Sigiriya Lion Rock
The ancient royal fortress climbed early, with the surrounding archaeological landscape and the cave temple at Dambulla.
All tours
Flagship JourneySignature Journey 02
The Grand Tour of Sri Lanka
Discover the very best of Sri Lanka on one extraordinary journey, combining ancient kingdoms, sacred cultural landmarks, mist-covered tea plantations, scenic mountain escapes, thrilling wildlife safaris, golden beaches, and the vibrant capital city of Colombo.
- Duration
- 12 nights / 13 days
- Starts & ends
- Colombo (Bandaranaike International)
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want to see the whole island
- Pace
- A comfortable point-to-point pace across the whole island
What makes this journey different
Kandy and the Sacred Tooth Relic
Sri Lanka's historic hill capital, with a spice and herbal garden at Matale on the way in.
The Nanu Oya–Ella Railway
The hill-country train through tea estates, tunnels and waterfalls, subject to confirmed tickets.
Yala National Park Safari
An afternoon jeep safari looking for elephants, crocodiles, colourful birdlife and the elusive Sri Lankan leopard.
Mirissa and Galle Fort
Three nights on the south coast, with whale watching in season and a day at the UNESCO-listed fort.
Day-by-day itinerary
A private journey with a chauffeur-guide throughout. A starting shape for your trip, not a fixed schedule — we rebuild it around your dates, pace and interests before you commit to anything.
- Day 01Arrival in Sri Lanka — NegomboOvernight in NegomboArrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). Meet and greet by your Luxe Ceylon Holidays representative. Private transfer to the hotel and check-in. Relax after the flight; enjoy a leisurely beach walk or sunset by the lagoon if time permits.
- Day 02Negombo → Dambulla → SigiriyaOvernight in SigiriyaBreakfast and check-out. Drive towards Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle. Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, famous for its Buddhist murals and statues. Optional visit to a traditional Sri Lankan village or herbal garden. Transfer to Sigiriya and check in.
- Day 03Sigiriya — Ancient Kingdom & Local CultureOvernight in SigiriyaEarly morning climb of Sigiriya Lion Rock, the iconic ancient royal fortress. Explore the surrounding archaeological landscape. Experience a traditional village tour with a local lunch. Optional elephant safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park, subject to seasonal wildlife movements. Return to the hotel and relax.
- Day 04Sigiriya → Matale → KandyOvernight in KandyBreakfast and check-out. Visit a spice and herbal garden in Matale. Arrive in Kandy, Sri Lanka's historic hill capital. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Explore Kandy Lake and the city centre. Optional traditional Kandyan cultural dance performance.
- Day 05Kandy → Ramboda → Nuwara EliyaOvernight in Nuwara EliyaScenic drive through the central highlands. Stop at a tea plantation and factory to discover Ceylon tea production. Visit Ramboda Falls. Optional stop at the Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple. Explore Gregory Lake, colonial architecture, and the town's famous Pink Post Office. Check in and enjoy the cool mountain climate.
- Day 06Nuwara Eliya → Ella — Scenic Hill CountryOvernight in EllaBreakfast and check-out. Transfer to Nanu Oya Railway Station. Enjoy the iconic scenic train journey towards Ella, subject to train availability and confirmed tickets. Experience spectacular mountain views, tea estates, tunnels, and waterfalls. Arrival in Ella, transfer to the hotel, and leisure time.
- Day 07Ella — Mountains, Waterfalls & AdventureOvernight in EllaVisit the famous Nine Arch Bridge. Walk to Little Adam's Peak for panoramic mountain views. Stop at Ravana Falls. Enjoy a café experience overlooking Ella's green hills. Optional ziplining or other local adventure activities. Return to the hotel for a relaxing evening.
- Day 08Ella → Yala — Into the WildOvernight in Yala / TissamaharamaBreakfast and check-out. Drive through the southern countryside towards Yala. Check in at a safari lodge or nature resort. Enjoy an afternoon jeep safari in Yala National Park, subject to park access and operating schedules. Look for elephants, crocodiles, colourful birdlife, and the elusive Sri Lankan leopard.
- Day 09Yala → South Coast → MirissaOvernight in MirissaOptional early morning safari, depending on the package and park schedule. Breakfast and check-out. Drive towards the southern coastline. Optional stop at a traditional stilt-fishing viewpoint near Weligama. Arrive in Mirissa and check in to your beach hotel. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon by the ocean.
- Day 10Mirissa — Ocean & Beach EscapeOvernight in MirissaOptional early morning whale-watching excursion, subject to seasonal conditions and sea safety. Return for breakfast or a late breakfast, depending on departure time. Enjoy the beach, swimming where safe, or optional surfing lessons in the area. Explore Mirissa's coastal cafés and sunset viewpoints. Leisure evening at the hotel.
- Day 11Mirissa → Galle Fort → MirissaOvernight in MirissaBreakfast at the hotel. Take a coastal excursion to Galle. Explore the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, historic ramparts, lighthouse, colonial streets, and boutique shops. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Optional visit to a turtle conservation centre, subject to the centre's operating practices and availability. Return to Mirissa for your final beach evening.
- Day 12Mirissa → Colombo CityOvernight in ColomboBreakfast and check-out. Drive to Colombo via the Southern Expressway. Colombo city tour featuring Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square, Galle Face Green, and selected city landmarks. Explore shopping districts or enjoy a final Sri Lankan dining experience. Check in at the Colombo hotel.
- Day 13Colombo → Bandaranaike International AirportEnd of tour. Breakfast at the hotel, subject to departure time. Private transfer to BIA. Assistance with departure arrangements. Depart Sri Lanka with wonderful memories of your Grand Tour.
Accommodation plan
- Negombo1 nightArrival and coastal relaxation
- Sigiriya2 nightsAncient heritage and village culture
- Kandy1 nightSacred temples and cultural traditions
- Nuwara Eliya1 nightTea country and misty hills
- Ella2 nightsScenic train journey and mountain adventure
- Yala / Tissamaharama1 nightWildlife safari
- Mirissa3 nightsBeach escape and Galle excursion
- Colombo1 nightCapital city and shopping
Enquire about this journey
Tell us when you would like to travel and who is coming. A specialist will reply with a tailored proposal for this 13 days journey.
Your enquiry
Nothing is charged and there is no obligation. We reply with a written proposal.