1
Arrival — Colombo & Negombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka
Met on arrival by a RIZ representative and private chauffeur guide, then transferred to Negombo to settle in, unwind and adjust to island time ahead of the journey ahead.
RIZ-0110 Days / 9 NightsPrivate Journey
Classic Sri Lanka
The complete first-timer's introduction to the island — ancient cities, hill country tea estates, a wildlife safari and the southern coast, balanced into one carefully paced journey.
PRODUCT POSITIONING
Sri Lanka, Properly Introduced.
Classic Sri Lanka is the signature RIZ journey for travellers experiencing the island for the first time. Across ten days, it moves from the ancient cities of the Cultural Triangle into the cool tea-covered hills of the Central Highlands, through a wildlife safari in the island's south, and on to the historic coastline of Galle — a single itinerary that captures the range of what makes Sri Lanka distinctive.
The route is designed with a comfortable pace: two-night stays at each major stop, private chauffeur-guided transport throughout, and enough time in each place to experience it properly rather than simply pass through.
ROUTEColombo / Negombo→Sigiriya & Dambulla→Polonnaruwa & Minneriya→Kandy→Nuwara Eliya→Yala→Galle & Mirissa→Departure
Why This Journey
- Balances heritage, nature, hill country and coast in one itinerary.
- Comfortable two-night stays reduce time spent packing and travelling.
- Private chauffeur-guide throughout — no fixed group departures.
- Suitable for couples, friends, families or solo travellers.
- Every accommodation and vehicle tier can be adjusted to suit budget and style.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES
Moments That Define the Journey
Climb to the summit of Sigiriya
Elephant gatherings at Minneriya
Evening at the Temple of the Tooth
A working tea estate in the hills
Safari drive through Yala
Sunset on the Galle Fort ramparts
Coastal time in Mirissa
The painted caves of Dambulla
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Ten Days Across the Island
1
2–3
Cultural Triangle — Sigiriya & Dambulla
Ancient Cities & Cave Temples
Two days based in the Cultural Triangle, including the climb to the summit of Sigiriya rock fortress, a visit to the painted cave temples of Dambulla, and a stop at an elephant sanctuary en route.
4
Polonnaruwa & Minneriya Safari
Royal Ruins & Wild Elephants
A morning exploring the former royal city of Polonnaruwa followed by an afternoon safari at Minneriya National Park, known for its seasonal gathering of wild elephants.
5
Kandy
The Cultural Capital of the Hills
Travel to Kandy via a spice garden, visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and, in the evening, a traditional Kandyan dance performance.
6
Nuwara Eliya
Tea Country & Cool Highlands
A scenic drive into the hill country, with a working tea factory visit, time beside Gregory Lake, and the cooler climate of "Little England."
7
Transfer to Yala — Wildlife Safari
Into Leopard Country
Journey south from the hills to Yala, stopping at Ravana Falls along the way, followed by an evening safari through Yala National Park in search of the Sri Lankan leopard, elephants and birdlife.
8–9
South Coast — Galle & Mirissa
Heritage Fort & Coastline
Two days on the south coast exploring the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, with time to relax along the beaches and coves of Mirissa and Weligama.
10
Departure
Journey's End
Private transfer to Colombo International Airport for departure, bringing the Classic Sri Lanka journey to a close.
This itinerary is indicative. Sequence, drive times and inclusions may be adjusted for seasonal conditions, park closures or supplier availability, and your final programme is confirmed in your RIZ quotation.
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION & TRANSPORT
Choose Your Level of Comfort
Accommodation Tier
- EssentialQuality 3-star / boutique
- Comfort4-Star / 5-Star / Boutique Hotels & Villas
- PremiumSuperior 4-star / selected 5-star
- Luxury5-star / curated boutique
- SignatureHandpicked unique stays
Vehicle Category
- StandardPrivate sedan
- ComfortPrivate SUV / premium MPV
- Family / Small GroupPrivate SUV / large MPV / premium van
- Premium GroupLuxury van / premium coach
- Large GroupTour coach
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS & ADD-ONS
Extend the Journey
Whitewater Rafting — KitulgalaHot Air Balloon — Cultural TriangleAyurveda Spa TreatmentWhale Watching — MirissaCooking ClassVillage & Homestay ExperiencePhotography-Led SafariAdditional Night — Colombo
CORE INCLUSIONS
What's Included
- 9 nights' accommodation at the selected tier
- Daily breakfast throughout
- Private chauffeur-guided transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
- All entrance fees and safari jeep charges listed in the itinerary
- Airport meet & greet and departure transfer
- 24/7 RIZ emergency contact during travel
NOT INCLUDED
Important Exclusions
- International and domestic flights
- Sri Lanka ETA / visa fees
- Lunches and dinners (unless specified for a particular day)
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions and add-ons
IMPORTANT OPERATING NOTES
Before You Travel
- Itinerary sequence may be adjusted for seasonal conditions, park closures or road access.
- Dietary and accessibility requirements should be shared before confirmation.
- Hotel check-in/check-out times follow individual property policies.
- Safari game drives are subject to national park regulations and availability.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL & SAFETY
Travelling Responsibly
- Pre-arrival confirmation and an arrival safety briefing are provided.
- Drivers and guides are briefed to RIZ's professional service standards.
- Wildlife viewing follows responsible, respectful observation distances.
- Local suppliers and community experiences are prioritised where possible.
REQUEST A QUOTE
Ready to Begin Planning
Classic Sri Lanka?
Share your travel dates and preferences and a RIZ Lanka DMC specialist will prepare a tailored quotation for RIZ-01.