The Best Historical Organized Tours in Sri Lanka

Guided Group Tours, Vacation Packages, or Planned Itineraries

Sri Lanka

Calling all history enthusiasts and cultural explorers! Are you craving a holiday to Sri Lanka that goes beyond the ordinary? To help you plan your next trip, we have put together this carefully curated list of guided organized tours, holiday packages, and tour packages that offer an unforgettable experience filled with intrigue and discovery. With meticulous attention to detail, we've analyzed a variety of historical tours to Sri Lanka to ensure the perfect blend of price, comfort, guest ratings, service, and activities. With these key criteria, we have found the absolute best hisorical tours to Sri Lanka to help make your planning process much easier.


The Top 3 Tours:

  • 9 Days, $686.00

  • 9 Days, $686.00

  • 12 Days, $1032.00
Sri Lanka
The Best Historical Tours through Sri Lanka

Including guided tours, organized tours, holiday packages, all-inclusive vacations, and guided itineraries.

All tour prices are listed in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically. While we do our best to evaluate all tours to maintain accuracy, always confirm the details directly with TourRadar or the tour company before booking. The information provided on this website is sourced directly from TourRadar and may change at any time.

Organized by Holiday Lanka Tours 9 Days Start/End in Colombo 9 Destinations
  • On Sale: 20% Off
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for historical tours in Sri Lanka.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.
  • Great for History Enthusiasts

starstarstarstarstar 5.0 rating

Age Range: 1 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 8
Price per Day: $61

This tour visits Colombo, Pinnawala, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Tissamaharama, Tangalle, Mirissa, Galle, and Bentota.

  • Sightseeing
  • Historical
  • Partially Guided

By Holiday Lanka Tours
Holiday Lanka Tours is a smaller tour company providing personalized service with a focus on Sri Lanka and India. The small group sizes, often less than 10, make for a very personal experience. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings.



$686 $549
on TourRadar

Organized by Holiday Lanka Tours 9 Days Start/End in Colombo 14 Destinations
  • On Sale: 20% Off
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for historical tours in Sri Lanka.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.
  • Great for History Enthusiasts

starstarstarstarstar 5.0 rating

Age Range: 1 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 8
Price per Day: $61

This tour visits Colombo, Negombo, Pinnawala, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Matale, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Mirissa, Galle, and Bentota.

  • Historical
  • Partially Guided

By Holiday Lanka Tours
Holiday Lanka Tours is a smaller tour company providing personalized service with a focus on Sri Lanka and India. The small group sizes, often less than 10, make for a very personal experience. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings.



$686 $549
on TourRadar

Organized by showlanka tours 12 Days Negombo to Colombo 12 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for historical tours in Sri Lanka.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

Great for:
  • Culture Lovers
  • History Enthusiasts

starstarstarstarstar 5.0 rating

Age Range: 6 to 65
Maximum Group Size: 21
Price per Day: $86

This tour visits Negombo, Yapahuwa, Anuradhapura, Jaffna, Delft Island, Trincomalee, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Matale, Kandy, Pinnawala, and Colombo.

  • In-depth Cultural
  • Historical
  • Partially Guided

By showlanka tours
Showlanka tours is a smaller tour company providing personalized service with a focus on Sri Lanka and India. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings.



$1,032
on TourRadar

Organized by Sunrise Sri Lanka Travels and Tours 8 Days Start/End in Negombo 11 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

Great for:
  • Culture Lovers
  • History Enthusiasts

starstarstarstarstar 4.9 rating

Age Range: 18 to 85
Maximum Group Size: 12
Price per Day: $123

This tour visits Negombo, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala National Park, Galle, Unawatuna, and Colombo.

  • Sightseeing
  • In-depth Cultural
  • Historical
  • Fully Guided

By Sunrise Sri Lanka Travels and Tours
Sunrise Sri Lanka Travels and Tours is a smaller tour company providing personalized service with a focus on Sri Lanka. The small group sizes, often less than 12, make for a very personal experience. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings. They are known for offering wildlife viewing tours, making sure your adventure is enjoyable.



$985
on TourRadar

Organized by Serendib Roots 6 Days Start/End in Negombo 9 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for historical tours in Sri Lanka.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

Great for:
  • Culture Lovers
  • History Enthusiasts

starstarstarstarstar 5.0 rating

Age Range: 18 to 55
Maximum Group Size: 6
Price per Day: $116

This tour visits Negombo, Pinnawala, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ramboda, and Colombo.

  • In-depth Cultural
  • Historical
  • Partially Guided

By Serendib Roots
Serendib Roots is a smaller tour company providing personalized service with a focus on Sri Lanka and India. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings.



$695
on TourRadar

Organized by Capital Lanka Tours 8 Days Negombo to Colombo 10 Destinations
  • On Sale: 18% Off
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for historical tours in Sri Lanka.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Hiking Enthusiasts
  • History Enthusiasts
  • Nature Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.4 rating

Age Range: 20 to 65
Maximum Group Size: 10
Price per Day: $107

This tour visits Negombo, Kurunegala, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala National Park, Hikkaduwa, Bentota, and Colombo.

  • Hiking & Trekking
  • Historical
  • Beach
  • Fully Guided

By Capital Lanka Tours
Capital Lanka Tours is a smaller tour company providing personalized service with a focus on Sri Lanka and Maldives. The small group sizes, often less than 9, make for a very personal experience. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings.



$1,040 $853
on TourRadar

Organized by Serendib Roots 7 Days Start/End in Negombo 11 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

Great for:
  • Culture Lovers
  • History Enthusiasts

starstarstarstarstar 5.0 rating

Age Range: 5 to 85
Maximum Group Size: 6
Price per Day: $151

This tour visits Negombo, Colombo, Pinnawala, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Habarana, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, and Galle.

  • In-depth Cultural
  • Historical
  • Partially Guided

By Serendib Roots
Serendib Roots is a smaller tour company providing personalized service with a focus on Sri Lanka and India. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings.



$1,060
on TourRadar

Organized by Explore! 15 Days Negombo to Colombo 12 Destinations
  • Great for History Enthusiasts

starstarstarstarstar 4.6 rating

Age Range: 16 to 85
Maximum Group Size: 16
Price per Day: $152

This tour visits Negombo, Colombo, Wilpattu National Park, Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Giritale, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe National Park, and Galle.

  • Sightseeing
  • Historical
  • Fully Guided

By Explore!
Explore! Is a large international travel company offering trips all over the world. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category.



$2,280
on TourRadar

Organized by Contiki 11 Days Negombo to Colombo 7 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Great for History Enthusiasts

starstarstarstarstar 5.0 rating

Age Range: 18 to 35
Maximum Group Size: 24
Price per Day: $182

This tour visits Negombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, Udawalawe National Park, Unawatuna, and Colombo.

  • Historical
  • Local Guide
  • Fully Guided

By Contiki
Contiki specializes in group tours for young travelers (ages 18-35). Their trips emphasize social experiences, adventure, and vibrant nightlife while covering top destinations worldwide. They offer different styles, from fast-paced itineraries to more laid-back explorations, catering to solo travelers and groups alike.



$2,003
on TourRadar

Organized by BH Lanka Tours 11 Days Start/End in Colombo 10 Destinations
  • On Sale: 18% Off
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for historical tours in Sri Lanka.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

Great for:
  • Animal Lovers
  • Culture Lovers
  • History Enthusiasts

starstarstarstarstar 4.6 rating

Age Range: 2 to 75
Maximum Group Size: 15
Price per Day: $114

  • Wildlife
  • In-depth Cultural
  • Historical
  • Fully Guided

By BH Lanka Tours
Focusing on Sri Lanka, BH Lanka Tours is a smaller tour company providing a more personal service to customers. Traveling with BH Lanka Tours provides for a very personal experience, because most of their tours have less than 12 people. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers.



$1,535 $1,259
on TourRadar

Why does Sri Lanka appeal to history enthusiasts?

Sri Lanka captivates history enthusiasts with its wealth of historical sites, spanning from ancient times through more recent history. These regional destinations provide a perfect mix of history, culture, and adventure in an affordable package. Plus, the fun and easy itineraries make for a stress-free adventure while creating lasting memories.

Sri Lanka


How much do historical tours in Sri Lanka cost?

The average daily price of Historical Tours in Sri Lanka is $133 per day. Prices can vary widely due to the included amenities, length of the trip, number of guests on the tour, and many other factors. If you want more information about prices, we have put together a complete analysis of the costs of Historical Tours in Sri Lanka here.


We partner with TourRadar because they offer the world's largest selection of multi-day organized tours, offering seamless travel experiences while supporting local businesses. It's the perfect way to explore new destinations with ease and confidence.




$133
Average Price Per Day
16
Tours Analyzed
4.8
Average Rating
12
Tour Companies
16
Average Group Size

Which Tour Companies Offer Historical Tours?

A number of fantastic tour companies offer historical tours in Sri Lanka. These are a few of the best, because they offer the highest rated service, provide the best overall quality, and have the most five-star guest reviews to prove it.

Holiday Lanka Tours

Holiday Lanka Tours is a smaller tour company that focuses on Sri Lanka and India. The small group sizes, often less than 10, make for a very personal experience. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings.

See All Tours from Holiday Lanka Tours

Serendib Roots

Serendib Roots is a smaller tour company that focuses on Sri Lanka and India. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings.

See All Tours from Serendib Roots

Explore!

Explore! Is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. A number of their tours visit destinations in Europe and Asia. Some of their most popular destinations include India, Italy, Vietnam, and Spain. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as island hopping, wine tasting, camping, whale watching, white water rafting, and bird watching.

See All Tours from Explore!

Sunrise Sri Lanka Travels and Tours

Sunrise Sri Lanka Travels and Tours is a smaller tour company that focuses on Sri Lanka. The small group sizes, often less than 12, make for a very personal experience. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings. They are known for offering wildlife viewing tours, making sure your adventure is enjoyable.

See All Tours from Sunrise Sri Lanka Travels and Tours


Historical Destinations in Sri Lanka

Wondering where historical tours visit in Sri Lanka? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.

A few of the most popular places visited by tours in Sri Lanka include Colombo, Kandy, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, and Dambulla.


Historical Tours vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons

If you're unsure whether to go with an organized tour or plan everything independently, think about the factors that set each experience apart.

Pros
  • Learn detailed stories and context from expert guides.
  • Visit significant landmarks efficiently.
  • Access exclusive areas not open to the public.
  • Guides bring history to life with engaging narratives.
  • Save time on researching destinations.
  • Enjoy a curated itinerary of top historical sites.
  • Guides answer questions for deeper understanding.
  • Group tours can provide a social learning experience.
  • Avoid logistical challenges like tickets or reservations.
  • Guides help connect the dots between events and eras.
Cons
  • Less flexibility in the itinerary.
  • Group size might impact the experience.


Pros
  • Full control over your itinerary and pace.
  • Focus on sites that interest you most.
  • Flexibility to spend more time at certain locations.
  • Explore at unconventional hours to avoid crowds.
  • Customize your trip around niche historical themes.
Cons
  • Requires time-consuming research to plan.
  • Risk of missing key details without a guide.
  • May overlook important or lesser-known sites.
  • Difficult to understand the full historical context.
  • Navigation and logistics can be more complex.
  • No expert to answer questions during your visit.
  • Potential for long waits without pre-booking tickets.
  • Self-guided tours may lack the interactive element.


Which is cheaper?

Are guided historical tours worth the money compared to independent travel? It depends on the specifics. Tours combine accommodations, meals, transport, tickets, and activities into a single cost, while independent travelers manage and pay for these individually. To determine which is more affordable, compare the tour's total price with what you'd spend booking everything separately. Preferences like staying in low-cost lodging or indulging in fine dining can influence whether a tour costs more or less. Make sure to check out the tour package to see what is included, or not, very carefully before deciding.

Also, before booking a tour, make sure you know exactly what is included as tour companies sometimes change their itineraries or included amenities to keep them updated with seasonal changes and customer interests.

More Tour Options

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Sri Lanka, The Best Wildlife Tours to Sri Lanka, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Sri Lanka, The Best 10-Day Tours in Sri Lanka, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sri Lanka, The Best 3-Day Tours in Sri Lanka, The Best 2-Week Tours in Sri Lanka, The Best 3-Week Tours in Sri Lanka, The Best Bicycle Tours in Sri Lanka, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sri Lanka, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Sri Lanka, The Best Adventure Tours to Sri Lanka, The Best Eco Tours in Sri Lanka, The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in Sri Lanka, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Sri Lanka, The Best Cultural Tours in Sri Lanka, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Sri Lanka, The Tours for Animal Lovers in Sri Lanka, The Best Photography Tours in Sri Lanka, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Sri Lanka, The Best Safaris in Sri Lanka, The Best Budget Safaris in Sri Lanka, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Sri Lanka, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Sri Lanka, The Best Luxury Tours to Sri Lanka, The Best Budget Tours to Sri Lanka, The Best Tours for Seniors to Sri Lanka, or The Best G Adventures Tours to Sri Lanka for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Colombo, The Best 3-Day Tours from Negombo, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Colombo, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Negombo, The Best 10-Day Tours from Colombo, The Best 10-Day Tours from Negombo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Colombo, or The Best 2-Week Tours from Negombo for more package tour options.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

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