+61 403 999 917
1 Contempo Boulevard Wollert Victoria
info@citybycitytravel.com

Festive Island Escape

Festive Island Escape

14 Days | Christmas & New Year in Sri Lanka

Best Travel Period: December to April

Celebrate the festive season with an unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka. Discover ancient temples, cultural treasures, and traditional village life before travelling through misty highlands, scenic tea plantations, and the wild landscapes of Yala.

Enjoy a special Christmas celebration in Nuwara Eliya, followed by relaxing days along the beautiful southern coast. Explore vibrant Colombo, where cultural discoveries and modern city life lead to a spectacular New Year's Eve gala. From festive moments to extraordinary island experiences, this journey brings together the best of Sri Lanka as you welcome 2027 in style.

Day 01 | Arrival in Sri Lanka | Negombo

Day 01 | Arrival in Sri Lanka | Negombo

Arrive in Sri Lanka, where your festive island escape begins. Your driver will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Negombo. Settle in, unwind after your flight, and enjoy a relaxing first evening as you prepare for the exciting days ahead.

Overnight: Negombo

Day 02 | Ancient Temples & Village Life | Sigiriya

Day 02 | Ancient Temples & Village Life | Sigiriya

Travel towards Sigiriya, stopping at the remarkable Dambulla Cave Temple to discover its sacred spaces and ancient artistry. Continue with a traditional Sri Lankan village experience and enjoy a local lunch at One Love Café in Sigiriya. After checking in, unwind and take in the peaceful surroundings as the day draws to a close.

Overnight: Sigiriya

Day 03 | The Legendary Sigiriya Rock | Sigiriya

Day 03 | The Legendary Sigiriya Rock | Sigiriya

Begin early with a visit to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, where ancient history meets breathtaking views. Capture memorable photographs of this remarkable landmark and its surrounding landscapes. Later, experience traditional village life and a catamaran excursion before enjoying lunch outside the hotel and a relaxing afternoon at your own pace.

Overnight: Sigiriya

Day 04 | Sacred Heritage & Kandyan Culture | Kandy

Day 04 | Sacred Heritage & Kandyan Culture | Kandy

Visit a spice garden before continuing to Kandy, Sri Lanka's celebrated cultural capital. Explore the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and enjoy a peaceful walk beside Kandy Lake. As evening arrives, experience the vibrant rhythms and colourful traditions of a Kandyan cultural dance performance before spending the rest of the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Kandy

Day 05 | Discover Kandy | Gardens, Gems & Local Life

Day 05 | Discover Kandy | Gardens, Gems & Local Life

Discover more of Kandy on a city tour featuring the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya and a visit to a local gem shop. Experience traditional village life and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Spend some free time shopping for souvenirs before ending the day with a romantic evening in the charming hill-country city.

Overnight: Kandy

Day 06 | Scenic Tea Country & Highland Charm | Nuwara Eliya

Day 06 | Scenic Tea Country & Highland Charm | Nuwara Eliya

Journey through Sri Lanka's picturesque tea country, with a stop at the beautiful Ramboda Waterfall. Visit a tea plantation and factory to discover how the island's famous Ceylon tea is produced, followed by a tea-tasting experience. Continue to Nuwara Eliya, where Gregory Lake and a city sightseeing tour introduce you to its cool climate and colonial-era charm.

Overnight: Nuwara Eliya

Day 07 | A Magical Christmas in the Highlands | Nuwara Eliya

Day 07 | A Magical Christmas in the Highlands | Nuwara Eliya

Celebrate Christmas in the refreshing atmosphere of Sri Lanka's hill country. Begin with a special Christmas breakfast, followed by a relaxed morning and time to explore Gregory Lake or Victoria Park. Enjoy tea-country photography, a festive Christmas lunch, and a leisurely afternoon before an evening filled with seasonal celebrations and a memorable Christmas dinner.

Overnight: Nuwara Eliya

Day 08 | Highland Wonders & Scenic Ella | Journey to Yala

Day 08 | Highland Wonders & Scenic Ella | Journey to Yala

Leave Nuwara Eliya and enjoy a scenic journey through the highlands towards Ella. Visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, take in the mountain views around Little Adam's Peak, and explore Ella town. After lunch, continue towards Yala and check into your accommodation, with the evening left free to relax before your upcoming wildlife adventure.

Overnight: Yala

Day 09 | Into the Wild | Yala National Park

Day 09 | Into the Wild | Yala National Park

Experience the natural beauty of Yala on a jeep safari through one of Sri Lanka's celebrated wildlife destinations. Explore the park's varied landscapes and look out for wildlife in its natural habitat. After the safari, return to your hotel for lunch and a relaxing afternoon by the pool or beach, followed by a peaceful evening.

Overnight: Yala

Day 10 | Coastal Discoveries & Beachside Relaxation | Mirissa

Day 10 | Coastal Discoveries & Beachside Relaxation | Mirissa

Leave the wilderness behind and travel south towards the beautiful coastal town of Mirissa. Enjoy coastal sightseeing along the way before arriving at your hotel. After checking in, slow down and embrace the easy rhythm of the southern coast, with time to relax on the beach and enjoy the tropical surroundings.

Overnight: Mirissa

Day 11 | Ocean Encounters & Sunset by the Sea | Mirissa

Day 11 | Ocean Encounters & Sunset by the Sea | Mirissa

Set out from Mirissa Harbour for a morning whale and dolphin-watching excursion. Return to shore for lunch at a selected beach restaurant before enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of Mirissa Beach. Visit the scenic Parrot Rock viewpoint, spend some free time swimming or taking photographs, and finish the day with a beautiful sunset and dinner at a beachfront restaurant.

Overnight: Mirissa

Day 12 | Colombo's Sacred Sites & City Highlights | Colombo

Day 12 | Colombo's Sacred Sites & City Highlights | Colombo

Travel from Mirissa to Colombo and settle into the energy of Sri Lanka's vibrant capital. Visit Gangaramaya Temple and the tranquil Seema Malaka, then explore the bustling Pettah Market and historic Colombo Fort. Continue to Independence Square and the Colombo National Museum before enjoying sunset at Galle Face Green beside the Indian Ocean.

Overnight: Colombo

Day 13 | Colombo in Style & New Year's Eve Gala | Colombo

Day 13 | Colombo in Style & New Year's Eve Gala | Colombo

Enjoy a leisurely morning before visiting the Colombo Lotus Tower and exploring the city's shopping destinations. After lunch and some time to relax at your hotel, discover the modern waterfront setting of Colombo Port City. Then dress for a special New Year's Eve gala dinner at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, where you can celebrate the final night of the year and count down to 2027 in style.

Overnight: Colombo

Day 14 | A Leisurely New Year & Farewell to Sri Lanka | Colombo

Day 14 | A Leisurely New Year & Farewell to Sri Lanka | Colombo

Welcome the New Year with a relaxed morning and a late breakfast. Enjoy free time to revisit Galle Face Green, explore Colombo's shops, or opt for a spa treatment. The itinerary allows for a leisurely afternoon, lunch and a farewell dinner before your transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport according to your flight schedule.

Overnight: Departure

Journey Highlights

  • Explore the ancient wonders of Dambulla Cave Temple and Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
  • Experience traditional Sri Lankan village life and local cuisine.
  • Discover Kandy's sacred heritage and vibrant cultural traditions.
  • Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens and explore Kandy's local gems.
  • Journey through scenic tea plantations and enjoy a Ceylon tea-tasting experience.
  • Celebrate Christmas in Nuwara Eliya with a special festive experience.
  • Discover Ella's iconic Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam's Peak.
  • Experience an exciting wildlife safari in Yala National Park.
  • Enjoy Mirissa's golden beaches, whale watching, and coastal sunsets.
  • Explore Colombo's temples, historic landmarks, and vibrant shopping districts.
  • Welcome 2027 with a spectacular New Year's Eve gala dinner at Cinnamon Grand Colombo.
  • Enjoy a memorable festive escape combining culture, nature, relaxation, and celebration.

Your trip at a glance

Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day

You will also love

Timeless Sri Lanka

Timeless Sri Lanka

Discover the island's ancient kingdoms, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, sacred temples, colonial towns, and hill country landscapes on an immersive cultural journey.

Explore
Into the Wild

Into the Wild

An action-packed itinerary featuring white-water rafting, rainforest trekking, wildlife safaris, mountain adventures, whale watching...

Explore
The Value Escape

The Value Escape

See Sri Lanka's most iconic destinations while enjoying carefully selected value-focused accommodation, authentic experiences, and...

Explore
Waves & Island Bliss

Waves & Island Bliss

Follow Sri Lanka's legendary southern surf coast from Bentota to Unawatuna. Designed for beginners, intermediates, and experienced surfers...

Explore
Golf & Beyond

Golf & Beyond

Experience Sri Lanka through its finest golf courses, from historic colonial clubs to championship resort fairways, while discovering cultural landmarks...

Explore
Timeless Sri Lanka

Timeless Sri Lanka

Discover the island's ancient kingdoms, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, sacred temples, colonial towns, and hill country landscapes on an immersive cultural journey.

Explore
Into the Wild

Into the Wild

An action-packed itinerary featuring white-water rafting, rainforest trekking, wildlife safaris, mountain adventures, whale watching...

Explore
The Value Escape

The Value Escape

See Sri Lanka's most iconic destinations while enjoying carefully selected value-focused accommodation, authentic experiences, and...

Explore
Waves & Island Bliss

Waves & Island Bliss

Follow Sri Lanka's legendary southern surf coast from Bentota to Unawatuna. Designed for beginners, intermediates, and experienced surfers...

Explore
Golf & Beyond

Golf & Beyond

Experience Sri Lanka through its finest golf courses, from historic colonial clubs to championship resort fairways, while discovering cultural landmarks...

Explore
Chat with us