Ancient cities

Six of Sri Lanka's eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites are cultural. Climb Lion Rock by 7 am, cycle the medieval capital at Polonnaruwa, and step into Dambulla's painted cave temples. Your guide times each visit around the heat and the crowds.

10 days

First time in Sri Lanka

The Classic Island Loop

Negombo → Sigiriya → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Yala → Galle

Best: Dec–Apr

from$1,390 pp

See the route

6 days

Misty mountains

Tea Trails & the Blue Train

Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella

Best: Jan–Apr

from$890 pp

See the route

5 days

Authentic Ceylon

Ancient Kingdoms

Anuradhapura → Polonnaruwa → Sigiriya → Dambulla → Kandy

Best: Year-round (driest Jan–Sep)

from$720 pp

See the route

8 days

Everlasting summer

East Coast Summer

Negombo → Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa → Trincomalee → Pasikudah → Arugam Bay

Best: May–Sep

from$1,080 pp

See the route