Arrive Colombo – Negombo
Touch down in Colombo, where you’re greeted by your English-speaking guide and transferred to nearby Negombo. Settle into your hotel and prepare for the journey ahead.
Meals: None
Map
15 Day Fly / Small Group Tour – 4+ star hotels, ancient cities, the highlands, wildlife & tropical beaches
Book By 31 January 2026
Select Dates March - November 27
15 Day Fly / Small Group Tour – 4+ star hotels, ancient cities, the highlands, wildlife & tropical beaches
Return International flights to Colombo
Embark on a 15-day adventure through Sri Lanka, uncovering its soul from the sacred ruins of Anuradhapura to wild national parks and the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Explore vibrant spice gardens and lush tea plantations, ride the scenic highland train, and experience thrilling wildlife safaris. Immerse yourself in cultural traditions, wander colonial Galle Fort, and unwind on golden beaches. This all-encompassing journey blends history, nature, and coastal bliss.
Tour Inclusions
Open All
Touch down in Colombo, where you’re greeted by your English-speaking guide and transferred to nearby Negombo. Settle into your hotel and prepare for the journey ahead.
Meals: None
Ease into your first morning with breakfast and a relaxed start before heading north across coconut groves and paddy fields to Sri Lanka’s ancient capital, Anuradhapura. This afternoon, step into living spirituality at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig tree grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. Lanterns, prayer flags, and the soft murmur of chants set a serene scene as pilgrims circle the shrine.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Trace more than a millennium of royal history on a guided circuit of the UNESCO listed Sacred City—from the colossal brick dagobas of Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanaramaya to the monastic ruins at Abhayagiri. Hear how ingenious ancient reservoirs (tanks) irrigated the dry zone and sustained a thriving civilization. Between sites, look for gray langur monkeys in the shade of bodhi trees.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cross to the island’s east coast where sapphire seas frame the natural harbor of Trincomalee. Walk the ramparts of Fort Frederick, originally Portuguese, later Dutch and British, now a peaceful enclave where spotted deer often graze. Then wind up the headland to Koneswaram Temple—a clifftop Hindu sanctuary with sweeping Indian Ocean views and vibrant shrines to Lord Shiva. Sunset here is unforgettable.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a full day at leisure by the beach—soft sands, calm waters, and time to exhale. Prefer to get active? Opt for a guided snorkelling tour to Pigeon Island (additional cost), where clear shallows reveal colorful coral gardens and darting reef fish (conditions permitting). Return to your resort in time to watch twilight melt into starry skies.
Optional Tour: Half day snorkelling at Pigeon Island includes snorkelling gear (70USD per person, pay locally)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey inland to the cultural heartland. First, explore the Dambulla Cave Temple—a honeycomb of five sanctuaries adorned with gilded Buddhas, celestial murals, and centuries of devotion. Later, immerse in rural rhythms on the Hiriwadunna Village experience: cross the reservoir by catamaran, stroll among paddy fields, and join a simple home cooked lunch that celebrates seasonal produce and time-honored recipes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Beat the heat with an early visit to Sigiriya, the Lion Rock citadel. Ascend past mirror wall frescoes and ancient water gardens to the palace ruins crowning the 200 meter monolith—rewarded by panoramic views over jungle and lakes. Not up for the full climb? A guided base walk and Sigiriya Museum visit deliver rich insights without the steps. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy your lakeside resort.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Choose a relaxed morning—or take the optional guided tour of Polonnaruwa (additional cost), Sri Lanka’s splendid medieval capital, famed for the serene Gal Vihara Buddha statues carved from a single granite outcrop. Late afternoon, venture by jeep into Minneriya National Park: in the dry season, watch for the legendary “Gathering” as herds of elephants converge on the reservoir, alongside sambar deer and prolific birdlife.
Optional Tour: Visit to Polonnaruwa ancient city (USD 30 per person, pay locally)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel south through Matale’s spice gardens for an aromatic primer on cinnamon, cardamom, clove, and pepper—from cultivation to culinary and wellness uses. Continue to Kandy, the last royal capital, where you’ll browse the lively bazaar and Gem Museum before an evening cultural performance of Kandyan drumming, masked dance, and firewalking that brings centuries old traditions to life.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
At dawn’s softer light, join devotees at the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa), Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist shrine. Then climb via coach into the misty highlands where emerald tea plantations carpet the hills. Tour a working tea factory to see plucking, withering, rolling, and tasting—then sip the final, fragrant cup. Arrive in Nuwara Eliya, a cool climate town of colonial charm, lakes, and rose gardens.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
All aboard one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys from Nanu Oya to Ella: windows frame tea estates, cloud forests, and waterfall draped valleys. In Ella, pause for the photogenic Nine Arches Bridge, then continue to Ravana Falls for a roaring cascade photo stop. Descend from the hills to the southeast savannah of Yala, gateway to Sri Lanka’s big game country.
Please Note: Train tickets can only be booked 30 days in advance and availability is not always guaranteed. On the rare occasion seats are unable to be secured, the train may be replaced with a comfortable coach journey.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Rise early for a Yala National Park safari when wildlife is most active: keep your eyes peeled for the park’s elusive leopards, as well as elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals, and vibrant birdlife around shimmering waterholes. Return to your lodge to relax by the pool. Keen for more? Add an optional afternoon safari (paid locally) for golden hour sightings and warm, cinematic light.
Optional Tour – Evening Safari at Yala National Park (USD 60 per person, paid locally)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Trace the southern coastline, stopping to photograph traditional stilt fishermen balanced above the breakers. In Galle, stroll cobbled lanes inside the UNESCO listed Fort—all lighthouses, ramparts, and Dutch Era villas reimagined as boutiques and cafés. Browse galleries and spice shops, then continue along palm lined shores to Ahungalla for a restful beach stay.
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, visit a turtle hatchery supporting conservation and rehabilitation efforts; learn about nesting cycles and, in season, observe tiny hatchlings before release. Later, drift through the mangrove woven channels of the Madu River on a gentle boat safari—passing islets with cinnamon peels drying in the sun, waterside temples, and prolific birdlife. Return to your resort for a sunset swim.
Meals: Breakfast
Head north to Colombo for a curated city overview: colonial facades around the Fort district, the serene Gangaramaya Temple, leafy Independence Square, and shopping time from Pettah Market’s bustle to sleek local design stores. Then continue to the airport for your onward flight—ayubowan and safe travels.
Meals: Breakfast
Price based on tours starting:
Extra charges apply for:
Price based on departing from Melbourne, Perth, Sydney
Extra charges apply for:
Itinerary
Our tour is carefully designed to give a real insight into the highlights, culture, wildlife and beauty of each region. Each day will be different, with a combination of travel days, sightseeing and free time to explore.
Pace & Fitness
A moderate level of fitness is required. You are required to move about unassisted, including boarding and exiting/disembarking vehicles and other forms of transportation, walking up and down flights of stairs, and navigating occasional uneven or steep terrain. If airport transfers are included, they may not always reach the hotel door, so short walks may be required of you. This trip is not suitable for travellers’ requiring wheelchair, mobility scooters or specialised facilities. Other walking aids may be permitted if you are able to move independently and keep pace with the group. Please note that there will be a fair amount of walking and some locations will have stairs. If you have any health concerns, let us know when booking so we can help confirm if this trip is suitable for you.
Transfers
Arrival and departure airport transfers are included in this tour. Transfers are not included if you are extending your stay, unless previously arranged.
Meals
Included breakfasts offered by the accommodation providers are typically buffet style, with limited vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options. In more reginal areas, breakfast will be continental offering.
Please notify us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements and allergies. We endeavour to pass on your dietary requirements but cannot guarantee that they can be met as certain choices may be limited or not catered for. Your patience and understanding are appreciated.
Baggage
Each person is entitled to a strict maximum of one bag not exceeding 20kg on tour, superseding any other baggage allowance. Excess baggage is not permitted. You are strongly encouraged to pack lightly. A light day bag or backpack is permitted on the coach.
Porterage is not included, and you are required to carry your own bags. Luggage and personal effects are your own risk, and we hold no liability for lost or damaged belongings.
Sustainability
As part of our commitment to more sustainable travel on tour, we’re taking steps to reduce single-use plastics. We encourage all guests to bring a reusable water bottle. Alternatively, you can purchase a bottle in destination to re-use.
Group Size
This holiday will proceed with a minimum group size of approximately 10 people and a maximum group size of approximately 20 people. If the tour does not operate due to minimum numbers, you will be offered a credit or an alternative date.
Fitness
A moderate level of fitness is required. You are required to move about unassisted, including boarding and exiting/disembarking vehicles and other forms of transportation, walking up and down flights of stairs, and navigating occasional uneven or steep terrain. If airport transfers are included, they may not always reach the hotel door, so short walks may be required of you. This trip is not suitable for travellers’ requiring wheelchair, mobility scooters or specialised facilities. Other walking aids may be permitted if you are able to move independently and keep pace with the group. Please note that there will be a fair amount of walking and some locations will have stairs. If you have any health concerns, let us know when booking so we can help confirm if this trip is suitable for you.
Note: Accommodation is subject to change and will be confirmed in your final documents 30 days prior to departure.
A single supplement from $1200*pp is payable in addition to the twin share price for solo occupancy.
Exclusions
Meals not stated, drinks on meals, travel insurance (strongly recommended), optional tours, visas (required – please see below for more details), tipping, personal expenses and anything not explicitly listed under inclusions are at your own expense.
Payment
A first deposit from $499 per person is required to secure your booking. A second deposit (partial payment) is due 10 months before departure – the amount to be advised at the time of booking. The final balance will be due 5 months before departure. Full payment is due at the time of booking for departures within 5 months.
Solo Occupancy
A single supplement from $1200 per person is payable in addition to the twin share price for solo occupancy.
Triple Share
Triple share is not available.
Extra Accommodation
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation for this tour is available.
Child
This tour is best enjoyed by adult travellers and is not suitable for children under 12 years of age. Children 12 years and above are subject to the adult price and must be accompanied by an adult.
Price
Surcharges may apply for select travel periods and departure cities. Prices are correct at time of publication and are subject to availability, change, cancellation or withdrawal without notice. All prices are in Australian dollars per person twin share unless stated otherwise.
Change & Cancellation Fees
Changes for any reason will incur a fee of $110 per person per change in addition to any travel service provider fees. Cancellation for any reason will incur a fee of $550 per person in addition to any travel service provider fees. Travel service provider fees for the tour and air components of the package are dependent on the date of the change or cancellation as follows:
Airfares are generally non-refundable but any refundable ticket taxes will be returned. Full details of the change and cancellation fees is outlined in the Terms & Conditions available on our website.
Deviation
Any request to deviate from the original dates or routing, including early arrival and stay behind, is subject to a flight deviation fee from $150 per person plus applicable airfare and tax difference. Packaged tour extensions are not subject to the deviation fee (applicable airfare and tax difference may still apply) if booked according to the original advertised dates and routing.
Passport
For international travel, each customer must provide a copy of the passport photo page at the time of booking. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure all names are full names exactly matched to the passport with six months validity beyond trip completion. The customer is liable for all fees due to incorrect names, invalid passport information and expired passports.
Visa
To enter Sri Lanka, you’ll need a visa in the form of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). You should do this before you travel, as there are limited facilities to obtain an ETA on arrival at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport.
This policy is subject to change without notice. Visa requirements for each origin and destination country are the responsibility of the customer to check and obtain (if required) with the local consulate or embassy. The customer is liable for all visa application costs and fees due to the failure to obtain the required travel documents. We recommend checking Sherpa for updates.
Fitness
A moderate level of fitness is required. You are required to move about unassisted, including boarding and exiting/disembarking vehicles and other forms of transportation, walking up and down flights of stairs, and navigating occasional uneven or steep terrain. If airport transfers are included, they may not always reach the hotel door, so short walks may be required of you. This trip is not suitable for travellers’ requiring wheelchair, mobility scooters or specialised facilities. Other walking aids may be permitted if you are able to move independently and keep pace with the group. Please note that there will be a fair amount of walking and some locations will have stairs. If you have any health concerns, let us know when booking so we can help confirm if this trip is suitable for you.
Health
It is the responsibility of the customer to check and comply with the health, vaccination, COVID-19 and immigration requirements of each origin and destination country, and health requirements imposed by air, tour, cruise and accommodation providers. Vaccinations, testing and quarantine costs are the expense of the customer. Comprehensive travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is strongly recommended. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up-to-date information on health and vaccination requirements.
Baggage
Each person is entitled to a strict maximum of one bag not exceeding 20kg on the coach tour, superseding any other baggage allowance. Excess baggage is not permitted. You are strongly encouraged to pack lightly. A light day bag or backpack is permitted on the coach. Porterage is not included, and you are required to carry your own bags. Luggage and personal effects are your own risk, and we hold no liability for lost or damaged belongings.
Meals
Please notify us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements and allergies. We endeavour to pass on your dietary requirements but cannot guarantee that they can be met as certain choices may be limited or not catered for. You are required to reconfirm dietary requests with your tour leader whilst on tour.
Accommodation
A range of accommodation styles including hotels, resorts and cruises are carefully selected to suit the size of the group. Accommodation names referenced are to be used as an indicative guide for the standard of accommodation to expect. Actual accommodation names may differ and will be confirmed on your final documentation. All rooms are lead-in category or run of house unless otherwise specified. Requests for bedding double or twin bedding types can be made however these cannot be guaranteed. The standard check-in time is after 2pm and check-out is before 12pm – actual times may vary.
Tipping
It is customary to tip in Sri Lanka. Below is a guide of amounts to expect. You will be provided with an update at time of final documentation.
Flights
The outbound flight may depart one day prior to day 1 shown on the itinerary. The inbound flight may arrive one day after the final day shown on the itinerary. Flights are booked approximately 8 to 10 months prior to departure. The flights included in your package are based on a specific predetermined airfare allowance. Should there be a significant increase in airfares, fuel levies, taxes or government fees at the time of booking flights, then an airfare supplement may be imposed. The flights team will discuss options with you prior to ticketing, should this situation arise. Flights may not operate daily or directly to your destination. No show of any flight sectors will result in the automatic cancellation of all onward flights by the airline.
Fuel
In the unlikely event of a significant increase in fuel costs levied by third-party air, land and cruise transportation operators before travel, a fuel supplement may be passed on to the customer.
Transfers
Airport Transfers are included on the first and last day of the tour. Any additional nights at the beginning or end of the tour, does not include transfers. Transfers may operate at designated times and may be group or independent services using private transportation.
Optional Programs
Specially-crafted optional programs provide flexibility for you to explore further. Optional programs are expertly guided and include dedicated coach transportation, admissions and more. Optional programs can be booked directly with the guide and paid in the local currency or USD.
Group Size
You will meet like-minded travellers on tour and may even make lifelong friends. This tour will proceed with a minimum group size of approximately 10 passengers and a maximum group size of approximately 20 passengers. If the tour does not operate, you will be offered an alternative travel date, credit or refund.
Itinerary
The operating schedule and itinerary may be impacted without notice by adverse weather, seasonal factors, closures, local conditions or other factors beyond our control including force majeure. If attractions are not available due to reasons beyond our control such as closures or adverse weather, alternatives will be provided where possible. The itinerary and its order, sightseeing and transportation may be adjusted as deemed appropriate by the operator for optimum safety, enjoyment and operation. Any reference to ‘optional’, ‘not included’ or ‘exclusions/excluded’ means at your own expense.
Breakaway
Customers must remain with the tour group at all times and must not leave the tour unless written approval is provided before departure.
Documentation
Final documentation will be emailed within two weeks of departure. For packages consisting of multiple tours or countries, documentation will be emailed individually within two weeks of departure of each respective tour.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended. Ask our holiday experts for great coverage options.
Force Majeure
Force majeure means any natural disaster, accident, fire, act of God, act of war, terrorism, legally binding judgment, injunction, action of a court or other relevant authority, emergency, unplanned repairs, maintenance, strike, industrial dispute, work ban, blockade or picketing, travel ban, pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of infectious disease, or other event beyond our reasonable direct or indirect control. In case of force majeure or other extraordinary event that prevents safe travel, the supplier reserves the right to adjust, postpone or cancel the trip.
Product Code: MT-2323
Need more information from our holiday experts?
Enquire OnlineHold Tight!
We're sending your enquiry through to one of our Flight Centre Travel Experts