Splendours of Ceylon (5 & 4 Star Hotels)

Splendours of Ceylon (5 & 4 Star Hotels)

2,569 Views
8 Days From

$1746

$873

Splendours of Ceylon (5 & 4 Star Hotels)

8 Days Starting and ending in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Visiting: Colombo, Wilpattu National Park, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Horton Plains National Park

Tour operator:

Travel Talk Tours

Tour code:

SR1

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

25 - 30

Physical rating:

Easy

Age range:

18-70

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Luxury, Safari Tours

Activities:

Cycling, Walking

From: $1746 $873 Operator discount: -$873 -50%

NB: Prices correct on 04-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka with the "Splendours of Ceylon" tour, where luxury meets adventure. Stay in exquisite 5 and 4-star hotels as you explore the island's rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. Witness the majestic elephant migration at Minneriya National Park and delve into history at the Royal Cave Temple of Dambulla and the sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. Experience the thrill of jeep safaris in Wilpattu and Horton Plains, and trek through the lush highlands. Discover the ancient city of Anuradhapura and cycle through the UNESCO sites of Polonnaruwa. Enjoy the serene beauty of Sri Lanka's tea plantations and the vibrant city life of Colombo, all while traveling in style with air-conditioned vehicles and expert local guides. This tour promises a seamless blend of wildlife, culture, and relaxation.

Highlights

  • Witness the incredible migration of over 300 elephants at Minneriya National Park.

  • Visit iconic sites including the Royal Cave Temple of Dambulla and the sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy.

  • Experience breathtaking moments while trekking the highlands of Horton Plains.

  • Watch for thundering waterfalls and the Sri Lankan Leopard on a Jeep safari.

  • Explore the lush hillside of Sri Lanka’s famous tea plantations.

  • Discover the ancient city of Anuradhapura and its rich history.

  • Enjoy a bicycle tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites in Polonnaruwa.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Colombo

Location: Colombo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Fairway Colombo – 4 Star

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Look out for the Travel Talk sign at Colombo International Airport for the private arrival shuttle to your hotel at 3.

00pm.

Meet in the hotel lobby around 7pm for an informal welcome meeting with your group and guide.

Feel free to explore Colombo on your own pace until then.

After the meeting, head out to a local restaurant for an optional tour group dinner and get to know your new travel mates!



Accommodation

Fairway Colombo – 4 Star

Included Activities

Welcome Meeting

Optional Activities

Group Dinner

Day 2: Colombo, Wilpattu National Park Safari, Anuradhapura

Location: Wilpattu National Park

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Palm Garden Village – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Grab yourself a window seat and get ready to head off the beaten track as we head north towards one of Sri Lanka's biggest reserves, the Wilpattu National Park! Wilpattu has earned its name 'Land of Lakes' thanks to the serene natural bodies of water that cover the vast park.

Jump in the Jeep and keep your eyes peeled for a healthy population of Sri Lankan Leopards, elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer, mongoose, and water buffalo throughout an included safari! You might even get the chance to watch on while predators and prey make the ultimate fight for survival and mother nature takes its course! After an action-packed day of safari, put your feet up at your hotel in Anuradhapura.





Accommodation

Palm Garden Village – 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Wilpattu Jeep Safari

Entrance Fees

Wilpattu National Park - USD 36

Day 3: Anuradhapura, Ritigala Jeep Safari, Sigiriya

Location: Anuradhapura

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Amaara Forest Hotel - 5 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, follow your guide to the ancient city of Anuradhapura to learn of one of the greatest and oldest civilizations in the world! Once home to 113 kings over 1,300 years, the ancient capital city showcases some of Sri Lanka's richest and most fascinating history.

Hear stories of the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree and visit the Uwanwelisaya stupa, Samadhi Buddha statue and Isurumuniya Rock Temple with your guide.

In the afternoon, put on your hiking shoes for a trek up to the Ancient Ritigala Monastery.

Nestled within the dense and lush forest of northern Sri Lanka's highest mountain, Mt Ritigala, lays the ruins of the forest monastery dating back thousands of years.

Get your camera ready because the views from the summit are some of Sri Lanka's best! Finish up a big day in the north at your 5-star Forest Hotel in Sigiriya.





Accommodation

Amaara Forest Hotel - 5 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Anuradhapura Sightseeing

Jeep Safari to Ritigala

Entrance Fees

Ritigala Monastery - USD 5

Anuradhapura Sacred Area - USD 25

Day 4: Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Minneriya National Park, Sigiriya

Location: Polonnaruwa

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Amaara Forest Hotel - 5 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Fill up on breakfast for the big day ahead! First up, a visit to the Ancient Kingdom of Polonnaruwa with your local guide.

Visit its UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites, including Gal Viharaya or “Rock Temple” where you will see four colossal statues of the Buddha cut into the stone and plenty of ancient palaces and royal baths.

In the evening, visit the Minneriya National Park to witness the incredible migration of over 300 elephants! Park your Jeep on the bank of the reservoir, switch off the engine and watch carefully as herds of elephants - one by one - roll on to the grass-covered banks to feed.

The park is famed for hosting some of the largest elephant gatherings in the world on a regular basis and is truly a magnet for wildlife enthusiasts across the globe.





Accommodation

Amaara Forest Hotel - 5 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Minneriya National Park Jeep Safari

Entrance Fees

Polonnaruwa Ancient City - USD 25

Minneriya NationaL Park - USD 36

Day 5: Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya

Location: Dambulla

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Araliya Red Hotel - 5 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we'll make our way to Dambulla, a city treasured by many kings since the 1st century B.

C to visit the iconic Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple of Dambulla.

These unique cave structures host magnificent drawings and cave paintings with fascinating stories that shape Sri Lankan history.

Listen carefully as your guide explains.

Next up, we'll transfer to the city of Kandy to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth.

Last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe - before it was brought under British rule in 1815, Kandy crafts an array of culture, history and heritage in the minds of visitors worldwide.

Take a stroll through the small lakeside town - cradled among the misty hills - and shop the bazaars, an arts & crafts centre, and fresh fruit and vegetable markets.

Tonight we'll sleep in 5-star comfort at our hotel in Nuwara Eliya.





Accommodation

Araliya Red Hotel - 5 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Dambulla & Kandy Sightseeing

Entrance Fees

The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy - 1500 LKR

Dambulla Rock Temple - 2500 LKR

Day 6: Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains Trek &Amp; Jeep Safari, Nuwara Eliya

Location: Horton Plains National Park

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Araliya Red Hotel - 5 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Prepare for plenty of 'oh wow' moments in the central highlands of Sri Lanka! Today, we'll head towards the Horton Plains National Park to trek the endless stretches of green pastures at this eco-tourism hideout! Sitting at an altitude of 7,000ft, the plateau is covered in flora and fauna varieties that may be found nowhere else on Earth.

Along the trek, watch out for the thundering Bakers Falls, and catch a glimspe of the 'World's End' lookout.

Then make the most of an included Jeep Safari across the plains - watch out for Sambar Deer, Wild Boar, Otters and the beloved Sri Lankan Leopard.

In the late afternoon, enjoy free time back in Nuwara Eliya to wander through the countryside.





Accommodation

Araliya Red Hotel - 5 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Horton Plains Trekking & Jeep Safari

Entrance Fees

Horton Plains National Park - USD 36

Day 7: Nuwara Eliya, Tea Factory, Colombo

Location: Colombo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Fairway Colombo - 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

A trip to Sri Lanka wouldn't be complete without a visit to its famed Tea Plantations! Take a tour to the cold and misty hills blanketed with lush green tea plants and tour the factories as they process the prestigious brand of Ceylon Tea.

Inhale the heavenly scent arising from these facilities, and then try the perfect blend of pure Celyon tea! Then, make your way back to the commercial capital of Sri Lanka - Colombo.

This afternoon you'll enjoy a Panoramic City Tour through the clean streets edging the crystal white Racecourse, then visit the neighbourhood of Pettah - famous for it's open-air floating markets and bazaars.

Check out the city's Independence Square and then finish up in Sri Lanka's trendiest part of town with time for a quick shop for last-minute souvenirs and designer goods.

The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to explore the bustling metropolitan city!



Accommodation

Fairway Colombo - 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Tea Factory Visit

Colombo Panoramic City Tour

Day 8: Colombo

Location: Colombo

Meals Included: Breakfast

All great things must come to an end! Today, we say our farewells to new travel mates over one last breakfast at the hotel.

Check-out of the hotel by 11.

00am and feel free to explore the city at your own pace until the airport departure shuttle at 3.

00pm.





Meals Included



Breakfast

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay in 5 & 4 Star Hotels throughout the tour.

  • Meals

    Enjoy 7 breakfasts during the tour.

  • Transportation

    Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle and enjoy Jeep safaris.

  • Airport Transfer(s)

    Arrival shuttle at 3.00pm on Day 1 and departure shuttle at 3.00pm on Day 8.

  • Tour Guiding

    Benefit from the services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.

  • Safari

    Participate in Jeep safaris at Wilpattu, Ritigala, Minneriya National Park, and Horton Plains.

What's Not Included

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees to sights and museums are not included.

  • Tipping and Gratuities

    Tipping and gratuities are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included.

  • Items of a Personal Nature

    Personal expenses are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities are not included.

  • Other Services Not Stated in the Itinerary

    Any services not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

Add Ons

Local Payment: £

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with air-conditioned vehicles and enjoy thrilling jeep safaris at Wilpattu, Ritigala, Minneriya National Park, and Horton Plains, providing a seamless and exciting journey through Sri Lanka's stunning landscapes.

Accommodation

Experience the comfort of 5 and 4-star hotels throughout your journey, including stays at Fairway Colombo, Palm Garden Village, Amaara Forest Hotel, and Araliya Red Hotel, ensuring a luxurious and relaxing retreat after each day's adventure.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides accommodation in 5 and 4-star hotels, including stays at Fairway Colombo, Palm Garden Village, Amaara Forest Hotel, and Araliya Red Hotel.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes 7 breakfasts throughout the journey.

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    The tour includes travel in air-conditioned vehicles and thrilling jeep safaris at Wilpattu, Ritigala, Minneriya National Park, and Horton Plains.

  • Is there a guide provided during the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes the services of experienced Travel Talk local guides who are licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.

  • Are airport transfers included in the tour?

    Yes, there is an arrival shuttle at 3.00pm on Day 1 and a departure shuttle at 3.00pm on Day 8.

  • What activities are included in the tour?

    The tour includes activities such as jeep safaris at Wilpattu, Ritigala, Minneriya National Park, and Horton Plains, as well as sightseeing in Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Kandy, and a tea factory visit.

  • Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour price?

    No, entrance fees to sights and museums are not included in the tour price.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement, however, this excludes all of our North American tours where the sharing option for a solo traveller is not available, and the single supplement must be applied if you are travelling alone. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Over 20 years

Reviews of this operator

Jessie Mae Sia  

My travel talk experience was great and memorable

24-Feb-2021

My travel talk experience was awesome and fantastic. Me and my husband was on their Morocco and Turkey tours in 2019, they operated their tours in a culturally fun manner and the tour guides were very nice and very approachable. It exceeded our expection, we love to come back with them in our future travel. Thank you travel talk you made our 2019 as one of our memorable year!

Trustpilot
Jes Snowden (Google Reviewer)  

The Best of Turkey by...

10-Sep-2024

The Best of Turkey by Land was fantastic! If it’s a “tour” of Turkey you’re seeking, this one is the pick of them all. We travelled to the most spectacular locations, and experienced breathtaking moments and views, in every stop! Our tour guide Mustafa was very knowledgeable and talked us through the history of the land. He was friendly and very patient, considering the hours he puts into his tours. Mus was able to swap the days activities for some days to ensure we were given the best opportunity for photo’s and leas tourists in other locations. Our bus drivers did an amazing job getting us to all locations safely! Thank you Ahmet & Ali, you are superstars… Highlights for us were Gallipoli, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethyie and hot air ballooning in Cappadocia. The group consisted of all ages, which worked out to be a good mix. The weather varied between 25 - 36 degrees throughout the trip, so be sure to pack the sunscreen and portable fan. Hotels varied, each one having it’s own idiosyncrasies, but overall very good. Some of the days were extremely long but we got through them.. I’d recommend this tour to anyone that wants a taste of the beautiful land that Turkey is ☺️

Courtney Godden (Google Reviewer)  

First time doing a tour...

28-Jul-2024

First time doing a tour overseas, wow what an amazing experience. Smaller tour group which was awesome, great hotel choices, professional transportation services and saw the best of Turkey in 12 days. Our tour guide Aykut's hospitality was second to none, he went above and beyond for every member of the group. His knowledge of his country's history and culture was outstanding and explained in a memorable way for a lasting memory. Aykut's has extensive experience as a tour guide and it shows in every way, many special tips from living/growing up in Turkey. Aykut's planning meant everything ran smoothly making our only job to turn up with your belongings and enjoy your experience. Thank you again Aykut for going the extra mile, making sure places had gluten free options for me and for all the funny jokes ☺️

elle mcdowell (Google Reviewer)  

We had an amazing time...

10-Jul-2024

We had an amazing time on our 12 day tour of Turkey! Our guide Yild was attentive, always was there to help us make the most of our trip and great fun! Would definitely recommend this tour to others!!

Stephani Ferrari Dalto (Google Reviewer)  

I’m about to finish my...

18-Oct-2024

I’m about to finish my Essential Turkey trip with Travel Talk (October 12th- for 10 days) and had an amazing experience! Our guide Mustafa was fantastic. He took care of every little detail and made sure everyone in our group (42 people, a great mix of ages) was happy and well looked after. I traveled with my mom, and this trip was the perfect way to get a quick, but comprehensive, view of what Turkey has to offer. This was my second time with Travel Talk, and I would definitely choose them again for future adventures!

Samantha Treadwell (Google Reviewer)  

Such an UNREAL EXPERIENCE! I...

13-Aug-2024

Such an UNREAL EXPERIENCE! I cannot recommend the best of Turkey by Gulet for 12 day tour enough. On this tour we were able to see all parts of turkey from the coast line to the major cities and immerse ourselves in the culture and history! Mustafa is the best tour guide who priorities experiences, learning and safety of all tour participants (he also doubles as a comedian so ensures many laughs are had). From sailing on the Mediterranean Sea, experiencing the best food and culture in Istanbul, to paragliding over Pamukkale springs, and finally ticking off the bucket list moment of hot air ballooning over Cappadocia, this has been a trip not to forget. I cannot recommend this tour enough and would encourage anyone going to turkey to book this trip with Travel Talk!

Steph Burnettt (Google Reviewer)  

Thank you Mustafa & Travel...

06-Oct-2024

Thank you Mustafa & Travel Talk for an extraordinary 10 day trip of Turkey. A beautiful country indeed. We had a great time visiting all the sites. Mustafa’s sense of humour and abundance of knowledge made it all the more enjoyable. Definitely recommend this tour.

Victoria McCullough (Google Reviewer)  

I did the travel talk...

26-Aug-2024

I did the travel talk turkey tour with mus. He's an awesome guide full of local knowledge. There had been wild fires at Gallipoli so rearranged our itinerary to allow us a chance to visit which we did! I spent 3 days on the gulet and was a great way to relax. Would highly recommend the tour as a way to visit turkey and would do it again.

Leigh Anaru (Google Reviewer)  

Just finished the 10 day...

30-Apr-2024

Just finished the 10 day ANZAC tour in Türkiye. Wow what an experience! The tour although busy was jam packed with amazing experiences made all the more richer by our highly knowledgable and very funny guide Aykut. The bus was full of 44 Aussies and Kiwis which would've been no easy feat to control. Aykut and our drivers Naci and Sevki were kind and patient making our long drives enjoyable. Gallipoli was a bucket list of mine, and what a beautiful humbling experience it was, especially the following day tour of the cemeteries. Other than that highlight, the early morning hot air balloon and all the other sites the Kapadokya offers was pretty special too. I will be using Travel Talk again. 5 stars!

Bec Wood (Google Reviewer)  

We did the 11 Day...

26-Apr-2024

We did the 11 Day Anzac Tour of Turkey. It. Was. Phenomenal. My husband and I absolutely love Turkey and were excited to explore the country. Highlights were definitely the Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia and the privilege of attending the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove. A bucket list item ticked off. This was my second Travel Talk in 2024 and I would absolutely do another one in the future. The tour was organised and our guide, Mustafa, was fantastic.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 09, 2024 - Nov 16, 2024
$1746 $873

Operator discount: -$873

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Nov 16, 2024 - Nov 23, 2024
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Operator discount: -$873

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Nov 23, 2024 - Nov 30, 2024
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Operator discount: -$904

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$1746 $873

Operator discount: -$873

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Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025
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Operator discount: -$873

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Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025
$1746 $873

Operator discount: -$873

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025
$1746 $873

Operator discount: -$873

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
$1746 $873

Operator discount: -$873

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
$1746 $873

Operator discount: -$873

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025
$1746 $873

Operator discount: -$873

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025
$1746 $873

Operator discount: -$873

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 08, 2025
$1746 $873

Operator discount: -$873

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 15, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025
$1746 $873

Operator discount: -$873

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 06, 2025
$1808 $904

Operator discount: -$904

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025
$1808 $904

Operator discount: -$904

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Travel Talk Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Travel Talk Tours requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel talk tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 85% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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