Day 1 ISTANBUL – SHARJAH – COLOMBO
We meet at the international departure terminal of Istanbul New Airport three hours before the flight. After baggage, ticket, and boarding procedures, we fly to Sharjah with Air Arabia Airlines' scheduled flight. Upon our arrival in Sharjah, we begin our flight to Colombo with Air Arabia Airlines' scheduled flight. We spend the night on the plane.
Day 2 COLOMBO – PINNAWALA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE – DAMBULLA TEMPLE – HABARANA-SIGIRIYA
After our arrival in Colombo, we transition to our private bus waiting at the airport. Then we move for our tour of the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. On the way, we have our open buffet breakfast by the riverside. Established in 1975, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage started with seven orphans. Today, some of these orphans have had the chance to see their grandchildren born in the same place. The initial aim of the orphanage was more tourism-oriented, but it quickly became a conservation and education center. During our visit to the orphanage, we will be able to walk alongside the elephants and watch them wash themselves with their trunks. Afterward, we move for the Dambulla Temple tour. As we step into the mystical surroundings of Dambulla, we will be welcomed by the tranquil atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Together, we embark on a pilgrimage through five extraordinary cave temples, each a sanctuary of ancient art and spirituality. Dambulla is not just about temples; it is a place of significant historical importance. We will explore the rich history and cultural importance of these caves that left behind magnificent cave frescoes and sculptures created by ancient kings who took refuge here and continue to inspire us today. Our journey in Dambulla takes us to the heart of Buddhism. Together, we will witness intricate cave paintings depicting the life and teachings of Lord Buddha, providing insights into the deep philosophy that shapes the lives of millions. After our tour, we transfer to our hotel and have free time to relax. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.
Day 3 HABARANA – SIGIRIYA – HIRIWADUNNA – HABARANA-SIGIRIYA
Early in the morning, we set off for our Sigiriya tour. Get ready to be enchanted as we embark on a captivating journey to explore the ancient marvel of Sigiriya, “Lion Rock” of Sri Lanka! As we approach Sigiriya, we will be greeted by the towering presence of this legendary rock formation. Together, we will climb the magnificent Sigiriya Rock, reaching the summit via steep stairs and ancient pathways. Along the way, we will be awestruck by the intricate frescoes adorning the rock's surface, each offering a glimpse into a bygone era's artistic brilliance. Upon reaching the summit, we will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the lush Sri Lankan countryside. Together, we will stand atop this ancient fortress, where kings once ruled and took refuge. The remnants of the ancient citadel and the surrounding gardens unfold before us as a testament to Sri Lanka's architectural and engineering ingenuity. Our next stop will be the mysterious Lion's Gate, the most important feature of Sigiriya. Together, we will witness the massive lion paws guarding the entrance, a symbol of the fortress's magnificent past. As we explore the ruins of the royal palace and marvel at the intricate water gardens below, we will travel back in time to an era of riches and splendor. After our tour, we will be transferred to the hotel for breakfast. Then we will set off for our tour of Hiriwadunna. Our journey begins with a leisurely walk through the village of Hiriwadunna. Together, we will walk along lush paths, passing traditional homes and friendly locals who greet us with warm smiles. While wandering in this charming village, we will gain a deeper appreciation for rural life in Sri Lanka. Hiriwadunna is famous for its serene lakeside environment, which we will have the privilege to experience firsthand. Together, we will embark on a peaceful catamaran journey surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. The lake's mirror-like surface reflects the lush foliage and bright blue sky, creating a scene that seems to emerge from dreams. One of the highlights of our Hiriwadunna tour is a ride in a traditional cart drawn by sturdy oxen. Together, we will hop into these fascinating carts and explore the countryside. This timeless mode of transport allows us to experience the authentic rhythms of rural life. After our tour, we will be transferred back to our hotel and have free time to relax. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.
Day 4 HABARANA – SPICE GARDEN – KANDY – SRI LANKA TRADITIONAL SHOW
After breakfast at the hotel, we check out of the rooms and set off for our Spice Garden tour. As we step into this green paradise, we will be greeted by a symphony of scents. Together, we will stroll through the vibrant greenery where cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and other exotic spices flourish in abundance. Our journey will be a sensory delight as we learn about the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of these valuable ingredients. We will uncover the ancient trade routes that brought these spices to the island and the roles they played in shaping the country’s culinary traditions. However, the Spice Garden is not just about spices; it is also a treasure trove of herbal medicine. We will discover the healing plants and herbs used in traditional Ayurveda medicine and gain insights into their therapeutic properties. Together, we will learn how these ancient remedies are still widely practiced in Sri Lanka today. Afterwards, we will set off for our Kandy tour. Upon stepping into Kandy, we will be transported into a world where tradition and history are seamlessly blended with modern life. The tour will include sights such as the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Kandy Lake serves as an oasis in the heart of the city. Together, we will enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake, taking in its serene beauty and the cityscape. We will then proceed to embark on the Sri Lanka Traditional Show tour. As we enter the rich and vibrant culture of Sri Lanka, we will be captivated by traditional music and drumming rhythms enhanced by visual performances. Following our tour, we will transfer to our hotel in Kandy and have free time to relax. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.
Day 5 KANDY – GIRAGAMA TEA FACTORY – GALLE – SEA TURTLES
After breakfast at the hotel, we check out of the rooms and set off for our Giragama Tea Factory tour. When it comes to Ceylon tea, Giragama is always a well-known name. We visit the tea factory in Giragama for an authentic experience around a cup of tea. We observe how tea is processed before classification and taste a freshly brewed cup of Ceylon tea straight from the fields. We will then move on to our Galle tour. As we step into the ancient walls of Galle Fortress, we will embark on a journey through time. Together, we will wander along the cobblestone streets lined with colonial-era architecture that reflects the Dutch and Portuguese heritage of the city. We will discover charming boutiques, art galleries, and captivating cafes that modernize this historical settlement. Together, we will enjoy a slow walk along the iconic Galle Ramparts, where we will gaze at the panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. The gentle sea breeze and the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the rocks create a perfect, tranquil atmosphere for relaxation. Next, we will proceed to the Sea Turtles tour. As we step onto the sun-drenched shores of Sri Lanka's coastline, we will together learn about the critical efforts made to protect endangered sea turtles and their precious nests. We will see sea turtles of all sizes and have the opportunity to hold the smaller ones in our hands. We will visit the nesting areas and have the privilege to witness turtles laying their eggs in the sand. Together, we will watch in awe as these gentle giants carefully bury their eggs in the sandy nests. After our tour, we will transfer to our hotel in Galle and have free time to relax. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.
Day 6 GALLE – COLOMBO
After breakfast at the hotel, we set off for a panoramic city tour of Colombo. During our tour, we will stroll through vibrant streets where colonial architecture seamlessly blends with modern skyscrapers, creating a mesmerizing urban landscape. We will find ourselves in the midst of a city that is constantly evolving yet proudly preserves its heritage. We will pass through Galle Face Green, where we will feel the ocean breeze on our faces and witness a mesmerizing sunset over the Indian Ocean. Points of interest during the tour include the Lotus Tower, Town Hall, Consulate Street, Independence Memorial, and Gangaramaya Temple. After our tour, we will transfer to our hotel in Colombo and have free time to relax. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.
Day 7 COLOMBO – NEGOMBO – SHARJAH – ISTANBUL
After breakfast at the hotel, we check out of the rooms and set off for our tour of Negombo. Together, we will uncover the charm of Negombo’s unspoiled beaches where we can dive in, soak up the sun, or embark on water sports adventures. The soft waves and golden sands create a perfect setting for relaxation. Together, we will explore the lively streets filled with colonial-era architecture and vibrant markets. We will discover Negombo's rich heritage influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial periods. We then enjoy our dinner at a local restaurant. We have free time until our transfer. At midnight, we gather at the time indicated by your guide and transfer to the airport. After baggage, ticket, and customs procedures, we fly to Sharjah with Air Arabia Airlines' scheduled flight. Following that, we have a flight to Istanbul with Air Arabia Airlines' scheduled flight. Upon our arrival at Istanbul Airport, our tour and services conclude.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage + Kandy Temple + Peradeniya Botanical Gardens + Sigiriya Fortress + Dambulla Temple + Sea Turtles + Local Guides + Tourist City taxes
150€ per person
***This payment must be made to our guide during the tour***
G9 322 IST-SHJ 14:35 – 19:55
G9 502 SHJ-CMB 21:50 – 03:45*
G9 588 CMB-SHJ 03:25 – 06:35
G9 321 SHJ-IST 09:40 – 13:40