Best of Sri Lanka, 10 Days - Free Upgrade to Private Tour Available

Best of Sri Lanka, 10 Days - Free Upgrade to Private Tour Available

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10 Days From

$1814

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Tour Overview

Discover the best of Sri Lanka on this 10-day tour, offering a free upgrade to a private tour. Begin your journey in Colombo, a city that blends colonial architecture with modern skyscrapers. Explore the ancient wonders of Sigiriya's Lion Rock and the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. Experience the wildlife at Yala National Park, home to sloth bears, leopards, and elephants. Travel back in time in the historic streets of Galle, and unwind on the pristine beaches of Bentota or Wadduwa. With comfortable accommodations, guided tours, and air-conditioned transport, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure through Sri Lanka's rich cultural and natural landscapes. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Colombo: Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital is both a historic city packed with colonial architecture and modern metropolis with soaring skyscrapers

  • Kandy: This beautiful city is home to the outstanding Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and its associated palaces and gardens

  • Yala National Park: This National park is a mixture of plains, forest and waterbodies and is home to wonderful mammals such as sloth bears and leopards, elephants and deers and plenty of birds

  • Sigiriya: The ‘Lion Rock’ rises almost 200 metres above the jungle, offering stunning panoramic views that will amaze your eyes

  • Galle: Travel back in time while exploring the historical streets of this well-preserved fortified Dutch colonial city

  • Explore the Ella Gap and Nine Acre’s Bridge

  • Visit a Tea plantation en route to Ella

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival Colombo

Location: Colombo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Global Towers or similar

Arrive and transfer to Colombo - Approximately 1 hour driving time

Check in time - 1200 hrs.

Proceed to your hotel

Dinner on own expense

Overnight at a hotel in Colombo

Day 2 : Colombo – Dambulla– Polonnaruwa - Sirigiya

Location: Sigiriya

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Sorrowwa Resort or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel

Drive from Colombo to Dambulla – Approximately 4 hours driving time

Arrive and visit Dambulla Cave Temple.

Lunch on own expense

Continue to Polonnaruwa – Approximately 1 ½ hours driving time

Arrive and explore Polonnaruwa including the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath,  the statue of king Parakramabahu, and the Parakrama Samudraya – a lake built by King Parakramabahu the great, the Shiva Temple, the Lankathilake, the Watadage, the Galpotha, the Kiri Vehera and the remains of a former Temple of the Tooth Relic.

Proceed to your hotel

Dinner on own expense

Overnight at a hotel in Sigiriya 

Day 3 : Habarana - Sigiriya– Kandy

Location: Kandy

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Oak Ray Heritage or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel

Arrive and explore the area including a climb up to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Continue to Kandy – Approximately 2 hours driving time

Lunch on own expense

Arrive and drive around the Kandy Lake, explore Kandy city

Continue to visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic and thereafter witness a cultural show.

Proceed to your hotel

Dinner on own expense

Overnight at a hotel in Kandy

Day 4 : Kandy– Tea Plantation - Ella

Location: Ella

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Oak Ray Ella Gap or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel

Transfer from Kandy to Ella – Approximately 4 ½ hours driving time

En route stop and visit a Tea plantation

Lunch on own expense

Arrive Ella and proceed to the hotel

Dinner on own expense

Overnight at a hotel in Ella

Day 5 : Ella

Location: Ella

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Oak Ray Ella Gap or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel

Explore the Ella Gap and Nine Acre’s Bridge 

Lunch on own expense

Return back to your hotel and relax 

Dinner on own expense

Overnight at a hotel in Ella

Day 6 : Ella – Tissamaharama

Location: Tissamaharama

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Oak Ray Lake or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel

Drive to Tissamaharama – Approximately 4 hours driving time

Arrive and proceed to the hotel

Lunch on own expense

Afternoon Safari at Yala National Park

Return back to your hotel and relax 

Dinner on own expense

Overnight at a hotel in Tissamaharama/Yala

Day 7 : Tissamaharama - Galle

Location: Galle

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Long Beach Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

After collecting packed breakfast proceed to Yala National park for morning Safari 

Drive from Yala to Galle – Approximately 4 hours driving time

Lunch on own expense

Afternoon explore Galle including the Old Town, Galle Fort, Dutch Hospital Shopping Complex, the Dutch Church and the Japanese Peace Pagoda

Proceed to the hotel

Dinner on own expense

Overnight at a hotel in Galle 

Day 8 : Galle – Bentota / Wadduwa

Location: Bentota

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Palms or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel

Drive to Bentota/Wadduwa – Approximately 1 hour driving time

Arrive and proceed to the hotel

Lunch on own expense

Dinner on own expense

Overnight at a hotel in Bentota/Wadduwa

Day 9 : Bentota / Wadduwa

Location: Bentota

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Palms or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel

Day at leisure to relax on the beach

Lunch and dinner on own expense

Overnight at a hotel in Bentota/Wadduwa

Day 10 : Depart Colombo

Location: Colombo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel

Check out time is 1200 hrs.

Transfer to the airport – Approximately 2 ½ hours driving time

Fly onwards

Breakfast Included

What's Included

TOUR GUIDE: 

  • Operated with an English-speaking escorted driver-guide 

ACCOMMODATION:

  • 9 night's accommodation

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1 Colombo:

Standard Hotel Category = Global Towers or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Radisson Colombo or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Shangri–La Hotel or similar 5*

Day 2 Habarana:

Standard Hotel Category = Sorrowwa Resort or similar 4*

Superior Hotel Category = Habarana Village by Cinnamon or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Cinnamon Lodge or similar 4*

Day 3 Kandy:

Standard Hotel Category = Oak Ray Heritage or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Amaya Hills or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Earl’s Regency or similar 4*

Day 4-5 Ella:

Standard Hotel Category = Oak Ray Ella Gap or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Ella Mount Heaven or similar 3*

Deluxe Hotel Category = 98 Acres Resort or similar 5*

Day 6 Tissamaharama / Yala:

Standard Hotel Category = Oak Ray Lake or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Laya Safari or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Jetwing Yala or similar 4*

Day 7 Galle:

Standard Hotel Category = Thaproban Beach House or similar 4*

Superior Hotel Category = Amari Galle or similar 5*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Jetwing Lighthouse or similar 5*

Day 8-9 Bentota / Wadduwa:

Standard Hotel Category = The Palms or similar 4*

Superior Hotel Category = The Surf or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = The Blue Water or similar 5*

MEALS: 

  • 9 Breakfasts

TRANSPORT:

  • Arrival/ Departure transfers from and to Colombo Airport
  • Shared transport throughout the tour

ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:

  • All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Dambulla temple, Polonnaruwa city tour, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Kandy city tour, Temple of the Tooth Relic, tea plantation, Ella Gap and Nine Acre’s Bridge, Safari at Yala National Park, Galle tour

OTHER:

  • Meet & Greet on day 1

What's Not Included

  • Kandy perahara supplements
  • Entrance fees for Peradeniya Royal botanical Garden
  • Dinner supplements at hotels
  • Camera & video permits
  • Lunch, Dinner, Beverages and extras (Specified)
  • Entrance Fees for the sites 
  • Cost of Air Tickets & Travel Insurance
  • Early check-in & Late check-out
  • Expenses of a personal nature
  • Any other services not specified above
  • Optional tours and activities
  • Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.

Requirements

Comfortable and warm clothing is the most suitable for travelling. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.

Please Note

  • Visits to wildlife parks will be at client's own risk. Safari vehicles (none air-conditioned) available are very basic with basic insurance cover (not comprehensive as in the case of vehicles used for tours)
  • Please note alcohol will not be served in public areas in hotels and restaurants during religious holidays
  • Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed. The official check-in time at all hotels will be 12:00 pm-02:00 pm (depend on the hotel). The official check-out time at all hotels will be 11:00 am
  • The validity of the passport must be six months from the date of departure

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1 Colombo:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Global Towers or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Ozo Colombo or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Shangri – La Hotel or similar 5*
Day 2 Habarana:
  • Standard Hotel Category = Sorrowwa Resort or similar 4*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Habarana Village by Cinnamon or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Cinnamon Lodge or similar 4*
Day 3 Kandy:
  • Standard Hotel Category = Oak Ray Heritage or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Amaya Hills or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Earl’s Regency or similar 4*
Day 4-5 Ella:
  • Standard Hotel Category = Oak Ray Ella Gap or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Ella Mount Heaven or similar 3*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = 98 Acres Resort or similar 5*
Day 6 Tissamaharama / Yala:
  • Standard Hotel Category = Oak Ray Lake or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Laya Safari or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Jetwing Yala or similar 4*
Day 7 Galle:
  • Standard Hotel Category = Long Beach Hotel or similar 4*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Amari Galle or similar 5*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Jetwing  Lighthouse or similar 5*
Day 8-9 Bentota / Wadduwa:
  • Standard Hotel Category = The Palms or similar 4*
  • Superior Hotel Category = The Surf or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = The Blue Water or similar 5*

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1 Colombo:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Global Towers or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Radisson Colombo or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Shangri–La Hotel or similar 5*

Day 2 Habarana:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Sorrowwa Resort or similar 4*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Habarana Village by Cinnamon or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Cinnamon Lodge or similar 4*

Day 3 Kandy:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Oak Ray Heritage or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Amaya Hills or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Earl’s Regency or similar 4*

Day 4-5 Ella:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Oak Ray Ella Gap or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Ella Mount Heaven or similar 3*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = 98 Acres Resort or similar 5*

Day 6 Tissamaharama / Yala:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Oak Ray Lake or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Laya Safari or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Jetwing Yala or similar 4*

Day 7 Galle:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Thaproban Beach House or similar 4*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Amari Galle or similar 5*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Jetwing Lighthouse or similar 5*

Day 8-9 Bentota / Wadduwa:

  • Standard Hotel Category = The Palms or similar 4*
  • Superior Hotel Category = The Surf or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = The Blue Water or similar 5*

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with air-conditioned transfers from/to Colombo Airport and throughout the tour in an A/C vehicle, ensuring a smooth and pleasant journey across Sri Lanka.

Accommodation

Enjoy 9 nights of comfortable accommodation with options ranging from 3-star to 5-star hotels, including Global Towers in Colombo, Sorrowwa Resort in Habarana, Oak Ray Heritage in Kandy, Oak Ray Ella Gap in Ella, Oak Ray Lake in Tissamaharama, Long Beach Hotel in Galle, and The Palms in Bentota.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of guide will accompany us on the tour?

    The tour will be operated with an English-speaking escorted driver-guide.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 9 breakfasts.

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    Transportation includes inbound/outbound air-conditioned transfers from/to Colombo Airport and transportation by an air-conditioned vehicle.

  • Are there any specific clothing recommendations for the tour?

    Comfortable and light clothing is recommended. Visitors should avoid sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious, or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful. ...more ...less

  • What are the check-in and check-out times at the hotels?

    Check-in time at all hotels is 12:00 PM, and check-out time is 11:00 AM.

  • What should I be aware of when visiting wildlife parks?

    Visits to wildlife parks will be at the client's own risk. Safari vehicles available are very basic with basic insurance cover, not comprehensive as in the case of vehicles used for tours.

  • What activities are planned for the day in Ella?

    In Ella, you will explore the Ella Gap and Nine Acre’s Bridge. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax.

  • What will we do in Galle?

    In Galle, you will explore the Old Town, Galle Fort, Dutch Hospital Shopping Complex, the Dutch Church, and the Japanese Peace Pagoda.

  • What is the itinerary for the first day of the tour?

    On the first day, you will arrive and transfer to Colombo, which is approximately 1 hour of driving time. Check-in time is 12:00 PM. You will proceed to your hotel and have dinner at your own expense. Overnight stay will be at a hotel in Colombo.

  • What is the itinerary for the last day of the tour?

    On the last day, you will have breakfast at the hotel, check out by 12:00 PM, and transfer to the airport, which is approximately 2.5 hours of driving time.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    YES, A friendly and professional tour leader tasked with ensuring the smooth operations of the tour, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the entire trip. His role primarily includes assisting with accommodation and transportation between locations while sharing the knowledge about social and cultural splendours of Sri Lanka.

  • Is there any option for solo traveller?

    Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.

  • CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

    Sri Lanka is a year-round holiday destination with two monsoon seasons so there is a lot of confusion around when is the best time to visit. The weather doesn't run like clockwork here! However, there will rarely be weather so dramatic that it will stand in the way of a brilliant holiday with plenty of warm weather and sunshine. The temperature is constant at around 27°C on the coast, both the air

  • What is the tipping policy?

    Tipping is not mandatory and it's up tour personal wish.

  • Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?

    yes

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    yes, it is indeed

  • Do you offer any travel insurance?

    We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure. 

  • What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?

    The tour is guaranteed to departure even with a single person. However, in case of any cancellation, we'll inform you in advance and the full refund will be given.

  • What does the price include?

    What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.

  • Are Visa fees included in the price?

    No, visa fees are not included

  • What is an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?

    The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an official authorization for a Short Visit to Sri Lanka issued via an online system. You need ETA if you wish to visit Sri Lanka as a Tourist, on Business or on Transit. No passport copies, documents or photographs are required to obtain ETA. It will cost USD $30. However, during the sometime of the year government offers FREE visa for tourists.

  • Are flights included in the tour?

    No, they are not included

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Travellers are requested to maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 meters between two people at all times. > Travellers are requested to adhere to recommended hygiene procedures, such as travelling with and wearing a face mask and/or gloves when required to do so. > Keep 70% alcohol rub/hand sanitizer to use frequently.

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    Fairly good

  • When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

    Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers

  • Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

    Up to 40KG per person

  • What currencies are required for this tour?

    Sri Lankan Rupees (you can exchange currency at the Sri Lanka airport or tour leader will assist you to exchange at the local banks)

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    yes, completely and according to our Health & Safety standards

Reviews of this operator

Ewhite  

Myanmar Delights, Private Tour

31-Jan-2022

Excellent guide tour, we choose superior category with a beach extension, we choose privat better to manage properly the time expend in the temples . The guide showed us the real live in markets.. just amazing . Good local restaurants ¡ really good value for money. we booked as well 1 hour bike ride through the temples.. and the ballon ( such a incredible feeling ) ...more ...less

Susana Patricio  

Exclusive Tea Tour, Private Tour

23-Jan-2020

It was a fantastic experience, the country, the people, their entire culture. My driver was a charming person, very friendly, fun, always available and very professional. My only complaint is in relation to the hotels, as they are of low quality, taking into account that in my reservation I had made an extra payment for better accommodation, which in fact did not happen. Everything else was incredible and I highly recommend it ...more ...less

Silvia Thoma  

The Pick of Sri Lanka - Free Upgrade to Private Tour Available

16-Apr-2020

The itinerary was well designed and it was an unforgettable memory of Sri Lanka. Shall definitely visit again to experience more... Can't Wait...!!

AngelaMakowski's  

Review for Sacred Sri Lanka - Free Upgrade to Private Tour Available

17-Apr-2020

Wonderful Tour. Sri Lankan hospitality was amazing and people are super sweet. Thank you so much for everything. The gifts were amazing. Thank you...

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Aitken Spence Travels requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aitken spence travels charges.

    At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Best of Sri Lanka, 10 Days - Free Upgrade to Private Tour Available

10 Days Starting and ending in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Visiting: Colombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, Tissamaharama, Galle, Bentota

Tour operator:

Aitken Spence Travels

Tour code:

78326

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

5 - 10

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

10-99

Special diets catered:

Please Advise Request

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Safari Tours

Activities:

Walking

From: $1814 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 15-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

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