DAY 1 - ITALY / COLOMBO - Saturday 02/08/2025
Departure from Italy by intercontinental flight. Meals and overnight stay on board.
DAY 2 - COLOMBO / KANDY - Sunday 03/08/2025
Arrive at Colombo International Airport and transfer about 2 1/2 hours to Kandy (for those arriving early in the morning in Colombo, there is a stop for about 3 hours at a hotel not far from the airport before continuing to Kandy). Upon arrival in Kandy, check-in at the hotel and afternoon visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, or Sri Dalada Maligawa, one of the most important temples of the Buddhist religion located in the Kandy Royal Palace complex, which houses the Buddha's tooth relic. The highest expression of the Buddhist religion in Sri Lanka, this place will allow visitors to immerse themselves in authentic local spirituality. These days the important Esala Perahera festival is held here, a riot of color and fragrance in which the community gathers in processions to venerate the Buddha's tooth. A traditional dance performance follows. Return to the hotel.
DAY 3 - KANDY - Monday 04/08/2025
In the morning, depart for Peradeniya, a locality near the center of Kandy. Visit the Royal Botanical Garden, the most important in Sri Lanka, renowned for its collection of orchids. Next, visit the Giragama Tea Factory, where you will learn the secrets of making the famous beverage. In the afternoon, tour of Kandy's bustling downtown, including the bustling and colorful Bazaar. Return and dinner at the hotel.
DAY 4 - KANDY / MATALE / CULTURAL TRIANGLE (DAMBULLA) - Tuesday 05/08/2025
In the morning, depart for Sigiriya (about a 2 1/2-hour drive). En route stop to admire the colorful Hindu temple of Mutthumari Amman Kovil in Matale. Next, stop at the Spice Garden, where you can discover the use of medicinal plants in the ancient Ayurvedic tradition. In the afternoon, experience the rural village of Hiriwadunna with show cooking and tasting of local dishes. Surrounded by the green paddy fields and Habarana Lake, you will immerse yourself in the authentic rural tradition of the place. Afterwards, transfer to the hotel and accommodation in your room.
DAY 5 - DAMBULLA - Wednesday, 06/08/2025
At first light visit to Sigiriya Fortress, which stands atop the famous Lion's Rock. Afterwards return to the hotel for breakfast. Free time to relax by the pool. In the afternoon, visit Minneriya National Park for a jeep safari: here you will experience the thrill of admiring at close range several elephant specimens living free in their natural habitat.
DAY 6 - DAMBULLA - Thursday 07/08/2025
After breakfast, depart for a visit to the ancient city of Anuradhapura. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the sacred city was founded around a cutting of the "Tree of Enlightenment," the Buddha's fig tree, brought there in the 3rd century B.C. by Sanghamitta, governess of an order of Buddhist nuns. Anuradhapura, the political and religious capital of Ceylon that flourished for 1,300 years, was abandoned after an invasion in 993. Hidden in dense jungle for many years, the beautiful site, with its palaces, monasteries and monuments, is now accessible again. Return to hotel and free afternoon at leisure.
DAY 7 - DAMBULLA / PASSIKUDAH - Friday 08/08/2025
In the morning, depart for bicycle tour of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993. In addition to Brahmanical monuments built by the Cholas, it includes the monumental ruins of the fabled garden city created by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century. After a special lunch at a peasant house, continue to Passikudah. On arrival accommodation and dinner at the hotel.
DAY 8 - PASSIKUDAH - Saturday 09/08/2025
Days at leisure to relax by the sea on half-board basis.
DAY 9 - PASSIKUDAH - Sunday, 10/08/2025
Days at leisure to relax by the sea on half-board basis.
DAY 10 - PASSIKUDAH - Monday, 11/08/2025
Days at leisure to relax by the sea on half-board basis.
DAY 11 - PASSIKUDAH - Tuesday, 12/08/2025
Days at leisure to relax by the sea on half-board basis.
DAY 12 - PASSIKUDAH / NEGOMBO - Wednesday, 13/08/2025
In the morning, depart for the transfer to Negombo (about 5 hours' drive) with an intermediate stop to visit the Golden Temple of Dambulla. A sacred place of pilgrimage for 22 centuries, this monastery, with its five shrines, is Sri Lanka's largest and best-preserved rock temple complex. The Buddhist wall paintings (covering an area of 2,100 sq. m.) are of particular importance, as are the 157 Buddha statues. In the afternoon, arrive in Negombo, settle into your room and free time to relax.
DAY 13 - NEGOMBO / ITALY - Thursday, 14/08/2025
Transfer to the airport for the intercontinental flight back to Italy. Meals on board. Arrival in Italy in the evening.