NEW! Grand Iberia, Africa & Asia Passage

Witness the old-world British charms of Sri Lanka’s largest cultural center. Here, skyscrapers mingle with historic buildings. You will meet your guide for a drive past the British fort and the Old Parliament Building, a Neobaroque treasure built during the British period—an influence you will also notice in the city’s streets, which were named for former British governors. Pass through the affluent residential district of Cinnamon Gardens and see the University of Colombo and prestigious Royal College before arriving at Independence Square, built after the island gained independence from the British in 1948. You will also drive past the Galle Face Hotel, another British-era landmark, and stop to explore Gangaramaya Temple, the largest in Colombo and a Buddhist learning center. Admire its holy bodhi tree and inspiring interior before returning to your ship.

Journey through the streets of Colombo in a three-wheeled tuk-tuk as you take in the sights of Sri Lanka’s capital. Take a break from modern transportation as you board your tuk-tuk and watch your skilled driver weave through traffic. Imagine the days of old Ceylon, Sri Lanka’s former name under British rule, as you pass by the Pettah Bazaar and ride past colonial treasures in the Cinnamon Gardens district, including the Old Parliament Building and the Colombo National Museum. See the eclectic mix of Asian architecture at the Gangaramaya Temple, Sri Lanka’s most influential center for Buddhist worship and religious learning. Pause to explore on foot as you stroll through Victoria Gardens from the Town Hall to Independence Square, built to commemorate Sri Lankan independence in 1948. After your tuk-tuk ride, a motor coach will transfer you the short distance back to your ship.

Gain insight into the island’s hugely successful tea-producing industry, from the plant leaf to the teacup. Enjoy a scenic drive through lush landscapes as you climb into the hills of Ingiriya. Upon arrival at the tea factory, enjoy a traditional welcome with garlands made from tea leaves. Some of the world’s finest teas are produced in this region, and during your tour, you will learn why it has become one of Sri Lanka’s most famous and principal exports. Delve into the island’s culture and history as you observe the tea crop being plucked, graded, tasted, bagged and packed. Your guide will explain the process, and you will enjoy a taste of the finished product at the plantation manager’s bungalow. Rubber production is also a significant industry in this area and is essential to the local economy. If conditions are favorable, you may also observe the rubber-tapping process.

Learn about the inspiring work of one of the most influential Asian architects of the 20th century. Geoffrey Bawa was the main proponent of “tropical modernism,” an architectural style based on the availability of materials and reflecting the needs and traditions of a local population. Visit Bawa’s former residence in Colombo; built during the 1960s through the artful addition of different units, it reflects Bawa’s principles. Wander through the labyrinth of rooms and gardens, which give the illusion of unlimited space. Travel by motor coach to Kotte, where you will view the Parliament building—possibly Bawa’s crowning achievement. Built on an artificial island, the elegant complex of copper-roofed pavilions is a masterpiece of modern regional architecture. Next, drive to The Gallery Café for lunch. Located in Bawa’s old offices, the building was converted into a café-restaurant and art gallery. Conclude your tour with a visit to Barefoot, a local business that designs, hand-weaves and exports textiles.

Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s multicultural heritage in the bustling commercial district of Pettah. Meet your local guide and take the short drive to Pettah; located next to the central Fort district, it still reflects Sri Lanka’s past as a meeting and trading point for people from around the world. Your guide will accompany you through the busy streets while relaying stories about the history of Pettah and Colombo. Learn more about the diverse cultural landscape of this area in which Moors, Sinhala, Tamil, Burghers and other communities meet. Witness the trading of a variety of goods in the open air bazaars—from spices and textiles to car parts and electronics. See old colonial mansions from the Dutch period and conclude your walk at the Galle Face Hotel, a renowned Dutch villa that was converted into a hotel in 1894. Enjoy refreshments before heading back to your ship.

Learn the secrets of Sri Lankan cuisine with a fascinating hands-on demonstration by a local chef. Sri Lanka’s historic location along the Silk Road’s oceanic trade route is reflected in the many influences that flavor its regional cuisine—Indian, Indonesian and European tastes mixed with local staples such as rice, coconut, spices and fresh vegetables and fruits. Meet your host and transfer to a private kitchen, where you will embark on a culinary journey that explores Sri Lanka’s flavorful traditions. Gain insight into local ingredients and how to use them to create mouthwatering dishes. Roll up your sleeves and take part in this interactive cooking master class, then enjoy a delicious lunch made up of the dishes you have prepared. Afterward, your appetite sated, return to your ship, taking home with you the recipes and a selection of Sri Lankan spices.

Visit Galle, the largest remaining fortress in Southeast Asia, built by its previous European settlers. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach through the plains to Galle, a fortified city built by Portuguese explorers during the 16th century and further developed by the Dutch—today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk around the fort and see evidence of its previous occupants at the Dutch Church, and observe the lighthouse and clock tower. Take in the sea views from the ramparts before visiting the Maritime Museum, which occupies an enormous old spice warehouse, and learn about the seafaring history of Galle. Continue to a local hotel for a traditional lunch, followed by a visit to the Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Museum, home to artifacts documenting rural life in Sri Lanka. After, you will have free time to explore the streets of Galle before returning to your ship.

Experience Sri Lankan hospitality while interacting with locals during an immersive visit to a rural village. An eclectic mix of cultures, ethnicities and religions, Sri Lanka has a reputation for generosity and friendliness. Begin your immersion in Sri Lankan culture at Kithsiri Mewan, a 1,700-year-old Buddhist temple spread across different levels atop a rock cliff in Pokunuvita. See the temple’s artwork and natural beauty as you explore, then travel to the village of Millaniya. Here, enjoy a tuk-tuk ride through the village and down a path flanked by rice paddies and a rubber plantation, en route to the Agropark Millaniya. Meet your host and their family, then take a guided tour of the farm. You will have lunch before participating in several demonstrations, including learning how locals make rubber sheets out of tree sap. Afterward, say farewell and return to your awaiting ship.

Sail the waters of the Madu Ganga and call at a turtle hatchery and conservation center in Kosgoda. Drive by motor coach to the Madu River Boat Center, board your vessel and set out on a cruise along the Madu River. This eco-reserve flows through a wetland ecosystem located near Balapitiya; lined with mangroves, it is known for its rich biodiversity and ecological significance. Pause at some of the islands dotted throughout the river to see an ancient temple, as well as prawn traps, cinnamon plants and coconut palms. Following lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the water, return to the boat center and depart for a guided visit to one of the region's many turtle hatcheries. These centers are dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles and have released more than 1,750,000 turtles safely to the sea after hatching. At the end of your excursion, return to your ship.