MOUNTAIN TO THE BEACH TOUR 2023
November 2023
AUD$2950 Twin Share, AUD$3900 Single Room
The Mountain to the Beach Tour is a selection of the best of the cultural triangle and the beauty and splendour of the southern beaches. After arriving at Colombo International Airport, you will be taken to our Bawa-inspired beachfront hotel in the nearby town of Negombo. Some guests will prefer to book an extra night as many international flights arrive later at night or early in the morning.
The next day we drive to Dambulla, and on the way, we visit the amazing cave temples with the giant reclining Buddhas. Dambulla is in the middle of the cultural triangle with numerous historical and archaeological activities and places of interest. Two days here is not enough to fit it all in – the Sigiriya rock fortress, Minneriya wildlife reserve, ayurvedic spas, plus more.
During the 3-hour drive to the ancient capital of Kandy on day 4, we visit a spice garden for lunch and arrive in time for the famous Buddhist temple of the tooth ceremony. The next day, we board the Kandy to Nuwara Eliya train, arguably one of the most scenic and interesting train journeys in the world, dissecting the famous tea-growing hill country. On arrival, we check in to Saint Andrews, a famous heritage colonial hotel. The next day we leave the mountains and head South for the delights of the south coast beaches. We book in for a two-day rest at the Talalla Retreat, owned and successfully operated by Byron Bay locals.
On day 8 we drive the short drive to Galle. This historical city within its ancient fort walls has had an amazing transformation into a creative hub for ex-pats and locals, with intriguing and eclectic shops, restaurants and galleries. Day 9 and 10 we spend exploring the many delights of the capital of Colombo. On day 11 you catch the shuttle to the airport for your respective flights.
Price includes:
- Accommodation in all hotels mentioned
- All meals, breakfasts, lunch and dinner, except for special meals out for local dining experiences
- Transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle
- Touring in a luxury min-bus, 8-10 people plus driver and host
- All entrances as mentioned above (excluding optional activities in Dambulla)
- Sightseeing & city tours as mentioned above
- Local government taxes & service charges
- The bus will be equipped with water, snacks, sanitisers, and PPE
*Please note: Price excludes flights, visas, insurance, optional tours & activities, tips & porterage and all entrance fees to tourist and other attractions not specified above, all expenses of a personal nature.
Day 1: NEGOMBO
We meet at a beachside hotel at Negombo – only 20 minutes form the airport. If your flight arrives late and you need an extra day to settle in, we can arrange an extra night for you.
Day 2: NEGOMBO to DAMBULLA
Drive to Dambulla where we stay for two nights at a great hotel at he start of the “Cultural Triangle”. We visit the ancient Dambulla cave temples on the way.
Day 3: DAMBULLA
In the morning we climb Lion Rock – most popular of all of Sri Lanka’s activities. In the afternoon it is your choice: Minneriya Wildlife Reserve to see the elephants, Ayerveda spa treatment, or a home visit and cooking class in the village.
Day 4: DAMBULLA to KANDY
We stop at a spice garden on the way from Dambulla to Kandy, then in the afternoon we see the Tooth Temple ceremony.
Day 5: KANDY to NUWARA ELIYA
In morning we tour the botanical gardens. Then one of the worlds most scenic train journeys in the afternoon as we m,ake our way from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya.
Day 6:NUWARA ELIYA
We visit a working tea factory tour, lunch at Lake Gregory, afternoon high tea at Grand Hotel.
Day 7: NUWARA ELIYA to UDAWALAWA
We begin our drive back down the mountain. Breaking the journey at Ella to do the picturesque Little Adam’s Peak walk. Arriving in Udawalawa in time for feeding time at the baby elephant orphanage.
Day 8: UDAWALAWA to GALLE
An early start, so we have plenty of time in the fabulous ancient port city of Galle. Lots to do here!
Day 9: GALLE to COLOMBO
On our way from Galle to Colombo, we check in to the Galle Face – one of Asia’s famous colonial era hotels.
Day 10: COLOMBO
Do the city tour of one of Asia’s vibrant growing cities. Then off in your own tuk tuk with shopping or see the sights. Final group dinner at one of the cities best international restaurants.
Day 11: Checkout
Shuttle to the airport. If your flight is late at night, we can request a late check out so you can have another relaxing day at the beach or around the pool.
The Hill Circuit Tour takes a leisurely circuit through the ancient highlands and Tea Country of this unique island, the island that gave the world the concept of “Serendipity.”
ABOUT THE TOUR
This is the tour for the curious of mind — with plenty of rest and rejuvenation also. The Hill Circuit Tour takes us through spectacular hill country, world-class tea-growing regions and to Kandy, the ancient capital of this beautiful island. Old Sri Lanka is a place of community, gorgeous Buddhist temples, unique (hot, hot) curries, and the world’s finest teas.
Food, architecture, history, and culture will be the windows through which we gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating country while still having time for those travelers who want to replenish in a unique part of the world, in style and comfort. The tour dips into these aspects of Sri Lanka, sourcing expert local knowledge along the way.
Costs:
US$2950 twin share, US$600 single supplement
Includes:
- Accommodation in all hotels mentioned
- All breakfast and dinners
- Transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle
- Local government taxes & service charges
- All entrances and tours mentioned above
- Two tour guides: your host Michael Murray, and a local English-speaking driver and licensed Sri Lankan guide, available 24/7.
Excludes:
- Visas and Insurance
- Optional tours and activities
- Flights
- All expenses of personal nature
- Tips and porterage.
- Entrance fees to tourist and other attractions not specified above
Bookings
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