Day 1 ISTANBUL – SHARJAH – COLOMBO
We meet at the international departures terminal of Istanbul Airport three hours before the flight. After luggage, ticket and boarding procedures, we fly to Sharjah with Air Arabia Airlines' scheduled flight. Following our arrival in Sharjah, our scheduled flight with Air Arabia Airlines to Colombo begins. Our night is spent on the plane.
Day 2 COLOMBO – PINNAWALA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE – DAMBULLA TEMPLE – HABARANA-SIGIRIYA
Upon our arrival in Colombo, we transfer to our private bus waiting at the airport. We then set off for our Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage tour. We enjoy our open buffet breakfast by the river along the way. Founded in 1975, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage started with seven orphans. Today, some of these orphans have the chance to see their grandchildren born in the same place. The initial purpose of the orphanage was more tourism-oriented, but it quickly became a conservation and education center. During our visit to the orphanage, we will be able to walk alongside the elephants and watch them wash themselves with their trunks. Afterward, we head for our Dambulla Temple tour. As we step into the mystical surroundings of Dambulla, we will be greeted by the serene atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Together, we will embark on a pilgrimage through five extraordinary cave temples, each a shrine of ancient art and spirituality. Dambulla is not just about temples; it holds immense historical significance. We will explore the rich history and cultural importance of these caves, where ancient kings sought refuge and left behind magnificent cave frescoes and sculptures that continue to inspire us. Our journey in Dambulla takes us to the heart of Buddhism. Together, we will witness intricate cave paintings depicting the life and teachings of Lord Buddha and gain insights into the profound philosophy that has shaped millions of lives. After our tour, we transfer to our hotel for some leisure time. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.
Day 3 HABARANA – SIGIRIYA – HIRIWADUNNA – HABARANA-SIGIRIYA
In the early morning, we set off for our Sigiriya tour. Get ready to be awe-inspired as we embark on a captivating journey to explore the ancient wonder of Sri Lanka's "Lion Rock" fortress, Sigiriya! As we approach Sigiriya, we will be greeted by the towering presence of this legendary rock formation. Together, we will climb the magnificent Sigiriya Rock, passing steep staircases and ancient pathways to reach the summit. Along the way, we will marvel at the intricate frescoes adorning the rock surface, each providing a glimpse into the artistic brilliance of a bygone era. Upon reaching the top, we will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the lush Sri Lankan countryside. Together, we will stand at the pinnacle of this ancient fortress, where once kings ruled and sought refuge. The remains of the ancient citadel and the surrounding gardens will unfold before us as a testament to Sri Lanka's architectural and engineering ingenuity. Our next stop will be the enigmatic Lion's Gate, the most significant part of Sigiriya. Together, we will witness the giant lion paws guarding the entrance, a symbol of the fortress’s magnificent past. As we explore the ruins of the royal palace and admire the complex water gardens below, we will travel back in time to the era of wealth and splendor. After our tour, we transfer back to the hotel for breakfast. Then we set off for our Hiriwadunna tour. Our journey begins with a leisurely walk in Hiriwadunna village. Together, we will walk along lush pathways, passing by traditional homes and friendly locals who will greet us with warm smiles. As we wander through this enchanting village, we will gain a deeper appreciation for rural life in Sri Lanka. Hiriwadunna is famous for its tranquil lakeside setting, and we will have the privilege of experiencing it firsthand. Together, we will embark on a serene catamaran journey, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. The glassy surface of the lake reflects the lush greenery and azure sky, creating a scene straight out of a dream. A highlight of our Hiriwadunna tour is a traditional bullock cart ride. Together, we will hop onto these charming carts drawn by sturdy bulls and ride through the countryside. This timeless mode of transportation will allow us to experience the authentic rhythms of rural life. After our tour, we transfer to our hotel for some leisure time. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.
Day 4 HABARANA – SPICE GARDEN – KANDY – SRI LANKA TRADITIONAL SHOW
After breakfast at the hotel, we check out and set off for our Spice Garden tour. As we step into this lush paradise, we will be greeted by a symphony of scents. Together, we will wander among the vibrant greenery where cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and other exotic spices flourish. Our journey will be a sensory delight as we learn about the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of these valuable ingredients. We will discover the ancient trade routes that brought these spices to the island and their roles in shaping the country’s culinary traditions. However, the Spice Garden is not solely about spices; it is also a treasure trove of herbal medicines. We will explore the medicinal plants and herbs used in traditional Ayurveda, gaining insights into their healing properties. Together, we will learn how these age-old remedies are still widely practiced in Sri Lanka today. Afterward, we will set off for our Kandy tour. As we step into Kandy, we will be transported to a world where tradition and history seamlessly blend with modern life. The Tooth Relic Temple and Peradeniya Botanical Gardens will be among the highlights of our tour. Kandy Lake is a sanctuary in the heart of the city. Together, we will enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake, savoring its tranquil beauty and city views. Then we set off for the Sri Lanka Traditional Show tour, where we immerse ourselves in the rich and vibrant culture of Sri Lanka, step into the rhythms of traditional music and drumming enhanced with visual performances. After our tour, we transfer to our hotel in Kandy for some leisure time. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.
Day 5 KANDY – GIRAGAMA TEA FACTORY – GALLE – SEA TURTLES
After breakfast at the hotel, we check out and set off for our Giragama Tea Factory tour. When it comes to Ceylon Tea, Giragama is always a well-known name. We visit the tea factory in Giragama for an authentic experience wrapped around a cup of tea. We watch how tea is processed before classification and taste a fresh cup of Ceylon Tea just out of the fields. Then we set off for our Galle tour. As we step into the ancient walls of Galle Fort, we embark on a journey through time. Together, we will stroll the cobbled streets lined with colonial-era architecture reflecting the city’s Dutch and Portuguese heritage. We will explore charming boutiques, art galleries, and delightful cafes that add a contemporary touch to this historic settlement. Together, we will enjoy a leisurely walk along the iconic Galle Ramparts, where we will witness panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. The cool sea breeze and the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the rocks create a perfect, serene atmosphere for relaxation. Next, we set off for our Sea Turtles tour. As we step onto the sun-kissed shores of Sri Lanka's coastline, we will learn about the critical efforts made to protect endangered sea turtles and their precious nests. We will see sea turtles of all sizes and have the privilege of holding the tiny ones in our palms. We will visit the nesting sites and witness the awe-inspiring sight of turtles laying their eggs in the sandy nests they carefully prepare. After our tour, we transfer to our hotel in Galle and have some leisure time. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.
Day 6 GALLE – COLOMBO
After breakfast at the hotel, we set off for a panoramic city tour of Colombo. During our tour, we will wander through bustling streets where colonial architecture perfectly blends with modern skyscrapers, creating a captivating urban landscape. We will find ourselves in a city that is constantly evolving yet proudly preserving its heritage. We will pass through Galle Face Green, where we will feel the ocean breeze on our faces and witness a breathtaking sunset over the Indian Ocean. During our tour, places such as Lotus Tower, City Hall, Embassy Avenue, Independence Memorial, and Gangaramaya Temple will be seen panoramically. After our tour, we transfer to our hotel in Colombo for some leisure time. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.
Day 7 COLOMBO – NEGOMBO – SHARJAH – ISTANBUL
After breakfast at the hotel, we check out and set off for our Negombo tour. Together, we will uncover the allure of Negombo’s pristine beaches, where we can dive into the sea, enjoy the sun, or embark on water sports adventures. Gentle waves and golden sands provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation. Together, we will explore the lively streets filled with colonial architecture and vibrant markets. We will discover the rich heritage of Negombo influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial periods. Afterward, we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. We will have free time until our transfer. We meet at the time announced by your guide for transfer to the airport. After luggage, ticket, and customs procedures, we fly to Sharjah with Air Arabia's scheduled flight. Afterward, we fly to Istanbul with Air Arabia's scheduled flight. Upon our arrival at Istanbul Airport, our tour and services come to an end.