After breakfast, you'll journey east across the central plains. In the afternoon you’ll arrive at the World Heritage site of Dambulla, where the Royal Rock Temple is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic sights. A vast complex of caves filled with carved and painted images sits above the town, and provides panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. After your visit, you'll continue into Dambulla to your next hotel.

A memorable day begins with a morning trip to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the UNESCO-listed former Sri Lankan capital. Explore the Royal Palace complex, the ancient ruins of the Quadrangle, and its Hindu and Buddhist shrines. Spend the afternoon at the amazing rock fortress of Sigiriya, an ancient Royal retreat boasting beautiful moated gardens, painted frescoes and the archaeological treasures of Lion Rock, which towers some 180 metres above the jungle plains and is visible for miles. The energetic can climb up to see the frescoes and the mirror wall (which once shone with a coating of beeswax polish), while others will be content to keep their feet on the ground and explore the beautiful gardens and fascinating museum.

Travel south into Hill Country, for a visit to the Isiwara Spice Garden where the secrets of Sri Lanka’s typical flavours will be revealed. Enjoy a cooking demonstration, and learn about ancient healing traditions at an Ayurvedic centre. This afternoon you’ll arrive in the gorgeous city of Kandy, which is stunningly setting amid verdant hills. One here you'll take an exhilarating tuk tuk ride through the bustling streets and along the shores of Kandy Lake to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (which is said to house one of Buddha's incisors). Later this evening, enjoy a cultural show of traditional dance and drumming.

On one of the most memorable days of your holiday, transfer to the train station for a scenic journey through the Hill Country. Pass tea plantations, tumbling streams and plunging waterfalls as you head to the beautiful hill station of Nuwara Eliya, a former colonial retreat that retains its English heritage. Take in its relaxed atmosphere with a park or lakeside stroll.

Learn about the growing and picking processes as you explore a tea plantation, and then head to the train station for the beautiful journey to the idyllic hill village of Ella. Stroll along the disused railway track to Rawana Falls, or just take in the views. This afternoon you'll continue to Yala National Park, home to elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears and – most famously – leopards.

This morning's included safari will be a three-hour trip into the park's protected scrubland and forest, in the company of a driver-guide, and a quest to see big cats and other wildlife in their natural habitat. You'll also have the option to join a further, late-afternoon jeep safari.

Today you'll see the elephants of the Udawalawe Transit Home, where orphans are prepared for release back to the wild, at feeding time, then journey to the gloriously colourful, exotic coastal town of Galle. The ancient fort walls of this Dutch colonial gem protected its historic old town from the worst of 2004's tragic tsunami, and today it has returned to its vibrant, bustling best. Take a tuk-tuk ride through the fascinating streets within the walls, or enjoy stroll around the battlements themselves. Later this afternoon, we'll drive north along the sun-kissed shores of the ocean to the beautiful beach resort of Beruwela, where you'll spend your last three nights.

Rest and relax after your tour, making the most of the hotel, the beach and your surroundings. During your time here, there'll also be the opportunity to explore Sri Lanka's bustling capital, Colombo, its restored Fort area and the ancient street markets of Pettah, and to enjoy an included lunch at the Cricket Club Cafe, surrounded by cricket memorabilia dating back to the 1940s.

Bid farewell to Beruwela today and transfer to the airport to catch your overnight flight home. 

You'll arrive back in the UK at the end of a wonderful Sri Lankan adventure.