Sri Lan-kissed: Sun, spice and sacred vibes!

Your bags are packed, and the moment you've been wating for has come. You're standing at the airport of your choosing and can hardly wait to start your adventure. As the plane finally takes to the skies, your journey to the tropical paradise of Sri Lanka begins! You close your eyes, sink into your seat and dream one last time of all the experiences that await you before they finally come true.

Loud, colourful and chaotic – you're right in the middle of the bustling capital! After checking into your hotel, you head right out and start exploring. The first must-see on your list: the Gangaramaya Temple (optional, payable on site). Hundreds of Buddha statues accompany you on your way through the huge temple, which is primarily known for its beautiful lake temple. Then you're off to the next highlight, the World Trade Center, two 500-foot-high towers that you definitely already spotted some time ago. The centre makes for quite the picture, but the ultimate eye-catcher in your gallery later on is sure to be the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque. The red and white building is simply stunning! And if all that sightseeing gets your stomach grumbling, that means it's high time to try the famous kottu or curry rice. Watch out though; it's spicy!

New day, new city vibes! Today, you're checking out fewer must-sees and more of real-life Colombo. So you pull on your comfy trainers, grab your camera and head off on a self-made tour through the colourful chaos of the capital! The first stop is Pettah Market, where a labyrinth of colours, fabrics, street food and spices awaits. It's loud, wild and all a bit magical! You nibble on slices of fresh mango and inhale the scent of curry, all the while practising your best haggling skills, before taking a little break in Viharamahadevi Park. The palm trees and green meadows are a chilled contrast to the hustle and bustle, plus the perfect spot for a bit of me-time and maybe even a takeaway coconut drink. Afterwards, don't miss treating yourself to a view of the sea from the Galle Face Green Promenade – with a shimmering sunset, kites soaring in the sky and locals playing cricket, it doesn't get more Colombo than this! And to top it all off, it's time for street food 2.0. Maybe grab some samosas or hoppers this time (trust us, the iconic rice pancakes are delicious)!

After a good night's sleep, you hop in the car and head to the country's cultural capital.
The last of Sri Lanka's royal cities casts its shadow before you, and you can hardly wait to find out more about its legends and traditions. But more on that tomorrow. For now, explore the streets of Kandy on your own as you stroll past the charming colonial buildings. And if you're up for a bit of time travel, at the Queen's Pub Royal, you'll feel like you've travelled 200 years into the past. What more exciting way to enjoy a drink than that?!