Departure from Italy with scheduled flights to Colombo: night flight. Overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Chilaw. Enjoy lunch at a city restaurant before checking in at the hotel. Relax and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Anuradhapura. Visit the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi, the Bo tree grown from the original under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Continue to Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba, a magnificent white stupa surrounded by intricately carved elephant friezes, followed by Thuparamaya, the first Dagoba built in Sri Lanka. Explore Lankarama, an ancient stupa known for its architectural elegance, and the 9th-century monastic complex ruins featuring Sri Lanka's most exquisite Moonstone. Visit the towering Abhayagiri Dagoba, the Kuttam Pokuna twin ponds used for ritual bathing by monks, and the impressive Jetavanaramaya Dagoba, once the tallest stupa in the world during the 3rd century AD. Continue to Hiriwadunna Village for a local village lunch and an authentic rural experience. Enjoy an elephant bathing experience where you can witness and participate in elephant bathing and feeding. Later, continue to Dambulla and visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a hilltop temple complex with 400 steps, famous for its Buddha statues and murals. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Enjoy an early breakfast before departing for Sigiriya. Visit the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a 5th-century citadel rising 370 meters, renowned for its frescoes and mirror wall. Also, visit a local home to experience traditional Sri Lankan hospitality. After lunch at a city restaurant, continue to Polonnaruwa and explore the Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu, including the Audience Hall and Ablution Pool. Visit the Quadrangle complex and Vatadage, believed to have housed the Sacred Tooth Relic, followed by Thuparama Gedige, a temple displaying strong Hindu architectural influences. Continue to Hatadage, the shrine that once housed the Tooth Relic, and conclude with Gal Vihara, featuring four majestic Buddha statues carved from granite and considered the finest examples of Sinhalese rock sculpture. Return to Dambulla for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Kandy. En route, stop at a spice plantation in Matale for a cooking demonstration and lunch. Upon arrival in Kandy, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa), the revered Buddhist temple housing a relic of the Buddha. Continue to Kandy Lake, a scenic artificial lake at the heart of the city, and explore the vibrant Kandy Market Square, known for its local crafts and goods. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast, transfer to Peradeniya Railway Station and board the scenic train to Nanu Oya. The train journey showcases misty mountains, lush tea plantations, and charming hill-country villages. Enjoy lunch at a city restaurant. Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya, enjoy a panoramic city tour of this picturesque hill station. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, visit a tea factory and plantation to learn about the production of world-famous Ceylon tea. Continue to Colombo and enjoy lunch at a city restaurant, followed by a panoramic city tour. Visit the New Parliament, the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, and the replica of the famous Avukana Buddha statue, the Independence Memorial Hall commemorating Sri Lanka's independence in 1948, the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre, Colombo City Hall, the Gangaramaya Temple, and the Seema Malaka Temple, beautifully situated on floating platforms designed by Geoffrey Bawa. Continue through the historic Fort area, stroll along the Galle Face Green seaside promenade, explore the bustling Pettah Bazaar, and conclude with a final cup of tea at the historic Galle Face Hotel. Transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Italy. Arrival marks the end of the tour.
