Assistance by an ACTC representative at airport and hotels
All transfers and sightseeing tours
Local English speaking guides
Baggage handling and porterage
Day to Day Program:
Day 1
COLOMBO
Fly today to Colombo. Meeting assistance by A Classic tours collection representative and transfer to Hotel. This afternoon begin your city tour of Colombo, like many capital cities in developing countries is fast changing its face. Almost overnight, skyscrapers arise from where old buildings once stood. Yet in some parts, the old world charm is retained. For example there is a 100 year old rock clock tower and several British built colonial buildings. Other places of interest are the Pettah Bazaar, where one can shop for bargain, a Hindu and a Buddhist Temple, residential areas where one can find stately homes of the affluent, the Colombo Museum, the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), a gift to Sri Lanka by the People’s Republic of China, the new Parliament and the Dutch Museum.
Day 2
COLOMBO / ANURADHAPURA / KANDALAMA
Travel overland to Anuradhapura, the first capital and undoubtedly the grandest city of ancient Sri Lanka. It is the home of two World Heritage sites. Sri Maha Bodhi (sacred Bo Tree) was brought over as a sapling under which Prince Sidhartha attained enlightenment. At Brazen Palace (2nd century BC), the 1600 stone columns are the remnants of a magnificent multi-storied residence for the monks. Ruwanweliseya (2nd century BC) is the most famous Dagobas. The “Samadhi” Buddha statue (4th century AD) is one of the most famous statues depicting Buddha in a state of deep “Samadhi” or deep meditation. Isurumuniya Rock Temple (3rd century BC) is well known for its rock carvings.
Day 3
KANDALAMA / MATALE / KANDY
After breakfast, travel overland to Kandy via Matale. Stop along the way at a spice garden, to see the various spices for which Sri Lanka is famous for. Continue to Kandy, the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings which is a World Heritage Site. The name “Kandy” conjures visions of splendor and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still kept alive. Drive around Kandy Lake built by the last Sinhala King, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798. Visit Kandy town and bazaar, the arts and crafts center, a gem museum and a lapidary. Proceed with a tour of the Temple of the Tooth Relic. In the evening witness a cultural show of Kandyan dancers and music.
Day 4
PERADENIYA EXCURSION
After breakfast, embark on a short excursion to Peradeniya. You will visit the botanical garden, initially built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala King and was expanded by the British. It is 147 acres in extent and provides an amazing variety of trees, plants and flowers. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 5
KANDY / COLOMBO
Return back to Colombo & connect with your international flight.
