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Island Family Holiday
| Private Tours | Sri Lanka
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka, a land rich in sacred temples, lush tea valleys, golden beaches, and colonial charm. Travel from the island's ancient heartlands to its misty highlands and sun-kissed southern coast, following a route that unveils the essence of this captivating country.
Awaken your spirit among the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura, explore the frescoed caves of Dambulla, and scale the impressive rock fortress of Sigiriya. Experience a scenic train ride through the picturesque hills, sip tea where the world’s finest leaves are cultivated, and conclude your adventure on the tranquil shores of the Indian Ocean.
Throughout your trip, stay in charming boutique retreats that blend heritage with luxury. Enjoy exclusive activities designed for meaningful connections, ranging from family-friendly nature experiences to private artisan workshops and scenic flights that showcase the island's breathtaking beauty.
What We Love
- Explore Sri Lanka’s Ancient Cities & UNESCO Sites
- Journey by Vintage Train Through the Hill Country
- Unwind on the Beaches of the South Coast
- Experience Authentic Local Culture & Cuisine
- Visit Tea Estates & Learn the Art of Tea Making
Holiday Types ByDesign
Athena
Senior Reservations
We love creating perfect holidays for our clients. Start planning your dream trip today by talking to one of our Destination Specialists.
Caroline
Reservations
We love creating perfect holidays for our clients. Start planning your dream trip today by talking to one of our Destination Specialists.
At a Glance
Duration:
12 Nights
Tour Type:
Private Tour
Star Rating:
5*
Board Basis:
Combination B&B + All Inclusive
Departures:
All Year
Start / Finish:
Colombo – Colombo
Optional Excursions:
Various Tea Trail Activities:
Fishing on Castlereagh Reservoir
Private Tea Tasting
Tea Planter’s Tiffin Lunch
Kayaking on Castlereagh
Guided Trail Exploration
Al Fresco Barbeque Lunch
Discover Sri Lankan Cuisine
Gallery
More Information
What's Included
Exclusions
Other
Board Basis
Why we like it
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival in Sri Lanka
Arrive into Sri Lanka with VIP fast-track assistance at Bandaranaike International Airport, including access to the exclusive Silk Route lounge. Upon exiting the plane, you’ll be greeted by a representative holding a personalised sign. You’ll be escorted directly to the private lounge, where your chauffeur-guide will meet you. Here, airport staff will handle all formalities on your behalf — including customs clearance and luggage collection, while you relax with refreshments, tea, or coffee. Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and washroom facilities are available. Should you wish to exchange currency, your guide or the airport representative will assist. Once formalities are complete, you’ll exit through a private terminal and be escorted to your waiting vehicle for a seamless transfer to your hotel.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 2 | Anuradhapura
After breakfast, begin your journey to Anuradhapura, travelling inland through lush countryside and village landscapes (approx. 4.5 hours). En route, stop at the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple, a sacred pilgrimage site for over 22 centuries. This vast cave complex, with its five sanctuaries, is the largest and best-preserved in Sri Lanka. Admire the exquisite Buddhist murals and 157 statues that adorn its interiors, a mesmerising reflection of the island’s devotion and artistry. Arrive at your elegant boutique hotel in Anuradhapura, check in, and spend the evening at leisure.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 3 | Anuradhapura
This morning, younger travellers are invited to take part in the Junior Ranger Programme, designed to nurture curiosity about nature, wildlife, and sustainability. Over a morning or afternoon, children engage in fun, hands-on activities such as identifying local bird and animal species, sketching their favourite creatures, exploring the organic garden, and learning how ecosystems thrive. Guided by knowledgeable naturalists, the programme encourages young minds to appreciate Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity in a creative and meaningful way. Adults can enjoy the peaceful setting, relax by the pool, or explore the property’s grounds.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 4 | Anuradhapura
After breakfast, set out for a unique horse riding experience, one of the few available in Sri Lanka. Uga Ulagalla’s on-site stables welcome riders of all levels to explore the surrounding landscapes on horseback. Trails wind through red-dust tracks and grassy paths that skirt tranquil lakes and shaded forest patches. The rides are fully guided and offer wonderful opportunities to spot local birdlife, water buffalo, and rural village scenes, a serene and unforgettable way to experience the countryside.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 5 | Anuradhapura
Today, embark on an exhilarating tuk tuk journey through the backroads of ancient Anuradhapura. Once the capital of Sri Lanka for over a millennium, this UNESCO World Heritage city remains one of Asia’s great ancient civilisations. Visit sacred landmarks including the Mirisaveti, Jetavana, and Ruvanweli temples, astonishingly aligned with the constellation Orion’s Belt, a celestial connection shared with the pyramids of Egypt and Angkor Wat. Cycle or ride through the hidden byways of the “Inner City”, accompanied by a resident historian who reveals a quieter, authentic side of Anuradhapura, far from the tourist trail.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 6 | Kandy
After breakfast, travel towards the misty hills of Kandy, the island’s cultural capital (approx. 3 hours). Along the way, stop to climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Ascend the ancient stairways to discover frescoes, landscaped water gardens, and the remnants of King Kassapa’s palace perched 180 metres above the plains. The views from the summit are simply spectacular. Continue your drive to Kandy, nestled among forested hills and centred around a tranquil lake. Check in to your boutique hotel and spend the evening at leisure.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 7 | Kandy
After breakfast, explore the city of Kandy, visiting the sacred Temple of the Tooth, which houses a revered relic of the Buddha. Later, stroll through Kandy’s lively markets, filled with colourful produce, spices, and local crafts. For lunch, you may wish to dine at the Royal Bar & Hotel, a beautifully restored UNESCO-listed heritage building offering a touch of colonial charm (payment direct).
Spend the afternoon at leisure before returning to your hotel for a relaxed evening.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 8 | Dickoya
Today brings one of Sri Lanka’s most enchanting experiences, a vintage train journey through the central highlands. After a short drive to Kandy Station, board the local train to Hatton (approx. 2.5 hours). With reserved seats secured in advance, enjoy a scenic ride past lush tea plantations, misty forests, and waterfalls cascading through emerald hills, a journey once favoured by British planters in the 1800s. On arrival in Hatton, your chauffeur will be waiting for you. Continue to your luxury Tea Trails bungalow, where your personal butler welcomes you with lunch and afternoon tea. Spend the rest of the day relaxing amidst the serene surroundings. (Please note: Train schedules are subject to change, and delays or cancellations can occur. If necessary, a scenic road transfer will be arranged.)
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 9 | Dickoya
After breakfast, enjoy a guided tea experience tour to learn the art of Ceylon tea production, from leaf plucking to brewing perfection. You may wish to spend the rest of the day walking or cycling through the rolling plantations, relaxing by the pool, or joining one of the estate’s curated experiences.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 10 | Weligama
After breakfast, transfer to the Castlereagh Reservoir for a scheduled domestic flight to the island’s southern coast. Depart late morning for Koggala Airport, with a scenic stop en route (flight duration and timing subject to change). Upon landing, a private transfer will take you to your luxury coastal retreat in Weligama (approx. 35 minutes). Relax for the remainder of the day, taking in the ocean breeze and breathtaking coastal views. (Note: Domestic flight schedules can vary; baggage allowances apply, and additional luggage will be transported by road via your guide.)
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 11 | Weligama
A full day for beachside relaxation. Stroll along the golden sands, swim in the turquoise bay, or simply unwind under a palm tree. The gentle pace of southern Sri Lanka provides the perfect contrast to your inland adventures.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 12 | Galle
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning before departing for the historic city of Galle (approx. 1 hour). Check in to your hotel within the 17th-century Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, meet a local artisan from Ambalangoda for a mask carving or painting workshop. Learn the ancient craft behind Sri Lanka’s ceremonial masks as you sketch, carve, and paint your own piece using traditional tools and techniques, a fascinating insight into local folklore and artistry. Spend your final evening exploring Galle’s cobbled streets, boutique shops, and ocean-view ramparts.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 13 | Depart Sri Lanka
When the time is right, your chauffeur will transfer you to Bandaranaike International Airport (approx. 2.5 hours) for your onward flight home, taking with you unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka’s warmth, wildlife, and wonder.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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