The Grand Circuit

Meet your chauffeur-guide and drive north to Habarana (about 4 hours). Check in, rest, and enjoy a relaxed evening.

Drive to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's first great capital, with its enormous dagobas and the sacred Bodhi tree. Visit Mihintale, where Buddhism is said to have arrived on the island.

Climb Sigiriya Rock or Pidurangala at sunrise. In the afternoon, tour Polonnaruwa's medieval ruins.

Visit the Dambulla cave temples and a spice garden on the way to Kandy (about 3 hours).

Visit the Temple of the Tooth and the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. In the evening, watch a Kandyan cultural show.

Drive to Nuwara Eliya (about 3.5 hours), visiting a tea plantation and factory and Ramboda Falls on the way.

Take the scenic train to Ella and enjoy the evening in the village.

Climb Little Adam's Peak, visit the Nine Arches Bridge and, if you like, hike Ella Rock.

Drive to Yala (about 3 hours). In the afternoon, take a jeep safari in search of leopards and elephants.

Begin with a dawn safari, then drive to Mirissa (about 3 hours) for beach time.

Go whale watching (November to April) or try a surf lesson at nearby Weligama, with a free afternoon.

Drive to Galle (about 1 hour) for a walking tour of the fort and sunset on the ramparts.

Take the expressway to Colombo (about 2 hours) for a city tour and a farewell dinner.

Transfer to the airport (about 45 minutes).