Serendipity and Tea Serendipity & Tea is a private 2-week classic trip though there is no risk of being 'templed out'. Your journey will take in the ancient capital city of Kandy, the splendours of Sigiriya, the luscious greenery of hill country, nature and wildlife, and finally the south west coast with its stunning backdrop of clear blue sea and fishermen perched on sticks. As all our trips, whilst you will truly discover and experience the country in the unique Tell Tale way and meet local people whom you will consider your friends when you return, we have taken great care in balancing the itinerary in terms of early starts, time at leisure etc so you truly get a holiday as well as a journey of discovery. Beach extensions are possible. This trip is a private tour (not a group tour) and suitable to be taken by a couple, friends or a family with children (we will finetune the itinerary accordingly). Day 1: Fly from London Heathrow on Saturday evening to Colombo Katunayake airport. Regional departures are available via the Middle East. Day 2: Arrival in Sri Lanka and you'll be picked up and driven to a boutique hotel on a working coconut estate. Have a dip in the pool and and relax this afternoon before dinner. Day 3: Morning at leisure and enjoy the pool and the fruit trees in the garden. In the afternoon, you'll have a private tour to learn about horticulture in Sri Lanka and visit the local village. Day 4: Time to pack up and move on. You'll be driven to Kandy, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka's ancient kingdom. You'll arrive at a private home where you'll settle into your private room (with private bathroom) and have a welcome lunch with your hosts ('real people' whom you can meet on an 'equal basis' and don't work in the tourism industry). They'll also take you for a walk around the local area. In the evening, your driver will take you into town for a drive around and dinner at a restaurant of your choice (you can choose from our recommendations in your customer pack) Day 5: Day sightseeing in Kandy with a guide who is expert in history. Your day will include a visit to the 'Temple of the Tooth' thought to house one of the most sacred Buddhist relics. Then browse around Kandy market, packed with spices and tea. Day 6: Visit the famous lion rock, Sigirya. Dating back to ancient times, it was home to a royal palace now gone, but the layout and the beautiful gardens remain. Then you'll visit a reforestation project. Day 7: Time to move on. A scenic train ride into the surrounding hill country. Then, you'll arrive at bungalows on a tea estate and have a tour of the estate. Then enjoy a drink on the verandah but make sure to put a cardigan on, temperatures drop at night in hill country. Day 8: A day exploring Horton Plains, including the sheer precipice of World's End, a drop of nearly 3,000 feet. There is a range of flora and fauna here as well as wildlife including sambar deer and clouded leopards. Day 9: A leisurely day visiting waterfalls and the oldest wooden bridge in the world. Day 10: You'll drive to Yala National Park. Evening on the observation deck. Day 11: A day in Yala National Park for a chance to spot leopards in the wild as well as herds of elephants, deer, peacocks, crocodiles and more. Back to the lodge to rest before a late afternoon and evening safari. Day 12: Morning at leisure. Then move onto Galle on the south west coast. Have a look around the town and walk along the ramparts of the fort. Then you'll head into a residential area to a private home and dinner with your hosts. Day 13: Discover more about life in Sri Lanka in a horticultural way. You'll have a private boat trip along a river besides which cinnamon is grown and harvested. Later, you'll visit a community project where local village women are learning about horticulture to supplement their family income. Days 14 and 15: Relax at the boutique resort of Club Villa, on the south west coast between Galle and Colombo. Day 16: Sunday early morning drive to the airport and fly back to the UK, arriving at approximately 8pm UK time (same day). It is also possible the fly back the night before, arriving back at approximately 9am on Sunday. This two-week private tour costs from £1,900 per person, based on two people sharing (price applies most of the year except peak summer and Christmas). Discounts available for under 12s based on a minimum of 2 people paying adult price. Prices include direct flights with Sri Lankan Airlines from London Heathrow, accommodation, private transport, activities/excursions and some meals. Allow approx £400 per couple spending money for items not included and light shopping. Flight upgrades and beach extensions are possible, telephone us to discuss customisation. Download the full itinerary and call us for a chat on 0800 011 2571 
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