Join us on a sensory journey through the tropical island of Sri Lanka! The adventure begins in the central Cultural Triangle, where we tread through ancient palace ruins and walk in wonder under towering Buddhist temples. We then travel by train to the famous Ceylon tea plantations in the emerald-green hills of Sri Lanka's Tea Country, staying in luxury in the lush surroundings. We continue the adventure with a private helicopter transfer, enjoying a bird's-eye view of deep jungles where Sri Lankan leopards and elephants roam. After a safari in the wild, we head to the historic, star-shaped city of Galle, exploring its labyrinthine streets and gorgeous beaches.
Upon arriving at Colombo International Airport, a private plane transfers you to Sigiriya Domestic airport, where we whisk you away to your home for the next two nights, the magical Water Garden Sigiriya. Arguably the biggest attraction on this island paradise is the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, which you will have perfect views of from our home base. Anyone who is a fan of Machu Picchu will see instant similarities and appreciate the advanced architectural skills employed in the creation of the fortress. The evening promises pampering with a traditional Balinese massage and a welcome dinner.
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we set out on a full-day private guided tour of Sigiriya and Dambulla. We explore the Dambulla Cave Temple, which has been a sacred pilgrimage site for over 22 centuries, wandering through its chambers that enshrine over 153 Buddhist sculptures. The next destination on our tour is Sigiriya Rock, where we walk the ancient grounds of this gigantic rock fortress. Lunch and dinner will be served at a restaurant recommended to you by your AIV hosts.
After breakfast, we depart for a guided tour of Kandy, visiting the Ranweli Spice Garden en route, where we indulge in an hour-long private guided spice tour and lunch. We continue to Kandy, settling into luxury accommodation, taking an optional stroll through Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, and indulging high tea. In the afternoon, we enjoy a private guided tour of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. This temple is considered Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist shrine as it is where the relic of Buddha's tooth is housed.
We have breakfast at the hotel and leave for one of the world's most scenic train trips to Hatton, our impeccable home for the next two nights. As the train meanders up into the hills blanketed in tea plantations, sit back and enjoy views of waterfalls, misty valleys, and colorful villages. We arrive at the Ceylon tea plantations, where we will be staying in a private villa at the Summerville Hotel. Highlights include the infinity pool cascading in front of the villa, in-room spa treatments, and luxury baths. Enjoy a delightful tea planter's picnic lunch before a private guided walk and hike into the tea plantation. Dinner will be served at the property.
After a Sri Lankan breakfast, we depart for the Dunkeld Tea Factory for a quintessential tea experience and a private guided tour. Later, back at the villa, we indulge in an interactive hour-long tea tasting, before a Sri Lankan cooking class and lunch. The afternoon can be spent at leisure or enjoying a variety of inclusive optional activities, including Castlereigh Reservoir nature walks, kayaking, or a Warleigh Church visit. Dinner will be served in the comfort of the villa where you will experience the gracious butler service and gourmet cuisine that sets the gold standard for luxury in Sri Lanka.
After our last breakfast at the private villa, we depart for Yala National Park in two luxury, four-seater helicopters, enjoying an exhilarating flight. After landing on the Chena Huts Helipad, we settle into the heavenly sanctuary of Chena Huts Hotel, where we have a relaxing afternoon. Sitting amidst the golden dunes and lush greenery in Yala, Chena Huts showcases two of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated features — its tropical beaches and wildlife. Take a light stroll along the pristine beach, where you will be served a traditional lunch, and enjoy a special dinner back at the property, all while receiving world-class service.
A delicious breakfast will be served at Chena Huts before we head off on a unique safari experience in Sri Lanka's most popular wildlife sanctuary, Yala National Park. Hop into one of two Jeeps, each driven by a knowledgeable ranger, for a private guided tour tracking the impressive amount of elephants, crocodiles, buffaloes, and hopefully, a leopard along the way. Despite the elusive nature of the leopard species, Yala boasts one of the densest leopard populations on the globe, increasing the likelihood of an encounter. Relax with a sunset picnic and complimentary drinks before enjoying a leisurely evening at the property.
After breakfast, we travel to Galle Fort in a private vehicle and have lunch en route on the secluded and pristine Tangalle beach. We enjoy sea views, sipping from freshly picked coconuts, then journey to the Amangalla Hotel, where we will spend the next two nights in luxury. After check-in, we take a private walking tour of the Galle Fort. Best experienced on foot, the fort has centuries of Dutch, Portuguese, and English heritage. Back at the hotel, enjoy optional spa treatments on request and a gourmet dinner paired with wines.
After breakfast, you can decide how you would like to end your journey. Experience either a cooking class on Paddy Island or a half-day catamaran sailing tour; the choice is yours. For our cooking tour option, your private chef will take you to local markets to buy authentic ingredients and spices. These will be used in the cooking class, where you'll learn how to prepare a Sinhalese curry in traditional clay pots under the thatched garden pavilion. For the catamaran experience, we depart from Mirissa and enjoy cocktails and a picnic lunch while lazily cruising the coast. Dinner will be at leisure.
Your private transfer will transport you back to Colombo airport for your connecting flight home. We do, however, warn you that Sri Lanka has a way of captivating hearts and souls — you might not want to leave! If this is the case, the Art In Voyage Team will gladly arrange an extension in Sri Lanka or offer recommendations for a visit to the magnificent Maldives to enhance your journey home.
Our day-to-day itinerary may, from time to time and prior to departure, need to be altered or slightly modified to address possible unforeseen logistical and weather challenges. In such rare instances, Art In Voyage guarantees delivery of the content of the itinerary yet, in a different order.
All listed retreats (hotels, villas, and barges) are, at times, subject to changes. In such rare instances, similar or higher standards will be upheld.
Travel insurance, once purchased, goes into effect upon payment of the premium. You have 15 days from that date to cancel it (providing no claims have been filed or initiated during that period). Beyond 15 days, it becomes non-refundable/non-changeable/non-transferrable.
In case of a cancelation at more than 90 days prior to departure, your deposit will be returned minus a $500 per person administrative fee.
In case of a cancelation within the penalty period: Find a replacement at least 30 days prior to departure and your journey will be fully refunded, minus a $500 per person administrative fee.
