We begin our sightseeing tour at the famous Negombo Fish Markets, a traditional patchwork of fish drying on hessian sacks.

This morning we depart Negombo and travel north into the Sri Lankan highlands.

We visit the impressive ruins of Anuradhapura, the largest and oldest of Sri Lanka’s ancient cities, dating back to the 6th century. We’ll explore the gleaming white dagobas and Sri Maha Bodhi, before travelling to the Ritigala Medicinal Forest to discover the ruins of an ancient hermitage, set deep in the jungle.

Our day begins with a visit to the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa. Brimming with archaeological treasures, we’ll discover the well-preserved ruins of palaces, stupas, bathing pools and exquisite rock sculptures of Buddha. This afternoon we tour Minneriya National Park by jeep, where we’ll hopefully spot sambar deer and elephants.

Today we explore the famous rock fortress of Sigiriya – ‘Lion Rock’. Built by King Kasyapa in the 5th century, this impressive site is located on top of a vast 200m-high granite rock, some 750 steps up! [B,L,D]

After breakfast we begin our journey to Kandy, stopping at the stunning Cave Temples of Dambula. Housing hundreds of statues of Buddha, they are also completely covered in ancient frescoes. We also stop at a spice plantation at Matale. When we arrive in Kandy later this afternoon we’ll visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha.

The former capital of Ceylon and the last seat of the Sinhalese kingdom, Kandy is known as Sri Lanka’s cultural heart. This morning we visit the Royal Botanic Gardens of Peradeniya, with its beautiful orchid house, before touring the city. Later we’ll be treated to a local dance performance.

We travel to the lush tea-growing region of Nuwara Eliya by train, visiting a tea plantation to learn about Sri Lanka’s most famous export. Of course, we’ll enjoy a cup while we’re there

We tour the picturesque colonial town of Nuwara Eliya. Built by the British in the 19th century to escape the sweltering heat of the lowlands, this town still retains the charm of bygone days. We’ll also visit beautiful St Clair and Devon Falls.

Travelling south towards the coast, we visit the spectacular waterfalls at Ella. This afternoon we arrive in Tissamaharama (or Tissa). Set amongst rice paddies and ruins, it is also the gateway to Yala National Park.

This morning we embark on a safari in Yala National Park – the oldest and best-known of Sri Lanka’s national parks. It’s believed to have one of the highest-density leopard populations in the world. We’ll track leopards, elephants, buffalo and black bears.

Driving along Sri Lanka’s beautiful south coast, we’ll stop to visit a hatchery that was set up to conserve the turtle population. We’ll then tour the Dutch colonial town of Galle and its UNESCO World Heritage-listed sea fortress. Later we’ll arrive in the stunning coastal village of Hikkaduwa.

We enjoy a scenic cruise along the Madu River, watching locals go about their daily lives. Then we’ll visit a moonstone mine at Meetiyagoda.

We make our way to the island nation’s capital, Colombo. We’ll take a guided tour of the city, including a stop at the famous Cricket Club Café. Tonight we enjoy a group farewell dinner.

Today is at leisure before we bid farewell to Sri Lanka this evening and begin our journey home.