous books and articles have been published all over the world and in different languages. At the end return to the hotel.Overnight.

Day 03 : Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Kandy (85km / 02.5 hours approx.) 

After breakfast, an excursion to Nuwara Eliya, a quiet, English-style mountain village (2,000 m asl), reached along a rough road that crosses tea plantations, hills, streams and waterfalls. Nuwara Eliya is considered to be the home of the famous and excellent Ceylon tea. Visit a tea plantation and tea factory. Upon completion, return to the hotel in Kandy. Overnight.

Day 04 : Kandy – Matale – Dambulla – Habarana (105 km / 02 hrs approx. + visits)            

After breakfast, we continue to visit the Matale Spice Garden. The next stop will be to visit the Dambulla rock temple built by King Walagambahu in the 1st century BC World Heritage Site. It is the most impressive cave temple in Sri Lanka famous for its murals, inscriptions and statues. The complex of 5 caves with more than 2,000 m2 of painted walls and ceilings in the largest area found in the world. With more than 150 Buddha images of which the largest figure is carved into the rock and measures 14 meters. At the end continue to Kandy. Upon arrival accommodation. Overnight at the booked hotel.

Day 05 : Habarana – Anuradhapura – Mihintale – Habarana        

After breakfast visit Anuradhapura, the first capital (380 BC) and undoubtedly the largest city of ancient Ceylon. Two World Heritage Sites are located here. You can visit many places of historical and archaeological interest. Sri Maha Bodhi (Sacred Bo-Tree) the sacred tree where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment, this is historically documented as the oldest tree in the world over 2,200 years old. The Brazen Palace (2nd century BC), the 1600 stone columns are all that remains of a magnificent monastery of monks. Ruwanweliseya (2nd century BC) the most famous of all the Dagobas. It originally represented the perfect sphere that modern restoration has failed to reproduce. The ‘Samadhi’ Buddha statue (4th century AD) is one of the most famous statues of Buddha in deep meditation. Isurumuniya Vihare rock temple (3rd century BC) famous for petroglyphs. Then proceed to Mihintale, not far from the city of Anuradhapura. This forested mountain is sacred to all Buddhists, as Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC from this place. The ascent to the summit allows you to see a wonderful panorama of the surrounding jungle. At the end return to the hotel. Overnight. 

After breakfast, head out for an excursion to the spectacular Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a World Heritage Site, located approximately 25 km. from Habarana. Built by King Kashyapa (477-495 BC). The “Lion’s Rock” stands impregnable with its unusual beauty towering 200 meters above the surrounding jungle. The rock was the stronghold of the 70-hectare walled city. A moat, embankment and gardens surround the base of the rock. On the way up you see the remains of the palace and the world famous frescoes of the Heavenly Maidens of Sigiriya, world famous paintings found in a bend in the rock which is reached by a spiral staircase. The frescoes are made with natural pigments on plaster (out of over 500 portraits, only a few have survived to this day). At the end continue towards Polonnaruwa. Upon arrival, visit the city which was the second capital of Sri Lanka built between the eleventh and twelfth centuries AD. C. which is a World Heritage Site. Here you can admire the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya (Rock Temple) with the splendid statues of Buddha carved into the rock, one in an upright position, one lying down and seated in meditation, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, the statue of King Parakramabahu, and Parakrama Samudraya. There is also the temple of Shiva, as well as the remains of the temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. At the end return to the hotel. Here you can admire the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya (Rock Temple) with the splendid statues of Buddha carved into the rock, one in an upright position, one lying down and seated in meditation, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, the statue of King Parakramabahu, and Parakrama Samudraya. There are also the temple of Shiva, as well as the remains of the temple of the Sacred Tooth. At the end return to the hotel. Here you can admire the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya (Rock Temple) with the splendid statues of Buddha carved into the rock, one in an upright position, one lying down and seated in meditation, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, the statue of King Parakramabahu, and Parakrama Samudraya. There are also the temple of Shiva, as well as the remains of the temple of the Sacred Tooth. At the end return to the hotel.Overnight.

Day 07 : Habarana – Negombo (160 km / 04 hours approx.) 

After breakfast, drive to Negombo, it boasts a long beach on the lagoon, connected with the Indian Ocean, a beautiful tropical environment. But beware of the high waves of the sea. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. In the afternoon, visit of the city located on the lagoon and with an interesting historical centre, strongly influenced by the Catholic Church. Initially colonized by the Portuguese, Negombo was later conquered by the Dutch, who left their traces there. Negombo was one of the most important suppliers of cinnamon. The extensive canal system and harbor are reminders of that era. Depending on your preferences you can visit the fish market, St. Mary’s Church, and the ruins of the old Dutch fort. Also, you can take a boat trip through the canals and mangroves, a salt marsh populated by monitor lizards, cormorants, and purple herons among others. Overnight.

Day 08: Negombo – Colombo – Italy                      

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in time for departure by scheduled flight.

Sea Extension:

Day 07: Habarana – Trincomalee

After breakfast, departure for Trincomalee. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure for individual activities. Overnight.

Day 08: Trincomalee :

The day at leisure for individual activities.

Day 09: Trincomalee:

The day at leisure for individual activities.

Day 10: Trincomalee – Colombo – Italy 

After breakfast, depart for Colombo. Upon arrival, transfer to the airport and departure by scheduled flight.

We inform you that all our trips can be modified, on request, according to your needs!