Our airport representative will meet you at the arrival terminal to welcome you to the tour. We provide you with a knowledgeable, friendly, multilingual guide and transportation in excellent-condition, luxurious, and comfortable air-conditioned vehicles. (Drivers are available on request in any language.) From Bandaranaike International Airport, your experienced driver will transport you to Negombo, a coastal city in the north. Negombo is the ideal site to begin exploring the island because of its golden beaches, peaceful canals, charming streets, and friendly locals. Negombo is an island recognised for its blend of Dutch, Portuguese, and British influences.

This morning, your knowledgeable driver will be there to take you northeast to Sigiriya and the Cultural Triangle. You'll make a stop in the village of Divulapitiya along the way, which is home to a long-standing artistic community that has been making hand-woven textiles for centuries. Wander about and take in the beautiful surroundings that provide inspiration for the local artists. Then, visit a textile workshop to discover more about the two millennia-old Sri Lankan weaving technique. Observe the regional artisans at work, learn from their expertise, and perhaps attempt your own weaving.

AD Climb the 1,200 steps to Sigiriya, the ruins of an elaborately sculpted fort dating from the late 5th century, and discover one of Sri Lanka's most revered sites. Reach the summit atop massive carved lion feet and be rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside as you admire the UNESCO-listed landmark's 1,600-year-old frescoes and other treasures. The long hike is reasonably straightforward because of the many hidden gems along the way, but you can choose to go halfway for a lesser experience. After that, we'll talk about the artistry of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's mediaeval capital. Scattered around the central, old reservoir of Parakrama Samudra are the remarkably preserved ruins of this ancient city, which was once a vibrant metropolis that governed the island from the 11th to the 13th century. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site's magnificent palaces, temples, and statues. Don't miss a visit to the Gal Vihara temple complex, home to dozens of statues depicting sitting, standing, and reclining Buddhas.

Today's journey brings you south to Kandy, the cultural centre of Sri Lanka and a warm entryway to the Hill Country, which is recognised by UNESCO. You will pause along the route to see the UNESCO-listed Dambulla cave temple complex, which is believed to have been established in the second century BCE. Navigate deeply into the Cliffside caverns to see some of the most significant religious art in the nation. Inside, there are over 153 Buddha sculptures, painted paintings, and gilded interiors, some of which are still utilised by monks for meditation. After that, ascend to the striking rock faces for sweeping vistas. When you arrive in Kandy, take a tour of the Royal Palace to learn more about the city. The Royal Palace is located on the shore of the tranquil Lake Kandy and is home to the Dalada Maligwa (Temple of the Tooth), which contains the holy tooth relic of Lord Buddha. A significant centre of worship for Buddhists all across the world, the breathtaking complex of shrines, temples, and gardens is set to an evocative background of traditional drumming. Take a tour around the National Spice Garden in adjacent Matale to wrap up the afternoon and learn amazing facts about the history, flora, and cuisine of Sri Lanka. A broad range of trees, bushes, and flowers inhabit the aromatic gardens, contributing their unique flavours and spices to the varied blend of Sri Lankan cuisine. As your guide leads you through flavours such as chocolate, vanilla, pepper, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In order to take a small piece of Sri Lanka home with you, you can even purchase some of your favourite spices at the conclusion.

You will travel an hour or so from Kandy to the small hamlet of Uda Dumbara, which is situated in the breathtaking Dumbaragama Valley. The town is known for its distinctively woven Dumabara cloth, which was once made for royalty and the nobility, and is home to the well-known weavers who bear its name. The majority of the Dumbara weaving families still reside and operate in these modest structures, tucked away behind the woods beside the road. Meet these talented weavers, observe their work on antique free-standing looms, and be in awe of the beautiful textiles they produce. Next, you will meet two of the island's most renowned artists in their country home, giving you a more in-depth look at Kandy's artistic and cultural past. After enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the balcony, you can explore the house and get exclusive access to the famous works of art created by this father and daughter. Spend the evening talking about art, music and philosophy.

This morning, as your friendly driver takes you south to the ancient fortified city of Galle, head towards the shore. Once you've settled in, take an afternoon walk to the Japanese Peace Pagoda nearby to orient yourself. Perched atop Rumassala Hill, this stunning white building was erected as a memorial to the island's peace. Due to its elevated location, it provides breathtaking sunsets and expansive views of the Indian Ocean coast.

Although masks are still worn in Sri Lankan ceremonies and folk dance performances (called kolam), there are still old stories about their potential for protection and healing. You can visit the shop of a local craftsman in the morning to learn everything there is to know about it. He will share the intriguing, ancient methods of creating masks, which are still manufactured using kaduru, a light wood. As you work together to shape your masterpieces using sustainable materials like recycled paper, beeswax, broken tiles, kithul (treacle), kurundu (cinnamon), clay, and even cow dung, pay attention to your host's instructions. Take a leisurely walking tour in the afternoon to learn more about Galle. The largest occupied fort in Asia is located in this lovely colonial town, which is encircled by the Indian Ocean on three sides. Over 90 acres make up the UNESCO-listed complex, which was first constructed by the Portuguese and then expanded by the Dutch in 1663. Grand houses, museums, old mosques, and Dutch-colonial buildings can all be found among the abundance of intriguing architecture. Explore the streets at our own speed to find chic cafés, stores, and boutique hotels run by designers and artists, both local and foreign.

Today, bid farewell to the South Coast as your knowledgeable driver takes you north to Colombo, the thriving economic hub. After checking in, you'll spend the afternoon touring the amazing studio and house of one of Sri Lanka's most well-known and internationally acclaimed artists. Through a subtle entryway in Colombo's Cinnamon Gardens, you'll enter a hidden garden and gallery that combines modern and traditional design elements. Explore the family's 1872 addition to the house, the library in particular, with your host. She continues to push limits with her multimedia trilingual shows on sustainability, diversity, climate change, and reconciliation; her works are in collections all around the world.

It's time to say goodbye after spending one last comfortable morning in Sri Lanka. Your driver will take you to the airport in time for your departure home. Safe travels and ayubowan, the customary long-life blessing from Sri Lanka.