New Year in Sri Lanka: Exotics, Ancient Kingdoms & Ocean

Meet at Sofia Airport Terminal 2 at 08:00 AM for flight TK1028 to Istanbul departing at 10:05 AM. Arrival in Istanbul at 12:35 PM. Enjoy free time to explore Istanbul's modern hub airport before boarding flight TK730 departing at 07:35 PM for Colombo. Overnight flight with hot meals, beverages, and in-flight entertainment.

Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo at 06:10 AM local time. Warm traditional welcome with flower garlands by our local partner representative and dedicated tour leader. Travel towards the scenic hill country of Ella, passing picturesque mountain waterfalls along the way.

Visit the iconic colonial Nine Arches Bridge, also known as the "Bridge in the Sky." Standing nearly 30 meters tall and spanning 91 meters across lush jungle greenery, it represents an architectural marvel of the British colonial era. Check-in at Heaven’s Edge 4* (or similar). Authentic dinner and overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Nuwara Eliya, often called "Little England" for its Victorian architecture, cool climate, and English country feel. Tour verdant Ceylon tea plantations and discover the intricate artisanal process of tea picking and manufacturing.

In the afternoon, travel to Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the sacred Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic ("Sri Dalada Maligawa"), adorned with gold, silver, bronze, and ivory carvings. Check-in at panoramic Amaya Hills 4* (or similar). Dinner and overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer north to Dambulla. Explore the monumental Dambulla Cave Temple complex (UNESCO), the largest and best-preserved rock-carved shrine in South Asia, dating back to the 1st century BC. Perched on a rock rising 160 meters above the plains, five main caves house over 150 ancient statues and colorful murals depicting the life of Gautama Buddha.

Following the tour, transfer to the tranquil resort hotel Amaya Lake 4* (or similar), situated along the shores of a scenic lake. Enjoy free time for leisurely walks in the tropical gardens or poolside relaxation. Dinner and overnight stay.

Breakfast and check-out. Morning excursion to the "Eighth Wonder of the World"—the majestic rock fortress of Sigiriya (Lion Rock, UNESCO), soaring 180 meters above the central plains. Ascend past the famous frescoes of the Heavenly Maidens and the ancient Mirror Wall to the royal citadel ruins built by King Kassapa.

Afterwards, head east towards the golden shores of Pasikudah. Check-in at the luxury 5-star beachfront resort Amaya Beach 5* directly on the Indian Ocean. Unwind in the warm lagoon waters. Dinner and overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day for beach leisure, spa indulgence, and swimming in Pasikudah—celebrated as one of the world's calmest and safest swimming bays thanks to a protective shallow offshore coral reef.

Evening: Festive New Year Gala Dinner at Amaya Beach 5* under the stars of the Indian Ocean. Enjoy an opulent open-buffet banquet featuring fresh seafood, exotic culinary specialties, live musical shows, and midnight countdown celebrations!

Happy New Year! Relaxed late breakfast with fresh tropical fruits. Enjoy a leisurely day of beach bathing, water sports, and pool relaxation at the 5-star resort.

Optional excursion (at extra charge): Open-Jeep Safari in Minneriya National Park—a unique chance to observe massive gathering herds of wild Asian elephants in their natural habitat, alongside spotted deer, peacocks, water buffalo, and rare bird species. Return to the resort, dinner, and overnight stay.

Breakfast and check-out. Depart across the island to the capital city of Colombo. Embark on a comprehensive panoramic tour of Sri Lanka's bustling metropolis: modern architectural marvels, heritage British and Dutch colonial quarters, the seaside Galle Face Green promenade, and vibrant local bazaars.

Check-in at the seaside hotel Pegasus Reef 4* (or similar). Farewell dinner on the island and evening preparation for your departure flight.

Early breakfast (or packed breakfast box) and hotel check-out. Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for Turkish Airlines flight TK731 departing at 07:40 AM for Istanbul. Arrival in Istanbul at 02:15 PM. Connect to flight TK1029 departing at 08:30 PM for Sofia, arriving at Sofia Airport Terminal 2 at 08:50 PM with lifelong memories of Ceylon.