Best of Sri Lanka
This Best of Sri Lanka tour takes you through the island’s ancient cities, breathtaking landscapes and deep cultural traditions. Stand before the sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, explore the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa and climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Travel by train through tea country, search for elephants and leopards on a Yala National Park game drive and walk the historic streets of Galle Fort.
Dining Summary
- 7 Dinner (D)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Lunch (L)
- Galle: Join Mrs Shahira Mahuroof in her Galle home for a homemade Sri Lankan lunch, filled with flavors and family traditions. As she prepares local dishes, hear stories of her life and the cultural influences that shape her cooking. A warm, welcoming experience that offers a taste of Sri Lankan hospitality.
- Tissamaharama: Stop in Tissamaharama to see how Sri Lanka’s famous buffalo curd is made. Walk through the farm, watch fresh milk strained and boiled before it’s set to ferment in clay pots. Finish with a taste: thick, creamy curd topped with sweet treacle, a simple yet delicious treat.
- Colombo: Explore Colombo on foot, where history and modern life sit side by side. You'll visit Independence Square, a symbol of Sri Lanka’s freedom, before weaving through the lively streets of Pettah. Stop at the Red Mosque, a striking landmark, then step into Gangaramaya Temple, known for its mix of architectural styles. You'll pass the old and new Parliament buildings before viewing the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, a gift from China.
- Sigiriya: Climb to the top of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a royal citadel that towers over the jungle. You'll pass ancient frescoes and the lion’s paws before reaching the summit, panoramic views make the ascent worthwhile.
- Polonnaruwa: This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s medieval capital. Explore the Royal Palace complex, walk through the ancient Quadrangle and see the Gal Vihara, where four massive Buddha statues are carved from a single granite slab, a remarkable example of Sri Lanka’s artistic heritage.
- Dambulla: Step into Sri Lanka’s largest and best-preserved cave monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 150 Buddha statues and centuries-old murals. Sitting high above the plains, this sacred site has been a place of worship for over 2,000 years.
- Kandy: Visit one of Buddhism’s most important pilgrimage sites, where a tooth believed to belong to the Buddha, Sri Lanka’s most sacred relic, is kept inside a golden casket. Walk through the temple’s halls, see its detailed carvings and take in the atmosphere of this deeply spiritual place.
- Kandy: Watch a vibrant display of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage as Kandyan dancers take the stage. Once performed in royal courts and sacred rituals, this energetic tradition comes to life with rhythmic drumming, acrobatic leaps and striking costumes. Fire-breathers and drummers add to the spectacle, making it an unforgettable experience.
- Nuwara Eliya: Wind through Sri Lanka’s hill country on one of the world’s most scenic train rides. Rolling tea plantations, misty mountains and cascading waterfalls unfold outside your window as the train climbs towards Nuwara Eliya, the heart of the island’s tea industry.
- Nuwara Eliya: Visit a Ceylon tea estate to see firsthand how Sri Lanka’s world-famous tea is made. Walk through the plantations, watch the leaves being processed and learn about the different stages of production, finishing with a freshly brewed cup.
- Nuwara Eliya: Explore Nuwara Eliya, a town shaped by its British colonial past. Stroll past the Tudor-style post office, through the landscaped paths of Victoria Park and to Gregory Lake. Stop by the historic Grand Hotel and the exclusive Hill Club, both echoes of a bygone era.
- Yala National Park: Venture into Yala National Park, home to Sri Lanka’s most diverse wildlife on a guided game drive. Keep your camera ready because this is one of the best places in the world to spot leopards in the wild.
- Galle: Along the shores of Weligama, see one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic sights, stilt fishermen balancing on wooden poles, casting their lines into the Indian Ocean. This centuries-old tradition, passed down through generations, is a testament to the island’s deep connection to the sea. Watch as they skillfully fish in the shallows, a unique and timeless practice found only in this region.
- : Discover the history of Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk along the Dutch-built ramparts, past colonial-era buildings, cafes and boutiques. Visit the famous Galle Lighthouse, the oldest in Sri Lanka and learn how this centuries-old fort has shaped the city and its people.
- Galle: Visit Sri Lanka’s first sea turtle hatchery, founded in 1978, to learn about efforts to protect endangered species. A conservationist or caretaker will guide you through the center’s work, from hatchling care to rehabilitation. Depending on the season, you may witness a hatching or turtle release, a reminder of the impact conservation can have on marine life. Your visit directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.
- Explore Colombo, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park and Galle
- Visit Sigiriya Fortress, Polonnaruwa Archaeological Park, Dambulla Cave Temple, Sacred Tooth Relic Temple, Tea plantation in Nuwara Eliya and Galle Fort
- See Kandy Traditional Dance Performance
- Colombo: One of Asia’s oldest hotels, the Galle Face Hotel has been a part of Colombo’s history since 1864. Overlooking the Indian Ocean, it has welcomed royalty, writers and world leaders, with its colonial architecture and timeless traditions reflecting Sri Lanka’s past. From its historic halls to the flag-lowering ceremony at sunset, this hotel offers you more than a stay-it’s a piece of the city’s story.
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
- Coffee & Tea
- Culinary and Cooking
- National Parks and Preserves
- Rail Tours
- UNESCO Site
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ID: 9500263
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ID: 9355922
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Your Bucket List Moments
You’ll tick off not-to-miss iconic sights, local culture and unmissable natural wonders – all handpicked, planned and vetted by our Travel Experts who carefully craft your tour behind the scenes. Unlock the best of every place you visit and learn secrets from our local friends along the way. Here are just a few of the hundreds of must-sees that are waiting for you.
Must-Sees To Local Secrets
You’ll enjoy that extra special treatment when you skip the lines at must-see sights and uncover secrets with your Local Specialist.
Stays With Stories
In addition to the extensive trusted accommodation partners, on many tours, you will find yourself overnighting in accommodations with stories as rich as the destinations you’re exploring. From an Irish castle steeped in history to a South African safari lodge, or a traditional Japanese Ryokan – you can truly experience it all.
Be My Guest
Welcome to your home away from home. Step into the lives of your hosts who open their homes, wineries, farms and more to share stories about their families, history and their communities, over good food and great hospitality. With one on every itinerary, Be My Guest ensures your journey is truly one-of-a-kind, wherever it takes you.
Everything Taken Care Of
With Trafalgar everything is planned, vetted, booked and organized before you start. And, when you’re on your tour, Your Travel Director and Driver team handle all your logistics, bookings, tickets, transport and more – so all you have to do is enjoy your vacation and the freedom of living in the moment.
Here’s a quick look at the travel essentials and experiences you'll enjoy.
- Travel Director and Driver team
- Nightly accommodation
- Stays with Stories experience*
- Daily breakfast**
- Many lunches and dinners
- Luxury coach transport***
- Entry to many must-see sights
- Be My Guest experience
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences
- Locally guided tours in many destinations
*Stays with Stories are available to you on selected tours
**On select days on some of our tours, we leave days free to follow your nose to the local bakery or diner to suit your tastes, preferences and budget.
*** On some tours in smaller destinations, on-board bathrooms and WiFi are not available on our coaches or mini coach fleets.
Your transport and Driver
You’ll travel from A to B in comfort and style, and without worrying about driving, parking, tolls and arguing over the satnav. Your luxury coach features reclining seats, panoramic windows to take in the views, WiFi, air-con, and on-board bathroom facilities, USB chargers and more* – kick back knowing your journey is as good as the destination.
Beyond your coach, you’ll really be able to take in the views on your journey. You could take a ferry through turquoise waters, past grottoes and along a unique coastline to the Isle of Capri, through New Zealand’s Milford Sound, or the Glacier Express Train ride along the Swiss Alps’ lakes and glaciers. You’ll capture incredible sights all from the comfort of your seat.
*On some tours in smaller destinations, on-board bathrooms and WiFi are not available on our coaches or mini coach fleets.
Complement your tour with Optional Experiences
Unlock even more with a selection of Optional Experiences available throughout your tour. These have been carefully curated to add that ‘extra something’ to your included sightseeing and one-of-a-kind experiences, at just-for-you Trafalgar prices. Selected by our team of experts and organised by your Travel Director while you’re on your tour, you’ll enjoy knowing the research has already been done for you.
Group travel tours - 300 Trips. 70 Countries. 7 Continents.
Trafalgar tours are the ultimate way to experience the world with like-minded travelers. From the historic canals of Venice to the sun-drenched shores of Hawaii, our group travel packages take care of every detail so you can relax and explore with complete ease. We take the worry out of travel, so from planning, to booking, to exploring the world with us, you can rest assured that we’re with you every step of the way.
Each of our group travel packages is perfectly planned so you can enjoy a blend of iconic and local experiences. Our group vacations are the classic Trafalgar experience that allows you to tour differently, with the world’s most loved and awarded travel brand.
Groups - For groups of 9 guests or more
Are you a group of 9 or more looking for the ultimate group trips package? Then you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a trip organizer or just looking for a group trip to enjoy with friends and family, with us you can look forward to a rich travel experience that combines exceptional service, great value, and ultimate ease. Choose from over 240 of our existing, award-winning group vacations, or design a custom trip bespoke to your group’s passions and interests.
- I am a group trip organizer
If you are a trip organizer for a corporate, sporting or affinity group, or a Travel Agent, our group trips are perfect for your needs. You can either choose from one of our existing tours, or design a custom tour around your group’s travel interests, knowing that you will still get to enjoy the same remarkable Trafalgar inclusions and world class experience.
- I am traveling with family and friends
Whether you’re a small a group of family and friends looking to get away with ultimate ease, or a larger group celebrating a special occasion like a destination wedding or milestone birthday, we have just the perfect trip. Choose from one of our existing tours and enjoy travel with like-minded travelers.
Family Tours & Travel Packages
Travel can be one of the most rewarding experiences a family can have together. Our family tours let you rediscover the joy of travel with the whole family and make memories that last well after you arrive home. From meeting a real-life cowboy in Montana, or spotting monkeys in Costa Rica, to experiencing life as a gladiator in Rome, the world is your playground with our family vacations.
Custom tours - For groups of 10 guests or more
You dream it, then we’ll create it. Our custom tours option is the perfect choice for groups of 10 guests or more seeking a tailored experience, while still offering complete flexibility and control over your budget, personalized travel itinerary and inclusions. Our specialist team can design a custom group travel experience perfectly suited to your group’s specific needs and interests.
Solo Travel Tours & Singles Vacations
Thinking of taking a solo trip? We make solo travel a breeze. With 24/7 support and everything taken care of by our team, you'll relax knowing you can travel with ease. Our singles vacations attract people from all over the world who are looking to share real travel experiences with like-minded people, so you’ll make new friends along the way in solo travel groups.
Tours for seniors
Discover the world with tours for seniors designed with comfort, culture, and connection in mind. Travel with like-minded explorers at a pace that suits you, experiencing enriching journeys filled with history, local stories, and breathtaking landscapes—all without the stress of planning. You might be looking for European travel tours for seniors, or going even further afield. Wherever your next adventure awaits, you’ll always unlock the best of your destination with Trafalgar.
Your Bucket List Moments
You’ll tick off not-to-miss iconic sights, local culture and unmissable natural wonders – all handpicked, planned and vetted by our Travel Experts who carefully craft your tour behind the scenes. Unlock the best of every place you visit and learn secrets from our local friends along the way. Here are just a few of the hundreds of must-sees that are waiting for you.
Must-Sees To Local Secrets
You’ll enjoy that extra special treatment when you skip the lines at must-see sights and uncover secrets with your Local Specialist.
Stays With Stories
In addition to the extensive trusted accommodation partners, on many tours, you will find yourself overnighting in accommodations with stories as rich as the destinations you’re exploring. From an Irish castle steeped in history to a South African safari lodge, or a traditional Japanese Ryokan – you can truly experience it all.
Be My Guest
Welcome to your home away from home. Step into the lives of your hosts who open their homes, wineries, farms and more to share stories about their families, history and their communities, over good food and great hospitality. With one on every itinerary, Be My Guest ensures your journey is truly one-of-a-kind, wherever it takes you.
Everything Taken Care Of
With Trafalgar everything is planned, vetted, booked and organized before you start. And, when you’re on your tour, Your Travel Director and Driver team handle all your logistics, bookings, tickets, transport and more – so all you have to do is enjoy your vacation and the freedom of living in the moment.
Here’s a quick look at the travel essentials and experiences you'll enjoy.
- Travel Director and Driver team
- Nightly accommodation
- Stays with Stories experience*
- Daily breakfast**
- Many lunches and dinners
- Luxury coach transport***
- Entry to many must-see sights
- Be My Guest experience
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences
- Locally guided tours in many destinations
*Stays with Stories are available to you on selected tours
**On select days on some of our tours, we leave days free to follow your nose to the local bakery or diner to suit your tastes, preferences and budget.
*** On some tours in smaller destinations, on-board bathrooms and WiFi are not available on our coaches or mini coach fleets.
Your transport and Driver
You’ll travel from A to B in comfort and style, and without worrying about driving, parking, tolls and arguing over the satnav. Your luxury coach features reclining seats, panoramic windows to take in the views, WiFi, air-con, and on-board bathroom facilities, USB chargers and more* – kick back knowing your journey is as good as the destination.
Beyond your coach, you’ll really be able to take in the views on your journey. You could take a ferry through turquoise waters, past grottoes and along a unique coastline to the Isle of Capri, through New Zealand’s Milford Sound, or the Glacier Express Train ride along the Swiss Alps’ lakes and glaciers. You’ll capture incredible sights all from the comfort of your seat.
*On some tours in smaller destinations, on-board bathrooms and WiFi are not available on our coaches or mini coach fleets.
Complement your tour with Optional Experiences
Unlock even more with a selection of Optional Experiences available throughout your tour. These have been carefully curated to add that ‘extra something’ to your included sightseeing and one-of-a-kind experiences, at just-for-you Trafalgar prices. Selected by our team of experts and organised by your Travel Director while you’re on your tour, you’ll enjoy knowing the research has already been done for you.
Group travel tours - 300 Trips. 70 Countries. 7 Continents.
Trafalgar tours are the ultimate way to experience the world with like-minded travelers. From the historic canals of Venice to the sun-drenched shores of Hawaii, our group travel packages take care of every detail so you can relax and explore with complete ease. We take the worry out of travel, so from planning, to booking, to exploring the world with us, you can rest assured that we’re with you every step of the way.
Each of our group travel packages is perfectly planned so you can enjoy a blend of iconic and local experiences. Our group vacations are the classic Trafalgar experience that allows you to tour differently, with the world’s most loved and awarded travel brand.
Groups - For groups of 9 guests or more
Are you a group of 9 or more looking for the ultimate group trips package? Then you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a trip organizer or just looking for a group trip to enjoy with friends and family, with us you can look forward to a rich travel experience that combines exceptional service, great value, and ultimate ease. Choose from over 240 of our existing, award-winning group vacations, or design a custom trip bespoke to your group’s passions and interests.
- I am a group trip organizer
If you are a trip organizer for a corporate, sporting or affinity group, or a Travel Agent, our group trips are perfect for your needs. You can either choose from one of our existing tours, or design a custom tour around your group’s travel interests, knowing that you will still get to enjoy the same remarkable Trafalgar inclusions and world class experience.
- I am traveling with family and friends
Whether you’re a small a group of family and friends looking to get away with ultimate ease, or a larger group celebrating a special occasion like a destination wedding or milestone birthday, we have just the perfect trip. Choose from one of our existing tours and enjoy travel with like-minded travelers.
Family Tours & Travel Packages
Travel can be one of the most rewarding experiences a family can have together. Our family tours let you rediscover the joy of travel with the whole family and make memories that last well after you arrive home. From meeting a real-life cowboy in Montana, or spotting monkeys in Costa Rica, to experiencing life as a gladiator in Rome, the world is your playground with our family vacations.
Custom tours - For groups of 10 guests or more
You dream it, then we’ll create it. Our custom tours option is the perfect choice for groups of 10 guests or more seeking a tailored experience, while still offering complete flexibility and control over your budget, personalized travel itinerary and inclusions. Our specialist team can design a custom group travel experience perfectly suited to your group’s specific needs and interests.
Solo Travel Tours & Singles Vacations
Thinking of taking a solo trip? We make solo travel a breeze. With 24/7 support and everything taken care of by our team, you'll relax knowing you can travel with ease. Our singles vacations attract people from all over the world who are looking to share real travel experiences with like-minded people, so you’ll make new friends along the way in solo travel groups.
Tours for seniors
Discover the world with tours for seniors designed with comfort, culture, and connection in mind. Travel with like-minded explorers at a pace that suits you, experiencing enriching journeys filled with history, local stories, and breathtaking landscapes—all without the stress of planning. You might be looking for European travel tours for seniors, or going even further afield. Wherever your next adventure awaits, you’ll always unlock the best of your destination with Trafalgar.
About Trafalgar
Get ready for a trip like no other. Since 1947, more than five million happy past guests have discovered our difference. You’ll see top destinations, iconic sites, and get treated to exclusive local experiences – all with our team taking care of all the details. You’ll also discover the ways WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®, and how your journey leaves a positive impact. Do good, feel good, and make memories that last a lifetime.
Your bucket list moments
You’ll tick off not-to-miss iconic sights, local culture and unmissable natural wonders – all handpicked, planned and vetted by our Travel Experts who carefully craft your tour behind the scenes. Unlock the best of every place you visit and learn secrets from our local friends along the way.
Make unforgettable memories
Connecting you to experiences you wouldn’t otherwise have is what we do best. On all our tours you’ll be invited to the homes and businesses of locals for an exclusive Be My Guest experience, as well as a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. And on many itineraries, you will be enjoying a Stays with Stories accommodation experience, in some of the world’s most interesting locations.
Travel with complete ease
With Trafalgar everything is planned, vetted, booked and organized before you start. And, when you’re on your tour, Your Travel Director and Driver team handle all your logistics, bookings, tickets, transport and more – so all you have to do is enjoy your vacation and the freedom of living in the moment.
About Trafalgar
Get ready for a trip like no other. Since 1947, more than five million happy past guests have discovered our difference. You’ll see top destinations, iconic sites, and get treated to exclusive local experiences – all with our team taking care of all the details. You’ll also discover the ways WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®, and how your journey leaves a positive impact. Do good, feel good, and make memories that last a lifetime.
Your bucket list moments
You’ll tick off not-to-miss iconic sights, local culture and unmissable natural wonders – all handpicked, planned and vetted by our Travel Experts who carefully craft your tour behind the scenes. Unlock the best of every place you visit and learn secrets from our local friends along the way.
Make unforgettable memories
Connecting you to experiences you wouldn’t otherwise have is what we do best. On all our tours you’ll be invited to the homes and businesses of locals for an exclusive Be My Guest experience, as well as a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. And on many itineraries, you will be enjoying a Stays with Stories accommodation experience, in some of the world’s most interesting locations.
Travel with complete ease
With Trafalgar everything is planned, vetted, booked and organized before you start. And, when you’re on your tour, Your Travel Director and Driver team handle all your logistics, bookings, tickets, transport and more – so all you have to do is enjoy your vacation and the freedom of living in the moment.
