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Tour Overview
This four-day cultural tour takes you to discover the enchanting central region of Sri Lanka. Visit ancient ruins with impressive architecture and imposing statues. Climb fifth-century fortresses and be inspired by fascinating temples and spectacular natural landscapes. Make a stop at a typical tea factory. Enjoy the best of Sri Lanka packed into a four-day private tour! ...more ...less
Highlights
Polonnaruwa: Filled with beautiful temples and captivating palace ruins, this ancient city will completely satisfy your thirst for history
Kandy: This paradisiacal city hosts the emblematic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and its inspiring palaces and idyllic gardens
Sigiriya: The ‘Lion Rock’ rises almost 200 metres above the jungle, offering stunning panoramic views that will amaze your eyes
Itinerary
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Arrive at Colombo airport, where a representative will meet, greet, and transfer you to the selected hotel in Colombo. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Early in the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in Colombo. Begin the tour with a visit toDambulla Rock Temple to explore this 2,000-year-old sacred pilgrimage site carved deep inside a mountain. This awe-inspiring complex of five caves is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features thousands of metres of painted walls and ceilings and contains more than 150 images of the Buddha and other deities and Sri Lankan kings. Continue to Polonnaruwafor a luscious lunch. Afterwards, take a city tour of Polonnaruwa and discover the well-preserved ruins of this ancient city. Built about 1,000 years ago, it features a large artificial lake, which is still in use and feeds a network of irrigation canals, the remains of a royal palace and several temples and administrative buildings. Transfer to your hotel in Sigiriya and enjoy a delicious dinner!
Overnight in Sigiriya.
Day 3
:
SIGIRIYA – KANDY (195km – 4 hrs)
Location: Kandy
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take the road after a tasty breakfast. Begin to explore with a climb tothe fifth-century Sigiriya fortress, which sits atop a rock that dramatically rises almost 200 metres above the rainforest. King Kashyapa built a citadel at the top of this giant boulder known as the ‘Lion Rock’, which was the innermost stronghold of a vast fortified city. It was later abandoned and forgotten until the British found it and began an archaeological exploration. Today, the remnants of this once thriving city offer a tantalising indication of what once stood here. Pass through the lion’s ‘belly’, climb to the top, and enjoy the breathtaking views. Then, continue to Kandy, visiting a spice garden on the way. Indulge in a delectable lunch in Kandy and enjoy an afternoon city tour that includes theTemple of the Tooth Relic. In the evening, witness a cultural show, followed by a savoury dinner at the hotel.
Have a delightful breakfast at the hotel and begin your adventure with a visit to an arts and crafts centre, a gem museum, and a tea factory in Giragama. Relax while enjoying lunch in Pinnawala. Then, head towards Colombo for a late evening drop-off.
What's Included
TOUR GUIDE:
Operated with English-speaking driver-guide
ACCOMMODATION:
3 nights' accommodation
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 Colombo:
Standard Hotel Category = Grand Oriental Hotel or similar 3*
Day 2 Sigiriya:
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Weva Addara or similar 3*
Day 3 Kandy:
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Senani or similar 3*
MEALS:
3 Breakfast
3 Lunches
3 Dinners
TRANSPORT:
Inbound transfer from Colombo Airport to Colombo Hotel
Shared transport throughout the tour
ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Dambulla temple, Polonnaruwa city tour, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, spice garden, Kandy city tour, Temple of the Tooth Relic, gem museum, tea factory visit in Giragama
OTHER:
Meet & Greet on arrival at Colombo airport
What's Not Included
Airport departure transfer Colombo hotel - Colombo airport
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the programme
Gratuities for drive and guide
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, etc
Video camera and photography permits at the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy
Optional tours and activities
Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.
Requirements
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Sri Lanka. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay. Clients arriving on early morning flights will have to wait until the last tour participant has arrived.
Please Note
Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice
Late arrival back to Colombo on day 4. Please book ongoing travel arrangements accordingly
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 Colombo:
Standard Hotel Category = Grand Oriental Hotel or similar 3*
Day 2 Sigiriya:
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Weva Addara or similar 3*
Day 3 Kandy:
Standard Hotel Category = Winter Villa, Hotel Senani or similar 3*
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 Colombo:
Standard Hotel Category = Grand Oriental Hotel or similar 3*
Day 2 Sigiriya:
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Weva Addara or similar 3*
Day 3 Kandy:
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Senani or similar 3*
Check out our Q&As
What type of guide will accompany us during the tour?
The tour will be operated with an English-speaking driver-guide.
Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners.
What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 3 nights' accommodation in standard hotel categories, with stays at the Grand Oriental Hotel or similar in Colombo, Hotel Weva Addara or similar in Sigiriya, and Hotel Senani or similar in Kandy.
Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour?
Yes, all entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included, such as visits to Dambulla temple, Polonnaruwa city tour, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, spice garden, Kandy city tour, Temple of the Tooth Relic, gem museum, and a tea factory visit in Giragama.
Is transportation provided throughout the tour?
Yes, shared transport is provided throughout the tour, including an inbound transfer from Colombo Airport to the Colombo Hotel.
What should I wear when visiting temples during the tour?
Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious, or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house.
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
YES, A friendly and professional tour leader tasked with ensuring the smooth operations of the tour, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the entire trip. His role primarily includes assisting with accommodation and transportation between locations while sharing the knowledge about social and cultural splendours of Sri Lanka.
Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
Sri Lanka is a year-round holiday destination with two monsoon seasons so there is a lot of confusion around when is the best time to visit. The weather doesn't run like clockwork here! However, there will rarely be weather so dramatic that it will stand in the way of a brilliant holiday with plenty of warm weather and sunshine. The temperature is constant at around 27°C on the coast, both the air
What is the tipping policy?
Tipping is not mandatory and it's up tour personal wish.
Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
yes
Is the tour coach air conditioned?
yes, it is indeed
Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
The tour is guaranteed to departure even with a single person. However, in case of any cancellation, we'll inform you in advance and the full refund will be given.
What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
What is an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an official authorization for a Short Visit to Sri Lanka issued via an online system. You need ETA if you wish to visit Sri Lanka as a Tourist, on Business or on Transit. No passport copies, documents or photographs are required to obtain ETA. It will cost USD $30. However, during the sometime of the year government offers FREE visa for tourists.
Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Travellers are requested to maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 meters between two people at all times. > Travellers are requested to adhere to recommended hygiene procedures, such as travelling with and wearing a face mask and/or gloves when required to do so. > Keep 70% alcohol rub/hand sanitizer to use frequently.
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Fairly good
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Up to 40KG per person
What currencies are required for this tour?
Sri Lankan Rupees (you can exchange currency at the Sri Lanka airport or tour leader will assist you to exchange at the local banks)
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
yes, completely and according to our Health & Safety standards
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Reviews from travellers on this tour
Phil
Informative & relaxing, all you need!
04-Nov-2019
"Good service and informative driver. Thank you for the recent trip which was very informative. Everything was well organized and quite relaxed.
My driver was great and had all the information about the places we visited.
I would definitely recommend Aitken Spence if you are looking for a travel provider."
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Betty V
Amazing Sri Lanka
08-Nov-2019
I traveled around Sri Lanka with Harold Samaraweera, my guide and driver, and he was wonderful! Harold is very experienced, courteous and takes very good care of you. I have visited many beautiful places and have seen elephants and even a leopard. The hotels were excellent and every morning Harold was already waiting with his car to pick me up for a day of culture, nature and good food. Thank you Harold for your attention, it felt like family and I hope to return next year! !
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Lorraine R
Big thanks to Sam and Aitken Spence
10-Oct-2019
From the moment Sam picked us up from the airport, nothing was too much trouble for him. if he could make your stay better he would. He offered advice and local knowledge but was never over the top. As a guide he was familiar with and had a real passion for his country. The weather was bad in the south of the country for our first week, so Aitken Spence changed our itinerary so we went northeast first and south the second week, meaning we missed the rain. How many companies would do that? I recommend this company and Sam.
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Aitken Spence Travels requires a minimum deposit of
20%
or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aitken spence travels charges.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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