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Download ItineraryHighlights
- Dine at the culinary hotspot, the Ministry of Crab. Owned by former Sri Lankan cricketers Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, this restaurant celebrates the country’s prized crustaceans, the giant Lagoon Crabs
- Travel extensively by helicopter, whipping over untamed jungles
- Embark on a Jeep safari with conservationist, Chitral Jayatilleke, as hundreds of elephants descend on Minneriya National Park in a wildlife spectacle known as The Gathering
- Stay at the renowned Heritance Tea Factory for two nights
- Embark on a safari deep within the vast grasslands and woodlands of Yala National Park, a region which has the highest density of leopards in the world
- Explore Galle through the art of prose with a local story teller, gaining an expert insight into the custom
Travel with a small party
Captain’s Choice groups are deliberately kept small. You travel in numbers that exceed a standard dinner party but not so many that you get lost in the crowd. With a group size normally around 24 guests, it is very much an exclusive club where the like-minded come together to share their seldom-typical experiences.
Solo Travellers Welcome
Captain’s Choice travellers are remarkably easy going and friendly. But to make it easier for you to meet your fellow solo travellers, you will be invited to a solo travellers-only welcome reception at the start of the journey. Our naturally engaging World Hosts love to chat or share a meal, but are empathetic enough to know when you want some time alone.
Where we visit
Full Itinerary
Colombo (Sri Lanka)
Day 1: Friday 24 August
Basking in the exceptional location of the Galle Face Hotel, right on the shores of the Indian Ocean, the morning is ours to rest. Later after a tour of Sri Lanka’s capital, we dine at the culinary hotspot, the Ministry of Crab. Owned by former Sri Lankan cricketers, Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, this restaurant celebrates the country’s prized crustaceans, the giant Lagoon Crabs.
Colombo, Dambulla, Kandalama
Day 2: Saturday 25 August
Excitement builds this morning as we make our way to Colombo Air Force base, where a helicopter is waiting to whisk us away to Dambulla. Once on the ground, we visit the World Heritage-listed Dambulla Cave Temple complex, which has drawn pilgrims and preachers for more than two centuries.
Our home for the next three nights is the Heritance Kandalama Resort. Served inside one of the region’s famous caves, our gourmet discovery begins this evening as dinner is illuminated by woodwind music and flickering candles.
Sigiriya
Day 3: Sunday 26 August
Our hotel overlooks what is often described as the eighth wonder of the world – the rock fortress of Sigiriya. After a morning tour we will enjoy lunch at Sigiriya Village Hotel.
You may then like to return to Heritance Kandamala Resort to relax or choose from a Your World activity.
- Perhaps discover more of the sights around Sigiriya on a guided tour by bicycle or boat.
- Enjoy a spa treatment, pampering body and soul with traditional therapies and techniques.
A distinguished seven-course meal awaits this evening at the Royal Banquets.
Polonnaruwa
Day 4: Monday 27 August
This morning we visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa where a guide will show us how people lived and society functioned in this former kingdom.
This afternoon is set aside for a truly spectacular occurrence. On a Jeep safari with conservationist, Chitral Jayatilleke, see hundreds of elephants descend on Minneriya National Park in a wildlife spectacle known as The Gathering.
Kandalama, Kandy
Day 5: Tuesday 28 August
We visit a spice garden in Matale, where we’re taught to identify the flavours of cinnamon, cardamom and cloves. Crossing the hills to Kandy, we check into the tropical oasis, Earls Regency Hotel, for a two-night stay. Afterwards, pay a visit to the Temple of the Buddha’s Tooth and experience a Hindu puja ceremony where prayers are offered to a god or spirit through song.
Kandy
Day 6: Wednesday 29 August
Following breakfast, a tuk tuk takes us to the local markets where we are free to browse wares. Later, learn the refined art of cooking Sri Lankan cuisine at the Kendyan Manor as we prepare traditional curries over firewood, with age-old tools and methods. At Peradeniya Botanical Gardens this afternoon, a walk with a professor of botany awaits before dinner.
Kandy, Nuwara Eliya
Day 7: Thursday 30 August
To the station! We travel in style on the Viceroy II, a private vintage carriage attached to the public train travelling to Nanu Oya, the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country, and enjoy lunch on board.
Upon arrival we head for the Heritance Tea Factory, located near the British colonial town of Nuwara Eliya, for a two-night stay. After unpacking and settling in, enjoy an evening of high tea at the renowned factory.
Nuwara Eliya
Day 8: Friday 31 August
Often referred to as Sri Lanka’s Little England, Nuwara Eliya showcases architecture that spans the Georgian and Queen Anne eras. This evening, dine at the intimate and unique Carriage Restaurant, boasting fine regional ingredients in a truly remarkable setting.
Yala National Park
Day 9: Saturday 1 September
This morning we travel to Cinnamon Wild, our resort bordering Yala National Park. Expect to be greeted by a conspiracy of grey lemurs. As night falls, the calls of park residents provide an exhilarating soundtrack to dinner.
Yala National Park
Day 10: Sunday 2 September
Today we find ourselves on safari deep in the vast woodland and open grasslands of Yala National Park, which has the highest density of leopards in the world. To optimise our chances of spotting as many species of animals, birds and reptiles as possible, we have booked two special Jeep safaris. One sets off in the morning and the other this afternoon, with time to relax in between.
Fingers crossed there will be plenty of photos to compare at our barbecue dinner by the pool this evening.
Yala, Galle
Day 11: Monday 3 September
Buckle up for another chopper ride today. Boarding our privately chartered aircraft at Yala Army Base, we fly over the jungle and coast to Koggala, near Galle. Of course, if you would prefer to remain planted on the ground, a road option is also available.
En route to The Fortress Resort & Spa, we stop to see the spectacle of stilt fishermen. After lunch, spend the afternoon on your own schedule.
Galle
Day 12: Tuesday 4 September
Today, explore Galle through the art of prose with a local story teller. Painting tales of history and colonial life with a thought-provoking stroke, we will gain an expert insight into the custom.
Galle
Day 13: Wednesday 5 September
Farewell Galle today and return to Colombo. Since we understand that you may like to spend some time freshening up and preparing for our journey home, we’ve arranged for you to have a private room at the Galle Face Hotel. Retire here before dinner, or choose to embark on a final Your World experience.
- Take a city sightseeing or guided shopping tour.
Later this evening, enjoy a special Farewell Dinner at The 1864 Restaurant.
Everything has been Considered & Included
Sometimes travelling can be a chore, distracting you from the fascinating places you are in. That’s why everything mundane has been moved behind the scenes. You will never have to carry a map, luggage, small change for tips or bargain for a taxi fare.
There are no hidden costs. Everything is included – flights within your itinerary and other travel arrangements, luxurious accommodation, travel insurance, all dining and drinks, and sightseeing. Even the Your World experiences within your itinerary and internet access when available.
RESIDENCES OF THE HIGHEST STANDARD
Welcome to your homes away from home. Each one has a certain something that sets it apart from every other residence at its location. Whether for its history, cultural significance or natural setting, we’ve selected only the very best.
Heritance Kandalama Resort
Commune with nature in this lush, hillside resort overlooking the rock fortress of Sigiriya. Ease into a peculiar world of indulgence where spa treatments are standard and monkeys guard the entrance to an illuminated cave – the perfect place for pre-dinner drinks.
Heritance Tea Factory
You would expect the scent of tea to still hang heavy in the air of a hotel room that once served as the tea factory’s withering loft. Before conversion to stately accommodation, leaves were spread to dry in these well-lit and airy retreats.
The Fortress Resort & Spa
Styled after the Dutch Fort, The Fortress Resort & Spa indulges in oceanic views and a curious combination of Portuguese and indigenous influences. Relax among the elegant furnishings, relishing in the final days of our journey.