SRI LANKA: Boutique Cultural, Cuisine, Arts & Craft Tour – 14 days

Destination:  SRI LANKA: Negombo | Sigiriya | Kandy | Nuwara Eilya | Yala | Galle | Colombo

Tour Commences In:  Negombo

Tour Concludes in:  Colombo

Number of Days:  14 days / 13 nights

Tour Style:  Small Group Tour (2 -12 Guests)

Accommodation:  Hand picked Boutique Hotels

Meals:  Breakfasts; 14: Lunches; 2: Dinners; 4:

Leaders: Professional Guide

Transportation:  Private chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicles

Tour Grading:  Moderate: Suitable for travellers with an above average level of fitness and mobility

·     View the New & Old of Negombo on our city tour

·     Discover a pioneering artisan potter and his family

·     See Anuradhapura old city ruins, a rich collection of archaeological and architectural wonders

·     Delight at Dambulla’s rock cave temple, an iconic Sri Lankan image –with its spectacular Buddha-filled interior

·     Be overwhelmed seeing the magnificent Sigirya Rock Fortress . Then perhaps climb it

·     Visit Polonnaruwa ruins, an archaeological park, with hundreds of ancient structures – tombs and temples, statues and stupas 

·     Be captivated and learn all about spices on our spice plantation walk

·     Discover the art of Batik as we visit a workshop

·     Indulge in an artisan’s home with arts & crafts and textiles galore

·     Explore the City of Kandy the last royal capital of Sri Lanka

·     Be fascinated with The golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth that houses Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic

·     Experience and learn about gem mining

·     Visit Sri Lanka’s main weaving area and meet artisans doing the ancient form of weaving

·     Stroll the stunning Peradeniya Botanic Gardens that were once reserved exclusively for Kandyan royalty

·     Experience an amazing train ride with spectacular scenic views of rolling green fields of tea, forests & waterfalls

·     Relax in the peaceful sprawling lawns and manicured gardens and enjoy High Tea

·     Learn all about the art of tea – then sip some

·     Explore a beautiful ‘old English’ country village

·     Embark on our Safari. Be on the lookout for leopards and other fabulous wild animals 

·     Be enthralled by lace makers and how fast they are at moving the bobbins

·     Discover the old city of Galle Fort and explore the old colonial surrounds

·     Relax & spend twilight having a drink at a fabulous old boutique hotel

·     Be captivated at a coconut coir fibre workshop

·     Explore Colombo’s historic temples & museums

·     Stroll Colombo’s cosmopolitan side for stylish eateries, galleries and shops. Surprises abound

·     Indulge in last minute shopping, in-case you need to do more

·     Enjoy fabulous fine dining with wonderful cuisine and regional delicacies

Day 1:      Arrive Sri Lanka: (D)
Welcome to Sri Lanka. You will be met by your private guide at airport and transferred to your hotel in nearby Negombo. The rest of the day is at your leisure. 
If time permits this afternoon, we can visit an art and craft market nearby and see how the village ladies have empowered themselves by displaying their craftsmanship and creativity.
Later this afternoon we will rendezvous in our hotel Lobby and meet fellow travellers before departing on our welcome dinner at a lovely local restaurant.
You may wish to arrive a day earlier to shop or maybe just to get your bearings and recover from any jet lag you may have. If you do choose to arrive early, we can extend your hotel bookings and provide any information or advice you may need in order to make the most of your time and get yourself familiar with the exciting city.

Day 2:    Negombo – Sigiriya:         (B)
After breakfast we drive to Sigiriya (Approx. 4 Hrs) En route we visit the sacred city of Anuradhapura and stop off at a pottery workshop where a pioneering family continues ancient traditions. We continue our drive to visit the golden temple of Dambulla and cave. The interior of the cave is filled with spectacular Buddhas. It still remains an important holy site.  Later we continue our drive to our hotel.

Day 3:        Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya:         (B)
This morning, there is an option to climb Sigiriya’s Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is commonly called the 'Fortress in the Sky' and is probably the most fantastic natural wonder of Sri Lanka. It is also known as 'Lion Rock' because it appears as huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the Palace on the summit of this 600 foot rock.
We continue our drive to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, another important royal capital and more recent than Anuradhapura, with its well preserved 12th century ruins and impressive stone culture that recalls an inspired past. 

Day 4:     Sigiriya – Kandy:               (B/L)
This morning we drive to Kandy. Along the way we visit Matale spice garden for lunch and enjoy a delicious fresh authentic meal followed with a tour around a spice plantation. 
We stop and visit a craft Heritage centre which draws on the rich traditions of the area producing batik and embroidery. We visit a workshop to view artisans at work. We visit a home of a Batik artist enjoy tea and view the wonderful array of textiles, old furniture and the many other art works that are on display.

Day 5:     Kandy:                   (B)
Today we explore Kandy on our city tour with temple of the tooth and drive to the upper lake area.  We stroll Kandy’s central markets which sell a variety of authentic produce and spices. We also visit the gem museum and with a simulation mine. A very interesting tour. 

Day 6:    :     Kandy:             (B)
This morning we drive through the beautiful scenery of the Dumbara valley to visit home of weaving families. The Dumbara region is resident to the weavers of Sri Lanka who were tasked with creating unique designs for the ancient Kings of Sri Lanka. This afternoon we meander the fabulous Peradeniya botanical gardens of Kandy.
The orchids, palms, and herb gardens here shouldn’t be missed.
(Optional) Complete the day with an unforgettable show of Traditional Kandyan Dance in the city centre.

Day 7:        Kandy – Nuwara Eilya:        (B)
After breakfast we transfer to a train station for what is one of the best scenic highlights of the journey, the train ride is to Nuwara Eilya. Along the way admire the fabulous views of forests, mountains, tea estates and waterfalls. After checking into our hotel High Tea is served in the picturesque gardens. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Optional high tea is available.

Day 8:       Nuwara Eilya:                    (B)
This morning we visit a tea estate and factory to see how Ceylon tea is plucked, manufactured and packaged. We  participate in a tea tasting with an expert.  Later we visit the local city of Nuwara Eilya which is often referred to as 'Little England'.
This genteel highland community does have a 'rose tinted English country feel to it with its colonial era bungalows and Tudor styled hotels as well as tendered hedge-rows and stunning gardens.

Day 9:        Nuwara Eilya – Yala:         (B)
This morning we drive to Yala. This National Park is known for being one of the best places in the world to see leopards It has a high population density) You can also see elephants, sloths, bears, mongooses, monkeys, crocodiles and hundreds of different types of birds. En route we visit the scenic Ella waterfalls. Later this afternoon, participate in a safari at Yala national park.

Day 10:        Yala – Galle:          (B)
After breakfast we drive to picturesque city of Galle. We stop along the way and visit the wonderful women who are world renowned for Beeralu lace making. You will be in awe of their skill and ease at which they move their bobbins. We then visit a pottery workshop. Pottery is one of the oldest skills of mankind and Sri Lanka has a long history. Later we check into our hotel. You have a free evening to relax; perhaps walk on the nearby beach.

Day 11:        Galle:    (B)
Sri Lanka has a proud heritage of arts and crafts and this morning we visit local weaving mills and a handcrafts centre.
This afternoon we tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site Galle Fort. As an exotic old trading port it's blessed with imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, beautiful grand mansions and wonderful museums. This city is delightful to explore on foot.
Optional visit to Mask carver.

Day 12:         Galle – Colombo:               (B)
Later this morning we drive to Colombo. En route we will visit Dodanduwa coconut coir fibre workshop that makes carpets and colourful mats. This is a fascinating process to see. This afternoon we tour the highlights of Colombo on our city tour. 

Day 13:      Galle – Colombo:        (B/L)
This morning we visit a fabulous Gallery with a weaving workshop. Lunch is in a lovely garden café. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
This evening we have our finale dinner at one of the 50 best restaurants in the World. WOW.

Day 14: :     Depart Colombo:            (B)
Our small group tour concludes after breakfast and for most guests today it is time to say farewell to new-found friends and Sri Lanka.

At your leisure before transferring to the airport for your onward or homebound journey.

Depending on your departure itinerary, you may have time for some last-minute sightseeing and shopping. We are able to organise our private guide to accompany you.

You may like to linger longer and enjoy this beautiful emerald Isle, please don’t hesitate to contact Boutique Tours and Travel for further travel arrangements.

Our itineraries are carefully planned to ensure you are rewarded with the best experiences in Sri Lanka.  The magic of travelling in a small group allows us to cater for spontaneity.  It is sometimes these unplanned moments that can be the most memorable and together with the rich tapestry of experiences and the characters that we meet along the way that will make this a very special tour.

Please contact as soon as possible to secure your place on this fabulous boutique small group tour.

Flexibility
The itinerary can be flexible, sometimes due to weather or on-going events which guests may want to see. If there is something else you’d like to do or see on your trip please contact us and we’ll try our best to ensure it can be done.

•       A specially curated itinerary for Boutique Tours & Travel

•       A small group tour (2 - 12 guests)

•       Private International & Domestic airport arrival and departure transfers for all guests

•       Hand selected 5, 4 & 3 Star Modern & Boutique Hotels (or a mix)

•       WIFI Internet access where possible

•       Meals as indicated in Itinerary; B = Breakfast: L=Lunch: D=Dinner: SD=Special Dinner

•       Private chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicles for all our transportation.

•       Services of one or more Professional bilingual tour guides

•       Concierge / Bellhop services through out tour

•       Some gratuities to guides & drivers and hotel staff

•       Train ride and entrance fees to all activities, tours, excursions and shows as per the itinerary

•       An exclusive BT&T  Information Travel App

•       Bottled water during overland transportation

Not included:

•       International air or train fares

•       Arrival / Departure Taxes, levies and other charges

•       Domestic Flights - economy class: Udaipur – Mumbai / Delhi

(with price and availability for upgrade available on request)

•       Passport & Visa Fees

•       Personal Travel Insurance

•       Some gratuities to guides & drivers and hotel staff

•       Additional local guides

•       Excess baggage charges

•       Cost of any ’Luggage Delivery’ via FedEx or postal services

•       Personal expenses

•       Alcoholic & Soft Drink Beverages