Sri Lanka - 'Spice & Stone'
27th December 2026 to 17th January 2027
A 22-day tour that encompasses the vistas, experiences and tastes of Sri Lanka
Focusing on Geoffrey Bawa architecture, Buddhist culture, and Sri Lankan cuisine
This 22-day luxury tour of Sri Lanka, running from December 27th 2026 to January 17th 2027, offers an intimate experience for up to 18 travelers exploring the island's Buddhist heritage, Geoffrey Bawa's visionary Tropical Modernist architecture, and rich culinary traditions.
The journey covers eight destinations from Colombo to the highlands and finishing our tour at Bawa's serene beach resort of Ahungalla. We stay in four of Bawa's renowned hotels including the clifftop Heritence Kandalama, a masterpiece of architecture integrated seamlessly with nature and the Jetwing Lighthouse, in the historic cinnamon trading port of Galle. We will visit six UNESCO World Heritage sites including ancient temples at Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.
Highlights include a hot air balloon ride over the Golden Triangle, wildlife safaris in Minneriya and Yala National Parks, to see elephants, deer and possibly leopards, climbing the 180-meter Sigiriya fortress, two scenic train journeys, and exceptional food experiences ranging from street food in Colombo to cooking your own Sri Lankan feast and on our last night, dining with the chef in his kitchen.
The tour is personally curated and hosted by Rebeccah Curtis. Cost: NZ$16,850 per person (land only), and includes all accommodation, meals (except one dinner), tours, admissions, transportation, and gratuities, embracing the Footprints brand philosophy of slow, thoughtful travel through this "Resplendent Isle."
Tour length: 22 days
Guide - Rebeccah Curtis
Start - Colombo, December 27 2026
End - Colombo, January 17 2027
Price: $16,850
Email Rebeccah (beccah@footprintstours.co.nz) with any questions, or to register interest in this tour.
The Heritence Kandalama above and the Heritence Ahungalla below, a hint of Bawa's brilliance.
