Guide Services with Horizon Voyages
At Horizon Voyages, we believe that the right guide transforms a holiday into a true cultural journey. By default, every tour and transfer is accompanied by a professional English-speaking driver, ensuring comfort, safety, and reliable support throughout your trip. For those who wish to dive deeper into Sri Lanka’s history, culture, and traditions, we also provide fully licensed English-speaking National Guides.
In addition, Horizon Voyages offers several French-speaking options for travelers who prefer assistance in French.
English-Speaking Guides
English-Speaking Drivers – Trusted and Experienced
Your Horizon Voyages experience begins with our English-speaking drivers. More than just chauffeurs, they are your daily companions on the road. Friendly, reliable, and accustomed to working with international travelers, they ensure your journey across Sri Lanka is comfortable and stress-free.
They are familiar with the best travel routes, hidden gems, and local customs, and can make helpful recommendations along the way. Although they are not licensed to provide in-depth cultural explanations, they can connect you with local site guides whenever you want additional context at historical or cultural landmarks.
Highlights:
- Included in every Horizon Voyages package (no extra cost).
- Skilled in navigating Sri Lanka safely and efficiently.
- Knowledgeable about traditions, daily life, and practical travel tips.
- Great choice for travelers who value comfort and simplicity.
Booking:
- To secure your driver during the busiest months (January–March and July–August), we recommend booking 3 months in advance.
English-Speaking National Guides – Your Window Into Sri Lanka
For travelers seeking an authentic and educational journey, our English-speaking National Guides are the best option. These guides are highly trained and officially licensed by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, which means they are authorized to explain cultural and historical sites anywhere in the country, including within the Cultural Triangle (Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla).
National guides do more than simply provide information – they bring Sri Lanka to life. With their deep understanding of history, archaeology, religion, and traditions, they are able to answer all your questions and offer meaningful insight into everything you encounter. Whether you’re visiting a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attending a local cultural ceremony, or exploring Sri Lanka’s wildlife and nature, a national guide ensures you understand not just what you are seeing, but also why it matters.
Their role is also to act as a bridge between you and the local communities. They can introduce you to customs, explain cultural etiquette, and help you connect with Sri Lankans in a respectful and enriching way. This level of interpretation turns your trip into a deeper, more rewarding cultural adventure.
What they offer:
- Full explanations on Sri Lankan history, culture, geography, religion, and traditions.
- Authorized to provide guidance at all major cultural and natural sites.
- Skilled communicators with excellent language ability and presentation skills.
- Accompaniment throughout your trip, from arrival to departure.
- Suitable for both individual travelers and groups.
Conditions & Pricing:
- Must be booked for the entire duration of your tour (excluding beach stays).
- Supplement: 65 USD / 55 EUR per day, including accommodation, meals, and expenses as per Tourism Office standards.
- Booking required at least 6 months in advance for high season (December–March, July–August).
Why choose a National Guide?
- If you want to go beyond sightseeing and truly understand Sri Lanka’s past and present.
- If you are passionate about history, archaeology, religion, and culture.
- If you prefer having one dedicated guide to accompany you throughout your journey.
- If you want the reassurance of traveling with an officially licensed professional.
French-Speaking Guide Options
For travelers who prefer assistance in French, Horizon Voyages offers several services depending on your needs:
French-Speaking National Guides – Complete Cultural Experience
- Fully licensed by the Tourism Office.
- Authorized to provide explanations nationwide, including the Cultural Triangle.
- Rich knowledge of Sri Lanka’s history, religion, traditions, and culture.
- Supplement: 75 USD / 65 EUR per day (including accommodation and meals).
- Must be booked for the entire journey (excluding beach stays).
- Booking required 6 months in advance in high season.
French-Speaking Assistants – Budget-Friendly Support
- Not licensed; cannot provide explanations in the Cultural Triangle.
- Can guide at other cultural sites and natural attractions.
- Knowledgeable about Sri Lankan customs, flora, fauna, and daily life.
- Available for individuals or groups of up to 10 participants.
- Supplement: 52 USD / 45 EUR per day (including accommodation and meals).
- Booking required 4 months in advance in high season.
French-Speaking Drivers – Travel with Ease
- Best choice for travelers with no English.
- Competent and helpful; able to assist with communication.
- Not licensed for cultural explanations, but can help you find local French-speaking site guides.
- Available for cars (1–2 passengers) and minibuses (up to 5 passengers).
- Supplement: 23 USD / 20 EUR per day (in addition to your package).
- Booking required 4–6 months in advance in high season.
French-Speaking Site Guides – On-Site Experts
- Available at major sites such as Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Mihintale, and Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth Relic.
- Offer explanations only for their specific site.
- Limited general knowledge.
- Cost: 15 – 25 EUR (per site), payable directly on site.
- Booking recommended 5 days in advance for high season.
FAQs
Not always. If you want deep cultural insights and authorized explanations at all sites, yes. Otherwise, an English-speaking driver or French-speaking assistant may be enough.
Yes, this is common. The driver handles logistics while the national guide provides full explanations.
High season (Dec–Mar, Jul–Aug) sees limited availability of licensed guides, especially French-speaking ones. Early booking guarantees the service.
Yes, supplements include these costs according to Tourism Office rules.
