Escorted Tours 2024 - 2025

Grand Tour of Sri Lanka Colombo Galle < <  Yala Nuwara Eliya Udawalawe Mirissa Kataragama Kandy Dambulla Passikudah Anuradhapura Mihintale Polonnaruwa Matale         Coach Air Nights 2 3 2 2 2 1 1 2 2 oac Air Nights 2 Day 1: UK to Colombo Depart the UK on your scheduled, overnight flight. Day 2: Colombo D On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Day 3: Colombo B/L/D Today, enjoy a half-day tour starting with the vibrant temples and bazaars of Pettah. Next, visit the Old Dutch hospital, a highlight of the newly restored Fort complex. After lunch, enjoy the afternoon at leisure before a welcome cocktail and dinner. Day 4: Colombo to Dambulla B/L/D This morning, enjoy breakfast before your leisurely journey to Dambulla. After lunch, continue to Dambulla Rock Temple. This collection of impressive caves contains over 2000 square metres of painted walls and ceilings, which were once gilded by the ancient King to mark his place of worship. Day 5: Dambulla and Anuradhapura B/L/D Today starts with an early morning journey north to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, the spiritual heart of the Cultural Triangle. On route, visit the sleepy village of Mihintale and its nearby sacred mountain peak and temple complex. After lunch, embark on a city tour. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Anuradhapura is the first capital and undoubtedly the grandest city of ancient Sri Lanka. The city ruins are one of South Asia’s most evocative sites and contains a rich collection of crumbling temples, vast monasteries and elaborate palaces. Learn about its fascinating history and marvel at the sacred Bodhi tree. Day 6: Dambulla and Sigiriya B/L/D Undoubtedly a highlight of the tour, today’s excursion is to the awe-inspiring Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The ancient city of Sigiriya is a World Heritage Site and the city ruins lie on the slopes and summit of the imposing granite peak, towering above the jungle below. Climb up steps carved into the rock face to see the fortified palace and enjoy the spectacular views over this ancient citadel. Return to your hotel for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Day 7: Dambulla to Passikudah B/L/D After an early breakfast, depart Dambulla and visit the city of Polonnaruwa. Scattered over gently undulating woodland, explore the monumental ruins of the ancient garden-city, before continuing to Passikudah. Day 8: Passikudah B/L/D Today has been left at leisure for you to relax and enjoy Passikudah’s powder-white sands and emerald waters on Sri Lanka’s laid-back, less-visited east coast. Journey to the heart of this captivating island, which boasts an incredible variety of highlights, from undiscovered pristine beaches in the east to ancient civilisations and sacred pilgrimage sites in the Cultural Triangle. Mihintale What you’ll see ⚫ Visit ancient temples and bustling bazaars on a tour of Colombo ⚫ Relax upon the beaches of Passikudah and Mirissa ⚫ Explore the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Rock Temple ⚫ Discover Kandy’s sacred Temple of the Tooth ⚫ Wander the ancient city ruins of Anuradhapura ⚫ Enjoy a tour of lush Nuwara Eliya and a bustling tea plantation ⚫ Embark on wildlife safaris through Yala and Udawalawe National Parks ⚫ Marvel at the beauty of Peradeniya botanical gardens ⚫ Tour Galle’s colonial buildings and UNESCO-listed centre Includes all meals P R I V A T E T O U R U P G R A D E S F R O M £299 8 Southern Asia Hundreds of escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk