Home
Tour Packages
Round Tours ➤ Ceylon Classic ➤ Sri Lanka Grand Circle ➤ Northern Odyssey
Wildlife & Safari ➤ Yala & the Wild South Express ➤ Elephants, Leopards & Blue Whales ➤ Wetlands & Wilderness
Cultural & Heritage ➤ Cultural Triangle Express ➤ Kandyan Heartland & Tea Country ➤ Discover Sri Lanka's Soul
Beach Escapes ➤ South Coast Villa & Beach Retreat ➤ Serenity & Sea: A Gentle Escape ➤ Tea Trails & Ocean Breeze
Signature Collection ➤ Signature Honeymoon & Romance
Our Fleet
➤ The Private Retreat ➤ The Intimate Escape ➤ The Grand Tourer
Things to Do About Us Contact Us
Plan My Trip

Ceylon Classic

Experience Sri Lanka’s flagship first-timer itinerary, spanning ancient culture, scenic hill country, wild safaris, and relaxing coastal shores in one complete 9-day journey.

The Definitive First-Timer Experience

Discover Sri Lanka's Ultimate 9-Day Journey

The flagship first-timer's itinerary - reworked from the old "Highlands to Shores" route by adding Sigiriya at the front so it genuinely spans all four pillars (ancient culture, hill country, wildlife, and coast) in one trip instead of overlapping with shorter culture/beach packages. Perfect for first-time visitors who want the complete Sri Lanka story in nine days.

Route Summary: Sigiriya – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Yala – Bentota – Colombo

Enquire Now

08 Nights / 09 Days

Day 1 : Arrival & Transfer to Sigiriya Area

  • Morning / Afternoon: Touch down at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) for your warm arrival and private airport pick-up.

  • Journey: Embark on a scenic drive heading towards your base in the Sigiriya/Dambulla region.

  • Evening: Arrive at your hotel, check in, and enjoy a relaxed evening at leisure after your flight.

  • Overnight Stay: Sigiriya

Day 2 : Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Caves & Transfer to Kandy

  • Morning: Early morning climb of the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, marveling at ancient frescoes and panoramic royal gardens.

  • Midday: Visit the sacred Dambulla Cave Temple complex en route.

  • Afternoon: Begin your drive towards Kandy, stopping en route to visit the fragrant local Spice Gardens.

  • Evening: Arrive in Kandy, check in to your accommodation, and unwind.

  • Overnight Stay: Kandy

Day 3 : Kandy Cultural Highlights & Heritage

  • Morning: Visit the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) and stroll through the lush Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya.

  • Afternoon: Discover Sri Lanka's world-famous gems at a local Gem Museum, followed by a relaxing scenic walk around Kandy Lake.

  • Evening: Optional attendance at a vibrant cultural dance show showcasing traditional drumming and fire walking.

  • Overnight Stay: Kandy

Day 4 : Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (Tea Country Exploration)

  • Morning: Scenic ascent into the central highlands towards Nuwara Eliya.

  • En Route: Stop for a guided tea factory & plantation tour to witness the processing of authentic Ceylon tea.

  • Afternoon: Arrive in Nuwara Eliya ("Little England") and spend the afternoon exploring its charming colonial town, architecture, and gardens.

  • Overnight Stay: Nuwara Eliya

Day 5 : Nuwara Eliya to Yala (Highlands to Dry Zone)

  • Morning: Depart the cool highlands for a scenic transfer day descending through mountain passes and waterfalls towards the southern dry zone.

  • Afternoon / Evening: Arrive in the wilderness region of Yala in the late afternoon, check in, and settle into your safari lodge or hotel.

  • Overnight Stay: Yala

Day 6 : Full-Day Yala National Park Safari Expeditions

  • Morning: Early morning private safari game drive in Yala National Park tracking Sri Lankan leopards, wild elephants, sloth bears, and endemic birdlife.

  • Midday: Return to your lodge to relax during the heat of the day.

  • Afternoon: Embark on your second game drive in the late afternoon for optimal wildlife and crocodile sightings near waterholes.

  • Overnight Stay: Yala

Day 7 : Yala to Bentota Coastal Transfer

  • Morning: Drive westward along the picturesque southern coastline towards Bentota.

  • Afternoon: Arrive at your coastal resort, check in, and begin relaxing on the beach.

  • Special Option: Option to begin your Exclusive Villa upgrade  for the final two nights of your stay.

  • Overnight Stay: Bentota (Villa option available)

Day 8 : Bentota Beach & Tropical Relaxation

  • Full Day: Dedicated beach day to soak up the sun, relax by the ocean, or swim.

  • Optional Activities: Optional tranquil river safari along the Madu Ganga/Bentota river or optional water sports activities.

  • Overnight Stay: Bentota (Villa option available)

Day 9 : Bentota to Colombo & Departure

  • Morning / Afternoon: Check out from your resort/villa.

  • Transfer: Private transfer to Colombo / Bandaranaike International Airport, carefully timed to your flight schedule for your departure.

What to Expect

Highlights of the Journey

  • Ancient Heritage & Rock Citadel: Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and explore the ancient Dambulla Cave Temple complex en route.

  • Sacred Culture in Kandy: Visit the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, with an optional evening cultural dance show.

  • Highland Tea & Colonial Charm: Tour an authentic tea factory and plantation, followed by leisure time in Nuwara Eliya's colonial town.

  • Wild Safari Expeditions: Experience two game drives in Yala National Park tracking leopards, wild elephants, sloth bears, and endemic wildlife.

  • Coastal Relaxation: Unwind on the golden beaches of Bentota, with an optional exclusive villa upgrade for the final 2 nights.