This classic journey around Sri Lanka is ideal for first time visitors as well as having many gems to discover for those returning several times. After a night to acclimatise outside Colombo, immerse yourself in the Cultural Triangle, staying in view of the majestic Sigirya Rock, on which your guide will accompany you as high as you are comfortable climbing. This is the perfect base to explore ancient Polonnaruwa, with its well preserved temples and palaces, considering the city is almost 1,000 years old; as well as the key Buddhist site of Dambulla Caves and the chance for a safari in Minneriya National Park.

Travelling south you will rise high into the country’s interior to stay among the picturesque tea plantations around Nuwara Eliya and Kandy, to learn the origins of Ceylon Tea; the scenic train journey between the two is one of Sri Lanka’s visual highlights. Galle in the south west is rich in colonial history, with its 17th century Portuguese fort, lighthouse and many spice warehouses and merchants’ mansions.

Your holiday ends with a relaxing beach stay, those around Bentota are the most convenient on the return journey to Colombo but please ask about other coastal destinations.