Day 1: Istanbul – Sharjah
We meet our valued guests in front of the AirArabia counter at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal 3 hours before the flight time. After baggage and ticket procedures, we fly to Sharjah on an AirArabia scheduled flight. Upon arrival, we proceed for the Colombo flight. Overnight on the plane.
Day 2: Colombo – Habarana
Arrival at Colombo Airport in the early hours of the night. Upon arrival, we begin our Colombo city tour. During our tour, Lotus Tower, City Hall, Embassy Street, Independence Monument, and Gangaramaya Temple are among the places seen panoramically. Afterwards, free time for breakfast. At the designated meeting time, transfer to our hotel in Habarana. Upon arrival, free time to rest. Guests who wish may join the optional Sri Lanka Life Style & Village Tour organized by our guide to experience Sri Lankan culture, cuisine, and daily life more closely (40 EUR per person). During the tour to nearby villages, you will have the opportunity to observe the local way of life and taste local flavors. After the tour, transfer to our hotel and free time. Overnight at our hotel.
Day 3: Habarana
After breakfast, free time. Guests who wish may join the optional Kandalama Lake & Sigiriya Temple Rock & Dambulla Temple Tour organized by our guide (115 EUR per person). We depart at sunrise for our Sigiriya tour. Get ready to be amazed as we embark on a fascinating journey to discover the ancient wonder of Sigiriya, Sri Lanka’s “Lion Rock” fortress! As we approach Sigiriya, we will be greeted by the towering presence of this legendary rock formation. Together, we will climb the magnificent Sigiriya Rock, ascending steep stairways and ancient pathways to reach the summit. Along the way, we will admire the intricate frescoes decorating the rock face, each offering a glimpse into the artistic brilliance of a bygone era. Upon reaching the summit, we will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the lush Sri Lankan countryside. Together, we will stand atop this ancient fortress where kings once ruled and sought refuge. The ancient palace and surrounding gardens will unfold before us as a testament to Sri Lanka’s architectural and engineering prowess. The enigmatic Lion Gate, the most important part of Sigiriya, will be our next stop. Together, we will witness the massive lion paws guarding the entrance, a symbol of the fortress’s glorious past. As we explore the remains of the royal palace and admire the intricate water gardens below, we will travel back in time to an age of wealth and splendor.
Then we depart for our Dambulla Temple tour. As we step into the mystical surroundings of Dambulla, we will be welcomed by the serene atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Together, we will embark on a pilgrimage through five remarkable cave temples, each a sanctuary of ancient art and spirituality. Dambulla is more than just temples; it is a place of great historical significance. Together, we will explore the rich history and cultural importance of these caves, where ancient kings once took refuge and left behind magnificent cave frescoes and statues that continue to inspire us today. Our journey in Dambulla takes us to the heart of Buddhism. Together, we will witness intricate cave paintings depicting the life and teachings of Lord Buddha, giving us insight into the profound philosophy that has shaped the lives of millions. Afterwards, we will visit Kandalama Lake, the heart of wildlife. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.
Day 4: Habarana – Kandy
After breakfast, we leave the hotel and head towards Kandy. Guests who wish may join the optional en route Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage & Spice Garden Tour organized by our guide (55 EUR per person). Founded in 1975, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage started with seven orphans. Today, some of these orphans have had the chance to see their grandchildren born in the same place. The orphanage was initially established more for tourism, but it quickly became a conservation and education center. During our visit, we will be able to walk alongside the elephants and watch them bathe themselves with their trunks. Afterwards, we proceed for the Spice Garden tour. As we step into this lush paradise, we will be greeted by a symphony of aromas. Together, we will walk among vibrant greenery where cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and other exotic spices are abundantly grown. Our journey will be a sensory delight as we learn about the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of these valuable ingredients. We will discover the ancient trade routes that brought these spices to the island and their role in shaping the country’s culinary traditions. But the Spice Garden is not only about spices; it is also a treasure trove of herbal medicine. We will discover medicinal plants and herbs used in traditional Ayurveda medicine and gain insight into their healing properties. Together, we will learn how these age-old remedies are still widely practiced in Sri Lanka today.
Then we continue our Kandy city tour. As we step into Kandy, we will enter a world where tradition and history blend seamlessly with modern life. Among the places seen during our tour are the Temple of the Tooth Relic and Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Kandy Lake is an oasis in the heart of the city. Together, we will enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake, admiring its tranquil beauty and city views. After the tour, arrival at the hotel and free time. In the evening, guests who wish may join the optional Sri Lanka Traditional Show Tour organized by our guide (35 EUR per person). We step into the rich and vibrant culture of Sri Lanka, the wonder of Asia, with traditional music and drum rhythms enhanced by visual shows. After the tour, transfer to our hotel in Kandy and free time to rest. Overnight at our hotel.
Day 5: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for Nuwara Eliya by private bus. Guests who wish may join the optional en route Tea Factory Tour organized by our guide (25 EUR per person). When it comes to Ceylon tea, this region has always been a well-known name. We visit a tea factory for an authentic experience around a cup of tea. We watch how tea is processed before sorting and taste a fresh cup of Ceylon Tea straight from the estate. After the tour, we continue to Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliya is known for its mountain climate and scenery. We will visit Gregory Lake, a reservoir in the heart of the city, and enjoy the lake and surroundings. We then proceed to our hotel, and accommodation will be at our hotel.
Day 6: Nuwara Eliya – Galle
After breakfast, we leave the hotel and head towards Galle. The best way to travel is by train. The journey will start from Ambewela train station and end in Ella. After leaving the train station, we continue our journey with the vehicle waiting for us. Upon arrival, we will conduct our Galle tour. As we step into the ancient walls of Galle Fort, we will embark on a journey through time. Together, we will wander through cobblestone streets lined with colonial-era architecture reflecting Dutch and Portuguese heritage. We will explore charming boutiques, art galleries, and delightful cafes that bring a modern touch to this historic settlement. Together, we will enjoy a leisurely walk along the iconic Galle Ramparts, where we will see panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. The cool sea breeze and the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the rocks create a serene atmosphere, perfect for relaxation. After the tour, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at our hotel.
Day 7: Galle – Colombo
After breakfast, we head towards Colombo. Guests who wish may join the optional en route Sea Turtles and Madu River Safari Tour organized by our guide (50 EUR per person). As we step onto the sun-drenched shores of Sri Lanka’s coastline, together we will learn about the critical efforts made to protect endangered sea turtles and their precious nests. We will see sea turtles of all sizes, and the smaller ones can be held in your hands. We will visit nesting areas and have the privilege of witnessing nesting turtles up close. Then we head to the Madu River. On this boat tour, we will have the opportunity to see Sri Lanka’s magnificent natural beauty up close. Afterwards, we continue to Colombo. At the time determined by our guide, we transfer to Colombo Airport.
Day 8: Colombo – Istanbul
Upon arrival at the airport, free time for baggage and check-in procedures. Departure for Istanbul on an AirArabia scheduled flight. Arrival in Istanbul and end of the tour.