
11 Nights / 12 Days
Ceylon Grand Journey
A Grand Passage Through Ceylon’s Heritage, Highlands & Wild Coast
Overview
About This Journey
The Ceylon Grand Journey is an elegant 12-day exploration of Sri Lanka created for travellers who want to experience the island’s most captivating highlights in comfort and style. Thoughtfully paced and enriched with optional experiences, this is a journey designed to showcase the diverse character of Sri Lanka while allowing you to travel comfortably and meaningfully.
Day-by-Day Tour
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01
Day 01
Arrival ↣ Colombo
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and receive personalised meet and greet assistance before your private transfer to a refined heritage-inspired boutique hotel in Colombo. Settle in and relax before an atmospheric evening walk through the city’s historic quarters, hidden courtyards and seaside promenades, with opportunities to experience local cuisine and beverages along the way.
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02
Day 02
Colombo ↣ Sigiriya
Travel through lush countryside towards Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, stopping en route at the remarkable Dambulla Cave Temple. Discover its sacred cave shrines, centuries-old murals and rock-carved heritage before continuing towards Sigiriya through forests, villages and rural landscapes. End the day surrounded by tropical scenery with optional mindfulness or herbal wellness experiences.
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03
Day 03
Sigiriya
Begin early with a climb of the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress, exploring its ancient gardens and royal remains while enjoying sweeping views across the surrounding forests. Later, cycle through peaceful paddy fields and traditional farming landscapes before enjoying an authentic village lunch and interactive cooking experience. Spend the evening at leisure with time to relax by the pool or reconnect with nature.
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04
Day 04
Sigiriya ↣ Kandy
Journey towards Kandy through scenic mountain landscapes, stopping at selected spice estates and artisanal tea boutiques along the way. Continue to the sacred Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and experience the spiritual atmosphere of Sri Lanka’s historic hill capital. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kandyan cultural performance featuring vibrant drumming and artistry.
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05
Day 05
Kandy ↣ Nuwara Eliya
Travel deeper into the central highlands by scenic train or private vehicle, surrounded by rolling tea plantations and mountain scenery. Visit a working tea estate and colonial-era tea factory before exploring Nuwara Eliya’s Tudor-style architecture, historic post office and lakeside gardens. End the day with an elegant high-tea experience in the cool mountain atmosphere.
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06
Day 06
Horton Plains
Set out at dawn for Horton Plains National Park and follow a guided trail through misty cloud forests, montane grasslands and dramatic highland landscapes. Continue towards World’s End and Baker’s Falls before enjoying a scenic picnic breakfast surrounded by the mountains. Return to Nuwara Eliya for a relaxed afternoon in the tea country.
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07
Day 07
Nuwara Eliya ↣ Ella
Board the celebrated hill-country train from Nanu Oya to Ella and travel through tea plantations, mountain tunnels, waterfalls and cloud-covered valleys. On arrival, enjoy a relaxed introduction to Ella through its scenic viewpoints and quieter corners. An optional tea-inspired wellness treatment or café experience offers a peaceful way to end the day.
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08
Day 08
Ella
Start the morning with a hike to Little Adam’s Peak before visiting the iconic Nine Arch Bridge surrounded by lush greenery. The afternoon can be tailored to your interests, with optional ziplining, ATV adventures, waterfall trails or simply time at a scenic mountain-view café. As evening arrives, enjoy the relaxed rhythm of Ella and its beautiful surrounding landscapes.
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09
Day 09
Ella ↣ Yala
Descend towards Sri Lanka’s southern wilderness through changing landscapes and dry-zone scenery. Stop at Ravana Falls for photographs and a short exploration before continuing to your luxury safari camp or nature retreat near Yala. Spend the evening enjoying a bush-style dining experience beneath the stars or an optional guided wilderness walk.
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10
Day 10
Yala ↣ Mirissa
Set out early for a jeep safari through Yala National Park, with opportunities to encounter leopards, elephants, crocodiles, peacocks and an impressive variety of birdlife. Continue south towards Mirissa and settle into your luxury beachfront retreat. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the ocean, with optional sunset yoga, wellness experiences or a mindful coastal walk.
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11
Day 11
Mirissa ↣ Galle
Begin with an optional seasonal whale-watching excursion before continuing along the southern coast towards Galle. Explore the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, wandering through its historic streets, galleries, artisan stores, cafés and colonial ramparts. Finish the day with an elegant dining experience within a restored Dutch-era setting overlooking the Indian Ocean.
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12
Day 12
Galle ↣ Departure
Enjoy a relaxed final morning along the southern coast. Depending on your departure time, choose between a quiet fort exploration, boutique café visit, spa treatment or optional surfing experience before beginning your scenic transfer towards Bandaranaike International Airport.
Inclusions
- 11 nights accommodation in carefully selected luxury, boutique and nature-inspired properties with breakfast
- Private air-conditioned transportation with an experienced chauffeur-guide
- Airport arrival and departure transfers
- Scenic train journey tickets from Nanu Oya to Ella, subject to railway operations
- Entrance fees and selected experiences specifically mentioned in the itinerary
Exclusions
- International flights and applicable airport charges
- Meals and beverages not specifically included in the selected properties or itinerary
- Optional activities and experiences not included in the main programme
- Personal expenses, shopping, tips and other incidental costs
- Travel insurance, visa fees and personal travel documentation
