Few countries can point to such an influential figure in the development of a stylish and successful tourist sector than can Sri Lanka with Geoffrey Bawa. For decades, Bawa was Sri Lanka most influential architect and his deep understanding of the country’s cultural heritage protected Sri Lanka from the scarring of ugly tourist blocks. Even now, after his death, his standards and aspirations are revered by young Sri Lankan architects and, in the beautiful renovations seen in boutique hotels and villas, his traditions are revered.

Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century B.C. when Emperor Asoka of India sent his son, Mahinda, to the island and introduced Buddhism to the king. Sri Lankan kings became powerful patrons of Buddhism and it became an integral part of Sinhalese culture and civilization and also had a great effect on the literary development of the island. Today, Buddhism continues to play a central role in the lives of the majority of Sri Lankans. This journey gives you an insight into the Buddhist heritage and ruined ancient kingdoms of this island. The architectural legacy that remains today - entire townships with palaces, temples, monasteries, hospitals, ponds, and gardens - provides evidence of a sophisticated civilization which possessed advanced knowledge of science and technology, town planning and design, and valued the arts. The vast irrigational reservoirs built by the great kings are still a vital supply of water. We have concluded the holiday with four nights in an excellent Ayurveda hotel – this ancient treatment has many Buddhist influences -- but should you prefer to finish in a more traditional beach hotel or villa, as ever we are entirely flexible.

This 'Classic Cultural Tour' takes you deep back into history. You will gain a better understanding of the island’s remarkably rich cultural and religious history that dates back 2,500 years. The itinerary is designed to uncover lesser known, but still entrancing remains of Sri Lanka’s cultural past. Of course, we are able to tinker with this itinerary and add an extra night here and there or even add a different hotel inorder to suit your needs.

This trip is a special Sri Lanka journey designed for those that love their food. With the help of journalists from Food & Travel, the UK’s leading food and travel magazine, we’ve designed a trip that allows you to savour the full diversity of the Sri Lanka’s distinctive cuisine while also experiencing the incredible natural beauty of an island with a rich ancient history. Sri Lanka’s food is exotic and spicy, enriched by ethnic diversity and centuries of interaction with outside settlers. Try the huge variety of traditional curries throughout the island, including hawker stalls, explore spice and fruit plantations in the lowlands and tea plantations in the hills, indulge yourself with the freshest seafood while on the coast and also sample some award-winning modern fusion cooking along the way, from New York fusion chef Alex Stanich in Galle Fort to the unforgettable Gallery Cafe in Colombo, rated by many as Asia’s most atmospheric restaurant.

Sri Lanka is an island nation with a cultural heritage that dates back over 2,500 years. Its people are as diverse as the varied landscapes and natural beauty that the island is blessed with. Experience the traditional and colourful lifestyle of its rural villages, where life is unhurried and different religious and ethnic communities provide a lesson to others by living harmoniously and with the greatest respect to the land that nurtures their lives. Experience the simple lifestyle of the coastal fisherman, the rural paddy farmers, tea pluckers of the central hills and Sri Lanka’s indigenous inhabitants: the Veddas or Wanniya-laeto (forest-dwellers). The Veddas preserve a direct line of descent from the islands’ original Neolithic community dating from at least 16,000 BC. Learn of their age-old rituals, share meals with the villagers, dance to their rhythms and learn of their livelihoods including crafts that have been passed down through the generations. This is a memorable and unique journey providing deep and inspiring insights into Sri Lanka’s rich culture.