Sri Lanka & Singapore

This afternoon we begin our amazing adventure as we fly from our home city to Colombo. On arrival at Colombo International Airport this evening we are greeted by our Sri Lankan tour escort Mario who will remain with us for the duration of our Sri Lanka tour. After our late evening arrival, we transfer to our beachfront hotel for check in and a good night’s rest.

FLIGHT DETAILS: Australia - Singapore (flight details to be advised)

SQ468 Singapore - Colombo 22:10/23:30 (flight details are subject to change)

After a leisurely breakfast we enjoy a relaxing morning at our seaside hotel. Late morning we board our coach and enjoy a highlights tour of Negombo which includes the amazing Fish Markets, plus several buildings that date back to the Dutch and Portuguese colonial days including the Dutch Fort and Catholic Church. The sandy beaches, sea, colourful wooden boats, and fishing port provide a scenic backdrop. This afternoon we arrive back at our hotel to enjoy a rest, stroll along the beach or swim before dinner.

Daily: Breakfast & Dinner

We depart early from Negombo and travel to Sri Lanka’s Central Province, dominated by Sigiriya Rock. En route, we stop at Pinnawala to witness elephants bathing in the Maha Oya River while enjoying lunch overlooking the scene. Continuing on, we arrive at the iconic Sigiriya “Lion Rock, ” a 3rd-century fortress with palace ruins, gardens, ponds, canals, and fountains. A visit to the Sigiriya Museum provides insight into its cultural significance. Late afternoon, we check into our resort before dinner.

Optional Tour: Sigiriya ‘Lion Rock’ Fortress Climb - Approx 2400 steps return, not suitable at all for those with physical difficulties or low mobility. Payment on tour.

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast we visit one of the better kept ruins of Ancient Ceylon - the UNESCO World Heritage City of Anuradhapura. Re-founded in 4th Century BC, Anuradhapura became the capital of Ceylon and the sacred city of Buddhism, home to the most renowned relic, the sacred Bodhi tree planted in 3rd Century BC. Our guide will introduce us to some of Anuradhapura’s sacred sites such as the Isurumuniya Rock Temple and Brozan Palace, Siri Maha Bodhi and Ruvanveliseya Dagaba, all rich in Buddhist faith culture and practices. After our tour we break for lunch at the Lake View Hotel before returning to our resort for a relaxing afternoon poolside before dinner.

Optional Tour: Dambulla Cave Temple - Approx 730 steps return, well designed staircase & not too difficult. Payment on tour

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This morning we visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating from the 11th–12th centuries. We explore highlights including Parakrama Samudraya, the Royal Palace, Audience Hall, Sacred Quadrangle, and Gal Viharaya’s impressive rock-carved Buddha statues. We then stop at the Nishantha Woodcarving Factory for a demonstration and to browse the displays. Lunch is enjoyed at Jaga Food among the paddy fields. This afternoon, we head to Minneriya National Park for an exciting elephant and wildlife jeep safari before returning to our resort to freshen up before dinner.

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

An early start we head to the spiritual city of Kandy, stopping en-route at the extraordinarily colourful and ornate Sri Muthumariamman Hindu Temple. While still in Matale we also visit the Baba and Island Batik Factory to see true quality design, artistry, and workmanship of batik. We then get to experience the traditional spices that Sri Lanka is renowned for at the Ranweli Spice Garden. After lunch at the Ranweli Spice Garden we continue our journey down into the cultural city of Kandy. We stroll past beautiful Kandy Lake on our way to the Temple of the Tooth, the most important shrine in the country. Later in the afternoon we check into our hotel before experiencing a traditional oil lamp lighting and then enjoying dinner.

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This morning we enjoy a guided stroll through the lush Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, established in 1821 and spanning 140 acres along the Mahaweli River. We then explore the vibrant Kandy Markets before lunch at the historic Queens Hotel. In the afternoon, we visit E.W. Balasuriya & Co Gem Factory to learn about Sri Lanka’s gemstone history, including the famous blue sapphire, followed by a showroom visit. Later, we attend a Cultural Kandyan fire and dance show before returning to our hotel for dinner.

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast we depart Kandy for Nuwara Eliya, travelling through scenic mountains and Sri Lanka’s tea country. En route, we visit Ramboda Falls and enjoy lunch nearby, surrounded by lush landscapes. Continuing on, we stop at Damro Labookellie Tea Centre for a factory tour and a cup of tea. The journey offers sweeping views of tea-covered valleys and colourful tea pluckers at work. In Nuwara Eliya, we admire English-style homes and gardens before check-in. Later, enjoy a stroll to the Grand Hotel to view its beautiful grounds.

Daily: Breakfast Lunch & Dinner

From Nuwara Eliya, we descend through the scenic hill country via Ella to the jungles of Yala. The journey passes colourful valleys, terraced gardens, waterfalls, and deep gorges. In Ella, we pause for breathtaking views of Ella Gap and Adams Peak, then stop at the Ella Mountain Heaven Hotel. After photographing Ravana Falls, we reach Jetwing Yala for lunch. In the afternoon, we explore Yala National Park - home to leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and sloth bears. Following an exhilarating Jeep safari, we return to the hotel for dinner overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After a leisurely breakfast and check-out, we enjoy a relaxed morning at the resort followed by lunch. In the early afternoon, we travel to the historic seaport of Galle via Matara, a key south coast town rich in colonial remnants and divided by the wide Nilwala Ganga river. Arriving in Galle, we pass the marina and fish markets before entering the well-preserved World Heritage Galle Fort, a former Dutch stronghold. We then check into Jetwing Lighthouse with time to unwind before dinner.

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After a relaxed start, we visit the Dutch Museum and Dutch Church, two highlights within Galle Fort. We then enjoy a leisurely walking tour along its cobbled streets, exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site that reflects a blend of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to 19th centuries. We also browse the historic Dutch Market, known for fresh local produce and a history spanning over 300 years. The afternoon is free to relax or explore shops offering jewellery, gemstones, and handicrafts. In the evening, we regroup at the hotel for dinner.

Daily: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast and checkout, we travel along the coast toward Colombo, stopping at the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery to learn about conservation efforts for endangered species like the Hawksbill turtle. We observe incubation, hatching, and release stages. Arriving in Colombo, we enjoy lunch at the Ceylon Curry Club before a city tour featuring the Old Town Hall, Red Mosque, Lighthouse Clock Tower, Galle Face Promenade, Beira Lake, Nelum Pokuna Theatre, Viharamahadevi Park, and the Handicrafts Emporium. Mid-afternoon, we check into our hotel with time to relax before our final dinner.

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After a relaxed breakfast, we visit the historic Galle Face Hotel, one of the oldest east of the Suez, for a guided tour with the resident historian, exploring its architecture, stories, and traditions. We also visit the museum showcasing notable guests and artefacts. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax at the hotel, enjoy a spa treatment, swim, or explore the Dutch Hospital shopping precinct. Following a late evening check-out, we transfer to Colombo International Airport for our onward flight to Singapore.

Daily: Breakfast & Dinner

Arriving early in Singapore from Colombo, we transfer to our centrally located hotel to check in. In the afternoon, we visit Marina Bay Sands’ SkyPark Observation Deck for sweeping city views, including Gardens by the Bay and the Esplanade. After a buffet dinner, we enjoy the Spectra light and water show before returning to the hotel.

FLIGHT DETAILS: SQ469 Colombo - Singapore 00:45/07:15 (flight details are subject to change).Early Morning Flight: Inflight meals

Daily: Dinner

After breakfast, we visit the UNESCO-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens, a rare pocket of tropical rainforest with diverse plant life and native birds. At the National Orchid Garden, we admire Singapore’s renowned orchid collection dating back to 1859. Lunch today is at Lino Italian before returning to the hotel to rest. Late afternoon we head to Clarke Quay for a sunset bumboat cruise along the Singapore River, passing historic and modern landmarks. We then return to the hotel for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

After a leisurely breakfast, we have a late checkout at 1500pm to prepare for our late evening overnight flight back to Brisbane. This morning, enjoy a stroll along the famous Orchid Road shopping precinct, including the ION Orchard. After our late checkout this afternoon, we experience a real treat at Raffles Hotel, within the Grand Lobby Room we enjoy ‘High Tea’ and the graciousness of a bygone era. Its then time to check-in at Changi International Airport for our flight back home. Before our flight be greeted by the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, ‘The HSBC Rain Vortex’, and bask in the lush indoor greenery of the Shiseido Forest Valley with floral biodiversity of more than 120 species.

FLIGHT DETAILS: Singapore - Homeport + 1 day (flight details to be advised)

Daily: Breakfast & High Tea

After our overnight flight, we arrive back in Australia this morning after our wonderful highlights tour of Sri Lanka and Singapore with Trade Travel.

Daily: Overnight Flight: Inflight meals