Day 1 – Arrive Colombo.
Welcome to Sri Lanka.
On arrival, you will transferred to Colombo and to your hotel.
Pre-check-in will already be arranged, so after a refreshing welcome drink you can settle in and exhale. Stroll the seaside promenade, dip into the saltwater pool or indulge in the spa.
Tonight, gather for a beautiful Welcome Dinner – your first taste of Sri Lanka and your first evening together.
Overnight Galle Face Hotel, Colombo. (Welcome Dinner)
Day 2 – Colombo
This morning you meet for breakfast with your Host Donna and have a quick briefing about the tour.
Today we explore Colombo’s vibrant art scene, including the Saskia Fernando Gallery and the Sapumal Foundation, discovering the influential 43 Group artists who shaped modern Sri Lankan art and inspired Geoffrey Bawa.
We will visit Barefoot Gallery, an iconic brand in the Sri Lankan textile industry started by Barbara Sansoni over 50 years ago. Working almost exclusively with women in small workshops throughout Sri Lanka, Barefoot products are all made and designed in Sri Lanka by local artists and craftsmen. There are no factories and no production lines; each worker is responsible for the quality of his or her final product. We will stay at their garden cafe for an alfresco lunch. (Own account)
This afternoon you will meet with resident host Mark Forbes as he takes you through the glory days of the Colombo Fort, on a journey back in time where we learn about the days of colonization of Ceylon and the spice route trade network.
Dinner tonight at the iconic Ministry of Crab (own account)
Overnight Galle Face Hotel, Colombo. (B)
Day 3 – Colombo
This morning we enjoy an exclusive private visit to Number 11, the private home of Geoffrey Bawa. He is perhaps the most celebrated & influential Asian architect of the twentieth century whose prominent styles are made visible across the island. His most prolific designs have influenced many hotels and public buildings. Arrive at the house for a guided tour with a member of the Geoffrey Bawa Trust, who will take you through the history and background of the building and Geoffrey Bawa.
Lunch is hosted with architect Anjalendran at a private property, offering rare insight into Sri Lanka’s architectural evolution.
This evening you will have drinks with the Gratian trust ladies on the checker board and then we will head by tuk-tuk to the Gallery Café (own account) which was Geoffrey’s office in Colombo.
Overnight Galle Face Hotel, Colombo. (B / L)
Day 4 – Cultural Triangle
This morning we journey into the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, where ancient kingdoms and visionary architecture sit side by side.
En-route we visit the Selyn Fairtrade Handloom Factory in Kurunegala. Founded in 1991, Selyn started its work with 15 women and now has nearly 1000 members within its organisation. It is a social business based on the principles of Fairtrade in order to uplift the living standards of rural women (and men), by providing them with sustainable employment while keeping alive the local tradition of the handloom. Over tea, we observe delicate craftsmanship and the quiet rhythm of the looms before continuing to the inspiring women-led Amba Yalu hotel for a relaxed and uplifting lunch conversation.
By afternoon we arrive at the breathtaking Heritance Kandalama, Geoffrey Bawa’s jungle-clad masterpiece carved into rock and overlooking an ancient reservoir. There is an on-sight Spa; three swimming pools – with the Kachchan Pool, the infinity pool, where the edge of the pool blends with the water of Kandalama Lake, giving the impression that you are in the lake itself; bikes and a quiet library for just sitting and reading quietly.
After time to settle in, you have the optional guided venture to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, climbing through water gardens and frescoes to the dramatic summit palace ruins. As the sun softens over jungle and lake, the views feel almost otherworldly. Sigiriya Rock Fortress, also known as ‘Lion Rock’, was constructed on top of a boulder in the 5th Century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Return to Kandalama for a unique dining experience and a deeply atmospheric evening.
Overnight Heritance Kandalama. (B / D)
Day 5 – Art & Elephants
Wake slowly to birdsong and mist rising from the lake.
This morning is yours to enjoy Kandalama’s infinity pools, lush rooftop gardens or a quiet coffee overlooking the jungle canopy. For those interested, a behind-the-scenes architectural walk offers deeper insight into Bawa’s genius – how light, shadow and landscape merge seamlessly.
Late morning we visit artist Laki Senanayake’s studio, where sculpture and landscape intertwine in organic harmony.
After lunch, we head out in 4WD jeeps for a safari through Minneriya National Park. Elephants gather at the reservoir’s edge, moving gracefully across golden plains – a moment both powerful and tender. Minneriya covers 8,890 hectares and unlike in other national parks, elephants can be spotted at very close range. *Note: The paths you drive on can be rather rough, and you will be doing this safari in the back of a jeep.
Evening is at leisure back at the hotel.
Overnight Heritance Kandalama. (B / L)
Day 6 – Anuradhapura
Today we explore the ancient capital of Anuradhapura, once the spiritual and political heart of Sri Lanka. Sacred dagobas rise from tree-lined avenues, centuries-old monasteries whisper stories of devotion, and the sacred Bodhi tree stands as a symbol of continuity and faith.
At lunchtime we enjoy a relaxed cooking demonstration in a forest lodge setting – fragrant spices, coconut, and time to savour. The afternoon invites rest and reflection back at Kandalama before another tranquil evening.
Overnight Heritance Kandalama. (B / L)
Day 7 – Dambulla Caves & Wellness
This morning after breakfast we leave for Kandy.
En-route we visit the Dambulla Cave Temples, the largest and best-preserved rock cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, towering 160 m over the surrounding plains with more than 80 documented caves in the complex. The site is of particular interest to anyone interested in historic art, as five of the caves contain ancient statues and paintings related to, and depicting Lord Buddha and his life. Legend has it that the sacred water pot inside the temple never runs dry nor overflows even though it is consistently refilled by a small natural spring on the rock itself. The climb from the base is not strenuous – and can be done at a leisurely pace.
After check out we travel to the city of Kandy known for its mild climate and colonial architecture.
We will visit a batik workshop with a group of local ladies who will demonstrate their artistic techniques and let us have a go too.
Our journey today finishes when we check in at the prestigious wellness resort Santani, with time for lunch and the rest of the afternoon at leisure to explore our new surroundings.
Dinner is nourishing and beautifully prepared.
Overnight Santani Wellness. (B / L / D)
Day 8 – Restoration & Ritual
Your morning begins gently – an optional guided nature walk through misty hills then Hatha yoga overlooking the valley. Each day here includes a personalised 90-minute wellness treatment, thoughtfully curated cuisine, and time to truly exhale.
The remainder of the day unfolds slowly – spa rituals, reading by the infinity pool, or an optional visit to the botanical gardens. Santani is about balance, beauty and intentional living.
This is your pause within the journey – your moment to reset before we travel south.
Overnight Santani Wellness. (B / L / D)
Day 9 – Sacred Rituals & A Journey South
Today, rise early and make your way into the spiritual heart of Kandy.
You visit the Temple of the Tooth which is the most sacred temple of the local Buddhists. Built-in the 16th century, this temple houses the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha brought to Sri Lanka during the reign of King Meghavarna (301-328). The relic is encased in seven caskets, one kept inside the other, the utmost of which has a shape of a stupa, adorned with a large number of gold ornaments.
Afterwards, pause for coffee at the charming Empire Café before boarding a local train for a scenic journey through rural Sri Lanka. Open windows frame rice paddies, village homes and lush countryside – a beautiful contrast to the ancient temples of the morning. A packed lunch is enjoyed on board as we watch everyday life unfold.
Continuing by coach, travel south to the coastal city of Galle and check into the striking Jetwing Lighthouse, Geoffrey Bawa’s dramatic oceanside creation. Designed to capture sea breeze and horizon light, this hotel feels expansive yet intimate.
Dinner is served overlooking the water as waves roll gently below.
Overnight Jetwing Lighthouse (B / Packed Lunch / D)
Day 10 – Galle
This morning begins with a guided architectural exploration of Jetwing Lighthouse, Geoffrey Bawa’s spectacular coastal masterpiece. Discover the design elements that make this hotel so iconic – from the dramatic spiral staircase adorned with intricate brass and copper reliefs to the subtle batik details and sweeping ocean views that reflect Bawa’s unmistakable style.
Late morning, enter the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, a captivating maze of cobbled streets, hidden courtyards and beautifully preserved 18th-century merchant houses. Learn the fascinating story of this once-thriving trading port and the dramatic four-day battle in 1640 when the Dutch captured the Fort from the Portuguese. During your time here, you will also visit the studio of renowned Sri Lankan artist Muhanned Cader, offering a glimpse into the island’s contemporary creative scene.
Lunch is at leisure within the Fort, where boutique cafés, shady verandas and seaside restaurants invite you to linger. The afternoon is yours to explore – browse artisan boutiques, visit galleries or simply soak up the charm of this historic enclave. Donna will happily share her favourite spots to help you make the most of your time here.
This evening you are welcomed to the elegant Why House for a special cultural experience. Enjoy a traditional performance followed by a delightful Sri Lankan sari-tying workshop, before sharing a hosted dinner with inspiring local women who will join us to share their stories. It promises to be an evening of colour, culture and connection.
Overnight Jetwing Lighthouse (B / D)
Day 11 – Tea Heritage
Sri Lanka’s identity is inseparable from its tea, and this morning we journey to Herman Guneratne’s virgin white tea estate nestled in gentle countryside. Here, delicate hand-plucking techniques are demonstrated and the subtleties of white tea are explained – a refined and fascinating agricultural tradition.
Those wishing for a slower morning may remain at the hotel to read, swim or journal.
Later, gather at Why House for a beautifully curated cooking experience with Henrietta and her chef team. Fragrant curries, coconut sambols and vibrant spices come together in a relaxed and joyful culinary session – followed by a shared lunch.
The late afternoon is yours to unwind or explore Galle further. As evening approaches, head into the Fort for optional sunset cocktails at Charlie’s Bar. From the rooftop, the sky blushes pink over the Indian Ocean – an effortlessly glamorous close to the day.
Overnight Jetwing Lighthouse (B / L)
Day 12 – Lunuganga & Bentota
After breakfast you travel along palm-fringed coastline toward Bentota, pausing at a memorial of the 2004 tsunami – a quiet moment of reflection.
En-route you stop by the Lunuganga Estate which is a masterpiece of Sri Lankan architecture. The Estate was once the country residence of the world-renowned Sri Lankan architect, the late Geoffrey Bawa. The garden was once a 25-acre rubber estate and was bought by Bawa in 1948, which he converted into a garden paradise after decades of careful, exquisite and creative thought and design. Lunuganga reflects Bawa’s legacy through his dedication to architecture and also reflects his life’s work. The Estate is an inspiring place to visit and savor, with astonishing views and beautiful interiors, with many original Bawa artworks and blueprints on the walls. This visit is a rare opportunity to step inside the private life of one of the world’s most celebrated architects – a man dubbed as “the father of Asian architecture”.
A relaxed Sri Lankan lunch will be served on the verandah.
By late afternoon you check into the beachfront Cinnamon Bentota Beach, another Bawa design softened by sea breeze and light. The remainder of the day is yours – beach walks, poolside relaxation or sunset watching.
Overnight Cinnamon Bentota Beach (B / L)
Day 13 – Coastal Calm
This final full day unfolds gently. Perhaps a morning swim in the Indian Ocean, a beachside coffee or an optional visit to a local antique store for one last treasure. The pace slows, allowing time to reflect on the journey – ancient cities, sacred rituals, architectural brilliance and shared laughter.
Optional lunch today at Villa Mohotti, a Bawa-designed property.
Today you visit Brief Garden, created by Bawa’s brother Bevis – a more theatrical and whimsical expression of art and garden design.
Tonight, gather for a memorable Farewell Dinner overlooking the sea. Toasts are made, friendships strengthened and the spirit of Sri Lanka celebrated one final time under tropical skies.
Overnight Cinnamon Bentota Beach (B / D)
Day 14 – Departure
After breakfast, a group transfer will be arranged to Colombo Airport for onward flights if leaving during the day.
As some of you have late evening or after-midnight departures, we have arranged access to a number of private day rooms so you can relax, freshen up and enjoy a little extra comfort before your journey home. Later this evening another group transfer to the airport.
We say farewell not just to Sri Lanka, but to a journey rich in culture, beauty and connection – and to the wonderful friendships and memories created along the way.
Thank you for joining us. Bon voyage and safe travels.
