Welcome to Negombo, Sri Lanka. There are are no activities planned today so you're free to arrive at any time. A welcome meeting with your trip leader will take place at around 6pm, so check with reception or the lobby noticeboard for details. We'll be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have these with you. Although Colombo is the commercial capital, and by far the largest city in Sri Lanka, it's still relatively small. You won't be staying in the capital itself but in a place by the beach. There are plenty of beach bars, pubs and restaurants available close by, and you can use the Golden Star Hotel’s swimming pool if you fancy a swim.

Head to the fish market in Negombo this morning. This can be quite an intense affair, but witnessing the bartering in the market and the variety of fish being presented by the locals is a great experience. From here, begin your journey by private vehicle to Kandy and visit a spice garden on the way, which should take around three hours in total (approximately 120 kilometres). On arrival to Kandy, there's an optional visit to the Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maligawa), the most important shrine in the country. It's also worth attending a cultural show while in town – the Kandyan dance performances are awesome. The Royal Botanical Garden is just ten minutes away from your accommodation and there is access to the swimming pool of Kandyan Residencies (next door). Your evening is free to do as you wish.

Today is free to explore Kandy. If you didn't visit the Royal Botanical Garden yesterday, then take a stroll around it today. Perhaps organise a day trip to the famous Dambulla Caves Temple and discover this magnificent cave complex. The World Heritage listed cave monastery has been a pilgrimage site for 22 centuries and for good reason. If you're feeling a little worse for wear in the afternoon, why not try an Ayurvedic massage to relax those weary muscles.

Today you’ll enjoy a short but very scenic train journey to Nuwara Eliya, past lush green hills and gushing waterfalls (approximately 2 hours). This old British hill station is the heart of the tea growing industry and full of colonial charm. Built entirely during the 19th century, its quirky architecture reflects what you'd normally expect to find in an English country village, which will make you feel like you've stepped back in time. Once known as 'Little England' by British colonialists, it’s a fascinating mix of water buffalo and brick Victorian buildings, golf courses and tea plantations. Head to your accommodation and enjoy the views across the hills and tea plantations.

Journey south in a private vehicle to Unawatuna (approximately 6 hours). This fantastic stretch of beach has plenty of local restaurants and bars to relax in. There are no included activities today, so you'll have plenty of free time to explore Unawatuna and its surrounds. Perhaps take a walk through the monkey-filled mangrove forest off Galle–Matara road or unwind with an indulgent massage. 

Learn to chill out the Sri Lankan way. Sleep in, relax on the beach, work on your tan or grab a cocktail under the shade of a beachside restaurant. Feel like something a bit more active? Today is a good opportunity to pop into nearby Galle for some sightseeing. The city is a memorable collection of Dutch-colonial buildings with boutique shops and cafes to visit. Walk around the perimeter of the Galle fort and cool off with an icy ginger drink in a cafe, then mosey on back to the beach for some more chillaxing. Special Information

Leave Unawatuna behind and make the short journey to Galle, where you'll jump on a train to Colombo (approximately four hours). On arrival in Sri Lanka's capital, there's an option to join your leader on an city walk. If you'd rather pick up some last minute shopping, then pay a visit to the massive range of shops available. Tonight is free but why not celebrate the end of this Sri Lankan adventure with a final group dinner.

This Sri Lankan adventure comes to an end after breakfast and you are free to depart at any time.