Culture Bestsellers

This trip offered an exceptional variety of experiences, from climbing Lion Rock and cycling through rural villages to visiting a local smallholding and enjoying white-water rafting—alongside memorable visits to beautiful temples. We met our group and guide on the first evening, and from that moment onward, the experience exceeded expectations.

There were so many highlights that it is difficult to single out just a few. However, sharing an outdoor lunch prepared by a local family and visiting the Udawalawe Elephant Orphanage were particularly special moments. That said, exploring a tea plantation, touring a spice garden, hiking Little Adam’s Peak, and every other activity on the itinerary were equally enjoyable.

Our guide, Prathap, was outstanding—humble, highly organised, genuine, and engaging. He was expertly supported by his assistant, Lucky, and our driver, Charles, whose combined efforts ensured the trip ran seamlessly and was thoroughly enjoyable throughout.

Exodus Travels has curated this itinerary exceptionally well, striking the perfect balance between vibrant city life (albeit wonderfully chaotic), peaceful rural experiences with opportunities for cycling and hiking, and relaxing time along the coast.

We are already looking forward to planning our next adventure.

Ian Mitchell Discover Sri Lanka

The trip is a great introduction to Sri Lanka well organised with a packed varied and interesting itinerary. There was a good mix of activities (walking, rafting, cycling) varied transport (buses, boats, bikes, tuk tuk and a train as well as culture (temples, ancient cities, tea & cinnamon farms, markets, botanical gardens and beaches. There was still enough free time to explore on your own or use the pools/swim in the sea.
The hotels were better than we expected, in good locations, most with lovely pools. The exception was Araliya Red in Nuwara Eliya which was a huge cold soulless barn of a place with the worst food and service of the holiday.

Linda Hamilton Discover Sri Lanka

A very memorable experience travelling from the amazing museums in Cairo, and then down to the tombs and temples of first Aswan then Luxor. We followed the stories of various characters, learning how to recognise Pharaohs and gods from their pictures and symbols. It was dusty and polluted in Cairo (and the traffic was indescribable!). Aswan was fresher and more laid back, and Luxor between the two (I was glad of my hat and drank lots of water – the sun in Valley Of The Kings was unforgiving!). The hotels were great, with beautiful pools. I was really pleased that I had chosen rooms with a Nile view where available. The food was good but for a non meat eater sometimes a little unimaginative. The Nubian restaurant in Aswan (included) and Abydos Nile View (not included) were highlights. I was also pleased that I chose to stay an extra two nights in Luxor- the pool really does float on the Nile!

Ann Taylor Highlights of Egypt