The Classic Island

The route most first-time visitors should take. Ancient cities, a few days in the tea hills, a safari morning, and a week winding down on the south coast.

Duration12 days, 11 nights

Starts & endsColombo airport

RouteNegombo · Sigiriya · Kandy · Nuwara Eliya · Ella · Yala · Galle · Bentota

Day by day

How the twelve days run.

Drive times are given honestly, including the long ones. Any day here can be swapped, shortened or dropped.

01

Arrive in Colombo, drive to Negombo

We meet you in the arrivals hall and drive the short distance to Negombo rather than fighting Colombo traffic on your first evening. Nothing is planned for the rest of the day beyond a walk on the beach and an early dinner.

Overnight Negombo

On the road About 40 minutes from the airport

02

North to Sigiriya

A long drive north through the dry zone, broken by a stop at a roadside kade for short eats. The afternoon is free, with the option of a jeep run into Minneriya if the elephants are gathering.

Overnight Sigiriya

On the road Around 4 hours

03

Sigiriya rock and the Dambulla caves

An early start for the rock, before the heat and the coach parties. Back for a late breakfast, then the cave temples at Dambulla in the cooler part of the afternoon.

Overnight Sigiriya

On the road Short local transfers only

What’s included

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide
  • All accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis
  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • Entrance fees to the sites listed in the itinerary
  • Bottled water throughout the journey

Not included

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Lunches and dinners unless stated
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Travel insurance

Want this trip, or a version of it?

Tell us your dates and we’ll come back with a version built around them. Nothing is booked until you’ve seen it and said yes.