The group flight arrives at Colombo's Bandaranaike Airport and we transfer to our hotel approximately 40 minutes away. Those
not flying with the group will meet us at the hotel.
The Covanro Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast we depart for the drive to Kitulgala (approx. 2 hours) where we will enjoy our first activity of the holiday,
whitewater rafting. The rafting lasts a maximum of 1.5 hours and there is a choice of gentle or wild water (UK Grade III rapids)
depending on your preference. We will then continue our journey to Belihul-Oya (approx. 4 hours drive), where we camp for the
night.
Kinchigune Camp (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we have a go at kayaking to explore the calm waters of the Samanalawewa reservoir. Today’s excursion on the
water will be a more relaxed affair as we look out for wildlife and take in the beautiful mountain scenery. After lunch we
transfer (approx. 3 hour drive) to the town of Dickoya in Nuwara Eliya province. On our journey we pass through many tea
plantations typical of Sri Lanka's hill country. We'll make a stop at one of the tea factories to learn the process from growing and
picking the tea leaves right through to tasting the final product. Once in Dickoya we stay in a colonial tea planters
bungalow with a wonderful view of the Castlereagh Reservoir and an outline of Adam's Peak in the distance.
For departures running between the full moon of December and the full moon of May, we climb Adam’s Peak this evening.
Leaving Dickoya at around 11pm, we transfer to the base of Adam’s Peak and then begin a strenuous 4 hour trek to the top in
time to watch the sunrise from this important pilgrimage site.
Upper Glencairn (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

For departures running before the full moon in December, we take a transfer (approx. 1 h 30 mins drive) and climb Adam’s Peak
this morning after breakfast. The remainder of today is primarily a rest day to recuperate after climbing Adam’s Peak (although
the schedule will be different, depending on which season you do this). After a spectacular drive through the countryside
(approx. 3 h 30 mins), the remainder of the day is free to relax in Kandy. This beautiful lakeside town was the last royal capital
in Sri Lanka and is a wonderful place to discover.
Thilanka Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast

This morning we visit Kandy, discovering the historic Temple of the Tooth which is located in the heart of this important
heritage city and houses Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist relic. The Tooth of Buddha was taken from the funeral pyre in 543
BC and only found its way to Sri Lanka in the 4th century AD.
After this we transfer to Sigiriya (approx. 3 hours), which is arguably the most iconic sight in Sri Lanka. This evening we climb
the imposing 5th century rock fortress of Sigiriya which rises 600 feet from the surrounding plains and gives far-reaching
views. Used as a safe haven from invaders, the route to the top goes via a series of steep steps and gangways. From the base,
where a moat surrounds impressive water gardens, we ascend 200m, passing an overhanging rock under which superb portraits
of native maidens holding flowers and temple offerings still adorn the rock wall. Crowning the flat-topped summit of the rock
are extensive remains of the King's Summer Palace.
Sigiriya Village (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast we proceed to Hingurakgoda where we have a short bike ride (approx 30-45 minutes) through backroads
towards the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Our tour of Polonnaruwa continues mostly by foot, but we use our bikes to travel the
short distances between different areas of the temple complex, getting to discover the many relics and ruins of this ancient
city. We also have to time to explore the massive Parakrama Samudra lake that borders Polonnaruwa.
During the afternoon there is a chance to enjoy an optional game drive in either Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park or the
Hurulu Eco Park to see elephants in their natural habitat. For those who don't want to take part, there is time to relax at the
hotel.
Deer Park Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

We drive to Wilpattu National Park (approx. 3 hours), which is the largest and oldest of the 22 national parks declared in Sri
Lanka and benefits from being less visited than Yala or Udawalawe. In the park it is possible to spot elephants, sloth bear,
leopard and water buffalo as well as many bird species. After our game drive, we continue to our hotel (approx. 1 h 30 mins
drive) in Kalpitiya and have the evening to relax.
Ruwala Resort (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we have the chance to go snorkelling at Bar Reef, a system of coral just off the shore of Kalpitiya (approx. one
hour away from our accommodation). This area was designated as a marine sanctuary in 1992 and covers around 306 square
kilometres. It is an area of ecological and biological significance with a large diversity of coral and fish species
recorded. After our snorkelling excursion we return to the hotel where the rest of the day is free to relax.
Ruwala Resort (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we try kayaking on the Kalpitiya Lagoon which is a lovely spot studded by mangroves and water birds. This
activity usually lasts around 1.5 hours (please note that kayaking depends on the tide schedule and wind so may be rescheduled
for the afternoon of Day 8 depending on the weather conditions).
After a short bus transfer (1.5 hours) we begin our cycling excursion through countryside and small villages between
Mahawewa and Negombo. This ride lasts around 2.5 hours and will mostly follow the coastal belt of Sri Lanka, passing fishing
villages, local markets and churches. We stop for lunch along the way before continuing to our hotel in Negombo. This evening
we have the opportunity to enjoy a final meal together as a group.
Lakwin Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast

The trip ends after breakfast. Those on the group flights will be taken to the airport in time for their flight home (approx. 30
mins drive).
Meals included: Breakfast