Top Sri Lanka Historic Sightseeing Trips & Packages In 2025/2026

Our 38 most popular Sri Lanka Historic Sightseeing Trips & Packages trips. Compare tour itineraries from 18 tour companies. 36 reviews.

38 Trips match your criteria (1 - 22 shown)

Best of Sri Lanka
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Anuradhapura, Colombo, Dambulla, Kandy, Mirissa, Negombo, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Sigiriya

Highlights

  • Ride around the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura on a bike tour, cycling through the jungle to see the dagobas, palaces and pools of a city abandoned over 1000 years ago.
  • Climb the rock fortress of UNESCO-listed Sigiriya to the ancient ruins that lie atop the 200-m-high summit and get panoramic views over the surrounding wilderness.
  • Explore the divine city of Kandy, mingling with pilgrims at the Temple of the Tooth, touring a tea factory, and taking in the views of this lush lakefront town.
  • Fall in love with Sri Lankan food and get to know locals during experiences like lunching with a Tamil tea worker and a home-cooking demonstration.
  • Unwind on the sandy beaches of Mirissa, where the waters are clear and warm, and monkeys play in the swaying palms that line the shores.

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"I went on the Intrepid 15 day "Best of Morocco" tour in 2025 and had such an amazing time that I wasn't ready to leave by the time the trip finished! It exceeded my expectations in so many ways: value for money, itinerary, a lot of included activities balanced with lots of rest stops on longer travel days, very caring & attentive local guides, and lots of optional activities. As a company, Intrepid was very easy to communicate with before the trip started (I had sent a few questions about optional activities). The website is also easy to navigate and simple for updating travel & health information. If you are considering doing a tour with Intrepid - make sure you read the Essential Trip Information they have on each tour page. It describes everything in detail so you'll know what to expect. While I LOVED my tour, I can see some people signing up for this without reading the description and then being surprised at some of the 2 star hotels (in this case it was the "Original" tour style). Overall, I am impressed at how this tour managed to simultaneously get us closer to Moroccan culture AND feel like an adventure AND feel like a vacation from day-to-day life back home. I would travel with Intrepid again."

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Sri Lanka Explorer
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Amman, Anuradhapura, Colombo, Dambulla, Kandy, Minneriya National Park, Negombo

Highlights

  • Visit Sigiriya's Lion Rock – a UNESCO World Heritage site – and if you’re game, climb the steps to the top for amazing views over the jungle.
  • Explore an area of Sri Lanka only recently opened to tourism – considered to be off-limits for years due to the civil war, the gates to Jaffna are now open to adventurers once more. Discover Tamil culture and see Point Pedro – Sri Lanka’s northernmost point.
  • Kick back in the sun on Trincomalee Beach’s bright and sandy shoreline. Enjoy the open skies, swaying palm trees and glittering waters, then stop by a local village to join the community in making a traditional Tamil meal.
  • Witness ritual and devotion in the spiritual heart of the country during a visit to Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth.
  • Observe wild elephants from basic tree houses and hopefully catch an outstanding sunset in Wasgamuwa National Park – one of the most biodiverse protected areas in Sri Lanka.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"I went on the Intrepid 15 day "Best of Morocco" tour in 2025 and had such an amazing time that I wasn't ready to leave by the time the trip finished! It exceeded my expectations in so many ways: value for money, itinerary, a lot of included activities balanced with lots of rest stops on longer travel days, very caring & attentive local guides, and lots of optional activities. As a company, Intrepid was very easy to communicate with before the trip started (I had sent a few questions about optional activities). The website is also easy to navigate and simple for updating travel & health information. If you are considering doing a tour with Intrepid - make sure you read the Essential Trip Information they have on each tour page. It describes everything in detail so you'll know what to expect. While I LOVED my tour, I can see some people signing up for this without reading the description and then being surprised at some of the 2 star hotels (in this case it was the "Original" tour style). Overall, I am impressed at how this tour managed to simultaneously get us closer to Moroccan culture AND feel like an adventure AND feel like a vacation from day-to-day life back home. I would travel with Intrepid again."

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14-Day Sri Lanka Highlights Tour
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
They're experts in creating personalized travel experiences and have a top-rated reputation.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Unveil the ancient secrets of Sigiriya Lion Rock fort, which has remained an important settlement for millennia.
  • Explore Sri Lanka's glorious history in Anuradhapura.
  • Experience the country life in a typical rural village.
  • Learn to cook a classic bowl of curry with a local chef.
  • Take a scenic train ride into the lush tea fields of the Hill Country.
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Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"4th and final part of our se Asia tour. Another wonderful experience, this time in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Again our guide was really knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. He gave us lots of information about the sites we visited, took photos of us (saving us from having to take selfies!) and allowed us time to take our own photos. He even took video of monkeys for our granddaughters whilst I climbed to the top of a temple. He also gave recommendations for a wonderful restaurant to visit in the evening. I would also commend our driver who provided plenty of cold water and cold towels when we arrived back at the car. These were especially welcome after walking around Angkor Wat in 36c temperature. The hotel on this part was a little disappointing but was adequate and didn't detract from the overall experience. Now sitting in the airport starting the long journey home but with a memorable holiday to look back on."

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Central Sri Lanka Explorer with Whale-Watching
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By Odynovo
premier
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
They create handcrafted custom trip plans 70+ countries worldwide, giving you a personalized and unique travel experience.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Explore the Abhayagiri Monastery Complex, a testament to the grandeur of ancient Ceylon's civilization.
  • Embark on a thrilling adventure in the deep blue sea to witness majestic whales.
  • Ascend Sigiriya's Lion Rock for panoramic views and admire its ancient frescoes.
  • Visit Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth Relic, a spiritual and cultural marvel.
  • Relax on Negombo's serene shores, enjoying leisure time by the tranquil Indian Ocean.

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Found company on the internet and we were a bit nervous. Alick Peng put a 12 day tour together for us, our dates didn't fit in with a full guided tour, and it was magnificent. We enjoyed every day, hotels, food and especially the guides, Ayumi especially. The itinerary was first class and we even managed to travel between towns on our own. Tickets, routes, and guidelines were clear and easy to follow. The only time we got lost was trying to get out of Tokyo station. Once again, thanks."

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Sri Lanka Wildlife Adventure Expedition
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By Odynovo
premier
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
They create handcrafted custom trip plans 70+ countries worldwide, giving you a personalized and unique travel experience.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Navigate the Kelani River by canoe and trek through the rainforest for birdwatching
  • Explore the UNESCO-listed Horton Plains National Park, starting your hike at dawn.
  • Take a morning jeep safari in Udawalawe to witness elephants and diverse wildlife.
  • Set sail on the deep blue sea for an awe-inspiring whale-watching tour in Mirissa.
  • Embark on a full-day jeep safari in Yala National Park for a chance to spot leopards.

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, Birding

What travelers are saying

"Found company on the internet and we were a bit nervous. Alick Peng put a 12 day tour together for us, our dates didn't fit in with a full guided tour, and it was magnificent. We enjoyed every day, hotels, food and especially the guides, Ayumi especially. The itinerary was first class and we even managed to travel between towns on our own. Tickets, routes, and guidelines were clear and easy to follow. The only time we got lost was trying to get out of Tokyo station. Once again, thanks."

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Sri Lankan Culture and Coast Journey
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By Odynovo
premier
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
They create handcrafted custom trip plans 70+ countries worldwide, giving you a personalized and unique travel experience.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Experience the vibrant local culture at Negombo's lively fish market.
  • Admire captivating ancient frescoes on the iconic Lion Rock in Sigiriya.
  • Explore the spiritual essence of Buddhism at the renowned Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
  • Wander through the enchanting architecture of Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Enjoy breathtaking coastal views during a picturesque train journey from Galle to Colombo.

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Found company on the internet and we were a bit nervous. Alick Peng put a 12 day tour together for us, our dates didn't fit in with a full guided tour, and it was magnificent. We enjoyed every day, hotels, food and especially the guides, Ayumi especially. The itinerary was first class and we even managed to travel between towns on our own. Tickets, routes, and guidelines were clear and easy to follow. The only time we got lost was trying to get out of Tokyo station. Once again, thanks."

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The Human Journey: Tracing Legendary Peoples & Sacred Places
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3.5/5 Great
30 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • See the world withNational Geographic Explorer-in-ResidenceDr. Spencer Wells
  • Travel in a privateBoeing 757 jet
  • Go off the beaten path to discover some of the most incrediblelegacies of legendary civilizations
  • Enjoy a private tour of theGeorgian National Museum
  • Explore thevibrant bazaars ofSamarqand inUzbekistan
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Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, Holy Land

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

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Natural Wonders of Sri Lanka
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5/5 Excellent
14 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Search for abundant wildlife on a Yala National Park expedition, which boasts Asia’s largest concentration of leopards, along with Asian elephants, spotted deer, and over 200 species of birds.
  • A hallmark of any Sri Lanka tour, discover the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Sigiriya, an ancient palace and fortress built atop a huge granite monolith; the monumental ruins in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s medieval capital; and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, a significant site of pilgrimage for Buddhists.
  • Enjoy whale-watching cruises off the southern coast, one of the best places in the world to view blue whales.
  • Explore Sinharaja, a vast tropical rain forest that is home to over half of Sri Lanka’s endemic species of flora and fauna.
  • Stay in a variety of superb accommodations throughout your Sri Lanka adventure travels—from beach-side resorts and colonial-era mansions to world-class game lodges offering splendid vistas of the surrounding wilderness.

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Birding, National Parks

What travelers are saying

"Zegrahm gets my highest recommendation. I recently returned from a 13-day Seychelles exploration and snorkel/dive adventure beginning in Zanzibar, visiting something like 9 Seychelles Atolls and islands for tons of daily snorkeling and diving, and finishing in Mahe where we departed from. This was absolutely the best cruise/group experience I have ever had on either land or sea. Zegrahm charters the boats and I was lucky enough to be on the Ponant ship, Le Bougainville, which is very posh, with a friendly and polite staff, an amazing french chef, good food, a nice spa, you name it. My bedroom was like a small luxury hotel and each room had a balcony so you could enjoy seaside and ocean views from your bed or balcony whenever you'd like. It was lovely. I especially appreciated coming back to such a haven after long days of sunshine, beach and snorkeling. Not only was the cruise ship and it's staff fantastic, but the Zegrahm staff were all wonderful. I sat and had dinner with many of them every day and they somehow remembered all our names (99 or so of us). They snorkeled and dove with us, pointing out fish and naming species, they went birding, they provided lectures in the mornings and evenings in their areas of expertise, because Zegrahm hires Marine Biologists, Anthropologists, and countless other individuals (with PhDs) to provide insight and lessons into the history and ecology of the places being visited and seen. At the conclusion of the trip - I didn't want it to end. I had made several like-minded friends for travel, was invited on future trips and exchanged information with almost everyone. We were a family by the end, both staff and customers. Hugs all around as we celebrated all we had seen together and promised to keep in touch. Zegrahm fosters that type of environment when you travel with them - and it was welcoming and especially enjoyable for a solo traveler like myself. These trips aren't cheap - but are worthwhile for all you see and do - most things you'd never be able to see on your own and certainly not with trained ecologists and marine science experts. I believe you get what you pay for. I was one of the youngest on board but there was a small group of about ten 30-40 year olds with the vast majority being probably 50-80. This isn't a sit on the boat all day-type thing. You are going to be waking up early, going out 2-3x a day and really seeing and doing things. You almost never have down time and you are always learning, seeing, talking and doing. It's expeditionary, not sedentary. It's fun and really enriching. The best way to know someone is doing a good job at this price point (think around $8-12k per person) is repeat customers and I met countless people who have done 6-12 of these expeditions with Zegrahm and knew the staff already. That's the absolute best recommendation you can get. I'll be booking with them again without any hesitation. Thank you to Brad, Murph, LJ, Merel, Steven, George, George K., Robin, Pepper, Lisa, Shirley, Gemma, Chris, Boli, Marcel, and anyone else who I forgot from this amazing trip. You all did a great job and made me feel like family!"

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Sri Lanka Historic Sightseeing Trips & Packages Reviews

j

john

Oct 2015

Written on

The Tour was great for persons our

The Tour was great for persons our age (60+). Physical commitment, new experiences and a wonderful tour leader and country, Sri Lanka, to visit. The Tour had everyth...

F

Felicity

Oct 2015

Written on

I gace this score because if people

I gace this score because if people are looking for in terms of cultur...

J

Jeanette

Oct 2015

Written on

Our guide was fantastic and very informative

Our guide was fantastic and very informative nothing was a problem, we...

W

Windlin

Oct 2015

Written on

The Tourleader did his best job and

The Tourleader did his best job and tried to make our time in Sri Lanka as beautiful as it was.

R

Robert

Oct 2015

Written on

It was great trip, could not have

It was great trip, could not have asked for more.

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