Set out for a private tour of Colombo to discover the ins and outs of this charismatic, modern metropolis. Your guide introduces the city with stories that bring the past to life as you visit colonial buildings, temples, and bustling shopping districts.

With nearly a million inhabitants, Colombo—Sri Lanka's thriving capital—showcases a fascinating mix and old and new. You can see colonial-era structures peeking out among soaring skyscrapers and a rich blend of cultural diversity, with Buddhist temples interspersed among the city's many mosques.

Follow your guide to Beira Lake—the 19th-century Gangaramaya Temple sits on its shores and combines Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture. Learn about the temple's charitable works and history as a center for learning, then visit the Bandaranayake Memorial International Conference Hall, a gift to Sri Lanka from the People's Republic of China.

Next, step under the century-old Khan Clock Tower and into the hectic hubbub of Pettah Market, a bazaar of colorful produce stands, open-air halls, and vendors hawking various foods, from fiery chilies to heaps of salted fish. For more shopping, head to Independence Square for a mix of brand name stores and dining options.

Complete your tour with a delicious, traditional dinner at the Nuga Gama in the Cinnamon Grand Hotel. Enjoy a buffet of authentic vegetable, fish, and meat dishes that represent true regional cuisine, all prepared following typical rural Sri Lankan recipes.