9-Nights Sri Lanka: Treasures of the Spice Island - Small Group Journeys from $7,995

1 Arrive Colombo, Sri Lanka

Dotted with ancient temples, the rural region of Kotugoda sits almost midway between the fishing town of Negombo, home to Sri Lanka’s international airport, and the bustling capital Colombo. The former is a lively beach resort with a Dutch fort, fish market and mangrove-fringed lagoons; in the latter, Sri Lanka’s colonial past jostles up against shiny new high-rises and chic shops.

After a free morning to relax, start your day experiencing local tea and refreshments. Then, explore the city’s Old Dutch Hospital, a colonial treasure dating to the 17th century; and the commercial hub of Colombo Fort, home to a host of charming colonial mansions. Back at the hotel, reconvene for a welcome dinner.

This morning, depart for the Cultural Triangle. Encompassing the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy, and everything in between, this hinterland of history lies at Sri Lanka’s very heart. Later, discover the UNESCO-enshrined Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a royal citadel perched precariously atop a monolithic boulder, its 1,500-year-old frescoes still intact. Set out on a hike up winding cliffside staircases, summiting at sunset to reveal the ancient secrets of the short-lived kingdom of Kassapa.

Embark on a game drive, rolling through lush countryside and rice paddies with an opportunity for spotting elephants, as well as buffalo and exotic birdlife. This afternoon, at the Dambulla Cave Temples, discover Sinhalese Buddhist statues and murals dating back to the third century BC.

This morning, choose from these Design Your Day activities.

• Join an Expert Birder for a Walk around the jungles of Sigiriya, enjoying the abundant birdlife and beautiful surroundings.
• Help a Local Family Prepare and Give Alms to Monks at a local temple, followed by a traditional Buddhist blessing.
• Practice Yoga with a session at your hotel.

After lunch, tour the ruins of the former royal city of Polonnaruwa. Take in the archaeological site’s vast reservoir, temple, palace and royal baths, each adorned with religious and regal statuary.

Depart for Matale to discover the art of batik. Learn how masterpieces can be created with experimentation and imagination. With creativity flowing, and under expert guidance, begin work on your own batik. Later this evening, gather at the Temple of the Tooth to attend a pooja ceremony where votive Buddhist offerings take place to the rhythmical sound of drums and the heady scent of lotus. Revered for generations, the tooth relic housed in the temple is believed to have granted ultimate authority to each ruler who possessed it. Your VIP entry affords access to the inner Shrine Room where the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha is kept.

Join an experienced botanist on a walk around the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, home to over 4,000 species of plants and trees, followed by an in-depth tour of Kandy’s urban and cultural highlights. Return your hotel for dinner and a traditional Kandyan performance.

Head to the resort town of Bentota, where you gain special access to the home of the late Geoffrey Bawa, one of Asia's most prolific and influential architects. Here, see how Bawa spent 40 years transforming this former abandoned rubber estate into a tropical paradise of elegant gardens and lily ponds set against the backdrop of scenic Dedduwa Lake. After lunch at the estate, continue to Galle for an evening at leisure. Once the country’s main trading post, Galle is now a honeypot for travelers who scoop up handcrafted lace, sip arrack in the bars and tuck into fragrant Sri Lankan dishes — or catch a game at the city’s international cricket stadium.

Head to nearby Villa Mayurana, stopping en route to view traditional stilt fisherman along the coast. Then, see how Sri Lanka produces the world’s best cinnamon with a tasting experience on the lush grounds of your hotel's fragrant spice farm. Later, join a local archaeologist and heritage expert for an absorbing sunset walking tour of Galle Fort, built by the Dutch in 1663. Wander the cobbled streets with eyes open for local arts, crafts and delicacies. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner.

After breakfast, take your private transfer to the airport for your departing flight.