Day 1–2 | Tel Aviv – Dubai – Colombo

Arrival in Colombo. Upon landing in the "Tear of India," we will head north to Dambulla to visit the complex of Buddhist cave temples. These caves are adorned with murals and are considered one of the most important Buddhist centers in the world. We'll explore the Dambulla Rock Temple, built in the 1st century BCE. This temple, consisting of five caves, is one of Sri Lanka's most impressive sites, featuring murals and ceiling paintings with over 150 Buddha images, including a 14-meter-high Buddha statue carved into the mountain. Overnight stay in Dambulla.

Day 3 | Dambulla – Polonnaruwa

After breakfast, we'll visit Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's second capital from the 11th–12th centuries, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will explore the Royal Palace and the Gal Vihara, where a group of magnificent Buddha statues are carved into the rock—a pinnacle of Sinhalese art. We'll also visit the Lotus Pond and view the architectural masterpieces of King Parakramabahu the Great, including the reservoir he constructed. These are remnants of a rich and unique culture that has disappeared from the world. In the afternoon, we'll take a walk through the fields to a local village, visit a farmer's home, and enjoy fresh coconut juice with the family. Return to Dambulla for the night.

Day 4 | Sigiriya Rock – Spice Farm – Elephant Orphanage – Kandy

After breakfast, we'll visit Sigiriya, one of the eight wonders of the ancient world. It features delicate frescoes that have retained their original colors for over 2,000 years. The fortress's summit was once designed as a giant lion's head, with only the massive paws preserved today. We'll ascend to the top through ancient frescoes, exploring the "Sigiriya Rock Fortress" built in the 5th century CE, and admire its beautiful gardens and the murals of "The Heavenly Maidens." From Sigiriya, we'll head toward Kandy, stopping at Pinnawala to visit a special sanctuary for orphaned elephants, established in 1975. This unique experience includes observing baby elephants being bottle-fed, watching their daily river bathing, and learning about one of the world's most famous elephant care facilities. On our way to Kandy, we'll visit a spice farm in Matale, where we'll discover the premium spices that have earned Sri Lanka the name "Land of Spices." Overnight stay in Kandy.

Day 5 | Kandy – Temple of the Tooth – Folklore Show

In the morning, we'll witness the captivating rituals performed daily at the Temple of the Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll explore the city of Kandy, the final capital of Sri Lanka's kings before the British arrived, hidden in the mountains and never conquered. Later, we'll visit Peradeniya's botanical gardens, home to a wide variety of plants, orchids, and giant trees adorned with fruit bats. Afterward, we'll head to the city center for a tour and enjoy a unique folklore performance. Dinner and overnight stay in Kandy.

Day 6 | Kandy – Nuwara Eliya

Today, we'll embark on a scenic drive through tea-covered hills, visiting plantations where tea leaves are hand-picked (two to three leaves per bush). Sri Lanka's renowned Ceylon tea is mainly exported, and Colombo hosts a special tea auction. By evening, we'll reach Nuwara Eliya, also known as "Little England," characterized by its ideal climate, clean air, and cool evenings—a refreshing contrast to the island's tropical weather. We'll take a walking tour of this charming town and enjoy meditation in its serene environment. Dinner and overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 7 | Kandy – Nuwara Eliya via Tea Plantations

Early in the morning, we'll travel through lush, mountainous terrain to Horton Plains, located in the southern part of the central highlands. The plateau, over 2,000 meters above sea level, features unique alpine vegetation, mist-shrouded landscapes, and a striking escarpment known as "World's End," which plunges hundreds of meters to the plains below. Horton Plains is the only wildlife reserve in Sri Lanka that allows visitors to explore on foot. We'll enjoy a circular hiking trail and hope to spot unique wildlife like the endemic bear monkey and sambar deer. Afterward, we'll take a special train ride to the picturesque town of Haputale for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8 | Ella – Udawalawe

We'll wake up in Ella, one of the most beautiful regions of Sri Lanka, renowned for its hiking trails. Locals compare it to the English countryside, with rolling green hills and enchanting views among tea plantations. From Ella, we'll embark on a long and winding descent to the Udawalawe savanna region, where we'll spend the night. Dinner and overnight stay in Udawalawe.

Day 9 | Udawalawe – Mirissa

We’ll rise early for an unforgettable safari in Yala National Park, featuring diverse landscapes from forests to rivers, beaches, and towering rock formations. We’ll explore hidden corners of the park and hope to spot a wide array of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, crocodiles, monkeys, and birds. After the safari, we’ll head to Mirissa, home to Sri Lanka's most stunning beaches, popular among surfers and vacationers. Dinner and overnight stay in Mirissa.

Day 10 | Mirissa – Galle – Kalutara

After enjoying Mirissa's beautiful beaches, we'll journey from the dry plains to Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is surrounded by impressive walls and preserves Dutch colonial architecture. Some believe Galle might be the biblical "Tarshish" from Solomon's time, known for its gemstones and spices. Continuing westward, we'll reach Kalutara, passing fishermen perched on stilts in the sunset. Dinner and overnight stay in Kalutara.

Day 11 | Kalutara – Relaxation, Mines, and Masks

After days of exploring the tropical island, it’s time for some relaxation. We'll spend the morning enjoying the hotel's beach and pool facilities. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Sri Lanka’s gemstone mining region. Known for its abundance of precious stones, the island has a rich history of mining. We'll also visit a local workshop dedicated to traditional mask-making, preserving this unique cultural heritage. Return to Kalutara for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 12 | Kalutara – Turtle Hatchery – Balapitiya – Colombo

After breakfast, we’ll embark on a boat ride in Balapitiya, a quaint fishing village located at the mouth of the Madu Ganga River. We’ll cruise through its freshwater lagoons and mangrove forests, observing a variety of birds and learning about local cinnamon cultivation. Next, we’ll visit Kosgoda, a coastal village involved in a remarkable turtle conservation project. The hatchery protects turtle eggs from poaching, hatches them in a safe environment, and releases thousands of baby turtles into the ocean each year. Finally, we’ll head to Colombo, where we’ll tour the vibrant city and enjoy dinner before a short overnight stay.

Day 13 | Colombo – Home

According to our flight schedule, we’ll board our flight back