Sri Lanka

Discovery tour

Once known as Ceylon, this fascinating island reveals an incredible diversity of landscapes and cultures. From UNESCO-listed ancient cities to tea plantations, and from sacred temples to traditional villages, every stop reveals a new side of this deeply captivating country.

This tour marks the launch of our new Signature Collection, designed for those who want to travel in the best possible conditions: carefully selected 4-star hotels, a balanced pace, quality services and an authentic cultural immersion.

Accompanied by a French-speaking local guide and a member of the Vos Voyages team from Geneva, you’ll enjoy a journey filled with encounters, discoveries and unforgettable moments, in the heart of one of Asia’s most beautiful destinations.

Three ways to travel,

the same experience

Because everyone travels in their own way, we’ve created three collections, each representing a different way to discover the world.

Whether you prefer excellent value for money, superior comfort or rare experiences in a very small group, all our collections share the same philosophy: thoughtfully designed itineraries, meticulous organisation and the pleasure of travelling together with curiosity and peace of mind.

The “Signature” Collection

Travel at its finest.

Because some journeys deserve an extra touch of elegance, the Signature Collection features 4★ hotels, carefully selected services and a superior level of comfort.

Each itinerary is designed to combine discovery, refinement and conviviality, in the spirit of the trips that have earned us our reputation.

I T I N E R A R Y

DAY 1: Geneva - Istanbul - Colombo

Meet and transfer to Geneva Airport from the scheduled pick-up points.

DAY 2: Istanbul - Colombo - Negombo

On arrival in Colombo, you are met by your local representative before continuing to the charming seaside resort of Negombo. Your rooms are available straight away so you can rest after your journey.

Free morning and lunch.

In the early afternoon, your French-speaking guide joins you for your first taste of the gentle pace of life in Sri Lanka. You discover the famous fish market, the beating heart of the city, where fishermen bring in their catch each day.

Then, set off on a pleasant boat trip along the canals of Negombo, nicknamed “Little Venice”, offering a fresh perspective on the colonial heritage and everyday life of its residents.

Dinner and overnight stay at the Jetwing Sea Hotel (or similar) in Negombo.

Our favourite:

Glide peacefully along Negombo’s canals, among coconut palms, fishermen and colourful houses.

DAY 3: Negombo - Hunumulla - Kandalama

After breakfast at the hotel, set off for the village of Hunumulla, where a tuk-tuk ride takes you through the countryside to a nearby temple and small craft workshops. You discover, among other things, how coconut fibre and oil are made, as well as the art of pottery, skills passed down from generation to generation.

Continue your visit at a spice garden, where cinnamon, pepper, lemongrass and cloves reveal their secrets. A cooking demonstration is followed by a traditional lunch featuring local flavours.

In the afternoon, travel to the Cultural Triangle and explore the impressive Dambulla Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Monumental sculptures, ancient frescoes and Buddha statues make up one of the country’s most remarkable religious complexes.

Check in, dinner and overnight at Amba Yaalu by Thema Collection (or similar) in Kandalama.

Our favourite:

The serene Dambulla Caves, where Buddhas and frescoes seem suspended in time.

DAY 4: Polonnaruwa

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Polonnaruwa, the ancient royal capital and a jewel of Sri Lankan heritage, a UNESCO site and one of the country’s finest archaeological sites, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As you explore, you will discover the remains of ancient royal palaces, stupas, temples and the famous monumental Buddha statues carved from a single block of granite at Gal Vihara.

Lunch is served at Priyamali Gedara farm, where you enjoy traditional wood-fired cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

On the way back, visit a traditional paper-making workshop, where you will discover the different stages of this traditional craft before returning to your hotel.

Dinner and overnight at Amba Yaalu by Thema Collection (or similar) in Kandalama.

Our favourite:

Lunch at Priyamali Gedara, a convivial break featuring home-style cooking over a wood fire.

DAY 5: Sigiriya - Minneriya

Set off before dawn to climb the iconic rock fortress of Sigiriya, one of Sri Lanka’s most spectacular sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 5th century by King Kassapa, this impressive fortress overlooks the jungle from its gigantic rocky outcrop.

The famous frescoes of the “Damsels of Sigiriya”, the imposing lion’s paws carved into the rock and the remains of the royal palace line this climb of 650 steps. At the top, an exceptional panorama rewards your efforts. Return to the hotel for breakfast and enjoy some free time.

Depart for MINNERIYA National Park in the late morning and have lunch at a local restaurant.

The afternoon is devoted to a jeep safari through the wild landscapes of Minneriya National Park. Famous for the impressive gatherings of elephants around its vast reservoir, the park also offers wonderful opportunities to spot numerous bird species, crocodiles and abundant wildlife in unspoilt natural surroundings.

Return to your hotel at the end of the day.

Dinner and overnight at Amba Yaalu by Thema Collection (or similar) in Kandalama.

Our favourite:

The breathtaking panorama from the summit of Lion Rock, one of Asia’s most beautiful sites, and the thrill of watching elephants roam freely in Minneriya.

DAY 6: Kandalama - Kandy

Breakfast at the hotel, then travel to KANDY, the last capital of the Sinhalese kings. Along the way, rice fields, tropical forests and traditional villages unfold one after another.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

The afternoon is devoted to exploring this iconic city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will visit the famous Temple of the Tooth, a major Buddhist site that houses a precious relic of the Buddha. An important pilgrimage site, the temple has a deeply spiritual atmosphere, especially during the daily ceremonies accompanied by traditional drums.

In the late afternoon, enjoy a performance of traditional Sri Lankan dance, an immersive introduction to the country’s customs and arts.

Dinner and overnight at Kandy Myst by Cinnamon (or similar) in Kandy.

Our favourite:

The spiritual atmosphere of the Temple of the Tooth, accompanied by the rhythm of sacred drums.

DAY 7: Kandy - Nuwara Eliya

Breakfast at the hotel.

The road winds through mountains blanketed with tea plantations on the way to Nuwara Eliya, with its elegant colonial homes, flower gardens and peaceful atmosphere that have earned it the nickname “Little England”.

Discover the secrets behind the production of famous Ceylon tea, with plantations that shape the iconic landscapes of the Highlands.Lunch at a local restaurant.

Check in at the hotel and enjoy some free time to relax in the peaceful surroundings of this pleasant hill station.

Dinner and overnight at The Blackpool Resort & Spa (or similar) in Nuwara Eliya.

Our favourite:

Endless hills covered in tea bushes, among Sri Lanka’s most beautiful landscapes.

DAY 8: Nuwara Eliya - Ella - Udawalawa

Breakfast at the hotel.

From Nanu Oya, board the famous train linking the highlands with Ella. Considered one of the most scenic train journeys in Asia, the route passes tea plantations, mountains and lush green valleys.

In Ella, visit the famous Nine Arches Bridge, conditions permitting, then stop at the picturesque Rawana Falls.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

The afternoon is devoted to visiting the remarkable Buduruwagala site, where seven monumental statues are carved directly into the rock.

Dinner and overnight at Athgira River Camp (or similar) in Udawalawa.

Our top pick
♥:

The legendary train journey through mountains, tea plantations and mist-shrouded valleys.

DAY 9: Udawalawa - Galle

At dawn, set out on another safari in Uda Walawe National Park, renowned for its large population of free-roaming elephants living around its vast reservoir.

After breakfast, drive to Galle.

Lunch at a local restaurant in Galle Fort.

The afternoon is devoted to exploring this magnificent fortified city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Behind its granite ramparts, cobbled lanes, colonial homes and colourful façades bear witness to Portuguese, Dutch and British influence.

Check in, dinner and overnight at The Merchant Galle hotel (or similar) in Galle.

Our favourite:

Stroll along Galle’s ramparts overlooking the Indian Ocean as the sun sets the horizon ablaze.

DAY 10: Galle - Colombo

Breakfast at the hotel.

Drive to Colombo along the coast, passing fishing villages and enjoying magnificent views of the Indian Ocean.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

On arrival, discover the city’s main neighbourhoods, from the lively Pettah Market to the Galle Face seafront and Independence Square, which bear witness to the capital’s history and vibrancy..

The journey draws to a close over a convivial farewell dinner, before your final night on the island.

Check in, dinner and overnight at Granbell Hotel Colombo (or similar) in Colombo.

Our favourite:

Colombo’s contrasts, where lively markets, colonial heritage and modern life exist side by side in harmony.

DAY 11: Colombo - Istanbul - Geneva

Very early in the morning, transfer to Colombo Airport.

Return to your place of residence under the same arrangements as for the outbound transfer.

END OF OUR SERVICES

Price per person, based on double occupancy, from CHF 3'750.-

Single room supplement: CHF 700.-

What’s included in the price:

• Group transfers to and from Geneva Airport, according to the pickup points listed on page 31.
• Flights from Geneva to Colombo and back with Turkish Airlines, via Istanbul.
• Airport and security taxes (CHF 520.- per person in total at the time of writing).
• Advance seat reservations in standard seats on flights (seat selection is limited after tickets have been issued).
• Meet and greet at Colombo Airport by a representative.
• Accompanied from Geneva by a member of the Vos Voyages team.
• Transport in a private air-conditioned vehicle suited to the number of participants.
• 3 bottles of water (500 ml) per person per day in the vehicle.
• The services of a driver.
• Services of a French-speaking national guide.
• Accommodation for a total of 9 nights in destination, in double/twin rooms (single room supplement applies).
• Full board from dinner on day 2 to dinner on day 10.
• All visits and activities mentioned, including entrance fees.
• Assistance from our local representative.
• The Guarantee Fund insurance (€30 per booking – non-refundable in the event of
• of cancellation)

Not included:

• Advance reservation of paid seats on flights.
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
• Tips. As a guideline, allow USD 20 per person for the guide, USD 10 per person for the driver, USD 10 per boat attendant or jeep driver, and around USD 20 per group for hotel porters (these amounts may be higher depending on your satisfaction).
• Drinks and personal expenses.
• Anything not listed under “Price includes”.
• Cancellation, repatriation assistance and baggage insurance.
• Given the current situation and fluctuations in the price of jet fuel, the exact amount of airport taxes will be confirmed when your airline ticket is issued, approximately 45 days before departure.
• The supplement for flights in
• Premium Economy, Business or First Class: please contact us