10-day discovery tour of Sri Lanka's historical and scenic wonders

Transfer to Dambulla after breakfast.

Dambulla: Here you will find a cave temple complex of five caves in the rock. The first three caves are better preserved, older and larger than the other two. Some of the caves date back to the 1st century BCE. The walls and ceilings of all five caves are covered with Buddhist murals and there are more than 130 Buddha statues; there are also statues of gods and kings.

Dinner and overnight in Dambulla.

Dambulla and Polonnaruwa

Climb the majestic rock fortress of Sigiriya after breakfast.

Sigiriya: Home to the famous "Fortress in the Sky" from the 5th century, this may be the island's most spectacular single attraction. At the entrance to the fortress once stood a monumental structure. Within its triple-moat system the massive rock rises almost vertically to a height of about 152 metres. At the top are the foundations of what was once a lavish palace with gardens and a pool. Along one of the stairways are the only known surviving secular paintings from ancient Sinhalese times: full-size frescoes of female figures.

Continue to Kandy.

Kandy: Often called Sri Lanka's cultural capital, the city is rich in history, tradition and natural beauty. Nestled among misty hills, it is home to the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of Buddhism's most revered sites. The city spreads out around the tranquil Kandy Lake and is famous for the annual Esala Perahera, a grand festival featuring traditional dancers, drummers and decorated elephants. You can also visit nearby attractions such as the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya and the city's viewpoints.

Dinner and overnight in Kandy.

Day at leisure in Kandy.

Temple of the Tooth: The Temple of the Tooth, also called Sri Dalada Maligawa, is located in the heart of Kandy and is one of Sri Lanka's holiest Buddhist sites. The sacred tooth relic of the Buddha is kept here, making the temple an important pilgrimage destination for Buddhists worldwide. The temple's architecture, adorned with intricate carvings and golden details, reflects the splendour of the Kandyan dynasty. Daily rituals, traditional drumming and offerings create a deeply spiritual atmosphere.

Return to the hotel.

Dinner and overnight in Kandy.

Enjoy a scenic train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya.

Nuwara Eliya: Often called "Little England" in Sri Lanka, it is a picturesque hill station in the central highlands. Surrounded by rolling tea plantations, misty hills and a cool climate, it offers a refreshing contrast to the island's tropical heat. The town's colonial charm is evident in British-style bungalows, gardens and the well-known Nuwara Eliya Golf Club. You can visit tea factories, stroll around Gregory Lake and explore nearby attractions such as Horton Plains and the Lovers' Leap waterfall. With its tranquil beauty and timeless atmosphere, Nuwara Eliya is one of Sri Lanka's most enchanting destinations.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Enter the heart of Sri Lanka's wildlife in Udawalawe National Park.

Udawalawe National Park: The park straddles the border between Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces and is one of the best places in the country to see wild elephants up close. The park's expansive grasslands, scrub and reservoir create an ideal habitat for elephant herds, as well as buffalo, deer, crocodiles and many bird species. Udawalawe is open year-round and offers unforgettable jeep safaris where you can observe wildlife in its natural environment.

Dinner and overnight in Udawalawe.

Explore Sri Lanka's second largest national park, Yala National Park.

Yala National Park, in south-eastern Sri Lanka, is the country's best-known nature reserve and a must for nature lovers. With one of the highest concentrations of leopards in the world, Yala offers outstanding safari experiences through varied landscapes of dry forests, grasslands and lagoons. Here you may also spot elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, deer and a rich birdlife. The park's mix of wilderness and coast, including the tranquil beach at Yala, enhances its beauty.

Dinner and overnight in Yala.

Drive from Yala to Mirissa.

Mirissa: On Sri Lanka's south coast, Mirissa is a tropical paradise known for its golden beaches, turquoise waters and relaxed atmosphere. It is one of the island's best places for whale and dolphin watching, especially from November to April when blue whales are often spotted offshore. The crescent-shaped beach is ideal for swimming, surfing or simply relaxing in the shade of the palms. As the sun sets, Mirissa transforms into a lively beach destination with seafood restaurants and cosy bars.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Mirissa.

Enjoy an exciting morning whale- and dolphin-watching excursion (optional, seasonal). Whale watching in Mirissa is one of Sri Lanka's most unforgettable wildlife experiences. From November to April the deep waters off Mirissa's coast are an excellent place to see majestic blue whales, sperm whales and playful dolphins. Local boats take you on guided trips that provide close views of these gentle giants in their natural environment. The experience is enhanced by the vast ocean horizon and the chance to see whales breaching or dolphins riding the waves.

Explore the historic fort at Galle and continue to Colombo.

Dinner and overnight in Colombo.

Your unforgettable family trip in Sri Lanka comes to an end. Enjoy your last morning in Colombo before departing for the airport.