Sri Lanka: Treasures of the Spice Island

Bustling Colombo, Sri Lanka’s executive and judicial capital, is a city that spans eras, where the colonial past jostles up against shiny new high-rises and chic shops. Settle into your hotel and relax.

After a free morning to relax, start your day with a special lunch at famed local restaurant Ministry of Crab, followed by an afternoon exploring the city’s Old Dutch Hospital, a colonial treasure dating to the 17th century; and the commercial hub of Colombo Fort, home to a host of charming colonial mansions. Back at the hotel, reconvene for a welcome dinner. You’re joined by a former Sri Lankan Ministry of Defense official who provides unique insights on the island’s history.

This morning, depart for the Cultural Triangle. Encompassing the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy, and everything in between, this hinterland of history lies at Sri Lanka’s very heart. Later, discover the UNESCO-enshrined Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a royal citadel perched precariously atop a monolithic boulder, its 1,500-year-old frescoes still intact. Set out on a hike up winding cliffside staircases, summiting at sunset to reveal the ancient secrets of the short-lived kingdom of Kassapa.

Embark on a nature drive, rolling through lush countryside and rice paddies with an opportunity for spotting elephants, as well as buffalo and exotic birdlife. This afternoon, at the Dambulla Cave Temples, discover Sinhalese Buddhist statues and murals dating back to the first century BC.

The morning is free for you to relax or take advantage of your resort’s facilities and amenities. After lunch, tour the ruins of the former royal city of Polonnaruwa, taking in the archaeological site’s vast reservoir, temple, palace and royal baths, each adorned with religious and regal statuary.

Depart for Matale to discover the art of batik. Learn how masterpieces can be created with experimentation and imagination. With creativity flowing, and under expert guidance, begin work on your own batik. Later this evening, gather at the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy to attend a pooja ceremony where votive Buddhist offerings take place to the rhythmical sound of drums and the heady scent of lotus. Revered for generations, the tooth relic housed in the temple is believed to have granted ultimate authority to each ruler who possessed it.

This morning, visit a tea estate and factory, where you learn how to pluck tea leaves and gain insight into the entire production process at the factory. Enjoy a curated tea tasting, featuring different tea varieties paired with specially selected snacks. Later, join an experienced botanist on a walk around the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, home to over 4,000 species of plants and trees, followed by an in-depth tour of Kandy’s urban and cultural highlights. Return your hotel for dinner and a traditional Kandyan performance.

After a leisurely morning, set out for Galle. Once the country’s main trading post, Galle is now a honeypot for travelers who scoop up handcrafted lace, sip arrack in the bars and tuck into fragrant Sri Lankan dishes — or catch a game at the city’s international cricket stadium. Later this afternoon, try your hand at traditional mask making, learning about this important local art from a mask guru.

Head to nearby Villa Mayurana, stopping en route to view stilt fisherman along the coast. Then, see how Sri Lanka produces the world’s best cinnamon with a tasting experience on the lush grounds of your hotel's fragrant spice farm. Later, join a local archaeologist and heritage expert for an absorbing sunset walking tour of Galle Fort, built by the Dutch in 1663. Wander the cobbled streets with eyes open for local arts, crafts and delicacies. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner.

After breakfast, take your private transfer to the airport for your departing flight.