Tour Starts 11 August 2026, at Colombo Airport. Please check with reservations for the Airport Transfer time, before booking your flight. There will only be one group transfer.

Day 1: Arrive Colombo 

Today, those passengers who are travelling on the same flights as the tour host from Brisbane will meet at Brisbane International Airport for the flight to Singapore and ongoing to Sri Lanka. Interstate passengers joining the group enroute will meet in Singapore. Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at Colombo International airport met your tour host and fellow passengers as well as our local guide and driver. Once all passengers have assembled on the coach we will transfer to our hotel and turn in for the night.

Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott Colombo – 5 star – or similar (2 nights)

Day 2: Colombo

After a leisurely breakfast and lunch at the hotel we will take a guided city tour in Colombo. Driving through the city we are taken to the busy commercial areas as well as the tree-lined residential, Cinnamon Gardens. Visit Fort, the former British administrative centre and military garrison, Sea Street – the Goldsmith’s quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area, a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings and the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back to 1749. If time permits, we may also be able to see the replica of Avukana Buddha & the Independence Square. This afternoon we visit the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. This new education-led initiative aims to establish a public museum dedicated to the display, research, collection and conservation of Sri Lankan modern and contemporary art with the priority to create a museum that is compelling, inclusive and relevant to the art histories that are unique to the contexts of Sri Lanka. Returning to our hotel we have time to freshen up before we come together this evening for a Welcome Dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 3: Colombo – Sigiriya – Habarana

After breakfast at the hotel we proceed to Habarana via a local village (family farm). Accompanied by a guide, we are taken through their “village” to experience a typical local family lifestyle. We will walk through the paddy & chena cultivation and the beautiful nature followed by a cookery experience with local ladies where we get the chance to sample the some of the local food. Arriving into Habarana we will check into our hotel and have a little time to relax. Later this afternoon we make our way to one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD), it was for the sole purpose of protecting him from his rivals. An UNSECO World Heritage listed site, it is also known as the “Fortress in the Sky”. The climb up to the top of the fortress doesn’t only offer the reward of breathtaking views but there is so much to discover during your climb to the top. Highlights of the climb include water gardens, artistic frescoes, mirror wall, the lion gate and the magnificent views from the rock summit. Please note: An extremely good level of fitness will be required to climb to the summit and involves a lot of stairs, some without hand railings.
We return to the hotel, freshen up and then meet for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Habarana Village by Cinnamon- 4 star – or similar (2 nights)  

Day 4: Polonnaruwa – Minneriya

After breakfast at the hotel we depart for a guided tour of Polonnaruwa Ancient Kingdom. Polonnaruwa was founded in the 11th Century AD and was governed by many Kings. King Parakrambahu I’s reign was considered the most significant for this ancient kingdom. During his reign (12th Century AD) this second Kingdom of Sri Lanka (after Anuradhapura) was known as the Golden Age of Polonnaruwa, as Parakrambabu ruled during an era where trade and agriculture was at its peak. Lunch at local restaurant. This afternoon we get to enjoy a game drive at Minneriya National Park. The extent of the Minneriya National Park is approximately 8,889 hectares. Dry zone plant and animal species are common. The elephants, however, are a highlight of the park. Approximately 160 species of birds, 9 amphibians, 25 reptile species, 26 fish species and more than 78 butterfly species can also be found here. There are also rare bamboo trees in this park which is unique to Minneriya National Park. Returning to the hotel we will meet this evening for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 5: Habarana – Matale – Kandy

After breakfast at the hotel we leave for Kandy. Along the way we will make a visit to a Spice Gardens which is located at Matale (in the Hill Country of Kandy). Sri Lanka is well renowned for its spices and natural ayurvedic remedies and Matale spice garden delivers it all! Stroll through the hand reared and harvested plantations of natural spices to satisfy the three main senses. See the large tropical trees and take in the fragrant aromas. Touch and learn about the popular and exotic spices that are so readily used in Sri Lankan cuisines and ayurvedic treatments. You will also have the opportunity to try some Sri Lankan cuisine using the popular spices, have a healing massage, purchase medicinal and cosmetic products created using the natural spices (at own cost). Lunch at the Spice Gardens. Upon arrival in Kandy we visit Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. This beautiful garden is located 6km from Kandy and was first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala king and then expanded by the British. It covers approximately 147 acres and is a stroller’s paradise with extensive well-kept lawns, pavilions, an octagon conservatory, fernery, a giant Javan fig tree and numerous flower beds. The best attraction is the orchid House where you can discover more than 1000 plants. We will be taken to our hotel to check in and then meet for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Cinnamon Citadel – 4 star – or similar (2 nights)

Day 6: Kandy

After breakfast at the hotel we visit The Temple of Tooth Relic (“Dalada Maligawa” as known to the locals). A sacred temple, it is also home to the palm-leaf transcripts and its history dates back to 1687. This stunning piece of architecture is instantly recognised by its octagonal shape and golden roof. Although you are not able to view the actual tooth itself, the casket within which it is held is occasionally displayed. Lunch at local restaurant. We next visit a tea plantation and a tea factory to observe the everyday life of a tea-plucker. Afterwards we commence a city tour of Kandy. The Hill, capital of Kandy, lies picturesquely surrounded by mountains. Kandy is also the last kingdom of Sri Lanka and is a bustling city. Our tour, time permitting, can include Upper Lake Drive, a visit to a Wood carving & Gem shop, Gem Museum, Kandy Bazzar/markets and visit to a Batik Factory. Returning to the hotel, freshen up before we meet for dinner. 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 7: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya  

After an early breakfast at the hotel we heading off to Nuwara Eliya. Part of our journey will be travelling on a Scenic Train from Peradeniya to Nanu Oya. A ride in the scenic carriage gives you an unparalleled view and penetrating glimpses both of the scenic beauty and culture of the hill country as we travel along. Continuing by coach, upon our arrival in Nuwara Eliya we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. We visit a Hindu Temple to observe the Pooja Ceremony and are then taken to our hotel. We check in and have the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast & lunch
Accommodation: Jetwing St Andrews – 5 star – or similar (2 nights)  

Day 8: Nuwara Eliya

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and the full day leisure. You may like to take a walk see the local Post Office. Built in 1894 this red brick building was constructed by the British, according to the Tudor style, and is a two storied building with a clock spire. Located in the centre of town, it is one of the oldest buildings in Sri Lanka. High Tea is also a very popular past time in Nuwara Eliya. This is available (at an additional cost) at our hotel and also down the road at the Grand Hotel. Come together this evening for dinner in the hotel and share your day with your fellow passengers.

Meals: Breakfast & dinner 

Day 9: Nuwara Eliya - Yala

After we enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning we have a travel day to Yala. This is going to be approximately 4 hours of driving, and we will have a few stops along the way. We visit the Buduruwagala temple. Buduruwagala, which literally translates to mean “in the rock with Buddha statues” stands true to appellation; because this is exactly what it is – seven figures carved into a solid rock among which is a 51 foot statue of Buddha. We stop for Lunch at a local restaurant before continuing on. Upon arrival we will check in to our hotel, have some time to freshen up before we come together for this evening’s dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Jetwing Yala – 5 star – or similar (2 nights)

Day 10: Yala

Early this morning we embark on an adventure with a Wildlife Jeep Safari approximately 24km Northeast of Tissamaharama. Yala National Park is the best location to sight and photograph the rare and remarkable leopards. Other highlights include the herd of wild elephants, bears, wild boars, buffalos, deer, crocodiles and many species of birds. The vegetation ranges from open parkland to dense jungle. There are also an abundance of water supply for animals and birds ranging from waterholes, streams, small lakes to lagoons. Upon returning to the hotel we have a late breakfast and then the remainder of the day is at leisure. Lunch and Dinner are both in the hotel and we’ll meet at pre-arranged times for each meal.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 11: Yala - Galle

After breakfast at the hotel we will journey to Galle. On the way we stop to observe the stilt Fishermen. Stilt Fishermen in Koggala practice one of Sri Lanka’s most ancient fishing techniques out in the sea, precariously perched on a wooden stilt sunk deep into the seabed. Arriving in Galle we commence a guided city tour. Galle, recognised as the Southern Capital (116 km from Colombo) and home to the popular Fort called “Santa Cruz”, which is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Fort which was initially built by the Portuguese in 1619 has been expanded and further developed by the Dutch and the British. Galle was the main seaport of Sri Lanka before Colombo and still handles shipping and cruising yachts today. During the tour of Galle, we may also have the opportunity to visit Galle Fort, Old Dutch Church and Walk along the Rampart, time permitting. After lunch at a local restaurant we will make our way to the hotel for check in. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure and then we come together for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Galle – 5 star – or similar (3 nights)

Day 12: Galle

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before having a full day at leisure. Your tour host will discuss options with the group as to what everyone would like to do, this may include some optional excursions (at own expense) or simply relaxing and enjoying the hotel facilities.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Galle

After breakfast we get to visit a Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery. The turtle hatchery in Sri Lanka is one of the most recommended things to do by Lonely Planet. The small town of Kosgoda, on the southern strip, is famous for its turtle hatchery which is operated by the Wild Life Protection Society of Sri Lanka. At the hatchery, fishermen are paid for rescuing the vulnerable eggs, which they collect at night, along the sandy beach. Visitors can, if lucky, witness the exceptional sight of them hatching or see tanks filled with new born hatchlings. After being fed, the baby turtles are returned back to the sea where they are released when they are 2-4 days old. Once placed on the beach, most baby sea turtles start moving towards the water, flapping their tiny flippers. We return to the hotel for an afternoon of leisure. Freshen up early evening and meet for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Day 14: Galle - Colombo Airport

After breakfast at the hotel, we have the day at leisure and a late check-out until 5pm. Your tour host will discuss options with the group as to what everyone would like to do, this may include some optional excursions (at own expense) or simply relaxing and enjoying the hotel facilities. After we check-out from the hotel we have our Farewell Dinner. Late evening we depart to the Colombo Airport to check in for our flights home.

Meals: Breakfast & dinner

*Price is per person in a Sole Use Room. Tour is subject to availability and requires minimum number of passengers to depart. Please enquire for current availability and pricing with your RAC travel consultant.

*All prices shown are starting prices, capacity controlled and subject to availability and change at any time. Price is per person Sole Use and subject to availability. Price is correct as at 07 October 2025. Tour requires minimum number of passengers to depart. Prices may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currencies change. Solo Connections is constantly striving to improve our itineraries and inclusions. If such improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary, we reserve the right at any time to vary itineraries and to substitute inclusions of equal value. Beverages, additional meals, hotel mini bars, laundry, phone calls, any items of personal nature not included. Further booking conditions apply, please check all prices, availability and other information with your travel agent at time of or before booking. Package cancellation fees apply. Further Solo Connections T&Cs apply, please check with your RAC travel consultant.

General RAC Travel terms and conditions apply.