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www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Angra do Heroismo, TerceiraDay 5 Dambulla & Habarana. This morning we visit the Dambulla Cave Temples. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a vast cave complex that dates back to the 1st century BC when it was converted into a temple and it is still regarded as one of the most important Buddhist monasteries. As we explore the complex of five caves, admire the rock ceiling which is the largest collection of paintings in Sri Lanka within a cave temple and wander between the 150 Buddhist statues that stand so well preserved within the cave walls. Later we will visit a village in Habarana, in the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka, where we will have the opportunity to interact with locals and experience daily life and the scenic views of Hiriwadunna Lake. Here we will enjoy a typical Sri Lanka lunch in the village. (B, L, D) Day 6 Sigiriya. Easily the most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka, Sigiriya Rock dramatically rises up out of the surrounding jungle, standing at nearly 200 metres tall. This incredible rock fortress was built by King Kashyapa l in the 5th century AD and served as a royal citadel for more than 18 years. Accompanied by a harem of women, King Kashyapa l spent his days in various sections of the citadel including the large bath pool which impressively lies atop this epic stone. We will arrive at the fortress in the morning and with every step we climb, marvel at its beauty in the sun, pausing occasionally during our ascent to admire the mirror wall, the great lion paws, and the famous Sigiriya frescoes. Legend states that King Kashyapa%u2019s harem threw themselves off the rock when he fell, but live forever in the form of frescoes found on the inner cave walls; there were as many as 500 but now only 19 remain. Once at the top, enjoy the unparalleled views of the natural jungle that surrounds you. Return to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. (B, D)Temple of the Tooth at Kandy Leopard, Yala National Park Elephant and Water Buffalo, Yala National ParkTea picking, Ella White-throated kingfisher, Bandara National Park Buddha statues inside Dambulla Cave TempleThe ancient Vatadage at PolonnaruwaDay 7 Kandy. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning before departing for the hill capital of Kandy, the last kingdom of Sri Lanka. En-route we visit Matale, a small town famed for its spice gardens, where you can smell, touch and taste the spices of the island that are known the world over and see how they are grown and processed. We will have lunch in the spice garden. Continue to the city of Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the famed Temple of the Tooth. This iconic monument was built during the 16th century AD and is one of the most important temples for Buddhists as it houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha and is one of the most revered sites in this cultural capital. Visit the Temple on arrival before checking in to the Cinnamon Citadel for a two night stay. (B, L, D) Day 8 Kandy. This morning we visit the Royal Botanical Gardens. With 147 acres and over 4,000 species of plants, it is the largest and most impressive botanical gardens in Sri Lanka. As we take a leisurely walk, admire the beautiful giant bamboo and double palm trees, both of which are imports to the island and many are over a century old, and the fine collection of orchids, for which the garden is famous. This afternoon we visit a local house in Kandy and enjoy a delicious Sri Lankan high tea. (B, D) Day 9 Kandy to Hatton. After breakfast this morning we make our way to the heart of Sri Lankan hill country for our two night stay at the Argyle Hotel. The hotel is set in the heart of Sri Lankan hill country where acres of tea estates merge with beautiful old English architecture. The region is home of the famous Ceylon tea and the rolling mountains are a carpet of velvety green tea plantations, interspersed with gushing streams and tumbling waterfalls. The salubrious climate and misty glens of the region make it a