16 Day Ultimate Sri Lanka With 5 Star Maldives
A portion of this tour runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for exact group size. Enjoy features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights, and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.
✓ Limited Time Offer - Add return international airfares for only $499
✓ Incredible sightseeing including Galle Forte, a tea plantation, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, scenic boat ride on Madu River, private safari experiences in Minneriya and Yala National Parks, Sigiriya Lion Rock fortress, finishing with a luxury stay in an overwater bungalow in the idyllic Maldives
✓ Small group of 16 guests or less
✓ 11 nights 5-star accommodation in Sri Lanka, including 2 nights at the incredible Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya
✓ 4 nights in the Maldives, staying in an iconic overwater villa at the stunning 5-star SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton
✓ Fully escorted throughout Sri Lanka by an expert, English speaking guide
✓ Ride the famed train from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy
✓ Breakfast daily, 5 lunches, 10 dinners plus a Sri Lankan cooking demonstration and high tea at the Grand Hotel
✓ Stay 4 nights in an overwater villa at the 5-star SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton in the Maldives, with daily breakfast, return speedboat transfers, daily cocktail per person at the SAii Pool Bar, USD$70 resort credit per room to spend at SAii restaurants, complimentary snorkelling, pedal boat and kayak use, complimentary coffee and tea at SAii Bean Co. Cafe, 20% off non-promotional items at Len Be Well Spa
✓ Return airport transfers
✓ Flight from Colombo to Male and return speedboat transfers
✓ Dedicated, comfortable private transportation throughout Sri Lanka
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Sri Lanka!
On arrival into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), you will be met by our local representative and your group will be transferred to your hotel.
Check in and relax, ready to start touring in the morning.
Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Please note: if you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.
In the morning, we'll head south towards Galle, with a brief Colombo sightseeing tour on the way. Colombo offers a blend of modern western and Sri Lankan elements, we'll drive past some of the commercial capital's sites including Old Parliament, President’s House, Gangaramaya Temple, Galle Face Green, Pettah, Viharamaha Devi Park, and Independence Square.
There will be time for you to disembark the coach and be escorted through the famous Pettah Market, not before viewing the uniquely stunning Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (entry not included).
We will also visit the Colombo National Museum. This charming museum takes visitors on a fascinating journey through Sri Lankan history. Housed in a stunning neo-Baroque building, which was specifically constructed by William Henry Gregory, Governor of Ceylon, in 1877, the museum boasts a gleaming white façade. As you make your way through the various rooms, you'll encounter exhibits dedicated to each of Sri Lanka's historical kingdoms. Informational display boards provide intriguing insights, such as the meaning behind the mudras (gestures and poses) depicted in Sri Lanka's Buddha statues.
Then, in Balapitiya, we take a boat trip on the Madu River to visit 64 scattered islands, including Cinnamon Island, where we learn about cinnamon production. Sri Lanka is the world's largest producer of pure cinnamon.
Spend tonight in Galle.
Today set on a tour of the Galle Fort and its Fortifications. This is a city that exudes an essence with a perfect blend of past and present. Declared an UNESCO heritage site in 1988, the presence of Portuguese, Dutch and English is very evident in the fascinating architectural styles of the Galle Fort.
In the morning we leave for Yala National Park. On arrival, spend your afternoon on a guided game drive exploring the dynamic wildlife and the most luxuriant plant life in Yala National Park. Being one of the largest parks in Sri Lanka, it is the ideal place to sight the rare leopard!
Please note that Yala National Park closes for a period between the months of September and October. The exact closure dates are made clear closer to the time. The closure is due to the prevailing dry weather prior to this time and taking into consideration the well-being of the wildlife in the reserve. For departure dates that fall over this period, as defined in the departure dates listed below, Yala National Park will be replaced with a visit to Udawalawe National Park, while still being able to visit Block 4 or 5 of Yala National Park.
This morning, enjoy another safari in the Yala National Park by jeep to spot the diverse wildlife which calls the park home.
Please note: sections of Yala National Park close due to conservation efforts each year between September and October. The closure dates are advised by the Sri Lankan government 1-2 months prior and differ each year. As Yala National Park is made up of multiple sections, if one section is closed due to conservation works we will visit one of the open sections.
After, we leave Yala behind us and continue the journey to Nuwara Eliya. Often referred to as ‘Little England’, this genteel highland community does have a rose-tinted, vaguely British-country-village feel to it, with its colonial-era bungalows.
On arrival, check in to your Inspiring Stay for the next two nights, the incredible Grand Hotel. It may be the 21st century, but colonial splendour still reigns in all its past glory at the Grand Hotel. Built in 1891, this was the palatial residence of the former Governor of Sri Lanka, Sir Edward Barnes; today we offer the ultimate in comfort and the best of traditions from the ‘good old days’ to all who seek the charms of our famed hill country landmark.
Please note: a smart casual dress code applies for dinner at all restaurants and bars. Guests in short trousers and sleeveless shirts and rubber slippers will not be permitted to enter the restaurants.
A closer look at your incredible accommodation, the Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya: the incredible Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya, an enduring icon in this tranquil town perched on a mountain ridge overlooking lush green countryside in tea country. Oozing colonial charm, the hotel began life in the early 19th century as the stately holiday home of the fifth Governor of Ceylon. It’s since evolved over the centuries to retain a romantic, old-world ambience alongside modern comforts. In an enviable location, there are elegant, well-appointed rooms, magnificent gardens and an array of hotel amenities and activities including music therapy, yoga and more. The Grand Hotel is also renowned for its traditional afternoon tea, a quintessential British tradition which you’ll experience on this tour.
Today you will have a leisurely morning.
In the afternoon you will visit a Tea Plantation and Factory. Here you will enjoy an absolute tea experience, taking you from the moment young tea leaves are plucked to being processed in the factory to make a steaming cup of tea. If you are interested, the tea factory is the best place to purchase high quality tea.
This afternoon, enjoy an Inspiring Taste at probably the most talked of outlet in Nuwara Eliya, the Grand Tea Lounge. Here we enjoy an iconic High Tea at the Grand Hotel.
At approximately 5:30am, leave for Horton Plains National Park. This park holds great importance due to the rich and unique biodiversity and being a catchment area feeding some of the main rivers of Sri Lanka. It is also known to be a 'super biodiversity hotspot' and thus declared a UNESCO site in 2010. The national park is most famous for the vista - World's End.
You will be accompanied by a private escort the entire duration of the hike - from the Horton Plains Park Park Office, to World's End (via Mini World's End) and back. Wear strong and comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunglasses. Bring sunscreen, food and water. The weather can change very quickly on the plains – one minute it can be sunny and clear, the next chilly and misty. Bring a few extra layers of warm clothing.
Start time: 5:30am departure from hotel
End time: 12:30pm return to hotel
Distance: 7.5km round trip - 150m elevation gain
Inclusions: return transfers, entrance into Horton Plains National Park, packed breakfast, private escort
There are no safety rails available so we recommend this activity for those who are physically fit and go on long walks often. We do not recommend this if you have a difficult time walking along uneven, potentially wet, and rocky terrain.
This morning, board at Nanuoya Station for Kandy on a famous train journey, said to be one of the most scenic and beautiful in the world. Apart from the breathtaking sceneries of the tea country and picturesque waterfalls, it is a chance for you to mingle with local people.
Discover the rich history of Kandy, once known as Senkadagala, during its time as the Hill Capital from 1514-1815 AD. Named a UNESCO heritage site in 1988, Kandy boasts a beautiful lake, historic temples like the Temple of the Tooth Relic, and well-preserved ruins of the royal palaces.
Enjoy some free time upon arrival in Kandy during the afternoon.
Explore the beautiful city of Kandy with an included Tuk Tuk and Bazaar tour, followed by a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Relax in the afternoon with a stroll around the picturesque Kandy Lake.
In the evening, visit the revered Temple of Tooth, home to a sacred relic of the Buddha and its guardian elephants.
End your day with a spectacular Sri Lankan Cultural Performance.
Today, continue north, deeper into the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka.
En route to Sigiriya, stop at a local spice garden. Sri Lanka has a very proud history of its spices, which have unique flavours, colours and aromas. During the 1500s, Portuguese, Dutch and British took these local spices to the world and thus, Sri Lanka became famous for such spices as cinnamon, black pepper, clove, cumin, cardamom, turmeric and ginger. These spices are continually used in homes throughout the world today.
Prior to heading to tonight's accommodation, enjoy a private jeep safari at Minneriya National Park. Located in the districts of Matale and Polonnaruwa and bordered by the 'Mahaweli' and 'Amban' rivers, this park stretches an impressive 36,948 hectares. It was declared a National park in 1984, making it the only one in the Central Province. It's a paradise for nature lovers and one of the best places to observe elephants.
Continue to Sigiriya for check-in.
Please note: Since elephants are migratory animals, we may visit Wasgamuwa National Park on this day instead, based on the elephant locations.
This evening enjoy an Inspiring Taste with some sundowner pre-dinner Arrack (a local cocktail) or something else to suit your tastes with some canapes.
In the morning, we'll climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress (also known as Lion's Rock) - an extraordinary artistic complex dating back to 477-498 AD. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has become a global attraction due to its unique architecture.
For lunch, participate in an Inspiring Taste cooking demonstration where you'll learn to prepare Sri Lankan rice and curry (5-6 curries). Savor your meal while overlooking the beautiful gardens.
In the afternoon, we'll take a sightseeing tour of Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital city of Sri Lanka (1017-1235 AD). Polonnaruwa was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 after the fall of Anuradhapura.
Enjoy a scenic and leisurely bicycle ride to Parakrama Samudra Reservoir before continuing to Polonnaruwa for a sightseeing bike tour. Pedal along ancient ruins and see Polonnaruwa from a different perspective.
The route is very flat and suitable for all levels of bicycle experience.
Approx duration: 3 hours
Spend the morning at your leisure, then in the afternoon, explore the impressive Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. This UNESCO heritage site dates back to the 3rd Century BC and boasts 157 statues and extraordinary paintings covering a vast 2100m2 area, making it the most impressive cave complex in Sri Lanka. It's truly a masterpiece worth experiencing.
Leave on foot or by bicycle and travel through Audangawa village. Visit the local temple and evoke blessings from the priest. Visit a villager’s house and enjoy a warm herbal drink or a king coconut. Wander through the village passing paddy fields and Chena cultivations.
Today you will be transferred to Colombo airport for your flight to Male.
Welcome to the Maldives, an enchanting tropical destination that has long been a dream destination for many. This picturesque nation consists of 26 coral atolls comprising more than a thousand pristine islands.The Maldives is known worldwide for its natural beauty, especially its crystal-clear lagoons, coral reefs, and white sandy beaches.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your transfer provider then whisked away to stunning SAii Lagoon Maldives by speedboat.
Once you have settled into your overwater bungalow, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy the breathtaking views and warm tropical climate. Don’t forget your free evening cocktail at the SAii pool bar.
Snorkelling equipment, pedal boats and kayaks are complementary to use during your stay
SAii Lagoon Maldives is the perfect retreat for travellers seeking both tranquillity and adventure. Nestled on a secluded private island, the resort provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, while still offering easy access to a range of dining and entertainment options.
One of the resort's main draws is its proximity to the Marina @ CROSSROADS, which is connected to SAii Lagoon Maldives via a picturesque footbridge. This bustling waterfront complex features an array of retail shops and boutiques, as well as a diverse selection of dining establishments.
One of the Marina's standout attractions is the renowned Café del Mar beach club, which originated in Ibiza and has since become a global phenomenon.
For those looking for a more intimate dining experience, SAii Lagoon Maldives also offers a range of on-site restaurants serving up delectable dishes from around the world. From fresh seafood and local Maldivian specialties to international cuisine and fusion fare, there is something to suit every palate.
This morning maybe indulge in some sunrise yoga before enjoying a delicious breakfast at Miss Olive Oyl at SAii Beach Club. Every atoll in the Maldives chain is formed by centuries of coral reef growth, and each is encircled by a shallow lagoon, protected by the surrounding reef systems. The islands have tropical castaway qualities: tall coconut palms, white sandy beaches and crystal clear lagoons. The days are yours to relax and enjoy, maybe choose to participate in some of the many activities that the islands have to offer. Chat to the reception desk for details of the complimentary Sunrise Yoga or aqua yoga classes, join in with some beach volleyball, learn henna art or watch a movie under the stars. If you’re feeling fit, jump into a Zumba class.
Finish off the day with your complimentary cocktail by the pool.
Following another delicious breakfast this morning, enjoy yet another day of leisure or any number of the incredible activities available to you. Alternatively, relax on the beach and take in the picture-perfect surroundings while dipping your toes in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Maybe head out on a kayak or snorkel in the warm, azure waters of the Indian Ocean.
Otherwise there are a raft of complimentary classes and lectures to attend. Check out the coral propagation program or dolphin class, learn about sustainable fishing practices or join the ‘Emma the Turtle Discovery’ at the Marine Discovery Centre. This interesting program offers a conservation experience dedicated to preserving and enhancing the Maldives unique Marine ecosystem.
Enjoy a complimentary Maldives Cultural Centre tour, this daily tour guided by local staff will allow you to learn more about the Indian Ocean and the Maldives.
Don’t forget there is free unlimited tea and coffee at the SAii bean co when you need a pick-me-up.
Your last full day in paradise. After breakfast, maybe pop into Len Be Well Spa for a quick and easy foot or neck massage to something more elaborate.
The day is yours to enjoy.
Today your time in the Maldives comes to an end. At the appropriate time you will be transferred to Male Airport for your onward flight.
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
Fitness Requirement
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a ”3”
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. At the commencement of your tour you will be asked to provide tipping to your guide towards a ‘kitty’, which is then used towards the guide tipping for the services of helpers, hotel staff, restaurants and airport porterage. You will be asked for LKR7000 per person. Please note that this tipping is not for the guide or driver, merely for the guide to tip the services of other local workers during your tour. Tipping towards the kitty is compulsory. Your cooperation in this instance is most appreciated.
Further, tipping for your guide and driver will be collected at the conclusion of their services. To remove the uncertainty and stress of not knowing how much is appropriate to tip we recommend LKR1200 per person per day for your guide and LKR600 per person per day for your driver to be paid in local currency. The amount you wish to contribute is dependent on the services received and at the complete discretion of the guest. Thank you for your understanding.
Train Journey (Nuwara Eliya to Kandy)
Please note that it is not possible to confirm the train ticket reservation due to the fact that Sri Lanka Railway has a manual system for reservations. Tickets can only be booked 30 days prior to departure. The 1st and 2nd class is basic but has air-conditioning. The non-airconditioned 3rd class sometimes is the only option based availability. On the rare occasion the train is fully booked we’ll conduct the route by road.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $3,826.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.
Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Visas may be required.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Group Size
Minimum: 2
Maximum: 16
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
This package includes international airfares or has the option of adding international airfares to your booking when selecting your departure city.
If international airfares are included this will be stated in the ‘Inclusions’ section
Alternatively, if international airfares can be added to your booking you will be able to select your departure city after clicking ‘Book Now’ and a cost will be stated next to your selected departure city. This cost will then be added to your booking and flights will be added to your booking.
Conditions of flights for this package bookable by Inspiring Vacations:
Baggage
Included baggage differs based on your country of origin. Included baggage will be as per the following:
|
Country of Origin |
Carry-on Baggage |
Checked Baggage |
|
Australia |
7kgs |
20kgs |
|
New Zealand |
7kgs |
20kgs |
|
United States of America |
15lbs |
45lbs |
|
Canada |
15lbs |
45lbs |
|
India |
7kgs |
20kgs |
|
United Kingdom |
7kgs |
20kgs |
Baggage allowances provided by the airline might differ to the values stated above. However limitations are required due to transport storage restrictions on your selected tour or package.
Flight requests, amendments or preferences
We understand customers may wish to request changes to their included airfares. If you wish to fly with a certain airline, land at a certain time or change your flight in other ways we will gladly provide you with a personalised quote tailored to your specific requirements.
To make a flight request, please click ‘Book Now’ and select Would you like us to contact you around our flight service? By selecting this option you will be sent a request form after completing your purchase to make your request.
We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:
We are currently unable to provide a quote for the following requests:
If we can’t fulfill your request and you still wish to proceed with the booking, please select Land Only (excluding UK customers). This will allow you to travel on the land portion of the package without the included airfares. You will then be able to arrange your own flights separately.
FAQs
For more frequently asked questions please view our FAQs section.
Online check-in
Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
Add Full Board for $1,174 per person
Full Board includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner along with house still and sparkling water during each meal time.
Click HERE for more information on weather in Sri Lanka
18 Sep 2020
Take on the lush bounty of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty, including its wealth of wildlife, waterfalls, and scenic hikes Sri Lanka – known for its ancient religious sites, world-famous Ceylon tea, and world heritage destinations – is also home to some truly magnificent nature reserves, teeming with all sorts of wildlife...
14 Sep 2020
Sri Lanka has a bounty of treasures for bargain hunters, especially those looking for unique gems, textiles, and woodcraft If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind collectibles and antiques, look no further than Sri Lanka’s exquisite artisanal arts and crafts, which make up a big part of the local shopping experience. The...
14 Sep 2020
Celebrating independence from the UK is a major national event in Sri Lanka – here’s the political, social, and cultural lowdown on its significance Sri Lankan Independence Day (February 4) is usually marked by a grand military parade in the capital of Colombo; there are significant political speeches and ceremonies,...
14 Sep 2020
Once known as Serendib, Sri Lanka is a cultural microcosm for those seeking a balance of history, adventure, and of course, food Sri Lanka is a South Asian jewel waiting to be explored and having fully opened up to tourism in 2009 – after a decades-long civil war – there’s plenty to be discovered: unspoiled beach des...
14 Sep 2020
Sri Lanka is rapidly gaining popularity, thanks to its beautiful beaches, fascinating culture, mesmerising landscapes and welcoming people. But, when is the best time to go? Sri Lanka might be small, but its weather patterns are complex. This is largely attributed to the island's two separate monsoon seasons, as w...
14 Sep 2020
Sri Lanka, like neighbouring India, offers a feast for all of the senses. Here are several ideas on how to travel this exotic country to suit your passions If you like colonial architecture, you’ll love Galle Galle is one of the most attractive yet underrated gems of Sri Lanka. The seaside town on the country’s west...
