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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive in Colombo
Upon arrival in Sri Lanka today you will be met at the international airport and privately transferred to your hotel in Colombo. The Uga Residence is a unique gem set in a converted colonial mansion, and it offers an oasis-like feel in the heart of the city. Tonight enjoy dinner at the Ministry of Crab, one of the finest restaurants in the country.
Overnight: Uga Residence
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Day 2 Colombo cookery class, street food & highlights tour
After a leisurely breakfast this morning you will embark upon an exclusive cookery class with Pabilis Silva, a true icon of Sri Lanka's culinary scene. Chef Silva is one of the key figures responsible for bringing Sri Lankan cuisine to the world stage, and under his expert instruction you will prepare a memorable feast which you can enjoy for lunch. After some time at leisure you will be collected later this afternoon for a fascinating walking tour of Colombo, taking in the key sights of the city and the very best street food. Sample authentic delicacies such as the much-loved isso wadei - incorporating lentils and fresh shrimp - as well as sweet tea from the oldest venue in the city, and Sri Lanka's signature tipple of arrack.
Overnight: Uga Residence
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Day 3 To the Tea Country
Leaving the bustle of Colombo behind today you will set out with your private driver on a scenic journey east, travelling into the heart of Sri Lanka and the misty climes of the Tea Country. Stops can be made at your own leisure, and your base for the next few days is an intimate and charming estate located in a peaceful hamlet in the serene hills above Ella. This evening, settle in for a delicious barbecue dinner served to you at the Bungalow Viewpoint.
Overnight: Nine Skies
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Day 4 Rural Tea Country Experience
This morning your private driver will escort you on a remarkable experience into the heart of rural Tea Country. A scenic drive takes you to a hidden local village where you will enjoy breakfast surrounded by emerald-green paddy fields. Learn about traditional farming practices here before continuing on to a nearby rubber plantation for an insightful and interactive guided tour. A local lunch and an optional cooling dip in a pristine stream can be enjoyed before you are driven back to Nine Skies for an afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Nine Skies
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Day 5 Tea plantation walking and Tamil cuisine
Today you will learn about the region's most famous export on a scenic walk to a renowned tea plantation, followed by a guided tour. Learn about cultivation methods, harvest and the story of Ceylon tea from leaf to cup. You will then take lunch in the home of your local host, giving you an insight into the distinct flavours of Tamil cuisine which offers an interesting contrast to Sri Lanka's typical Sinhalese dishes. Return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure, where you may wish to set out on a visit to the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, embark upon a mountain biking adventure or simply relax by the swimming pool in the peaceful gardens.
Overnight: Nine Skies
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Day 6 To Yala
Bidding farewell to the Tea Country you will journey south, to the rich coastal jungle surrounds of Yala and your luxurious tented camp. After some time to settle in, you will head out later this afternoon on a bicycle ride with one of Wild Coast's expert rangers. Cycling through the small fishing village of Kirinda you can enjoy delightful views of the surrounding lakes and rice fields, and observe typical ways of life. The village also borders the Bundala National Park, a haven for bird watchers, and the surrounding forests offer plenty of flora and fauna to be enjoyed. Round off the day back at the camp with sundowners and canapés looking out to the Indian Ocean.
Overnight: Wild Coast Tented Lodge
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Day 7 Wildlife of Yala
Set out this morning on a small-group safari in search of the rich and varied wildlife that inhabits Yala. Your expert ranger is well-versed in the extraordinary biodiversity of the region, and will assist you in your search for iconic Yala residents such as elephants, grey langur monkeys, crocodiles and elusive leopards. After lunch back at the lodge you will set out once more on an exclusive game drive, followed by a memorable 'jungle afternoon tea' which will be set up for you in a beautifully scenic viewpoint within the park.
Overnight: Wild Coast Tented Lodge
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Day 8 To Galle
After a final breakfast at the lodge, you will follow the coastal road east towards the colonial fort town of Galle and the magnificent Aman hotel. Located in the heart of Galle Fort in a majestic heritage building dating back over 300 years, Amangalla is renowned for its timeless elegance, superb cuisine and first-class spa and wellness offering. Later this afternoon you will learn more about toddy, Sri Lanka's delicious spirit made from the sap of coconut flowers, on an illuminating workshop and tasting session lead by a local agricultural expert.
Overnight: Amangalla
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Day 9 Galle stories and lagoon fishing
The gem trade forms an important part of Sri Lanka's history and today you will meet a charismatic character who hails from a distinguished gem family in Galle. Once referred to as Sri Lanka's 'Sapphire King', Ifthikar has some truly enthralling tales to recount and you will be able to enjoy a collection of these over a culinary demonstration and lunch. After some relaxation time back at your hotel, round off your time in Galle with a spot of lagoon fishing with the local fishermen. Fresh catch of the day from the returning boats will then be prepared as part of a mouth-watering seafood barbecue by the beach.
Overnight: Amangalla
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Day 10 Depart
Depart Amangalla after breakfast and travel to Colombo airport in private vehicle, in plenty of time for your flight home.
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Depart
